Applications In Drug Delivery Systems Research Articles

Anti-liver cancer effects and mechanisms and its application in nano DDS of polysaccharides: A review.

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death, with high incidence and poor treatment effect. In recent years, polysaccharides have attracted more and more attention in the research field of anti-liver cancer because of their high efficiency, low toxicity, good biocompatibility, wide sources and low cost. Polysaccharides have been proven to have good anti-liver cancer activity. In this paper, the pathways and molecular mechanisms of polysaccharides against liver cancer were reviewed in detail. Polysaccharides exert anti-liver cancer activity by blocking cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, regulating immunity, inhibiting cancer cell metastasis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and so on. The primary structure and chain conformation of polysaccharides have an important influence on their anti-liver cancer activity. Structural modification enhanced the anti-liver cancer activity of polysaccharides. Polysaccharides have good attenuated and synergistic effects on chemotherapy drugs. Polysaccharides can be used as functional carriers to construct intelligent nano drug delivery systems (DDS) targeting liver cancer. This review can provide theoretical support for the further development and application of polysaccharides in the field of anti-liver cancer, and provide theoretical reference and clues for relevant researchers in food, nutrition, medicine and other fields.

CHITOSAN / HEXAMOLYBDATE NANOSTRUCTURES FOR ORAL DRUG DELIVERY

Background: In recent decades, substantial progress has been achieved in the field of drug delivery through the creation of controlled-release formulations, leading to significant medical advancements. The primary objective of these controlled release systems is to sustain the desired drug concentration in the bloodstream or specific tissues for an extended duration. One class of nanostructures is polyoxometalates (POMs), which are negatively charged anionic nanoclusters consisting of metal and oxygen atoms. POMs are notable for their ability to be precisely controlled in size and shape. These characteristics, combined with their inherent negative charge, contribute to their stability and make them highly versatile structures. Aim: This study aimed to examine the self-assembly of organic-inorganic hybrids using polyoxometalate (POM) Lindqvist-type hexamolybdate and chitosan to synthesize novel 3D nanostructures. These nanostructures were then investigated for their suitability as nanocarriers for the chemotherapy drug )Temozolomide TMZ(. The release of TMZ from the nanocarrier was studied under various pH conditions. Methods: This study comprises two practical components. The first part focuses on synthesizing hierarchical nanostructures designed to load TMZ drugs. The amount of drug loaded onto the as-prepared nanostructure of POM-Chitosan was determined using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) at various loading times. The second part of the study investigates the release process of the TMZ drug from the hierarchical nanostructures. This release process is examined in two buffer solutions with distinct pH values. Results: The surface characteristics, size, chemical composition, and identity of the nanostructures were confirmed using techniques such as HPLC, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and XPS. The results confirm the successful complexation of chitosan with POM Lindqvist-type hexamolybdate. Discussion: The nanocarriers demonstrated an intriguing pH-dependent release behavior, suggesting their potential application in drug delivery systems. Conclusions: In this study, new nanocarriers of chitosan and POM were successfully prepared and loaded with TMZ (21% loading) via self-assembly for oral drug delivery. The as-prepared nanocarrier form of TMZ was fully characterized via XRD, FTIR, XPS, and SEM. The as-prepared oral form of TMZ showed an excellent pH-dependent release of TMZ, where the release rate at pH 7.4 was considerably faster than at pH 2.8.

A smart capecitabine imprinted nanocontainer with the dual-responsive performance to pH/NIR light

Capecitabine (CAP) is a kind of prodrug that can be metabolized into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in vivo, so it is usually classified as the antimetabolite fluoropyrimidine deoxynucleoside analog. In this paper, CAP, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), 3,5-dicarboxy-4-methacrylate-based azobenzene (MAPDIA)/acrylic acid-functionalized gelatin, N,N′-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA), and ammonium persulfate (APS) were used as template, light trigger, bifunctional monomers, cross-linking agent and initiator, respectively. By using the free-radical polymerization and the molecular imprinting technique, the potential drug delivery nanocontainer CAP-MIP with the dual-responsive performance to pH/near infrared light (NIR) was successfully prepared. Furthermore, the characterization of CAP-MIP was also carried out by the modern instrumental analysis such as FTIR, XRD, TGA, BET and so on. The stimulus-responsive release experiment in vitro indicated the maximum cumulative release rate of CAP changed from 1.71 % to 89.54 % when the pH value in medium varied from 1.2 to 8.3, and the equilibrium release time point also greatly prolonged to 420 min from 40 min, respectively. When irradiated by 980 nm monochromatic NIR light in the same solution of pH 6.8, the maximum release rate of the sample could reach 96.21 % at 180 min, which respectively corresponded to the data of 41.84 % at 420 min under the condition of the absence of additional NIR light. In addition, CAP-MIP also had the excellent specific adsorption for CAP with the selectivity factor of 2.904 and the maximum CAP-loaded capacity of 7 mg•g−1. The above information denoted the target material should be of some potential in drug delivery system application.

Engineering of Erythrocytes as Drug Carriers for Therapeutic Applications.

Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells (RBCs), have garnered considerable attention as potential carriers for drug delivery, owing to their inherent properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and prolonged circulation half-life. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the role of erythrocytes in drug delivery, elucidating recent advancements in delivering a diverse array of therapeutic agents, including small molecules, nucleic acids, antibodies, protein enzymes, and nanoparticles. Two primary strategies for encapsulating drugs within erythrocytes are systematically discussed: internal loading and surface loading. Each strategy offers distinct advantages in terms of drug stability and release kinetics. Notably, the utilization of erythrocyte membrane camouflaged nanocarriers holds promise for enhancing the biocompatibility of conventional nanoparticles and facilitating targeted drug delivery. Furthermore, the broad spectrum of biomedical applications of erythrocyte-based drug delivery systems are examined, ranging from cancer treatment to diabetes management, thrombosis prevention, and immunotherapy. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of current technologies in erythrocyte-loaded drug delivery, highlighting the strengths, weaknesses, and future directions for advancing therapeutic interventions in various disease contexts.

Research Progress in Essential Oil Nanodelivery Systems

Essential Oil (EO) is widely usedin medicine because of its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. However, the hydrophobicity, volatility, instability, and potential toxicity of EO make it difficult to achieve efficient delivery in vivo, which limits its application. In recent years, nano drug delivery systems have been gradually applied to encapsulate EO to improve their physical and chemical properties. In order to further improve the delivery efficiency of EOs, this review summarized the commonly used nano delivery systems for EOs, analyzed their preparation principles, and listed the factors affecting the delivery efficiency of essential oils. Moreover, the challenges faced by the EO delivery system are sorted out, and the corresponding solutions are proposed, with the hope of indicating the development direction for expanding the application of the nano drug delivery system in EO.

Hydrogel-Based Therapies for Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Comprehensive Review.

Stroke remains the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability worldwide, significantly impacting individuals, families, and healthcare systems. This neurological emergency can be triggered by ischemic events, including small vessel arteriolosclerosis, cardioembolism, and large artery atherothromboembolism, as well as hemorrhagic incidents resulting from macrovascular lesions, venous sinus thrombosis, or vascular malformations, leading to significant neuronal damage. The resultant motor impairment, cognitive dysfunction, and emotional disturbances underscore the urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions. Recent advancements in biomaterials, particularly hydrogels, offer promising new avenues for stroke management. Hydrogels, composed of three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers, are notable for their ability to absorb and retain substantial amounts of water. Commonly used polymers in hydrogel formulations include natural polymers like alginate, chitosan, and collagen, as well as synthetic polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyacrylamide. Their customizable characteristics-such as their porosity, swelling behavior, mechanical strength, and degradation rates-make hydrogels ideal for biomedical applications, including drug delivery, cell delivery, tissue engineering, and the controlled release of therapeutic agents. This review comprehensively explores hydrogel-based approaches to both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke therapy, elucidating the mechanisms by which hydrogels provide neuroprotection. It covers their application in drug delivery systems, their role in reducing inflammation and secondary injury, and their potential to support neurogenesis and angiogenesis. It also discusses current advancements in hydrogel technology and the significant challenges in translating these innovations from research into clinical practice. Additionally, it emphasizes the limited number of clinical trials utilizing hydrogel therapies for stroke and addresses the associated limitations and constraints, underscoring the need for further research in this field.

Novel Collagen Membrane Formulations with Irinotecan or Minocycline for Potential Application in Brain Cancer.

Our study explores the development of collagen membranes with integrated minocycline or irinotecan, targeting applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. Type I collagen, extracted from bovine skin using advanced fibril-forming technology, was crosslinked with glutaraldehyde to create membranes. These membranes incorporated minocycline, an antibiotic, or irinotecan, a chemotherapeutic agent, in various concentrations. The membranes, varying in drug concentration, were studied by water absorption and enzymatic degradation tests, demonstrating a degree of permeability. We emphasize the advantages of local drug delivery for treating high-grade gliomas, highlighting the targeted approach's efficacy in reducing systemic adverse effects and enhancing drug bioavailability at the tumor site. The utilization of collagen membranes is proposed as a viable method for local drug delivery. Irinotecan's mechanism, a topoisomerase I inhibitor, and minocycline's broad antibacterial spectrum and inhibition of glial cell-induced membrane degradation are discussed. We critically examine the challenges posed by the systemic administration of chemotherapeutic agents, mainly due to the blood-brain barrier's restrictive nature, advocating for local delivery methods as a more effective alternative for glioblastoma treatment. These local delivery strategies, including collagen membranes, are posited as significant advancements in enhancing therapeutic outcomes for glioblastoma patients.

Research and Application of Chitosan Nanoparticles in Orthopedic Infections.

Orthopedic infection is one of the most intractable orthopedic problems. Bacteria resistant to antibiotics also develop gradually. Chitosan is widely used in the Biomedical field because of its high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antibacterial activity. Chitosan-based drug delivery systems are frequently utilized to produce controlled medication release. When combined with antibiotics, synergistic antibacterial effects can be achieved. Chitosan-based nanoparticles are one of the most widely used applications in drug delivery systems. The focus of this review is to provide information on new methods being developed for chitosan-based nanoparticles in the field of bone infection treatment, including chitosan nanoparticles for antibacterial purposes, Ch-loaded with antibiotics, Ch-loaded with metal, and used as immune adjuvants. It may Provide ideas for the fundamental research and the prospects of future clinical applications of orthopedic infections.

Designing network structure hydrogels derived from carrageenan- phosphated polymers by covalent and supramolecular interactions for potential biomedical applications

Recently, various efforts have been made to explore the potential of natural polysaccharides derived from sea weeds to promote sustainable development. Herein, carrageenan (CG), a polysaccharide extracted from red sea algae, was utilized to design network structures as hydrogels, aimed at significant applications in drug delivery (DD) systems. Hydrogels were designed by graft copolymerization reaction of poly(bis [2-methacryloyloxy] ethyl phosphate [poly(BMEP)] and poly(acrylic acid) [poly(AAc)] onto CG in the presence of a crosslinking agent. Hydrogels were developed by covalent linkage by graft copolymerization and supramolecular interactions, existing in the copolymers. Copolymers were characterized by Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) instrumentations. The drug diffusion exhibited a sustained pattern due to polymer-drug interactions. The drug release followed non-Fickian diffusion mechanism and the release profile was most accurately depicted by first order kinetic model. The biocompatible nature of the copolymer was demonstrated from the hemolytic index value signifying minimal adverse interactions with blood component upon exposure. A protein adsorption test was performed using bovine serum albumin (BSA), exhibiting 8.15 ± 0.26 % albumin adsorption. Polymers exhibited mucoadhesive character, evidenced by their requirement of a detachment force measuring 195 ± 4.72 mN for separation from the membrane during interactions with the mucosal surface. The hydrogels exhibited antioxidant properties, evidenced by 2, 2′-Diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, revealing copolymer capable of scavenging 58.21 ± 2.26 % of free radical. The hydrogel revealed antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus bacteria, a property further enhanced in hydrogels with the drug doxycycline. These findings suggest suitability of these hydrogels for biomedical applications, with a significant emphasis on drug delivery.

Biocompatible hydrogels based on quaternary ammonium salts of chitosan with high antimicrobial activity as biocidal agents for disinfection

The paper reports new hydrogels based on quaternary ammonium salts of chitosan designed as biocidal products. The chitosan derivative was crosslinked with salicylaldehyde via reversible imine bonds and supramolecular self-assemble to give dynamic hydrogels which respond to environmental stimuli. The crosslinking mechanism was demonstrated by 1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction and polarized light microscopy. The hydrogel nature, self-healing and thixotropy were proved by rheological investigation and visual observation, and their morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. The relevant properties for application as biocidal products, such as swelling, dissolution, bioadhesiveness, antimicrobial activity and ex-vivo hemocompatibility and in vivo local toxicity and biocompatibility on experimental mice were measured and analyzed in relationship with the imination degree and the influence of each component. It was found that the hydrogels are superabsorbent, have good adhesivity to skin and various surfaces and antimicrobial activity against relevant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, while being hemocompatible and biocompatible. Besides, the hydrogels are easily biodegraded in soil. All these properties recommend the studied hydrogels as ecofriendly biocidal agents for living tissues and surfaces, but also open the perspectives of their use as platform for in vivo applications in tissue engineering, wound healing, or drug delivery systems.

Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan Nanoparticles for Lithium Metal Ion

Nanoparticles have enormous potential application in drug delivery system. Chitosan nanoparticles have received plenty of attention due to their non-toxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability and controlled drug release. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the potential of chitosan-tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles as a carrier in the preparation of Lithium loaded chitosan nanoparticles. Lithium loaded chitosan-TPP nanoparticles were prepared by using Ionotropic gelation method. The cross linking between TPP and chitosan was determined by FTIR studies. The particle size and zeta potential of nanoparticles were studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analyser. The particle size for chitosan nanoparticles and Lithium loaded chitosan nanoparticles were found to be148.4 nm and 179.0 nm respectively. The zeta potential for chitosan nanoparticles and Lithium loaded chitosan nanoparticles were found to be+35.70mV and +29mV. These nanoparticles have good loading capacity of 11% for Lithium. These studies suggest that chitosan can complex TPP to form Lithium loaded nanoparticles. Key Words: Nanoparticles, Chitosan, Ionotropic Gelation, Lithium

Bletilla striata polysaccharide-coated andrographolide nanomicelles for targeted drug delivery to enhance anti-colon cancer efficacy.

Vitamin E, which is also known as tocopherol, is a compound with a polyphenol structure. Its esterified derivative, Vitamin E succinate (VES), exhibits unique anticancer and healthcare functions as well as immunomodulatory effects. Natural polysaccharides are proved to be a promising material for nano-drug delivery systems, which show excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility. In this study, we employed a novel bletilla striata polysaccharide-vitamin E succinate polymer (BSP-VES) micelles to enhance the tumor targeting and anti-colon cancer effect of andrographolide (AG). BSP-VES polymer was synthesized through esterification and its structure was confirmed using 1H NMR. AG@BSP-VES was prepared via the dialysis method and the drug loading, entrapment efficiency, stability, and safety were assessed. Furthermore, the tumor targeting ability of AG@BSP-VES was evaluated through targeted cell uptake and in vivo imaging. The antitumor activity of AG@BSP-VES was measured in vitro using MTT assay, Live&Dead cell staining, and cell scratch test. In this study, we successfully loaded AG into BSP-VES micelles (AG@BSP-VES), which exhibited good stability, biosafety and sustained release effect. In addition, AG@BSP-VES also showed excellent internalization capability into CT26 cells compared with NCM460 cells in vitro. Meanwhile, the specific delivery of AG@BSP-VES micelles into subcutaneous and in-situ colon tumors was observed compared with normal colon tissues in vivo during the whole experiment process (1-24 h). What's more, AG@BSP-VES micelles exhibited significant antitumor activities than BSP-VES micelles and free AG. The study provides a meaningful new idea and method for application in drug delivery system and targeted treatment of colon cancer based on natural polysaccharides.

Synthesis and Characterization of SiO2/nGO/Fe3O4/SeQDs Nanoparticles as Potential Nanocarriers in Drug Delivery Systems.

Herein, we constructed the branch-shaped SiO2/nano GO (nGO)/Fe3O4/selenium quantum dots (QDs) (SeQDs) nanoparticles (SGF/SeQDs) embodying magnetism, fluorescence, and microwave stimulus response properties to enhance the performance of releasing drugs. The SGF/SeQDs composite was characterized by technologies including powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, etc. In the nanoparticles, the branch-shaped SiO2 provides a large specific surface area, nGO as the dielectric loss-style material promotes microwave-absorbing performance, and the Fe3O4 serves as a magnetic targeting agent and microwave absorber. Integrating nGO and Fe3O4 could further strengthen the microwave absorption of the entire composite; selenium features both fluorescence and anticancer effects. The synthesized nanoparticles as carriers exhibited a branch-like mesoporous sphere of ∼260 nm, a specific surface area of 258.57 m2 g-1, a saturation magnetization of 24.59 emu g-1, and good microwave thermal conversion performance that the temperature was elevated from 25 to 70 °C under microwave irradiation. These physical characteristics, including large pore volume (5.30 nm), high specific surface area, and fibrous morphology, are in favor of loading drugs. Meanwhile, the cumulative etoposide (VP16) loading rate of the nanoparticles reached to 21 wt % after 360 min. The noncovalent interaction between the VP16 and SGF/SeQDs was mainly the hydrogen-bonding effect during the loading process. Furthermore, the drug release rates at 180 min were up to 81.46, 61.92, and 56.84 wt % at pH 4, 5, and 7, respectively. At 25, 37, and 50 °C, the rates of drug release reach 25.40, 56.84, and 65.32 wt %, respectively. After microwave stimulation at pH 7, the rate of releasing drug increased distinctly from 56.84 to 71.74 wt % compared to that of nonmicrowave irradiation. Cytotoxicity tests manifested that the carrier had good biocompatibility. Therefore, the nanoparticles are looking forward to paving one platform for further applications in biomedicine and drug delivery systems.

Explore the molecular mechanism of hydrogen bond regulation in deep eutectic solvents and co-amorphous phase transitions

Hydrogen bonding is an important intermolecular force that plays a crucial regulatory role in the phase transition of substances. Although it has been thermodynamically demonstrated that the solid-state form at room temperature is determined by the change in Tg depending on the mixing ratio. However, the molecular mechanisms of hydrogen bonding influencing the deep eutectic solvents (DES) and co-amorphous phase transition processes are still unclear. Therefore, in this study, miconazole nitrate (MN)-oxymatrine (OMT) DES (1:3) was prepared, along with the co-amorphous MN-OMT (2:1), to reveal the interaction mechanism of hydrogen bonding in the “liquid-solid” phase transition process. Firstly, the MN-OMT DES (1:3) and co-amorphous MN-OMT (2:1) were prepared by the solvent method. Secondly, FT-IR and NMR were used to study the interaction between MN-OMT DES (1:3), as well as the interaction between co-amorphous MN-OMT (2:1). The molecular mechanisms of DES and co-amorphous phase transition were explored through MD simulation and DFT computation. In addition, the essence of co-amorphous and DES formation was revealed through derivations based on the Henderson-Hasselbalch and Van’t Hoff equations, and the results of quantum calculations were verified. In summary, this study successfully prepared MN-OMT DES (1:3), as well as co-amorphous MN-OMT (2:1), and evaluated the molecular mechanisms of their phase transitions, which are of great significance for understanding the principles and regularities of DES and co-amorphous phase transition. This provides theoretical guidance for the development and application of novel DES and co-amorphous drug delivery systems.

Computational analysis of a four-flap valveless micropump (FFVM) for low reynolds number applications in microfluidic systems

Microfluidic systems are crucial in various fields including biological fluid handling and microelectronic cooling. Micropumps play a vital role in microfluidics. Valveless micropumps are the preferred choice in microfluidics because of their ability to minimize the risk of clogging and gently handle biological materials. In this comprehensive Four-Flap Valveless Micropump (FFVM) simulation, the fluid flow and associated deformation in the valveless micropump are analyzed. The oscillatory fluid motion generated by a straightforward reciprocating pumping mechanism is transformed into a unidirectional net flow by the micropump. This pump eliminates the need for intricate actuation mechanisms found in valve-based pumps while offering precise direction control. The input is given in terms of the Reynolds number or inflow velocity. In this study, the Reynolds numbers were changed from 16 to 50, which resulted in a positive correlation with the net flow rates, yielding a maximum net flow rate of 20.81 μl min−1 at a Reynolds number of 50. The influence of the average flow velocity is evident, with a peak net flow rate of 29.16 μl min−1 at 50 cm s−1. The FFVM showcases adaptability by delivering fluid within microfluidic pathways, holding promising applications in precision drug delivery systems.

Swirling Capillary Instability of Rivlin–Ericksen Liquid with Heat Transfer and Axial Electric Field

The mutual influences of the electric field, rotation, and heat transmission find applications in controlled drug delivery systems, precise microfluidic manipulation, and advanced materials’ processing techniques due to their ability to tailor fluid behavior and surface morphology with enhanced precision and efficiency. Capillary instability has widespread relevance in various natural and industrial processes, ranging from the breakup of liquid jets and the formation of droplets in inkjet printing to the dynamics of thin liquid films and the behavior of liquid bridges in microgravity environments. This study examines the swirling impact on the instability arising from the capillary effects at the boundary of Rivlin–Ericksen and viscous liquids, influenced by an axial electric field, heat, and mass transmission. Capillary instability arises when the cohesive forces at the interface between two fluids are disrupted by perturbations, leading to the formation of characteristic patterns such as waves or droplets. The influence of gravity and fluid flow velocity is disregarded in the context of capillary instability analyses. The annular region is formed by two cylinders: one containing a viscous fluid and the other a Rivlin–Ericksen viscoelastic fluid. The Rivlin–Ericksen model is pivotal for comprehending the characteristics of viscoelastic fluids, widely utilized in industrial and biological contexts. It precisely characterizes their rheological complexities, encompassing elasticity and viscosity, critical for forecasting flow dynamics in polymer processing, food production, and drug delivery. Moreover, its applications extend to biomedical engineering, offering insights crucial for medical device design and understanding biological phenomena like blood flow. The inside cylinder remains stationary, and the outside cylinder rotates at a steady pace. A numerically analyzed quadratic growth rate is obtained from perturbed equations using potential flow theory and the Rivlin–Ericksen fluid model. The findings demonstrate enhanced stability due to the heat and mass transfer and increased stability from swirling. Notably, the heat transfer stabilizes the interface, while the density ratio and centrifuge number also impact stability. An axial electric field exhibits a dual effect, with certain permittivity and conductivity ratios causing perturbation growth decay or expansion.

Progress in the Preparation and Application of Inulin-Based Hydrogels.

Inulin, a natural polysaccharide, has emerged as a promising precursor for the preparation of hydrogels due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural versatility. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent progress in the preparation, characterization, and diverse applications of inulin-based hydrogels. Different synthesis strategies, including physical methods (thermal induction and non-thermal induction), chemical methods (free-radical polymerization and chemical crosslinking), and enzymatic approaches, are discussed in detail. The unique properties of inulin-based hydrogels, such as stimuli-responsiveness, antibacterial activity, and their potential as fat replacers, are highlighted. Special emphasis is given to their promising applications in drug delivery systems, especially for colon-targeted delivery, due to the selective degradation of inulin via colonic microflora. The ability to incorporate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs further expands their therapeutic potential. In addition, the applications of inulin-based hydrogels in responsive materials, the food industry, wound dressings, and tissue engineering are discussed. While significant progress has been achieved, challenges and prospects in optimizing synthesis, improving mechanical properties, and exploring new functionalities are discussed. Overall, this review highlights the remarkable properties of inulin-based hydrogels as a promising class of biomaterials with immense potential in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and materials science fields.

Biomimetic Cancer-Targeting Nanoplatform Boosting AIEgens-Based Photodynamic Therapy and Ferroptosis by Disrupting Redox-Homeostasis.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using aggregation-induced emission photosensitizer (AIE-PS) holds tremendous potential but is limited by its inherent disadvantages and the high concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) in tumor cells that can neutralize ROS to weaken PDT. Herein, we designed a nanodelivery system (CM-HSADSP@[PS-Sor]) in which albumin was utilized as a carrier for hydrophobic drug AIE-PS and Sorafenib, cross-linkers with disulfide bonds were introduced to form a nanogel core, and then cancer cell membranes were wrapped on its surface to confer homologous tumor targeting ability. A two-way strategy was employed to disturb redox-homeostasis through blocking GSH synthesis by Sorafenib and consuming excess GSH via abundant disulfide bonds, thereby promoting the depletion of GSH, which in turn increased the ROS levels in cancer cells to amplify the efficacy of ferroptosis and PDT, achieving an efficient in vivo antibreast cancer effect. This study brings a new strategy for ROS-based cancer therapy and expands the application of an albumin-based drug delivery system.

Nanosponges: A Targeted Drug Delivery System

The latest advances in nanotechnology have resulted in the development of a targeted drug delivery system. However, in order to efficiently target a molecule to a specific place with a drug delivery system, a specialized drug delivery system is required. The discovery of nanosponge has been a big step toward overcoming challenges such as drug toxicity, low bioavailability, and predictable drug release because they can accept both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. Nanosponges, a newly developed colloidal system, have the potential to address concerns such as medicine toxicity, lower bioavailability, and drug release over a large region because they can be adjusted to operate with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic pharmaceuticals. Nanosponges are small structures with a three-dimensional network and porous hollow. Nanosponges are small structures with a three-dimensional network and porous hollow. They can be easily created by crosslinking cyclodextrins with various chemicals. Because of Cyclodextrin's excellent biocompatibility, stability, and safety, a number of Cyclodextrin-based drug delivery systems have been rapidly developed. The nanosponge drug delivery system has a wide range of applications, including cancer, autoimmune illnesses, theranostic uses, increased bioavailability, and stability. This review delves into the benefits and downsides, preparation procedures, factors influencing their preparation, characterisation techniques, applications, and the most recent advancements in nanosponges. Nanosponges can also act as an efficient carrier of enzymes, proteins, vaccines, and antibodies. The current review focuses on the method of preparation, characterisation, and possible application in drug delivery systems.

Novel Drug Delivery Systems: An Important Direction for Drug Innovation Research and Development.

The escalating demand for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced adverse effects in the pharmaceutical domain has catalyzed a new frontier of innovation and research in the field of pharmacy: novel drug delivery systems. These systems are designed to address the limitations of conventional drug administration, such as abbreviated half-life, inadequate targeting, low solubility, and bioavailability. As the disciplines of pharmacy, materials science, and biomedicine continue to advance and converge, the development of efficient and safe drug delivery systems, including biopharmaceutical formulations, has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally. This article presents an overview of the latest advancements in drug delivery systems, categorized into four primary areas: carrier-based and coupling-based targeted drug delivery systems, intelligent drug delivery systems, and drug delivery devices, based on their main objectives and methodologies. Additionally, it critically analyzes the technological bottlenecks, current research challenges, and future trends in the application of novel drug delivery systems.