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Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects
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Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 November 2022) | Viewed by 42787

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Marilena Vlachou

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
Interests: drug carriers; drug delivery; biopolymers; nanotechnology; nanomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The effectiveness of drugs is significantly related to their route of delivery. Thus, the development of efficient drug delivery systems (DDSs) is of paramount importance in better controlling the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile of drugs. Other aspects, such as immunogenicity and toxicity, are also impacted by their delivery mechanism.

Among these systems, oral drug delivery vehicles are by far the most preferred, due to their non-invasive nature, high absorption along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and their cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, the efficiency of oral DDSs is closely related to the aqueous solubility of the bioactive drug substance involved, as this affects its bioavailability.

Currently, materials in the nanoscale range are employed to deliver drugs to specific targeted sites in a controlled manner. The opportunities and challenges of nanomedicines in drug delivery from synthetic/natural sources are currently subjected to intense scrutiny, and the information regarding the trends and perspectives in the nanomedicine area is very indulging.

These delivery vehicles are only a small part of those currently available. In this Special Issue, we aim to attract the interest of colleagues in the drug delivery systems field and encourage them to contribute their research work on state-of-the-art drug delivery carriers with promising perspectives.

Prof. Dr. Marilena Vlachou
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • drug carriers
  • drug delivery
  • biopolymers
  • nanotechnology
  • nanomaterials

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 5570 KiB  
Article
Low-Molecular-Weight Organogelators Based on N-dodecanoyl-L-amino Acids—Energy Frameworks and Supramolecular Synthons
by Barbara Miroslaw, Oleg M. Demchuk, Roman Luboradzki and Katarzyna Tyszczuk-Rotko
Materials 2023, 16(2), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020702 - 11 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1968
Abstract
Lauric acid was used to synthesize the low-molecular-weight organogelators (LMOGs), derivatives of two endogenous (L)-alanine, (L)-leucine, and three exogenous (L)-valine, (L)-phenylalanine, and (L)-proline amino acids. The nature of processes responsible for the gel formation both in polar and in apolar solvents of such [...] Read more.
Lauric acid was used to synthesize the low-molecular-weight organogelators (LMOGs), derivatives of two endogenous (L)-alanine, (L)-leucine, and three exogenous (L)-valine, (L)-phenylalanine, and (L)-proline amino acids. The nature of processes responsible for the gel formation both in polar and in apolar solvents of such compounds is still under investigation. Knowing that the organization of surfactant molecules affects the properties of nano scale materials and gels, we decided to elucidate this problem using crystallographic diffraction and energy frameworks analysis. The single crystals of the mentioned compounds were produced successfully from heptane/tBuOMe mixture. The compounds form lamellar self-assemblies in crystals. The energetic landscapes of single crystals of a series of studied amphiphilic gelators have been analyzed to explore the gelling properties. The presented results may be used as model systems to understand which supramolecular interactions observed in the solid state and what energy contributions are desired in the designing of new low-molecular-weight organic gelators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects)
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13 pages, 2289 KiB  
Article
Dissolution Assay of Bupropion/Naltrexone Hydrochloride Salts of Bilayer Composition Tablets Following the Development and Validation of a Novel HPLC Method
by Anna Apostolidi, Chrystalla Protopapa, Angeliki Siamidi, Marilena Vlachou and Yannis Dotsikas
Materials 2022, 15(23), 8451; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238451 - 27 Nov 2022
Viewed by 1510
Abstract
Compounded medicinal products containing bupropion hydrochloride (BUP·HCl) and naltrexone hydrochloride (NTX·HCl) are available as adjunct therapy for the management of weight in obese/overweight adults. The present work describes the development and validation of a novel RP-HPLC method for a simultaneous quantitation during the [...] Read more.
Compounded medicinal products containing bupropion hydrochloride (BUP·HCl) and naltrexone hydrochloride (NTX·HCl) are available as adjunct therapy for the management of weight in obese/overweight adults. The present work describes the development and validation of a novel RP-HPLC method for a simultaneous quantitation during the dissolution of both drugs from compounded bilayer composition tablets. The method involves a Nucleosil 100-3 C-18 column (4.6 × 150 mm) and a mobile phase of a 70%/30% v/v ACN/KH2PO4·H2O aqueous solution of a 5 mM concentration. The flow rate was set at 1.35 mL/min and the detection was conducted using UV spectrophotometry (λmax 214 nm). The method was validated according to the ICH guidelines and fulfilled the specifications for the specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision and stability for both the sample and standard solutions. Furthermore, the robustness of the method was evaluated by applying a fractional factorial experimental design and by utilizing both graphical and statistical approaches to identify the HPLC factors that should be strictly controlled during the analysis. The method proved to be suitable for the analysis of the dissolution samples and, consequently, the release of BUP·HCl and NTX·HCl from the formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects)
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14 pages, 2095 KiB  
Article
Multifunctional Microspheres Based on D-Mannose and Resveratrol for Ciprofloxacin Release
by Roberta Cassano, Federica Curcio, Debora Procopio, Marco Fiorillo and Sonia Trombino
Materials 2022, 15(20), 7293; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15207293 - 18 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1685
Abstract
This article describes the preparation, characterization, and performance evaluation of functional microspheres useful for the release of ciprofloxacin. The particles were obtained using D-mannose, a natural aldohexose sugar, and resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant. In particular, the above compounds were initially converted into D-mannose [...] Read more.
This article describes the preparation, characterization, and performance evaluation of functional microspheres useful for the release of ciprofloxacin. The particles were obtained using D-mannose, a natural aldohexose sugar, and resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant. In particular, the above compounds were initially converted into D-mannose carboxylate and resveratrol methacrylate and, therefore, subjected to an esterification reaction. The resulting product was used for the preparation of the microspheres which were characterized by light scattering, FT-IR spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Subsequently, their degree of bloating was evaluated at pH 1.2 to simulate the pH of the stomach, at pH 6.8 and pH 7.4 to mimic the intestinal environment. The antibiotic ciprofloxacin was then loaded into the microspheres, with an encapsulation efficiency of 100%. The cumulative amount of drug released was 55% at pH 6.8 and 99% at pH 7.4. The tests conducted to evaluate the antibacterial activity demonstrated the ability of the microspheres obtained to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli. The antioxidant efficacy, due to the presence of resveratrol in their structure, was confirmed using rat liver microsomal membranes. The results obtained have highlighted how the microspheres based on D-mannose and resveratrol can be considered promising multifunctional vectors useful in the treatment of intestinal and urinary infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects)
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26 pages, 6343 KiB  
Article
Hydrophilic Random Cationic Copolymers as Polyplex-Formation Vectors for DNA
by Varvara Chrysostomou, Hector Katifelis, Maria Gazouli, Konstantinos Dimas, Costas Demetzos and Stergios Pispas
Materials 2022, 15(7), 2650; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15072650 - 04 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2422
Abstract
Research on the improvement and fabrication of polymeric systems as non-viral gene delivery carriers is required for their implementation in gene therapy. Random copolymers have not been extensively utilized for these purposes. In this regard, double hydrophilic poly[(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate)-co-(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether [...] Read more.
Research on the improvement and fabrication of polymeric systems as non-viral gene delivery carriers is required for their implementation in gene therapy. Random copolymers have not been extensively utilized for these purposes. In this regard, double hydrophilic poly[(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate)-co-(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] [P(DMAEMA-co-OEGMA)] random copolymers were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The copolymers were further modified by quaternization of DMAEMA tertiary amine, producing the cationic P(QDMAEMA-co-OEGMA) derivatives. Fluorescence and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy revealed the efficient interaction of copolymers aggregates with linear DNAs of different lengths, forming polyplexes, with the quaternized copolymer aggregates exhibiting stronger binding affinity. Light scattering techniques evidenced the formation of polyplexes whose size, molar mass, and surface charge strongly depend on the N/P ratio (nitrogen (N) of the amine group of DMAEMA/QDMAEMA over phosphate (P) groups of DNA), DNA length, and length of the OEGMA chain. Polyplexes presented colloidal stability under physiological ionic strength as shown by dynamic light scattering. In vitro cytotoxicity of the empty nanocarriers was evaluated on HEK293 as a control cell line. P(DMAEMA-co-OEGMA) copolymer aggregates were further assessed for their biocompatibility on 4T1, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and T47D breast cancer cell lines presenting high cell viability rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects)
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15 pages, 5551 KiB  
Article
Curcumin and Graphene Oxide Incorporated into Alginate Hydrogels as Versatile Devices for the Local Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
by Lorenzo Francesco Madeo, Patrizia Sarogni, Giuseppe Cirillo, Orazio Vittorio, Valerio Voliani, Manuela Curcio, Tyler Shai-Hee, Bernd Büchner, Michael Mertig and Silke Hampel
Materials 2022, 15(5), 1648; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15051648 - 22 Feb 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2699
Abstract
With the aim of preparing hybrid hydrogels suitable for use as patches for the local treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)-affected areas, curcumin (CUR) was loaded onto graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets, which were then blended into an alginate hydrogel that was crosslinked by [...] Read more.
With the aim of preparing hybrid hydrogels suitable for use as patches for the local treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)-affected areas, curcumin (CUR) was loaded onto graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets, which were then blended into an alginate hydrogel that was crosslinked by means of calcium ions. The homogeneous incorporation of GO within the polymer network, which was confirmed through morphological investigations, improved the stability of the hybrid system compared to blank hydrogels. The weight loss in the 100–170 °C temperature range was reduced from 30% to 20%, and the degradation of alginate chains shifted to higher temperatures. Moreover, GO enhanced the stability in water media by counteracting the de-crosslinking process of the polymer network. Cell viability assays showed that the loading of CUR (2.5% and 5% by weight) was able to reduce the intrinsic toxicity of GO towards healthy cells, while higher amounts were ineffective due to the antioxidant/prooxidant paradox. Interestingly, the CUR-loaded systems were found to possess a strong cytotoxic effect in SCC cancer cells, and the sustained CUR release (~50% after 96 h) allowed long-term anticancer efficiency to be hypothesized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects)
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18 pages, 8211 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Effect of Structural Modification of Ibuprofen on the Penetration of Ibuprofen from Pentravan® (Semisolid) Formulation Using Human Skin and a Transdermal Diffusion Test Model
by Paula Ossowicz-Rupniewska, Anna Nowak, Joanna Klebeko, Ewa Janus, Wiktoria Duchnik, Urszula Adamiak-Giera, Łukasz Kucharski, Piotr Prowans, Jan Petriczko, Norbert Czapla, Piotr Bargiel, Marta Markowska and Adam Klimowicz
Materials 2021, 14(22), 6808; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14226808 - 11 Nov 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2461
Abstract
The effect of transdermal vehicle (Pentravan®) on skin permeability was examined for unmodified ibuprofen (IBU) and ion pairs of ibuprofen with new L-valine alkyl esters [ValOR][IBU]. The percutaneous permeation across the human skin and transdermal diffusion test model (Strat-M® membranes) [...] Read more.
The effect of transdermal vehicle (Pentravan®) on skin permeability was examined for unmodified ibuprofen (IBU) and ion pairs of ibuprofen with new L-valine alkyl esters [ValOR][IBU]. The percutaneous permeation across the human skin and transdermal diffusion test model (Strat-M® membranes) of ibuprofen and its structural modification were measured and compared using Franz diffusion cells. For comparison, the penetration of ibuprofen from a commercial product was also investigated. The cumulative amount of drug permeated through human skin at the end of the 24 h study was highest for ibuprofen derivatives containing propyl (C3), isopropyl (C3), ethyl (C2), and butyl (C4) esters. For Strat-M®, the best results were obtained with the alkyl chain length of the ester from C2 to C5. The permeation profiles and parameters were appointed, such as steady-state flux, lag time, and permeability coefficient. It has been shown that L-valine alkyl ester ibuprofenates, with the propyl, butyl, and amyl chain, exhibit a higher permeation rate than ibuprofen. The diffusion parameters of analyzed drugs through human skin and Strat-M® were similar and with good correlation. The resulting Pentravan-based creams with ibuprofen in the form of an ionic pair represent a potential alternative to other forms of the drug-containing analgesics administered transdermally. Furthermore, the Strat-M® membranes can be used to assess the permeation of transdermal preparations containing anti-inflammatory drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects)
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16 pages, 3684 KiB  
Article
Permeability of Ibuprofen in the Form of Free Acid and Salts of L-Valine Alkyl Esters from a Hydrogel Formulation through Strat-M™ Membrane and Human Skin
by Joanna Klebeko, Paula Ossowicz-Rupniewska, Anna Nowak, Ewa Janus, Wiktoria Duchnik, Urszula Adamiak-Giera, Łukasz Kucharski, Piotr Prowans, Jan Petriczko, Norbert Czapla, Piotr Bargiel, Marta Markowska and Adam Klimowicz
Materials 2021, 14(21), 6678; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14216678 - 05 Nov 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2450
Abstract
This paper aimed to evaluate the effect of vehicle and chemical modifications of the structure of active compounds on the skin permeation and accumulation of ibuprofen [IBU]. In vitro permeation experiments were performed using human abdominal skin and Strat-M™ membrane. The HPLC method [...] Read more.
This paper aimed to evaluate the effect of vehicle and chemical modifications of the structure of active compounds on the skin permeation and accumulation of ibuprofen [IBU]. In vitro permeation experiments were performed using human abdominal skin and Strat-M™ membrane. The HPLC method was used for quantitative determinations. The formulations tested were hydrogels containing IBU and its derivatives and commercial gel with ibuprofen. The results obtained indicate that Celugel® had an enhancing effect on the skin penetration of IBU. The average cumulative mass of [IBU] after 24 h permeation test from Celugel® formulation through human skin was over 3 times higher than for the commercial product. Three ibuprofen derivatives containing [ValOiPr][IBU], [ValOPr][IBU], and [ValOBu][IBU] cation were evaluated as chemical penetration enhancers. The cumulative mass after 24 h of penetration was 790.526 ± 41.426, 682.201 ± 29.910, and 684.538 ± 5.599 μg IBU cm−2, respectively, compared to the formulation containing unmodified IBU-429.672 ± 60.151 μg IBU cm−2. This study demonstrates the perspective of the transdermal hydrogel vehicle in conjunction with the modification of the drug as a potential faster drug delivery system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects)
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17 pages, 2288 KiB  
Article
The Influence of the Hydrophobic Polymeric Coating on 5-ASA Release from the Bipolymeric Milibeads with Amidated Pectin
by Dorota Wójcik-Pastuszka, Kinga Barczyszyn and Witold Musiał
Materials 2021, 14(14), 3924; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14143924 - 14 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1604
Abstract
The industrial polymeric carriers for peroral mesalazine application exploit, i.a., cellulose or polyacrylic acid derivatives, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and modified starch. Pectins, as natural polymers, are interesting materials in pharmaceutical applications due to properties such as non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The aim of the study [...] Read more.
The industrial polymeric carriers for peroral mesalazine application exploit, i.a., cellulose or polyacrylic acid derivatives, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and modified starch. Pectins, as natural polymers, are interesting materials in pharmaceutical applications due to properties such as non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the release of the drug from coated pectin beads doped with synthetic polymers as drug carriers to the colon, as well as interactions between ingredients. The drug release was carried out using basket apparatus. The amount of 5-ASA (5-aminosalicylic acid, mesalazine) released to the pH = 7.4 buffer with pectinase was measured at selected time intervals using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The zero-, first-, and second-order kinetics, as well as Higuchi, Korsmeyer–Peppas, and Hixon–Crowell equations, were used to analyze the release pattern. The interactions between beads components were investigated employing FTIR spectrophotometry and DSC study. The dissolution of the drug was divided into two parts. It was found that the release of 5-ASA followed mainly the Higuchi equation. The mass transport in the first stage of the release followed a non-Fickian model and the parameter n was in the range of 0.74 ± 0.2–0.99 ± 0.2. The formulation doped with PA (polyacrylic acid) was the most appropriate and capable of overcoming the variable conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects)
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12 pages, 2285 KiB  
Article
Bovine Serum Albumin-Coated Niclosamide-Zein Nanoparticles as Potential Injectable Medicine against COVID-19
by Sanoj Rejinold N, Goeun Choi, Huiyan Piao and Jin-Ho Choy
Materials 2021, 14(14), 3792; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14143792 - 07 Jul 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3892
Abstract
(1) Background: COVID-19 has affected millions of people worldwide, but countries with high experimental anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rates among the general population respectively show progress in achieving general herd immunity in the population (a combination of natural and vaccine-induced acquired immunity), resulting in a [...] Read more.
(1) Background: COVID-19 has affected millions of people worldwide, but countries with high experimental anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rates among the general population respectively show progress in achieving general herd immunity in the population (a combination of natural and vaccine-induced acquired immunity), resulting in a significant reduction in both newly detected infections and mortality rates. However, the longevity of the vaccines’ ability to provide protection against the ongoing pandemic is still unclear. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to have new medications to fight against the pandemic at the earliest point possible. Recently, it has been found that repurposing already existing drugs could, in fact, be an ideal strategy to formulate effective medication for COVID-19. Though there are many FDA-approved drugs, it has been found that niclosamide (NIC), an anthelmintic drug, has significantly high potential against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. (2) Methods: Here we deployed a simple self-assembling technique through which Zein nanoparticles were successfully used to encapsulate NIC, which was then coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) in order to improve the drugs’ stability, injectablity, and selectivity towards the virus-infected cells. (3) Results: The particle size for the BSA-stabilized Zein-NIC nanohybrid was found to be less than 200 nm, with excellent colloidal stability and sustained drug release properties. In addition, the nanohybrid showed enhanced drug release behavior under serum conditions, indicating that such a hybrid drug delivery system could be highly beneficial for treating COVID-19 patients suffering from high endothelial glycocalyx damage followed by a cytokine storm related to the severe inflammations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects)
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27 pages, 4063 KiB  
Article
An In Vitro–In Vivo Simulation Approach for the Prediction of Bioequivalence
by Marilena Vlachou and Vangelis Karalis
Materials 2021, 14(3), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14030555 - 24 Jan 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3850
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a new in vitro–in vivo simulation (IVIVS) approach in order to predict the outcome of a bioequivalence study. The predictability of the IVIVS procedure was evaluated through its application in the development process of a [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to develop a new in vitro–in vivo simulation (IVIVS) approach in order to predict the outcome of a bioequivalence study. The predictability of the IVIVS procedure was evaluated through its application in the development process of a new generic product of amlodipine/irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide. The developed IVIVS methodology is composed of three parts: (a) mathematical description of in vitro dissolution profiles, (b) mathematical description of in vivo kinetics, and (c) development of joint in vitro–in vivo simulations. The entire programming was done in MATLAB® and all created scripts were validated through other software. The IVIVS approach can be implemented for any number of subjects, clinical design, variability and can be repeated for thousands of times using Monte Carlo techniques. The probability of success of each scenario is recorded and finally, an overall assessment is made in order to select the most suitable batch. Alternatively, if the IVIVS shows reduced probability of BE success, the R&D department is advised to reformulate the product. In this study, the IVIVS approach predicted successfully the BE outcome of the three drugs. During the development of generics, the IVIVS approach can save time and expenses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects)
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13 pages, 1330 KiB  
Article
A Novel, Nontoxic and Scalable Process to Produce Lipidic Vehicles
by Nikolaos Naziris, Natassa Pippa and Costas Demetzos
Materials 2020, 13(21), 5035; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13215035 - 08 Nov 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1937
Abstract
Lipidic vehicles are novel industrial products, utilized as components for pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical and nutraceutical formulations. The present study concerns a newly invented method to produce lipidic vehicles in the nanoscale that is simple, nontoxic, versatile, time-efficient, low-cost and easy to scale up. The [...] Read more.
Lipidic vehicles are novel industrial products, utilized as components for pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical and nutraceutical formulations. The present study concerns a newly invented method to produce lipidic vehicles in the nanoscale that is simple, nontoxic, versatile, time-efficient, low-cost and easy to scale up. The process is a modification of the heating method (MHM) and comprises (i) providing a mixture of an amphiphilic lipid and a charged lipid and/or a fluidity regulator in a liquid medium composed of water and a liquid polyol, (ii) stirring and heating the mixture in two heating steps, wherein the temperature of the second step is higher than the temperature of the first step and (iii) allowing the mixture to cool down to room temperature. The process leads to the self-assembly of nanoparticles of small size and good homogeneity, compared with conventional approaches that require additional size reduction steps. In addition, the incorporation of bioactive molecules, such as drugs, inside the nanoparticles is possible, while lyophilization of the products provides long-term stability. Most importantly, the absence of toxic solvents and the simplicity guarantee the safety and scalability of the process, distinguishing it from most prior art processes to produce lipidic vehicles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects)
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Review

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22 pages, 2604 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances on PEO-PCL Block and Graft Copolymers as Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery Applications
by Maria Chountoulesi, Dimitrios Selianitis, Stergios Pispas and Natassa Pippa
Materials 2023, 16(6), 2298; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16062298 - 13 Mar 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2288
Abstract
Poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEO-PCL) is a family of block (or graft) copolymers with several biomedical applications. These types of copolymers are well-known for their good biocompatibility and biodegradability properties, being ideal for biomedical applications and for the formation of a variety of nanosystems intended [...] Read more.
Poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEO-PCL) is a family of block (or graft) copolymers with several biomedical applications. These types of copolymers are well-known for their good biocompatibility and biodegradability properties, being ideal for biomedical applications and for the formation of a variety of nanosystems intended for controlled drug release. The aim of this review is to present the applications and the properties of different nanocarriers derived from PEO-PCL block and graft copolymers. Micelles, polymeric nanoparticles, drug conjugates, nanocapsules, and hybrid polymer-lipid nanoparticles, such as hybrid liposomes, are the main categories of PEO-PCL based nanocarriers loaded with different active ingredients. The advantages and the limitations in preclinical studies are also discussed in depth. PEO-PCL based nanocarriers could be the next generation of delivery systems with fast clinical translation. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives of the PEO-PCL based nanocarriers are highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects)
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15 pages, 901 KiB  
Review
Excipients Used for Modified Nasal Drug Delivery: A Mini-Review of the Recent Advances
by Chrystalla Protopapa, Angeliki Siamidi, Panagoula Pavlou and Marilena Vlachou
Materials 2022, 15(19), 6547; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15196547 - 21 Sep 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3214
Abstract
The ongoing challenging task in the field of nasal drug delivery is the maintenance of an efficient concentration of the active substance in the target area for an adequate period of time. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop effective new strategies [...] Read more.
The ongoing challenging task in the field of nasal drug delivery is the maintenance of an efficient concentration of the active substance in the target area for an adequate period of time. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop effective new strategies for drug delivery to the nose, using cutting edge technology and materials for this particular type of drug delivery. This review gives an account of the critical components of nasal drug delivery and the parameters influencing drug absorption in the nose, including the excipients required for modified drug administration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects)
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17 pages, 917 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in the Excipients Used in Modified Release Vaginal Formulations
by Aikaterini Dedeloudi, Angeliki Siamidi, Panagoula Pavlou and Marilena Vlachou
Materials 2022, 15(1), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15010327 - 03 Jan 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4512
Abstract
The formulation of an ideal vaginal drug delivery system (DDS), with the requisite properties, with respect to safety, efficacy, patient compliance, aesthetics, harmonization with the regulatory requirements, and cost, requires a meticulous selection of the active ingredients and the excipients used. Novel excipients [...] Read more.
The formulation of an ideal vaginal drug delivery system (DDS), with the requisite properties, with respect to safety, efficacy, patient compliance, aesthetics, harmonization with the regulatory requirements, and cost, requires a meticulous selection of the active ingredients and the excipients used. Novel excipients defined by diversity and multifunctionality are used in order to ameliorate drug delivery attributes. Synthetic and natural polymers are broadly used in pharmaceutical vaginal formulations (solid, semi-solid dosage forms, implantable devices, and nanomedicines) with a promising perspective in improving stability and compatibility issues when administered topically or systemically. Moreover, the use of biopolymers is aiming towards formulating novel bioactive, biocompatible, and biodegradable DDSs with a controllable drug release rate. Overviewing vaginal microenvironment, which is described by variable and perplexed features, a perceptive choice of excipients is essential. This review summarizes the recent advances on the excipients used in modified vaginal drug delivery formulations, in an attempt to aid the formulation scientist in selecting the optimal excipients for the preparation of vaginal products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects)
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23 pages, 1453 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in the Excipients Used for Modified Ocular Drug Delivery
by Melitini Koutsoviti, Angeliki Siamidi, Panagoula Pavlou and Marilena Vlachou
Materials 2021, 14(15), 4290; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154290 - 31 Jul 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4026
Abstract
In ocular drug delivery, maintaining an efficient concentration of the drug in the target area for a sufficient period of time is a challenging task. There is a pressing need for the development of effective strategies for drug delivery to the eye using [...] Read more.
In ocular drug delivery, maintaining an efficient concentration of the drug in the target area for a sufficient period of time is a challenging task. There is a pressing need for the development of effective strategies for drug delivery to the eye using recent advances in material sciences and novel approaches to drug delivery. This review summarizes the important aspects of ocular drug delivery and the factors affecting drug absorption in the eye including encapsulating excipients (chitosan, hyaluronic acid, poloxamer, PLGA, PVCL-PVA-PEG, cetalkonium chloride, and gelatin) for modified drug delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Delivery: Recent Developments and Future Prospects)
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