Polymeric Nanoparticles Research Articles

Nanomedicine as a Better Therapeutic Approach: An Overview

Abstract: The fields of nanotechnology and nanomedicine have undergone a revolution. There has been a striking rise in authorized nanomedicines since 1980. Apart from functioning as thera-peutic agents, they also act as carriers for delivering various active pharmaceuticals to target or-gans. The ultimate goal of nanomedicine has always been the generation of translational technol-ogies that can improve current therapies. Nanocrystals, nanotubes, liposomes, exosomes, solid li-pid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and metallic and magnetic nanoparticles are examples of nanostructures that are now in the market as well as in ongoing research. The preparation of these nanomaterials requires consideration of a number of difficulties. Only a few of these nano-materials were successful in obtaining marketing permission after passing all required toxicologi-cal and ethical evaluations and making them affordable to users and, at the same time, profitable to investors. Cancer, central nervous system (CNS) diseases, and cardiovascular (CVS) diseases represented the primary targets of nanotechnology applied to medicine. Therefore, this review ar-ticle is focused on providing a summary of several nano-based delivery systems, including their limitations and prospects in different therapeutic fields.

Polymer nanotherapeutics: A promising approach toward microglial inhibition in neurodegenerative diseases.

Nanoparticles (NPs) that target multiple transport mechanisms facilitate targeted delivery of active therapeutic agents to the central nervous system (CNS) and improve therapeutic transport and efficacy across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). CNS nanotherapeutics mostly target neurons and endothelial cells, however, microglial immune cells are the first line of defense against neuronal damage and brain infections. Through triggering release of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and proteases, microglia can however precipitate neurological damage-a significant factor in neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, microglial inhibitory agents are attracting much attention among those researching and developing novel treatments for neurodegenerative disorders. The most established inhibitors of microglia investigated to date are resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, and minocycline. Thus, there is great interest in developing novel agents that can bypass or easily cross the BBB. One such approach is the use of modified-nanocarriers as, or for, delivery of, therapeutic agents to the brain and wider CNS. For microglial inhibition, polymeric NPs are the preferred vehicles for choice. Here, we summarize the immunologic and neuroinflammatory role of microglia, established microglia inhibitor agents, challenges of CNS drug delivery, and the nanotherapeutics explored for microglia inhibition to date. We also discuss applications of the currently considered "most useful" polymeric NPs for microglial-inhibitor drug delivery in CNS-related diseases.

Stabilization of gold nanoparticles in a transparent polymer while maintaining the capabilities of a colorimetric glucose sensor

We suggest optical sensor systems based on the gold nanoparticles embedded within the polymethacrylate matrix for dual-signal spectrophotometric and colorimetric approaches can be used for the determination of glucose in the range of 0.1–0.8 mM and 0.3–0.8 mM with the detection limits of 0.06 mM and 0.1 mM, correspondingly. We studied the conditions of interaction between the gold nanoparticles, iodide and glucose by evaluating the influence of such factors as the contact time, pH and the analyte concentration upon the analytical signal.

PEGylated lipid polymeric nanoparticles for management of rheumatoid arthritis

PEGylation, an extensively used surface modification method for nanoparticles (NPs), continues to hold promise for optimizing therapy for various medical conditions by achieving efficient and selective delivery of multiple therapeutics and nanocarriers. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease treated mainly by disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (e.g., leflunomide); however, these drugs suffer from systemic exposure and adverse effects. Leflunomide (LEF) was loaded into PEGylated (PEG)-lecithin chitosan nanoparticles (LCNPs) to enhance its therapeutic efficacy and safety profile. LEF-PEG-LCNPs showed a particle size of 115.31 ±3.24 nm, a zeta potential of 31.3±1.8 mV, an entrapment efficiency of 89.63 ±2.25 %, and an improved release profile than non-pegylated LCNPs and LEF-pure. Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were also performed. The effects of orally administrated LEF-pure, LEF-marketed, LEF-LCNPs and LEF-PEG-LCNPs against Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)-induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in rats were investigated. LEF-PEG-LCNPs showed more significant inhibition of paw edema (72.74%), rheumatoid factor RF (40.76%), TNF-α (55.6%), IL-6 (47.42%), ALT (80.59%), and AST (39.83%) as compared to positive control. Furthermore, histopathological studies showed a nearly normal appearance of bone trabecular tissue, liver, kidney, lung, and heart. This highlights LEF-PEG-LCNPs as an exceptional anti-rheumatoid arthritis therapy compared to pure and marketed formulations.

Nanoencapsulation of creatine: Unlocking hydrophilic bioactive potential through double emulsification by solvent diffusion

AbstractNanotechnology has emerged as a pivotal tool in pharmaceutical research, driving the development of innovative techniques to enhance drug distribution within the body by finely tuning the biopharmaceutical properties of various drugs. Among these techniques, encapsulating biologically active substances in polymeric nanoparticles has garnered significant attention. However, achieving high encapsulation efficiency for hydrophilic molecules remains a formidable challenge, despite their growing importance in treating diverse diseases such as cancer, where nucleic acids, peptides, proteins, and smaller hydrophilic molecules are key players. While some studies have reported improvements in encapsulating hydrophilic drugs, notable examples, like the solid/oil/water ion‐pairing method and the use of calcium phosphate, have shown promise in enhancing encapsulation efficiency for different drugs. Nonetheless, the challenge of preparing aqueous core nanoparticles capable of encapsulating a high percentage of water‐soluble actives persists. Creatine monohydrate, a bioactive compound widely consumed by athletes for its role in increasing muscular phosphocreatine stores, presents an intriguing case. Despite its insolubility in organic media, creatine exhibits limited aqueous solubility, rendering it a suitable candidate for encapsulation in polymeric nanoparticles to improve its aqueous solubility and gastrointestinal absorption. In this study, we aim to produce polymeric nanoparticles containing creatine monohydrate utilizing the double emulsification (W/O/W) method. This promising and efficient approach holds the potential to significantly enhance the aqueous solubility and gastrointestinal absorption of creatine, thereby broadening its clinical application spectrum. Leveraging nanotechnology in this context offers an innovative and potentially impactful strategy to augment the therapeutic efficacy of creatine.

Effect of Hypoxia on Siglec-7 and Siglec-9 Receptors and Sialoglycan Ligands and Impact of Their Targeting on NK Cell Cytotoxicity

Background/Objectives: Tumor microenvironmental hypoxia is an established hallmark of solid tumors. It significantly contributes to tumor aggressiveness and therapy resistance and has been reported to affect the balance of activating/inhibitory surface receptors’ expression and activity on NK cells. In the current study, we investigated the impact of hypoxia on the surface expression of Siglec-7 and Siglec-9 (Sig-7/9) and their ligands in NK cells and tumor target cells. The functional consequence of Siglec blockage using nanoparticles specifically designed to target and block Sig-7/9 receptors on NK cell cytotoxicity was elucidated. Methods: CD56⁺ CD3− NK cells were isolated from PBMCs along with an NK-92 clone and used as effector cells, while MCF-7 and K562 served as target cells. All cells were incubated under normoxic or hypoxic conditions for 24 h. To assess Siglec-7 and Siglec-9 receptor expression, U937, NK-92, and primary NK cells were stained with PE-labeled antibodies against CD328 Siglec-7/9. Interactions between Siglec-7/9 and their sialylated ligands, along with their functional impact on NK cell activity, were evaluated using polymeric nanoparticles coated with a sialic acid mimetic. Immunological synapse formation and live-cell imaging were performed with a ZEISS LSM 800 with Airyscan at 10x magnification for 24 h. Results: Our data indicate that hypoxia had no effect on the expression of Siglec-7/9 receptors by NK cells. In contrast, hypoxic stress resulted in an increase in Siglec-7 sialoglycan ligand expression by a sub-population of NK target cells. Using polymeric nanoparticles coated with a sialic acid mimetic that binds both Siglec-7 and -9 (Sig-7/9 NP), we demonstrated that incubation of these nanoparticles with NK cells resulted in increased immunological synapse formation, granzyme B accumulation, and killing of NK target cells. These studies indicate that hypoxic stress may have an impact on NK cell-based therapies and highlight the need to consider the hypoxic microenvironment for tumor-specific glycosylation. Conclusions: Our findings point to the role of Siglec–sialylated glycan interactions in hypoxic stress-induced NK cell dysfunction and recommend the potential integration of the manipulation of this axis through the targeting of Siglecs in future cancer immunotherapy strategies.

Nanocarriers Targeting Circular RNA ADARB1 Boost Radiosensitivity of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma through Synergically Promoting Ferroptosis.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant tumor of the head and neck, prevalent in regions such as Southern China and Southeast Asia. Radiotherapy serves as the primary clinical treatment for this carcinoma. However, resistance to radiotherapy is a fundamental cause of treatment failure and patient mortality, with the underlying mechanisms yet to be fully elucidated. We identified a recently characterized circular RNA, circADARB1, which is markedly upregulated in NPC tissues and closely associated with poor prognosis and radiotherapy resistance. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that circADARB1 inhibited ferroptosis, thereby inducing radiotherapy resistance in NPC cells. Building on these findings, we synthesized a biomimetic nanomaterial consisting of semiconducting polymer nanoparticles wrapped in cell membranes, designed to deliver both siRNA targeting circADARB1 and iron ions. The application of this nanomaterial not only efficiently suppressed the expression of circADARB1 and boosted intracellular iron concentrations, but also enhanced ferroptosis induced by radiotherapy, improving the radiosensitivity of NPC cells. Furthermore, our study revealed that circADARB1 upregulated the expression of heat shock protein HSP90B1, which repaired misfolded SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins triggered by radiotherapy, thereby preserving their stability and biological functions. Mechanistically, SLC7A11 facilitated cysteine transportation into cells and glutathione synthesis, while GPX4 employed glutathione to mitigate intracellular lipid peroxidation induced by radiotherapy, shielding cells from oxidative damage and inhibiting ferroptosis, and ultimately leading to radiotherapy resistance in NPC cells. Our investigation elucidates molecular mechanisms with substantial clinical relevance, highlights the promising application prospects of nanotechnology in precision cancer therapy.

PH sensitive Lipid polymeric Hybrid nanoparticle (LPHNP) of Paclitaxel and Curcumin for targeted delivery in breast cancer

ABSTRACT Objective The study aimed at designing a pH sensitive Lipid polymeric Hybrid nanoparticle (LPHNP) for targeted release of Paclitaxel (PTX) and Curcumin (CUR) in breast cancer. Significance Such systems shall result in controlled trigerred release in acidic microenvironment of tumour cells with improved pharmacokinetic profile. Methods Chitosan-coated CUR and PTX coloaded pH-sensitive LPHNPs were synthesized employing nanoprecipitation technique. The synthesized NPs were characterized in terms of particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and morphology. Results LPHNPs co-loaded with curcumin (CUR) and paclitaxel (PTX) were successfully formulated, achieving a size of 146 nm, a PDI of 0.18, and an entrapment efficiency exceeding 90%. In vitro release studies demonstrated controlled release of CUR and PTX under tumor pH conditions showing 1.6 fold and 1.7 fold higher release in ABS pH 5 in comparision to PBS 7.4 for PTX and CUR respectively. MTT-assay studies revealed enhanced cytotoxicity of CUR and PTX as LPHNPs showing IC50 value of free CUR & PTX 480.06 µg/mL decreasing to 282.97 µg/mL for CS-CUR-PTX-LPHNPs. In vivo pharmacokinetic evaluations in rats confirmed significantly improved bioavailability, with a 3.8-fold increase in AUC for CUR and a 6.6-fold increase for PTX. Additionally, the LPHNPs demonstrated controlled release and prolonged retention, evidenced by a 2.2-fold increase in the half-life (t1/2) of CUR and a 1.3-fold increase in the half-life of PTX. Conclusions The results underscores potential of chitosan-coated LPHNP as a promising delivery platform, offering high drug loading, optimal size for cellular penetration, and prolonged blood circulation for cancer.

Multi-Responsive Polymer Nanoparticles: A Versatile Platform for Double-Security Anticounterfeiting and Smart Food Packaging.

Potential applications of colloidal polymer nanoparticles in the preparation of smart inks are investigated by physical incorporation of the oxazolidine molecules. Precise adjusting the polymer chain flexibility and polarity is achieved by controlling the ratio of methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate monomers in the polymerization reaction. In addition, nanofibrous indicators of acid-base vapors are prepared from the latex nanoparticles. This can be beneficial for creating materials that sense and respond to environmental changes, such as humidity or moisture and acidity. Thermochromic inks are prepared by microencapsulating crystal violet lactone dye (CVL) in polymer matrices to prevent their release into the aqueous media. Combining two distinct systems with varying triggers, such as light and temperature, provides an effective strategy for double-encryption anticounterfeiting and crack and scratch detection and indication applications. Preparing labels impregnated with double-responsive inks, a novel approach is developed for food spoilage detection and preservation indication. Labels are manufactured using polymer nanoparticles, which contain photoluminescent oxazolidine molecules, as well as a trinary mixture of CVL within core-shell latex particles as the thermochromic dye. The combination of these two responsive elements transforms traditional packaging into a dynamic and interactive sentinel for the food it holds.

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.

Emerging Cationic Nanovaccines

Cationic vaccines of nanometric sizes can directly perform the delivery of antigen(s) and immunomodulator(s) to dendritic cells in the lymph nodes. The positively charged nanovaccines are taken up by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) of the lymphatic system often originating the cellular immunological defense required to fight intracellular microbial infections and the proliferation of cancers. Cationic molecules imparting the positive charges to nanovaccines exhibit a dose-dependent toxicity which needs to be systematically addressed. Against the coronavirus, mRNA cationic nanovaccines evolved rapidly. Nowadays cationic nanovaccines have been formulated against several infections with the advantage of cationic compounds granting protection of nucleic acids in vivo against biodegradation by nucleases. Up to the threshold concentration of cationic molecules for nanovaccine delivery, cationic nanovaccines perform well eliciting the desired Th 1 improved immune response in the absence of cytotoxicity. A second strategy in the literature involves dilution of cationic components in biocompatible polymeric matrixes. Polymeric nanoparticles incorporating cationic molecules at reduced concentrations for the cationic component often result in an absence of toxic effects. The progress in vaccinology against cancer involves in situ designs for cationic nanovaccines. The lysis of transformed cancer cells releases several tumoral antigens, which in the presence of cationic nanoadjuvants can be systemically presented for the prevention of metastatic cancer. In addition, these local cationic nanovaccines allow immunotherapeutic tumor treatment.

Supramolecular Assemblies via Host-Guest Interactions for Tumor Immunotherapy.

Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most promising modalities for cancer treatment providing hopes of cancer patients with the significant advantages over traditional antitumor therapy methods. Supramolecular assemblies based on host-guest interactions have been widely explored in the field of cancer immunotherapy as the delivery systems. A variety of supramolecular materials show unique features for efficient drug encapsulation, targeting delivery and release, which are favorable to activate antitumor immune responses especially through combination of different treatment strategies. In this review article, we summarize the research progresses of supramolecular assemblies via host-guest interactions for tumor immunotherapy. The construction of various drug delivery systems including hydrogels, liposomes, and polymeric nanoparticles, the drug encapsulation and delivery, as well as advantages and disadvantages are discussed. The perspectives related to future developments in this field are also described.

Structure and Dynamics in Solid Electrolyte Composites of the Organic Ionic Plastic Crystal HMGFSI and Lithium Sulphonamide Functional Acrylate Polymer Nanoparticles.

Solid electrolyte composites between organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) and polymers can potentially show enhanced mechanical properties and ion conduction. These properties can be determined by the formation of interfacial regions which affect the structure, thermal properties, and ion transport of the composite material. Here we studied the properties of composites between the OIPC hexamethylguanidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (HMGFSI) and acrylate polymer nanoparticles functionalised with lithium, using various techniques including solid-state NMR spectroscopy. An enhancement in ionic conductivity of three orders of magnitude as well as increased lithium and OIPC cation and anion dynamics were observed in the composite as prepared with 40 v% of polymer nanoparticles with respect to the pure OIPC at 50 °C. This was attributed to the increased overall structural disorder as a result of the formation of disordered interfacial regions, which were evidenced by solid-state NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the importance of the thermal history of these composites is highlighted, with differences in the conductivity and ion dynamics observed after melting and recrystallizing the OIPC component, leading to less disordered interfacial regions. This study enriches our fundamental understanding of the formation of interfacial regions in OIPC composites and their effect on the bulk properties of the electrolyte.

Nanotechnology-based approaches for targeted drug delivery for the treatment of respiratory tract infections

Background: Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of respiratory tract infections (RTIs). By leveraging the unique properties of nanoscale delivery systems, nanotechnology can significantly enhance the selectivity and efficacy of antimicrobials, thereby reducing off-target effects. Objective: This review explores the development and application of targeted nanosystems in combating viral, bacterial, and fungal RTIs. Nanotechnology-based systems, including biological and non-biological nanoparticles, offer innovative solutions for overcoming antimicrobial resistance, improving drug bioavailability, and minimizing systemic side effects. RTIs are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Traditional drug delivery methods face numerous challenges, such as rapid clearance, poor tissue penetration, and drug degradation. Nanoparticle-based delivery systems address these issues by enhancing tissue penetration, providing sustained drug release, and enabling targeted delivery to infection sites. These systems include liposomal delivery, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and metal-based nanoparticles, each offering unique advantages in treating RTIs. Nanotechnology also plays a crucial role in vaccine development by offering new strategies to enhance immune responses and improve antigen delivery. Furthermore, the review discusses the clinical translation and regulatory considerations for nanotechnology-based drug delivery, emphasizing the need for rigorous testing and quality control to ensure safety and efficacy. Conclusion: Nanotechnology offers promising advancements in the treatment, and prevention of RTIs by enhancing drug delivery and efficacy. By addressing challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and poor tissue penetration, nanotechnology-based systems have the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes.

Navigating the therapeutic landscape for breast cancer: targeting breast cancer stem cells.

Breast cancer is a common and deadly malignancy that affects women globally, and breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) play an important role in tumorigenesis, development, metastasis, and recurrence. Traditional therapies often fail to eliminate BCSCs, leading to treatment resistance and relapse. This review explores the therapeutic strategies which are designed to target BCSCs, including inhibition of key signaling pathway and targeting receptor. This paper also explores the approaches to targeting BCSCs including chemotherapy, phytomedicines, and nanotechnology. Nanotechnology has gained a lot of importance in cancer therapy because of its ability to deliver therapeutic agents with more precision and minimal side effects. Various chemotherapeutic drugs, siRNAs, or gene editing tools are delivered efficiently with the use of nanocarriers which target pathways, receptors, and proteins associated with BCSCs. Over the past few years, stimuli-responsive and receptor-targeted nanocarriers have been explored for better therapeutic effects. In recent times, strategies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, ablation therapy, and cell-free therapies are explored for targeting these stem cells. This review provides a recent developmental overview of strategies to attack BCSCs from conventional chemotherapeutic agents to nanotechnological platforms such as polymeric, lipidic, and metal-based nanoparticles and advanced technologies like CAR T cell therapies.

Enhancing biomedical imaging: the role of nanoparticle-based contrast agents.

Biomedical imaging plays a critical role in early detection, precise diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring responses, but traditional methods encounter challenges such as limited sensitivity, specificity, and inability to monitor therapeutic responses due to factors like short circulation half-life and potential toxicity. Nanoparticles are revolutionizing biomedical imaging as contrast agents across modalities like computed tomography (CT), optical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound, exploiting unique attributes such as those of metal-based, polymeric, and lipid nanoparticles. They shield imaging agents from immune clearance, extending circulation time, and enhancing bioavailability at tumor sites. This results in improved imaging sensitivity. The study highlights advancements in multifunctional nanoparticles for targeted imaging, tackling concerns regarding toxicity and biocompatibility. Critically evaluating conventional contrast agents, emphasizes the shortcomings that nanoparticles aim to overcome. This review provides insight into the current status of nanoparticle-based contrast agents, illuminating their potential to reshape therapeutic monitoring and precision diagnostics.

Essential oil-loaded polymeric nanoparticles as a viable alternative to control storage grain insects -a review

The loss of stored grains is becoming a major issue globally because of insect infestation. The extensive usage of chemical insecticides for insect control has caused enormous harm to the worldwide ecology. Hence, it is essential to look for more environmentally sustainable solutions. Several essential oils (EOs) and bioactive chemicals have been adopted as natural insecticides due to their considerable insecticidal activity, diversified mechanism of action, and nontoxicity to other organisms. Meanwhile, despite their potential features, EOs have certain disadvantages, including being extremely volatile, less water-soluble, more rapidly degradable and the cost of production in some cases. Encapsulating EOs as nanoemulsions into polymers has recently been recognized as a potential technique for increasing their stability, selective release, and usefulness in various domains. These EOs and nanoemulsions displayed insect-deterrent behaviour by acting as fumigants, contact repellents, antifeedants, egg development deterrents, and larval agents, in addition to inhibiting chemical messengers such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and octopamine and transforming enzyme performance. This review article summarizes recent trends and innovations to define polymeric nano-formulated EOs as environment-friendly substitutes for harmful conventional insecticides. It also provides opportunities for more secure and profitable methods of controlling agricultural insects. Along with this, the insecticidal activity and mechanism of action for various essential oils and essential oil-loaded polymeric nanoparticles on various insects of stored grains are thoroughly discussed.

Replenishing Cation-π Interactions for the Fabrication of Mesoporous Levodopa Nanoformulations for Parkinson Remission.

Directly assembling drugs into mesoporous nanoformulations will be greatly favored due to the combination of enhanced drug delivery efficiency and mesostructure-enabled nanobio interactions. However, such an approach is hindered due to the lack of understanding of polymer nanoparticles' formation mechanism, especially the relationship between polymerization, self-assembly, and the nucleation process. Here, by investigating the levodopa and dopamine polymerization process, we identify π-cation interaction as pivotal in the self-assembly and nucleation control of dopa molecules. Thus, through manipulation of the π-cation interaction, we present the direct assembly of a commercial drug, levodopa, into mesoporous nanoformulations. The synthesized nanospheres, approximately 200 nm in diameter, exhibit uniform mesopores of around 8 nm. These nanoformulations, abundant in mesopores, enhance chiral phenylalanine interaction with α-synuclein (Syn), curbing aggregation, safeguarding neurons, and alleviating Parkinson's pathology. When combating α-synuclein, the nanoformulation achieved ∼100% inhibition of protein aggregation and sustained neuron viability up to 300%. We believe that this study may advance mesoscale self-assembly knowledge, guiding future nanopharmaceutical developments.

Demystifying the Potential of Embelin-Loaded Nanoformulations: a Comprehensive Review.

Phytoconstituent based therapies have the potential to reduce the adverse effects and enhance overall patient compliance for different diseased conditions. Embelin (EMB) is a natural compound extracted from Embelia ribes that has demonstrated high therapeutic potential, particularly as anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapeutic applications. However, its poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability limitations make it challenging to use in biomedical applications. Nanostructure-based novel formulations have shown the potential to improve physicochemical and biological characteristics of active pharmaceutical ingredients obtained from plants. Different nanoformulations that have been utilized to encapsulate/entrap EMB for various therapeutic applications are nanoliposomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, niosomes, polymeric nanoparticles, nanosuspensions, phytosomes, self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system, silver nanoparticles, microparticles, solid lipid nanoparticle, gold nanoparticles and nanomicelles. The common methods reported for the preparation of EMB nanoformulations are thin film hydration, nanoprecipitation, ethanol injection, emulsification followed by sonication. The size of nanoformulations ranged in between 50 and 345nm. In this review, the mentioned EMB loaded nanocarriers are methodically discussed for size, shape, drug entrapment, zeta potential, in vitro release & permeation and in vivo studies. Potential of EMB with other drugs (dual drug approach) incorporated in nanocarriers are also discussed (physicochemical and preclinical characteristics). Patents related to EMB nanoformulations are also presented which showed the clinical translation of this bioactive for future utilization in different indications.

Nanomaterial-Enhanced Microneedles: Emerging Therapies for Diabetes and Obesity.

Drug delivery systems (DDS) have improved therapeutic agent administration by enhancing efficacy and patient compliance while minimizing side effects. They enable targeted delivery, controlled release, and improved bioavailability. Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) offer non-invasive medication administration and have evolved to include methods such as chemical enhancers, iontophoresis, microneedles (MN), and nanocarriers. MN technology provides innovative solutions for chronic metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity using various MN types. For diabetes management, MNs enable continuous glucose monitoring, diabetic wound healing, and painless insulin delivery. For obesity treatment, MNs provide sustained transdermal delivery of anti-obesity drugs or nanoparticles (NPs). Hybrid systems integrating wearable sensors and smart materials enhance treatment effectiveness and patient management. Nanotechnology has advanced drug delivery by integrating nano-scaled materials like liposomes and polymeric NPs with MNs. In diabetes management, glucose-responsive NPs facilitate smart insulin delivery. At the same time, lipid nanocarriers in dissolving MNs enable extended release for obesity treatment, enhancing drug stability and absorption for improved metabolic disorder therapies. DDS for obesity and diabetes are advancing toward personalized treatments using smart MN enhanced with nanomaterials. These innovative approaches can enhance patient outcomes through precise drug administration and real-time monitoring. However, widespread implementation faces challenges in ensuring biocompatibility, improving technologies, scaling production, and obtaining regulatory approval. This review will present recent advances in developing and applying nanomaterial-enhanced MNs for diabetes and obesity management while also discussing the challenges, limitations, and future perspectives of these innovative DDS.