Pharmaceutical nanotechnology最新文献

Nanotechnology has significantly advanced the field of drug delivery by enabling the development of systems that offer precise, controlled, and site-specific transport of therapeutic agents. Among the various nanocarriers, polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) have gained substantial attention due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and the ability to overcome key physiological barriers that limit the effectiveness of conventional drug delivery methods. PNPs can encapsulate a wide variety of therapeutic agents-including small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids-and facilitate their controlled and sustained release, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes while minimizing systemic toxicity and adverse effects. The unique physicochemical properties of polymeric nanoparticles, such as nanosize, surface charge, morphology, and surface functionalization, allow for enhanced bioavailability, cellular uptake, and targeted delivery to specific tissues or cells. These characteristics make PNPs especially suitable for treating complex diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and infections, where targeted and efficient drug delivery is essential. This review comprehensively explores the synthesis techniques of PNPs, including solvent evaporation, nanoprecipitation, emulsification, and polymerization methods, and discusses key parameters affecting nanoparticle formulation. It also highlights advanced characterization tools used to determine particle size, surface charge, morphology, stability, and drug loading efficiency. Moreover, the paper delves into the biomedical applications of polymeric nanoparticles, with particular emphasis on brain targeting, cancer therapeutics, and regenerative medicine. Strategies such as surface modification, ligand functionalization, and stimuli-responsive systems are discussed for enhancing targeted delivery and therapeutic efficacy. Despite promising advancements, challenges related to large-scale production, regulatory compliance, long-term safety, and clinical translation remain. The review concludes by presenting future prospects and innovations in polymeric nanocarrier systems, emphasizing their potential to transform modern medicine by enabling personalized, efficient, and safer therapeutic interventions.

Introduction: Carbon-based nanomaterials, specifically carbon dots (CDs), are increasingly being explored for applications in the health sector. The goal of synthesizing CDs is to enhance the therapeutic effectiveness and reduce the toxicity of raw materials. Kepok banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) peel contains higher levels of flavonoids and phenols compared to other types of bananas. Flavonoids play a key role in inhibiting the formation of proinflammatory cytokines, making them effective as anti-inflammatory agents. This study aimed to explore the biomedical applications of banana peel-derived CDs as anti-inflammatory agents.

Methods: This research study utilized both pyrolysis (P-CDs) and hydrothermal (H-CDs) techniques to convert banana peels into CDs. The resulting CDs were tested for anti-inflammatory effectiveness using the carrageenan-induced inflammation model in Wistar rats, with doses of 25 mg/kg body weight (BW), 50 mg/kg BW, and 100 mg/kg BW, and compared to the standard drug, ibuprofen, at a dose of 36 mg/kg BW.

Results: Banana peel-derived CDs effectively exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in both preventive and curative modes, as measured by the volume of edema formed and the percentage of inhibition of inflammation in the paws of the rats. This activity was further supported by a decrease in IL- 6 and TNF-α levels in rat serum.

Discussion: P-CDs (25 mg/kg BW) showed enhanced preventive anti-inflammatory effects versus H-CDs and ibuprofen, attributed to their optimized surface chemistry and nanoscale properties. Future studies should implement chromatographic purification to address residual precursors detected by FTIR, ensuring clinical-grade reproducibility.

Conclusion: Banana peel-derived CDs have the potential to serve as an active ingredient for antiinflammatory therapy; however, further studies on their pharmacokinetics are needed in relation to their safety and effectiveness as medicinal materials.

Plant-derived constituents (phytoconstituents) exhibit diverse pharmacological activities and have significant therapeutic potential for various diseases. However, their clinical application is often hindered by their poor solubility, instability, and low bioavailability (<10% in many cases). Nanotechnology-driven drug delivery systems provide innovative solutions to overcome these limitations and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of herbal compounds. However, major challenges remain, including concerns about long-term safety, potential toxicity, regulatory approval pathways, and reproducibility. Bridging the gap between preclinical promise and clinical translation remains a significant hurdle. A comprehensive review of studies (2019-2024) indexed in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect was conducted using keywords: "Phytoconstituents", "Bioavailability Enhancement", "Herbal Nanoformulations", "Nanocarriers", and "Herbal Medicine". Nanoformulations, such as solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, nanosuspensions, and phytosomes, have achieved significant improvements in pharmacokinetic profiles-for instance, a 9.17-fold increase in the oral bioavailability of curcumin, a 7-fold increase for naringenin, and a ~4.5-fold increase for piperine. These systems enhance solubility, stability, and targeted delivery, resulting in better therapeutic efficacy in preclinical studies. The findings highlight the potential of nanocarriers to transform the delivery of herbal actives by addressing traditional limitations. The observed multiple-fold enhancements in bioavailability affirm the promise of herbal nanoformulations. While nanotechnology significantly enhances the bioavailability and pharmacological potential of phytoconstituents, challenges persist, including clinical translation barriers, a lack of standardization due to herbal variability, scalability issues, and regulatory approval hurdles. Future research should focus on developing smart, stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, employing eco-friendly green synthesis methods, and establishing robust standardization protocols to achieve reproducible, safe, and effective herbal nanoformulations for clinical use. Future efforts must systematically address toxicity, regulatory clarity, and the standardization of large-scale manufacture to realize clinical potential.

Objective: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic viral infection with high morbidity and mortality rates. Iraq experienced a severe CCHF epidemic outbreak in 2021- 2022. Accurate diagnosis requires precise timing for the CCHF polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and the CCHF immunoglobulin M (IgM) serological test.

Methods: This was a descriptive study of a large case series. Over two years, 380 cases were managed in infectious disease hospitals. Specific investigational data were analysed for CCHF cases positive by anti-CCHF PCR and/or IgM. These data were collected from the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) in Baghdad, the only laboratory accredited for CCHF testing in Iraq. The study was conducted from March 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. Blood samples were collected and transported according to safety protocols by a private vehicle with accredited personnel to the CPHL.

Results: All CCHF cases were diagnosed by PCR or serum CCHF IgM antibodies from all Iraqi governorates. A total of 380 cases of different ages and genders were identified. Diagnosis using PCR was possible from day 1 to day 15 of illness, whereas positive CCHF IgM antibodies indicated diagnosis from day 5 of illness onwards.

Discussion: The study explains the optimal timing for CCHF PCR and CCHF IgM testing, showing that early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes and prognosis.

Conclusion: The gold standard for CCHF diagnosis is PCR testing within the first 15 days of illness, while anti-CCHF IgM testing becomes useful from day 5 onwards.

The potential of micro- and nanorobots in biomedical applications has drawn significant interest. These devices are modeled after natural organisms such as bacteria and sperm cells. By utilizing the propulsion mechanisms of motile sperm and other microorganisms, these biohybrid systems offer innovative approaches for drug delivery, assisted reproduction, and disease therapy in fluidic environments. Despite advancements, replicating the intricate architecture and functions of natural sperm cells at the nanoscale remains challenging, particularly regarding size homogeneity, flexibility, and propulsion efficiency. Recent efforts have focused on developing artificial sperm-like nanorobots with enhanced motility using techniques such as electrospinning, 3D printing, and magnetic assembly. These spermbots demonstrate the ability to transport targeted payloads, navigate through biofluids, and potentially address male infertility. Furthermore, integrating external control systems- such as magnetic fields and chemical stimuli-enables precise regulation of spermbot movement and function. Although clinical translation is still in its early stages, preclinical studies have highlighted the promise of spermbots in targeted drug delivery, tumor therapy, and reproductive medicine. However, challenges related to biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ethical considerations- particularly regarding their application in human reproduction-must be addressed before these systems can be widely adopted in therapeutic settings.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as extremely promising nanocarriers for drug delivery due to their superior structural, mechanical, and electrical capabilities. This study digs into recent advances in CNT-based drug delivery systems, focusing on novel functionalization strategies, hybrid nanostructures, and customized nanocarrier designs. Functionalization using polymers, peptides, and other bioactive compounds has dramatically improved CNT solubility, biocompatibility, and precise targeting. Furthermore, hybrid nanostructures that combine CNTs with nanoparticles, liposomes, or metallic components have higher drug-loading capacities, multifunctional therapeutic effectiveness, and controlled drug-release features. CNTs may be customized in size, shape, and surface chemistry, allowing for the development of precise delivery systems that are particularly useful in cancer and complicated disease therapy. However, despite these advances, cytotoxicity, regulatory limits, and difficulty with large-scale manufacturing impede clinical translation. Sustainable methods, thorough safety assessments, and advanced technology like artificial intelligence to maximize functionality and design are all necessary to overcome these obstacles. Future research should focus on overcoming these hurdles to fully realize CNTs' potential as flexible, effective, and safe nanocarriers in drug delivery applications.

Background: Vernonia amygdalina belongs to the family Asteraceae. Its leaf extract has been used ethnobotanically in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, malaria, diabetes mellitus, and hiccups.

Objective: This study aimed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles using Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract and evaluate their antioxidant, photocatalytic, and antibacterial activities.

Methodology: The synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energydispersive X-ray analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated through the degradation of methylene blue dye. At the same time, the antimicrobial properties of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract and zinc oxide nanoparticles were assessed using the minimum inhibitory concentration assay. Antioxidant activity was determined by measuring the inhibition of 2,2- diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radicals, with ascorbic acid serving as the positive control.

Results: The successful synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles was confirmed by a UV-Vis absorption peak at 390 nm. The nanoparticles exhibited a smooth, spherical morphology with an average size of 78.25 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy identified key functional groups responsible for nanoparticle stabilization. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed three characteristic peaks at 2θ angles of 24°, 27°, and 34°, which confirmed the crystalline nature of the synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles. The antioxidant assay demonstrated that zinc oxide nanoparticles had a significantly higher free radical scavenging effect than Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract (P < 0.05). Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed the elemental composition of the synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles, with 44.4% oxygen and 55.6% zinc. The photocatalytic study demonstrated that the synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles achieved a 75% degradation rate of methylene blue dye after 120 minutes of UV light exposure. Antimicrobial testing revealed mean inhibition zones of 7.88 mm and 6.30 mm for the synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles and Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract, respectively, indicating significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (P < 0.05). The 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl scavenging effects of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract and the synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles were also statistically significant when compared to ascorbic acid (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The biosynthesized Vernonia amygdalina-derived zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibited remarkable photocatalytic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.

Background: Fungal keratitis (FK) is a major cause of eye morbidity and monocular blindness, particularly in humid climates. Ocular drug delivery is challenging due to anatomical barriers, tear flow, and nasal drainage, which reduce corneal penetration and decrease bioavailability. Conventional antifungal treatments often lack efficacy for deep keratitis. In order to address these limitations, this study explores encapsulating econazole into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs).

Objective: To optimize, develop, and characterize econazole-loaded NLCs for ocular drug delivery.

Methods: NLCs were prepared using a modified pre-emulsification and probe sonication technique with stearic acid as the solid lipid and oleic acid as the liquid lipid. The resulting nano-emulsion was homogenized, cooled, and incorporated into a Carbopol 940-based gel. Optimization was performed using JMP software.

Results: Optimised NLCs exhibited a particle size of 192.3 nm, a PDI of 0.207, and a zeta potential of -44.8, indicating stability. Drug content was 85.18% in NLCs and 83.8% in the gel, with an entrapment efficiency of 66.9%. Ex vivo studies showed 84.51% drug permeation from the gel over 17 hours compared to 89.37% in 12 hours from conventional formulations. Permeation data obtained from the ex vivo study revealed the steady-state flux (Jss) to be 88.53 μg/cm²/hr, the permeability coefficient 0.0216 cm/hr, and the diffusion coefficient 0.00325 cm²/hr. Drug release followed zeroorder kinetics with anomalous transport. Stability testing confirmed the gel's stability for three months.

Conclusion: The econazole-loaded NLC gel enhanced ocular retention, bioavailability, and sustained release, offering a promising treatment for FK.

Introduction: This review examines the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using plant extracts, highlighting eco-friendly, cost-effective, and biocompatible alternatives to traditional chemical and physical methods for sustainable nanotechnology applications.

Methods: Studies on green synthesis using plant extracts, comparative analyses with traditional methods, and applications of CuNPs in agriculture, medicine, and wastewater treatment were prioritized [1]. Characterization data, including UV-Vis, XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, and EDX, along with particle size and quantitative metrics (e.g., MICs, inhibition zones), were compiled [1].

Results: Green-synthesized CuNPs (1.8-37 nm) exhibit spherical morphology observed by SEM/TEM, surface functionalities identified by FTIR, and elemental composition determined by EDX [2]. Compared to traditional methods such as laser ablation (12 nm) and chemical reduction (10-30 nm), green synthesis reduces toxicity and energy consumption but faces scalability challenges [2]. CuNPs outperform AgNPs, AuNPs, and SeNPs, with MICs of 6.25-25 μg/mL and inhibition zones of 14-18 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli [2]. In agriculture, CuNPs reduce the severity of Fusarium infection by 88% [2].

Discussion: Green CuNPs are effective germicides and catalysts due to the release of Cu²⁺ ions and generation of reactive oxygen species [3]. However, variable particle sizes and concentrationdependent toxicity, such as 100 mg/L in wheat, limit scalability and environmental safety [3].

Conclusion: Green synthesis offers a sustainable approach to producing CuNPs for applications in agriculture, medicine, and wastewater treatment [4]. Standardized protocols are needed to ensure reproducibility and scalability while minimizing environmental risks [4].