Innovative Delivery Research Articles

Senior-Focused Primary Care Organizations Increase Access For Medicare Advantage Members, Especially Underserved Groups.

Population-based payment in Medicare Advantage (MA) can foster innovation in care delivery by giving risk-bearing providers flexibility and strong incentives to enhance care and engage patients. This may particularly benefit historically underserved groups for whom payments often exceed costs. In this study, using data from Humana MA plans, we examined "senior-focused" primary care organizations that are supported predominantly by population-based payments in contracts with MA plans. We explored whether such organizations supported by such payment are associated with better care and improved equity compared with other primary care organizations receiving other forms of payment in MA. Analyses of data from 462,872 MA beneficiaries in 2021 showed that senior-focused primary care organizations served more Black and dually eligible beneficiaries than other primary care organizations serving MA beneficiaries, and regression-adjusted analysis showed that senior-focused primary care patients received 17percent more primary care visits. Differences were largest among Black and dual-eligible beneficiaries. These findings suggest that risk-bearing organizations in MA are responding to current payment dynamics and providing enhanced care and access to patients, particularly historically underserved populations.

Unlocking the Potential of Drug Delivery Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Formulation Strategies and Technologies in the Field of Pharmaceutics

: The creation of innovative drug delivery systems to enhance therapeutic effectiveness, safety, and patient compliance has resulted in considerable developments in pharmaceutics in recent years. The most recent formulation techniques and technologies are reviewed in this article to improve medication distribution and accomplish specific therapeutic goals. : This article thoroughly summarizes the most recent formulation techniques and technologies used to enhance medication delivery and provide specific therapeutic effects. It discusses the variety of medication delivery methods, including nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, and dendrimers, and explores the application of nanotechnology and biotechnology in drug delivery. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the significance of targeted drug delivery systems and their capacity to cross biological barriers including the blood-brain barrier and tumor microenvironment. : The review also addresses the challenges faced in developing and commercializing drug delivery systems and suggests potential solutions to overcome them. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the role of computational modeling and simulation in designing and optimizing drug delivery systems. : Overall, this review paper offers insightful information for pharmaceutics researchers, scientists, and practitioners that will help in the creation of novel drug delivery systems that improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Nanotechnology: Current Developments, Applications and Patents for Non-invasive Topical Cosmetics and Dermatological Therapeutic Delivery

: Nanotechnology exhibits the advancement in the field of invention, by improving the potency of the formulation through the delivery of inventive solutions. To resolve several limita-tions related to conventional formulations, nanotechnology applications are increasing in the cosmetics and dermatological area. Cosmetic and dermatological preparations are considered a thriving branch of the body care arena and their usage has increased dramatically through the past years. Scientists are designing innovative delivery mechanisms and emerging innovations that are presently being utilized in the development of cosmetics. Inventive nanocarriers such as nio-somes, liposomes, microemulsions, nanoemulsions, solid-lipid nanoparticles, nanospheres, and nanostructured (lipid) carriers have substituted the use of traditional drug delivery. These innova-tive nanocarriers have the convenience of better skin permeation, sustained and controlled drug delivery, precise location, higher stability, and greater incorporated capability. Since the usage of cosmetics has increased, the usual delivery system has been substituted by modern delivery ap-proaches. The introduction of newer advancements and novel drug delivery systems make cos-metics and cosmeceuticals more popular with increased market share. This review article on nan-otechnology employed in cosmetics and dermatology emphasizes the numerous innovative nanocarriers designed for cosmetic and dermatologic drug delivery, their negative and positive aspects, and their toxicity.

In vitro dissolution of encapsulated or dispersed vitamin E and cholesterol is correlated with preservation of refrigerated ovine sperm

BACKGROUND: Vitamin E (α‐tocopherol) and cholesterol are crucial components in cellular protection and physiological processes. Their uses in biological media face challenges due to their poor solubility and stability. OBJECTIVE: The study investigated the complex interactions of these bioactive compounds in various encapsulation systems of cyclodextrin and liposome, as well as dispersion in PEG-6000, in an attempt to improve the viability, motility, and preservation of ovine sperm cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The work explored the in vitro dissolution kinetics of vitamin E (α‐tocopherol) and cholesterol using semi-empirical models. RESULTS: The release profiles of VitE and Chl varied considerably, depending on the specific carrier systems. For liposome-loaded VitE and Chl, the Korsmeyer-Peppas model gave the best fit; for CD/VitE and CD/Chl, the Higuchi model provided the best fit, whereas for PEG-6000 dispersions (VitE and Chl) both the Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models demonstrated the excellent fit. All systems indicated a Fickian diffusion mechanism dictated by the concentration gradient. The delivery of VitE and Chl with CD, liposome and PEG dispersion significantly increased sperm mobility and motility. The effect on the VCL parameter was the greatest by liposome-loaded VitE and Chl, followed by CD encapsulation and PEG-6000 dispersion. CONCLUSION: The dynamics of vitamin E and cholesterol within innovative delivery systems offers valuable insights into the development of advanced solutions in reproductive health, particularly on improving the viability, motility of refrigerated ovine sperm cells.

Synthesis and in vitro study of biodegradable and thermoresponsive polymer based on polysuccinimide for drug delivery

Hydrogels, defined as polymer networks with a high water content and insoluble in water, have emerged as pivotal materials in biomedical research due to their resemblance to the natural extracellular matrix. The aim of this study is to develop an injectable, thermoresponsive, and biodegradable hydrogel. The hydrogel (PSI-t) was derived from poly (aspartic acid) (PSI) by grafting hydrophobic dodecylamine (DA) and hydrophilic ethanolamine (EA) groups onto its backbone. PSI-t was found to exhibit a unique sol state at room temperature, which facilitates facile injection, and undergoes rapid gelation at physiological temperatures, highlighting its potential as an injectable thermosensitive hydrogel for targeted drug delivery. In vitro tests confirmed the biocompatibility of the thermosensitive hydrogel, and sustained drug release studies using the model drug, acetaminophen (AP), underscored the efficacy of the hydrogel as a controlled release vehicle. Furthermore, the hydrogel was found to be easily eliminated through bio-hydrolysis, thus enabling prolonged drug effects while mitigating any potential toxicity. These findings suggest that PSI-t is a promising candidate for an innovative and injectable drug delivery system in biomedical applications.

The Antitumour Mechanisms of Carotenoids: A Comprehensive Review.

Carotenoids, known for their antioxidant properties, have garnered significant attention for their potential antitumour activities. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the diverse mechanisms by which carotenoids exert antitumour effects, focusing on both well-established and novel findings. We explore their role in inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell cycle progression and preventing metastasis by affecting oncogenic and tumour suppressor proteins. The review also explores the pro-oxidant function of carotenoids within cancer cells. In fact, although their overall contribution to cellular antioxidant defences is well known and significant, some carotenoids can exhibit pro-oxidant effects under certain conditions and are able to elevate reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in tumoural cells, triggering mitochondrial pathways that would lead to cell death. The final balance between their antioxidant and pro-oxidant activities depends on several factors, including the specific carotenoid, its concentration and the redox environment of the cell. Clinical trials are discussed, highlighting the conflicting results of carotenoids in cancer treatment and the importance of personalized approaches. Emerging research on rare carotenoids like bacterioruberin showcases their superior antioxidant capacity and selective cytotoxicity against aggressive cancer subtypes, such as triple-negative breast cancer. Future directions include innovative delivery systems, novel combinations and personalized treatments, aiming to enhance the therapeutic potential of carotenoids. This review highlights the promising yet complex landscape of carotenoid-based cancer therapies, calling for continued research and clinical exploration.

Next-generation pediatric care: nanotechnology-based and AI-driven solutions for cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Global pediatric healthcare reveals significant morbidity and mortality rates linked to respiratory, cardiac, and gastrointestinal disorders in children and newborns, mostly due to the complexity of therapeutic management in pediatrics and neonatology, owing to the lack of suitable dosage forms for these patients, often rendering them "therapeutic orphans". The development and application of pediatric drug formulations encounter numerous challenges, including physiological heterogeneity within age groups, limited profitability for the pharmaceutical industry, and ethical and clinical constraints. Many drugs are used unlicensed or off-label, posing a high risk of toxicity and reduced efficacy. Despite these circumstances, some regulatory changes are being performed, thus thrusting research innovation in this field. Up-to-date peer-reviewed journal articles, books, government and institutional reports, data repositories and databases were used as main data sources. Among the main strategies proposed to address the current pediatric care situation, nanotechnology is specially promising for pediatric respiratory diseases since they offer a non-invasive, versatile, tunable, site-specific drug release. Tissue engineering is in the spotlight as strategy to address pediatric cardiac diseases, together with theragnostic systems. The integration of nanotechnology and theragnostic stands poised to refine and propel nanomedicine approaches, ushering in an era of innovative and personalized drug delivery for pediatric patients. Finally, the intersection of drug repurposing and artificial intelligence tools in pediatric healthcare holds great potential. This promises not only to enhance efficiency in drug development in general, but also in the pediatric field, hopefully boosting clinical trials for this population. Despite the long road ahead, the deepening of nanotechnology, the evolution of tissue engineering, and the combination of traditional techniques with artificial intelligence are the most recently reported strategies in the specific field of pediatric therapeutics.

Ferrocene-functionalized magnetic core-shell nanoparticles based on hydrosilylation reaction for pH-responsive doxorubicin delivery system

This study describes the development of an innovative pH-sensitive drug delivery system (DDS) utilizing ferrocene (Fc) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for cancer therapy. One potential method for generating a diverse range of functional NPs involves attaching functional substances to MNPs. In this investigation, we display the successful modification of Fe3O4 NPs by an Fc derivative (4-Ferrocenylbutyl)dimethylsilane through a hydrosilylation reaction toward the synthesis of the Fe3O4@SiO2@VTES@Fc nanocarrier (NC). The doxorubicin (DOX) drug was loaded onto Fe3O4@SiO2@VTES@Fc NC with a drug loading capacity of about 80 % via π-π stacking interactions. Also, the prepared materials were thoroughly characterized using FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM, EDX-MAP, VSM, DAPI, MTT, antioxidants, and CV techniques. In vitro studies on the release of DOX from Fe3O4@SiO2@VTES@Fc NC indicated a pH-responsive behavior with a lower release rate (< 10 %) at pH 7.4 compared to pH 5 (approximately 70 %) over a period of 96 h. Moreover, cytotoxicity assessments demonstrated notable cytotoxic effects of DOX-loaded Fe3O4@SiO2@VTES@Fc on MCF-7 cells (IC50 value: ∼8 µg/mL). The study findings suggest that the fabricated magnetic core-shell NC (Fe3O4@SiO2@VTES@Fc/DOX) exhibits stimulus-responsive behavior and holds promise as a sophisticated approach to specifically transport therapeutic agents into tumor sites while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.

Review of The Innovative Medication Delivery System: The Cubosome

Cubosomes, also known as bicontinuous cubic phase liquid crystals, are nanoparticles with a specific ratio of amphiphilic lipids as their major constituents. Cubosomes are typically created by hydrating a surfactant or polar lipid that produces a cubic phase and then dispersing it into smaller particles. They operate with solids similar to rheology peculiarities of practical use. They have carvenous (honeycomb) structures that are tightly packed and twisted into three-dimensional bilayers, and they are thermodynamically stable. They can load more drugs because of this type of sophisticated structure. Cubosomes are capable of encapsulating hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and amphiphilic materials. Cubosomes can make drugs that aren't very soluble more soluble. Biocompatible and bioadhesive cubosomes dispersions are available. Due to their characteristics, cubosomes are adaptable systems that can be managed by several ways, including parenterally, percutaneously, and orally. Few researchers have looked into the possibility of cubosomes as delivery methods despite the fact that cubosomes structure has been studied using electron microscopy, light scattering, x-ray, and NMR.

Innovative Therapeutic Delivery of Metastasis-Associated in Colon Cancer 1-Suppressing miRNA Using High Transmembrane 4 L6 Family Member 5-Targeting Exosomes in Colorectal Cancer Mouse Models.

Elevated metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) expression in colorectal cancer patients, and high transmembrane 4 L6 family member 5 (TM4SF5) protein expressed on various solid tumors' surface, are linked to aggressive cancer behavior and progression. In this study, adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) were engineered to produce exosomes (Ex) that target the TM4SF5 protein on tumors. Moreover, MACC1-targeting microRNA was encapsulated within the Ex, resulting in TM4SF5-targeting Ex (MACC1-suppressing miRNA; miR-143). The anticancer effects of these Ex were investigated in vitro using the human colorectal cell line HCT116 and in vivo using colorectal cancer mouse xenograft models. In the in vivo assessment, administration of TM4SF5-targeting Ex[miR-143], referred to as tEx[miR-143] herein, resulted in the smallest tumor size, the lowest tumor growth rate, and the lightest excised tumors compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). It also led to the decreased expression of MACC-1 and anti-apoptotic markers MCL-1 and Bcl-xL while inducing the highest expression of pro-apoptotic markers BAX and BIM. These results were consistent with in vitro findings, where t Ex[miR-143] demonstrated the highest inhibition of HCT116 cell migration and invasion. These findings highlight the potential of tEx[miR-143] as an effective therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer, demonstrating promising results in both targetability and anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo, warranting further investigation in clinical settings.

Message from the Editor-in-Chief

Higher education institutions continue to negotiate effective ways to embrace creative and engaging on-line learning pedagogies, so students can enjoy academic success. We continue to report many of the findings from on-going research into the effectiveness and impact these changes have made to student learning. Recognising the strength of academia and the challenges that plague access to a range of reliable resources, we need to ensure that policy-makers and educators alike continue to review best practices in order to provide the innovative delivery of pedagogical excellence. Higher education institutions are at the very nexus of career-focussed education as students seek qualifications to contribute positively to their community. We are proud to present this issue with contributions and perspectives from the Netherlands, the USA, Nepal, Uganda, Belgium and Slovakia. This issue has a strong focus on learner pedagogy, technology to enhance student engagement, and digital leadership adaptations. Research in these areas provide interesting and informative reading on how global educators continue with their core business of delivering relevant and meaningful education to their students.

Evaluating the role of amino acids and isothermal dry particle coating in modulating buccal permeation of large molecule drug vancomycin

The formulation and delivery of macromolecules through the oral route pose considerable challenges due to factors such as large molecular weight, pH sensitivity, and limited formulation approaches. This challenge is compounded if the drug is poorly permeable, necessitating innovative drug delivery strategies. Vancomycin, a widely prescribed glycopeptide antibiotic, has an oral bioavailability of less than 10%, leading to predominantly intravenous administration and potential patient discomfort. This study explores the potential of the buccal route as a non-invasive, highly vascularised alternative route of administration, offering a rapid onset of action while bypassing the first-pass metabolism. In this study, vancomycin was coated with L-glutamic acid using an isothermal dry particle coater to modulate permeation through the buccal cell line, TR146. Results confirm significant impact of both amino acid concentration and dry particle coating on the rate and extent of drug permeability. With the introduction of L-glutamic acid and utilisation of the isothermal dry particle coater, vancomycin’s permeation profile increased six-fold compared to the control due to the formation of drug ion-pair complex. Imaging studies showed the presence of layered micronized glutamic acid particles on the surface of dry coated vancomycin particles which confirms the role of dry coating and amino acid concentration in modulating drug permeation. Microbiology experiments in Staphylococcus aureus, minimum inhibitory concentration and biofilm disruption studies, provided confirmatory evidence of antimicrobial activity of dry coated glutamic acid-vancomycin ion pair particulate structure. This study demonstrates, for the first-time, buccal delivery of dry coated large molecule drug, vancomycin, through controlled deposition of amino acid using innovative particle coating strategy.

Innovative drug delivery methods for combating antimicrobial resistance

Innovative drug delivery methods for combating antimicrobial resistance

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FLUTICASONE PROPIONATE-LOADED MICROEMULSION

This report focuses on the development of nanoemulsions, highlighting their potential as innovative drug delivery systems. The study, titled "Fluticasone Butyrate-Equipped Micelle Liposomal Delivery," aims to improve dissolution rates and bioactivity. The emulsifier structures showed a clear quantum fluid velocity, and in-vitro studies since 2005 revealed that certain formulations enhanced drug dissolution rates compared to others. This improved solubilization could extend bioactivity, as seen with atropine propionate. The study also examined the physicochemical properties, with results depending on the composition of surfactant, co-surfactant, water, and oil in the formulations. Process graphs indicated thicker emulsifier regions at the micellar margin, which led to improved formulations. Enhanced dissolution rates, particularly in oil-based drugs, were linked to the presence of nano-sized particles (54.30 nm) with a zeta potential of +/-10.61 mV. Stability tests confirmed that the solid dispersion remained stable for six months. Overall, this research supports the potential of nanoemulsions to improve drug delivery and efficacy.

Predictive algorithms for supply chain management: a comprehensive approach to forecasting delivery times and managing risk

The article delves into the challenges of delivery time management in today's business landscape. The authors underscore the need for precise delivery time forecasts, a key factor in maintaining a competitive edge and meeting customer expectations. They outline various methods for estimating the time of a selected commodity based on historical data, and stress the necessity of modern tools that can adapt to the intricate web of factors influencing delivery times and facilitate swift responses to changes. The following article presents an innovative delivery time forecasting application that integrates advanced predictive algorithms with historical data, current data, and external factors affecting the delivery process. The application was developed to provide more accurate delivery time forecasts and optimize logistics processes. Through advanced technologies, it can consider even the most complex scenarios and changes, allowing companies to plan and manage their logistics operations more effectively.

A qualitative evaluation of a fentanyl patch safer supply program in Vancouver, Canada

BackgroundThe ongoing overdose crisis in Canada has prompted efforts to increase access to a “safer supply” of prescribed alternatives to the unregulated drug supply. While safer supply programs predominantly distribute hydromorphone tablets, the Safer Alternatives for Emergency Response (SAFER) program in Vancouver, Canada offers a range of prescribed alternatives, including fentanyl patches. However, little is known about the effectiveness of fentanyl patches as safer supply. Drawing on the perspectives and experiences of program participants, we sought to qualitatively evaluate the effectiveness of the SAFER fentanyl patch program in meeting its intended aims, including reducing risk of overdose by decreasing reliance on the unregulated drug supply. MethodsAs part of a larger mixed-methods evaluation of SAFER, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 fentanyl patch program participants between February 2022 and April 2023. Thematic analysis of interview data focused on program engagement, experiences, impacts, and challenges. ResultsThe flexible program structure, including lack of need for daily dispensation, the extended missed dose protocol, and community pharmacy patch distribution fostered engagement and enhanced autonomy. Improved management of withdrawal symptoms and cravings due to steady transdermal dosing led to reduced unregulated drug use and overdose risk. Participants also experienced economic benefits and improvements in overall health and quality of life. However, skin irritation and patch adhesion issues were key barriers to program retention. ConclusionOur findings demonstrate the value of including fentanyl patch safer supply in the substance use continuum of care and offer insights for innovations in delivery of this intervention.

Enhancing Dissolution and Bioavailability: A Review on Co-Processed Superdisintegrants in Pharmaceutical Formulations

Co-processed superdisintegrants have emerged as key excipients in pharmaceutical formulation development, offering solutions to challenges related to poor solubility, bioavailability, and patient compliance. This comprehensive review article provides an in-depth analysis of the principles, mechanisms, manufacturing techniques, and applications of co-processed superdisintegrants in drug delivery systems. The review highlights the role of co-processed excipients in enhancing dissolution kinetics, improving formulation efficiency, and enabling innovative drug delivery platforms such as personalized medicine and combination therapies. Regulatory considerations, quality standards, and future directions for research and innovation in this field are also discussed. Through a synthesis of current literature and insights into emerging trends, this review aims to provide researchers, formulation scientists, and pharmaceutical professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the potential and challenges associated with co-processed superdisintegrants in pharmaceutical formulations. Ultimately, the integration of co-processed excipients into formulation development holds promise for advancing drug delivery technology, improving therapeutic outcomes, and addressing unmet medical needs in patient care. Keywords: Co-processed superdisintegrants, Dissolution enhancement, Bioavailability, Pharmaceutical formulations, Drug delivery systems, Excipients, Formulation optimization, Manufacturing techniques, Regulatory considerations, Future directions

Nucleic Acid Armor: Fortifying RNA Therapeutics through Delivery and Targeting Innovations for Immunotherapy.

RNA is a promising nucleic acid-based biomolecule for various treatments because of its high efficacy, low toxicity, and the tremendous availability of targeting sequences. Nevertheless, RNA shows instability and has a short half-life in physiological environments such as the bloodstream in the presence of RNAase. Therefore, developing reliable delivery strategies is important for targeting disease sites and maximizing the therapeutic effect of RNA drugs, particularly in the field of immunotherapy. In this mini-review, we highlight two major approaches: (1) delivery vehicles and (2) chemical modifications. Recent advances in delivery vehicles employ nanotechnologies such as lipid-based nanoparticles, viral vectors, and inorganic nanocarriers to precisely target specific cell types to facilitate RNA cellular entry. On the other hand, chemical modification utilizes the alteration of RNA structures via the addition of covalent bonds such as N-acetylgalactosamine or antibodies (antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates) to target specific receptors of cells. The pros and cons of these technologies are enlisted in this review. We aim to review nucleic acid drugs, their delivery systems, targeting strategies, and related chemical modifications. Finally, we express our perspective on the potential combination of RNA-based click chemistry with adoptive cell therapy (e.g., B cells or T cells) to address the issues of short duration and short half-life associated with antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate drugs.

Evaluating the factors influencing consumer preferences for home delivery versus collection points in Gauteng, South Africa: a systematic literature review

With the rapid growth of online shopping and evolving consumer behaviours, understanding their preferences is important for retailers and logistics providers. The study employs the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as theoretical frameworks to analyse how perceived usefulness, convenience, cost, innovation, and loyalty impact consumer choices delivery methods. Through a PRISMA-compliant methodology, relevant studies from 2005 to 2023 were reviewed, highlighting delivery time, cost-effectiveness, technological innovations, and consumer loyalty as critical determinants. Retailers should prioritise enhancing delivery time and convenience by investing in advanced real-time tracking systems and offering flexible delivery schedules that cater to the needs of consumers. The study has developed a conceptual framework to analyse the determinants of consumer preferences in adopting delivery methods, thus providing a valuable information for guiding future research in logistics management.

Redox-Responsive AIEgen Diselenide-Covalent Organic Framework Composites Targeting Hepatic Macrophages for Treatment of Drug-induced Liver Injury.

The escalating misuse of antipyretic and analgesic drugs, alongside the rising incidents of acute drug-induced liver injury, underscores the need for a precisely targeted drug delivery system. Herein, two isoreticular covalent organic frameworks (Se-COF and Se-BCOF) are developed by Schiff-base condensation of emissive tetraphenylethylene and diselenide-bridged monomers. Leveraging the specific affinity of macrophages for mannose, the first precise targeting of these COFs to liver macrophages is achieved. The correlation is also explored between the therapeutic effects of COFs and the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 signaling pathway. Utilizing this innovative delivery vehicle, the synergistic delivery of matrine and berberine are accomplished, compounds extracted from traditional Chinese medicine. This approach not only demonstrated the synergistic effects of the drugs but also mitigated their toxicity. Notably, berberine, through phosphorylation of JNK and up-regulation of nuclear Nrf-2 and its downstream gene Mn-SOD expression, simultaneously countered excessive ROS and suppressed the activation of the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 signaling pathway in injured liver tissues. This multifaceted approach proved highly effective in safeguarding against acute drug-induced liver injury, ultimately restoring liver health to normalcy. These findings present a novel and promising strategy for the treatment of acute drug-induced liver injury.