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Pharmaceutics
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Recent Advances in Carriers for Drug Delivery: From Structures to...
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Recent Advances in Carriers for Drug Delivery: From Structures to Functionality

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Drug Delivery and Controlled Release".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2023) | Viewed by 7843

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Florin Borcan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2 Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: drug delivery; polymer synthesis; thermal degradation; release rate; membrane transfer
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Zoltán Dudás

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Neutron Spectroscopy Department, Centre for Energy Research, H-1121 Budapest, Hungary
Interests: sol–gel synthesis; physicochemical characterization; magnetic properties; optical properties; biological activity; medical applications; controlled drug release; structure–activity relationship
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Designing sophisticated drug delivery systems for the controlled release of pharmacologically active agents has attracted great interest in recent decades. Both natural and synthetic polymers can be used to design drug delivery systems. 

A large variety of drug delivery vehicles have been reported on in recent years, such as hydrogels, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanofoams, fibers, nanotubes and thin films. 

Drug release kinetics are conditioned by the physicochemical properties of the drug molecules and carriers. In this way, rigorous physicochemical characterizations are required to optimize the encapsulated pharmacologically active agent. The relationships between the carrier physicochemical properties and activity of the drug molecules are also important in this field. 

This Special Issue on “Recent Advances in Carriers for Drug Delivery: From Structures to Functionality” is dedicated to recent developments in fundamental aspects of the synthesis, characterization, and application of different carriers for controlled drug delivery, and its aim is to summarize the recent progress in their development. Results regarding carriers derived from natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic sources are welcome.

This Special Issue focuses on the chemical composition of drug carrier, as well as their textural and morphological characterization at the micro- and nanoscale. This can be achieved through the use of common characterization methods, such as FT-IR or Raman spectroscopy, thermal analysis, XRD, electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and porosimetry measurements, complemented by special characterization methods, including small-angle X-ray or neutron-scattering, liquid- or solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

We would like to cordially invite authors to contribute their original or review articles to this Special Issue, highlighting recent developments concerning different natural and synthetic drug delivery carriers.

Dr. Florin Borcan
Dr. Zoltán Dudás
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. Pharmaceutics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2900 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

  • drug delivery
  • biomaterials
  • nanomaterials
  • hydrogels
  • pharmacokinetics
  • structure–activity relationship
  • physicochemical characterizations

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 5698 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Characterization of Polymeric Microparticles Based on Poly(ethylene brassylate-co-squaric Acid) Loaded with Norfloxacin
by Alexandru-Mihail Șerban, Isabella Nacu, Irina Rosca, Alina Ghilan, Alina Gabriela Rusu, Loredana Elena Niță, Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Niță and Aurica P. Chiriac
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(4), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16040550 - 17 Apr 2024
Viewed by 360
Abstract
In recent years, increasing interest has been accorded to polyester-based polymer microstructures, driven by their promising potential as advanced drug delivery systems. This study presents the preparation and characterization of new polymeric microparticles based on poly(ethylene brassylate-co-squaric acid) loaded with norfloxacin, a broad-spectrum [...] Read more.
In recent years, increasing interest has been accorded to polyester-based polymer microstructures, driven by their promising potential as advanced drug delivery systems. This study presents the preparation and characterization of new polymeric microparticles based on poly(ethylene brassylate-co-squaric acid) loaded with norfloxacin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Polymacrolactone was synthesised in mild conditions through the emulsion polymerization of bio-based and renewable monomers, ethylene brassylate, and squaric acid. The microparticles were obtained using the precipitation technique and subsequently subjected to comprehensive characterization. The impact of the copolymer/drug ratio on various properties of the new system was systematically evaluated, confirming the structure of the copolymer and the encapsulation of norfloxacin. The microspheres are approximately spherical and predominantly homogeneously distributed. The average hydrodynamic diameter of the microparticles falls between 400 and 2000 nm, a decrease that is observed with the increase in norfloxacin content. All samples showed good encapsulation efficiency and drug loading capacity, with the highest values obtained for microparticles synthesised using an equal ratio of copolymer and drug. In vitro drug release results disclose that norfloxacin molecules are released in a sustained biphasic manner for up to 24 h. Antimicrobial activity was also studied, with samples showing very good activity against E. coli and moderate activity against S. aureus and E. faecalis. In addition, HDFA human fibroblast cell cultures demonstrated the cytocompatibility of the microparticles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Carriers for Drug Delivery: From Structures to Functionality)
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12 pages, 2520 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional Printing Multi-Drug Delivery Core/Shell Fiber Systems with Designed Release Capability
by Hao Wei, Yongxiang Luo, Ruisen Ma and Yuxiao Li
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(9), 2336; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15092336 - 18 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1068
Abstract
A hydrogel system with the ability to control the delivery of multiple drugs has gained increasing interest for localized disease treatment and tissue engineering applications. In this study, a triple-drug-loaded model based on a core/shell fiber system (CFS) was fabricated through the co-axial [...] Read more.
A hydrogel system with the ability to control the delivery of multiple drugs has gained increasing interest for localized disease treatment and tissue engineering applications. In this study, a triple-drug-loaded model based on a core/shell fiber system (CFS) was fabricated through the co-axial 3D printing of hydrogel inks. A CFS with drug 1 loaded in the core, drug 2 in the shell part, and drug 3 in the hollow channel of the CFS was printed on a rotating collector using a co-axial nozzle. Doxorubicin (DOX), as the model drug, was selected to load in the core, with the shell and channel part of the CFS represented as drugs 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Drug 2 achieved the fastest release, while drug 3 showed the slowest release, which indicated that the three types of drugs printed on the CFS spatially can achieve sequential triple-drug release. Moreover, the release rate and sustained duration of each drug could be controlled by the unique core/shell helical structure, the concentration of alginate gels, the cross-linking density, the size and number of the open orifices in the fibers, and the CFS. Additionally, a near-infrared (NIR) laser or pH-responsive drug release could also be realized by introducing photo-thermal materials or a pH-sensitive polymer into this system. Finally, the drug-loaded system showed effective localized cancer therapy in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, this prepared CFS showed the potential application for disease treatment and tissue engineering by sequential- or stimulus-responsively releasing multi-drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Carriers for Drug Delivery: From Structures to Functionality)
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32 pages, 10895 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil Formulated as Polymeric Micelles Drug Delivery Systems
by Larisa Bora, Tobias Burkard, Martina Herrero San Juan, Heinfried H. Radeke, Ana Maria Muț, Lavinia Lia Vlaia, Ioana Zinuca Magyari-Pavel, Zorița Diaconeasa, Sonia Socaci, Florin Borcan, Brigitta Kis, Delia Muntean, Cristina Adriana Dehelean and Corina Danciu
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(11), 2413; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14112413 - 08 Nov 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2206
Abstract
This study presents phytochemical characterization and biological evaluation of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil (OEO) formulated as polymeric micelles drug delivery systems as a possible non-invasive approach for the management of skin tags. GC-MS analysis of Romanian OEO revealed the identification and quantification [...] Read more.
This study presents phytochemical characterization and biological evaluation of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil (OEO) formulated as polymeric micelles drug delivery systems as a possible non-invasive approach for the management of skin tags. GC-MS analysis of Romanian OEO revealed the identification and quantification of 43 volatile compounds (thymol and carvacrol being the main ones). The antioxidant activity was shown by four consecrated methods: CUPRAC, ABTS, ORAC and DPPH. OEO was incorporated by micellar solubilization into a binary hydrogel based on a Pluronic F 127/L 31 block-copolymers mixture. The pH, consistency, spreadability, particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential of the OEO-loaded poloxamer-based binary hydrogel (OEO-PbH) were investigated. OEO-PbH was skin compatible in terms of pH and exhibited adequate spreadability and consistency. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of the tested OEO were similar to those obtained for the formulation, lower (2.5 µg/mL) for yeast and higher (40–80 µg/mL) for Gram-negative bacilli. As keratinocytes are among main components of skin tags, an in vitro evaluation was conducted in order to see the effect of the formulation against HaCaT human keratinocytes. OEO-PbH decreased HaCaT cells migration and proliferation and elicited a cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effect in a dose- and time-dependent manner. No harmful effect on the viability of dendritic cells (DCs) was detected following the incubation with different concentrations (0–200 µg/mL) of the 5% formulation. Treatment in inflammatory DCs (+LPS) indicated a decrease in cytokine production of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-23 but no significant effect on IL-10 in any of the tested concentrations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Carriers for Drug Delivery: From Structures to Functionality)
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14 pages, 2590 KiB  
Article
Microrobot with Gyroid Surface and Gold Nanostar for High Drug Loading and Near-Infrared-Triggered Chemo-Photothermal Therapy
by Shirong Zheng, Manh Cuong Hoang, Van Du Nguyen, Gwangjun Go, Minghui Nan, Bobby Aditya Darmawan, Seokjae Kim, Seung-hyun Im, Taeksu Lee, Doyeon Bang, Jong-Oh Park and Eunpyo Choi
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(11), 2393; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14112393 - 06 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1732
Abstract
The use of untethered microrobots for precise synergistic anticancer drug delivery and controlled release has attracted attention over the past decade. A high surface area of the microrobot is desirable to achieve greater therapeutic effect by increasing the drug load. Therefore, various nano- [...] Read more.
The use of untethered microrobots for precise synergistic anticancer drug delivery and controlled release has attracted attention over the past decade. A high surface area of the microrobot is desirable to achieve greater therapeutic effect by increasing the drug load. Therefore, various nano- or microporous microrobot structures have been developed to load more drugs. However, as most porous structures are not interconnected deep inside, the drug-loading efficiency may be reduced. Here, we propose a magnetically guided helical microrobot with a Gyroid surface for high drug-loading efficiency and precise drug delivery. All spaces inside the proposed microrobot are interconnected, thereby enabling drug loading deep inside the structure. Moreover, we introduce gold nanostars on the microrobot structure for near-infrared-induced photothermal therapy and triggering drug release. The results of this study encourage further exploration of a high loading efficiency in cell-based therapeutics, such as stem cells or immune cells, for microrobot-based drug-delivery systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Carriers for Drug Delivery: From Structures to Functionality)
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Review

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28 pages, 10382 KiB  
Review
Niosomes: Composition, Formulation Techniques, and Recent Progress as Delivery Systems in Cancer Therapy
by Sergio Liga, Cristina Paul, Elena-Alina Moacă and Francisc Péter
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(2), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16020223 - 04 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1872
Abstract
Niosomes are vesicular nanocarriers, biodegradable, relatively non-toxic, stable, and inexpensive, that provide an alternative for lipid-solid carriers (e.g., liposomes). Niosomes may resolve issues related to the instability, fast degradation, bioavailability, and insolubility of different drugs or natural compounds. Niosomes can be very efficient [...] Read more.
Niosomes are vesicular nanocarriers, biodegradable, relatively non-toxic, stable, and inexpensive, that provide an alternative for lipid-solid carriers (e.g., liposomes). Niosomes may resolve issues related to the instability, fast degradation, bioavailability, and insolubility of different drugs or natural compounds. Niosomes can be very efficient potential systems for the specific delivery of anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial molecules. This review aims to present an overview of their composition, the most common formulation techniques, as well as of recent utilizations as delivery systems in cancer therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Carriers for Drug Delivery: From Structures to Functionality)
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