Search Results (1,889)

Background: The treatment of soft tissue vascular anomalies is a challenge in materials science, requiring injectable biomaterials that can conform to complex lesion architectures while providing controlled drug delivery. Conventional liquid sclerosants fail due to poor localization. This study reports on the formulation and clinical performance of an in situ-forming, drug-eluting composite foam designed to overcome these limitations. Methods: A multicomponent composite foam was formulated from a liquid phase containing bleomycin and polidocanol and a gaseous phase of room air using a standardized Tessari emulsification technique. The therapeutic performance of this composite was evaluated retrospectively in 14 patients with high-risk airway venous malformations (AVMs) by quantifying lesion volume reduction on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and assessing clinical outcomes. Biocompatibility was determined by monitoring adverse tissue reactions. Results: The injectable composite foam demonstrated superior clinical performance with a 100% therapeutic response rate. Full target lesion ablation, defined as a complete response, was achieved in 10 of 14 cases (71.4%), demonstrating the composite’s high efficacy. The material exhibited excellent biocompatibility, with adverse events limited to minor, localized mucosal necrosis (21.4%) that resolved without intervention, indicating predictable material-tissue interaction. Conclusions: The bleomycin-polidocanol composite foam is an effective, therapeutic biomaterial whose performance is directly linked to its unique physicochemical structure. This work validates a material-based strategy for treating complex vascular lesions and highlights the potential for further optimization of such injectable composites by enhancing their long-term stability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Conventional solidification methods for liquid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems face significant limitations. This includes complex manufacturing processes, high costs, and environmental concerns. This study aimed to develop and optimize a thermoresponsive self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (T-SNEDDS) for dapagliflozin as a sustainable alternative solidification technique. Methods: Oil and surfactant were selected based on solubility and emulsification studies. The Box–Behnken approach was used to examine the impacts of three independent variables (pluronic F127, propylene glycol, and dapagliflozin concentrations) on liquefying temperature and time. Optimized T-SNEDDS was characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, and dissolution performance. Stability assessment included centrifugation testing and a six-month storage evaluation. The green pharmaceutical performance was comparatively evaluated against five conventional solidification methods using ten adapted parameters. Results: Imwitor 308 and Cremophor EL were selected as optimal excipients for SNEDDS formulation. In addition, Pluronic F127 and propylene glycol were used to induce solidification during storage. The optimized formulation (8.60% w/w Pluronic F127, 10% w/w propylene glycol, and 5% w/w dapagliflozin) exhibited a liquefying temperature of 33.5 °C with a liquefying time of 100.3 s and a particle size of 96.64 nm. T-SNEDDS significantly enhanced dissolution efficiency of dapagliflozin (95.7%) compared to raw drug (42.4%) and marketed formulation (91.3%). Green pharmaceutical evaluation revealed that T-SNEDDS achieved the highest score compared to conventional approaches. Conclusions: T-SNEDDS represents a superior sustainable approach for SNEDDS solidification that offers enhancement in drug dissolution while addressing manufacturing, environmental, and economic challenges through its solvent-free and single-step preparation process with excellent scalability potential. Full article

Peptide drug development has emerged as a prominent area in pharmaceutical research due to its high specificity and therapeutic potential. However, their biological activity, stability, and bioavailability are significantly influenced by interactions with counter-ions, which electrostatically bind to charged residues on peptide surfaces. This review systematically examines the multifaceted roles of counter-ions in modulating peptide structure and function. Counter-ions are classified into organic/inorganic and anionic/cationic categories, with their selection critically impacting peptide solubility, conformational stability, and activity. Inorganic counter-ions could enhance structural integrity, while organic counter-ions could mitigate toxicity risks. Notably, counter-ions can induce secondary structural transitions, directly affecting biological efficacy. Furthermore, counter-ions play pivotal roles in drug delivery systems, including nanoemulsions, self-emulsifying formulations, and lipid-based nanoparticles, where hydrophobic ion pairing improves encapsulation efficiency and oral bioavailability. In chromatography, ion-pairing reagents optimize peptide separation but may compromise mass spectrometry compatibility. Emerging analytical techniques, such as capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), enhance counter-ion detection precision, addressing challenges in pharmaceutical quality control. Despite advancements, gaps remain in understanding ion-specific binding mechanisms and long-term safety profiles. This review underscores the necessity of tailoring counter-ion selection to balance efficacy, stability, and biocompatibility. Future research should prioritize elucidating molecular interaction dynamics and developing safer, high-affinity counter-ions to overcome current limitations in peptide drug development. Full article

Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is a cutting-edge noninvasive imaging technique that offers high sensitivity, quantitative accuracy, and operates without the need for ionizing radiation compared to other imaging techniques. Utilizing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as tracers, MPI enables direct and precise visualization of target sites with no limitation on imaging depth. Unlike magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which relies on uniform magnetic fields to produce anatomical images, MPI enables direct, background-free visualization and quantification of SPIONS within living organisms. This article provides an in-depth overview of MPI’s applications in tracking tumor development and supporting cancer therapy. The distinct physical principles that underpin MPI, including its ability to produce high-contrast images devoid of background tissue interference, facilitating accurate tumor identification and real-time monitoring of treatment outcomes, are outlined. The review outlines MPI’s advantages over conventional imaging techniques in terms of sensitivity and resolution, and examines its capabilities in visualizing tumor vasculature, tracking cellular movement, evaluating inflammation, and conducting magnetic hyperthermia treatments. Recent progress in tracer optimization and magnetic navigation has expanded MPI’s potential for targeted drug delivery, along with deep machine learning procedures for MPI applications. Additionally, considerations around safety and the feasibility of clinical implementation are also discussed in the present review. Overall, MPI is positioned as a promising tool in advancing cancer diagnostics, personalized therapy assessment, and noninvasive treatment strategies. Full article

The Transdermal Drug Delivery System (TDDS) offers several benefits, such as enhanced patient adherence, controlled release, reduced gastric irritation, and the bypassing of the first-pass metabolism. However, not all drugs can be delivered through this route in effective doses. Biodegradable microneedles (BMn) are designed to improve TDDS. This review outlines various types of BMn and their fabrication methods. BMn are produced in different forms, including hollow, solid, dissolve, and hydrogel-forming versions, which have garnered significant attention. These innovative BMn do not contain drugs themselves but instead absorb interstitial fluid to create continuous channels between the dermal microcirculation and a drug-containing patch. Several types of BMn have been tested and approved by regulatory bodies. The use of BMn technology is rapidly growing in point-of-care applications, attracting significant interest from both researchers and healthcare providers. BMn-based Point-of-care (POC) devices have high efficacy for finding various analytes of clinical interests and transdermal drug administration in a minimally invasive manner owing to BMn’ micro-size sharp tips and ease of use. Porous BMn technology may have a very rising future in the case of a vaccine delivery system. Full article

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in livestock pathogens necessitates the development of effective alternatives to conventional antibiotics. This review aims to assess the potential of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as alternatives to traditional antibiotics in farm animal production systems, examining their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and applications. A thorough examination of recent literature was conducted to evaluate the properties, classification, and mechanisms of action of AMPs, their natural occurrence, and their applications in poultry, swine, and ruminant production. The review also compared AMPs with conventional antibiotics, antifungals, and antiparasitic drugs. Specific AMPs have shown effectiveness against livestock pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens, along with drug-resistant fungi. One of the primary benefits of AMPs is their strong antimicrobial activity against a wide range of pathogens relevant to farm animal health. Innovative delivery systems, such as self-assembly techniques and nanoparticle encapsulation, can tackle the stability and bioavailability issues associated with AMP administration in farm settings. AMPs represent promising alternatives to conventional antimicrobials in livestock production, offering significant benefits, including a reduced risk of resistance development, immunomodulatory effects, and broad-spectrum activity. However, addressing disadvantages related to production costs, stability, and delivery systems is crucial for their successful commercial application. Integrating AMPs into sustainable farming, after overcoming their shortcomings, could significantly contribute to global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Nonunions and fracture-related infections represent a significant complication in orthopedic and trauma care, with their incidence rising due to an aging, more comorbid global population and the escalating threat of multi-resistant pathogens. This narrative review highlights pivotal advancements in diagnostics and therapeutic approaches, while also providing an outlook on future directions. Diagnostic methodologies have significantly evolved from traditional cultures to sophisticated molecular techniques like metagenomic next-generation sequencing and advanced imaging. Simultaneously, therapeutic strategies have undergone substantial refinement, encompassing orthoplastic management for infected open fractures and the innovative application of antibiotic-loaded bone substitutes for local drug delivery. The effective integration of these possibilities into daily patient care critically depends on specialized centers. These institutions play an indispensable role in managing complex cases and fostering innovation. Despite considerable progress over the past 25 years, ongoing research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to evidence-based practice remain crucial to transforming management for the future. Full article

Liposomal systems are advanced carriers of active substances which, thanks to their ability to encapsulate these substances, significantly improve their pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and selectivity. This article presents the results of spectroscopic studies for a selected compound from the 1,3,4-thiadiazole group, namely 4-[5-(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]benzene-1,3-diol (NTBD, see below in the text), in selected liposomal systems formed from the phospholipid 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC). Detailed spectroscopic analyses were carried out using electronic absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy; resonance light scattering (RLS) spectra measurements; dynamic light scattering (DLS); as well as time-resolved methods—fluorescence lifetime measurements using the TCSPC technique. Subsequently, based on the interpretation of spectra obtained by FTIR infrared spectroscopy, the preliminary molecular organization of the above-mentioned compounds within lipid multilayers was determined. It was found that NTBD preferentially occupies the region of polar lipid headgroups in the lipid multilayer, although it also noticeably interacts with the hydrocarbon chains of the lipids. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to study the effect of NTBD on the molecular organization of DPPC lipid multilayers. Monomeric structures and aggregated forms of the above-mentioned 1,3,4-thiadiazole analogue were characterized using X-ray crystallography. Interesting dual fluorescence effects observed in steady-state fluorescence measurements were linked to the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) effect (based on our earlier studies), which, in the obtained biophysical systems—liposomal systems with strong hydrophobicity—is greatly enhanced by aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effects. In summary, the research presented in this study, concerning the novel 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivative NTBD, is highly relevant to drug delivery systems, such as various model liposomal systems, as it demonstrates that depending on the concentration of the selected fluorophore, different forms may be present, allowing for appropriate modulation of its biological activity. Full article

Τhe self-assembly behavior of a series of amphiphilic diblock copolymers, each consisting of a hydrophilic poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PNVP) block and a hydrophobic block derived from n-alkyl vinyl esters, namely poly(vinyl butyrate) (PVBu), poly(vinyl decanoate) (PVDc), and poly(vinyl stearate) (PVSt), in aqueous solutions was investigated. Dynamic and static light scattering (DLS and SLS) techniques were employed to monitor the micellization behavior. In addition, the self-assembled structures were observed with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The effect of the nature of the hydrophobic block, the copolymer composition and the copolymer molecular weight on the self-assembly properties was thoroughly examined. The encapsulation of curcumin and indomethacin within the dry cores of the micellar structures was conducted in aqueous solutions for all block copolymers at various curcumin/indomethacin-to-polymer mass ratios. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to evaluate the drug-loading capacity and efficiency (%DLC and %DLE). In several cases, the encapsulation of both hydrophobic drugs was found to be nearly quantitative. Combined with the observed stability of the micellar structures, these findings suggest that the block copolymers demonstrate significant potential as carriers for drug delivery applications. Full article

Electrospinning is a versatile technique used to manufacture nanofibers by applying an electric field to a polymer solution. This method has gained significant interest in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and materials engineering fields due to its ability to produce porous structures with a high specific surface area, making it ideal for applications such as wound dressings, controlled drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering. The materials used in electrospinning play a crucial role in determining the final properties of the obtained nonwoven nanofibers. Among the most studied substances are chitosan, collagen, and fish-derived gelatin, which are biopolymers with high biocompatibility. These materials are especially used in the medical and pharmaceutical fields due to their bioactive properties. In combination with synthetic polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), these biopolymers can form electrospun fibers with improved mechanical characteristics and enhanced structural stability. The characterization of these materials was performed using modern characterization techniques, such as one-dimensional (1D) proton NMR spectroscopy (¹H), for which the spin–spin relaxation time distributions T₂ were characterized. Additionally, two-dimensional (2D) measurements were conducted, for which EXSY T₂-T₂ and COSY T₁-T₂ exchange maps were obtained. The characterization was complemented with FT-IR spectra measurements, and the nanofiber morphology was observed using SEM. As a novelty, machine learning methods, including artificial neural networks (ANNs), were applied to characterize the local structural order of the produced nanofibers. In this study, it was shown that the nanofiber nonwoven materials made from PVA are characterized by a degree of order in the range of 0.27 to 0.61, which are more ordered than the nanofibers made from chitosan and fish gelatin, characterized by an order degree ranging from 0.051 to 0.312, where 0 represents the completely unordered network and 1 a fully ordered fabric. Full article

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play essential roles in human health, being widely used in the prevention and treatment of various conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. However, their oral administration faces significant challenges, including low solubility, rapid oxidation, and low bioavailability, which limit their therapeutic efficacy. This article explores recent advances in oral drug delivery systems designed for polyunsaturated fatty acids, highlighting how innovative technologies, such as nanoemulsions, liposomes, microencapsulation, and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs/NLCs), can improve their stability, absorption and clinical performance. In addition, the main natural sources of these compounds, as well as their extraction and purification methods, and the challenges related to their absorption and metabolism are discussed. This narrative review was based mainly on a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2025 in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The therapeutic benefits of these emerging approaches are analyzed by comparing conventional methods with modern delivery strategies to optimize the use of omega-3 and omega-6 in the body. Finally, the article outlines future perspectives and regulatory challenges associated with these technologies, highlighting their potential to revolutionize the administration of essential fatty acids and broaden their applications in medicine and nutrition. Full article

Polymeric micelles are promising nanocarriers for hydrophobic drug delivery, offering enhanced solubility, circulation time, and targeted release. This review presents a comprehensive evaluation of micelle preparation strategies, spanning conventional methods such as direct dissolution, dialysis, and thin-film hydration to emerging techniques including microfluidics, supercritical fluids, stimuli-responsive systems, and PEG-assisted assembly. Each method is compared in terms of scalability, reproducibility, solvent use, and regulatory compatibility. Among them, PEG-assisted methods show particular promise due to their simplicity and industrial readiness. We also explore the impact of fabrication strategy on drug loading, stability, and therapeutic efficacy across applications in cancer, infection, and inflammation. Finally, the review discusses key challenges in storage, manufacturing, and regulation, and highlights potential solutions through Quality-by-Design and scalable process integration. These insights provide guidance for the rational development of clinically translatable micelle-based drug delivery systems. Full article

Fibres play a crucial role in diverse biomedical applications, ranging from tissue engineering to drug delivery. Electrospinning has emerged as a simple and versatile technique for producing ultrafine fibres at micro- to nanoscale dimensions. Synthetic biopolymers are effective cues to replace damaged tissue in the biomedical field, both in vitro and in vivo applications. Among them, poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) is a renewable, environmentally friendly biopolymer material. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a synthetic polymer with good biocompatibility and biodegradation characteristics. However, both electrospun PLLA and PCL fibres have their limitations. To overcome these shortcomings, electrospinning PLLA/PCL blend fibres has been the subject of many studies. This review discusses the different parameters for the electrospinning of PLLA/PCL-based fibres for biomedical applications. Furthermore, we also discuss how electrospun PLLA/PCL-based scaffolds can be modified or combined with other biomaterials, such as natural polymers and bioceramics, and examine their in vitro and in vivo applications in various tissue repair strategies. Full article

The low aqueous solubility of many new drug candidates, a key challenge in oral drug development, has been effectively addressed by liquid self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS). However, the inherent instability and manufacturing limitations of liquid formulations have prompted significant research into solid SEDDS. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent advancements in solid SEDDS, focusing on the pivotal roles of solid carriers and solidification techniques. We examine a wide range of carrier materials, including mesoporous silica, polymers, mesoporous carbon, porous carbonate salts, and clay-based materials, highlighting how their physicochemical properties can be leveraged to control drug loading, release kinetics, and in vivo performance. We also detail the various solidification methods, such as spray drying, hot melt extrusion, adsorption, and 3D printing, and their impact on the final product’s quality and scalability. Furthermore, this review explores applications of solid SEDDS, including controlled release, mucoadhesive technology, and targeted drug delivery, as well as the key commercial challenges and future perspectives. By synthesizing these diverse aspects, this paper serves as a valuable resource for designing high-performance solid SEDDS with enhanced stability, bioavailability, and functional versatility. Full article

Electrokinetic phenomena offer promising tools for the manipulation of micro- and nanoparticles in liquid media. However, most existing techniques rely on complex configurations and are often limited to particle separation based on large size differences or distinct material properties. Here, we present a simple and tunable method for spatial control and separation of nanoparticles using interdigitated electrodes under AC electric fields. Our approach exploits subtle differences in the electroosmotic and dielectrophoretic responses of particles with small size variations but identical material compositions. By adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the applied voltage, particles can be selectively directed and accumulated at designated regions of the device, enabling precise control over their positioning and segregation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method using micro- and nanoparticles composed of the same material, achieving accurate spatial separation based solely on their electrokinetic behavior. This technique offers a low-cost, easily integrable platform for diverse applications, including cell manipulation, water purification, and targeted drug delivery. Full article