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Applied Sciences
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Young Investigators in Advanced Drug Delivery
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Young Investigators in Advanced Drug Delivery

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 December 2023) | Viewed by 11116

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Antonia Mancuso

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Interests: nanomedicine; nanotechnology; cutaneous diseases; topical and transdermal drug delivery; target therapy
Dr. Gianpiero Calabrese

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, Kingston University, London KT1 2EE, UK
Interests: drug delivery; polymeric nanoparticles; liposomes and carbon nanotubes for the targeting of the central nervous system; design; synthesis and formulation of boron-containing compounds for selective mitochondrial targeting in the boron neutron capture therapy of brain cancers; electronic cigarettes; analysis of content; public health issues related to pharmacy practice; pharmacology/toxicology; formulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue titled “Young Investigators in Advanced Drug Delivery”. The Special Issue is a collection of manuscripts focusing on advanced drug delivery systems to improve the therapeutic efficacy of active compounds. Topics of interest include but are not limited to nanomedicine and nanotechnology, innovative drug delivery systems for target therapy, controlled release technology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, input on scalable manufacturing protocols, and in vitro and in vivo evidence. This Special Issue aims to highlight the outstanding contributions of young investigators in the field of advanced drug delivery systems. In this context, young researchers are encouraged to submit their latest findings. Review articles summarizing the reality of advanced drug delivery systems and current issues facing the drug delivery field are also welcome.

The only requirement is that at least one young investigator (under 35 years old) is the co-author of the submitted manuscript.

Dr. Antonia Mancuso
Dr. Gianpiero Calabrese
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • advanced drug delivery
  • nanotechnology
  • characterization studies
  • target therapy
  • sustained release
  • translational medicine
  • regenerative medicine
  • drug delivery issues

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 9087 KiB  
Article
Computational Design of a Novel Dithranol–Salicylic Acid Antipsoriatic Prodrug for Esterase-Activated Topical Drug Delivery
by Natália Andrýsková, Jozef Motyčka, Melánia Babincová, Peter Babinec and Mária Šimaljaková
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 1094; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14031094 - 27 Jan 2024
Viewed by 669
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder characterized by the rapid overproduction of skin cells, resulting in the formation of red, inflamed, and scaly patches or plaques on the skin. Dithranol, also known as anthralin, is a very effective topical medication used in [...] Read more.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder characterized by the rapid overproduction of skin cells, resulting in the formation of red, inflamed, and scaly patches or plaques on the skin. Dithranol, also known as anthralin, is a very effective topical medication used in the treatment of psoriasis, with several shortcomings like photo-instability; staining skin, clothing, and bedding; and causing skin irritation. Antiproliferative dithranol is frequently used in combination therapy with keratolytic salicylic acid. We have therefore proposed a novel topical antipsoriatic prodrug comprising dithranol and salicylic acid joined together with an ester bond, specifically 8-hydroxy-9-oxo-9,10-dihydroanthracen-1-yl-2-hydroxybenzoate. An ester bond is cleavable by endogenous esterase hydrolyzing this bond and releasing dithranol and salicylic acid in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio. We performed an exhaustive theoretical analysis of this molecule using the reliable computational methods of quantum chemistry and ADME in silico studies to investigate its biological and pharmacokinetic activities. We found its molecular structure, vibrational spectra, molecular orbitals, MEP (molecular electric potential), UV-VIS spectra, and TDOS (total density of states), and we performed an RDG (reduced density gradient) analysis. The obtained results may be useful for the understanding of its properties, which may assist in the synthesis and further experimental study of this possible antipsoriatic dual-action prodrug with reduced adverse effects and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Investigators in Advanced Drug Delivery)
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0 pages, 8921 KiB  
Article
Biocompatible Fe-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks as Diclofenac Sodium Delivery Systems for Migraine Treatment
by Aleksandra Galarda and Joanna Goscianska
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(23), 12960; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132312960 - 04 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 950
Abstract
Migraine is now the sixth most common disease in the world and affects approximately 15% of the population. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ketoprofen, diclofenac sodium, and ibuprofen, are often used during migraine attacks. Unfortunately, their efficiency can be reduced due to poor water [...] Read more.
Migraine is now the sixth most common disease in the world and affects approximately 15% of the population. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ketoprofen, diclofenac sodium, and ibuprofen, are often used during migraine attacks. Unfortunately, their efficiency can be reduced due to poor water solubility and low cellular uptake. This requires the design of appropriate porous carriers, which enable drugs to reach the target site, increase their dissolution and stability, and contribute to a time-dependent specific release mode. In this research, the potential of the MIL-88A metal-organic frameworks with divergent morphologies as diclofenac sodium delivery platforms was demonstrated. Materials were synthesized under different conditions (temperature: 70 and 120 °C; solvent: distilled water or N,N-Dimethylformamide) and characterized using X-ray diffraction, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. They showed spherical, rod- or diamond-like morphologies influenced by preparation factors. Depending on physicochemical properties, the MIL-88A samples exhibited various sorption capacities toward diclofenac sodium (833–2021 mg/g). Drug adsorption onto the surface of MIL-88A materials primarily relied on the formation of hydrogen bonds, metal coordination, and electrostatic interactions. An in vitro drug release experiment performed at pH 6.8 revealed that diclofenac sodium diffused to phosphate buffer in a controlled manner. The MIL-88A carriers provide a high percentage release of drug in the range of 58–97% after 24 h. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Investigators in Advanced Drug Delivery)
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10 pages, 2171 KiB  
Article
Raman Spectroscopy to Monitor the Delivery of a Nano-Formulation of Vismodegib in the Skin
by Gisela Eliane Gómez, María Natalia Calienni, Silvia del Valle Alonso, Fernando Carlos Alvira and Jorge Montanari
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7687; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137687 - 29 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1028
Abstract
Raman spectroscopy was used to detect low quantities of Vismodegib in the skin after its topical application via transfersomes. Vismodegib is a novel antineoplastic drug approved for oral administration for treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Transfersomes loaded with Vismodegib were prepared by thin [...] Read more.
Raman spectroscopy was used to detect low quantities of Vismodegib in the skin after its topical application via transfersomes. Vismodegib is a novel antineoplastic drug approved for oral administration for treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Transfersomes loaded with Vismodegib were prepared by thin film resuspension and extrusion, and were characterized physicochemically. Transfersomes were applied to human and pig skin specimens using the Saarbrücken penetration model. The skin was then sectioned by tape stripping, followed by penetration assessment by UV-Vis spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy in a confocal Raman microscope. Raman signals from Vismodegib and transfersomes were recovered from skin sections, showing a similar distribution in the stratum corneum obtained by the other techniques. On the other hand, pig and human skin showed differences in their penetration profiles, proving their lack of equivalence for assessing the performance of these transfersomes. Raman spectroscopy appears as a potential non-invasive, direct tool for monitoring hard-to-detect molecules in a complex environment such as the skin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Investigators in Advanced Drug Delivery)
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14 pages, 3287 KiB  
Article
Incorporation of UV Filters into Oil-in-Water Emulsions—Release and Permeability Characteristics
by Anna Olejnik and Joanna Goscianska
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7674; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137674 - 28 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1246
Abstract
Unlike in many countries, in the USA, UV filters are treated as drugs and strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. So far, 17 physical and chemical sunscreen agents were approved there to protect against the harmful effects of UV irradiation. In [...] Read more.
Unlike in many countries, in the USA, UV filters are treated as drugs and strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. So far, 17 physical and chemical sunscreen agents were approved there to protect against the harmful effects of UV irradiation. In the European Union, access to UV filters is much larger, which gives manufacturers more options to create new sunscreen products in the form of lotions, sprays, oils, creams, gels, pastes, and sticks. Recently, concerns have been raised about the potential unfavorable effects of some UV filters that can penetrate the skin and enter into the systematic circulation. In this study, we prepared oil-in-water emulsions containing two commonly applied sunscreen agents, avobenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate. The formulations were characterized by a high stability at room temperature and a pH in the range of 6.02–6.11. The processes of sunscreen agent release and permeation were performed in a receptor fluid with a pH 5.8 using Strat-M and cellulose membranes to mimic the skin. It was proved that octyl methoxycinnamate exhibited different liberation and permeation patterns than avobenzone, mostly due to its higher lipophilicity. Both processes were also influenced by the type of membrane applied. The liberation of UV filters to the receptor fluid via the cellulose membrane depended on their concentration in the emulsion. As the amount of sunscreen agent in the formulation increases, more of its molecules diffuse to the receiving medium after 48 h. The permeation of the UV filters through the Strat-M membrane occurs at a very low level, 2% for octyl methoxycinnamate and 0.3% for avobenzone, which supports the safety and efficacy of the topical formulations obtained. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Investigators in Advanced Drug Delivery)
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12 pages, 2737 KiB  
Article
Optimal Preparation Protocol of Cell-Encapsulating Alginate Capsules for Long-Term Cell-Based Therapy
by Ryota Suzuki, Kosuke Kusamori, Kodai Takamura, Yuma Miyakawa, Shu Obana, Shoko Itakura and Makiya Nishikawa
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6676; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116676 - 30 May 2023
Viewed by 1689
Abstract
Cell-based therapy is an excellent therapeutic modality that involves cell transplantation into patients; however, given that most transplanted cells die immediately post-transplantation, the application of this strategy remains limited. Cell encapsulation is a promising technique for prolonging the survival of transplanted cells, although [...] Read more.
Cell-based therapy is an excellent therapeutic modality that involves cell transplantation into patients; however, given that most transplanted cells die immediately post-transplantation, the application of this strategy remains limited. Cell encapsulation is a promising technique for prolonging the survival of transplanted cells, although a definitive encapsulation protocol is yet to be established. Herein, we selected sodium alginate as a polymer for cell encapsulation and optimized the structure and function of cell-encapsulating alginate capsules. First, alginate capsules were prepared using various concentrations of sodium alginate and calcium chloride solution. The NanoLuc luciferase (Nluc)-expressing murine mesenchymal stem cell line C3H10T1/2 was used to prepare the alginate capsules, and cell survival was evaluated after transplantation into mice. The structural properties of the alginate capsules were dependent on the preparation conditions. Capsules with adequate hardness were obtained using 1% sodium alginate and 10% calcium chloride solutions. Alginate capsules encapsulating 5 × 103 C3H10T1/2/Nluc cells/10 μL maintained a constant cell number over time under in vitro culture conditions. After transplantation into mice, C3H10T1/2/Nluc cells encapsulated in alginate capsules exhibited a significantly longer survival (≥40 days) than suspended cells. Based on these findings, cell-encapsulating alginate capsules with optimal properties can be used for long-term cell-based therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Investigators in Advanced Drug Delivery)
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17 pages, 3102 KiB  
Article
Intranasal Insulin Delivery: Microparticle Formulations Consisting of Aloe vera Polysaccharides for Advanced Delivery across Excised Olfactory and Respiratory Nasal Epithelial Tissues
by Cassandra Kirby-Smith, Jan Steenekamp, Dewald Steyn, Anja Haasbroek-Pheiffer, Hannlie Hamman and Josias Hamman
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 4822; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13084822 - 12 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1806
Abstract
Aloe vera gel and whole leaf materials, as well as polysaccharides, precipitated from the gel, have previously been shown to enhance macromolecular drug delivery across epithelial tissues. This study investigated the effectiveness of microparticle formulations prepared from A. vera polysaccharides for nasal delivery [...] Read more.
Aloe vera gel and whole leaf materials, as well as polysaccharides, precipitated from the gel, have previously been shown to enhance macromolecular drug delivery across epithelial tissues. This study investigated the effectiveness of microparticle formulations prepared from A. vera polysaccharides for nasal delivery of insulin across excised sheep olfactory and respiratory nasal epithelial tissues. An emulsion-solvent evaporation technique was used to prepare two insulin microparticle formulations, namely one containing Eudragit® L100 and A. vera polysaccharides and one containing A. vera polysaccharides only. In addition, an ionic gelation technique was used to prepare an insulin microparticle formulation with A. vera polysaccharides, where calcium chloride was used as a cross-linker. The microparticle formulations were evaluated in terms of drug content (assay), particle size, drug release (dissolution), ex vivo drug permeation, and histology. The microparticle formulations exhibited statistically significantly higher insulin delivery across excised sheep olfactory and respiratory nasal epithelial tissues compared to that of the control group (insulin alone). In conclusion, the use of A. vera polysaccharides in microparticle formulations significantly improved nasal insulin delivery. Therefore, A. vera polysaccharide containing microparticles showed high potential to enhance systemic bioavailability and delivery into the brain of macromolecular drugs such as insulin after intranasal administration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Investigators in Advanced Drug Delivery)
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Review

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31 pages, 2144 KiB  
Review
A Well-Known Plant and New Therapeutic Strategies: Turmeric and Its Components in Oral Inflammatory Diseases Treatment
by Monika Wojtyłko, Paweł Kunstman, Hanna Bartylak, Łukasz Raszewski, Tomasz Osmałek and Anna Froelich
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7809; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137809 - 02 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2520
Abstract
Turmeric has been known for centuries as a spice and an important element of traditional medicine. Nowadays, plant-derived compounds are still an object of extensive scientific investigations aiming at the development of novel drugs and dosage forms. Turmeric and its most important component, [...] Read more.
Turmeric has been known for centuries as a spice and an important element of traditional medicine. Nowadays, plant-derived compounds are still an object of extensive scientific investigations aiming at the development of novel drugs and dosage forms. Turmeric and its most important component, curcumin, reveal numerous interesting biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Numerous scientific studies focusing on various aspects of the activity of turmeric-derived compounds show that curcuminoids display an enormous potential as active pharmaceutical ingredients useful in a wide spectrum of medical conditions. Oral diseases comprising both mild inflammations and severe life-threatening conditions are classified as the most common ones, affecting an enormous part of the global population. In this review, the current research regarding turmeric and its constituents in oral diseases is summarized and discussed, with special attention paid to novel findings and future directions regarding scientific exploration of curcuminoids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Young Investigators in Advanced Drug Delivery)
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