Nanosystems for Drug Delivery

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Drug Delivery and Controlled Release".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2024) | Viewed by 11813

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Jinan, China
2. Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou, China
3. Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou, China
4. National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou, China
Interests: peptide discovery; peptide drug conjugate; drug delivery; drug release

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Guest Editor
Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
Interests: peptide discovery; peptide delivery; nanoparticle

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Guest Editor
Institute of Biomedicine and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
Interests: therapeutic proteins; liposome-assisted drug delivery; bioactive peptides and protein; growth factors
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Special Issue Information

Dear colleague,

Recently, peptide and peptide drugs have attracted great attention and application due to their high specificity, low toxicity, and modification, especially in the field of tumor-targeted and tissue regeneration. More than half of all new peptide-drug candidates that enter the development pipeline fail because they are unstable with various proteases in vivo. With the rapid development of the nano-delivery system, the stability and biological activity of peptide in vivo has been improved. However, challenges remain and can eventually be overcome by diverse strategies. Hence, the development of a new generation of nanosystems for peptides with improved therapeutic efficacy holds great promise.

The aim of this Special Issue is to gather the latest studies on peptide self-assembly, peptide–drug conjugates (PDC), nano-carriers for peptide delivery, in vitro and in vivo evaluations of their stability and biological activity. Original research papers, communications, or review articles are welcome for this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Xiaojia Chen
Dr. Wangxiao He
Prof. Dr. Qi Xiang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • peptide discovery
  • peptide self-assembly
  • peptide–drug conjugates
  • nano-carrier for peptides
  • nanoparticle
  • drug delivery
  • nanocarriers
  • exosomes

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3748 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Liver Delivery of Gold Nanoclusters via Human Serum Albumin Encapsulation for Autoimmune Hepatitis Alleviation
by Cong Meng, Yu Liu, Yuping Ming, Cao Lu, Yanggege Li, Yulu Zhang, Dongdong Su, Xueyun Gao and Qing Yuan
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(1), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16010110 - 14 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1657
Abstract
Peptide-protected gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), possessing exceptional biocompatibility and remarkable physicochemical properties, have demonstrated intrinsic pharmaceutical activity in immunomodulation, making them a highly attractive frontier in the field of nanomedicine exploration. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a serious autoimmune liver disease caused by the disruption [...] Read more.
Peptide-protected gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), possessing exceptional biocompatibility and remarkable physicochemical properties, have demonstrated intrinsic pharmaceutical activity in immunomodulation, making them a highly attractive frontier in the field of nanomedicine exploration. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a serious autoimmune liver disease caused by the disruption of immune balance, for which effective treatment options are still lacking. In this study, we initially identified glutathione (GSH)-protected AuNCs as a promising nanodrug candidate for AIH alleviating in a Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced mice model. However, to enhance treatment efficiency, liver-targeted delivery needs to be improved. Therefore, human serum albumin (HSA)-encapsulated AuNCs were constructed to achieve enhanced liver targeting and more potent mitigation of Con A-induced elevations in plasma aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and liver injury in mice. In vivo and in vitro mechanism studies indicated that AuNCs could suppress the secretion of IFN-γ by Con A-stimulated T cells and subsequently inhibit the activation of the JAK2/STAT1 pathway and eventual hepatocyte apoptosis induced by IFN-γ. These actions ultimately protect the liver from immune cell infiltration and damage caused by Con A. These findings suggest that bio-protected AuNCs hold promise as nanodrugs for AIH therapy, with their liver targeting capabilities and therapeutic efficiency being further improved via rational surface ligand engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosystems for Drug Delivery)
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Review

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32 pages, 2501 KiB  
Review
Peptide-Mediated Nanocarriers for Targeted Drug Delivery: Developments and Strategies
by Yubo Wang, Lu Zhang, Chen Liu, Yiming Luo and Dengyue Chen
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(2), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16020240 - 6 Feb 2024
Viewed by 2741
Abstract
Effective drug delivery is essential for cancer treatment. Drug delivery systems, which can be tailored to targeted transport and integrated tumor therapy, are vital in improving the efficiency of cancer treatment. Peptides play a significant role in various biological and physiological functions and [...] Read more.
Effective drug delivery is essential for cancer treatment. Drug delivery systems, which can be tailored to targeted transport and integrated tumor therapy, are vital in improving the efficiency of cancer treatment. Peptides play a significant role in various biological and physiological functions and offer high design flexibility, excellent biocompatibility, adjustable morphology, and biodegradability, making them promising candidates for drug delivery. This paper reviews peptide-mediated drug delivery systems, focusing on self-assembled peptides and peptide–drug conjugates. It discusses the mechanisms and structural control of self-assembled peptides, the varieties and roles of peptide–drug conjugates, and strategies to augment peptide stability. The review concludes by addressing challenges and future directions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosystems for Drug Delivery)
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26 pages, 5834 KiB  
Review
Cell Membrane Biomimetic Nano-Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy
by Zhenxing Xia, Weiwei Mu, Shijun Yuan, Shunli Fu, Yongjun Liu and Na Zhang
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(12), 2770; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15122770 - 13 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2290
Abstract
Nano-delivery systems have demonstrated great promise in the therapy of cancer. However, the therapeutic efficacy of conventional nanomedicines is hindered by the clearance of the blood circulation system and the physiological barriers surrounding the tumor. Inspired by the unique capabilities of cells within [...] Read more.
Nano-delivery systems have demonstrated great promise in the therapy of cancer. However, the therapeutic efficacy of conventional nanomedicines is hindered by the clearance of the blood circulation system and the physiological barriers surrounding the tumor. Inspired by the unique capabilities of cells within the body, such as immune evasion, prolonged circulation, and tumor-targeting, there has been a growing interest in developing cell membrane biomimetic nanomedicine delivery systems. Cell membrane modification on nanoparticle surfaces can prolong circulation time, activate tumor-targeting, and ultimately improve the efficacy of cancer treatment. It shows excellent development potential. This review will focus on the advancements in various cell membrane nano-drug delivery systems for cancer therapy and the obstacles encountered during clinical implementation. It is hoped that such discussions will inspire the development of cell membrane biomimetic nanomedical systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosystems for Drug Delivery)
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24 pages, 1101 KiB  
Review
Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Potential Developments in the Therapy of Metastatic Osteosarcoma—A Narrative Review
by Yuanrui Luo, Minghao Sun, Linyun Tan, Tao Li and Li Min
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(12), 2717; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15122717 - 1 Dec 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1577
Abstract
Osteosarcoma, a predominant malignant bone tumor, poses significant challenges due to its high metastatic and recurrent nature. Although various therapeutic strategies are currently in use, they often inadequately target osteosarcoma metastasis. This review focuses on the potential of nanoscale drug delivery systems to [...] Read more.
Osteosarcoma, a predominant malignant bone tumor, poses significant challenges due to its high metastatic and recurrent nature. Although various therapeutic strategies are currently in use, they often inadequately target osteosarcoma metastasis. This review focuses on the potential of nanoscale drug delivery systems to bridge this clinical gap. It begins with an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying metastatic osteosarcoma, highlighting the limitations of existing treatments. The review then transitions to an in-depth examination of nanoscale drug delivery technologies, emphasizing their potential to enhance drug bioavailability and reduce systemic toxicity. Central to this review is a discussion of recent advancements in utilizing nanotechnology for the potential intervention of metastatic osteosarcoma, with a critical analysis of several preclinical studies. This review aims to provide insights into the potential applications of nanotechnology in metastatic osteosarcoma therapy, setting the stage for future clinical breakthroughs and innovative cancer treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosystems for Drug Delivery)
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24 pages, 8284 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Delivering siRNA for Cancer Treatment
by Xiaowei Xie, Tianxiang Yue, Wenting Gu, WeiYi Cheng, Li He, WeiYe Ren, Fanzhu Li and Ji-Gang Piao
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(10), 2483; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15102483 - 17 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2242
Abstract
Silencing genes using small interfering (si) RNA is a promising strategy for treating cancer. However, the curative effect of siRNA is severely constrained by low serum stability and cell membrane permeability. Therefore, improving the delivery efficiency of siRNA for cancer treatment is a [...] Read more.
Silencing genes using small interfering (si) RNA is a promising strategy for treating cancer. However, the curative effect of siRNA is severely constrained by low serum stability and cell membrane permeability. Therefore, improving the delivery efficiency of siRNA for cancer treatment is a research hotspot. Recently, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have emerged as bright delivery vehicles for nucleic acid drugs. A comprehensive understanding of the design of MSN-based vectors is crucial for the application of siRNA in cancer therapy. We discuss several surface-functionalized MSNs’ advancements as effective siRNA delivery vehicles in this paper. The advantages of using MSNs for siRNA loading regarding considerations of different shapes, various options for surface functionalization, and customizable pore sizes are highlighted. We discuss the recent investigations into strategies that efficiently improve cellular uptake, facilitate endosomal escape, and promote cargo dissociation from the MSNs for enhanced intracellular siRNA delivery. Also, particular attention was paid to the exciting progress made by combining RNAi with other therapies to improve cancer therapeutic outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosystems for Drug Delivery)
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