Targeted Drug Delivery Research Articles

Guiding Therapeutics: Lipid Labyrinths and Nanostructures for Enhanced Drug Delivery

Abstract: Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) offer a breakthrough platform for drug therapy, surpassing traditional limitations and delivering exceptional performance. Among various nanoparticulate systems, lipid nanoparticles stand out as one of the most promising options for medication delivery. NLCs stand out due to their solid matrix at ambient temperatures, setting them apart from conventional lipid-based carriers such as nanoemulsions and solid lipid nanoparticles. This paper thoroughly explores the makeup, classification, components, and various methods of preparing NLCs, based on extensive research findings. It emphasizes their numerous advantages, such as improved stability, minimal toxicity, extended storage capability, increased drug-loading capacity, and compatibility with biological systems. The review provides insights into the advantages and limitations of each method. Exploring the intricacies of drug loading and release, the review also addresses strategies to bolster NLCs’ stability. Moreover, it provides a detailed summary of both laboratory- based and animal studies demonstrating the efficacy of NLCs carrying cytotoxic drugs, particularly emphasizing their promise in targeted drug delivery to the brain. As the next-generation lipid nanocarriers, NLCs are composed of physiological and biocompatible lipids, rendering them novel pharmaceutical formulations. These colloidal drug delivery systems boast a solid lipid matrix with nanosized structures, offering superior drug loading capacity, physical stability, and bioavailability compared to conventional lipid nanoparticles. Several techniques, including high-pressure homogenization, microemulsion, solvent evaporation, and melt emulsification, add to the flexibility of nanostructured lipid carriers. Additionally, their exterior can be altered using coatings such as polyethylene glycol, chitosan, or antibodies to improve targeting ability and stealth characteristics. By elucidating the promising role of NLCs across diverse drug delivery systems, this review stimulates interest in their potential applications. It underscores the significance of understanding the structure, content, multiple formulation procedures, and characterization of NLCs, which are pivotal aspects for establishing stable drug delivery systems.

A nanoscale natural drug delivery system for targeted drug delivery against ovarian cancer: action mechanism, application enlightenment and future potential.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the deadliest gynecological malignancies in the world and is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. The complexity and difficult-to-treat nature of OC pose a huge challenge to the treatment of the disease, Therefore, it is critical to find green and sustainable drug treatment options. Natural drugs have wide sources, many targets, and high safety, and are currently recognized as ideal drugs for tumor treatment, has previously been found to have a good effect on controlling tumor progression and reducing the burden of metastasis. However, its clinical transformation is often hindered by structural stability, bioavailability, and bioactivity. Emerging technologies for the treatment of OC, such as photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, gene therapy, molecular therapy, and nanotherapy, are developing rapidly, particularly, nanotechnology can play a bridging role between different therapies, synergistically drive the complementary role of differentiated treatment schemes, and has a wide range of clinical application prospects. In this review, nanoscale natural drug delivery systems (NNDDS) for targeted drug delivery against OC were extensively explored. We reviewed the mechanism of action of natural drugs against OC, reviewed the morphological composition and delivery potential of drug nanocarriers based on the application of nanotechnology in the treatment of OC, and discussed the limitations of current NNDDS research. After elucidating these problems, it will provide a theoretical basis for future exploration of novel NNDDS for anti-OC therapy.

Lung cancer cell-derived exosomes: progress on pivotal role and its application in diagnostic and therapeutic potential.

Lung cancer is frequently detected in an advanced stage and has an unfavourable prognosis. Conventional therapies are ineffective for the treatment of metastatic lung cancer. While certain molecular targets have been identified as having a positive response, the absence of appropriate drug carriers prevents their effective utilization. Lung cancer cell-derived exosomes (LCCDEs) have gained attention for their involvement in the development of cancer, as well as their potential for use in diagnosing, treating, and predicting the outcome of lung cancer. This is due to their biological roles and their inherent ability to transport biomolecules from the donor cells. Lung cancer-associated cell-derived extracellular vesicles (LCCDEVs) have the ability to enhance cell proliferation and metastasis, influence angiogenesis, regulate immune responses against tumours during the development of lung cancer, control drug resistance in lung cancer treatment, and are increasingly recognised as a crucial element in liquid biopsy evaluations for the detection of lung cancer. Therapeutic exosomes, which possess inherent intercellular communication capabilities, are increasingly recognised as effective vehicles for targeted drug delivery in precision medicine for tumours. This is due to their exceptional biocompatibility, minimal immunogenicity, low toxicity, prolonged circulation in the bloodstream, biodegradability, and ability to traverse different biological barriers. Currently, multiple studies are being conducted to create new means of diagnosing and predicting outcomes using LCCDEs, as well as to develop techniques for utilizing exosomes as effective carriers for medication delivery. This paper provides an overview of the current state of lung cancer and the wide range of applications of LCCDEs. The encouraging findings and technologies suggest that the utilization of LCCDEs holds promise for the clinical treatment of lung cancer patients.

Liposomes in Anticancer Strategies

Chemotherapy drugs are not fully selective for cancer cells - they can also destroy healthy cells. Recent advances in nanotechnology have offered hope to overcome this problem. Liposome carriers are widely studied for their use to deliver drugs and genes inside cancer cells. Gemini quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) show great application potential among lipid carriers. Structures made of Gemini surfactants are characterized by a lower critical micelle concentration (CMC) and higher effectiveness in lowering the surface tension compared to monomeric forms of this type of compound. Encapsulation of a drug or genetic material is one of the critical steps in the formation of liposomal carriers. This efficient process allows one to minimize the number of necessary liposomes capable of delivering a certain amount of active substance. Delivery of a liposome to a solid tumor depends on the physiological factors of the tumor - vascularity, lymphatic drainage, interstitial fluid pressure – and on the physicochemical properties of the carrier. Many nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery have been tested in animal studies but have not achieved satisfactory clinical success. Promising preclinical research results are not always reflected in the treatment of patients. Therefore, understanding the relationships governing the transport of the drug and the carrier to the cancer cell seems to be a key challenge in modern nanotechnology.

Novel magnetic hybrid bio-mixture with two types of nano powders for the targeted drug delivery systems: Characterize, prepare, stability, ultra-sonicated and the thermal management

By systematically evaluating the thermal conductivity (TC) and viscosity of Fe₃O₄ + TiO₂ and Fe₃O₄ + ZnO nanofluids, this study aims to identify key differences in their performance and behavior, particularly in biomedical applications. The investigation is conducted in a simulated body fluid (SBF) to closely replicate physiological conditions, providing a realistic assessment of their potential for use in hyperthermia therapy and targeted drug delivery. The study employs X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze the crystal structure and chemical composition of the nanomaterials, while field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) characterizes the size, shape, and dispersion of nanoparticles within the fluid matrix. The results indicated that Fe₃O₄ + ZnO exhibits superior thermal conductivity, whereas Fe₃O₄ + TiO₂ shows higher viscosity due to its tendency to form denser aggregates. These findings are crucial for selecting the appropriate nanofluid formulation for specific biomedical applications. Additionally, the study highlights that the observed differences in thermal and rheological behavior between the two hybrid nanofluids could be leveraged to tailor them for optimized performance in different therapeutic contexts. Ultimately, this comparative analysis offers valuable insights into the design and development of magnetic hybrid bio-nanofluids (BNs), guiding future research efforts toward their potential optimization for cutting-edge biomedical technologies.

Insights into the Biological Activity and Bio-Interaction Properties of Nanoscale Imine-Based 2D and 3D Covalent Organic Frameworks.

Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) emerged as versatile materials with promising potential in biomedicine. Their customizable functionalities and tunable pore structures make them valuable for various biomedical applications such as biosensing, bioimaging, antimicrobial activity, and targeted drug delivery. Despite efforts made to create nanoscale COFs (nCOFs) to enhance their interaction with biological systems, a comprehensive understanding of their inherent biological activities remains a significant challenge. In this study, a thorough investigation is conducted into the biocompatibility and anti-neoplastic properties of two distinct imine-based nCOFs. The approach involved an in-depth analysis of these nCOFs through in vitro experiments with various cell types and in vivo assessments using murine models. These findings revealed significant cytotoxic effects on tumor cells. Moreover, the activation of multiple cellular death pathways, including apoptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis is determined, supported by evidence at the molecular level. In vivo evaluations exhibited marked inhibition of tumor growth, associated with the elevated spontaneous accumulation of nCOFs in tumor tissues and the modulation of cell death-related protein expression. The research contributes to developing a roadmap for the characterization of the intricate interactions between nCOFs and biological systems and opens new avenues for exploiting their therapeutic potential in advanced biomedical applications.

Mesoporous Silica Microparticle-Protein Complexes: Effects of Protein Size and Solvent Properties on Diffusion and Loading Efficiency.

Oral administration of protein-based therapeutics is highly desirable due to lower cost, enhanced patient compliance, and convenience. However, the harsh pH environment of the gastrointestinal tract poses significant challenges. Silica-based carriers have emerged as potential candidates for the delivery of protein molecules, owing to their tuneable surface area and pore volume. We explored the use of a commercial mesoporous silica carrier, SYLOID, for the delivery of octreotide and bovine serum albumin (BSA) using a solvent evaporation method in three different solvents. The loading of proteins into SYLOID was driven by diffusion, as described by the Stokes-Einstein equation. Various parameters were investigated, such as protein size, diffusion, and solubility. Additionally, 3D fluorescence confocal imaging was employed to identify fluorescence intensity and protein diffusion within the carrier. Our results indicated that the loading process was influenced by the molecular size of the protein as octreotide exhibited a higher recovery rate (71%) compared to BSA (32%). The methanol-based loading of octreotide showed uniform diffusion into the silica carrier, whereas water and ethanol loading resulted in the drug being concentrated on the surface, as shown by confocal imaging, and further confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pore volume assessment supported these findings, showing that octreotide loaded with methanol had a low pore volume (1.2cc/g). On the other hand, BSA loading was affected by its solubility in the three solvents, its tendency to aggregate, and its low solubility in ethanol and methanol, which resulted in dispersed particle sizes of 223 and 231μm, respectively. This reduced diffusion into the carrier, as confirmed by fluorescence intensity and diffusivity values. This study underscores the importance of protein size, solvent properties, and diffusion characteristics when using porous carriers for protein delivery. Understanding these factors allows for the development of more effective oral protein-based therapeutics by enhancing loading efficiency. This, in turn, will lead to advances in targeted drug delivery and improved patient outcomes.

Innovation of Lipid‐Based Nanoparticles: the Design and Applications in the Cardiovascular Disease Management

AbstractCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a prominent cause of global mortality, posing considerable challenges for traditional therapies due to their limited bioavailability and notable side effects. Similarly, imaging diagnostic modalities have inherent limitations. Lipid‐based nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as promising tools for precise diagnosis and treatment of CVDs, owing to their exceptional biocompatibility, modifiability, and compatibility with payloads, showcasing extensive potential for diverse applications. LNPs excel in encapsulating diverse drug compounds, protecting against drug degradation, and enabling targeted drug delivery at lesion sites. Moreover, in conjunction with multimodal imaging techniques, LNPs enhance the accuracy of diagnosing and treating CVDs. Nevertheless, this field lacks comprehensive and up‐to‐date reviews. Therefore, this review delineates the foundational principles governing nano‐strategies employing LNP systems for addressing CVDs. It explores recent advancements in utilizing these strategies for diagnosing and treating different cardiovascular conditions while also pointing out their limitations. This review aims to provide insights for future research endeavors.

Comprehensive Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of High Melanin Binder Levofloxacin in Rabbits Shows Potential of Topical Eye Drops for Posterior Segment Treatment.

The purpose of this work was to understand the impact of melanin binding on ocular pharmacokinetics after administration of a high-binder model drug via different administration routes. We applied levofloxacin to pigmented and albino rabbits as eye drops (single and multiple), as well as by intravitreal and intravenous injections. Ocular tissues and plasma were analyzed for levofloxacin concentrations with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. The data show enrichment of levofloxacin and weeks-long retention in pigmented tissues. Upon intravitreal injection, the area under the curve (AUC) values in pigmented tissues were about 9 to 15 times higher than the respective values in the albino rabbits, but this difference expanded to 255- to 951-fold following topical eye drop administration. Multiple dosing of eye drops led to substantial accumulation of levofloxacin in the pigmented tissues: AUC values were 3 to 12 times higher than after intravitreal injection. The AUCs were much lower after single topical or intravenous drug administrations. High drug levels (0.1-35 µM) were always observed in the neural retinas of pigmented eyes; the highest exposure was seen after intravitreal administration followed by multiple doses of topical drops. Single topical instillation and intravenous injections to the albino rabbits resulted in vitreal bioavailability values of 0.009% and 0.003%, respectively. Melanin binding can be used to achieve targeted drug delivery and extended retention in pigmented ocular tissues. The results from topical multiple dosing experiments suggest that eye drop treatment may yield drug exposures and responses comparable to intravitreal delivery, even in the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid.

Magnetic Liquid Gating Valve Terminal for Patterned Droplet Generation and Transportation of Highly Viscous Bioactive Fluids.

As an open microfluidic technology with excellent anti-fouling and energy-saving properties, liquid gating technology can selectively separate or transfer multiphase fluids, which has shown great application value in the field of biomedical engineering. However, no study has demonstrated that liquid gating technology has the ability to transfer high-viscosity fluids and biologically active substances, and current liquid gating valves are unable to realize smart-responsive pulsed-patterned transfer, which severely limits their application scope. In this paper, liquid gating technology is combined with magnetically responsive materials to prepare a liquid-based magnetic porous membrane (LMPM) with excellent magnetostatic deformation capability and antifouling properties. On this basis, a magnetic liquid gating valve terminal (MLGVT) with patterning transfer capability is developed, and the feasibility of liquid gating technology for transferring high-viscosity fluids and hydrogel bioinks is explored. Meanwhile, a flexible MLGVT is prepared and realized for targeted drug delivery. This study expands the potential of liquid gating technology for drug delivery, cellular transport and smart patches.

Application of Nanomaterials in the Repair and Regeneration of Lymphatic Organs and Corresponding Biophysical Simulation Strategies

Immune system diseases, malignant tumors, and traumatic injuries can directly damage the structure and function of lymphoid organs, while subsequent radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and lymph node dissection further damage the patient's immune system, leading to immune dysfunction, metabolic disorders, and increased susceptibility to infection, which seriously affect the patient's prognosis and quality of life. In this context, nanotechnology plays a key role in lymphoid organ regeneration and immune function recovery, including improving the therapeutic effect through targeted drug delivery systems, using targeted imaging probes to achieve tumor prediction and early detection, combining nanoplatforms with immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy to achieve synergistic therapeutic effects, and using nanomaterials to regulate the tumor microenvironment to enhance the sensitivity of traditional treatments. In addition, biophysical simulation strategies that simulate the microenvironment of lymphoid organs have also attracted widespread attention, aiming to construct a native cell environment to support the regeneration and functional recovery of damaged lymphoid tissues, or to simulate immune cells to regulate lymphocytes and induce specific immune responses. The multifaceted application of nanotechnology provides promising prospects for lymphoid organ regeneration and immune system repair.

Incrimination and impact on recovery times and effects of BN nanostructures on antineoplastic drug-electronic density study.

By delivering the drug to the intended cell location, the use of nanomaterials in the drug delivery system may influence how the patient receives the medication and may assist in mitigating severe side effects. Density functional theory was used to assess the use of boron carbon nitride nanocages (BNCNCs), boron nitride (BNNSs), and boron carbon nitride nanosheets (BNCNSs) as melphalan (Mln) drug carriers in both the gaseous and fluid phases. We systematically examined the dipole moment, density of states, frontier molecular orbital, and optimal adsorption energy to understand the targeted drug delivery potential of these nanostructures. Adsorption energy analysis revealed that in both gas and water media, Mln drug adsorption takes place spontaneously on all the conjugated structures. The occurrence of adsorption energy as physisorbed energy suggests that the process is reversible, and desorption can take place with a much lower energy input. This physical contact is appropriate for the unquestionable unloading of Mln medications to the intended location. The reactivity is higher in BNNSs and BNCNSs, while the stability is higher in BNCNCs. The recovery time shows a shorter time for BNNSs and BNCNSs, while BNCNC shows a potential desorption time in higher temperature. These conclusions are corroborated by the results of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM). After the interaction analysis, it was observed that the BNCNCs can act as potential carriers for the melphalan. From dipole moment analysis, all three nanostructures show a high hydrophilic nature but quite higher in BNCNCs after doping in both media. Overall, all the structures show the potential carrier for melphalan drug. The quantum mechanical approach, or DFT, has been used to study the fundamental structural, electrical, thermodynamic, and other aspects of proposed structures to develop an acceptable Mln drug detector. The adsorbate and all adsorbents were optimized via the hybrid B3LYP functional and the 6-311G + + (2d, p) basis set approach prior to the adsorption process. The Gaussian 09 package was used at 298K as the constant temperature and 1 atm as the constant pressure. The structures are examined using the same functional models for solvation analysis-6-311 G + + (2d, p) and B3LYP-as well as the polarized continuum model (PCM) model as the foundation set. Density of states was studied using GaussSum 3.0 software. The interaction studies QTAIM and RDG were studied using VMD and Multiwfn software.

Nanorobot Swarms Made with Laser-Induced Graphene@Fe3O4 Nanoparticles with Controllable Morphology for Targeted Drug Delivery.

Magnetic nanorobot swarms can mimic group behaviors in nature and can be flexibly controlled by programmable magnetic fields, thereby having great potential in various applications. This paper presents a novel approach for the rapid and large-scale processing of laser-induced graphene (LIG) @Fe3O4-based-nanorobot swarms utilizing one-step UV laser processing technology. The swarm is capable of forming a variety of reversible morphologies under the magnetic field, including vortex-like and strip-like, as well as the interconversion of these, demonstrating high levels of controllability and flexibility. Moreover, the maximum forward motion speed of the nanorobot swarm is up to 2165 μm/s, and the drug loading and release ability of such a nanorobot swarm is enhanced about 50 times due to the presence of graphene, enabling the nanorobot swarm to show rapid and precise targeted drug delivery. Importantly, by controllable morphology transformation to conform to the complicated requirements for the magnetic field, the drug-loaded swarm can smoothly pass through a width-varying zigzag channel while maintaining 96% of the initial drug-loading, demonstrating that LIG @Fe3O4 NPs-based nanorobot swarm can provide effective and controllable targeted drug delivery in complex passages.

Advances in Anticancer Drug Discovery: Exploring the Untapped Potential of Natural Products for Targeted Therapies

Natural products have long been a significant source of structurally diverse and biologically active compounds, making them important for anticancer drug development. Taxol, a natural product isolated from the bark of the Pacific yew tree, is used to treat some cancers; Vincristine, a related compound that was eked out of the Madagascar periwinkle plant, treats leukemia and lymphoma. This review provides recent advances and future perspectives on developing natural-product-derived anticancer agents. We introduce celebrated examples of successfully developed natural-product-derived anticancer drugs, such as paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and camptothecin derivatives. We also discuss the hurdles of natural product-derived drug discovery, including limited availability, poor pharmacokinetics, and a lack of specificity to their intended targets. We will talk about some examples of these types of modification, including new developments in drug delivery systems, nanotechnology, and targeted drug delivery. These show how they could make natural product-derived anti-tumor drugs more effective and less harmful. It is emphasized that researchers from different fields, such as pharmacologists, catalyst chemists, drug delivery experts, rational drug designers, and nanotechnologists, will need to work together and research across disciplines for the project to succeed. This is so that problems and bottlenecks can be solved, and natural products can be used to make new anticancer drugs. Given the continuous and increasing global demand for novel anticancer drugs in the foreseeable future, natural products will remain a critically important source for discovering novel, safe, and effective anticancer drugs.

Combining Photodynamic Therapy and Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Enhancing Mitochondrial Toxicity for Improved Cancer Outcomes

Cancer treatment continues to be a substantial problem due to tumor complexities and persistence, demanding novel therapeutic techniques. This review investigates the synergistic potential of combining photodynamic therapy (PDT) and tailored medication delivery technologies to increase mitochondrial toxicity and improve cancer outcomes. PDT induces selective cellular damage and death by activating photosensitizers (PS) with certain wavelengths of light. However, PDT’s efficacy can be hampered by issues such as poor light penetration and a lack of selectivity. To overcome these challenges, targeted drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising technique for precisely delivering therapeutic medicines to tumor cells while avoiding off-target effects. We investigate how these technologies can improve mitochondrial targeting and damage, which is critical for causing cancer cell death. The combination method seeks to capitalize on the advantages of both modalities: selective PDT activation and specific targeted drug delivery. We review current preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of this combination therapy, focusing on case studies and experimental models. This review also addresses issues such as safety, distribution efficiency, resistance mechanisms, and costs. The prospects of further research include advances in photodynamic agents and medication delivery technology, with a focus on personalized treatment. In conclusion, combining PDT with targeted drug delivery systems provides a promising frontier in cancer therapy, with the ability to overcome current treatment limits and open the way for more effective, personalized cancer treatments.

Stick, Slide, or Bounce: Charge Density Controls Nanoparticle Diffusion.

The diffusion and interaction dynamics of charged nanoparticles (NPs) within charged polymer networks are crucial for understanding various biological and biomedical applications. Using a combination of coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and experimental diffusion studies, we investigate the effects of the NP size, relative surface charge density (ζ), and concentration on the NP permeation length and time. We propose a scaling law for the relative diffusion of NPs with respect to concentration and ζ, highlighting how these factors influence the NP movement within the network. The analyses reveal that concentration and ζ significantly affect NP permeation length and time, with ζ being critical, as critical as concentration. This finding is corroborated by controlled release experiments. Further, we categorize NP dynamics into sticking, sliding, and bouncing regimes, demonstrating how variations in ζ, concentration, and NP size control these behaviors. Through normalized attachment time (NAT) analyses, we elucidate the roles of electrostatic interactions, steric hindrance, and hydrodynamic forces in governing NP dynamics. These insights provide guidance for optimizing NP design in targeted drug delivery and advanced material applications, enhancing our understanding of NP behavior in complex environments.

Rapid Photoinduced Self-Healing, Controllable Drug Release, Skin Adhesion Ability, and Mechanical Stability of Hydrogels Incorporating Linker-Modified Gold Nanoparticles and Nanogels.

Appropriately modified thermoresponsive hydrogels, such as poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels, bring an opportunity for a variety of biomedical applications. Incorporating compounds with different properties into poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels offers opportunities to enhance their mechanical, self-healing ability, adhesiveness, thermal responsiveness, and drug release capabilities. In this study, we investigated the influence of Au-sulfur interactions on the properties of the poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels after introducing N,N'-bis(acryloyl)cystine (a newly synthesized cross-linker), modified gold nanoparticles, and a p(NIPAm-BISS) nanogel into the hydrogel matrix. Our findings demonstrated that poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels with these compounds exhibited higher mechanical strength (65% tensile stress and 25% elongation), faster thermal responsiveness, controllable self-healing [85% recovery after 2 min, using a NIR laser (800 nm, 0.75 W)], skin adhesiveness, and enhanced drug release (0.08 mg·mL-1, a 93% improvement). These results may contribute to advancements in the design of temperature-responsive hydrogels tailored for specific biomedical needs, such as targeted drug delivery with the use of a NIR laser and tissue engineering.

Supramolecular cyclodextrin complexes of biologically active nitrogen heterocycles

The review is devoted to the rapidly developing field of modern supramolecular chemistry - cyclodextrin complexes of biologically active nitrogen heterocycles, such as piperidines, piperazines, morpholines and pyridines. Interest in cyclodextrin complexes is growing due to the search and construction of supramolecular assemblies for targeted drug delivery. The latter is achieved as a result of supramolecular self-assembly, based on the principles of molecular recognition, and is one of the areas of modern chemistry, leading to the creation of new materials with new properties. This review fully demonstrates the ongoing scientific and practical interest in the problem of encapsulation with cyclodextrins, including nanoencapsulation. Encapsulation with cyclodextrins provides a wide range of advantages: obtaining solid dosage forms from liquid ones, stabilizing and protecting active substances from the adverse effects of external factors, increasing solubility, increasing bioavailability, reducing toxicity, prolonging action, etc. The presented review includes recent advances in the field of supramolecular complexes of biologically active nitrogen heterocycles with cyclodextrins and concludes with a discussion and identification of future promising directions for research. The review presents the results of supramolecular self-assembly of biologically active azaheterocycles with cyclodextrins.

Drug Delivery Targeting Neuroinflammation to Treat Brain Diseases.

Inflammation within the brain is a hallmark of a wide range of brain diseases. The complex role of inflammatory processes in these conditions suggests that neuroinflammation could be a valuable therapeutic target. While several promising anti-inflammatory agents have been identified, their clinical application in brain diseases is often hampered by the inability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and reach therapeutically effective concentrations at the pathological sites. This limitation highlights the urgent need for effective BBB-penetrating drug delivery systems designed to target brain inflammation. This review critically examines the recent advances over the past five years in drug delivery strategies aimed at mitigating brain inflammation in Alzheimer's disease and ischemic stroke─two of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Additionally, we address the key challenges in this field, offering insights into future directions for targeting neuroinflammation in the treatment of brain diseases.

Model-predictive optimal control of ferrofluidic microrobots in three-dimensional space

Ferrofluid microrobots have emerged as promising tools for minimally invasive medical procedures. Their unique properties to navigate complex fluids and reach otherwise inaccessible regions of the human body have enabled new applications in targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering, and diagnostics. This paper proposes a model-predictive controller for the external magnetic manipulation of ferrofluid microrobots in three dimensions (3D). The internal optimization routine of the controller determines appropriate changes in the applied electromagnetic field to minimize the deviation between the actual and desired trajectories of the microrobot. A linear system governing locomotion is derived and used as the equality constraints of the optimization problems associated with the feedback index. In addition to ferrofluid droplets, the controller presented in this work may be applied to other magnetically-pulled microrobots. Several experiments are performed to validate the controller and showcase its ability to adapt to changes in system parameters such as the desired tracking trajectory and the size, orientation, deformation, and velocity of the microrobot. The accuracy of the controller is analyzed for each experiment, and the average error is found to be within 0.25 mm for small velocities. An additional experiment is performed to demonstrate significant improvement over a PID controller that is optimally tuned using Bayesian optimization. The results presented in this paper suggest that the proposed control algorithm could enable new microrobotic capabilities in minimally invasive medical procedures, lab-on-a-chip applications, and microfluidics.