Targeted Drug Delivery Systems Research Articles

Nanotechnology-Based Targeted Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Treatment

This study explores the mechanism of nanotechnology-based targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment, particularly focusing on the preparation and application of nanodrugs for specific types of cancer. The article first analyzes the physicochemical properties and drug delivery advantages of common carriers such as liposomes, gold nanoparticles, and polysaccharide nanoparticles. It then discusses the classification, preparation, and application of nanoparticle-based delivery systems and nanoemulsion-based delivery systems. Following this, the drug delivery mechanisms of nanodelivery systems are examined, particularly how pH, temperature, light, or magnetic field-responsive nanodelivery systems enable targeted release. Furthermore, this paper focuses on the compatibility of combined drugs, the stability of the mixture, and potential toxic side effects. Finally, while enhancing the therapeutic efficiency of drugs, nanotechnology-based targeted drug delivery systems offer new approaches for personalized cancer treatment and provide a theoretical foundation and reference for the future development of such systems.

Theoretical Modeling of the Interactions of CoFe2O4-BaTiO3 Magnetoelectric Nanoparticles with Cancer and Healthy Cells

Introduction: The effectiveness of pharmaceutical treatment methods is vital in cancer treatment. In this context, various targeted drug delivery systems are being developed to minimize or eliminate existing deficiencies and harms. This study aimed to model the interaction of MEN-based drug-targeting systems with cancer cells and determine the properties of interacting MENs. Methods: Magnetoelectric Nanostructures (MENs) have both targeting and nano-electroporation effects due to their ferroic properties. Among these structures, the most used nanoparticles as targeting mechanisms are CoFe2O4-BaTiO3 structures. For this purpose, the electrical field produced by MENs was modeled using MATLAB R2023b, and a theoretical data pool of appropriate physical properties was created. Testing and applying other magnetoelectric materials defined in the literature may be costly and time-consuming. Results: The problems with MENs can be eliminated by performing theoretical simulations of each material before proceeding with laboratory tests. Conclusion: By simulating the interaction of CoFe2O4-BaTiO3 MENs with cancer cells, physical properties affecting drug targeting were theoretically identified and a data pool of MENs with these properties was created.

Biodegradable and Stimuli-Responsive Nanomaterials for Targeted Drug Delivery in Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases present complex therapeutic challenges due to their chronic nature, systemic impact, and requirement for precise immunomodulation to avoid adverse side effects. Recent advancements in biodegradable and stimuli-responsive nanomaterials have opened new avenues for targeted drug delivery systems capable of addressing these challenges. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of state-of-the-art biodegradable nanocarriers such as polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and hydrogels engineered for targeted delivery in autoimmune therapies. These nanomaterials are designed to degrade safely in the body while releasing therapeutic agents in response to specific stimuli, including pH, temperature, redox conditions, and enzymatic activity. By achieving localized and controlled release of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents, these systems minimize systemic toxicity and enhance therapeutic efficacy. We discuss the underlying mechanisms of stimuli-responsive nanomaterials, recent applications in treating diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease, and the design considerations essential for clinical translation. Additionally, we address current challenges, including biocompatibility, scalability, and regulatory hurdles, as well as future directions for integrating advanced nanotechnology with personalized medicine in autoimmune treatment. This review highlights the transformative potential of biodegradable and stimuli-responsive nanomaterials, presenting them as a promising strategy to advance precision medicine and improve patient outcomes in autoimmune disease management.

Localised Therapies Using 3D‐Printed Collagen‐Based Micro‐Implant for Ocular Indications

AbstractCurrent limitations in treating retinal diseases like age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are due to the short ocular residence time of biologics and the difficulty of precise drug delivery. In turn, frequent injections are required, hindering patient compliance, and increasing healthcare costs. This study explores the development of a collagen‐based implant using 3D bioprinting platform to address these challenges. The implant offers dual functionalities: i) sustained and localized drug delivery using in situ polymerization collagen (IPC) to act as reservoirs for prolonged release of biologics to the target tissue and ii) scaffold stability through the incorporation of methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HAMA) to enhance the mechanical properties of the IPC implant, making it suitable for 3D printing of targeted drug delivery systems. This data demonstrates that IPC‐HAMA implants exhibit slow drug release and scaffold stability for over 80 days. Additionally, 3D bioprinting enables precise targeting and volumetric control within the simulated vitreous humor, overcoming challenges associated with traditional injection methods. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize drug delivery and localized tissue therapy for retinal diseases.

Development, Optimization, and Evaluation of Rutin-Loaded Liposomes in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease, progressively distinctive via cartilage destruction, auto-antibody production, severe joint pain, and synovial inflammation. Nanotechnology represents one of the utmost promising scientific technologies of the 21st century. Nanocarriers could be the key to unlocking its potential by encapsulating Rutin in targeted drug delivery systems, potentially for targeted Rheumatoid arthritis therapy. The rationale of current research is to prepare liposomes loaded with a bioflavonoid drug rutin for effective management of rheumatoid arthritis. This study investigated the formulation of rutin liposomes using the thinfilm hydration technique, also known as the Bangham method. A Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize the formulation parameters. The LP2 batch was then characterized for its mean particle size, zeta potential, shape, diffraction pattern, and thermal properties. Finally, the in-vitro anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of the rutin liposomes were evaluated using appropriate assays. Out of thirteen batches, LP2 was found to be an optimized batch with a mean particle size of 167.1 nm, zeta potential -13.50 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 61.22%. The above results showed higher stability of rutin liposomes. Further characterization of LP2 for morphological assessment, XRD analysis, and DSC revealed its spherical shape less than 1 μm, polycrystalline nature, and thermographic peak at 139°C, respectively. Evaluation of the antioxidant properties and antiinflammatory potential of LP2 revealed its maximum therapeutic potential in the reduction of inflammation and protein denaturation when evaluated via in-vitro assays. Rutin liposomal formulation has tremendous potential for the management of Rheumatoid arthritis due to its enhanced bioavailability, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties when compared to free rutin.

Recent Advancement in Inhaled Nano-drug Delivery for Pulmonary, Nasal, and Nose-to-brain Diseases.

Pulmonary, nasal, and nose-to-brain diseases involve clinical approaches, such as bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, oxygen therapy, antibiotics, antihistamines, nasal steroids, decongestants, intranasal drug delivery, neurostimulation, and surgery to treat patients. However, systemic medicines have serious adverse effects, necessitating the development of inhaled formulations that allow precise drug delivery to the airways with minimum systemic drug exposure. Particle size, surface charge, biocompatibility, drug capacity, and mucoadhesive are unique chemical and physical features that must be considered for pulmonary and nasal delivery routes due to anatomical and permeability considerations. The traditional management of numerous chronic diseases has a variety of drawbacks. As a result, targeted medicine delivery systems that employ nanotechnology enhancer drug efficiency and optimize the overall outcome are created. The pulmonary route is one of the most essential targeted drug delivery systems because it allows the administering of drugs locally and systemically to the lungs, nasal cavity, and brain. Furthermore, the lungs' beneficial characteristics, such as their ability to inhibit first-pass metabolism and their thin epithelial layer, help treat several health complications. The potential to serve as noninvasive self-administration delivery sites of the lung and nasal routes is discussed in this script. New methods for treating respiratory and some systemic diseases with inhalation have been explored and highlight particular attention to using specialized nanocarriers for delivering various drugs via the nasal and pulmonary pathways. The design and development of inhaled nanomedicine for pulmonary, nasal, and respiratory medicine applications is a potential approach for clinical translation.

Aptamers in dentistry: diagnosis, therapeutics, and future perspectives.

Oral health is essential to general health. The diagnosis of dental diseases and treatment planning of dental care need to be straightforward and accurate. Recent studies have reported the use of aptamers in dentistry to achieve a simple diagnosis and facilitate therapy. Aptamers comprise nucleic acid sequences that possess a strong affinity for their target. Synthesized chemically, aptamers have several advantages, including smaller size, higher stability, and lower immunogenicity compared with monoclonal antibodies. They can be used to detect biomarkers in saliva and the presence of various pathogens, or can be used as a targeted drug delivery system for disease treatment. This review highlights current research on aptamers for dental care, especially the recent progress in oral disease diagnosis and therapeutics. The challenges and unresolved problems faced by the clinical use of aptamers are also discussed. In the future, the clinical applications of aptamers will be further extended to include, for example, dental indications and regenerative dentistry.

Novel Carbohydrate Polymer-Based Systems for Precise Drug Delivery in Colon Cancer: Improving Treatment Effectiveness With Intelligent Biodegradable Materials.

Due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and controlled release, carbohydrates polymers are crucial to targeted drug delivery systems, notably for colon cancer treatment. This article examines how carbohydrate polymers like chitosan, pectin, guar gum, alginate, hyaluronic acid, dextran, and chondroitin sulfate are used in improved drug delivery. Modifying these polymers improves drug loading, stability, and release patterns, enhancing chemotherapeutic drugs' therapeutic index. Chitosan nanoparticles are pH-responsive, making them perfect for cancer treatment. Pectin's resistance to gastric enzymes and colonic bacteria makes it a promising colon-specific medication delivery agent. The combination of these polymers with nanotechnology, 3D printing, and AI allows the creation of stimuli-responsive systems that release drugs precisely in response to environmental signals like pH, redox potential, or colon enzymatic activity. The review highlights intelligent delivery system design advances that reduce systemic toxicity, improve treatment efficacy, and improve patient adherence. Carbohydrate polymers will revolutionize colon cancer treatment with personalized and accurate alternatives.

Systematic review: Mechanisms of photoactive nanocarriers for imaging and therapy including controlled drug delivery.

The design of smart, photoactivated nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery systems (DDS) has garneredsignificant research interest due in part to the ability of light to precisely control drug release in specific cells ortissues with high spatial and temporal resolution. The development of effective light-triggered DDS involvesmechanisms including photocleavage, photoisomerization, photopolymerization, photosensitization, photothermalphenomena, and photorearrangement, which permit response to ultraviolet (UV), visible (Vis), and/or Near Infrared(NIR) light. This review explores recent advancements in light-responsive small molecules, polymers, andnanocarriers, detailing their underlying mechanisms and utility for drug delivery and/or imaging. Furthermore, ithighlights key challenges and future perspectives in the development of light-triggered DDS, emphasizing thepotential of these systems to revolutionize targeted therapies. A systematic literature search was performed using Google Scholar as the primary database and information source.We searched the recently published literature (within 15 years) with the following keywords individually and inrelevant combinations: light responsive, nanoparticle, drug release, mechanism, photothermal, photosensitization,photopolymerization, photocleavage, and photoisomerization. We selected 117 scientific articles to assess the strength of evidence after screening titles and abstracts. We foundthat six mechanisms (photocleavage, photoisomerization, photopolymerization, photosensitization, photothermalphenomena, and photorearrangement) have primarily been used for light-triggered drug release and categorized ourreview accordingly. Azobenzene/spiropyran-based derivatives and o-nitrobenzyl/Coumarin derivatives are often usedfor photoisomerization and photocleavage-enabled drug delivery, while free radical polymerization and cationicpolymerization comprise two main mechanisms of photopolymerization. One hundred two is the primary active radical oxygenspecies employed for photosensitization, which is a key factor that impacts the therapeutic effects in Photodynamictherapy, but not in photothermal therapy. The comprehensive review serves as a guiding compass for light-triggered DDS for biomedical applications. Thisrapidly advancing field is poised to generate breakthroughs for disease diagnosis and treatment.

Advances in Tumor Inhibition by Repolarized M2 Macrophages

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the occurrence, growth, and metastasis of tumors. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), derived from bone marrow precursor cells, exhibit functional plasticity by polarizing into either pro-tumor M2 or anti-tumor M1 phenotypes depending on the microenvironment. This paper explores the advantages and limitations of targeted drug delivery systems using nanocarriers for the repolarization of M2 macrophages into M1 macrophages within the TME. While passive targeted transport techniques allow drug-carrying nanomedicine to selectively accumulate in tumor regions, the efficacy is often hindered by the host's immune response and the inherent toxicity of certain nanomaterials. This review summarizes the current landscape of nanocarriers, emphasizing the need for future research to explore novel nanomaterials and expand the database of drug delivery systems to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, the potential of polarized macrophage-targeted therapies remains underexplored, suggesting a critical area for future breakthroughs.

Synthesis and Characterization of 5-Fluoroacil Loaded Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles for Targeted Cancer Therapy

Chemotherapy is often limited by its systemic toxicity and lack of specificity, necessitating the development of targeted drug delivery systems that can enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Addressing this, our study aimed to synthesize and characterize 5-Fluorouracil loaded calcium carbonate nanoparticles derived from cockle shells. The research aimed at increasing site-specific drug release and reducing cytotoxicity. The nanoparticles were prepared using a simple co-precipitation method, ensuring eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness. The encapsulation of 5-FU was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which revealed an increase in nanoparticle size from 19.2 ± 2.284 nm for the unloaded ones to 34.8 ± 4.066 nm for the 5-FU-loaded CaCO3 NPs. In vitro release studies demonstrated a pH-sensitive release profile, with more rapid drug release at pH 4.8 compared to pH 7.3. Biocompatibility assays on the HS-27 human skin fibroblast cell line indicated high cell viability, with over 90% maintained even at high nanoparticle concentrations (1000 µg/mL). In addition, cytotoxicity assays on the SW480 (primary colon cancer) and SW620 (metastatic colon cancer) cell lines showed a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability and demonstrated a more controlled and sustained release compared to free 5-FU, resulting in higher cell viability at all time points and concentra-tions. The 5-FU-loaded CaCO3 NPs significantly reduced the immediate cytotoxic effects observed with free 5-FU while effectively targeting cancer cells. These findings suggest that the 5-FU-CaCO3 NPs offer a promising alternative to conventional chemotherapy, providing targeted drug delivery with the potential for reduced systemic toxicity and enhanced therapeutic efficacy.

Nanotheranostics for gynecological cancers: a path forward for Africa.

Nanoparticle-based therapies represent a transformative approach to managing gynecological cancers, offering targeted treatment strategies that minimize harm to healthy tissues while maximizing therapeutic efficacy. Despite their potential, implementing these advanced treatments in Africa is needed by a complex interplay of technological, economic, regulatory, and ethical challenges. This paper examines the current landscape of nanoparticle-based therapies, identifying critical barriers to their adoption, including inadequate infrastructure, high costs, and insufficient regulatory frameworks. Technological deficiencies manifest as a need for advanced nanoparticle synthesis, delivery, and diagnostics equipment, impeding research and clinical applications. Economically, the high production costs of nanoparticles, compounded by limited access to advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, create significant financial barriers for healthcare systems and patients alike. Additionally, the regulatory environment needs to be more cohesive, characterized by a lack of established protocols and expertise to evaluate the unique properties of nanomedicines. However, opportunities for advancement exist through focused research and development initiatives. Targeted drug delivery systems, early detection methods, and immunotherapy integration are promising avenues to enhance treatment outcomes. Collaborative partnerships between African institutions and international research entities, alongside public-private collaborations, could bolster local capabilities in nanomedicine. To facilitate the integration of nanoparticle-based therapies, African governments must prioritize funding for nanomedicine research, create robust regulatory frameworks, and ensure equitable access to these innovative treatments. A concerted effort involving policy reforms, investment, and collaboration is essential for overcoming existing barriers and realizing the full potential of nanoparticle-based therapies in improving health outcomes for gynecological cancer patients across Africa.

Intensification of Invasive Fungal Infections and Exploration of Effective Antifungal Drug Delivery Formulations: A Detailed Review.

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose a significant global health threat, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. These infections can lead to severe illness and death, placing a significant financial burden on healthcare systems. Fungi were not previously considered a substantial risk to human health, but this perception changed with the rise of the HIV epidemic. The emergence of drug-resistant fungal strains further complicates the man-agement of these infections, highlighting the urgent need for effective antifungal therapies. Addressing this challenge requires innovative approaches and antifungal drug delivery for-mulations as promising strategies. This article explores the role of effective antifungal drug delivery formulations in combating the rise of IFIs. These formulations, ranging from lipid-based systems like liposomes and lipid emulsions to polymeric nanoparticles and micropar-ticles, offer several advantages over conventional drug delivery methods. Optimizing these formulations may improve drug efficacy, reduce the risk of drug resistance, and enhance pa-tient outcomes. Furthermore, advancements in nanotechnology and targeted drug delivery systems hold promise in overcoming existing limitations and expanding the scope of antifun-gal therapies.

Smart Design of Targeted Drug Delivery System for Precise Drug Delivery and Visual Treatment of Brain Gliomas.

In the treatment of glioma, which is one of the malignant tumors, although chemotherapy is used as the most common treatment method, it often suffers from low bioavailability. Therefore, improving the precision and efficiency of drugs is crucial in treating gliomas and a great challenge. Here, an advanced drug delivery system is reported for gliomas (CZQD@HA@DOX), which aggregates multiple features such as the susceptible imaging tracer property due to the use of CZQD and the targeting of HA to the receptor cluster 44 (CD44) of glioma cells, which provides the system with the functions of targeted enrichment and precise drug delivery at the tumor site. The pH-responsive drug delivery system has not only an excellent encapsulation rate but also a high drug loading capacity, and the doxorubicin loaded on it can be released centrally at the tumor microenvironment site and causes an increase of reactive oxygen species in the mitochondria and trigger oxidative stress, which leads to high expression of Bax apoptotic proteins, ultimately activating the mitochondrial pathway-mediated apoptotic process in glioma cells. Overall, this drug delivery system has great potential for application in precision targeted therapy and visual tracer imaging of gliomas.

Dual-Targeted Drug Delivery to Myeloid Leukemia Cells via Complement- and Transferrin-Based Protein Corona.

Although traditionally regarded as an impediment, the protein corona can facilitate the advancement of targeted drug delivery systems. This study presents an innovative approach for targeting acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using nanoparticles with agglutinated protein (NAPs). Agglutinated transferrin and C3b in NAPs selectively bind to CD71 and CD11b, receptors that are overexpressed on myeloid leukemic cells compared to nonmalignant cells. In vitro, NAPs achieved a 73.9% doxorubicin (DOX) uptake in leukemic cells, compared to 6.19% for the free drug, while significantly reducing off-target accumulation in normal cells from 42.9% to 5.76%. In vivo, the distribution of NAPs correlated to the organ infiltration pattern of leukemic cells. NAPs demonstrated antileukemic activity in both in vitro and in vivo NSG mouse models, inducing cell death via apoptosis and ferroptosis. In conclusion, NAP-mediated targeted drug delivery represents a promising therapeutic strategy for AML, enhancing treatment efficacy and minimizing off-target effects.

Fluorinated chitosan mediated transepithelial delivery of sanguinarine-loaded platinum (IV) prodrug for intravesical instillation therapy of muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy is first-line strategy to inhibit progression and metastasis of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). However, its clinical efficacy is often limited by drug resistance and severe systemic side effects, highlighting the urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches. Despite advancements in cisplatin-based regimens, research on intravesical cisplatin delivery systems remains scarce. In this study, we developed an amphiphilic platinum(IV) prodrug micellar platform (Pt (IV)-DI-PEG) capable of efficiently encapsulating sanguinarine (San), which was further coated with fluorinated chitosan (FCS) to construct San@Pt(IV)-DI-PEG@FCS nanoparticles (SPFNPs) for intravesical instillation even targeting MIBC. The resulting SPFNPs demonstrated several advantages: the FCS coating facilitated enhanced trans-epithelial drug delivery by regulating bladder epithelial tight junction proteins, enabling efficient intravesical administration; Second, the glutathione (GSH)-responsive reduction of the Pt(IV) prodrug promoted tumor-targeted release of San and localized accumulation of Pt(II), while simultaneously depleting intracellular GSH. Furthermore, the released San induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, oxidative cleavage and inhibit the activation and function of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, collectively impairing nucleotide-excision repair and preventing the elimination of Pt-DNA adducts, resulting in persistent DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in tumor cells. The synergistic effects of San and cisplatin were validated in both orthotopic mouse models and patient-derived orthotopic xenograft, demonstrating robust anti-tumor efficacy. This study underscores the potential of intravesical cisplatin formulations as a promising strategy for MIBC treatment, offering a shift from traditional systemic chemotherapy towards localized, targeted drug delivery systems.

Advancements in Ocular Modelling and Simulations: Key Considerations and Case Studies.

This review paper discusses the key aspects of ocular biopharmaceutics, with emphasis on the crucial role played by ocular compartmental modelling and simulation in deciphering physiological conditions related to various eye diseases. It describes eye's intricate structure and function and the need for precise and targeted drug delivery systems to address prevalent eye conditions. The review categorizes and discusses various formulations employed in ocular drug delivery, delineating their respective advantages and limitations. Additionally, it probes the challenges inherent in diverse routes of drug administration for ocular therapies and provides insights into the complexities of achieving optimal drug concentrations at the target site within the eye. The central theme of this work is the ocular compartmental modelling and simulations. Hence, this works discusses on the nuanced understanding of physiological conditions within the eye, drug distribution, drug release kinetics, and key considerations for ocular compartmental modelling and simulations. By combining information from various sources, this review aims to serve as a comprehensive reference for researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical developers. It covers the multifaceted landscape of ocular biopharmaceutics and the transformative impact of modelling and simulation in optimizing ocular drug delivery strategies.

Innovative Biotherapies and Nanotechnology in Osteoarthritis: Advancements in Inflammation Control and Cartilage Regeneration.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is among the most prevalent degenerative joint disorders worldwide, particularly affecting the aging population and imposing significant disability and economic burdens. The disease is characterized by progressive degradation of articular cartilage and chronic inflammation, with no effective long-term treatments currently available to address the underlying causes of its progression. Conventional therapies primarily manage symptoms such as pain and inflammation but fail to repair damaged tissues. Emerging biotherapies and regenerative medicine approaches offer promising alternatives by addressing cartilage repair and inflammation control at the molecular level. This review explores the recent advancements in biotherapeutic strategies, including mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, growth factors, and tissue engineering, which hold the potential for promoting cartilage regeneration and modulating the inflammatory microenvironment. Additionally, the integration of nanotechnology has opened new avenues for targeted drug delivery systems and the development of innovative nanomaterials that can further enhance the efficacy of biotherapies by precisely targeting inflammation and cartilage damage. This article concludes by discussing the current clinical applications, the ongoing clinical trials, and the future research directions necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of these advanced therapies for OA management. With these advancements, biotherapies combined with nanotechnology may revolutionize the future of OA treatment by offering precise and effective solutions for long-term disease management and improved patient outcomes.

Gold nanoparticle encapsulated hybrid MOF: synthesis, characterization, and co-drug delivery of 5-fluorouracil and curcumin

The unique features of Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs), including structural flexibility, high surface area, and variable pore size, have drawn attention in cancer therapy. However, despite advances in surface functionalization, engineering structural features, and porosity, achieving controlled release, stability, scalability, and toxicity remains a challenge. The current study reports gold nanoparticle (AuNP) encapsulated dual metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) comprising zeolitic imidazolate (ZIF8) and cobalt-imidazole (ZIF67) by a simple precipitation method for dual drug delivery applications. This combination associates the advantages of AuNPs and MOFs, creating a potent platform for cancer theranostics that combines diagnosis and treatment into one unit. The synthesized composite (AuNPs@ZIF-8/ZIF-67) is functionalized with Folic acid (FA) and loaded with the anticancer agents Curcumin (C) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for co-drug delivery The synthesized composites, namely Au/ZIF8, Au/ZIF8/ZIF67/FA, Au/ZIF8/ZIF67/FA/5-FU, and Au/ZIF8/ZIF67/FA/5-FU/C were characterized using diverse analytical techniques such as FESEM, XRD, FTIR, TEM, and BET. The characterization methods showed that the hybrid MOF structure was stable and intact after AuNP encapsulation and drug loading. The dual MOF composite exhibits a better affinity for loading C and 5-FU with 60% and 40% drug loading capacity, respectively. The simultaneous drug release studies suggest that AuNPs@ZIF-8/ZIF-67 are more responsive to the acidic pH and show a higher cumulative drug release of 5FU and C at the lower value of pH 5. For further validation, the release kinetics data were fitted into the Korsmeyer-Peppas model in the current study. The observed value of n which is less than 0.5 suggests the pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism for drug release, demonstrating long-term release of 5FU and C from Au/ZIF8/ZIF67/FA/5-FU/C. The targeted drug delivery system is anticipated to display synergistic therapeutic efficacy from the combined effect of the two anticancer agents and the pH-responsive nature of ZIF systems.

Non-Ionic Surfactant Vesicles (Niosomes): Structure, Functions, Classification and its Advances in Enhanced Drug Delivery.

Non-ionic surfactant vesicles, commonly known as niosomes, have gained significant attention in the field of drug delivery because of their unique properties and advantages. Niosomes are self-assembled vesicles composed of non-ionic surfactants and cholesterol that can entrap both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs within their aqueous core or bilayer. This versatile drug delivery system offers improved stability, prolonged release profiles, reduced toxicity, and enhanced efficacy for a wide range of therapeutic agents. This comprehensive article delves into the structure, function, classification, and advances in niosomes for enhanced drug delivery. It explores various nonionic surfactants used for niosome formulation and discusses their impact on encapsulation efficiency and stability. Moreover, it highlights the application of niosomes in the delivery of small molecules, proteins, and plant-derived natural products. This article provides an overview of the different formulation methods employed for niosome preparation and discusses recent advancements that have expanded their potential applications in targeted drug delivery systems.