Efficient Drug Delivery System Research Articles

Practical Manipulation for the Preparation of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Vehicles.

Optimization of MSNs is the most important process for efficient and safe drug delivery systems. In this study, the physicochemical properties of MSNs were evaluated using various compositions of individual reagents. MSNs were synthesized according to a modified Stöber method. The physicochemical properties of MSNs were evaluated. Spherical uniform particles were observed in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image and the meso-structure of MSNs was confirmed. The amorphous and specific hexagonal structure of MSNs was confirmed through Xray diffraction (XRD) and SAXRD. The particle size and surface area according to changes in amounts of reagents ranged from 34.5 ± 2.3 to 216.0 ± 17.1 nm and from 549.79 to 1154.26 m2/g, respectively. A linear relationship was found between the surface area of MSNs and the adsorption rate of methylene blue (MB). MSNs exhibited no apparent cytotoxic effect on Caco-2 cell up to 200 μg/mL. The amounts of tetramethyl ammonium silicate and tetraethyl ortho silicate (TEOS), NaOH, and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) were adjusted to control the particle size and surface area of MSNs, and it was found that the amounts of synthetic reagents affected the physicochemical properties such as particle size and surface area of MSNs. MSNs with a large surface area adsorbed a large amount of MB. These results indicated that drug adsorption is related to the surface area of MSNs. MSNs did not show cytotoxicity to Caco-2 cells. MSNs may be a promising nanomaterial that could be applied as a carrier for various drugs.

The folate-chitosan-decorated harmaline nanostructured lipid carrier (FCH-NLC), the efficient selective anticancer nano drug delivery system

The folate-chitosan-decorated harmaline nanostructured lipid carrier (FCH-NLC), the efficient selective anticancer nano drug delivery system

Thermal behavior of cyclodextrin/adamantane host/guest inclusion complex in an aqueous media

Understanding the thermal behavior of cyclodextrin/adamantane (CD/Ad) host/guest inclusion complex, and the effect of CD type, i.e., α, β, and γ, on their hybridization are fundamentally attractive to find broad contemporary applications toward improving efficient drug delivery systems. In this work, β-cyclodextrin was found as the best host to capture the Ad guest with the minimum intermolecular interaction energy of −11.996 ± 0.026 kcal/mol. This behavior was due to the perfect size match of adamantane with a diameter of 6.49 Å into β-cyclodextrin. It was observed that adamantane was supported by all sides of the inner wall of β-cyclodextrin, while the guest interacted with only one side of the inner wall of γ-cyclodextrin. The results proved that rising the solution temperature has prevented the formation of a host/guest inclusion complex, at the temperature range of 330–340 K. Deep molecular view into the solubility of adamantane showed that the failure of non-bonded interactions of CD-Ad with temperature led to the entrance of water molecules into the hollow part of the β-cyclodextrin created an obstacle against the entrance of the guest. According to the interactional achievements, the electrostatic contribution of the host-water and the dispersive contribution of guest-water led to reducing the interaction energy of host–guest with the temperature. The present research offers some insight into the design of β-cyclodextrin/adamantane-based host/guest assemblies to form a thermoreversible hydrogel in an aqueous media.

Analysis experimental and modeling of the solubility of an antiepileptic drug, Levetiracetam, in supercritical solvent

To formulate efficient drug delivery systems by a suitable supercritical method, the solubility of drugs in the supercritical solvent like supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) must be determined. In this study, solubility of Levetiracetam, a well-known antiepileptic drug, in scCO2 was studied at 308 to 338 K and 120 to 300 bar. It was obtained between the mole fractions of 2 × 10−5 to 3.05 × 10−4 and 0.03 to 0.96 kg.m−3. Also, this process was modelled using various theoretical models (empirical (Chrastil, Bartle, Kumar and Johnston (KJ) and Mendez-Santiago-Teja (MST)), PC-SAFT, SRK, and modified Wilson). All the models show the acceptable results and the deviation among the experimental and model-calculated data are satisfactory. Among them, the optimized Wilson’s model (AARD% = 6.66) and the empirical model proposed by Bartle (AARD% = 13.96) show the highest and the lowest precision, respectively. Also, the total mixing, evaporation, and solvation thermal enthalpies for the Levetiracetam- scCO2 system are computed using the empirical models.

Optimizing nanoliposomal formulations: Assessing factors affecting entrapment efficiency of curcumin-loaded liposomes using machine learning

BackgroundCurcumin faces challenges in clinical applications due to its low bioavailability and poor water solubility. Liposomes have emerged as a promising delivery system for curcumin. This study aims to apply ensemble learning, a machine learning technique, to determine the most effective experimental conditions for formulating stable curcumin-loaded liposomes with a high entrapment efficiency (EE). MethodsTwo liposomal formulations composed of HSPC:DPPG:Chol:DSPE-mPEG2000 and HSPC:Chol:DSPE-mPEG2000 at 55:5:35:5 and 55:40:5 M ratios, respectively, were prepared using the remote loading method, and their particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) were determined using Dynamic Light Scattering. To model the impact of five factors (molar ratios, particle size, sonication time, pH, and PDI) on EE%, the Least-squares boosting (LSBoost) ensemble learning algorithm was employed due to its capability to effectively handle nonlinear and non-stationary problems. The implementation and optimization of LSBoost were performed using MATLAB R2020a. The dataset was randomly split into training and testing sets, with 70% allocated for training. The mean absolute error (MAE) was used as the cost function to evaluate model performance. Additionally, a novel approach was employed to visualize the results using 3D plots, facilitating practical interpretation. ResultsThe optimal model exhibited an MAE of 3.61, indicating its robust predictive capability. The study identified several optimal conditions for achieving the highest EE value of 100%. However, to ensure both the highest EE value and a suitable particle size, it is recommended to set the following conditions: a molar ratio of 55:5:35:5, a PDI within the range of 0.09–0.13, a particle size of approximately 130 nm, a sonication time of 30 min, and a pH within the range of 7.2–8. It is worth mentioning that adjusting the molar ratio to 55:40:5 resulted in a maximum EE of 88.38%. ConclusionThese findings underscore the high performance of ensemble learning in accurately predicting and optimizing the EE of the curcumin-loaded liposomes. The application of this technique provides valuable insights and holds promise for the development of efficient drug delivery systems.

Extracellular Vesicles Facilitate the Transportation of Nanoparticles within and between Cells for Enhanced Tumor Therapy.

The interaction between nanoparticles and cells is closely associated with the therapeutic effects of nanomedicine. Nanoparticles could be transported among cells, but the process-related mechanism remains to be further explored. In this study, it was found that endocytosed cationic polymer nanoparticles (cNPs) could be excreted in an extracellular vesicle (EV)-coated form (cNP@EVs). It was deduced that cNPs may pass through early endosomes, multivesicular bodies (MVBs), and autophagic MVBs within cells. Moreover, a high level of autophagy facilitated the exocytosis process. Since EVs were the effective vehicles for conveying biological information and substances, cNP@EVs were proved to be efficient forms for the intercellular transportation of nanoparticles and have the potential as efficient biomimetic drug delivery systems. These properties endowed cNP@EVs with deep penetration and enhanced antitumor activity. Our findings provided a proof-of-concept for understanding the transfer process of nanoparticles among cells and may help us to further utilize EV-mediated transportation of nanoparticles, therefore, expanding its clinical application.

Nitric oxide and thioredoxin modulate the activity of caspase 9 in HepG2 cells

The interdependent and finely tuned balance between the well-established redox-based modification, S-nitrosylation, and its counteractive mechanism of S-nitrosothiol degradation, i.e., S-denitrosylation of biological protein or non-protein thiols defines the cellular fate in the context of redox homeostasis. S-nitrosylation of cysteine residues by S-nitrosoglutathione, S-nitroso-L-cysteine-like physiological and S-nitroso-L-cysteine ethyl ester-like synthetic NO donors inactivate Caspase-3, 8, and 9, thereby hindering their apoptotic activity. However, spontaneous restoration of their activity upon S-denitrosylation of S-nitrosocaspases into their reduced, free thiol active states, aided by the members of the ubiquitous cellular redoxin (thioredoxin/ thioredoxin reductase/ NADPH) and low molecular weight dithiol (lipoic acid/ lipoamide dehydrogenase/ dihydrolipoic acid/ NADPH) systems imply a direct relevance to their proteolytic activities and further downstream signaling cascades. Additionally, our previous and current findings offer crucial insight into the concept of redundancy between thioredoxin and lipoic acid systems, and the redox-modulated control of the apoptotic and proteolytic activity of caspases, triggering their cyto- and neurotoxic effects in response to nitro-oxidative stress. Thus, this might lay the foundation for the exogenous introduction of precise and efficient NO or related donor drug delivery systems that can directly participate in catering to the S-(de)-nitrosylation-mediated functional outcomes of the cysteinyl proteases in pathophysiological settings.

An Updated Review For Hyperuricemia and Gout Management; Special Focus on the Available Drug Delivery Systems and Clinical Trials.

Hyperuricemia belongs to metabolic syndromes where increased uric acid levels are identified in the blood serum. Such a syndrome could be responsible for kidney stone formation, gout, hypertension, and chronic kidney diseases. It has been reported that cardiovascular risks have been linked with hyperuricemia. Gout is of the most frequent manifestations due to hyperuricemia; its management involves various pharmacological available options and dietary changes. Throughout the literature, various dosage forms are studied as alternative options to the present drug delivery systems. To update and summarize the current information for gout and hyperuricemia management. Authors have performed a thorough literature research from 2010-2023 using keywords such as hyperuricemia, gout, diagnosis, guidelines, drug delivery and clinical trials. The databases used were PubMed, ScienceDirect. According to our inclusion criteria, all studies which include the previous terms, as well as drugs or other molecules that can be applied for gout and/or hyperuricemia management, were added. In this article, authors have summarized the pathogenesis, diagnosis and updated guidelines for gout and hyperuricemia management. Moreover, the authors have reviewed and discussed current drug delivery systems found in the literature, including drugs targeting the above disorders. Finally, the available clinical trials assessing the efficacy of newer drugs or combinations of the past ones, are being discussed. The available drugs and dosage forms are limited, and therefore, scientific society should focus on the development of more efficient drug delivery systems for hyperuricemia and gout management.

Recent advances in PLGA-based nanofibers as anticancer drug delivery systems

Polymeric nanofibers (NFs) as biocompatible and biodegradable scaffolds have been investigated in numerous biomedical fields such as cancer treatment and drug delivery systems. Electrospun nanofibers illustrate unique characteristics such as ease of fabrication, low cost, simple surface functionalization, high surface-to-volume ratio, and a high potential for drug encapsulation, hence attracting great interest in their development as efficient drug delivery systems (DDS). Nanofibers mats can be used to incorporate antitumor drugs for spatiotemporal controlled release of chemotherapeutic agents at a localized site over a period of time to reduce the toxicity and side effects to the healthy cells. This makes polymeric NFs as promising implantable patches in localized drug delivery systems for cancer treatment with empowered on-site delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs in a sustainable release manner after surgical resection. In this regard, Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as one of the most widely used biocompatible and biodegradable polymers has attracted more attention in the fabrication of polymeric NFs. In the present review, we focus on the fabrication of PLGA-based nanofibers and the incorporation of chemotherapeutic agents into polymeric NFs for several biomedical applications covering controlled/implantable drug delivery systems, cancer detection, and local cancer treatment. We also discuss the current approaches, future perspectives, advantages, and limitations related to nanofibers in DDS and cancer treatment.

Self-emulsifying System Co-loaded with Paclitaxel and Coix Seed Oil Deeply Penetrated to Enhance Efficacy in Cervical Cancer.

Paclitaxel (PTX), voted as the promising natural medicine molecule, is widely used in the treatment of cancers. Nevertheless, its clinical application is strictly limited by its poor water solubility. CP-MEs (Paclitaxel-coix seed oil coloaded microemulsion), a small-sized self-emulsifying nanoemulsion formed from a combination of PTX and coix seed oil (CSO), was developed in order to improve the solubility of paclitaxel and enhance anti-cervical cancer efficacy in vitro. CSO was selected as the oil phase to replace conventional organic solvents and achieve a synergistic anti-tumor effect with paclitaxel. Pseudoternary phase diagram was applied to the study of CP-MEs formulation. CP-MEs were prepared and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading efficiency (EE and LE) were detected by HPLC. MTT was adopted to evaluate the cytotoxicity of CP-MEs against HeLa cells. The cellular uptake and apoptotic ratio of CP-MEs were evaluated by flow cytometry. Notably, HeLa 3D tumor spheroid was adopted to evaluate tumor permeability of different size microemulsions as the model. The best self-emulsifying ability was exhibited by HS 15: PEG 400 combination. The appearance of CP-MEs was clear and transparent, which exhibited a small size (30.28 ± 0.36) and a slight negative surface charge (-4.40 ± 1.13) mV. The EE and LE of CP-MEs were 98.80% and 0.978%, respectively. The cumulative release rate within 48 h of the CP-MEs was 80.21%. In cellular studies, the uptake of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled CP-MEs (FITC/C-MEs) was 17.86-fold higher than the free FITC group, leading to significant synergistic anticancer activity in terms of cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction in vitro. The apoptotic rate of CP-MEs treated was 1.70-fold higher than PTXtreated. Notably, the penetration of CP-MEs in the HeLa 3D tumor sphere model was enhanced, which was related to deeply penetrated microemulsion of small size mediated at the tumor site. With the advantage of the small-sized self-emulsifying system, CP-MEs hold great potential to become an efficient nano drug delivery system for cervical cancer treatment in the clinic.

Carbon Nanotubes in Breast Cancer Treatment: An Insight into Properties, Functionalization, and Toxicity.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. It is the main reason why women die from cancer. Early diagnosis due to increased public awareness and better screening helps to tackle the disease through surgical resection and curative therapies. Chemotherapies are frequently used for cancer treatment, but these have severe adverse effects due to a lack of target specificity. Formulation development scientists and clinicians are now particularly concerned with developing safe and efficient drug delivery systems for breast cancer treatment. Potentially relevant literature to get the latest developments and updated information related to properties, functionalization, toxicity and application of carbon nanotubes in breast cancer treatment has been obtained from Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed portals. Nanomedicine has emerged as a novel tool for target-specific delivery systems and other biomedical applications. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are gaining popularity due to their unique mechanical and physiochemical properties for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It is a promising carrier that can deliver micro and macromolecules to the cancer cell. CNTs can be functionalized at the surface with different functional groups, which helps in targeting the drugs to target cancer cells. The present review has elaborated on different functionalization approaches and toxicity aspects of CNTs.

Improved skin permeation of transferosomes containing Eulophia macrobulbon extract

Eulophia macrobulbon (EM) extract-loaded transferosomes represent an advanced approach for enhancing skin permeation of bioactive compounds. The formulations improving skin permeation and characterizations of transferosomes were studied, including morphology, entrapment efficiency (EE), vesicle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and skin permeation in the Strat-M® synthetic membrane. Vesicle size increased with increasing transition temperature (Tm) of phosphatidylcholine and the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of the surfactant used as an edge activator. EM extract-loaded transferosomes with varying amounts of phosphatidylcholine, surfactants, and EM extract showed non-significant differences in EE, PDI, and zeta potential. The results demonstrated that the EM extract-loaded transferosomes improved membrane permeability better than the EM solution. The EM solution exhibited a shorter lag time. Considering the advantages of the EM extract-loaded transferosomes and EM solutions, a combination of both formulations was developed in this study. The results showed that the lag time decreased and membrane permeation increased. This study highlights a novel system combining EM extract-loaded transferosomes and an EM solution, exhibiting considerable improvement in skin permeation and presenting the potential for an efficient transdermal drug delivery system for natural bioactive compounds.

Dual-Ligand Synergistic Targeting Anti-Tumor Nanoplatforms with Cascade-Responsive Drug Release.

Dual-ligand targeting drug delivery nanoplatforms are considered a promising tool for enhancing the specificity of chemotherapy. However, serious off-target delivery has been observed in current dual-ligand targeting nanoplatforms, as each ligand can independently recognize receptors on the cell membrane surface and guide drug nanocarriers to different cells. To overcome this barrier, a dual-ligand synergistic targeting (DLST) nanoplatform is developed, which can guide chemotherapy treatment specifically to cancer cells simultaneously overexpressing two receptors. This nanoplatform consists of a singlet oxygen (1O2) photosensitizer-loaded nanocarrier and a drug-loaded nanocarrier with 1O2 responsiveness, which were, respectively, decorated with a pair of complementary DNA sequences and two different ligands. For cancer cells overexpressing both receptors, two nanocarriers can be internalized in larger quantities to cause DNA hybridization-induced nanocarrier aggregation, which further activates 1O2-triggered drug release under light irradiation. For cells overexpressing a single receptor, only one type of nanocarrier can be internalized in a large quantity, leading to blocked drug release due to the ultrashort action radius of 1O2. In vivo evaluation showed this DLST nanoplatform displayed highly specific tumor treatment with minimized long-term toxicity. This is a highly efficient drug delivery system for DLST chemotherapy, holding great potential for clinical applications.

Advanced metal-organic frameworks materials for drug delivery

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous crystalline polymers composed of coordination reactions between organic ligands and metal ions. They have high loading capacity, high specific surface area, high flexibility and a variety of different material preparation options. In different fields, MOFs also play different roles. It has been employed as a promising material for efficient drug delivery systems due to its unique characteristic and structures. This paper discusses the application of nanoscale MOFs (NMOFs) in the field of drug delivery and introduces its advantages and disadvantages compared with traditional DDSs materials, as well as different methods used as carriers for different therapeutic gases (CO, NO, O2), thereby achieve targeted delivery of drugs. The different biological toxicity, structural stability, morphology under physiological conditions, and control of pore channels caused by different metal linkers and organic ligands are studied and analyzed, which provides the future development of new drug-carrying systems and MOFs in other drug fields. Insights and guidance.

Dissolvable hybrid microneedle patch for efficient delivery of curcumin to reduce intraocular inflammation

Intraocular inflammation seriously impairs vision, and the effectiveness of intraocular drug delivery is hampered by various physiological barriers, such as the corneal barrier. In this paper, we present a simple approach to fabricating a dissolvable hybrid microneedles (MNs) patch for the efficient delivery of curcumin to treat intraocular inflammatory disorders. Water-insoluble curcumin was first encapsulated into polymeric micelles with high anti-inflammatory capacities, and then were combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) to create a dissolvable hybrid MNs patch using a simple micromolding method. Curcumin was amorphously dispersed within the MNs patch as indicated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. According to an in vitro drug release study, the proposed MNs patch provided sustainable drug release over 8 h. Following its in vivo topical application, the MNs patch demonstrated an extended pre-corneal retention time over 3.5 h and exhibited great ocular biocompatibility. Additionally, such MNs patch could reversibly penetrate the corneal epithelium, generating an array of microchannels on the corneal surface, thereby increasing ocular bioavailability. Of greater significance, the use of MNs patch demonstrated the improved therapeutic effectiveness in treating endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) in a rabbit model compared to curcumin eye drops via a significant reduction in the infiltration of inflammatory cells such as CD45+ leukocytes and CD68+ macrophages. Overall, the topical application of the MNs patch as an efficient ocular drug delivery system could potentially serve as a promising approach for treating different types of intraocular disorders.

Effects of Chitosan and Cellulose Derivatives on Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Films: A Study of Rheological Properties of Film-Forming Solutions.

Bio-based packaging materials and efficient drug delivery systems have garnered attention in recent years. Among the soluble cellulose derivatives, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) stands out as a promising candidate due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and wide resources. However, CMC-based films have limited mechanical properties, which hinders their widespread application. This paper aims to address this issue by exploring the molecular interactions between CMC and various additives with different molecular structures, using the rheological method. The additives include O-carboxymethylated chitosan (O-CMCh), N-2-hydroxypropyl-3-trimethylammonium-O-carboxymethyl chitosan (HTCMCh), hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and cellulose nanofibers (CNF). By investigating the rheological properties of film-forming solutions, we aimed to elucidate the influencing mechanisms of the additives on CMC-based films at the molecular level. Various factors affecting rheological properties, such as molecular structure, additive concentration, and temperature, were examined. The results revealed that the interactions between CMC and the additives were dependent on the charge of the additives. Electrostatic interactions were observed for HACC and HTCMCh, while O-CMCh, CNC, and CNF primarily interacted through hydrogen bonds. Based on these rheological properties, several systems were selected to prepare the films, which exhibited excellent transparency, wettability, mechanical properties, biodegradability, and absence of cytotoxicity. The desirable characteristics of these selected films demonstrated the strong biocompatibility between CMC and chitosan and cellulose derivatives. This study offers insights into the preparation of CMC-based food packaging materials with specific properties.

Synthesis and Characterization of Dimeric Artesunate Glycerol Monocaprylate Conjugate and Formulation of Nanoemulsion Preconcentrate.

Malaria is one of the major life-threatening health problems worldwide. Artesunate is the most potent antimalarial drug to combat severe malaria. However, development of drug resistance, short plasma half-life, and poor bioavailability limit the efficacy of this drug. Here, we applied the dimerization concept to synthesize dimeric artesunate glycerol monocaprylate conjugate (D-AS-GC) by conjugating artesunate (AS) with glycerol monocaprylate (GC) via esterification reaction. D-AS-GC conjugate, AS, and GC were well characterized by 1H NMR, attached proton test (APT) 13C NMR and 2D NMR spectroscopy. D-AS-GC conjugate was further analyzed by ESI-TOF MS. Finally, a series of nanoemulsion preconcentrate (F1-F6) of D-AS-GC was prepared by mixing different ratios of oil and surfactant/cosurfactant and evaluated after dilution with an aqueous phase. The optimized formulation (F6) exhibits a clear nanoemulsion and the hydrodynamic diameter of the dispersed phase was determined by DLS and DOSY NMR spectroscopy. The morphology of the nanoemulsion droplets of F6 was investigated by AFM, which revealed the formation of tiny nanoemulsion droplets on a hydrophilic mica substrate. Moreover, using a less polar silicon wafer led to the formation of larger droplets with a spherical core shell-like structure. Overall, the rational design of the dimeric artesunate-based nanoemulsion preconcentrate could potentially be used in more efficient drug delivery systems.

Impact of Molecular Building Blocks on Dynamic Nature of Novel Biomimetic Drug Delivery Systems as Ufasomes and Ufosomes: Modification in Structure and Surface Charge

Abstract: This review is focused on the self-assembly of different molecular building blocks at var-ious levels of complexity. In this perspective, we present the basic concept and recent research on the self-assembly of fatty acids and their derivatives, surfactants, and cholesterol. In addition, we discuss the conditions for designing and stabilizing novel vesicular drug delivery systems and how the flux changes due to the molecular structure of building blocks. Furthermore, the article provides a brief discussion on fatty acid and oleate self-assembly, which is becoming an emerging nanotech-nology because of its ability to alter the dynamic nature of the skin. These structures have been shown to enhance the skin permeability of drugs and other active compounds, making them poten-tial candidates for transdermal drug delivery. In conclusion, the self-assembly of various molecular building blocks at different levels of complexity has significant implications in the fields of drug de-livery, cosmetics, and nanotechnology. The ability to control and manipulate the self-assembly pro-cess offers a wide range of possibilities for the design of novel and efficient drug delivery systems.

Niosomal Drug Delivery for Oral Route

Abstract: Niosomes are artificial vesicles with potential technological advantages. They are non-ionic surfactant vesicles. As efficient drug delivery systems with a wide range of uses, niosomes have the same potential benefits as phospholipid vesicles (liposomes), including the capacity to hold both water- and lipid-soluble pharmaceutical molecules. Niosomes can also be thought of as more cost-effective, chemically stable, and occasionally physically stable alternatives to liposomes. Simple preparation techniques and commonly used surfactants in pharmaceutical technology can be employed to create niosomes. Numerous studies have covered noisome physicochemical characteristics and their uses as drug delivery vehicles. In this report, a brief and simplified summary of different theories of self-assembly are discussed. Furthermore, manufacturing methods, physical characterization techniques, bilayer membrane additives, unconventional niosomes (discomes, proniosomes, elastic and polyhedral niosomes), their recent applications as drug delivery systems, limitations and directions for future research will be discussed.

Polymer-Based Hydrogels Applied in Drug Delivery: An Overview.

Polymer-based hydrogels are hydrophilic polymer networks with crosslinks widely applied for drug delivery applications because of their ability to hold large amounts of water and biological fluids and control drug release based on their unique physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. Current trends in the development of hydrogel drug delivery systems involve the release of drugs in response to specific triggers such as pH, temperature, or enzymes for targeted drug delivery and to reduce the potential for systemic toxicity. In addition, developing injectable hydrogel formulations that are easily used and sustain drug release during this extended time is a growing interest. Another emerging trend in hydrogel drug delivery is the synthesis of nano hydrogels and other functional substances for improving targeted drug loading and release efficacy. Following these development trends, advanced hydrogels possessing mechanically improved properties, controlled release rates, and biocompatibility is developing as a focus of the field. More complex drug delivery systems such as multi-drug delivery and combination therapies will be developed based on these advancements. In addition, polymer-based hydrogels are gaining increasing attention in personalized medicine because of their ability to be tailored to a specific patient, for example, drug release rates, drug combinations, target-specific drug delivery, improvement of disease treatment effectiveness, and healthcare cost reduction. Overall, hydrogel application is advancing rapidly, towards more efficient and effective drug delivery systems in the future.