Drug Delivery Technology Research Articles

Improved Transdermal Delivery of Anti-hypertensive Drug Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: Statistical Design, Optimization, Depiction and Pharmacokinetic Assessment

Background: The vasoselective calcium-channel blocker lercanidipine hydrochloride (LCH) is poorly absorbed orally (only 10% bioavailability) owing to its low solubility and hepatic metabolism. Because of the LCH's poor solubility and permeability, bioavailability is low and very variable, stable aqueous liquid formulations are challenging to create, and a uniform distribution of the medication is almost impossible to produce. Objective: The purpose of this research was to see whether an approach involving the development of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) might be used to create an effective, innovative oral formulation of LCH. The efficacy of several synthetic and natural liquid lipids was compared using a hot homogenization-ultrasonication strategy. Methods: Following initial improvements with hot homogenization and ultrasonication, the LCHloaded NLCs formulation was fine-tuned by Box-Behnken statistical analysis. The optimal LCHNLCs composition includes the lipid phase (2-4% w/v) of stearic acid and oleic acid, the surfactants poloxamer 188 (1%) and Tween 80(1%), and other ingredients. Results: The optimized NLCs formulation was found to have mean vesicle sizes of 128.72 ± 1.59 nm, polydispersity indices of 0.169 ± 0.06, zeta potentials of -36.81 ± 0.42 mV, and entrapment efficiencies of 79.84 ± 0.11%. The optimized NLCs formulation released much more LCH (88.74 ± 4.62) than the LCH-suspension (36.84 ± 0.37%) in in-vitro drug release experiments lasting up to 24 hours. Ex vivo studies on the ability of LCH-NLCs to pass through the gut showed that drug permeation was much better than it was with plain LCH-solution. The in vivo pharmacodynamic analysis demonstrated that, compared to conventional LCH-suspension, NLCs released LCH more slowly and steadily over a longer time period. Conclusion: These findings provide additional evidence that NLCs have great promise as a drug delivery technology for the treatment of hypertension, just as they show promise as a controlled release formulation for the treatment of LCH.

Oral mucoadhesive drug delivery system: Formulation strategies and evaluation techniques

Mucoadhesive drug delivery systems (MDDS) represent an innovative method for administering drugs through oral routes such as the buccal, sublingual, and gingival areas. These systems leverage natural or synthetic polymers to ensure prolonged adherence to mucosal surfaces, enabling extended and controlled release of medication. Several factors influence the effectiveness of mucoadhesion, including the hydrophilicity of polymers, molecular weight, and environmental factors like pH and moisture levels. MDDS can take various forms, including tablets, films, patches, lozenges, and gels, each offering different drug release profiles such as immediate, sustained, or controlled. These systems enhance drug bioavailability by avoiding first-pass metabolism, making them particularly beneficial for medications with low oral bioavailability or those requiring targeted delivery. Although MDDS offer improved patient compliance and therapeutic effectiveness, they still face challenges like irritation, taste concerns, and the diluting effect of saliva, which can impact drug stability. Despite these challenges, MDDS hold significant promise for advancing drug delivery technologies across various medical applications. This review thoroughly examines the mechanisms, advantages, limitations, and future prospects of mucoadhesive drug delivery systems.

The Impact of COVID-19 on RNA Therapeutics: A Surge in Lipid Nanoparticles and Alternative Delivery Systems

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated progress in RNA-based therapeutics, particularly through the successful development and global rollout of mRNA vaccines. This review delves into the transformative impact of the pandemic on RNA therapeutics, with a strong focus on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as a pivotal delivery platform. LNPs have proven to be critical in enhancing the stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery of mRNA, facilitating the unprecedented success of vaccines like those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. Beyond vaccines, LNP technology is being explored for broader therapeutic applications, including treatments for cancer, rare genetic disorders, and infectious diseases. This review also discusses emerging RNA delivery systems, such as polymeric nanoparticles and viral vectors, which offer alternative strategies to overcome existing challenges related to stability, immune responses, and tissue-specific targeting. Additionally, we examine the pandemic’s influence on regulatory processes, including the fast-tracked approvals for RNA therapies, and the surge in research funding that has spurred further innovation in the field. Public acceptance of RNA-based treatments has also grown, laying the groundwork for future developments in personalized medicine. By providing an in-depth analysis of these advancements, this review highlights the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the evolution of RNA therapeutics and the future of precision drug delivery technologies.

A Comprehensive Review on Oleic Acid Vesicles: A Novel Approach to Drug Delivery.

The implementation of several innovative drug delivery technologies has made medication distribution more focused and managed in recent years. These days, a vesicular drug delivery system defines the rate of distribution and the site of action in order to improve the action and increase patient compliance; there are various kinds of newly developed vesicular drug delivery systems, including transferosomes, niosomes, aquasomes, ufasomes, pharmacosomes, and phytosomes. Ufasomes are unsaturated fatty acid vesicles with a limited pH range of 7 to 9. They are a suspension of closed lipid bilayers made of fatty acids and their ionized species. The hydrocarbon tails of fatty acid molecules are oriented toward the membrane's inner core, and their carboxyl groups are in contact with water. The two fatty acids that are most frequently employed in the ufasomes' manufacturing process are oleic and linoleic acids. It is a common practice to produce fatty acid vesicles via the thin film hydration process. The manufacture of stable ufasomes is mostly dependent on the choice of fatty acids, amount of cholesterol, pH range, buffer, etc. This article goes into additional detail regarding unsaturated fatty acids' characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks.

Implantable Microarray Patch: Engineering at the Nano and Macro Scale for Sustained Therapeutic Release via Synthetic Biodegradable Polymers

AbstractTransdermal drug delivery has been an increasingly studied alternative drug administration route owing to the large surface area of the skin, enabling ease of access and application. Among the various transdermal drug delivery technologies that have been developed so far, microarray patches (MAPs) incorporating microneedle technology (MN) have garnered much attention. MAPs can easily penetrate the stratum corneum, facilitating the delivery of desired substances directly into the skin, exhibiting a higher delivery efficiency compared to alternative transdermal drug delivery approaches. The effectiveness of MAPs in delivering therapeutics is affected by a multitude of factors, one of which is the selection of materials employed in their fabrication. Among various materials that have been used to fabricate MAPs, synthetic biodegradable polymers such as poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) and polylactic acid (PLA) have been exploited for sustained and controlled release with excellent biocompatibility. PLGA and PLA can be used to construct the entire needle shaft or drug‐loaded microparticles which are then incorporated into needle layer. The combination of MN technology in conjunction with biodegradable polymers has revolutionized sustained and controlled transdermal delivery of small and large molecules.

Development of Mathematical Function Control-Based 3D Printed Tablets and Effect on Drug Release.

The application of 3D printing technology in drug delivery is often limited by the challenges of achieving precise control over drug release profiles. The goal of this study was to apply surface equations to construct 3D printed tablet models, adjust the functional parameters to obtain multiple tablet models and to correlate the model parameters with the in vitro drug release behavior. This study reports the development of 3D-printed tablets using surface geometries controlled by mathematical functions to modulate drug release. Utilizing fused deposition modeling (FDM) coupled with hot-melt extrusion (HME) technology, personalized drug delivery systems were produced using thermoplastic polymers. Different tablet shapes (T1-T5) were produced by varying the depth of the parabolic surface (b = 4, 2, 0, -2, -4mm) to assess the impact of surface curvature on drug dissolution. The T5 formulation, with the greatest surface curvature, demonstrated the fastest drug release, achieving complete release within 4h. In contrast, T1 and T2 tablets exhibited a slower release over approximately 6h. The correlation between surface area and drug release rate was confirmed, supporting the predictions of the Noyes-Whitney equation. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses verified the uniform dispersion of acetaminophen and the consistency of the internal structures, respectively. The precise control of tablet surface geometry effectively tailored drug release profiles, enhancing patient compliance and treatment efficacy. This novel approach offers significant advancements in personalized medicine by providing a highly reproducible and adaptable platform for optimizing drug delivery.

Innovations in Drug Delivery: From Microtechnology to Targeted Therapeutics

Drug delivery systems are developed to maximize drug efficacy and minimize side effects. As drug delivery technologies improve, the drug becomes safer and more comfortable for patients to use. The study on advanced drug delivery systems aims to increase patient compliance, decrease adverse effects, and improve treatment efficacy. Furthermore, the goal of these systems is to deliver drugs to particular body tissues or cells in a targeted manner, which should enhance treatment outcomes. During the last seven decades, extraordinary progress has been made in drug delivery technologies, such as systems for long-term delivery for months and years, localized delivery, and targeted delivery. In this review, we explain the general principles of several advanced drug delivery systems, their introduction objective, components, mechanism, functioning principle, and application. The implantable polymeric drug delivery system, cardiac pacemaker, prefilled dual chamber device, closed-loop insulin delivery system, hepatic infusion pumps, MEMS devices, inhaled insulin devices, and hydrogel-forming microneedles are among the medical devices that are being discussed in this article as being at the forefront of technological innovation in medicine. For a variety of medical diseases, these devices provide minimally invasive procedures, real-time monitoring, and more accurate drug delivery. The scope of medical treatment and monitoring procedures is changing due to the integration of cutting-edge materials and technology. By increasing convenience, decreasing adverse effects, and increasing efficacy, these cutting-edge solutions directly help patients. Furthermore, the adoption of advanced drug delivery systems has demonstrated promising results in enhancing patient compliance and treatment outcomes. By increasing the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of pharmaceuticals, these systems have the potential to transform the fields of drug delivery and personalized medicine. However, the field also faces challenges in overcoming physicochemical barriers and biological unknowns. Challenges facing the advanced drug delivery systems industry include complicated formulation requirements, regulatory obstacles, and the need for new technologies to enhance patient outcomes and therapeutic efficacy. Strict intellectual property rules and competition from generic drug manufacturers can also directly hinder the expansion and financial success of businesses in this field. To progress, the field should focus on translatable research ideas, develop realistic goals, and most importantly, diversify technologies. This emphasis on diversity will inspire new ideas and approaches, leading to the development of more effective, patient-friendly drug delivery systems.

Efficacy of CP-COV03 (a niclosamide-based inorganic nanohybrid product) against severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in an in vitro model.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a tick-borne infectious disease caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV). CP-COV03 is a novel antiviral candidate that significantly enhanced the bioavailability of niclosamide through inorganic-based drug delivery technology. The active pharmaceutical ingredient of CP-COV03, niclosamide, has been previously shown to possess broad-spectrum antiviral activity against over 30 different viruses in the in vitro tests. The aim of this study is to confirm the antiviral activity of CP-COV03 against the SFTSV in an in vitro model. Vero cells and SFTS viral stock NCCP43270, a 2015 Gangwon Province isolate, were used to obtain the 50% tissue culture infective dose of the virus. Vero cells seeded in 96-well plates were infected with SFTSV for 1 h. SFTSV-infected cells were treated with CP-COV03 at various concentrations of 0.1-100 μM and incubated for 7 days. On the seventh day of the culture, the cytopathic effect (CPE) of SFTSV was checked by microscopy and the cell viability was checked by using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The CPE reduced as the CP-COV03 concentration increased. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) range of CP-COV03 was below 0.125 µM, as determined from the viral titers of culture supernatants collected on the third day posttreatment of CP-COV03. The plaque reduction assay showed that the IC50 of CP-COV03 was 1.893 µM, as determined from the percentage reduction of plaque counts for each drug concentration on the second day posttreatment with CP-COV03. This study suggests that CP-COV03 could be used as a potential antiviral agent for SFTS.IMPORTANCEWe demonstrated a concentration-dependent response and identified low a IC50 of CP-COV03. This result is comparable to other antiviral drugs used against viruses like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the literature as our findings suggest that CP-COV03 may serve as a potential treatment for SFTS, highlighting its importance in the field of antiviral research.

"Advancements In Nanogel Technology for Drug Delivery: Current Innovations and Future Perspectives"

"Advancements In Nanogel Technology for Drug Delivery: Current Innovations and Future Perspectives"

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.

Mechanistic Insights into the Potentiodynamic Electrosynthesis of PEDOT Thin Films at a Polarizable Liquid|Liquid Interface.

Conducting polymer (CP) thin films find widespread use, for example in bioelectronic, energy harvesting and storage, and drug delivery technology. Electrosynthesis at a polarizable liquid|liquid interface using an aqueous oxidant and organic soluble monomer provides a route to free-standing and scalable CP thin films, such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), in a single step at ambient conditions. Here, using the potentiodynamic technique of cyclic voltammetry, interfacial electrosynthesis involving ion exchange, electron transfer, and proton adsorption charge transfer processes is shown to be mechanistically distinct from CP electropolymerization at a solid electrode|electrolyte interface. During interfacial electrosynthesis, the applied interfacial Galvani potential difference controls the interfacial concentration of the oxidant, but not the CP redox state. Nevertheless, typical CP electropolymerization electrochemical behaviors, such as steady charge accumulation with each successive cycle and the appearance of a nucleation loop, were observed. By combining (spectro)electrochemical measurements and theoretical models, this work identifies the underlying mechanistic origin of each feature on the cyclic voltammograms (CVs) due to charge accumulated from Faradaic and capacitive processes as the PEDOT thin film grows. To prevent overoxidation during interfacial electrosynthesis with a powerful cerium aqueous oxidant, scan rates in excess 25 mV·s-1 were optimal. The experimental methodology and theoretical models outlined in this article provide a broadly generic framework to understand evolving CVs during interfacial electrosynthesis using any suitable oxidant/monomer combination.

Role of Natural Polymers in Novel Drug Delivery Systems

Natural polymers have gained significant attention in the field of drug delivery due to their inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse roles that natural polymers play in the development of novel drug delivery systems. Beginning with a classification of natural polymers based on their origin (plant, animal, microbial), we explore their unique characteristics and advantages over synthetic counterparts. The review discusses the pivotal role of natural polymers in formulating various drug delivery systems, including sustained/controlled release formulations, targeted delivery platforms, mucoadhesive systems, and nanotechnology-based approaches. Techniques such as emulsification, ionotropic gelation, coacervation, and electrospinning for natural polymer-based drug delivery are elucidated, highlighting their versatility and applicability across different administration routes. Furthermore, we delve into the diverse applications of natural polymers in drug delivery, encompassing oral, transdermal, ocular, injectable, nasal, buccal, and vaginal delivery routes. Recent advances and innovations in combining natural polymers with synthetic counterparts, incorporating stimuli-responsive properties, and personalized medicine approaches are also explored. Despite the numerous advantages offered by natural polymers, challenges such as variability in polymer properties, standardization issues, scale-up challenges, and regulatory considerations are discussed. The review concludes with future perspectives, highlighting emerging trends and opportunities for further research and development in the field of natural polymer-based drug delivery systems. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the pivotal role of natural polymers in advancing drug delivery technology, paving the way for safer, more efficient, and patient-friendly therapeutic interventions.

Biomimetic Nanoparticles for Basic Drug Delivery.

Biomimetic nanoparticles (BMNPs) are innovative nanovehicles that replicate the properties of naturally occurring extracellular vesicles, facilitating highly efficient drug delivery across biological barriers to target organs and tissues while ensuring maximal biocompatibility and minimal-to-no toxicity. BMNPs can be utilized for the delivery of therapeutic payloads and for imparting novel properties to other nanotechnologies based on organic and inorganic materials. The application of specifically modified biological membranes for coating organic and inorganic nanoparticles has the potential to enhance their therapeutic efficacy and biocompatibility, presenting a promising pathway for the advancement of drug delivery technologies. This manuscript is grounded in the fundamentals of biomimetic technologies, offering a comprehensive overview and analytical perspective on the preparation and functionalization of BMNPs, which include cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (CMCNPs), artificial cell-derived vesicles (ACDVs), and fully synthetic vesicles (fSVs). This review examines both "top-down" and "bottom-up" approaches for nanoparticle preparation, with a particular focus on techniques such as cell membrane coating, cargo loading, and microfluidic fabrication. Additionally, it addresses the technological challenges and potential solutions associated with the large-scale production and clinical application of BMNPs and related technologies.

Eco-Friendly Microwave Synthesis of Sodium Alginate-Chitosan Hydrogels for Effective Curcumin Delivery and Controlled Release.

In this study, we developed sodium alginate-chitosan hydrogels using a microwave-assisted synthesis method, aligning with green chemistry principles for enhanced sustainability. This eco-friendly approach minimizes chemical use and waste while boosting efficiency. A curcumin:2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complex was incorporated into the hydrogels, significantly increasing the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the structure and successful incorporation of curcumin, in both its pure and complexed forms, into the polymer matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed distinct thermal transitions influenced by the hydrogel composition and physical cross-linking. Hydrogels with higher alginate content had higher swelling ratios (338%), while those with more chitosan showed the lowest swelling ratios (254%). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed a porous structure as well as successful incorporation of curcumin or its complex. Curcumin release studies indicated varying releasing rates between its pure and complexed forms. The chitosan-dominant hydrogel exhibited the slowest release rate of pure curcumin, while the alginate-dominant hydrogel exhibited the fastest. Conversely, for curcumin from the inclusion complex, a higher chitosan proportion led to the fastest release rate, while a higher alginate proportion resulted in the slowest. This study demonstrates that the form of curcumin incorporation and gel matrix composition critically influence the release profile. Our findings offer valuable insights for designing effective curcumin delivery systems, representing a significant advancement in biodegradable and sustainable drug delivery technologies.

Magnesium metal-organic framework microneedles loaded with curcumin for accelerating oral ulcer healing.

Oral ulcers are a common oral mucosal disease that seriously affect the quality of life. Traditional drug treatments have shown unsatisfactory efficacy and potential adverse reactions. In this study, curcumin-loaded multifunctional magnesium metal-organic framework-embedded hyaluronic acid-soluble microneedles patches were developed to optimize treatment strategies for oral ulcers. This microneedles patch achieves efficient release of curcumin and Mg2+ in the ulcer through precisely targeted delivery and controllable release mechanism, significantly regulates inflammation, promotes cell migration and angiogenesis, and accelerates the ulcer healing process. At the same time, the synergistic effect of curcumin and gallic acid effectively alleviated oxidative stress, while the backplate ε-poly-L-lysine and needle tip Mg2+ jointly constructed an antibacterial barrier to effectively inhibit pathogens. Verification using an oral ulcer rat model showed that the microneedles patch exhibited excellent therapeutic effects. This not only opens up a new avenue for clinical oral treatment but also marks a breakthrough in nanobiomaterials science and drug delivery technology and heralds a broad prospect in the field of oral ulcer treatment in the future.

Insulin-inspired hippocampal neuron–targeting technology for protein drug delivery

Hippocampal neurons can be the first to be impaired with neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Most drug candidates for causal therapy of AD cannot either enter the brain or accumulate around hippocampal neurons. Here, we genetically engineered insulin-fusion proteins, called hippocampal neuron-targeting (Ht) proteins, for targeting protein drugs to hippocampal neurons because insulin tends to accumulate in the neuronal cell layers of the hippocampus. In vitro examinations clarified that insulin and Ht proteins were internalized into the cultured hippocampal neurons through insulin receptor-mediated macropinocytosis. Cysteines were key determinants of the delivery of Ht proteins to hippocampal neurons, and insulin B chain mutant was most potent in delivering cargo proteins. In vivo accumulation of Ht proteins to hippocampal neuronal layers occurred after intracerebroventricular administration. Thus, hippocampal neuron-targeting technology can provide great help for developing protein drugs against neurodegenerative disorders.

An Overview of Three-Dimensional Printing in Pharmaceutical Technology

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) in pharmaceutical technology is a new technique that can build the desired objects directly from CAD models using a layer-by-layer material build-up approach. This article presents an overview of the 3DP technique with a brief look into the history of the 3DP process and various methods like stereolithography, fused deposition method, hot melt extrusion, polyjet, etc., their merits and demerits, and applications of 3DP in pharmaceutical technology. The challenges 3DP has surmounted in the areas of pharmaceutical and biomedical research related to additive manufacturing are outlined in this review.. The use of 3DP has increased recently. Personalized medicine may now have access to a whole new range of options due to 3DP. The concept of specialists and researchers is to create customized oral pills using 3DP. Since technology is still developing, any regulations on security, safety, and privacy have yet to exist. Thus, these issues will be of more significant concern shortly. The applications of 3DP technologies in modern drug delivery are highlighted in this article, which expounds on using these technologies for forward-thinking advancements in pharmacy practice.

Enhancement of oral bioavailability of ibrutinib using a liposil nanohybrid delivery system.

Liposils, synthesized via the liposome templating method, offer a promising strategy for enhancing liposome stability by employing a silica coating. This study focuses on the development of nanocarriers utilizing silica-coated nanoliposomes for encapsulating the poorly water-soluble drug, ibrutinib. Ibrutinib-loaded nanoliposomes were meticulously formulated using the reverse-phase evaporation technique, serving as templates for silica coating, resulting in spherical liposils with an average size of approximately 240 nanometers. Comprehensive characterization of the liposil's physical and chemical properties was conducted using various analytical methods, including dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Liposils demonstrated superior performance compared to ibrutinib-loaded nanoliposomes, showing sustained drug release profiles in simulated intestinal fluids and resistance to simulated gastric fluid, as confirmed by dissolution studies. Moreover, ibrutinib liposils exhibited a significant increase in half-life (4.08-fold) and notable improvement in bioavailability (3.12-fold) compared to ibrutinib suspensions, as determined by pharmacokinetic studies in rats. These findings underscore the potential of liposils as nanocarriers for orally delivering poorly water-soluble drugs, offering enhanced stability and controlled release profiles, thereby improving bioavailability prospects and therapeutic efficacy. This approach holds promise for addressing challenges associated with the oral administration of drugs with limited solubility, thereby advancing drug delivery technologies and clinical outcomes in pharmaceutical research and development.

NANOMEDICINE BREAKTHROUGH: REVOLUTIONIZING CERVICAL CANCER TREATMENT WITH PRECISION DRUG DELIVERY

Cervical cancer, a global health issue, is a major concern, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources. To address this, targeted drug delivery strategies have emerged as promising solutions. These involve delivering therapeutic agents directly to cancerous cells, minimizing systemic side effects, and enhancing treatment efficacy. Delivery systems like nanoparticles, liposomes, polymeric micelles, hydrogels, and local drug delivery devices have been developed to overcome barriers like drug resistance and limited penetration. Emerging targeting strategies like tumor-specific ligands, immunotherapy, virotherapy, and gene therapy are also promising for improving treatment specificity and efficacy in cervical cancer. These approaches address the intricate cellular pathways involved in the disease progression, paving the way for more personalized and effective treatments. The synergy between advancements in drug delivery technologies and targeting strategies offers hope for a future where cervical cancer can be effectively managed and potentially eradicated. KEYWORDS: Targeted drug delivery, Nanoparticles, Immunotherapy, Gene therapy, Personalized treatments, Cervical cancer

Hydrophobic solid lipid-based microparticles for the protection of gastric-sensitive hydrophilic active biomolecules for oral administration in the treatment of EPI

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), induced by conditions such as cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, and Crohn’s disease, is a frequently overlooked and underdiagnosed gastrointestinal disorder. It leads to inadequate intestinal digestion due to insufficient secretion of pancreatic juice, resulting in discomfort, pain, and ultimately severe malnutrition. Despite numerous treatments proving ineffective over the past three decades, a strictly hydrophobic solid lipid formulation, administered orally, is proposed in this study to restore digestive function. This technology relies on the hydrophobic nature of the matrix to physically protect the hydrophilic active principle from the gastric environment while enabling its immediate release in the duodenum by targeting the amphiphilic nature of bile salts. Results demonstrate that this formulation effectively protects an acid-sensitive active ingredient during gastric passage (Simulated Gastric Fluid or SGF), facilitating its rapid release upon entering an artificial duodenal environment (Simulated Intestinal Fluid or SIF). Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the preservation of a protein-based active ingredient extends beyond its primary protein structure to include its functional aspects, such as enzymatic activity. This drug delivery technology could enable the protection of hydrophilic active biomolecules, such as pancreatin, which are sensitive to gastric acidity, while promoting their immediate release upon contact with bile salts in the proximal duodenum, with the ultimate goal of correcting the digestive defect induced by EPI.