Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology - Online First

This review article examines functionalized nanofibers and their potential to revolutionize drug delivery systems and enhance their biomedical applications. By leveraging the high surface-area-to-volume ratio and tunable physicochemical properties of nanofibers, the limitations of conventional drug delivery methods can be addressed. These nanofibers can be engineered for the controlled and sustained release of drugs, growth factors, and bioactive agents to improve treatment efficacy and mitigate side effects. Furthermore, the versatility of functionalized nanofibers in various biomedical fields has been investigated. In tissue engineering, nanofibers serve as scaffolds that emulate the extracellular matrix and facilitate cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, thus demonstrating the potential for regenerating tissues and organs, including bone, cartilage, and nerve repair. This review also explores their application in wound healing, where nanofiber dressings incorporating antimicrobial agents and growth factors can expedite healing, prevent infections, and minimize scarring, benefiting patients with chronic wounds, burns, and other complex skin injuries. Additionally, this article discusses the potential of functionalized nanofibers for developing innovative medical devices with therapeutic and diagnostic functions. The integration of sensing elements and drug-releasing components into nanofiber platforms has resulted in multifunctional devices capable of monitoring physiological parameters, detecting biomarkers, and delivering targeted therapies based on biological cues. The versatility of these nanofibers may enable the development of combination products that can incorporate multiple therapeutic modalities into a single platform, potentially enhancing the management of complex diseases and improving patient outcomes. The article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state and future trajectory of electrospinning technology.

Tuberculosis (TB) and chronic pain are global health concerns that affect millions of people, often requiring long-term, effective treatment strategies. The conventional therapies used to manage these conditions come with significant limitations. In TB, long treatment durations, poor compliance, drug resistance, and toxicity of first-line drugs are key challenges. Similarly, pain management faces issues, such as inadequate targeting, systemic side effects, and tolerance to analgesics, limiting traditional therapy efficacy.

The objective of this review is to explore the potential of nanocarriers as a targeted drug delivery strategy for improving treatment outcomes in TB and pain management. It aims to explore how these advanced systems improve drug bioavailability (BA), control release, reduce side effects, and enhance therapeutic outcomes.

This systematic review used databases like PubMed, Elsevier, Scopus, Google Scholar, Google Patents, and ResearchGate, etc., to collect original review articles from the past 15 years (September 1, 2007 to September 1, 2024).

The review also revealed that these advanced systems offer promising solutions for overcoming 
the limitations of conventional therapies, such as poor patient compliance and drug toxicity. Nanocarriers represent a transformative approach in both TB and pain management, with the potential to revolutionize treatment paradigms and improve patient outcomes. In conclusion, nanocarriers represent a highly promising approach for advancing treatment strategies in both TB and pain management. The review underscores that nanocarrier systems, such as nanoemulsion, nanosuspension, nanocrystal, liposomes, niosomes, dendrimer, and polymeric nanoparticles, offer substantial improvements in drug delivery by enhancing BA, ensuring targeted release, and reducing systemic side effects.

The development of targeted cancer therapies has become crucial in addressing the limitations of conventional chemotherapy, particularly its lack of specificity and severe side effects. Polymeric nanocarriers have emerged as a transformative solution, providing enhanced drug solubility, selective targeting, and controlled release of therapeutics. This review discusses recent advances in polymeric nanocarriers, emphasizing their capacity to incorporate multiple drugs and optimize delivery through both active and passive targeting strategies, and especially the transition to targeted cancer therapy through the various applied methods in the field. Mechanisms such as the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect for passive targeting, and the use of ligands, peptides, and proteins for active targeting, are explored in depth. Furthermore, the potential of these nanocarriers to improve therapeutic outcomes through targeting specific cellular and subcellular sites, including the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum, is examined. These innovations pave the way for the development of safer and more effective cancer treatments with the potential to enhance clinical outcomes.

Metallic nanostructures play a vital role in technological advancement, providing exceptional performance and improved adaptability in comparison to their bulk equivalents. Conventional synthesis techniques frequently depend on dangerous reducing agents to transform metal ions into Nanoparticles (NPs), which presents considerable environmental and health issues. In contrast, the approach of green synthesis, which emphasizes the use of non-toxic reagents, has garnered significant interest as a sustainable method for the fabrication of Metallic Nanoparticles (MNPs). This sustainable approach utilizes biological sources, like actinomycetes, algae, fungi, polymers, crops, waste biomass, and yeast, recognized for their excellent biocompatibility, availability, affordability, and efficiency. Biological extracts act as reducing and stabilizing agents, with the metabolites and enzymes present in these extracts aiding in the conversion of metal ions into nanoparticles. This review offers an in-depth examination of different MNPs, such as copper, gold, platinum, silver, and zinc, emphasizing their distinct characteristics and a variety of synthesis methods. The review further explores the diverse applications of MNPs in biomimetics, agriculture, and various industrial sectors, including energy, catalysis, and wastewater treatment, along with optical enhancement. This review explores stability and toxicity profiles, filling a significant gap in the existing knowledge base and providing valuable insights into the broad applicability of MNPs.

Cancer continues to pose a formidable challenge in global health due to its incidence and increasing resistance to conventional therapies. A key factor driving this resistance is tumor hypoxia, characterized by reduced oxygen levels within cancer cells. This hypoxic environment triggers a variety of adaptive mechanisms, significantly compromising the efficacy of cancer treatments. Notably, hypoxia promotes metastasis and reshapes the tumor microenvironment (TME), thereby aggravating treatment resistance. Central to this process are hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), which mediate cellular adaptations such as metabolic shifts and enhanced survival pathways. These adaptations render therapies like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) less effective. Additionally, hypoxia-induced vascular irregularities further impede drug delivery, amplifying the therapeutic challenge. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the roles of hypoxia in cancer, its contributions to drug resistance, and its interplay with apoptosis and autophagy. By evaluating novel mechanistic and translational approaches to target hypoxia, this study highlights the potential to improve therapeutic outcomes and offers insights into overcoming treatment resistance in cancer.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible brain disorder that led to memory loss and disrupts daily life. Earlier strategies to treat AD such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) drugs are not showing effectiveness due to the inability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Moreover, traditional AChEI provides limited efficacy in terms of bioavailability and solubility for treating AD treatment. Many of the current drugs such as donepezil taken to treat the disease exhibited harmful side effects. Hence, researchers are keen to find the alternative effective therapeutic agents for treating AD. This review summarizes the recent advancement in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems of herbal drugs such as Curcumin, Ginkgo biloba, Salvia officinalis, etc for the prevention and cure of AD. Herbal drugs proved useful in treating neuronal disorders such as AD but exhibited some limitations like low bioavailability via oral drug delivery. Such limitations were overcome by tagging these drugs by nanoparticles which enables them to cross the blood-brain barrier and offer the delivery of greater concentration of herbal drugs to the brain. Inorganic nanoparticle-based drug-delivery systems such as gold nanoparticles and magnetic nanoparticles, organic nanoparticulate systems like polymeric micelles and dendrimers, and solid polymeric nanoparticles were some of the effective methods that have earlier shown potential for enhancing the delivery of herbal drugs to the brain. Long-term repeated injection of drugs loaded on nanomaterials can lead to the accumulation of nanomaterials in the body without timely and effective degradation which can cause serious issues to the brain. Hence, nanotechnology-based strategies should involve the formulation of non-toxic nanoparticles in such a way that they can significantly transport the drugs across the BBB followed by effective degradation of nanoparticles.

Breast cancer poses a formidable challenge due to its inherent difficulty in treatment. Recognizing the imperative need for new therapeutic approaches, this study focuses on a groundbreaking technique that has the potential to reshape breast cancer treatment: siRNA formulations based on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). This novel method holds promise for transforming the landscape of breast cancer therapy. The primary objective of this research is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current state of the art in the field, specifically exploring the potential applications of siRNA treatments encapsulated in LNPs for breast cancer. The research methodology involves a detailed literature review covering breast cancer, siRNA therapy, and lipid nanoparticles. The study investigates the fundamental principles of siRNA therapy, highlighting its capacity to selectively silence genes critical to breast cancer development. Additionally, the application of LNPs in delivering therapeutic siRNA payloads is explored, with an emphasis on the benefits of LNPs, including their biocompatibility and effective siRNA incorporation. Safety and effectiveness characteristics of LNP-based siRNA formulations are also assessed to pave the way for potential therapeutic applications. Findings from the study illuminate the promising characteristics of LNP-siRNA formulations in the treatment of breast cancer. The investigation provides insights into targeting strategies, such as the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and the utilization of ligand-conjugated nanoparticles. The study outlines potential avenues for therapeutic use, drawing attention to the safety and effectiveness of LNP-based siRNA formulations. In summary, this study aims to reveal intricate interactions between lipid nanoparticle-based siRNA formulations and breast cancer treatment, fostering a transformation in the field by highlighting current developments, future trends, and innovative strategies for next-gen LNP-based siRNA formulations.

Lipid-based nanocarriers have emerged as promising vehicles for the delivery of various therapeutic agents, owing to their biocompatibility, stability, and ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. Among these lipid-based nanocarriers, Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) have gained significant attention in the field of drug delivery. This comparative review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of SLNs and NLCs, focusing on their formulation, physicochemical properties, drug-loading capacity, stability, and drug release profiles. The review highlights the differences in preparation techniques, particle size, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficiency, stability, drug delivery, cosmetic and personal care, and food industry applications between SLN and NLC. Furthermore, the review discusses the toxicity and safety profiles of these nanoparticles, including cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, acute toxicity, and long-term toxicity. Finally, the review identifies the potential applications, limitations, and future research directions of SLN and NLC.In summary, this comparative review provides valuable insights into the formulation, physicochemical properties, drug-loading capacity, stability, and drug release profiles of SLNs and NLCs. By understanding the similarities and differences between these lipid-based nanocarriers, researchers and pharmaceutical scientists can make informed decisions regarding the selection of the most suitable nanocarrier for specific therapeutic applications.

The exploration of hydrogel materials has gained significant attention due to the ongoing period of collaborative interdisciplinary advancements. Silk fibroin (SF) possesses remarkable attributes, such as less immunogenicity, sterilization efficacy, processability without chemical crosslinkers, excellent biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, non-toxicity, mechanical strength, thermal stability, non-carcinogenicity, and adjustable biodegradability make it a highly valuable biomaterial. Silk fibroin hydrogel (SFH), a versatile biomaterial, has garnered significant attention due to its unique properties. Its biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, water retention capacity, and bioactive nature offer a unique combination of features that can effectively promote tissue regeneration and enhance wound healing. The utilization of SF for hydrogel production presents a valuable opportunity to leverage natural resources and promote eco-friendly production practices. With their exceptional properties and versatile applications in biomedicine, silk protein-based hydrogels hold promise for various research fields. This review aims to discuss the potential properties and recent advancements in the application of SF-based hydrogels for preclinical skin wound healing.

Nanoparticles are a significant topic due to their applications in various fields, including biology, optics, catalysis, pharmaceutics, health, agriculture, and industry, with biosynthesis processes being quick, easy, and environmentally friendly. Due to their applications across multiple industries, silver nanoparticles, or AgNPs, have become the most desired nanoparticles with the recent development of nanotechnology. The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of AgNPs are being studied. These characteristics are crucial for limiting the hazards associated with silver nanoparticles while optimizing their potential applications in many fields. A higher degree of toxicity in both the environment and living things could arise from the increasing use of silver nanoparticles in the product. Silver nanoparticles find application in wound care, anti-infective therapy, food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. As antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and microbiological agents, silver nanoparticles are widely used. Not only must the particles be nanoscale in order for silver nanoparticles to be present, but their production must also be simple and inexpensive to achieve. This paper aims to review the different methods of synthesis of silver nanoparticles, properties, characterization, and their applications. In specific, several chemical and green synthesis approaches for synthesising silver nanoparticles have been discussed. The morphology, size, thermal properties, toxicity properties, electrical properties, catalytic properties, and applications of silver nanoparticles are focused. The main focus is on the effective and efficient synthesis of pure silver nanoparticles and their potential applications.

A nanocarrier is a novel colloidal system whose particle size ranges between 1-100 nm. It is extensively utilized in drug delivery and various other sectors, such as the pharmaceutical, food, and dairy industries. The nanocarrier systems, including solid lipid nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes, and other encapsulated compounds, have improved stability, solubility, bioavailability, and quality. Nanocarriers offer therapeutic effectiveness with low toxicity because of their biocompatibility and ability to cross body barriers. Various analytical techniques, such as chromatography and spectroscopy, are crucial in qualitative and quantitative analysis of nanocarrier-based formulations. Molecular identification and drug content determination require chromatographic techniques, particularly HPLC. Spectroscopic techniques such as LC-MS, NMR, GC-MS, CE-MS, Raman, and IR are used to analyze the interaction and molecular structure of the sample. Nanocarriers have several benefits but face various challenges like stability, drug loading, regulatory standards, and biocompatibility. Future surface engineering and nanocarrier design advancements could improve targeted drug delivery and sustained diagnostic applications, significantly impacting healthcare.

The emergence of lipid-based nanoparticulate systems has significantly reshaped the landscape of drug delivery. This review aims to encapsulate the advancements, challenges, and potential of lipid-based nanoparticulate drug delivery in modern therapeutics. Lipid-based nanoparticles, including liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, and solid lipid nanoparticles, harness the biocompatibility and biodegradability of lipids to encapsulate and deliver a diverse range of therapeutic agents. This platform offers solutions to various drug delivery challenges, such as enhancing drug solubility and bio- availability, achieving controlled and sustained release, targeted delivery, and co-delivery of multi-agents. These nanoparticles have demonstrated potential in overcoming biological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier, mucosal barriers, and cellular barriers, enabling the delivery of drugs to previously inaccessible sites. Biocompatibility and reduced toxicity are intrinsic attributes of lipid-based nanoparticles, minimizing immune responses and systemic toxicity while promoting personalized medicine possibilities. However, challenges in formulation, stability, and regulatory approval underscore the need for ongoing research and innovation in this field.

The infusion of nanotechnology into cosmetic formulations marks a transformative shift in beauty science. Although Raymond Reed originally used the word “cosmeceutical,” Dr. Albert Kligman popularised the idea in the late 1970s. Cosmetic Nano Wonders are redefining skincare by leveraging nanomaterials to enhance the stability, delivery, and efficacy of active ingredients. The paradigm shift holds promise for overcoming longstanding challenges in traditional cosmetic formulations. This article aims to explore and showcase the revolutionary impact of nanotechnology on the cosmetic industry. Focusing on key nanocarriers, such as liposomes and nanoparticles, our objective is to illuminate how nanotechnology elevates the performance of beauty products, providing advanced solutions for skincare concerns. This revolution promotes sustainability through green synthesis techniques and enables more accurate and effective therapies for a variety of skin issues, including acne and ageing that raises the bar for safety and innovation in the cosmetics business by enhancing product performance and environmental impact. Conducting a thorough literature review, we analyze recent scientific studies and industry reports to unveil the mechanisms and applications of nanotechnology in cosmetics. Special attention is given to the role of nanocarriers in stability enhancement, targeted delivery, and controlled release, unraveling the methods that drive the transformative potential of Cosmetic Nano Wonders. The database sources are Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google Patents. The examination of recent research underscores the tangible benefits of nanotechnology in cosmetics. Cosmetic Nano Wonders demonstrate superior stability, enhanced penetration into skin layers, and controlled release mechanisms, showcasing their potential to revolutionize beauty science and address longstanding challenges in skincare. Cosmetic Nano Wonders represent a groundbreaking shift in beauty science, offering unprecedented possibilities for formulators and consumers. As nanotechnology continues to reshape cosmetic formulations, the future holds the promise of safer, more effective, and personalized skincare solutions, ushering in a new era in beauty science.

Liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles (LCNPs) represent a type of membrane-based nano-carriers formed through the self-assembly of lyotropic lipids. These lipids, such as unsaturated monoglycerides, phospholipids, and co-lipids, create liquid crystals or vesicles with an aqueous core enclosed by a natural or synthetic phospholipid bilayer upon exposure to an aqueous medium. Liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles (LCNPs), akin to liposomes, have garnered significant attention as nanocarriers suitable for a diverse range of hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules. Their notable structural advantage lies in a mono-channel network organization and the presence of multiple compartments, resulting in heightened encapsulation efficiency for various substances. Cubosomes, spongosomes, hexosomes, and multicompartment nanoparticles are examples of lipid nanocarriers with interior liquid crystalline structures that have recently gained a lot of interest as effective drug delivery systems. Additionally, LCNPs facilitate the sustained release of encapsulated compounds, including therapeutic macromolecules. This review delves into the structure of liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles, explores preparation techniques, and outlines their applications in the context of skin cancer.