Current Nanomedicine - Volume 14, Issue 3, 2024

The fields of nanotechnology and nanomedicine have undergone a revolution. There has been a striking rise in authorized nanomedicines since 1980. Apart from functioning as therapeutic agents, they also act as carriers for delivering various active pharmaceuticals to target organs. The ultimate goal of nanomedicine has always been the generation of translational technologies that can improve current therapies. Nanocrystals, nanotubes, liposomes, exosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and metallic and magnetic nanoparticles are examples of nanostructures that are now in the market as well as in ongoing research. The preparation of these nanomaterials requires consideration of a number of difficulties. Only a few of these nanomaterials were successful in obtaining marketing permission after passing all required toxicological and ethical evaluations and making them affordable to users and, at the same time, profitable to investors. Cancer, central nervous system (CNS) diseases, and cardiovascular (CVS) diseases represented the primary targets of nanotechnology applied to medicine. Therefore, this review article is focused on providing a summary of several nano-based delivery systems, including their limitations and prospects in different therapeutic fields.

Liposomes and niosomes, two vesicular carriers that are prospective candidates for drug delivery, have been used in numerous formulations. New research in this area has led to the development of a ‘niosome-like’ colloidal carrier termed bilosomes. Bilosomes have been designed as prospective vesicular carriers to deliver targeted drugs via parenteral, transdermal, and oral routes. These innovative vesicular systems, based on bile salts, have been discussed in detail in the current review. The review addresses the composition of bilosomes, their creation and characterization processes. Previous research on bilosomes has been compiled, along with their applications and advantages over more traditional nanocarriers such as liposomes and niosomes. It also emphasizes the utilization of bilosomes and their stability.

Dermatological disease states have psychological impacts that affect a patient's life. In the management of such disorders, topical delivery has an important role. However, the conventional topical delivery systems suffer from various limitations, like skin irritation, a minute quantity of drugs reaching disease sites, and over and under medication, which leads to an adverse reaction and therapeutic failure, respectively. Therefore, researchers continuously search for an alternate delivery system for treating skin disease. In recent years, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) have emanated as promising carrier systems for topical delivery. The current review provides an in-depth insight into topical administration for treating a variety of dermatological issues using NLCs as a carrier. This review highlights the suitability of NLCs as carriers for topical delivery, their method of preparation, and their characterization. In the present review, the main emphasis has been given to the management of various dermatological problems by using NLCs as a carrier; a plethora of literature investigating NLC as the carrier for topical delivery has been included in this review. In this paper, an attempt has been made to provide a summary of the research carried out in this field that will encourage further research in this arena.

The pharmaceutical sector continues to face difficulties with poorly soluble drug solubility. Insufficiently soluble drugs have low bioavailability, and their effectiveness is frequently affected. Numerous approaches have been developed in response to this challenge, including using various dosage forms, solid dispersions, nano-suspensions, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems, and cyclodextrin complexes. By improving drug dissolving, decreasing drug particle size, and increasing drug dispersion, these dosage forms seek to increase drug solubility. Nanotechnology is one of the latest advances that has the potential to revolutionize the delivery of drugs and significantly improve the solubility of drugs that are now poorly soluble. Since they have a larger surface area and can pass through biological barriers, nanoparticles are particularly well suited for the delivery of drugs. These technologies can potentially enable the development of more effective and efficient drug formulations for the treatment of various diseases. In addition, the review highlights recent advances in the field, including emerging technologies such as nanotechnology, which can revolutionize drug delivery and significantly improve the solubility of poorly soluble drugs with their potential applications.

Bile acids, a group of steroidal acids present in the bile act as biological surfactants and ligands for bile acid transporter proteins for signalling molecules to perform various paracrine and endocrine functions. The enterohepatic circulation of bile acids can be exploited to develop attractive drug delivery approaches with improved targetability of facial amphiphiles and enhanced drug bioavailability by improving absorption and metabolic stability. The effectiveness, safety and targetability of nanoparticles conjugated with bile acids and salts have been discussed in the present review. Various modifications of bile acids promoting absorption and oral bioavailability of drugs for treatment of various disease conditions such as cancer, diabetes and psychosis has also been discussed. Additionally, neuroprotective effect of bile acids and salts has demonstrated utility in various neurodegenerative disorders. Nanoparticles based on bile acids and salts represent an area of emergent interest due to their unique and modifiable properties for improving effectiveness of drugs.

Nanotechnology, the manipulation of matter at the nanoscale, has been an extraordinary scientific frontier that has revolutionized various fields, with one of the most promising applications being in the realm of medicine. Nanomedicine, an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of nanotechnology and medicine, holds tremendous potential to transform the landscape of healthcare, diagnosis, and treatment. This abstract delves into the burgeoning advancements of nanotechnology in nanomedicine, highlighting its significance, potential benefits, and ethical considerations. The primary focus of nanomedicine is to engineer and utilize nanoscale materials, such as nanoparticles and nanostructures, to improve the effectiveness and precision of medical interventions. Nano-sized drug delivery systems can target specific cells or tissues, enhancing therapeutic outcomes and reducing side effects. These nanocarriers can penetrate biological barriers and accumulate at disease sites, enabling more efficient drug delivery and increasing the bioavailability of therapeutic agents. Furthermore, nanotechnology has opened new horizons in medical imaging. Nanoparticles can be engineered to be responsive to certain diseases or conditions, providing valuable information for early detection and precise diagnosis. Novel contrast agents based on nanomaterials have the potential to revolutionize imaging techniques, offering higher sensitivity and specificity, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. Beyond diagnostics and drug delivery, nanotechnology is fostering breakthroughs in regenerative medicine. Nanomaterials can act as scaffolds, guiding tissue repair and promoting cellular regeneration. By harnessing the unique properties of nanoscale materials, tissue engineering, and organ transplantation may witness unparalleled advancements, bringing hope to countless patients awaiting life-saving treatments. However, the unprecedented potential of nanomedicine also raises ethical concerns that demand careful consideration. As nanotechnology progresses, concerns about the safety of nanomaterials, potential toxicity, and long-term effects must be addressed to ensure responsible and sustainable development.

Background: Diabetes neuropathy is a frequent ailment that has a substantial impact on patients by increasing the risk of falls and causing discomfort. The lower extremities are where diabetic neuropathy patients first feel pain. This discomfort could seem like a pinprick, an electric shock, or something else. Objective: Here, we give a comprehensive overview of this quickly developing theranostic application that includes all relevant imaging, diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring elements for the management of diabetes and diabetes neuropathy. Methods: The data for the current study was gathered by searching PubMed and Google Scholar. Several research and review publications from various publishers, including Springer Nature, Bentham Science, PLOS one, MDPI, and ACS Publishing Centre, were evaluated to compile the data. Result: Recent developments in theranostics have shown promise as alternate management approaches for diabetes and ailments linked to diabetes. Numerous nanotechnology-built biosensors, including multiwalled carbon nanotubes, copper nanowires, zinc oxide tetrapods, and nanoparticle- embedded contact lenses, offer benefits in monitoring diabetic neuropathy. Conclusion: The potency, usability, and dependability of insulin substitutes have been demonstrated by a variety of innovative methods for the management of diabetes, which includes nanotechnology approaches using Gene-Based Nanoparticles (siRNA), Liposomes, Exosomes/ Extracellular Vesicles, Neuromodulation, and Inhalable Nanoparticles. Over the past few years, the development of various theranostic nanoparticles for Diabetic neuropathy has experienced an unprecedented expansion. Even though much work needs to be done to precisely evaluate the genuine benefits provided by these particles, such as issues with nanotoxicity, theranostic nanoparticles will have a significant impact on the field of nanomedicine.

Background: Most new biologically active chemicals require better water solubility and slower dissolution rates. Cefdinir (CFD) has a very low bioavailability in its crystalline form and is poorly soluble in water. Objective: By preparing cefdinir's spanlastic nanovesicles (SNVs) using the ethanol injection method, the current study has attempted to enhance the drug's solubility and bioavailability using a statistical design approach. Methods: Independent variables, including the nonionic surfactant concentration, edge activator (EA), sonication time, SNVs entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, PDI, and in vitro release, have been evaluated. The best CFD-SNVs were positioned within in situ gel with mucoadhesive properties made of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and deacetylated gellan gum. By contrasting intranasal injection of the produced gel with an IV solution, animal models have been used to investigate CFD's systemic and cerebral dynamics. Results: Statistical analysis has suggested an ideal SNVs formulation with nonionic surfactant (65 mg), EA (15 mg), and sonication (3 min). The sol-gel temperature for forming the mucoadhesive in situ gel containing SNVs has been found to be 34.03°C, and 18.36 minutes has been the extended mucociliary transit time. Following intranasal injection, compared to SNV dispersion, the gelling system has exhibited higher brain bioavailability (2251.9 ± 75 vs. 5281.6 ± 51%, respectively). The gel has also demonstrated effective drug targeting of the brain with higher direct transport percentage indices. Conclusion: Mucoadhesive in situ gel with CFD-loaded SNVs can be administered via the intranasal route. To enhance bioavailability in the brain and drug targeting from the nose to the brain, nasal in situ gel loaded with CFD-SNVs could be a new carrier to be employed in sinusitis.