The aim of this review is to highlight the role of semisolid systems as vehicles for nanovesicles and nanoparticles. In general, nanotechnology plays a critical role in facilitating the delivery of therapeutic agents to their active sites, and several nanocarrier systems have been explored for the topical administration of active components. The major disadvantage of the prepared nanosystems is their low viscosity, which reduces the time needed for enough absorption and negatively affects their stability and bioavailability. The role of semisolid systems is to overcome this limitation. In conclusion, this review presents an updated summary of recent advances in the use of semisolids as vehicles for various nanosystems through comprehensive scrutiny of the types of semisolids and their advantages and their role in enhancing the absorption of nanoparticles and nanovesicles.

Brain tumors, particularly glioblastomas, represent the most complicated cancers to treat and manage due to their highly invasive nature and the protective barriers of the brain, including the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The efficacy of currently available treatments, viz., radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, are frequently limited by major side effects, drug resistance, and restricted drug penetration into the brain. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a promising and targeted delivery system for brain tumors. Lipid nanocarriers have gained tremendous attention for brain tumor therapeutics due to multiple drug encapsulation abilities, controlled release, better biocompatibility, and ability to cross the BBB. Herein, a detailed analysis of the design, mechanisms, and therapeutic benefits of LNPs in brain tumor treatment is discussed. Moreover, we also discuss the safety issues and clinical developments of LNPs and their current and future challenges. Further, we also focused on the clinical transformation of LNPs in brain tumor therapy by eliminating side effects and engineering the LNPs to overcome the related biological barriers, which provide personalized, affordable, and low-risk treatment options.

Wound healing is a multifaceted, complex process that factors like aging, metabolic diseases, and infections may influence. The potentiality of polyphenols, natural compounds, has shown anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in promoting wound healing and their potential applications in wound management. The studies reviewed indicate that polyphenols have multiple mechanisms that promote wound healing. This involves enhancing antioxidant defenses, reducing oxidative stress, modulating inflammatory responses, improving healing times, reducing infection rates, and enhancing tissue regeneration in clinical trials and in vivo and in vitro studies. Polyphenols have been proven to be effective in managing hard-to-heal wounds, especially in diabetic and elderly populations. Polyphenols have shown significant benefits in promoting angiogenesis and stimulating collagen synthesis. Polyphenol treatment has been demonstrated to have therapeutic effects in wound healing and chronic wound management. Their ability to regulate key healing processes makes them suitable for new wound care products and treatments. Future research should enhance formulations and delivery methods to optimize polyphenols' bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy in wound management approaches.

Drug addiction, particularly to opioids like morphine, remains a pressing global health issue. Curcumin, a natural flavonoid, holds promise for treating neurological disorders, yet faces challenges, such as poor solubility and limited bioavailability across the blood-brain barrier. Solid lipid nanoparticles offer a solution, facilitating drug delivery to the brain. Using the Box-Behnken design, nanoparticles were optimised, yielding particles sized 152 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.254, and an encapsulation efficiency of 70.74%. These nanoparticles enhance curcumin concentration and retention in brain tissue. Behavioural experiments using the conditioned place preference (CPP) test confirmed curcumin's impact on morphine addiction and its modulation of c-Fos gene expression. Pharmacological network analysis identified potential mechanisms of action, highlighting common targets in calcium and serotonin pathways. Docking simulations showed curcumin's affinity for proteins like 5HT1A, MAO-A, and TRPV1, relevant to addiction pathways. This research underscores the potential of curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles as a therapeutic approach for combating opioid addiction and neurological disorders.

Localization in the central nervous system, diffuse growth, the presence of stem cells, and numerous resistance mechanisms, all make glioblastoma (GBM) an incurable tumor. The standard treatment of GBM consisting of surgery; radio- and chemotherapy with temozolomide provides insufficient therapeutic benefit and needs to be updated with effective modern solutions. One of the most promising and intensively explored therapeutic approaches against GBM is the use of nanotherapy. The first, and so far only, nanoparticle-based therapy approved for GBM treatment is NanoThermTM. It is based on iron oxide nanoparticles and the thermal ablation of the tumor with a magnetic field. Numerous other types of nanotherapies are being evaluated, including polymer and lipid-based nanoformulations, nanodiscs, dendrimers, and metallic, silica, or bioderived nanoparticles, among others. The advantages of these nanoscale drug carriers include improved penetration across the blood-brain barrier, targeted drug delivery, biocompatibility, and lower systemic toxicity, while major problems with their implementation involve scaling up their production and high costs. Nevertheless, taking all the impressive benefits of nanotherapies into consideration, it seems obvious that the combined effort of the scientific world will need to be taken to tackle these challenges and implement these novel therapies into clinics, giving hope that the battle against GBM can finally be won.

Drug delivery via hair follicles has attracted much research attention due to its potential to serve for both local and systemic therapeutic purposes. Recent studies on topical application of various particulate formulations have demonstrated a great role of this delivery route for targeting numerous cell populations located in skin and transporting the encapsulated drug molecules to the bloodstream. Despite a great promise of follicle-targeting carriers, their clinical implementation is very rare, mostly because of their poorer characterization compared to conventional topical dosage forms, such as ointments and creams, which have a history spanning over a century. Gathering as complete information as possible on the intrafollicular penetration depth, storage, degradation/metabolization profiles of such carriers and the release kinetics of drugs they contain, as well as their impact on skin health would significantly contribute to understanding the pros and cons of each carrier type and facilitate the selection of the most suitable candidates for clinical trials. Optical imaging and spectroscopic techniques are extensively applied to study dermal penetration of drugs. Current paper provides the state-of-the-art overview of techniques, which are used in optical monitoring of follicular drug delivery, with a special focus on non-invasive in vivo methods. It discusses key features, advantages and limitations of their use, as well as provide expert perspectives on future directions in this field.

Alopecia, a common dermatological condition, poses significant psychological and social challenges. Despite the availability of various treatments, their efficacy is often limited by poor bioavailability and delivery challenges. Nanostructured lipid carriers have emerged as promising advanced drug delivery systems for alopecia treatment due to their ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds, enhancing their stability, solubility, and controlled release. This manuscript explores the potential of Nanostructured lipid carriers as innovative delivery platforms for alopecia therapeutics, focusing on their formulation, characterization, and application in topical treatments. The unique properties of Nanostructured lipid carriers, including their small size, biocompatibility, and ability to target specific skin layers, are discussed in relation to improving the penetration and therapeutic efficacy of active ingredients such as minoxidil, finasteride, and plant-derived compounds. Additionally, we highlight the role of Nanostructured lipid carriers in improving scalp penetration, reducing side effects, and offering a more efficient alternative to conventional treatments. The manuscript concludes with insights into future trends, challenges, and the clinical potential of Nanostructured lipid carriers-based formulations in revolutionizing alopecia treatment.

The imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with endogenous antioxidant capacity leads to oxidative stress, which drives many disorders, especially in the skin. In such conditions, supplementing exogenous antioxidants may help the body prevent the negative effect of ROS. However, the skin, as the outermost barrier of the body, provides a perfect barricade, making the antioxidant delivery complicated. Several strategies have been developed to enhance the penetration of antioxidants through the skin, one of which is nanotechnology. This review focuses on utilizing several nanocarrier systems, including nanoemulsions, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and polymeric nanoparticles, for transporting antioxidants into the skin. We also reveal ROS formation in the skin and the role of antioxidant therapy, as well as the natural sources of antioxidants. Furthermore, we discuss the clinical application of topical antioxidant therapy concomitantly with the current status of using nanotechnology to deliver topical antioxidants. This review will accelerate the advancement of topical antioxidant therapy.

Skin cancer stands as a challenging global health concern, necessitating innovative approaches to cure deficiencies within traditional therapeutic modalities. While conventional drug delivery methods through injection or oral administration have long prevailed, the emergence of topical drug administration presents a compelling alternative. The skin, aside from offering a swift and painless procedure, serves as a reservoir, maintaining drug efficacy over extended durations. This comprehensive review seeks to shed light on the potential of nanotechnology as a promising avenue for efficacious cancer treatment, with a particular emphasis on skin cancer. Additionally, it underscores the transdermal approach as a viable strategy for addressing various types of cancer. This work also explores into the delivery of peptides and proteins along with in-depth explanations of different delivery systems currently under investigation for localized skin cancer treatment. Furthermore, the review discusses the formidable challenges that must be surmounted before these innovations can find their way into clinical practice, offering a roadmap for future research and therapeutic development.

Fungal infections (FIs) affect majority of the population, but the current treatments face challenges in terms of their effectiveness. This study focused on specific fungal targets, including dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), acetohydroxy-acid synthase (AHAS), farnesyltransferase and endoglucanase. The docking studies were conducted with the drug voriconazole (VCZ), comparing it with Fluconazole (FCZ) and Amphotericin B (ATB) against 11 protein data bank (PDB) IDs (IDYR, 3NZB, 6DEQ, 1KS5, 7T0C, 1FY4, 5AJH, 7R79, 6TZ6 and 6IDY). Molecular dynamics (MD) analysis, including RMSD, RMSF, PCA and FEL, confirmed the stability of VCZ. The solubility of VCZ was a problem, so nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were developed to improve ocular penetration. VCF5 was the optimized formulation by using 32 full factorial design. VCZF5-NLCs were the best in terms of nanoparticle size (126.6 nm), Zeta potential (33.5 mV), drug content (DC; 97.38 ± 0.210), encapsulation efficiency (EE; 88.01 ± 0.272) and extended drug release. The results of the ex-vivo corneal diffusion study indicate that VCZ-NLC-loaded in-situ gel (VCZ-NLC-IG3) exhibited DC of 88.25% and drug entrapment (DE) of 74.2%. The results of the zone of inhibition indicated that VCZ-NLC-IG3 had superior efficacy compared to ATB. Network pharmacology showed VCZ interacts with the genes which are responsible for fungus ergosterol biosynthesis, including lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase inhibitors (ERG11), ergosterol biosynthesis protein 5 (ERG5), dimethylallyltransferase 2 (DIT2), ketosynthase (KCN), methylsterol monooxygenase (MSMO1), lamin B receptor (LBR), squalene epoxidase (SQLE), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A Reductase (MGCR), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A Synthase (HMGCS) and 3-keto-steroid reductase (HSD17B7). In conclusion, the optimized VCZ-loaded NLCs present a promising approach to treat ocular FIs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Cancer is a deadly disease with complex pathophysiological nature and is the leading cause of death worldwide. Traditional diagnosis methods often detect cancer at a considerably critical stage and the conventional methods of treatment like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy have several limitations, multidrug resistance, cytotoxicity, and lack of specificity are a few examples. These pose substantial challenge for effective and favourable cancer treatment. The advent of nanotechnology has revolutionized the face of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Nanoparticles, which have a size range of 1-100 nm, are biocompatible and have special optical, magnetic, and electrical capabilities, less toxic, more stable, exhibit permeability and retention effect, and are used for precise targeting. There are several classes of nanoparticles each having their own sets of unique properties. NPs have played an important role in the drug delivery system, overcoming the multi-drug resistance, reducing the side-effects as seen in conventional therapeutic methods and hence able to solve the limitations of conventional methods of diagnosis and treatment. This review discusses the four major classes of nanoparticles (Lipid based NPs, Carbon NPs and Metallic NPs and Polymeric NPs): their discovery and introduction in medical field, unique properties and characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, sub-categories and characteristics of these categories, major area of application in Cancer diagnosis and treatment, and latest methodologies where these are used in cancer treatment.

Breast cancer is one of the main causes of mortality in women globally. Early and accurate diagnosis represents a milestone in cancer management. Several breast cancer diagnostic agents are available. Many chemotherapeutic agents in conventional dosage forms are approved; nevertheless, they lack cancer cell specificity, resulting in improper treatment and undesirable side effects. Recently, nanotheranostics has emerged as a new paradigm to achieve safe and effective cancer diagnosis and management.

This review provides insight into breast cancer epidemiology, barriers hindering the early diagnosis, and effective delivery of chemotherapeutics. Also, conventional diagnostic agents and recent nanotheranostic platforms have been used in breast cancer. In addition, mechanisms of cancer cell targeting and nano-carrier surface functionalization as an effective approach for chemotherapeutic targeting were reviewed along with future perspectives.

We proposed that modified nano-carriers may provide an efficacious approach for breast cancer drug targeting. These nanotheranostics need more clinical evaluations to confirm their efficacy in cancer management. In addition, we recommend the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a promising approach for early and efficient assessment of breast lesions. AI allows better interpretation and analysis of nanotheranostic data, which minimizes misdiagnosis and avoids the belated intervention of health care providers.

Lipid nanocarriers have attracted a great deal of interest in the delivery of therapeutic molecules. Despite their many advantages, compliance with quality standards and reproducibility requirements still constrain their industrial production. The relatively high failure rate in lipid nanocarrier research and development can be attributed to immature bottom-up manufacturing practices, leading to suboptimal control of quality attributes. Recently, the pharmaceutical industry has moved toward quality-driven manufacturing, emphasizing the integration of product and process development through the principles of quality by design. Quality by design in the pharmaceutical industry involves a thorough understanding of the quality profile of the target product and involves an assessment of potential risks during the design and development phases of pharmaceutical dosage forms. By identifying essential quality characteristics, such as the active ingredients, excipients and manufacturing processes used during research and development, it becomes possible to effectively control these aspects throughout the life cycle of the drug. Successful commercialization of lipid nanocarriers can be achieved if large-scale challenges are addressed using the QbD approach. QbD has become an essential tool because of its advantages in improving processes and product quality. The application of the QbD approach to the development of lipid nanocarriers can provide comprehensive and remarkable knowledge enabling the manufacture of high-quality products with a high degree of regulatory flexibility. This article reviews the basic considerations of QbD and its application in the laboratory and large-scale development of lipid nanocarriers. Furthermore, it provides forward-looking guidance for the industrial production of lipid nanocarriers using the QbD approach.

As life expectancy rises and modern lifestyles improve, there is an increasing focus on health, disease prevention, and enhancing physical appearance. Consumers are more aware of the benefits of natural ingredients in healthcare products while also being mindful of sustainability challenges. Consequently, marine bioactive compounds have gained popularity as ingredients in cosmetics and food supplements due to their diverse beneficial properties. Nonetheless, the use of some of these compounds is restricted by their low stability and poor aqueous solubility, necessitating solutions to overcome these limitations. In this context, lipid nanoparticles, such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), have been investigated for their potential to protect and improve the absorption of molecules through various routes, including oral and cutaneous. Numerous studies have shown that nanoencapsulating these compounds and incorporating them into cosmetics and food supplements can be effective. However, this application remains unregulated at the global level and is not currently addressed by existing legislation. Additional in vivo studies in both animals and humans are necessary to fully assess safety concerns.

Telomerase enzyme prevents telomere shortening during division, having human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) as its catalytic subunit. Favipiravir (FAV), an RNA-dependent RNA polymerases inhibitor, shared structural similarity with hTERT and thus assumed to have cytotoxic effect on cancer cells, in addition to its prophylactic effect to immunocompromised cancer patients. Nanoemulsion (NE) is a potential tumor cells targeting delivery system, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy at the intended site, mitigating systemic toxicity, and overcoming multidrug resistance. The objective of this study is to develop a green FAV nanoemulsion (FNE) that is environmentally friendly and safe for patients, while aiming to enhance its cytotoxic effects. The study also highlights the environmental sustainability of the developed RP-HPLC method and assesses its greenness impact. The FNE formulation underwent thermodynamic stability testing and invitro characterization. Greenness was assessed using advanced selected tools like the Analytical Eco-Scale (AES), Analytical Greenness Metric for Sample Preparation (AGREEprep), and green analytical procedure index (GAPI). The cytotoxic potential of FNE was screened against MCF-7 breast cancer and Vero normal cell lines using SRB assay. Stable and ecofriendly FNE was formulated having a particle size (PS) of 25.29 ± 0.57 nm and a zeta potential of -6.79 ± 5.52 mV. The cytotoxic effect of FNE on MCF-7 cells was more potent than FAV with lower IC50 while FNE showed non-toxic effect on VERO normal cell line. Therefore, the FAV nanoemulsion formulation showed targeted cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells while being non-toxic on normal Vero cells.

Double hydrophilic, random, hyperbranched copolymers were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA) and 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) utilizing ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the branching agent. The resulting copolymers were characterized in terms of their molecular weight and dispersity using size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and their chemical structure was confirmed using FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy techniques. The choice of the two hydrophilic blocks and the design of the macromolecular structure allowed the formation of self-assembled nanoparticles, partially due to the pH-responsive character of the DMAEMA segments and their interaction with -COOH end groups remaining from the chain transfer agent. The copolymers showed pH-responsive properties, mainly due to the protonation-deprotonation equilibria of the DMAEMA segments. Subsequently, a nanoscopic polymer-lipid (lipomer) mixed system was formulated by complexing the synthesized copolymers with cosmetic amphiphilic emulsifiers, specifically glyceryl stearate (GS) and glyceryl stearate citrate (GSC). This study aims to show that developing lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles can effectively address the limitations of both liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles. The effects of varying the ionic strength and pH on stimuli-sensitive polymeric and mixed polymer-lipid nanostructures were thoroughly investigated. To achieve this, the structural properties of the hybrid nanoparticles were comprehensively characterized using physicochemical techniques providing insights into their size distribution and stability.

Chronic wounds represent a significant global health burden, characterized by delayed skin healing and associated comorbidities. The present study aimed to develop nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as a topical delivery system for the co-administration of simvastatin and adenosine to address chronic wound management. The rationale behind the co-delivery approach was to mitigate the cytotoxicity associated with high-dose simvastatin, while preserving its therapeutic benefits through a potential synergistic or additive effect. A significant challenge in the development of these NLCs was the encapsulation of the highly hydrophilic adenosine within the hydrophobic lipid matrix. The NLCs were prepared using a hot homogenization-sonication method with a double emulsion technique and optimized through a series of formulation trials, employing various surfactants, solid and liquid lipids, to achieve efficient drug encapsulation, particularly for the hydrophilic adenosine. Optimized formulations F5- and F10-S/A 0.6 %/2 % (containing 0.6 % simvastatin and 2 % adenosine), exhibited promising physicochemical properties. The main difference was the liquid lipid used: F5 containing Miglyol 810 N, while F10 Capmul MCM C-8. Both formulations displayed a mean particle size below 230 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of approximately 0.2, and a zeta potential of around -22 mV. While simvastatin association efficiency (AE) was nearly 100 %, adenosine AE was higher for F10 (24 %), compared to F5 (13.5 %). F5 demonstrated superior stability compared to F10, maintaining consistent particle size and PDI over a 60-day period. Formulation F5 also demonstrated superior cell-based in vitro performance compared to F10, with higher cell viability (MTT assay), greater cell proliferation induction (SRB assay), and enhanced cell proliferation and migration in the wound-scratch assay. While F10 displayed higher adenosine AE, F5 excelled in terms of stability and biological activity. The slightly increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species levels observed with F5 may contribute to its enhanced proliferative effects. In-depth characterization revealed that F5 comprised spherical nanoparticles, and thermal analysis indicated no significant changes in the nanocarrier structure upon drug encapsulation. Additionally, ex vivo permeability study demonstrated superior skin retention of both simvastatin and adenosine for F5 compared to an emulsion control. Overall, the F5 nanocarrier demonstrated suitable physicochemical properties, cellular biocompatibility, induction of cell proliferation and migration events, and drug retention capacity in the skin layers, indicating its potential as a promising topical treatment for difficult-to-heal wounds.

(1) Background: Methyl jasmonate-treated D. morbifera adventitious root extract (MeJA-DMARE), enriched with phenolics, has enhanced bioactivities. However, phenolics possess low stability and bioavailability. Substantial evidence indicates that plant extract-phospholipid complex assemblies, known as phytosomes, represent an innovative drug delivery system. (2) Methods: The phytosome complex was created by combining MeJA-DMARE with Soy-L-α-phosphatidylcholine (PC) using three different ratios through two distinct methods (co-solvency method: A1, A2, and A3; thin-layer film method: B1, B2, and B3). (3) Results: Initial evaluation based on UV-Vis, entrapment efficiency (EE%), and loading content (LC%) indicated that B2 exhibited the highest EE% (79.98 ± 1.45) and LC% (69.17 ± 0.14). The phytosome displayed a spherical morphology with a particle size of 210 nm, a notably low polydispersity index of 0.16, and a superior zeta potential value at -25.19 mV. The synthesized phytosome exhibited superior anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting NO and ROS production (reduced to 8.9% and 55.1% at 250 μg/mL) in RAW cells and adjusting the expression of related inflammatory cytokines; they also slowed lung tumor cell migration (only 2.3% of A549 cells migrated after treatment with phytosomes at 250 μg/mL), promoting ROS generation in A549 cell lines (123.7% compared to control) and stimulating apoptosis of lung cancer-related genes. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, the MeJA-DMARE phytosome offers stable, economically efficient, and environmentally friendly nanoparticles with superior inflammation and lung tumor inhibition properties. Thus, the MeJA-DMARE phytosome holds promise as an applicable and favorable creation for drug delivery and lung cancer treatment.

The low and erratic oral absorption of sulpiride (SUL) a dopaminergic receptor antagonist, and its P-glycoprotein efflux in the gastrointestinal tract restricted its oral route for central nervous system disorders. An intranasal formulation was formulated based on nanostructured lipid carrier to tackle these obstacles and deliver SUL directly to the brain. Sulipride-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (SUL-NLC) was prepared using compritol®888 ATO and different types of liquid lipids and emulsifiers. SUL-NLCs were characterized for their particle size, charge, and encapsulation efficiency. Morphology and compatibility with other NLC excipients were also studied. Moreover, SUL in vitro release, nanodispersion stability, in vivo performance and SUL pharmacokinetics were investigated. Results delineates that SUL-NLC have a particle size ranging from 366.2 ± 62.1 to 640.4 ± 50.2 nm and encapsulation efficiency of 75.5 ± 1.5%. SUL showed a sustained release pattern over 24 h and maintained its physical stability for three months. Intranasal SUL-NLC showed a significantly (p < 0.01) higher SUL brain concentration than that found in plasma after oral administration of commercial SUL product with 4.47-fold increase in the relative bioavailability. SUL-NLCs as a nose to brain approach is a promising formulation for enhancing the SUL bioavailability and efficient management of neurological disorders.

Pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR) continue to cause unacceptably high levels of morbidity and mortality, despite significant pharmaceutical and technological advances in other disease areas. The recent pandemic has also impacted obstetric care, as COVID-19 infection increases the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. This review explores the reasons why it lacks effective drug treatments for the placental dysfunction that underlies many common obstetric conditions and describes how nanomedicines and targeted drug delivery approaches may provide the solution to the current drug drought. The ever-increasing range of biocompatible nanoparticle formulations available is now making it possible to selectively deliver drugs to uterine and placental tissues and dramatically limit fetal drug transfer. Formulations that are refractory to placental uptake offer the possibility of retaining drugs within the maternal circulation, allowing pregnant individuals to take medicines previously considered too harmful to the developing baby. Liposomes, ionizable lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and adenoviral vectors have all been used to create efficacious drug delivery systems for use in pregnancy, although each approach offers distinct advantages and limitations. It is imperative that recent advances continue to be built upon and that there is an overdue investment of intellectual and financial capital in this field.

As a form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD) suffers from no efficacious cure, yet AD treatment is still imperative, as it ameliorates the symptoms or prevents it from deteriorating or maintains the current status to the longest extent. The human brain is the most sensitive and complex organ in the body, which is protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This yet induces the difficulty in curing AD as the drugs or nanomaterials that are much inhibited from reaching the lesion site. Thus, BBB crossing capability of drug delivery system remains a significant challenge in the development of neurological therapeutics. Fortunately, nano-enabled delivery systems possess promising potential to achieve multifunctional diagnostics/therapeutics against various targets of AD owing to their intriguing advantages of nanocarriers, including easy multifunctionalization on surfaces, high surface-to-volume ratio with large payloads, and potential ability to cross the BBB, making them capable of conquering the limitations of conventional drug candidates. This review, which focuses on the BBB crossing ability of the multifunctional nanomaterials in AD diagnosis and treatment, will provide an insightful vision that is conducive to the development of AD-related nanomaterials.

Vaccinations are essential for preventing and treating disease, especially cancer nanovaccines, which have gained considerable interest recently for their strong anti-tumor immune capabilities. Vaccines can prompt the immune system to generate antibodies and activate various immune cells, leading to a response against tumor tissues and reducing the negative effects and recurrence risks of traditional chemotherapy and surgery. To enhance the flexibility and targeting of vaccines, nanovaccines utilize nanotechnology to encapsulate or carry antigens at the nanoscale level, enabling more controlled and precise drug delivery to enhance immune responses. Cancer nanovaccines function by encapsulating tumor-specific antigens or tumor-associated antigens within nanomaterials. The small size of these nanomaterials allows for precise targeting of T cells, dendritic cells, or cancer cells, thereby eliciting a more potent anti-tumor response. In this paper, we focus on the classification of carriers for cancer nanovaccines, the roles of different target cells, and clinically tested cancer nanovaccines, discussing strategies for effectively inducing cytotoxic T lymphocytes responses and optimizing antigen presentation, while also looking ahead to the translational challenges of moving from animal experiments to clinical trials.

Osteoarthritis (OSA) is a prevalent joint disorder characterized by losing articular cartilage, primarily affecting the hip, knee and spine joints. The impact of OSA offers a major challenge to health systems globally. Therapeutic approaches encompass surgical interventions, non-pharmacological therapies (exercise, rehabilitation, behavioral interventions) and pharmacological treatments. Inflammatory processes within OSA joints are regulated by pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Etodolac, a COX-2-selective inhibitor, is the gold standard for OSA management and uniquely does not inhibit gastric prostaglandins. This comprehensive review offers insights into OSA's pathophysiology, genetic factors and biological determinants influencing disease progression. Emphasis is placed on the pivotal role of etodolac in OSA management, supported by both preclinical and clinical evidences in topical drug delivery. Notably, in-silico docking studies suggested potential synergies between etodolac and baicalein, considering ADAMTS-4, COX-2, MMP-3 and MMP-13 as essential therapeutic targets. Integration of artificial neural network (ANN) techniques with nanotechnology approaches emerges as a promising strategy for optimizing and personalizing topical etodolac delivery. Furthermore, the synergistic potential of etodolac and baicalein warrants in-depth exploration. Hence, by embracing cutting-edge technologies like ANN and nanomedicine, the optimization of topical etodolac delivery could guide a new era of OSA treatment.

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common and lethal primary form of malignant brain cancers. Its intrinsic aggressiveness and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are two major factors that limit the efficacy of standard therapies. In recent years, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have established themselves as a promising avenue for improving drug delivery to the brain, overcoming the challenges associated with the low drug permeability of the BBB. This work delves into the systematic development of a novel carrier for pitavastatin delivery by establishing a "get it right at the first time" quality by design perspective, supported by multivariate analysis, computational modelling, and molecular docking. The manufacturing process was comprehensively evaluated at each step, from raw material selection to NLC purification, thus leading to a carrier with optimal colloidal, encapsulation and stability properties. The cytotoxic behaviour of the carrier was assessed in a panel of GB cell lines, which includes a low, a medium and a highly sensitive cell line to pitavastatin, providing a better discriminatory power and addressing the different potential in the therapeutic responses. The results obtained reflect a strong antiglioblastoma activity in concentrations where the standard of care lacks activity, as well as a swift and prominent internalization by GB cells. Overall, this work positions these long-term stable parenteral systems in line with the hypothesis of providing more effective surrogate therapeutics in the field of GB.

Mosquitoes are the most medically important arthropod vectors of several human diseases. These diseases are known to severely incapacitate and debilitate millions of people, resulting in countless loss of lives. Over the years, several measures have been put in place to control the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, one of which is using repellents. Repellents are one of the most effective personal protective measures against mosquito-borne diseases. However, conventional delivery systems of repellents (e.g., creams, gels, and sprays) are plagued with toxicity and short-term efficacy issues. The application of biopolymeric and lipid-based systems has been explored over the years to develop better delivery systems for active pharmaceutical ingredients including mosquito repellents. These delivery systems (e.g., solid lipid micro/nanoparticles, micro/nanoemulsions, or liposomes) possess desirable properties such as high biocompatibility, versatility, and controlled/sustained drug delivery, and thus are very important in tackling the clinical challenges of conventional repellent systems. Their capability for controlled/sustained drug release has improved patient compliance as it removes the need for consistent reapplication of repellents. They can also be engineered to reduce repellents' skin permeation, consequently improving their safety. However, despite the benefits that these systems offer very few of them have been successfully translated to the global market for commercial use, a vital challenge that previous reports have not thoroughly examined. The issue of limited clinical translation of novel repellent systems is a vital aspect to consider, as the ultimate goal is to move these systems from bench to bedside. As such, this study seeks to highlight the recent advances in the use of biopolymeric and lipid-based systems for the development of novel mosquito-repellent systems and also analyze the challenges that have limited the clinical translation of these systems while proposing possible strategies to overcome these challenges.

RNA therapeutics represent a rapidly expanding platform with game-changing prospects in personalized medicine. The disruptive potential of this technology will overhaul the standard of care with reference to both primary and specialty care. To date, RNA therapeutics have mostly been delivered parenterally via injection, but topical administration followed by intradermal or transdermal delivery represents an attractive method that is convenient to patients and minimally invasive. The skin barrier, particularly the lipid-rich stratum corneum, presents a significant hurdle to the uptake of large, charged oligonucleotide drugs. Therapeutic oligonucleotides need to be engineered for stability and specificity and formulated with state-of-the-art delivery strategies for efficient uptake. This review will cover various passive and active strategies deployed to enhance permeation through the stratum corneum and achieve effective delivery of RNA therapeutics to treat both local skin disorders and systemic diseases. Some strategies to achieve selectivity between local and systemic administration will also be discussed.

Wounds, resulting from traumas, surgery, burns or diabetes, are important medical problems due to the complexity of wound healing process regarding healing times and healthcare costs. Nanosystems have emerged as promising candidates in this field thank to their properties and versatile applications in drugs delivery.

Lipid-based nanosystems (LBN) are described for wound treatment, highlighting their different behaviors when interacting with the cutaneous tissue. The role of nanosystems in delivering mostly natural compounds on skin as well as the technological and engineering strategies to increase their efficiency in wound healing effect are reviewed. Finally, in vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo studies are reported.

LBN have shown promise in addressing the challenges of wound healing as they can improve the stability of drugs used in wound therapy, leading to higher efficacy and fewer adverse effects as compared to traditional formulations. LBNs being involved in the inflammatory and proliferation stages of the wound healing process, enable the modification of wound healing through multiple ways. In addition, the use of new technologies, including 3D bioprinting and photobiomodulation, may lead to potential breakthroughs in wound healing. This would provide clinicians with more potent forms of therapy for wound healing.

This study focuses on the design, characterization, and optimization of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with docetaxel for the treatment of skin cancer. Employing a systematic formulation development process guided by Design of Experiments (DoE) principles, key parameters such as particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency were optimized to ensure the stability and drug-loading efficacy of the NLCs. Combined XRD and cryo-TEM analysis were employed for NLC nanostructure evaluation, confirming the formation of well-defined nanostructures. In vitro kinetics studies demonstrated controlled and sustained docetaxel release over 48 h, emphasizing the potential for prolonged therapeutic effects. Cytotoxicity assays on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and SK-MEL-24 melanoma cell line revealed enhanced efficacy against cancer cells, with significant selective cytotoxicity and minimal impact on normal cells. This multidimensional approach, encompassing formulation optimization and comprehensive characterization, positions the docetaxel-loaded NLCs as promising candidates for advanced skin cancer therapy. The findings underscore the potential translational impact of these nanocarriers, paving the way for future preclinical investigations and clinical applications in skin cancer treatment.

We developed novel and optimal Q10-NLC/SLN formulations as antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase agents. The formulations were analyzed for particle size, morphology, entrapment efficiency (EE %), and long-term stability. The in vitro drug release and in vivo skin penetration were evaluated using dialysis bag diffusion and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, respectively. Cytotoxicity and protecting effects were assessed by AlamarBlue® assay, ROS level by DCFH-DA, and tyrosinase activity by l-DOPA assay, measuring the absorbance at 470 nm. The selected formulations had optimal surface characterizations, including Z-average size, PDI, and Zeta potential ranging from 125 to 207 nm, 0.09-0.22, and -7 to -24, respectively. They also exhibited physiochemical stability for up to 6 months and EE% above 80 %. The lipids ratio and co-Q10 amount as variable factors significantly affected particle size and zeta potential but were insignificant on PDI. The in vitro release diagram showed that Q10-NLC/SLN revealed a fast release during the first 8 h and prolonged release afterward. The in vivo skin permeation revealed a higher accumulative uptake of co-Q10 in the skin for Q10-NLC/SLN compared to Q10 emulsions. Both selected Q10-NLC and Q10-SLN could reduce intracellular ROS after exposure to H2O2. The Q10-NLC was found to be more potent for inhibiting the tyrosinase activity compared to O10-SLN. The results suggest that the new formulations are promising carriers for topical delivery of co-Q10 as an anti-aging and skin-whitening agent.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN), the first type of lipid-based solid carrier systems in the nanometer range, were introduced as a replacement for liposomes. SLN are aqueous colloidal dispersions with solid biodegradable lipids as their matrix. SLN is produced using processes like solvent diffusion method and high-pressure homogenization, among others. Major benefits include regulated release, increased bioavailability, preservation of peptides and chemically labile compounds like retinol against degradation, cost-effective excipients, better drug integration, and a broad range of applications. Solid lipid nanoparticles can be administered via different routes, such as oral, parenteral, pulmonary, etc. SLN can be prepared by using high shear mixing as well as low shear mixing. The next generation of solid lipids, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), can reduce some of the drawbacks of SLN, such as its restricted capacity for drug loading and drug expulsion during storage. NLC are controlled nanostructured lipid particles that enhance drug loading. This review covers a brief introduction of solid lipid nanoparticles, manufacturing techniques, benefits, limitations, and their characterization tests.

Sunscreens are essential in protecting the skin from harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). These formulations, designed to absorb, block, or scatter UVR, offer vital protection against skin aging, sunburns, and the development of skin cancers like melanomas. However, some sunscreens, especially those containing organic/chemical compounds, can cause allergic reactions. To address this, researchers are extensively investigating formulations that incorporate plant extracts rich in polyphenols, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which can be considered safer alternatives. Products derived from plants are commonly used in cosmetics to counteract skin aging due to their antioxidant activity that combat harmful free radicals. This review focuses on evaluating the advancements in chemical and natural sunscreens, exploring the integration of polyphenolic nanocarriers within sunscreen formulas, their interaction with UVR, and utilizing nanotechnology to enhance their effectiveness. An attempt has been made to highlight the concerns related to toxicity associated with their use and notable advancements in the regulatory aspects governing their utilization.

Prinsepia utilis seed oil (PUSO) is a natural medication obtained from Prinsepia utilis Rogle seed, which has been used for the treatment of skin diseases. The study aims to prepare ethosomes with high drug loading as a water-soluble transdermal vehicle to enhance the transdermal delivery of PUSO. PUSO-loaded ethosomes (PEs) were prepared using a cold method, and optimized by an orthogonal experimental design with entrapment efficiency (EE) as the dependent variable. The PEs prepared with the optimized formulation showed good stability, with a spherical shape under transmission electron microscopy (TEM), average particle size of 39.12 ± 0.85 nm, PDI of 0.270 ± 0.01, zeta potential of -11.3 ± 0.24 mV, and EE of 95.93 ± 0.43%. PEs significantly increased the skin deposition of PUSO compared to the PUSO suspension (P < 0.001). Moreover, the optimum formula showed significant ameliorative effects on ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation-associated macroscopic and histopathological changes in mice skin. Therefore, PEs represent a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of UVB-induced skin inflammation, with the potential for industrialization.

Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) is an anticancer agent used in cancer chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to design nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) of DOX as smart chemotherapy to improve its photostability and anticancer efficacy. The characteristics of DOX and DOX-loaded NLCs were investigated using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, particle size, and zeta potential study. The cytotoxicity of DOX was evaluated against three cancer cell lines (HeLa, A549, and CT-26). The particle size and zeta potential were in the range 58.45-94.08 nm and -5.80 mV - -18.27 mV, respectively. The chemical interactions, particularly hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces, between DOX and the main components of NLCs was confirmed by FTIR. NLCs showed the sustained release profile of DOX. The photostability results revealed that the NLC system improved the photostability of DOX. Cytotoxicity results using the three cell lines showed that all formulations improved the anticancer efficacy of free DOX, and the efficacy was dependent on cell type and particle size. These results suggest that DOX-loaded NLCs are promising chemotherapeutic agents for cancer treatment.

Phenolic acids are natural compounds with potential therapeutic effects against various diseases. However, their incorporation into food and pharmaceutical products is limited by challenges such as instability, low solubility, and reduced bioavailability. This systematic review summarizes recent advances in phenolic acid encapsulation using food-grade carrier systems, focusing on proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides. Encapsulation efficiency, release behavior, and bioavailability are examined, as well as the potential health benefits of encapsulated phenolic acids in food products. Strategies to address limitations of current encapsulation systems are also proposed. Encapsulation has emerged as a promising method to enhance the stability and bioavailability of phenolic acids in food products, and various encapsulation technologies have been developed for this purpose. The use of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates as carriers in food-grade encapsulation systems remains a common approach, but it is associated with certain limitations. Future research on phenolic acid encapsulation should focus on developing environmentally friendly, organic solvent-free, low-energy, scalable, and stable encapsulation systems, as well as co-encapsulation methods that combine multiple phenolic acids or phenolic acids with other bioactive substances to produce synergistic effects.

Lung diseases have received great attention in the past years because they contribute approximately one-third of the total global mortality. Pulmonary drug delivery is regarded as one of the most appealing routes to treat lung diseases. It addresses numerous drawbacks linked to traditional dosage forms. It presents notable features, such as, for example, a non-invasive route, localized lung drug delivery, low enzymatic activity, low drug degradation, higher patient compliance, and avoiding first-pass metabolism. Therefore, the pulmonary route is commonly explored for delivering drugs both locally and systemically. Inhalable nanocarrier powders, especially, lipid nanoparticle formulations, including solid-lipid and nanostructured-lipid nanocarriers, are attracting considerable interest in addressing respiratory diseases thanks to their significant advantages, including deep lung deposition, biocompatibility, biodegradability, mucoadhesion, and controlled drug released. Spray drying is a scalable, fast, and commercially viable technique to produce nanolipid powders. This review highlights the ideal criteria for inhalable spray-dried SLN and NLC powders for the pulmonary administration route. Additionally, the most promising inhalation devices, known as dry powder inhalers (DPIs) for the pulmonary delivery of nanolipid powder-based medications, and pulmonary applications of SLN and NLC powders for treating chronic lung conditions, are considered.

Periodontal diseases may benefit more from topical treatments with nanoparticles rather than systemic treatments due to advantages such as higher stability and controlled release profile. This study investigated the preparation and characterization of thermosensitive gel formulations containing clindamycin-loaded niosomes and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with fluconazole (FLZ), as well as their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal effects in the treatment of common microorganisms that cause periodontal diseases.

This study loaded niosomes and SLNs with clindamycin and FLZ, respectively, and assessed their loading efficiency, particle size, and zeta potential. The particles were characterized using a variety of methods such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Thermosensitive gels were formulated by combining these particles and their viscosity, gelation temperature, in-vitro release profile, as well as antibacterial and antifungal effects were evaluated.

Both types of these nanoparticles were found to be spherical (TEM) with a mean particle size of 243.03 nm in niosomes and 171.97 nm in SLNs (DLS), and respective zeta potentials of -23.3 and -15. The loading rate was 98% in niosomes and 51% in SLNs. The release profiles of niosomal formulations were slower than those of the SLNs. Both formulations allowed the release of the drug by first-order kinetic. Additionally, the gel formulation presented a slower release of both drugs compared to niosomes and SLNs suspensions.

Thermosensitive gels containing clindamycin-loaded niosomes and/or FLZ-SLNs were found to effectively fight the periodontitis-causing bacteria and fungi.

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been recognized for its numerous therapeutic benefits, such as neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory effects, and cardioprotection. However, CBD has some limitations, including unpredictable pharmacokinetics and low oral bioavailability. To overcome the challenges associated with CBD delivery, we employed Design of Experiments (DoE), lipid carriers, and 3D printing techniques to optimize and develop buccal film loaded with CBD-NLCs. Three-factor Box-Behnken Design was carried out to optimise the NLCs and analyse the effect of independent factors on dependent factors. The emulsification-ultrasonication technique was used to prepare the NLCs. A pressure-assisted micro-syringe printing technique was used to produce the films. The produced films were studied for physicochemical, and mechanical properties, release profiles, and predicted in vivo performance. The observed particle size of the NLCs ranged from 12.17 to 84.91 nm whereas the PDI varied from 0.099 to 0.298. Lipid and sonication time positively affected the particle size whereas the surfactant concentration was inversely related. CBD was incorporated into the optimal formulation and the observed particle size, PDI, and zeta potential for the CBD-NLCs were 94.2 ± 0.47 nm, 0.11 ± 0.01 and - 11.8 ± 0.52 mV. Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC)-based gel containing the CBD-NLCs was prepared and used as a feed for 3D printing. The CBD-NLCs film demonstrated a slow and sustained in vitro release profile (84. 11 ± 7.02% in 6 h). The predicted AUC0-10 h, Cmax, and Tmax were 201.5 µg·h/L, 0.74 µg/L, and 1.28 h for a film with 0.4 mg of CBD, respectively. The finding demonstrates that a buccal film of CBD-NLCs can be fabricated using 3D printing.

Spironolactone (SPN), which is classified as an anti-androgen, has demonstrated efficacy in treating acne. This study aimed to utilize ultrasonication to create a chitosan-coated nano lipid carrier (NLC) for enhancing the delivery of SPN to the skin and treating acne.

Various hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values were investigated to optimize the SPN-NLCs. Photon correlation spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed to characterize the solid state of SPN in nanoparticle form. Additionally, the optimized formulation was used in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

Reducing the HLB of the surfactant mixtures resulted in a reduction in the size of SPNNLCs. The formula with the smallest particle diameter (238.4±0.74 nm) and the lowest HLB value (9.65) exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 79.88±1.807%. Coating the optimized SPN-NLC with chitosan increased the diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and EE. In vitro skin absorption studies demonstrated sustained release profiles for chitosan-coated SPN-NLC. In the double-blind trial, a gel containing chitosan-coated SPN-NLC effectively treated mild to moderate acne vulgaris, leading to improved healing and reduced lesion count after 8 weeks of therapy compared to the placebo. It successfully addressed both non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions without adverse effects on the skin.

The findings indicate that chitosan-coated SPN-NLCs have the potential as nanoparticles for targeted SPN delivery to the skin, offering novel options for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Curcuma longa L., commonly known as turmeric, is renowned for its therapeutic benefits attributed to bioactive compounds, namely curcumin (Cur) and aromatic turmerone (Tur), present in its rhizome. These compounds exhibit diverse therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects. However, the topical application of these compounds has a significant potential for inducing skin irritation. This study focuses on formulating solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) carriers encapsulating both Cur and Tur for reduced irritation and enhanced stability.

SLN formulations were prepared by a method using homogenization followed by ultrasonication procedures and optimized by applying response surface methodology (RSM).

The optimized SLN formulation demonstrated entrapment efficiencies, with 77.21 ± 4.28% for Cur and 75.12 ± 2.51% for Tur. A size distribution of 292.11 ± 9.43 nm was obtained, which was confirmed to be a spherical and uniform shape via environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) images. The in vitro release study indicated cumulative releases of 71.32 ± 3.73% for Cur and 67.23 ± 1.64% for Tur after 24 hours under sink conditions. Physical stability tests confirmed the stability of formulation, allowing storage at 4°C for a minimum of 60 days. Notably, in vitro skin irritation studies, utilizing the reconstructed human epidermal model (EPI-200-SIT), revealed a significant reduction in irritation with the SLN containing Cur and Tur compared to nonencapsulated Cur and Tur.

These findings collectively endorse the optimized SLN formulation as a favorable delivery system for Cur and Tur in diverse topical uses, offering enhanced stability, controlled release and reduced irritation.

Liver fibrosis is a reversible damage-repair response, the pathological features of which mainly include damage to hepatocytes, sinusoid capillarization, hepatic stellate cells activation, excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix and inflammatory response. Although some treatments (including drugs and stem cell therapy) for these pathological features have been shown to be effective, more clinical trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness. In recent years, nanomaterials-based therapies have emerged as an innovative and promising alternative to traditional drugs, being explored for the treatment of liver fibrosis diseases. Natural nanomaterials (including extracellular vesicles) and synthetic nanomaterials (including inorganic nanomaterials and organic nanomaterials) are developed to facilitate drug targeting delivery and combination therapy. In this review, the pathological features of liver fibrosis and the current anti-fibrosis drugs in clinical trials are briefly introduced, followed by a detailed introduction of the therapeutic nanoagents for the precise delivery of anti-fibrosis drugs. Finally, the future development trend in this field is discussed.

Sunlight, despite its benefits, can pose a threat to the skin, which is a natural protective barrier. Phototoxicity caused by overexposure, especially to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), results in burns, accelerates photoaging, and causes skin cancer formation. Natural substances of plant origin, i.e., polyphenols, flavonoids, and photosynthetic pigments, can protect the skin against the effects of radiation, acting not only as photoprotectors like natural filters but as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory remedies, alleviating the effects of photodamage to the skin. Plant-based formulations are gaining popularity as an attractive alternative to synthetic filters. Over the past 20 years, a large number of studies have been published to assess the photoprotective effects of natural plant products, primarily through their antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anti-immunosuppressive activities. This review selects the most important data on skin photodamage and photoprotective efficacy of selected plant carotenoid representatives from in vivo studies on animal models and humans, as well as in vitro experiments performed on fibroblast and keratinocyte cell lines. Recent research on carotenoids associated with lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, liposomes, and micelles is reviewed. The focus was on collecting those nanomaterials that serve to improve the bioavailability and stability of carotenoids as natural antioxidants with photoprotective activity.

(1) Background: We aim to develop novel gel formulations for transdermal drug delivery systems in acute and inflammatory pain therapy. (2) Methods: We induced inflammation by the injection of λ-carrageenan on the hind paw of 80 Wistar male rats. The animals were randomized into eight groups of 10 rats each: C (placebo gel), E (EMLATM), L (lidocaine 2%), L-CD (lidocaine + cyclodextrin 2.5%), L-LP (lidocaine + liposomes 1.7%), L-CS (lidocaine + chitosan 4%), L-CSh (lidocaine + chitosan hydrochloride), and L-CS-LP (lidocaine + chitosan + liposomes). The behavior response was determined with a hot plate, cold plate, and algesimeter, each being performed at 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 min after pain induction. At the end of the experiment, tissue samples were collected for histological assessment. (3) Results: L-LP had the greatest anesthetic effects, which was proven on the cold plate test compared to placebo and EMLATM (all p ≤ 0.001). L-CS-LP had a significant effect on cold plate evaluation compared to placebo (p ≤ 0.001) and on hot plate evaluation compared to EMLATM (p = 0.018). (4) Conclusions: L-LP is a new substance with a substantial analgesic effect demonstrated by the cold plate in the first 120 min. Further studies with more animals are needed to determine the maximum doses that can be applied for a better analgesia with minimum side effects.

Rapid progress is being made in the area of nanotechnology; solid lipid nanoparticles are currently at the forefront of research and development. They have the capability of becoming employed in an extensive number of applications, including the delivery of medications, clinical treatment, and research, in addition to uses in other areas of academic inquiry that could benefit from their utilisation. This article presents a thorough analysis of solid lipid nanoparticles, covering subjects such as their goals, preparation strategy, applications, advantages, and possible remedies for the issues that have been raised. This review provides a discussion of solid lipids that is both in-depth and comprehensive. Studies that investigate the manner in which SLNs are prepared and the routes via which they are administered are typical. Aspects concerning the route of administration of SLNs as well as the destiny of the carriers in vivo are also investigated in this paper.

Lung cancer is the second most prevalent type of cancer and is responsible for the highest number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) makes up the majority of lung cancer cases. Zerumbone (ZER) is natural compound commonly found in the roots of Zingiber zerumbet which has recently demonstrated anti-cancer activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Despite their medical benefits, ZER has low aqueous solubility, poor GI absorption and oral bioavailability that hinders its effectiveness. Liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCNs) are novel drug delivery carrier that have tuneable characteristics to enhance and ease the delivery of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to formulate ZER-loaded LCNs and investigate their effectiveness against NSCLC in vitro using A549 lung cancer cells. ZER-LCNs, prepared in the study, inhibited the proliferation and migration of A549 cells. These inhibitory effects were superior to the effects of ZER alone at a concentration 10 times lower than that of free ZER, demonstrating a potent anti-cancer activity of ZER-LCNs. The underlying mechanisms of the anti-cancer effects by ZER-LCNs were associated with the transcriptional regulation of tumor suppressor genes P53 and PTEN, and metastasis-associated gene KRT18. The protein array data showed downregulation of several proliferation associated proteins such as AXL, HER1, PGRN, and BIRC5 and metastasis-associated proteins such as DKK1, CAPG, CTSS, CTSB, CTSD, and PLAU. This study provides evidence of potential for increasing the potency and effectiveness of ZER with LCN formulation and developing ZER-LCNs as a treatment strategy for mitigation and treatment of NSCLC.

Cosmeceuticals have gained great importance and are among the top-selling products used for skin care. Because of changing lifestyles, climate, and increasing pollution, cosmeceuticals are utilized by every individual, thereby making cosmeceuticals a fruitful field for research and the economy. Cosmeceuticals provide incredibly pleasing aesthetic results by fusing the qualities of both cosmetics and medicinal substances. Cosmeceuticals are primarily utilized to improve the appearance of skin by making it smoother, moisturized, and wrinkle-free, in addition to treating dermatological conditions, including photoaging, burns, dandruff, acne, eczema, and erythema. Nanocosmeceuticals are cosmetic products that combine therapeutic effects utilizing nanotechnology, allowing for more precise and effective target-specific delivery of active ingredients, and improving bioavailability.