Versatile Drug Delivery System Research Articles

Ufosomes as Topical/Transdermal Drug Delivery System: Structural Components, Preparation Techniques and Therapeutic Application.

Fatty acid vesicles, or ufasomes, are spherical structures that encapsulate and deliver bioactive molecules to the skin or other tissues. They are formed from both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and offer advantages over liposomes, including greater stability and a wider range of pH compatibility. They are composed of two layers of fatty acid molecules with their hydrocarbon tails facing inwards and their carboxylic groups facing outwards. The space between the two layers is filled with surfactants. There are various methods for characterizing and evaluating the properties of vesicles and drug-loaded vesicles, such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Electron microscopy, UV-visible spectrophotometry, Dialysis, Franz diffusion cell, and stability testing. Each method provides specific information about the vesicles, such as their size, zeta potential, morphology, drug content, entrapment efficiency, drug release, permeability, and stability. Ufasomes have potential applications in topical/transdermal drug delivery as food additives, cosmetics, vaccines, gene therapy vectors, and diagnostic tools. Their ability to encapsulate and deliver bioactive molecules makes them valuable in various fields, including drug delivery and biomedical research. In summary, fatty acid vesicles represent a versatile drug delivery system with potential applications in various fields.

Hollow-structured covalent organic framework decorated with FA-PEG: A biocompatible nanocarrier for targeted and pH-responsive release of doxorubicin

Hollow nanostructures hold great promise for drug delivery applications due to their considerable capabilities for efficient drug encapsulation alongside distinct physicochemical attributes. Herein, an imine-linked hollow nanosphere covalent organic framework (COF) with high surface area and well-structured porosity was developed serving as a versatile drug delivery system (DDS) to achieve targeted and effective delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) as a chemotherapeutic agent. The production of COF hollow nanoparticles included the use of a heterogeneous nucleation and growth method, followed by the subsequent encapsulation of DOX. Following this, the nanoparticles underwent functionalization with folate-poly (ethylene glycol)-amine (FA-PEG) using a bonding defect strategy. An in vitro cytotoxicity assay and flow cytometry study against FR-negative HEK293 and FR-positive MCF7 cells were performed, revealing that FA-PEG-functionalized HCOF exhibited a unique targeting effect on cancer cells, surpassing the impact of DOX@HCOF on FR-positive MCF7 cancer cells. Additionally, the hollow architecture of the COF is engineered to undergo disintegration selectively under conditions of cancer cell pH, facilitating the comprehensive release of DOX. The pH-responsive and tumor-targeted attributes of the DOX@HCOF-PEG-FA open new avenues for incorporating structural engineered HCOFs as a promising drug carrier capable of regulating drug release and augmenting therapeutic efficacy.

The Effect of Cholesterol Content on the Adjuvant Activity of Nucleic-Acid-Free Lipid Nanoparticles.

RNA vaccines are applicable to the treatment of various infectious diseases via the inducement of robust immune responses against target antigens by expressing antigen proteins in the human body. The delivery of messenger RNA by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) has become a versatile drug delivery system used in the administration of RNA vaccines. LNPs are widely considered to possess adjuvant activity that induces a strong immune response. However, the properties of LNPs that contribute to their adjuvant activity continue to require clarification. To characterize the relationships between the lipid composition, particle morphology, and adjuvant activity of LNPs, the nanostructures of LNPs and their antibody production were evaluated. To simply compare the adjuvant activity of LNPs, empty LNPs were subcutaneously injected with recombinant proteins. Consistent with previous research, the presence of ionizable lipids was one of the determinant factors. Adjuvant activity was induced when a tiny cholesterol assembly (cholesterol-induced phase, ChiP) was formed according to the amount of cholesterol present. Moreover, adjuvant activity was diminished when the content of cholesterol was excessive. Thus, it is plausible that an intermediate structure of cholesterol (not in a crystalline-like state) in an intra-particle space could be closely related to the immunogenicity of LNPs.

Insights into Translational and Biomedical Applications of Hydrogels as Versatile Drug Delivery Systems.

Hydrogels are a network of crosslinked polymers which can hold a huge amount of water in their matrix. These might be soft, flexible, and porous resembling living tissues. The incorporation of different biocompatible materials and nanostructures into the hydrogels has led to emergence of multifunctional hydrogels with advanced properties. There are broad applications of hydrogels such as tissue culture, drug delivery, tissue engineering, implantation, water purification, and dressings. Besides these, it can be utilized in the field of medical surgery, in biosensors, targeted drug delivery, and drug release. Similarly, hyaluronic acid hydrogels have vast applications in biomedicines such as cell delivery, drug delivery, molecule delivery, micropatterning in cellular biology for tissue engineering, diagnosis and screening of diseases, tissue repair and stem cell microencapsulation in case of inflammation, angiogenesis, and other biological developmental processes. The properties like swellability, de-swellability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and inert nature of the hydrogels in contact with body fluids, blood, and tissues make its tremendous application in the field of modern biomedicines nowadays. Various modifications in hydrogel formulations have widened their therapeutic applicability. These include 3D printing, conjugation, thiolation, multiple anchoring, and reduction. Various hydrogel formulations are also capable of dual drug delivery, dental surgery, medicinal implants, bone diseases, and gene and stem cells delivery. The presented review summarizes the unique properties of hydrogels along with their methods of preparation and significant biomedical applications as well as different types of commercial products available in the market and the regulatory guidance.

Lipoprotein-mimicking nanotherapeutics reconstituted with chenodeoxycholic acid modified protein for efficient tumor targeting

Lipoprotein-derived nanotherapeutics based on endogenous lipid supramolecules have been regarded as an exceptional and promising approach for anti-tumor drug delivery. However, certain challenges associated with the main component apolipoprotein, such as limited availability, high cost, and insufficient specificity of relevant receptor expression, pose significant barriers to its widespread development and application. The objective of this study is to fabricate lipoprotein-mimicking nanocomposites, denoted as CA-P-rHDL by substituting apolipoprotein with chenodeoxycholic acid (CA) modified bovine serum albumin (BSA), and subsequently assess their tumor-targeting capability and anti-tumor efficacy. CA modified BSA (CA-BSA) was successfully synthesized and characterized by quantifying the degree of protein substitution. Subsequently, a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) mimicking the hydrophobic core of natural lipoproteins was attached with CA-BSA to form a lipoprotein-mimic nanocomplex termed as CA-rHDL. CA-rHDL was endowed with lipoprotein-like structures, favorable particle size, zeta potential and excellent paclitaxel encapsulation (termed as CA-P-rHDL). The internalization of CA-rHDL by HepG2 cells exhibited significantly superior efficiency, with a notably higher in HepG2 cells compared to LO2 cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that CA-rHDL evaded lysosomal degradation and was evenly distributed throughout the cells. CCK-8 studies demonstrated that CA-P-rHDL exhibited significantly superior inhibition of tumor cells growth compared to other paclitaxel formulations in vitro. Moreover, in vivo imaging observation in H22 tumor-bearing mouse models exhibited a rapid and consistent accumulation of CA-rHDL within tumors, while CA-P-rHDL demonstrated remarkable efficacy against cancer in these mice. These exceptional capabilities of CA-P-rHDL can be attributed to the synergistic targeting effect facilitated by the combination of CA and BSA, rendering it a promising and versatile drug delivery system for targeted anticancer therapy. Consequently, CA-P-rHDL established a highly potential platform for simulating the reconstitution of supramolecular nanovehicles.

A Review on Oleogels and its Role in Pharmaceutical Field

Gel-based products called oleogels due to their required rheological, physical, and chemical stabilities in semisolid formulations not only have wide applications in the cosmetic industry, and nutraceutical industries but also they are used largely in various pharmaceutical field for formulating various topical drug delivery system and also as oil-based gels as versatile drug delivery systems for paediatric purpose. Oleogels are semisolid non-crystalline, thermo-reversible viscoelastic systems which consist of a lipophilic liquid phase (mineral or vegetable oils, isopropyl myristate) gelled with a suitable gelling agent referred as organogelators which can improve drug penetration through the stratum corneum because of their lipophilic nature. The polar phase gets trapped inside the three-dimensional networked structure present in the oleogels system, which is formed due to physical interactions among the self-assembled structures of organogelators. As these systems are resistant to the effects of moisture and do not require the addition of stabilizers or preservatives and hence they are preferred in drug delivery systems over conventional gels. The present article focuses on components, formulation aspects, and recent role of oleogels products showing its pharmaceutical applications.

Zeolitic imidazole framework-8 loaded gelatin methacryloyl microneedles: A transdural and controlled-release drug delivery system attenuates neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a matter of significant clinical concern, often treated through early surgical decompression along with methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS). However, the side effects and the unsatisfactory focal concentration of MPSS have limited its further applications. To address this limitation, herein, a versatile drug delivery system of zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) and gelatin methacryloyl microneedles (GelMA MNs) was developed for stable, transdural, and controlled sustained release of drugs in SCI. The microneedles were used to create tiny pores in the dura mater, allowing for the direct administration of drugs into the spinal cord. ZIF-8 provided a secondary extended release once they were separated from the microneedles. To attenuate the neuroinflammation, MPSS was selected. Such a combination of ZIF-8 and GelMA MNs was able to prolong the release period of MPSS to five days. The system showed transdural capacity, reduction of M1 polarization, and decrease in NLRP3-positive inflammasome and proinflammatory cytokines. In vivo studies indicated that this novel drug delivery strategy could constrict the inflammatory microenvironment, reduce glial scar formation, and promote neural regeneration. Thus, this versatile drug delivery system provides an up-and-coming alternative for stable, transdural, and controlled sustained release of drugs to those suffering from SCI.

Electrospun Core-Sheath Nanofibers with a Cellulose Acetate Coating for the Synergistic Release of Zinc Ion and Drugs.

Precisely modulating the synergistic release behavior of multiple bioactive substances has emerged as a formidable challenge in recent years. In this work, we successfully prepared core-sheath nanofibers, where a thin cellulose acetate (CA) coating enrobed the core. Curcumin (Cur) was encapsulated in the core layer as a model drug, while zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were loaded on the sheath layer. The prepared fiber exhibited a straight cylindrical morphology containing nanoparticles, and the distinct core-sheath nanostructure was demonstrated through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) were conducted to study the physical state and compatibility among CA, Cur, and ZnO. Drug release data indicated that core-sheath nanofibers were able to decelerate the rate of drug release, and the thickness of the sheath layer increased in the presence of ZnO particles. Most remarkably, these core-sheath nanofibers exhibited the remarkable ability to sustain the release of drugs and zinc ion (Zn2+), the two-day synergistically release behavior leading to a significant increase in cell proliferation. This material preparation strategy for the synergistic and controlled release of two bioactive substances is instructive for the exploration of innovative and versatile drug delivery systems.

Electrosprayed Poly-butyl-succinate microparticles for sustained release of Ciprofloxacin as an antimicrobial delivery system

The increasingly complex treatment of bacterial infections, and its relevance in the clinical setting, requires the development of innovative strategies to improve patients' quality of life. In this context, polymeric microparticles represents a versatile drug delivery system (DDS) capable of improving the antibiotics' efficacy in the treatments, by loading drugs while modifying their release profile. In this study we aimed to produce polymeric microparticles by electrospraying using Poly-Butyl-Succinate (PBS), a biodegradable and biocompatible polyester. This versatile and easy-to-use technique enabled the incorporation of the poorly water-soluble Ciprofloxacin (CPX) into the polymer matrix. CPX is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, inhibiting bacterial replication and effectively treating various infections. PBS is a well-known water-insoluble polymer with tuneable chemical-physical properties, also used for tissue regeneration and wound healing applications. An ex-vivo permeation study on porcine skin, serving as a model for human skin, was performed to assess potential enhancement in drug permeation. The microparticles were characterized by means of different techniques (SEM-EDX, XRD, ATR-FTIR, DSC), and their degradation rate was tested in DPBS and human plasma. Moreover, the as-produced DDS enabled the sustained release of CPX for several days, which proved effective against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa and also against a reference group of bacteria of skin microbiota often involved in pathological processes that make wounds chronic and difficult to heal. MIC and MBC assays were conducted using different culture media. Effective antibacterial activity was observed, along with inhibition of P. aeruginosa biofilm formation at sub-MIC concentrations.

A Comprehensive Review on Recent Advances and Patents of Niosomes

Abstract: Niosomes are novel, self-assembled vesicular carriers that deliver both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs at the specific site in a targeted way, enhancing bioavailability and extending therapeutic effects. Niosomes are a versatile drug delivery system with a diverse range of applications from gene to brain-targeted delivery and they are more attractive choices than liposomes as they are efficient at biodegrading. Niosome offers several advantages over conventional drug delivery systems, including enhanced stability, and also have gained a lot of focus in natural product delivery in recent years. This review provides a comprehensive view of niosomal research and recent advancements, including classification and fabrication methods, and their role in drug delivery and targeting. The description of the rise in niosomal formulation patents around the world is also elaborated along with the natural product delivery of niosomes which has recently gained significance. Patents on novel preparation, loading, and modification techniques have enhanced the importance of niosome in the pharmaceutical industry.

Thermo-responsive Diels-Alder stabilized hydrogels for ocular drug delivery of a corticosteroid and an anti-VEGF fab fragment

In the present study, a novel in situ forming thermosensitive hydrogel system was investigated as a versatile drug delivery system for ocular therapy. For this purpose, two thermosensitive ABA triblock copolymers bearing either furan or maleimide moieties were synthesized, named respectively poly(NIPAM-co-HEA/Furan)-PEG6K-P(NIPAM-co-HEA/Furan) (PNF) and poly(NIPAM-co-HEA/Maleimide)-PEG6K-P(NIPAM-co-HEA/−Maleimide) (PNM). Hydrogels were obtained upon mixing aqueous PNF and PNM solutions followed by incubation at 37 °C. The hydrogel undergoes an immediate (<1 min) sol-gel transition at 37 °C. In situ hydrogel formation at 37 °C was also observed after intravitreal injection of the formulation into an ex vivo rabbit eye. The hydrogel network formation was due to physical self-assembly of the PNIPAM blocks and a catalyst-free furan-maleimide Diels−Alder (DA) chemical crosslinking in the hydrophobic domains of the polymer network. Rheological studies demonstrated sol-gel transition at 23 °C, and DA crosslinks were formed in time within 60 min by increasing the temperature from 4 to 37 °C. When incubated at 37 °C, these hydrogels were stable for at least one year in phosphate buffer of pH 7.4. However, the gels degraded at basic pH 10 and 11 after 13 and 3 days, respectively, due to hydrolysis of ester bonds in the crosslinks of the hydrogel network. The hydrogel was loaded with an anti-VEGF antibody fragment (FAB; 48.4 kDa) or with corticosteroid dexamethasone (dex) by dissolving (FAB) or dispersing (DEX) in the hydrogel precursor solution. The FAB fragment in unmodified form was quantitatively released over 13 days after an initial burst release of 46, 45 and 28 % of the loading for the 5, 10 and 20 wt% hydrogel, respectively, due to gel dehydration during formation. The low molecular weight drug dexamethasone was almost quantitively released in 35 days. The slower release of dexamethasone compared to the FAB fragment can likely be explained by the solubilization of this hydrophobic drug in the hydrophobic domains of the gel. The thermosensitive gels showed good cytocompatibility when brought in contact with macrophage-like mural cells (RAW 264.7) and human retinal pigment epithelium-derived (ARPE-19) cells. This study demonstrates that PNF-PNM thermogel may be a suitable formulation for sustained release of bioactive agents into the eye for treating posterior segment eye diseases.

Drug content on anticancer efficacy of self-assembling ketal-linked dextran-paclitaxel conjugates.

Although polymer-drug conjugates (PDCs) show great promise as versatile drug delivery systems, no antitumor PDCs based on small-molecule drugs are currently on the market, partly because of the lack of validated design principles for PDCs. High drug content is thought to be essential for devising highly efficacious PDCs based on poorly soluble antitumor drugs, but this has not been well validated. Therefore, revisiting the relationship between drug content and PDC performance is vital. In this study, we synthesized four dextran-paclitaxel (PTX) conjugates (designated as DKPs) with different drug contents by linking dextran and PTX via an acid-responsive ketal, and we used the conjugates to construct self-assembled DKP nanoparticles (NPs) for antitumor therapy. We focused on how PTX content influenced the hydrolysis kinetics, cytotoxicity, cellular uptake and intracellular hydrolysis, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and antitumor efficacies of the DKP NPs. We found that DKP NPs with lower PTX content showed accelerated drug release and increased tumor accumulation, and consequently enhanced antitumor efficacy. In 4T1-Luc and Panc02-Luc cancer models, the NPs showed considerably improved therapeutic efficacy than the micellar formulation of PTX that is currently in clinical use. Our results indicate that DKP NPs with lower PTX content possess greater antitumor potential, and our findings offer new insights for the connection of drug content-formulation-bioactivity relationship in the rational design of PDC prodrugs.

Lincomycin HCl-Loaded Borneol-Based In Situ Gel for Periodontitis Treatment.

Solvent exchange-induced in situ forming gel (ISG) has emerged as a versatile drug delivery system, particularly for periodontal pocket applications. In this study, we developed lincomycin HCl-loaded ISGs using a 40% borneol-based matrix and N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent. The physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activities of the ISGs were evaluated. The prepared ISGs exhibited low viscosity and reduced surface tension, allowing for easy injection and spreadability. Gel formation increased the contact angle on agarose gel, while higher lincomycin HCl content decreased water tolerance and facilitated phase separation. The drug-loading influenced solvent exchange and matrix formation, resulting in thinner and inhomogeneous borneol matrices with slower gel formation and lower gel hardness. The lincomycin HCl-loaded borneol-based ISGs demonstrated sustained drug release above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 8 days, following Fickian diffusion and fitting well with Higuchi's equation. These formulations exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, and Prophyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277, and the release of NMP effectively inhibited Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Overall, the 7.5% lincomycin HCl-loaded 40% borneol-based ISGs hold promise as localized drug delivery systems for periodontitis treatment.

Polyphenol-based Nanosystems for Next-generation Cancer Therapy: Multifunctionality, Design, and Challenges.

With the continuous updating of cancer treatment methods and the rapid development of precision medicine in recent years, there are higher demands for advanced and versatile drug delivery systems. Scientists are committed to create greener and more effective nanomedicines where the carrier is no longer limited to a single function of drug delivery. Polyphenols, which can act as both active ingredients and fundamental building blocks, are being explored as potential multifunctional carriers that are efficient and safe for design purposes. Due to their intrinsic anticancer activity, phenolic compounds have shown surprising expressiveness in ablation of tumor cells, overcoming cancer multidrug resistance, and enhancing immunotherapeutic efficacy. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the design, synthesis, and application of versatile polyphenol-based nanosystems for cancer therapy in various modes. Moreover, the merits of polyphenols and the challenges for their clinical translation are also discussed, and it is pointed out that the novel polyphenol delivery system requires further optimization and validation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

A CONCISE REVIEW ON SPANSULES: A NEW METHOD OF DRUG DELIVERY

Spansules are considered as an Advanced Drug Delivery System because they allow for controlled and sustained release of medication over an extended period of time. This type of delivery system can provide a constant plasma drug concentration over a wide range of time, which can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of side effects. In addition to providing sustained release, Spansules can also be used to deliver multiple drugs in a single dosage form. The multi-drug regimen capability of Spansules is also beneficial, as it allows for the delivery of multiple drugs in a single dosage form. This can improve patient compliance with their medication regimen, simplify dosing, and reduce the risk of drug interactions. This can be particularly useful in cases where a patient requires treatment with multiple medications to manage a complex medical condition. Spansules can act as biphasic release drug delivery system that can be used to provide both immediate and sustained release of medication. These systems can be useful in cases where a patient requires rapid relief of symptoms followed by ongoing management over a longer period of time. Overall, Spansules are a versatile and effective drug delivery system that can provide several benefits to patients and healthcare providers. KEYWORDS: Spansules, Biphasic, Controlled release, Sustained release, Drug

Cubosomes and its Pharmaceutical Application in Treatment of Cancer

Cubosomes are lipid-based nanoparticles that have recently gained attention in the field of pharmaceuticals due to their unique physicochemical properties. These nanoparticles are composed of a highly ordered lipid bilayer that forms a cubic liquid crystalline phase, which can encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. The unique structure of cubosomes allows for high drug loading and sustained release, making them an attractive option for drug delivery. Cancer treatment is a major focus of research for cubosomes due to their potential for targeted drug delivery. Cubosomes have been shown to be effective in delivering chemotherapeutic agents to cancer cells, increasing drug efficacy while reducing toxicity to healthy tissues. Additionally, the highly ordered structure of cubosomes can be tailored to increase cellular uptake and improve the stability of the drug within the body.Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of cubosomes as an effective drug delivery system for a wide range of anticancer agents, including small molecule drugs, peptides, and nucleic acids. In addition, cubosomes have been explored for use in combination therapy, where multiple drugs can be encapsulated within a single nanoparticle. Overall, cubosomes have shown great promise as a versatile and effective drug delivery system for the treatment of cancer. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential of cubosomes in cancer therapy, including optimization of their structure, improved drug loading efficiency, and increased specificity for cancer cells

Microneedles for Efficient and Precise Drug Delivery in Cancer Therapy.

Cancer is the leading cause of death, acting as a global burden, severely impacting the patients' quality of life and affecting the world economy despite the expansion of cumulative advances in oncology. The current conventional therapies for cancer which involve long treatment duration and systemic exposure of drugs leads to premature degradation of drugs, a massive amount of pain, side effects, as well as the recurrence of the condition. There is also an urgent demand for personalized and precision-based medicine, especially after the recent pandemic, to avoid future delays in diagnosis or treatments for cancer patients as they are very essential in reducing the global mortality rate. Recently, microneedles which consist of a patch with tiny, micron-sized needles attached to it have been quite a sensation as an emerging technology for transdermal application to diagnose or treat various illnesses. The application of microneedles in cancer therapies is also being extensively studied as they offer a myriad of benefits, especially since microneedle patches offer a better treatment approach through self administration, painless treatment, and being an economically and environmentally friendly approach in comparison with other conventional methods. The painless gains from microneedles significantly improves the survival rate of cancer patients. The emergence of versatile and innovative transdermal drug delivery systems presents a prime breakthrough opportunity for safer and more effective therapies, which could meet the demands of cancer diagnosis and treatment through different application scenarios. This review highlights the types of microneedles, fabrication methods and materials, along with the recent advances and opportunities. In addition, this review also addresses the challenges and limitations of microneedles in cancer therapy with solutions through current studies and future works to facilitate the clinical translation of microneedles in cancer therapies.

Polymeric Nanogel for Oral Delivery of the Chemotherapeutic Agent: Fabrication and Evaluation Alongside Toxicological Studies and Histopathological Examination.

Nanogel has attracted considerable attention as one of the most versatile drug delivery systems, especially for site-specific and/or time-controlled delivery of the chemotherapeutic agent. The main objective of this study was to prepare the polymeric nanogel characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning, and oral acute toxicity. Free radical polymerization was done for the fabrication of polymeric nanogel. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm the successful free radical polymerization. Various techniques such as x-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetric, and thermogravimetric analysis measurement were used to investigate the thermal behavior and crystallinity of developed nanogel. Parameters such as swelling, drug loading, and in vitro drug release is enhanced as polymers and monomers concentrations increase while these parameters decrease in case of increasing crosslinker concentration. The oral biocompatibility results of developed nanogel exhibited no toxicity in rabbits. Histopathological changes were observed between empty and loaded group. The nanosized gel offers a specific surface area which increases the stability of loaded drug (oxaliplatin) and bioavailability of the drug (oxaliplatin) as compared to the conventional drug delivery systems.

Nanosponges: A Novel Class of Versatile Drug Delivery System – Review

Nanotechnology advancements have resulted in the creation of tailored medicine delivery systems. However, properly targeting a molecule to a specific region with a drug delivery system necessitates using a specialized drug delivery system. The development of nanosponge has become a crucial step in solving some challenges such as drug toxicity, low bioavailability, and predictable drug release. Many drug delivery methods, such as nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, nanosuspensions, and nanosponges, have been developed via nanomedicine technology. Nanosponges are little sponges like the size of a virus that may be loaded with a vast range of medications. Nanosponges serve an essential function in regulated medication delivery. These mini sponges may flow throughout the human body until they reach the same target region. They adhere to the surface and begin to release the medicine in a regulated and predictable way. The outside surface is often porous, which allows for regulated medication release. The important feature of these sponges is their aqueous solubility, which makes them appropriate for medications with low solubility. Their molecular architecture is often composed of several polymer chains that can generate unique microdomains suited for co-encapsulating two medicines with different chemical structures. When used to release insoluble medications, nanosponges also shield the active components from physicochemical deterioration. Nanosponges can be made into a number of dosage forms, including parenteral, aerosol, tablets, topical, and capsules, thanks to their small size and spherical structure. This study focuses on the techniques of synthesis and applications of nanosponges in the realm of medication delivery.

Structures and Applications of Nucleic Acid-Based Micelles for Cancer Therapy.

Nucleic acids have become important building blocks in nanotechnology over the last 30 years. DNA and RNA can sequentially build specific nanostructures, resulting in versatile drug delivery systems. Self-assembling amphiphilic nucleic acids, composed of hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments to form micelle structures, have the potential for cancer therapeutics due to their ability to encapsulate hydrophobic agents into their core and position functional groups on the surface. Moreover, DNA or RNA within bio-compatible micelles can function as drugs by themselves. This review introduces and discusses nucleic acid-based spherical micelles from diverse amphiphilic nucleic acids and their applications in cancer therapy.