Micro and Nanosystems - Volume 16, Issue 2, 2024

Microsponges are porous, polymeric particles that have been extensively explored in the field of dermatology. They offer numerous advantages as a topical delivery system, including controlled release of active ingredients, enhanced bioavailability, and improved stability. Microsponges have been used for a wide range of dermatological applications, including the treatment of acne, psoriasis, and other skin disorders. This review article provides an overview of the various applications of microsponges in dermatology, along with the challenges associated with their development and use. The article begins with a brief introduction to microsponges, the benefits of microsponges, and their properties. It then discusses the different methods of microsponge preparation, such as emulsion solvent evaporation and spray drying, along with their mechanism of drug release and also applications of microsponges in dermatology, including their use in the treatment of acne, psoriasis, and other skin disorders, are discussed in detail. Overall, microsponges have shown great promise as a topical delivery system in dermatology, and their continued development and use will likely lead to significant advances in the field.

Cell-mediated drug delivery systems have gained significant attention in medical research due to their potential for enhanced therapeutic specificity and efficacy in various diseases. Among immune cells, neutrophils (NEs) have emerged as a promising candidate for drug delivery due to their prevalence and rapid response at inflammatory sites. However, the short lifespan and challenges associated with the in vitro cultivation of NEs have hindered their direct use for drug administration. This review aims to highlight the importance of NEs as effective drug-delivery vehicles and elucidate the underlying mechanisms contributing to their pharmacological efficacy. By analyzing recent studies and advancements in the field, we will discuss the strategies employed to harness NEs as drug carriers, including coating nanostructures with NE cell membranes. In addition, we will investigate the distinctive characteristics of NEs that allow for targeted drug delivery. These properties include the NE's capacity to navigate intricate biological environments and actively move towards inflamed tissues. Moreover, we will examine the mechanisms by which NEs release drugs and explore their potential applications in different therapeutic fields.

In the realm of drug delivery, lipid nanoparticles have emerged as versatile carriers, offering enhanced encapsulation, protection, and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. Among these innovative systems, SmartLipids stands out as a groundbreaking advancement, representing the latest generation of lipid nanoparticles. Characterized by their unique "chaotic" and disordered particle matrix structure, SmartLipids exhibit remarkable properties that set them apart from conventional drug delivery systems. This comprehensive review delves into the intricate world of SmartLipids, unraveling their distinctive features and exploring their immense potential in the field of drug delivery. It meticulously outlines their production methods, shedding light on the solvent-free, highpressure homogenization technique that ensures biocompatibility and safety. The review meticulously examines the physicochemical characterization of SmartLipids, providing insights into their particle size, morphology, and encapsulation efficiency. It further delves into their in vitro and in vivo performance, highlighting their ability to enhance drug solubility, permeability, and bioavailability. The study collectively underscores the versatility and customizable nature of SmartLipids, emphasizing their suitability for a wide range of drug delivery applications. From encapsulating hydrophilic, lipophilic, and amphiphilic compounds to tailoring specific release profiles, SmartLipids offer a remarkable degree of flexibility in drug delivery strategies.

Objective: Currently, there is a clear lack of effective topical treatments for psoriasis. In light of this unaddressed requirement, the work intends to develop, enhance, and assess the effectiveness of a curcumin transethosomal gel for managing psoriasis. This work signifies the delivery of a potential solution to fill the gap in topical psoriasis treatment. Materials and Methods: Curcumin-loaded transethosomes were prepared using a mechanical dispersion method. An initial study was conducted to determine the ideal concentrations of Lipoid S100 and Isopropyl Myristate (IPM). To refine the ultimate transethosomal formulation, a full factorial design (3²) was employed, incorporating different levels of Lipoid S100 and IPM. Drug release investigations and pharmacokinetics assessments of curcumin concentrations were performed using a specialized dissolution apparatus and an animal model, respectively. Results: The characterization profile and analytical examinations have affirmed the stability of the formulation throughout the study duration. Our findings indicate that the drug release mechanism conforms to a diffusion pattern akin to Fickian transport. Furthermore, In-vivo investigations revealed that the curcumin concentration in the bloodstream after oral administration was significantly superior to that of the conventional formulation. Conclusion: Using curcumin-loaded transethosomes extends drug contact time and facilitates controlled drug release, leading to enhanced bioavailability, decreased dosage needs, and heightened patient safety.

Introduction: Interconnects are an essential requirement for any circuit completion. They are utilised to connect two or more blocks, yet when creating a circuit, certain problems have been observed. Scaling back technology is one such problem. Methods: With technology scaled down their aspects change which can straightforwardly affect the circuit boundaries. Because of this, the time constant and power consumption in the interconnect circuits has increased. Certain wire (RC) models and techniques have previously been characterized to control these performance parameters however in this paper, authors have proposed a new interconnect structure with a buffer insertion technique using adiabatic dynamic logic (ADL). Results: To optimise power, a Schmitt trigger is inserted as a buffer between lengthy interconnect circuits utilising an energy-recovery mechanism. The TSPICE tool is used to model and simulate the entire circuit. Conclusion: The suggested model's performance is compared to that of other cutting-edge methods.

Background: The amalgamation of targeted transportation and enhancement of the release profile of the active pharmaceutical ingredient is a contemporary trend in the evolution of oral medicinal products. A renowned method to actualize this concept is to develop floating gastroretentive delivery systems that ensure an extended stay of the dosage form on the gastric surface. The success of drug delivery is largely dependent on the type of polymer used that sustains the release and avoids any toxic effects. Intragastric floating drug delivery systems are designed to remain buoyant in the stomach without affecting the gastric emptying rate for a prolonged period. This allows for a slow release of the drug in the stomach, which can be particularly beneficial for drugs with a narrow absorption window, like Glibenclamide, an anti-diabetic medication. Objective: The current research focused on the sustained drug delivery of Glibenclamide as intragastric floating microspheres. The goal was to adjust the floatation and drug release pattern using Eudragit RS 100 and magnesium stearate as a droplet stabilizer. Different batches of floating microspheres were optimized based on the polymer, drug-polymer concentration, and the amount of magnesium stearate. The strategy aimed to enhance the effectiveness of Glibenclamide, particularly for individuals with diabetes, by facilitating a controlled and consistent release of the drug in the gastric environment. Materials and Methods: The solvent evaporation method was used to create four batches of intragastric microspheres. The maximum absorbance of the drug, also known as lambda max, was observed at 212 nm. The prepared batches were evaluated for various in-vitro physicochemical parameters. The average particle size was found to be 619 nm. Rheological studies indicated excellent flow properties. The microspheres exhibited in-vitro buoyancy for up to 7 hours. Results: The entrapment efficiency was as high as 93.19%. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the microspheres have a porous structure, which allows for the easy movement of solvents and solutes into and out of the microspheres. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) indicated the physical and chemical properties of the microspheres. All in-vitro drug release and kinetic studies for the optimized batch (F-M4) revealed that Eudragit RS 100 effectively sustained the intragastric delivery of Glibenclamide. Conclusion: Floating drug delivery systems enhance oral dosage forms and the range of APIs by ensuring targeted gastric delivery and modified release. This improves bioavailability, reduces drug losses, and partially mitigates side effects.