The aim of this study was to prepare different silica-based hydrogel composites and to study how the amount and type of silica particles - both with and without embedded APIs - can be varied in presence of alginate in the hydrogel composites, and its influence on the rheological properties and dissolution rates. Silica microparticles with and without encapsulated levothyroxine were manufactured from alkoxide hydrolysis and spray drying to be subsequently mixed with silica hydrogel in the presence and absence of small amounts of sodium alginate. The resulting material was treated under in-sink conditions to evaluate the dissolution rates. In addition, the obtained material was tested for rheology and injection force measurements. The findings demonstrate that alginate facilitates the reduction of silica microparticle concentration while maintaining injectability and modulating dissolution rates, thereby enhancing formulation tunability. Furthermore, alginate improved the rheological characteristics and injection performance of composites containing levothyroxine-loaded silica microparticles, which otherwise posed injection difficulties. The study had shown that alginate contributes to the formation of more homogeneous hydrogel silica composites under shear stress, supporting its potential as a functional excipient in advanced drug delivery systems.

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Despite the availability of chemotherapeutics, such as doxorubicin, treatment efficacy, is often hampered by multidrug resistance, largely driven by efflux transporters like P-glycoprotein. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a targeted liposomal system for the co-delivery of doxorubicin and quercetin to overcome multidrug resistance in breast cancer cells. The objective was to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. Liposomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration method and optimized via Box-Behnken Design. Two formulations, doxorubicin and quercetin liposomes (DOX-QCT-LIPO) and Trastuzumab conjugated (TmAb-DOX-QCT-LIPO), were characterized for vesicle size, PDI, and entrapment efficiency. Their cytotoxicity (MTT assay) and cellular uptake (FACS) were tested in MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADR cell lines. Optimized formulations exhibited nanoscale size, uniform distribution, and high drug encapsulation. Tmab-DOX-QCT-LIPO showed significantly enhanced cytotoxicity and uptake in MDR breast cancer cells compared to free DOX and non-targeted liposomes, indicating effective bypass of efflux mechanisms via HER2-mediated endocytosis. TmAb-DOX-QCT-LIPO demonstrated superior anticancer potential by integrating dual-drug loading, P-gp inhibition, and HER2-targeted uptake, offering a promising therapeutic strategy against MDR breast cancer.

To develop and characterize a micellar system, SMA-TQ (styrene-maleic acid-thymoquinone), for the potential management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). SMA synthesis and TQ encapsulation in SMA are described. The loading of TQ in SMA-TQ was established at 20%. The size of SMA-TQ micelle as determined by DLS was in average of 155.2 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.350. In vitro testing was carried out in 4T1 TNBC cell line, and in vivo testing in mice model of TNBC. In vitro experiments revealed an added effect of SMA-TQ and doxorubicin (Doxo) at doses of 1-3 mM). In vivo studies showed that the combination of SMA-TQ and Doxo had the least mean tumor growth (509.6%) compared to other treatments. Obtained results collectively suggest that the combination of SMA-TQ and Doxo has cumulative effects in inhibiting tumor growth, emphasizing the significance of combination therapies to enhance anticancer effectiveness. This work reveals SMA-TQ micellar system as complementary therapeutic option in TNBC.

MXene pertains to the family of two-dimensional materials with excellent surface area, biocompatibility, and many possibilities for surface functionalization. Owing to this, a multifunctional MXene nanocomposite was developed for targeted drug delivery at tumor site as current treatment regimens show increased adverse effects and limited selectivity. MAX phase titanium aluminum carbide (Ti3AlC2) was synthesized, which serves as the precursor for the production of Ti3C2TX MXene. Additionally, green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were affixed onto the MXene's surface, forming the MXene@AgNP nanocomposite. This nanocomposite was further employed as a drug delivery carrier to deliver chemotherapeutic drug, docetaxel (DTX), linked covalently to the MXene@AgNP via polyethylene glycol (PEG), resulting in the final composition of MXene@AgNP@PEG@DTX. The final nanocomposite exhibits both thermal and pH-responsive in vitro drug delivery capabilities, with maximum drug release of 60% at pH 5.4 after 48 hours. The IC50 value for final nanocomposite was determined at 2.698 µg/mL, significantly lower than IC50 value 9.630 µg/mL for DTX against breast carcinoma. Enhanced cellular uptake of the MXene@AgNP carrier was confirmed through cellular uptake studies. This work broadens the scope for therapeutic approach toward cancer through the development of nanocomposite by providing a potent and biocompatible alternative.

Fungal keratitis has a poor prognosis given deep penetration into the corneal stroma. While Rose Bengal photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (RB-PDAT) is a promising adjunct treatment for refractory cases, poor penetration limits its effectiveness. This study explores the penetration depth of alternative photosensitizers to address this issue. Thirty-five human corneas were soaked for 30 minutes in 0.0075% solution of Rose Bengal disodium (n = 5), Rose Bengal lactone (n = 5), Erythrosin B disodium (n = 5), Erythrosin B lactone (n = 5), Eosin Y disodium (n = 5), Methylene blue (n = 5), or NaCl (control, n = 5). Confocal microscopy was used to assess penetration depth. All photosensitizers penetrated greater into the cornea as compared to control. There was no significant difference in penetration between Rose Bengal lactone and Rose Bengal disodium (RB lactone: 106 ± 11 µm vs RB disodium: 99± 13 µm, p > 0.05). The penetration depths of the alternative photosensitizers was significantly greater than either Rose Bengal formulation (Erythrosin Blactone: 192 ± 31 µm, Erythrosin B disodium: 163 ± 13 µm, Eosin Y disodium: 249± 31 µm, Methylene Blue: 355± 151 µm). Alternative photosensitizers exhibit superior penetration compared to Rose Bengal. However, antimicrobial efficacy and corneal safety require more robust evaluation before clinical use.

This review explores the advancements in drug delivery systems that incorporate bile salts since bilosomes that were developed over 20 years ago. Bile salts, recognized for their unique amphiphilic properties, have emerged as versatile agents in enhancing solubility, stability, and bioavailability of various therapeutics. We discuss the innovative formulations developed, including micelles, liposomes, and nanoparticles, that leverage bile salts to facilitate targeted and sustained release. The review also highlights the mechanisms by which bile salts improve drug absorption, particularly for hydrophobic compounds, and examines the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding these systems. Furthermore, we address challenges faced in clinical translation and future directions for research, emphasizing the potential of bile salt-based systems in personalized medicine. Our evaluation highlights the significant role of bile salts in advancing drug delivery technologies and their promise for improving therapeutic outcomes.

This study focuses on the synthesis and evaluation of innovative gold nanoparticles (AuNps) stabilized by short-chain ferulic acid (FA), specifically 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-cinnamic acid. We analyzed the size and distribution of FA-TSC-AuNps and FA-NaBH4-AuNps, with the reduction kinetics of Au3 + to Au0. The electronic and optical properties of these AuNps were scrutinized using UV-visible, AFM, and FT-IR. AFM distinctly showcased spherical particles, average diameters of 4 ± 1 nm for FA-TSC-AuNps and 11 ± 1 nm for FA-NaBH4-AuNps systems. In the DPPH assay, the anti-scavenging activity recorded values of: FA at 15.4% ± 0.32, FA-TSC-AuNps at an impressive 86.8% ± 0.32, and FA-NaBH4-AuNps at 61.5% ± 0.22. The ABTS assay yielded results of: FA at 13%, FA-TSC-AuNps at 70.14%, and FA-NaBH4-AuNps at a remarkable 92.8%. Catalytic investigations revealed that both facilitated the swift conversion of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol. Additionally successful chemo sensing capabilities were assessed, particularly in relation to ciprofloxacin antibiotic by distinct shift in color signifies the effective detection capability of both sensory systems for the drug. Moreover, with FA-TSC-AuNps exhibiting significant sensitivity toward aluminum. These nanoparticles suggest promising avenues for drug system modifications and enhancements, highlighting their multifaceted potential in both catalytic and chemo sensing applications.

ABSTRACTAimsThis study aimed to evaluate the potential of Eryngium maritimum L. (EM) callus media filtrate (ECMF) for enhanced skin delivery through multilayered liposomes (MLs).Materials & methodsECMF was applied to human skin cells to assess its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin barrier-enhancing properties. ECMF was encapsulated in MLs to enhance delivery efficiency, creating a formulation called Cellbiome. Clinical trials involving human participants were conducted to compare its effects with traditional formulations, assessing parameters such as skin density, hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction.ResultsCellbiome significantly improved skin density and moisturization, outperforming conventional formulations. ML encapsulation facilitated deeper penetration of active ingredients beyond the stratum corneum, leading to synchronized improvements in multiple skin parameters, including elasticity, wrinkle reduction, and overall skin health. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses further confirmed ECMF’s bioactivity and its role in skin improvement.ConclusionsML-based formulations, such as Cellbiome, offer superior efficacy in skincare applications compared to conventional methods. This study underscores the importance of advanced delivery technologies in cosmetics and highlights the need for further research to optimize the benefits of natural extracts like EM for human skin, potentially advancing dermatological and cosmeceutical applications.

The study aimed to formulate solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for the transdermal delivery of PPL to improve skin retention and efficacy. The particle size distribution of SLNs was determined and the morphology of SLNs was also analyzed by SEM. In-vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo evaluations were done for PPL loaded SLN. The safety of drug delivery systems was assayed using MTT test. The results indicated successful encapsulation of PPL in SLNs (59.38%), which exhibited a spherical shape and smooth surface. Compared to PPL solution, SLNs demonstrated a prolonged drug release profile in vitro. Stability tests over three months showed no significant changes in entrapment efficiency or size distribution. Enhanced permeation through shed snake and rat skin was observed with SLNs compared to the PPL solution. Ex-vivo and in vivo studies confirmed that PPL-loaded SLNs significantly increased drug content in the skin. Importantly, the SLNs displayed biocompatibility, as no significant cytotoxic effects were noted, and they were nonirritating to rat skin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that indicates SLNs can be considered as a promising nanocarriers for transdermal delivery of PPL.