Conventional drug delivery systems often release drugs immediately at an uncontrolled rate, failing to maintain a sustained and effective concentration at the site of action. This limitation necessitates the exploration of more advanced delivery technologies. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and patent repositories, including the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The inclusion criteria covered peer-reviewed articles, patents, and relevant studies. Data were extracted using a standardized form to ensure consistency and reliability across sources. Osmotic-controlled drug delivery systems have demonstrated the ability to overcome limitations of conventional methods by providing sustained drug release over extended periods. Core components of these systems include drugs, osmotic agents, semipermeable membranes, plasticizers, wicking agents, and pore-forming agents. Key formulation parameters such as drug solubility, orifice size, and osmotic pressure play a pivotal role in controlling drug release rates. Various fabrication methods, such as mechanical or laser drilling, indentation, and the inclusion of leaching substances, can be employed to create delivery apertures in osmotic pumps. This review offers insights into both historical and recent patents related to osmotic-controlled delivery systems, highlighting their potential to revolutionize sustained-release formulations. This review highlights the potential of osmotic-controlled drug delivery systems to improve therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance by enabling sustained and controlled drug release. Key formulation components and recent technological innovations, including patents, are highlighted for their role in enhancing system performance and guiding future pharmaceutical development.
Metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity are increasingly prevalent and pose major global health challenges. These conditions are characterized by dysregulated glucose and lipid metabolism, often accompanied by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. One emerging therapeutic strategy involves the inhibition of key digestive enzymes, α- amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase, in the gastrointestinal tract to reduce postprandial glucose and lipid absorption. Natural products offer a rich source of enzyme inhibitors and antioxidants, with propolis among the promising candidates due to its diverse phytochemical composition. Recent interest has focused on Malaysian stingless bee propolis for its potential use in oral formulations targeting metabolic dysfunction. However, the therapeutic efficacy of propolis is highly dependent on the extraction method used, which influences both chemical composition and bioactivity. Ethanol extraction is commonly used to obtain phenolic- and flavonoid-rich extracts, but it has drawbacks, including solvent residues and limited scalability. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2) extraction offers a greener, solvent-free alternative with tunable selectivity and improved preservation of heat- and light-sensitive compounds. This study aims to compare ethanol-extracted (EE-MP) and SFE-CO2-extracted (SFEMP) Malaysian stingless bee propolis, evaluating their phytochemical profiles, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro inhibitory effects on key digestive enzymes. The phytochemical profiles of EE-MP and SFE-MP were assessed by determining Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), and free radical scavenging activities via DPPH and ABTS assays. Inhibitory effects against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase were evaluated using standard in vitro enzyme assays. Both extracts contained similar classes of bioactive compounds, including phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides. While EE-MP showed higher TPC and TFC, SFE-MP exhibited stronger DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 30.96 μg/mL vs. 35.64 μg/mL), with comparable ABTS results. Enzyme inhibition assays revealed that both extracts significantly inhibited digestive enzymes, with SFE-MP demonstrating greater α-amylase inhibition (61.50% vs. 56.06%) and superior lipase inhibition (91.61% vs. 88.62%) than that of EE-MP, surpassing even orlistat (72.11%). Both EE-MP and SFE-MP exhibited promising antioxidant and digestive enzymeinhibitory activities, supporting their potential in metabolic disease management. While ethanol extraction yielded higher phenolic and flavonoid content, the SFE-derived extract demonstrated slightly enhanced bioactivity and offered the added advantages of a cleaner, solvent-free, and environmentally sustainable process. These findings highlight the suitability of SFE-MP for the development of high-purity oral formulations aimed at regulating glucose and lipid metabolism.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease marked by mucosal inflammation and epithelial barrier dysfunction. Sulfasalazine, a standard antiinflammatory drug, and probiotics, known for gut microbiota modulation, have both shown efficacy in UC management. However, their combined delivery to the colon remains underexplored. This study aimed to develop a colon-targeted microparticulate formulation containing sulfasalazine and a probiotic strain to enhance anti-inflammatory action and therapeutic effectiveness against UC. Microparticles were prepared using a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach, optimizing carrageenan and calcium chloride dihydrate concentrations and stirring speed. The probiotic was co-encapsulated to maintain viability during processing. In vitro evaluations included drug release studies and Caco-2 cell line assays for epithelial integrity, ROS generation, and NF-κB expression. In vivo efficacy was assessed using an acetic acid-induced colitis model, with evaluations based on inflammation severity, tissue damage and histopathology. Optimized microparticles ensured sustained sulfasalazine release and preserved probiotic viability. In vitro, the formulation improved epithelial barrier function, reduced ROS and proinflammatory cytokines, and suppressed NF-κB expression. In vivo, treated animals showed significant reduction in colitis severity, improved tissue integrity and better histopathological outcomes compared to controls. The combined sulfasalazine-probiotic microparticles effectively addressed both symptomatic relief and the inflammatory cascade in UC. Probiotics enhanced gut barrier protection, while sustained sulfasalazine release ensured localized therapeutic action. The synergy between drug and probiotic delivery offers a novel approach over conventional therapies. This study presents a promising colon-targeted microparticulate system combining sulfasalazine and probiotics for effective UC management. The dual-action formulation offers enhanced anti-inflammatory efficacy, reduced tissue damage, and better disease control, supporting its potential in future clinical applications.
Neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Schizophrenia, anxiety, Parkinson's disease, and migraine are serious conditions that continue to threaten mankind. The cases of brainrelated disorders are increasing worldwide and are closely related to physiological, genetic, and environmental factors. Direct drug delivery to the brain is crucial for the effective treatment and prevention of these conditions. However, due to the presence of a lipophilic barrier, i.e., the bloodbrain barrier, the entry of therapeutic agents into the brain is restricted, resulting in a lower concentration at the targeted site. As a solution to this problem, the direct nose-to-brain connection is attracting attention for its effective, precise, non-invasive delivery of drugs via the olfactory and trigeminal pathways. However, there are some limitations, like permeability across the nasal mucosa and mucociliary clearance. Therefore, to overcome these restrictions, the use of nanocarriers, particularly ethosomes, is being attempted. This review paper delves into recent research papers and reports on ethosomes developed for intranasal delivery towards the management of neurological conditions. Ethosomes demonstrated an exceptional capacity to facilitate drug accumulation at targeted sites, owing to their ability to bypass first-pass metabolism, their flexible nature, and the presence of penetration enhancers. The high ethanol content in the composition significantly increases the fluidity of the lipid bilayer, allowing for better interaction of this vesicular system with the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, the functionalization of ethosomes can enhance the specific delivery of drugs, increase patient compliance, and minimize side effects. However, no intranasal ethosomes for direct brain delivery have progressed from preclinical testing to the bedside of patients. They are still in the experimental phase, particularly in animals or in vivo lab models. The possibilities of toxic effects, the use of high amounts of ethanol, and irregular nasal absorption are a few concerns that need to be addressed. The increasing demand for intranasal delivery suggests that ethosomes may play a pivotal role in the management and treatment of brain-related conditions, but this will only occur after a substantial number of clinical trials confirm their safety and efficacy for human consumption. This review explores such possibilities and highlights current trends and future perspectives in targeting the brain with ethosomal formulations.
Fixed-Dose Combinations (FDCs) combine two or more active components into a single dosage form, addressing active ingredient incompatibilities and enabling diverse release profiles through innovative formulation strategies. They enhance patient compliance, target multiple disease pathways for synergistic effects, and are increasingly important for global health priorities. This review synthesizes recent literature, regulatory updates, and clinical evidence on FDCs, focusing on advanced formulation approaches, manufacturing processes, market trends, and post-marketing evaluations. Regulatory frameworks from the USFDA, EMA, and CDSCO were compared to identify approval pathway differences and opportunities for harmonization. Innovative dosage forms, including co-crystallization, soft gelatin capsules with liquid actives, and cardiovascular polypills, have demonstrated improved therapeutic outcomes and costeffectiveness. In India, FDCs dominate antibiotic use both clinically and economically. Comparative regulatory analysis revealed significant procedural variations, potentially impacting global adoption. Clinical and post-market data confirm the safety, efficacy, and practicality of approved FDCs, supporting their role in addressing unmet medical needs. FDCs simplify complex regimens, improve adherence, and can facilitate the introduction of first- and best-in-class medicines. However, challenges include formulation instability, analytical difficulties in multi-component quantification, manufacturing complexity, and compliance monitoring. Balancing innovation with robust regulatory oversight and fostering international collaboration will be essential for maximizing their potential. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolving FDC landscape, guiding stakeholders in strategic development and implementation for improved healthcare outcomes.
The purpose of this study was to develop sustained-release enteric-coated granules of Amla extract and Esomeprazole Magnesium for the treatment of peptic ulcer. It is well known that Amla possesses anti-ulcer activity due to the phenolic compound gallic acid, which inhibits a gastric H+/K+ ATPase pump. Therefore, enteric-coated Amla extract granules were combined with Esomeprazole Magnesium granules to enhance the synergistic effect, mitigate adverse effects associated with esomeprazole magnesium and improve overall anti-ulcer activity, while the enteric-coated multiparticulate system ensures prolonged drug release with a minimum dose. A Soxhlet extraction method was employed to obtain the Amla phenolic extract, using a solvent mixture of ethanol and water in a 7:3 ratio. Wet granulation techniques were utilized to prepare granules, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate served as the enteric coating agent. The in vitro drug release and drug entrapment were used to optimize the enteric-coated granules of Amla extract and Esomeprazole Magnesium. An in vivo study was conducted in Wistar albino rats (120-140 g) of both sexes to demonstrate the antiulcer activity of the developed formulation against an aspirin-induced ulcerated rat model. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were conducted. In the in vitro studies, drug release was assessed at pH 1.2 (simulated gastric fluid) and pH 6.8 (simulated intestinal fluid). The results demonstrated negligible drug release in the simulated gastric fluid due to the protective enteric coating, while efficient drug release occurred in the simulated intestinal fluid. In the in vivo studies, the combination therapy showed a significant therapeutic effect compared to other treatment groups in an animal model. Amla extract and Esomeprazole Magnesium were combined to prepare sustainedrelease enteric-coated granules for the treatment of peptic ulcers. The phenolic substance gallic acid inhibits the gastric H+/K+ ATPase pump, hence enhancing anti-ulcer efficacy. The combination demonstrated substantial therapeutic efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo investigations. The amla extract and esomeprazole magnesium enteric-coated granules with sustained release and negligible drug release in acidic pH were achieved. In the in vivo studies, the combination therapy demonstrated a significant positive effect in treating peptic ulcers in a rat ulcer model, as shown by assessments of various parameters such as ulcer index, total gastric juice acidity, hematological analysis, and histopathological evaluations.
The increasing incidence of diabetes has made it essential to create more efficient, customized, and reproducible drug delivery systems. Quality by Design (QbD) is viewed as a science-driven, disciplined approach to drug development that relies more on ensuring consistent product quality through the determination of the Critical Quality Attributes (CQA), Critical Process Parameters (CPP), and development of a Design Space. Nonetheless, the sophistication of contemporary drugs and volumes of data involved tend to confine the independent effectiveness of QbD. Drug development has been transformed by Quality by Design (QbD), which has replaced reactive quality testing with proactive, scientifically based approaches. With its roots in ICH Q8-Q11 principles, QbD places a strong emphasis on defining Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs), creating Design Space, and incorporating risk management to improve the regulatory flexibility and resilience of products. The review gives a regulatory perspective on QbD and covers important tools from AI such as artificial neural networks (ANN), support vector machines (SVM), and response surface methodology (RSM). In particular, these AI tools offer predictive modeling, pattern recognition, and optimization in support of formulation design. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect identified relevant articles focused on the use of AI and machine learning (ML) in diabetes care. Case studies are provided to demonstrate applications in practice, including oral insulin nanoparticles, extended-release metformin, and oral peptide formulations. By integrating AI with QbD, an ideal environment is created, one that will enhance formulation accuracy, reduce development times, and increase the possibility of regulatory acceptance. This review investigates the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and QbD principles in advanced diabetes therapy formulation development. It evaluates how AI tools improve the efficiency, precision, and regulatory acceptability of QbD-guided pharmaceutical design, especially for diabetes therapy. Although challenges exist with data integrity, regulatory interpretation, and the necessity for a combination of scientific themes, the AI-QbD framework is a transformational journey toward intelligent, patient-focused drug design. Future directions include advances like real-time release testing (RTRT), AI-enabled personalized medicine, and the integration with digital health.
Lycopene, a naturally occurring carotenoid found in tomatoes and other red-pigmented fruits, demonstrates strong antioxidant activity and therapeutic potential in cancer, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory disorders. However, its clinical use is limited by poor solubility, instability, and low systemic absorption. To overcome these limitations, various advanced drug delivery systems, including nanoemulsions, lipid-based carriers, hydrogels, and self-emulsifying systems, have been developed. Additionally, extraction techniques such as ultrasound-assisted and supercritical fluid extraction enhance lycopene recovery from natural matrices. Nanoformulations further optimize pharmacokinetics by improving solubility, stability, and targeted delivery. These delivery strategies significantly enhance lycopene's absorption, bioavailability, and antioxidant activity while enabling sustained and targeted release. Preclinical and clinical findings support their efficacy in conditions such as prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, and skin disorders. The evidence highlights that optimized nanoformulations address lycopene's physicochemical limitations and broaden its translational potential. However, most data derived from preclinical studies, and limited clinical trials restricts definitive conclusions. Standardization in formulation, dosing, and evaluation remains as unexplored areas. Lycopene-based delivery systems show strong promise for therapeutic and nutraceutical applications. Future directions include harmonized protocols, long-term safety studies, and large-scale clinical validation to bridge the gap between bench and bedside.
Microemulsion-based drug delivery systems are increasingly attracting attention in the pharmaceutical field owing to their remarkable capacity to enhance solubility, stability, and bioavailability, as well as enable targeted drug delivery. These systems comprise clear, stable, isotropic blends of oil, water, and surfactant, often accompanied by a co-surfactant. Their appeal to pharmaceutical scientists lies in their versatility as effective drug-delivery vehicles, accommodating a diverse array of drug molecules. Microemulsions have demonstrated effectiveness in protecting fragile drugs, controlling drug release, enhancing solubility, increasing bioavailability, and reducing variation in patient response. Moreover, formulations suitable for various routes of administration have been successfully devised. Since their discovery, microemulsions have gained prominence, becoming increasingly vital in both academic research and industrial settings due to their distinct characteristics, such as reduced interfacial tension, extensive interfacial area, thermodynamic stability, and the ability to solubilize otherwise immiscible substances. Transparent appearance, low viscosity, and inherent thermodynamic stability set microemulsions apart from conventional emulsions. This review aims to elucidate the potential of microemulsions as delivery vehicles and to provide insights into their formation principles. Additionally, it comprehensively explores microemulsion-based drug delivery systems, encompassing oral, topical, transdermal, ocular, and parenteral delivery methods, with a focus on recent advancements, existing challenges, and future trajectories.
Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) systems offer a patient-friendly alternative to oral and injectable routes by enhancing bioavailability and bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism. Nanoemulgels, which integrate nanoemulsions with gel matrices, provide improved drug solubilization, stability, and skin permeation. Incorporating both herbal components, such as Nigella sativa oil, and synthetic permeation enhancers, presents a synergistic strategy for enhancing the efficacy of anti-inflammatory agents like colchicine. This review critically evaluates the formulation, pharmacological benefits, and permeation- enhancing strategies of nanoemulgels containing colchicine. Literature was selected from major scientific databases, emphasizing studies that investigated the combined effects of herbal and synthetic excipients on drug delivery and therapeutic performance. Evidence indicates that nanoemulgels incorporating Nigella sativa oil and pharmaceuticalgrade permeation enhancers significantly improve colchicine's dermal absorption, sustain drug release, and reduce systemic toxicity. The synergistic interaction between natural bioactives and synthetic agents enhances both anti-inflammatory activity and skin permeability. The dual role of Nigella sativa as an anti-inflammatory and natural permeation enhancer, when paired with synthetic excipients, demonstrates superior pharmacodynamic outcomes. This integrated approach enhances the therapeutic index of colchicine while minimizing adverse effects. Combining herbal oils like Nigella sativa with pharmaceutical excipients in nanoemulgel systems represents a robust strategy for transdermal delivery. This platform improves drug penetration, stabilizes formulation performance, and amplifies therapeutic efficacy, offering a transformative alternative for chronic inflammatory conditions such as gout.
In order to address significant issues in cutaneous and transdermal drug administration, the goal of this study is to offer thorough insights into the procedures, formulation strategies, preparation techniques, and therapeutic uses of nanocrystals (NCs). A comprehensive examination of the literature was carried out, gathering and examining information from clinical trials, peer-reviewed publications, and pharmaceutical patents. Data about the synthesis, characterisation, and therapeutic use of NCs in transdermal and cutaneous drug delivery were assessed. Drug loading, saturation solubility, and passive diffusion across the stratum corneum were all shown to be much improved by nanocrystals. Their larger surface area and nanoscale size boosted retention at the absorption site, promoted deeper skin penetration, and improved pharmacokinetics. The creation of stable, bioavailable NC formulations was accomplished by both top-down (such as milling and high-pressure homogenisation) and bottom-up (such as precipitation) approaches. Their therapeutic efficacy in treating ailments, including psoriasis, acne, and fungal infections, was backed by clinical and commercial data. Notwithstanding compelling preclinical data, regulatory obstacles, formulation stability issues, scale-up constraints, and a dearth of standardised testing methods continue to restrict the clinical translation of NC-based skin formulations. The development of NC-based treatments might be greatly advanced by addressing these problems. A potent next-generation method for transdermal and cutaneous medication delivery is nanocrystal technology. Although further study is needed to address translational limitations, NCs have tremendous promise in treating a variety of skin ailments due to their capacity to improve solubility, penetration, and bioavailability.
Diabetes is a condition linked to inadequate synthesis or operation of insulin, a peptide hormone produced by the β cells in the pancreatic islets. Subcutaneous administration remains the most popular mode of administration. With the SC route, non-compliance by patients is common. In an attempt to lower the barrier to oral insulin administration, a number of produced. The present review is to gather information from current researchers on oral insulin delivery in order to make it more bioavailable as an injection that is not painful and does not harm to skin as well. The content is taken from Scifinder, PubMed, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Science Direct, Springer Nature, Bentham Science, PLOS One, MEDLINE, and the NCBI database, etc. Results: Insulin delivery is a major concern nowadays. Due to various drawbacks of subcutaneous injection, academia and industrial researchers are working on oral insulin delivery. Numerous novel formulation of oral delivery of insulin is compiled, like nanoparticles, microspheres, liposomes, hydrogel, and niosomes, focused on the effectiveness of dose-dependent therapy that delivers oral insulin that is equivalent to subcutaneous insulin. In contrast to the conventional method, novel delivery approaches may improve oral insulin administration. The role of polymers plays an important role in the delivery of insulin through novel approaches. In this review, we summarize pathophysiology, types, and routes of oral insulin administration, and treatment methods related to oral delivery. Furthermore, we discuss all above mentioned delivery approaches in detail.
Gastroretentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) have emerged as a focal point of research and development, attracting substantial attention due to their potential to revolutionize oral drug administration. Their ability to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness of orally administered medications, particularly those with narrow absorption windows or susceptible to gastrointestinal degradation, has spurred considerable interest. By extending gastric residence time, GRDDS offers a pathway to optimize drug absorption while minimizing dosing frequency, thereby improving patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. This comprehensive review delves into the diverse array of gastroretentive drug delivery approaches, providing in-depth insights into their classification, mechanisms of retention, recent innovations with patented technologies, and existing marketed formulations of the domain. Furthermore, it meticulously examines the challenges inherent in GRDDS implementation and elucidates effective strategies to surmount them. From novel formulation techniques to ingenious drug-carrier systems, this review explores the multifaceted landscape of GRDDS development, shedding light on promising avenues for future research and development. By advancing current knowledge and anticipating future trends, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical professionals navigating the dynamic terrain of gastroretentive drug delivery.
This review explores the design principles, sensor mechanisms, and propulsion systems of nanorobots, highlighting their applications in targeted drug delivery, disease monitoring, and broader biomedical fields. The objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of how nanorobots transform pharmaceutical delivery systems and precision therapy. A structured literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Keywords such as Nanorobots, Nanorobot propulsion, Biosensors, Magnetically driven nanorobots, Electric field-driven nanorobots, Biomedical applications, and Enzyme-driven nanorobots were used. Articles published between 2010 and 2024 were considered. Inclusion criteria involved peer-reviewed articles focusing on nanorobot design, propulsion systems, sensor mechanisms, and clinical applications. Non-English articles and non-peer-reviewed content were excluded. A total of 212 relevant studies were initially identified through a comprehensive search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 94 studies were selected for final analysis, focusing on the integration of sensors, propulsion systems, and energy sources in nanorobots. The review revealed that nanorobots utilize advanced sensor systems (nanocantilevers and biosensors) for molecular recognition and site-specific targeting. These sensors detect biochemical and mechanical changes, aiding precise navigation. Powered by external forces (magnetic, electric, light, ultrasound) or internal biochemical energy (enzymatic or chemical reactions), propulsion mechanisms enable controlled movement and drug delivery. Nanorobots constructed from silicon, polymers, and piezoelectric compounds exhibit functional adaptability. Their applications span targeted drug delivery, oncology, neurosurgery, vascular medicine, and environmental remediation. Nanorobots represent a trailblazing pharmaceutical innovation, offering highly specific, efficient, and minimally invasive drug delivery and disease monitoring capabilities. Their combination of biosensing and propulsion mechanisms enhances targeted delivery and clinical efficacy. Continued development in nanorobotic systems holds the potential to revolutionize clinical treatments and improve patient outcomes across multiple therapeutic domains.
Curcumin has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, offering potential benefits in burn management. Coconut oil has also been reported to possess skin-moisturizing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to develop and evaluate curcumin-loaded coconut oil-based emulgel formulations to improve therapeutic outcomes in burn management. Eight emulgel formulations (F1-F8) were prepared using lecithin, hyaluronic acid, and coconut oil. The formulations were assessed for organoleptic properties (color, smell, texture, phase separation) and physicochemical characteristics, including pH (5.40-6.35), viscosity (3840-5369 cps), spreadability (7-8 cm), drug content (82-95%), and in vitro drug release (88-93%). Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the structural characteristics. Drug release kinetics were evaluated using the Hixson-Crowell model. The formulations exhibited a bi-continuous system with a three-dimensional network structure. The developed formulations were evaluated for pH (5.40-6.35), viscosity (3840-5369 cps), spreadability (7-8 cm), drug content (82-95%), and in vitro drug release (88-93%) over 24 hours which showed promising result for topical delivery. Among the formulations, F3 demonstrated the highest drug release, whereas F8 exhibited the highest viscosity and drug content. The emulgel also provided cooling, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects, supporting wound healing and pain relief. The developed Curcumin-loaded coconut oil-based emulgel shows promise for burn management, offering enhanced topical drug delivery and therapeutic benefits. These findings support further research to optimize formulation parameters for improved clinical outcomes.
Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles (LPHNPs) have emerged as a revolutionary drug delivery platform in oncology, addressing critical challenges such as poor drug bioavailability, nonspecific distribution, and systemic toxicity. These hybrid systems combine the complementary advantages of polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes, offering improved biocompatibility, high drugloading capacity, and precise tumor targeting. Their unique structural composition facilitates controlled drug release and enhanced stability, enabling sustained therapeutic effects. This review focuses on the characteristics, synthesis methods, and tumor-targeting mechanisms of LPHNPs, highlighting their pivotal role in advancing solid tumor drug delivery. Various preparation techniques, including traditional two-step, modified two-step, and single-step approaches, are discussed to elucidate their contributions to nanoparticle formulation and optimization. LPHNPs employ both passive and active targeting strategies, capitalizing on tumor microenvironment-specific factors, such as pH, enzymes, and temperature, for passive targeting, and leveraging specific ligands, such as folate, antibodies, and aptamers, for active targeting. These mechanisms enhance therapeutic precision and minimize off-target effects, significantly improving treatment outcomes. With advancements in emerging nanotechnologies, LPHNPs demonstrate immense potential as next-generation drug delivery systems, providing solutions to longstanding challenges in cancer therapy. They offer a promising path toward more effective, safe, and patient-specific treatments for solid tumors. This review provides a comprehensive overview of LPHNPs, highlighting their current applications and future prospects for transforming cancer therapeutics.
To overcome the poor oral bioavailability of Panax Notoginseng Saponins (PNS) caused by low permeability and acid instability, this study designed bioadhesive microspheres co-loaded with PNS and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (PNS-NAC-BMS). This system aims to protect PNS from gastric degradation and enhance its intestinal permeability and oral bioavailability. PNS-NAC-BMS were fabricated via solvent evaporation and characterized for morphology, particle size, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, mucoadhesion, and in vitro release. Permeability was assessed using Purified Mucin Intestinal Mucus (PIM), Artificial Intestinal Mucus (AIM), and Rat Native Intestinal Mucus (RIM). Oral bioavailability was assessed through rat pharmacokinetic studies. PNS-NAC-BMS exhibited spherical morphology with uniform particle sizes. They achieved high encapsulation efficiency (91.55%) and intestinal adhesion (94.83%), with sustained release. The system showed high apparent permeability coefficients across three models (PIM, AIM, RIM). Pharmacokinetic studies revealed prolonged release and a 2.6-fold increase in oral bioavailability versus PNS Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (PNS APIs). Recently, patents (US 20230338448, CN 118873498) describe PNS delivery using nanocomposites and liposomes. However, none exist for NAC-modified adhesive microspheres, underscoring the novelty of this study. The BMS system significantly improves the oral bioavailability through combined mucoadhesion and NAC-mediated penetration. NAC promotes drug transport across the mucus barrier by cleaving mucin disulfide bonds and increasing lipid solubility. However, promising long-term stability, scalable production, and mucosal safety of NAC require further study. PNS-NAC-BMS significantly enhanced intestinal adhesion and sustained drug release, thereby synergistically improving intestinal mucus permeability and oral bioavailability, demonstrating potential as an effective oral drug delivery system.
Advanced drug delivery methods have emerged mainly because of the limitations of traditional drug delivery systems like oral and intravenous routes, along with fluctuating concentrations of drugs that have compromised therapeutic outcomes. An implantable drug delivery system (IDDS) presents an attractive alternative: long-term, continuous drug release improves therapeutic efficacy while minimizing toxicity and side effects. IDDS, first presented in the 1930s as subcutaneous hormone pellets, have gained much attention recently in drug delivery due to their controlled release of drugs in a localized and sustained manner. In systemic treatments, drugs administered through IDDS evade first-pass metabolism and enzymatic degradation within the gastrointestinal tract, therefore enhancing drug bioavailability. The most suitable properties of IDDS are its application with drugs that have poor stability or solubility in oral formulations. Even though implantation is invasive, the benefits of infrequent administration, higher patient compliance, and being able to discontinue therapy when side effects are present far outweigh the disadvantages. Today, IDDSs are used in a myriad of therapeutic areas: contraception, chemotherapy, and pain management, to name a few. Future developments in such technologies, fine-tuning these systems further, will revolutionize drug therapy by bringing even better and more patient-friendly drugs with both better efficacy and sustained periods of effects.
The cosmetics business is a valuable and stable multibillion-dollar business that keeps growing yearly with new, specialized goods. Natural goods contain a wealth of medicinally active chemicals used to treat a wide range of skin problems, including infections, inflammation, and damage caused by UV light and pollution. Cosmeceuticals are a mix of cosmetic and medical chemicals. Based on their main ingredients, they can be used for both beauty and health purposes. Many people think that natural goods are a great way to obtain cosmeceuticals. It has strong antiinflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and protective properties. The benefit for the skin has been said to be the most interesting. GA and its products have been used a lot as an adjuvant in many therapeutic formulations, as an alternative to hydro-cortisone in children with atopic dermatitis and other skin diseases, and as an ingredient in cosmetics because they are good for humans. GA is GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the US Food and Drug Administration. Oxidative stress, which happens when too many free radicals build up, is the main cause of many skin diseases that get worse over time, like aging. Polyphenols, including gallic acid, represent a significant category of naturally occurring antioxidants. They have emerged as potent antioxidants suitable for incorporation into active makeup products. Recent advancements include patent filings related to novel applications and formulations of Gallic acid in cosmetic science that highlight innovative delivery systems, such as nano-formulations enhancing stability and efficacy, as well as its synergistic combinations with other active ingredients to address targeted skin concerns like pigmentation, aging, and sensitivity which meets the demands of modern consumers.
Neuropathy, a devastating disorder of the peripheral nervous system, results in pain, numbness, and weakness, profoundly impacting quality of life. Conventional therapies provide insufficient alleviation, requiring targeted drug delivery systems (TDDS) to improve effectiveness and reduce adverse effects. This review examines diverse TDDS methodologies, encompassing intrathecal therapy, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation, in conjunction with innovations in nanotechnology-driven delivery systems. Nanotechnology offers a novel framework for neuropathy treatment, including nanomaterials such as dendrimers, micelles, polymer nanoparticles, liposomes, hydrogels, and quantum dots. These carriers enhance drug encapsulation, cellular absorption, and sustained release, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy and minimizing systemic toxicity. Gene therapy presents a promising approach, targeting the modulation of neuropathic pathways and facilitating neuron regeneration. Although it remains in preliminary research stages, it holds potential for future therapies, especially in diabetic neuropathy. Moreover, transdermal drug delivery offers a non-invasive method to deliver drugs directly to targeted regions, enhancing bioavailability and patient adherence. The integration of nanotechnology, gene therapy, and transdermal administration has the potential to transform neuropathy treatment by providing more accurate and effective medicines. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to fully exploit the promise of TDDS and improve care and quality of life for patients with neuropathy.