Topical Drug Delivery Research Articles

Luliconazole Nail Lacquer for the Treatment of Onychomycosis: Formulation, Characterization and In Vitro and Ex Vivo Evaluation.

Onychomycosis is the most common fungal infection of the nail affecting the skin under the fingertips and the toes. Currently, available therapy for onychomycosis includes oral and topical therapies, either alone or in combination. Oral antifungal medication has been associated with poor drug bioavailability and potential gastrointestinal and systemic side effects. The objective of this study was to prepare and evaluate the luliconazole nail lacquer (LCZ-NL) for the effective treatment of onychomycosis. In the current work, LCZ-NL was formulated in combination with penetration enhancers to overcome poor penetration. A 32 full factorial formulation design of experiment (DOE) was applied for optimization of batches with consideration of dependent (drying time, viscosity, and rate of drug diffusion) and independent (solvent ratio and film former ratio) variables. The optimized formulation was selected based on drying time, viscosity, and rate of drug diffusion. The optimized formulation was further evaluated for % non-volatile content assay, smoothness of flow, water resistance, drug content, scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in vitro drug release, ex vivo transungual permeation, antifungal efficacy, and stability study. The optimized LCZ-NL contained 70:30 solvent ratio and 1:1 film former ratio and was found to have ~ 1.79-fold higher rate of drug diffusion in comparison with LULY™. DSC and XRD studies confirmed that luliconazole retains its crystalline property in the prepared formulation. Antifungal study against Trichophyton spp. showed that LCZ-NL has comparatively higher growth inhibition than LULY™. Hence, developed LCZ-NL can be a promising topical drug delivery system for treating onychomycosis.

Formulation and Characterization of Piroxicam Emulgel for Topical Drug Delivery

The aim and objective of this research work was to formulate and evaluate Piroxicam Emugel for topical drug delivery. Various concentration of gelling agent were used for preparation of Piroxicam Emugel along with emulsifiers Tween-80 and Span-80 with glycerine as a humectants. The Clove oil and eucalyptus oil were used as permeation enhancer. The formulated Emulgel was characterized for their physical appearance, pH determination, spreadability, extrudability, drug content, in vitro drug release and stability studies. According to our results, the range of pH of the formulations was from 5.6±0.2 to 6.8±0.3 for final batches which is considered acceptable. Formulation F3, F4, F6 and F7 spreadability was found to be 32.03 ± 0.54 g.cm/sec, 30.79±0.2 g.cm/sec, 26.41±0.51 g.cm/sec and 30.44±0.6 g.cm/sec respectively. The Formulation F5 and F8 was prepared with higher concentration of carbopol i.e. 1.5 g were of in stiff category and the spreadabilty value found to be 18.14±0.36 g.cm/sec and 20.30±0.34 g.cm/sec respectively. The percentage swelling index was (F5, F6, F7 and F8) found to be 44.24 %, 27.35%, 31.98 % and 46.38 respectively. Extrudability of Formulation F5 and F8 was less i.e. 17.32± 0.5 gm/cm2 and 20.39±0.58 gm/cm2 respectively as containing higher concentration of polymer. Formulation F3, F4, F6, F7 having optimum concentration of polymer extrudability was good i.e. 30.47±0.52 gm/cm2, 27.39±0.6 gm/cm2, 29.49±0.56 gm/cm2 and 26.90±0.6 gm/cm2 respectively. Extrudability was decreased with an increase in concentration of Carbopol. Invitro drug release (98.45% in 8h) from the Emulgel, batch F7 was concluded as optimized batch. Drug release was in following order F5< F1< F3< F2< F4< F8 < F6 < F7. Presence of two Penetration enhancer’s Clove oil and Eucalyptus oil has resulted in better performance as compared to other formulations. All these developed emugel formulation have acceptable physical properties, hence F7 can be considered as the optimized formulation. From this research, the formulated Emulgel of Piroxicam would be an effective alternative to conventional delivery of Piroxicam for the management of pain and inflammation.

Wearable battery-free theranostic dental patch for wireless intraoral sensing and drug delivery

Dental caries caused by oral microbiome dysbiosis with the elevation of acidogenic bacteria is the most prevalent non-communicable disease worldwide. Early prevention and timely fluoride treatment are crucial for caries lesion management. Herein, to address the challenges of in situ sensing and topical drug delivery within the oral cavity, a miniaturized, battery-free, and wearable dental patch system was developed for microenvironment monitoring and controlled fluoride treatment. With the integration of near-field communication, the dental patch realizes wireless energy harvesting and data transmission with mobile terminals like smartphones when attached conformally to the tooth surface. The acidic microenvironment caused by bacterial metabolism are electrochemically detected, while fluorides can be delivered locally from the electric-responsive drug delivery electrode for on-demand treatment. As flexible electronics armed to the teeth, this intraoral theranostic wearable system provides an inspiring platform for point-of-care monitoring and treatment of dental caries and oral diseases.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Face Toner

Natural remedies have lesser side effects, secure and also aceeptable than chemical ones. In the world market, formulations with natural ingredients have more accesible. For delivering the drug imediately to the site of action, which gives prolonged action is the benefits of topical drug delivery system. Skin is the main path of delivery of drug in TDDS. The ingredients are easily available which are being used. They are not only easily available but also has nutritional value from topical point of view and more economical. To formulate and evaluate the formulation is the motive of this project. It is natural and safe herbal preparation which gives calming, soothing and astringent effect on the face. The natural ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber also the pippermint, lemmongrass and rose water used in the formulation. It having ability to reduce the facial irritation as well as to enhance beauty. We can use it in our daily busy schedule. Face toner is estimated for its physicochemical properties, surface tension, pH and stability. Most popular advantages of herbal cosmetics are, they are non toxic in nature and they having tendancy to reduce allergic reactions. The main reason behind this study, we found good properties of the face toner.

Effect of Vehicle Composition on the Preparation of Different Types of Dapsone Crystals for Topical Drug Delivery.

Topical formulations composed of API-pure crystals have been increasingly studied, especially in regards to the impact of particle size in penetration efficiency. Less attention, however, has been devoted to the solid-state properties of drugs delivered to the skin. In this study, we address the effect of formulation composition on the crystal form existing in topical products. Dapsone (DAP) gel formulations were prepared by mixing an organic solution containing DAP with an aqueous solution containing polymers and preservatives. The organic solvent was chosen as ethoxydiglycol (DEGEE), polyethylene glycol (PEG), or 1-methyl-2-pirrolidone (MPR) to assess the impact of composition on DAP crystal form. Such solvent variations resulted in different particulate matter. In terms of crystalline nature, the presence of DEGEE in formulations induced the crystallization of DAP hydrate, while PEG cocrystal and a mixture of hydrate and MPR solvate crystallized from the same amounts of PEG and MPR, respectively. Microscopic analysis of the gels showed heterogeneous particles with different characteristics. The behavior of gels after application to the skin was also tested. Interestingly, the different formulations seemed to accumulate in different regions of the skin. This could be the result of the effect of vehicle composition/excipients on the characteristics of the skin, such as hydration. The site-specific accumulation, however, was more pronounced in crystal-loaded gels as opposed to blank formulations. These results indicate that future studies should consider the effect of formulation composition on the API crystal form landscape as part of the strategies used to successfully target drug delivery to the skin.

Electrospun nanofibers a novel treatment for localized applications

In the present review we mainly discussed about various methods used to fabricate the electrospun nanofibers along with the localize applica tions are highlighted. Electrospun nanofibers are majorly used in the biomedical applications nowadays. These applications includes topical antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory as well as for treatment of burn infections, treatment of wound, reduction of deposited adipose tissues from skin, for treatment of eczema, for treatment of topical anti-glaucoma etc. The polymers are used to fabricate nanofibers by considering the various factors affecting formulation. As the size of nanofibers is less than 500nm & other advantages by meance of which we can choose it for localize applications. This information can withstand for further development & up gradation of topical drug delivery system by using nanofibers.

Adapting Clofazimine for Treatment of Cutaneous Tuberculosis by Using Self-Double-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems.

Although chemotherapeutic treatment regimens are currently available, and considerable effort has been lavished on the development of new drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), the disease remains deeply intractable and widespread. This is due not only to the nature of the life cycle and extraordinarily disseminated habitat of the causative pathogen, principally Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), in humans and the multi-drug resistance of Mtb to current drugs, but especially also to the difficulty of enabling universal treatment of individuals, immunocompromised or otherwise, in widely differing socio-economic environments. For the purpose of globally eliminating TB by 2035, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the “End-TB” initiative by employing interventions focusing on high impact, integrated and patient-centered approaches, such as individualized therapy. However, the extraordinary shortfall in stipulated aims, for example in actual treatment and in TB preventative treatments during the period 2018–2022, latterly and greatly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, means that even greater pressure is now placed on enhancing our scientific understanding of the disease, repurposing or repositioning old drugs and developing new drugs as well as evolving innovative treatment methods. In the specific context of multidrug resistant Mtb, it is furthermore noted that the incidence of extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB) has significantly increased. This review focusses on the potential of utilizing self-double-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SDEDDSs) as topical drug delivery systems for the dermal route of administration to aid in treatment of cutaneous TB (CTB) and other mycobacterial infections as a prelude to evaluating related systems for more effective treatment of CTB and other mycobacterial infections at large. As a starting point, we consider here the possibility of adapting the highly lipophilic riminophenazine clofazimine, with its potential for treatment of multi-drug resistant TB, for this purpose. Additionally, recently reported synergism achieved by adding clofazimine to first-line TB regimens signifies the need to consider clofazimine. Thus, the biological effects and pharmacology of clofazimine are reviewed. The potential of plant-based oils acting as emulsifiers, skin penetration enhancers as well as these materials behaving as anti-microbial components for transporting the incorporated drug are also discussed.

Development and characterization of niosomal gel of fusidic acid: in-vitro and ex-vivo approaches

ABSTRACT Niosomes are multilamellar vesicles that efficiently deliver active substance into skin systemic circulation or skin layers. They are used in topical drug delivery system to enhance the skin permeation of active substance. So, the prime objective of this study was to develop a niosomal gel of fusidic acid to increase its skin permeation. Different formulations of niosomes of fusidic acid were designed by varying the cholesterol to surfactant ratio. Formulations containing fusidic acid, cholesterol, dihexadecyl pyridinium chloride, Span 60, or Tween 60 were prepared by thin film hydration method in rotary evaporator. The thin film formed in rotary flask was hydrated by phosphate buffer saline of pH 7.2. The niosomes formed were characterized through entrapment efficiency, size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential. The S3 formulation containing span 60 showed the highest entrapment efficiency (EE) of niosomes, so it was incorporated into Carbopol gel. Determination of pH, spreadability, rheological, and ex vivo permeation studies was conducted of niosomal gel. The results of ex vivo permeation studies showed high permeation of fusidic acid when gel was applied to an albino rat skin. According to the results and previous studies of niosomes, it can be concluded that niosomes enhanced the permeation of fusidic acid through the skin.

Formulation, Characterization, and Antibacterial Study of Microsponge- Loaded Gel of Clarithromycin for Topical Drug Delivery

Background: Microsponge drug delivery systems comprise spherical and porous micro-spheres for prolonged topical drug delivery. These systems considerably reduce the undesirable side effects, offering improved patient compliance and reduced dosing frequency. Objective: The present study focused on developing topical controlled release preparations of microsponges-loaded gel of clarithromycin to cure bacterial skin infections. Materials and Methods: Four batches of microsponges (F1, F2, F3, and F4) of clarithromycin (CLR) containing fixed amounts of clarithromycin (100 mg), dichloromethane (5 ml), polyvinyl al-cohol (5 % w/v) and distilled water (25 ml) with varying polymer concentrations were prepared by the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method and evaluated for % Production Yield, % drug content, % encapsulation efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and % drug release characteris-tics. The selected microsponge formulation (F3) was incorporated in Carpopol 934 gel for topical application. The prepared gel (CLRMS-F3 Gel) was evaluated for physical characteristics, pH, spreadability, viscosity, and in vitro drug release. Furthermore, the gel formulation was compared with pure clarithromycin gel for antibacterial activity against the gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative strain (E. coli.) using the cup and plate method. Results and Discussion: The F3 microsponge formulation exhibited a production yield of 83.75%, drug content (21.5 ± 0.50 %), and encapsulation efficiency of 86.04 ± 2.30%. Their particle size was satisfactory (3.80 ± 0.01 μm), and they were found to be spherical and porous in nature. F3 microsponges released 69.36 ± 1.27% of the drug over a period of 8 hrs and were incorporated into the gel formulations. The gel prepared using F3 microsponges was transparent, homogenous, and exhibited a pH of 6.8 ± 0.02, spreadability of 9.92 ± 0.44 g/cm, and viscosity of 35370.17 ± 493.09 centipoises. The CLRMS-F3 gel released 82.13 ± 0.47% drug in 12 hrs using a zero-order kinetic. The antibacterial activity studies revealed a higher potency against both S. aureus and E. coli of the prepared CLRMS-F3 gel compared to pure CLR gel and azithromycin standard. Conclusion: Based on the above study, it may be concluded that microsponges’ gel formulation can be potentially useful in improving topical drug delivery of antibacterial agents and can give better therapeutic efficacy.

Luliconazole Topical Dermal Drug Delivery for Superficial Fungal Infections: Penetration Hurdles and Role of Functional Nanomaterials.

Luliconazole is the first and only anti-fungal agent approved for the short-term treatment of superficial fungal infections. However, commercially available conventional topical dermal drug delivery cargo of luliconazole is associated with certain limitations, like lower skin permeation and shorter skin retention of drug. Therefore, the present review is an attempt to unravel the penetration hurdles in luliconazole topical dermal drug delivery. Moreover, we have also summarized the activity of functional nanomaterials-based drug delivery systems employed by the scientific fraternity to improve luliconazole efficacy in superficial fungal infections on a case-to-case basis. In addition, efforts have also been made to unveil the critically acclaimed mechanism of action of luliconazole against fungal cells. Under the framework of future prospects, we have analyzed the combination of luliconazole with isoquercetin using the in-silico docking technique for offering synergistic antifungal activity. Isoquercetin exhibited a good affinity for superoxide dismutase (SOD), a fungal target, owing to the formation of hydrogen bonds with Glu132, Glu133, and Arg143, in addition to a few hydrophobic interactions. On the other hand, luliconazole inhibited lanosterol-14α-demethylase, and consequently blocked ergosterol. In addition, nanotechnology and artificial neural network (ANN) derived integrated drug delivery systems may also be explored for augmenting the luliconazole therapeutic efficacy in topical fungal infections. Synergy of ANN models along with topical nanoscaled drug delivery may help to achieve critical quality attributes (CQA), leading to commercial success of luliconazole.

Recent advances in 3D printing hydrogel for topical drug delivery

AbstractPolymer hydrogel has been used as a drug delivery carrier for many decades. Recently, the emergence of three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology has opened up a new area for applications of drug delivery based on polymer hydrogel. A series of drug delivery platforms based on 3D printing hydrogel are developed to achieve local delivery of small/large molecule drugs as well as therapeutic cells. Compared with other manufacturing technologies, 3D printing technology can achieve high‐precision personalized manufacturing and complex spatial structure construction, which has a wide application prospect in the biomedical field. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in 3D printed polymer hydrogels as delivery platforms in drug and cell topical delivery. 3D printed drug delivery platform realizes drug delivery and controlled release locally. Meanwhile, precise control and manufacturing also provide conditions for customized drug delivery platforms. Besides this, a complex spatial structure constructed based on 3D printing technology is also conducive to cell proliferation and differentiation, providing a new carrier for tissue engineering and repair. Biomedical applications based on 3D printing technology promote the development of precision medicine and personalized medicine and provide a new direction for further research and application of 3D printing technology.

Design and characterization of delavirdine ethosomal drug delivery to enhance the bioavailability via topical drug delivery

The increasing demand for efficient administration and delivery of pharmaceutical dosage forms possessing the attributes namely minimum side effects, improved patient compliance has resulted in the formulation of novel drug delivery system. Ethosomes are very effective since they enhance the penetration of drugs via skin to several times whose compound to the simple creams, elixirs and liposomal carriers. Hence, there is an absolute necessity to formulate ethosomes of the selected drugs, In the presant work ethosomal formulations of, delaviridine, was prepared for obtaining the objective of improving skin permeability and bioavailability. The prepared formulations gave good percentage yield and size distribution. The best formulation of ethosomes of each respected drug were incorporated into carbopol based gel systems for controlled release and the invitro studies proven that the formulations followed zero order release mechanisms. Compatability studies were performed for the materials selected and results are observed o be possitive. Stability studies indicated that the formulations were stable at low temperatures but can undergo rapid deformation at higher temperatures.

A Review on Emulgels as a Novel Approach for Topical Drug Delivery

Topical drug delivery has been used for centuries for the treatment of local skin disorders. Drugs applied to the skin for their local action include antiseptics, antifungal agents, skin emollients, and protectants. Major disadvantage of gel is the delivery of hydrophobic drug. This can be overcome by emulgels. Emulgels have emerged as one of the most attractive topical delivery system as it has dual release control system i.e. gel and emulsion. Since hydrophobic drugs are not soluble in gel bases, it causes problem during the release of drug. When gel and emulsion are used in combination the dosage form is referred as emulgel. In emulgel formulation, the hydrophobic drugs could be incorporated into the oil phase and then oily globules are dispersed in aqueous phase resulting in o/w emulsion which can be mixed into the gel base. The major aim behind this formulation is delivery of hydrophobic drugs to systemic circulation via skin. A distinctive feature of topical drug delivery is the straight accessibility of the skin as a target organ for the treatment. This might be proving improved stability and release of drug than just incorporating drugs into gel base. The purpose of this review article is to exemplify emulgel for topical drug delivery, advantages and disadvantages of emulgel, physiology of skin, major components of emulgel, method of preparation, characterization and marketed products of emulgel.

Formulation and Charaterization of Antifungal Drug Microemulsion Hydrogel for Topical Drug Delivery

Clotrimazole is a broad-spectrum antimycotic drug, Candida albicans as well as other fungal infections are typically treated with this drug. “Clinical clotrimazole seems to be a topical therapy treating tineapedis (athlete's foot), vulvovaginal candidiasis, and oropharyngeal candidiasis.” That is a synthetic azole antimycotic. It inhibits fungal growth by decreasing the production of ergosterol. Clotrimazole has become a medication of interest for a variety of illnesses, including sickle cell anaemia, malaria, and some cancers, in addition to its antimycotic properties. It's been mixed with other molecules as well, to create clotrimazole compounds with enhanced pharmacological effectiveness, including such metals. Numerous novel pharmaceutical formulations enabling variable releases are also being developed. Clotrimazole is a well-tolerated, little-adverse drug, however certain immune compromised individuals are developing treatment resistance. Clotrimazole's pharmaceutical chemistry, use, and pharmacology are discussed in this study.

Insight on Development and Evaluation of Nanosponge Drug Delivery for improved Therapeutic effectiveness

Nanosponges are the recent advances in nanotechnology. Nanosponge delivery system was originally developed for topical drug delivery. Nowadays it can also be used for oral delivery of drugs using water soluble and bio erodible polymers. Nanosponges are porous structures with a size of about a virus (average diameter below 1µm). Due to small size and porous nature; nanosponges can bind to poorly soluble drugs and improves their bioavailability. These nanosponges can circulate within body and interact with specific target site. At target site start releasing the drug in a controlled manner. Various techniques are reported for the preparation of Nanosponges as melt method, solvent diffusion method, solvent method, ultrasound assisted method and sonication etc. Nanosponges are the target specific drug delivery which has lesser side effects. Major advantage of nanosponges as it improves solubility of poorly soluble drug and exhibits higher drug loading as compared to other nanocarriers. This review gives the highlights about the formulation methods, excipients used, evaluation of nanosponges and its benefits to overcome the undesirable properties of drug into desirable.

A Review on Transdermal Drug Delivery System

Nowadays about 74% of drugs are taken orally and are found not to be as effective as required. To improve such characters transdermal drug delivery system was emerged. Drug delivery through the skin to attain a systemic effect of a drug is commonly known as transdermal drug delivery and differs from traditional topical drug delivery. Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) are dosage forms involves drug transport to viable epidermal and or dermal tissues of the skin for local therapeutic effect while a very major fraction of drug is transported into the systemic blood circulation. The adhesive of the transdermal drug delivery system is critical to the safety, efficacy and quality of the product. Topical administration of therapeutic agents offers many advantages over conventional oral and invasive methods of drug delivery. Several important advantages of transdermal drug delivery are limitation of hepatic first pass metabolism, enhancement of therapeutic efficiency and maintenance of steady plasma level of the drug. This review article provides an overview of advantages and disadvantages, factors affecting transdermal drug delivery, components and types of transdermal drug delivery, methods of preparation and methods of evaluation.

5-Fluorouracil With Microneedling Modulates Wound Healing in a Murine Model: An Immunohistochemical Analysis of Mechanism and Dose Efficacy.

The purpose of this study is to assess the dose-dependent immunohistopathological effects of intradermal microneedle-delivered 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for postincisional wound healing in a murine model. A prospective experimental study was performed. Twelve hairless mice were randomized into 4 treatment groups for postincisional wound treatment: microneedling with topical saline, or microneeding with topically-applied 5-FU at concentrations of 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, or 100 mg/ml. Two surgical wounds were created on each animal. Combination wound treatments were performed on postoperative days 14 and 28, and cutaneous biopsies were obtained on day 56. Specimens were analyzed by a dermatopathologist, blinded to the treatment group, for collagen thickness, lymphocytic infiltration, histiocytic response, sub-epidermal basement membrane zone thickness, and myofibroblast density. Histopathologic evaluation showed increased collagen thickness, lymphocyte infiltration, and granuloma density in the groups undergoing microneedling treatment with 5-FU, compared to saline. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a trend toward thicker basement membranes with higher concentrations of 5-FU used, reaching statistical significance between controls and those treated with 100 mg/ml 5-FU ( p = 0.0493). A trend toward decreasing myofibroblast density with increasing doses of 5-FU was noted. No postincisional or treatment complications were observed. Our results demonstrate that microneedling is an effective topical subepithelial drug delivery system, and further suggest a beneficial dose-dependent immunomodulatory effect of 5-FU on intermediate wound healing when used in combination with microneedling. We recommend a 5-FU dose at the mid-range 50 mg/ml concentration to simultaneously maximize efficacy and minimize complication risk.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of Cinnamon and Clove essential oils nanogels: an in vivo study

BackgroundCinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oils are two medicinally important plant-derived substances with a wide range of biological properties. Besides, nanoemulsion-based gels have been widely used to increase topical drug delivery and effectiveness.MethodsThis study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effect (paw edema test) and the anti-nociceptive effect (hot plate and formalin test) of nanoemulsion-based gels containing the essential oils in the animal model. Cinnamon and Clove essential oils nanoemulsions with droplet sizes of 28 ± 6 nm and 12 ± 3 nm were first prepared. By adding carboxymethylcellulose (3.5% w/v), the nanoemulsions were then gelified. Finally, the nanogels were characterized by ATR-FTIR analysis and were used as topical pre-treatment before induction of inflammation or pain in acute and chronic analgesic experimental studies.ResultsThe paw edema and formalin findings showed that the nanogels formulations possess significant anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects.ConclusionThe prepared nanogels could be considered as analgesic drugs for inhibiting the inflammation and pain of diseases.

Delivery of Hydrophobic Drugs to the Posterior Ocular Region by Gel-in-Water Nanoemulsion.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to develop a nanogel emulsion as a minimally invasive, safe, and effective treatment alternative for posterior ocular diseases.MethodsA gel-in-water (G/W) nanoemulsion was developed by ultrasonication using beeswax as an organogelator. Different physicochemical properties were evaluated along with particle size analysis by dynamic light scattering. In vitro biocompatibility of G/W nanoemulsion using rat hepatocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and in vivo corneal permeability as eye drops were investigated.ResultsThe nanogel emulsion was monodispersed with a polydispersity index and particle diameter of approximately 0.2 and 200 nm, respectively. The zeta potential value of −8.1 mV suggested enhanced stability and improved retinal permeability of nanoparticles. The prepared nanoemulsion was found to be biocompatible with hepatocytes and HUVECs in vitro. Moreover, in vivo study demonstrated high permeability of G/W nanoemulsion to the retinal layer with no ocular irritation.ConclusionsG/W nanoemulsions have the potential for topical drug delivery in the posterior eye segment with maximum therapeutic efficacy.Translational RelevanceOrganogel nanodispersion is a new concept to deliver hydrophobic drugs to the posterior segment of eyes as a novel drug delivery system.

Methotrexate-Transferrin-Functionalized Fe(Salen)-Polypyrrole Nanocomposites for Targeted Photo-/Magneto-Thermal Cancer Treatments

Designing multi-modal topical drug delivery nanocarriers using nano-hybrid particles has received significant interest in targeted cancer therapy. In this study, magnetic Fe(salen)-conducting copolymer nanocomposites based on our previous iron salt-free synthesis method are surface-functionalized with methotrexate and transferrin proteins. The nano-hybrids show near-infrared-/magnetic field-responsive hyperthermal activity in vitro, which can be extraordinarily useful in magnetically guidable local cancer targeting as a versatile multi-modal therapeutic drug delivery system.