Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology - Volume 26, Issue 10, 2025

Curcumin, as an anti-tumor agent, is not widely used in cancer treatment due to the lack of effective levels of its metabolites in cancerous tissue. Addressing the barriers to the carrier and delivery of drugs to the specific sites of therapeutic action while reducing side effects is a priority. Folate receptor expression is high in malignant and low in normal cells. Folate as a targeted ligand could selectively target cancer cells. Thus, this narrative review aimed to provide an overview of the studies that have investigated the different types of folate-modified curcumin as a carrier and deliverer and their structural properties that enhance therapeutic drug efficacy. A literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Thirty-eight preclinical studies addressing this topic were identified. The findings of the current review have shown that folate-modified nanoparticles containing curcumin as a promising therapeutic approach can be effective in improving different types of cancers. In vitro studies have shown a higher cellular uptake and cytotoxicity effect, higher cell inhibition, and anti-proliferation with a lower dosage of curcumin. In vivo studies have shown more tumor suppression and smaller tumor volume without toxicity after the administration of folate-modified nanoparticles containing curcumin. Future clinical trials are needed to confirm the beneficial effect of folate-modified curcumin as a new drug delivery platform for cancer treatment.

This comprehensive review of Spirulina encompasses biotechnology, phycocyanin production, and purification. Bioactive compounds and vital nutrients were investigated during the study. The literature examines the potential therapeutic advantages and clinical applications of Spirulina. This analysis assesses Spirulina consumption and its associated health risks.

The current review offers a comprehensive synthesis of the therapeutic applications as well as technologies utilized for the extraction and purification of phycocyanin. Moreover, this discourse delves into the examination of various advantageous techniques for extracting and purifying phycocyanin, encompassing physical, chemical, and enzymatic methods. The data derived from a multitude of studies strongly indicate the potential therapeutic applications of phycocyanin, encompassing its notable attributes as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, anticancer agent, antiviral agent, antimicrobial agent, antiallergic agent, anti-obesity agent, antihypertensive agent, and an immunological agent.

Pain and swelling in the joints, increased synovial thickness, and bone and cartilage degeneration are all symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Anti-rheumatic medications, which are used in conventional treatment plans for RA, need high doses, frequent administration, and long-term use, all of which increase the risk of major adverse effects and low patient compliance. Drug Delivery Systems (DDS) have been developed for RA treatment in an effort to avoid these obstacles and improve clinical efficacy. There have been many successful experimental RA models using these techniques. There has been a notable uptick in the study of RA nanotherapies as a prospective improvement over conventional systemic therapy. In order to overcome the limits of traditional treatments, researchers have begun looking into nanotherapeutic approaches, notably drug-delivery nanosystems. The precise delivery and concentration of therapeutic drugs in the affected regions are made possible by the passive or active targeting of systemic administration. Several new DDS for treating RA have been addressed here. Therefore, nanoscale drug delivery devices increase drug solubility and bioavailability while decreasing the need for higher doses.

This academic review examines the latest biotechnology methods for resveratrol synthesis. We aim to study the health advantages of resveratrol consumption beyond synthesis and demonstrate its potential as a therapeutic agent. An extensive examination of the current state of literature was performed, employing a diverse range of scholarly databases with the purpose of collating pertinent information and conducting in-depth research on the subject matter. The main goal was to find and assess research on resveratrol's health effects and the latest biotechnology methods for synthesizing it. This review paper discusses resveratrol synthesis methods, including their efficacy and current advances. The findings highlight the significant potential of biotechnological methods in improving both the synthesis of resveratrol and its beneficial effects on health. Our comprehensive analysis substantiates the importance of biotechnological methodologies in synthesizing resveratrol. The literature review highlights resveratrol's therapeutic properties, which have been scientifically approved for the prevention and treatment of various ailments, such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic illnesses, cancer, aging, and immunomodulation.

Motor neuron disorders encompass a spectrum of conditions that can be inherited or arise from spontaneous gene mutations. These disorders disrupt the crucial connection between motor neurons and muscles, leading to a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, impaired coordination, and abnormal movements. Unfortunately, despite the significant impact on individuals' quality of life, there is currently no definitive cure for these disorders.

In response to this pressing medical need, extensive research efforts are underway globally to develop effective treatments for motor neuron disorders. Among the emerging therapeutic strategies, gene therapy has shown considerable promise. By targeting the underlying genetic abnormalities responsible for these disorders, gene therapy aims to correct or mitigate the dysfunctional molecular pathways, offering hope for improved outcomes and potentially even disease reversal. Various approaches are being explored within the realm of gene therapy, with genetic modification techniques taking center stage. These techniques enable precise manipulation of the genetic material, facilitating the replacement of mutated genes with functional ones. One such technique that has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic efficacy is Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs). ZFNs are molecular tools designed to target specific DNA sequences with high precision, enabling targeted gene editing. Their ability to induce targeted modifications in the genome holds significant promise for treating motor neuron disorders by correcting disease-causing mutations. Moreover, ZFNs offer advantages such as accuracy and desirable therapeutic effects, making them an attractive option for gene therapy applications. Despite their potential, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations and challenges associated with ZFN-based gene therapy. These include off-target effects, delivery methods, and immune responses. Understanding and addressing these challenges are critical steps toward realizing the full therapeutic potential of ZFNs in treating motor neuron disorders. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the intricacies of ZFNs, exploring their mechanisms of action, current applications, limitations, and future prospects in gene therapy for motor neuron disorders. Additionally, we provide insights into other nucleases-mediated gene therapy approaches, highlighting their comparative advantages and challenges. Furthermore, we discuss factors influencing the efficacy and safety of gene therapy treatments, including delivery methods, immune responses, and ethical considerations. By examining these factors in detail, we aim to provide a holistic understanding of the complex landscape of gene therapy for motor neuron disorders and pave the way for future advancements in the field.

Melanocytes are highly specialized dendritic cells that deliver melanin to keratinocytes in melanosomes, which are subcellular organelles where melanin is produced and stored. Mammal’s skin, hair, and eyes all contain the complex pigment melanin, which gives them color and ultraviolet protection. Melanins have the potential to be free radical sinks and are strong cation chelators. Amino acid tyrosine and its metabolite, dopa, are the precursors to complex metabolic processes that end with melanin production. Melanocytes generate different types and amounts of melanin, which is defined genetically and is impacted by several extrinsic and intrinsic factors such as hormone fluctuations, inflammation, age, and ultraviolet radiation exposure, leading to the stimulation of numerous melanogenesis pathways. Melasma, a common skin pigmentation condition, is associated with the overproduction of melanin and is characterized by brown to gray-brown and black spots that mostly affect the face. The present review addresses the regulatory mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in skin pigmentation with an emphasis on the altered melanogenesis that causes melasma and hyperpigmentation. The current study also illustrates the available treatment options with cellular and molecular mechanisms for the management of melasma. Understanding the mechanism of the pigmentation process may help researchers develop new therapeutic strategies and novel drugs for the management of melasma.

Neurological disorders present a formidable challenge in healthcare, necessitating the continuous exploration of innovative therapeutic avenues. This review delves into the burgeoning field of natural diterpenoid derivatives and their promising role in addressing neurological disorders. Derived from natural sources, these compounds exhibit a diverse range of pharmacological properties, positioning them as potential agents for treating conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The review highlights recent advancements, shedding light on the multifaceted mechanisms through which diterpenoid derivatives exert their effects, from anti-inflammatory to neuroprotective actions. As the scientific community navigates the translational journey from bench to bedside, integrating these natural compounds into neurotherapeutics emerges as a compelling prospect. This exploration of the therapeutic frontiers of natural diterpenoid derivatives signifies a significant step towards innovative and effective strategies in the management of neurological disorders. It highlights the potential of natural compounds to revolutionize neurotherapeutics.