Genetics
Microbial-Based Nanoparticle for Cancer Therapy: Opportunities and Challenges
Cancer remains one of the most significant global health challenges necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches to improve treatment efficacy and minimize side effects. Traditional methods such as chemotherapy radiotherapy and surgery while effective to some extent face limitations including drug resistance tumor recurrence and systemic toxicity. In this context microbial-based nanoparticles have emerged as a novel and promising solution in cancer therapy. These nanoparticles leverage the inherent properties of microbes such as targeting and biocompatibility in combination with nanotechnology to deliver drugs with precision enhance bioavailability and reduce off-target effects.
This review highlights recent advancements in microbial-derived nanoparticles focusing on their mechanisms of action such as immune modulation tumor penetration and drug delivery capabilities. Furthermore it discusses their potential to overcome current therapeutic challenges emphasizing safety efficacy and scalability. Microbial-based nanoparticles offer a pathway toward more patient-centered and precision-based therapeutic solutions by addressing critical gaps in existing cancer treatments. The review also explores the challenges of clinical translation such as toxicity concerns regulatory hurdles and manufacturing complexities while providing insights into future research directions to accelerate their application in clinical practice.
Novel Approach and Recent Advancement In-Situ Gel as Smart Carriers for Controlled Drug Delivery via Ophthalmic Route
Research in ocular delivery of medication has both challenging and promising opportunities for the pharmaceutical sector. Present ocular delivery methods of drugs including ointments solutions and suspensions have a number of limitations such as rapid elimination from the precorneal area high variation in efficacy and the risk of blurred vision. These disadvantages underscore the need for the introduction of more effective drug delivery systems. Research on ocular drug delivery has increased significantly in the past years resulting in the use of numerous standard formulation forms such as ointments and eye drops. One big drawback of the two formulations is the fast expulsion of the deposited dose through the action of blinking eyelids as well as the excretion of tear fluid. To counter this in situ gelling systems have been created that minimize drainage and prolong the period of contact with the ocular tissues and cornea. The formulations in these systems go through a sol-to-gel change due to conditions in the environment for example temperature ionic strength and pH. The transitions are usually triggered by the common polymers sodium alginate and high-performance methylcellulose. These preparations can be tested for any one of a number of properties such as but not limited to clarity ocular irritancy texture isotonicity sterility gel strength gelling capacity gelling time ex-vivo release in vitro drug release stability in vivo retention and absorption.
Unlocking the Role of pH-sensitive Nanoparticles in the Targeted Management of Different Types of Ulcers
The pH-sensitive drug delivery systems (PSDDS) are attracting significant attention as these systems transport the drug at a specific time as per the pathophysiological need of the disease leading to improved patient therapeutic effectiveness and compliance. The pH-sensitive nanoparticles are a favorable alternative to treat ulcers especially gastrointestinal ulcers comprising peptic ulcers and mouth ulcers. These nanoparticles can be intended to release medication in a meticulous way at specific pH levels of the ulcer site which can improve therapeutic effectiveness and decrease side effects. It is significant to note that the use of pH-sensitive nanoparticles for ulcer management is an evolving field of research and the specific applications and formulations may vary based on the type and location of the ulcer. Additionally regulatory approvals and clinical trials may be necessary before such treatments become widely available to patients.
Unlocking the Potential of Ethosomes in Dermatological Treatments
In recent times Ethosome has become a new promising pharmaceutical nano-carrier for the development of innovative dermal and transdermal therapies that help in the treatment of various skin diseases like skin allergies urticaria melisma eczema melanoma and other skin disease. Ethosome is a non-invasive modified phospholipid-based elastic soft vesicular nano-carrier with high ethanol content. Ethanol in this formulation facilitates rapid penetration of the drug into the skin accelerating cell membrane lipid fluidity. After permeation into the skin those get fused with the cell membrane lipids and release the loaded drug. BCS III & IV drugs having low permeability can be developed with ethosomal systems. Histamine is one of the responsible biogenic factors for itching skin wheals allergies other skin disorders etc. so incorporation of low permeable antihistaminic drugs in ethosome is an emerging prospect in the field of dermatology and cosmetology. Ethosomes reflect positive insights to overcome side effects associated with conventional oral therapy quick onset of action and targeted drug delivery to inflamed skin. The concept of ethosome is considered advantageous over liposome to be more penetrable to the skin. Besides the need for further pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics studies on ethosome it seems to significantly hold a great contemplation for the delivery of medicaments in the skin through different pathways.
Extracellular Vesicles: Innovative Nanotheranostic Platforms for Precision Drug Delivery
Recent years have witnessed an enormous spike in interest in cell-derived particles (CDPs) that are also called Extracellular vesicles (EVs) due to their potential uses in both treatments and diagnostics. Small vesicles or particles including apoptotic bodies microvesicles and exosomes are released from both healthy and sick cells. They carry bioactive substances from their parent cells and transfer this cargo to target cells making them potential candidates for therapeutic interventions and diagnostic applications. These phospholipid-enclosed nanovesicles have multiple benefits over other carriers of biological materials including high biocompatibility high circulation stability core propensity to target cells low immunogenicity ability to shield payload from degradation and biological barrier-crossing properties that make them unique. Cell-derived particles are used for evaluating treatment efficacy in addition to treating diseases by tracking changes in the payload composition of extracellular vesicles over time as real-time monitoring thus treatment plans can be improved and patient outcomes can be forecast. Moreover extracellular vesicles have gained attention as possible biomarkers because of their capacity to hold and transport biomolecules and many biomarkers which might provide important details about cellular functions and the onset of illness. Cell-derived particles reflect the condition of the parent cell making them an excellent source of biomarkers for a variety of illnesses. They can reveal information about the existence and course of illnesses and serve as a noninvasive substitute for conventional tissue biopsies. This review highlights the potential of Extracellular vesicles (EVs) as drug delivery carriers and as novel non-invasive molecular diagnostic tools for the prognosis of fatal illnesses. This article reveals the fundamental characteristics of EVs the types of EVs characteristics of EVs as biomarkers. Further challenges in the isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles and applications of extracellular vesicles in drug delivery are also succinctly summarized in this review article.
Development and In Vitro Assessment of a Pluronic-coconut Oil-lecithin Organogel for Topical Delivery of Lornoxicam in Managing Cervical Spondylosis
Topical delivery via organogels offers a promising method to deliver Lornoxicam directly to the target site with improved bioavailability avoiding the issues associated with systemic administration.
In this study lecithin organogels containing Lornoxicam were developed using the microemulsion technique. First pure soya lecithin was dispersed in coconut oil which acted as both the dispersant and emulsifier at room temperature to form the oily phase. By the following day the lecithin had wholly dissolved in the mixture. Sorbic acid was added as a preservative. At the same time Pluronic F-127 was mixed with cold water to form the aqueous phase. Lornoxicam the active ingredient was dissolved in polyethylene glycol-400 and combined with the lecithin-coconut oil mixture. The aqueous phase was slowly added to the oily phase while stirring with a homogenizer at 10000 rpm.
The formulated lornoxicam organogel was assessed based on its physical appearance organoleptic properties such as appearance color homogeneity consistency and texture. Developed formulations were also evaluated for viscosity spreadability pH drug content and in vitro release characteristics. Formulations F3 and F6 were selected for kinetic studies due to their satisfactory physical properties and maximum drug release.
The transdermal organogel formulation of Lornoxicam was an effective method for topical drug delivery. When applied to the skin it showed anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effects making it a viable option for targeted drug delivery for cervical spondylosis.
Silk Sericin: A Promising Sustainable Natural Biopolymer for Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications
Silk Sericin a natural biopolymer has gained increasing attention for its diverse applications in pharmaceuticals and biomedicine. This is an organic biomaterial derived from the Silkworm cocoon (silkworm Bombyx mori) by the degumming process which exhibits remarkable biocompatibility biodegradability making it a promising candidate for various therapeutic and regenerative approaches. Sericinhas an excellent property that makes it a potential candidate for wound healing skin care and drug delivery applications. This hydrophilic protein is recognized as an anti-inflammatory antioxidant and anti-cancer agent. The high molecular weight and granular protein composition of sericin give it a sticky consistency and gelatin-like quality. The presence of many hydroxyl groups absorbs significant water from the skin providing a natural moisturizing effect. Silk sericin presents a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymers boasting exceptional characteristics including minimal immune response excellent moisture retention and versatility in forming various structures such as films fibers and hydrogels. The sustained release of sericin from wound dressings can also be efficacious in providing a prolonged healing effect during the treatment of pressure ulcers. This can contribute to a more favourable environment for faster and effective wound healing. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of silksericin highlighting its unique characteristics extraction methods and recent advancements in its utilization for pharmaceutical and biomedical purposes along with emphasizing the significant potential of this protein as a versatile biopolymer for advanced healthcare solutions.
Polyurethane Foam-based Wound Dressings and their Potential Applications and Challenges in Wound Healing
Wound healing is an intricate biological process that is supported by well-coordinated cellular activities along with the influence of various factors such as infection at the site of the wound comorbidities and lifestyle habits. Non-healing wounds pose a significant global health concern with a substantial impact on healthcare resources and patient well-being. Wound dressings play a crucial role in creating an optimal microenvironment for healing and the selection of an appropriate dressing is imperative to ensure faster healing and improved patient outcomes. Polyurethane (PU) foam based wound dressings have gained considerable attention owing to their versatile properties and potential applications in wound care. PU foam dressings are known for their high absorbency in managing moderate to heavy exudate ability to maintain a moist wound environment comfort flexibility and non-adherent properties. PU is the preferred substrate material for dressings because of its customizable mechanical properties excellent biocompatibility and low toxicity. Several studies have explored the use of polyurethane foam-based wound dressings and have highlighted their potential benefits and limitations. Despite the promising results of previous studies there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of the applications and challenges of PU foam-based wound dressings in wound healing. This review aims to address the knowledge gap by providing an update on the current state of research on polyurethane foam-based wound dressings and their potential applications and challenges in wound healing.
Evaluation of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicity, and In Vivo Anti-Ulcer Activity of Myricetin-Loaded Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems
The bioavailability of a variety of drugs has been enhanced by the use of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS). Despite having several pharmacological effects myricetin has limited bioavailability because of its poor solubility which limits its use. Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) have been developed to solve this issue.
The study aims to develop and characterize a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) of myricetin and evaluate its pharmacokinetics toxicity and in vivo anti-ulcer activity.
Myricetin-SNEDDS was formulated by solubility testing of myricetin in excipients constructing a pseudo-ternary phase diagram and characterized using emulsification time percent transmittance thermodynamic stability droplet size polydispersity index and morphological characterization (TEM). Further acute oral toxicity study pharmacokinetic parameters in vivo antiulcer activity and in vivo anti-oxidant activity on stomach tissue for Myricetin-SNEDDS were evaluated.
Tween 80 (surfactant) propylene glycol (co-surfactant) and olive oil (oil phase) were used to prepare myricetin-SNEDDS which was then optimized according to droplet size and emulsification ability. The obtained Myricetin-SNEDDS ME1F2 with droplet size <100 nm and emulsification time 9s. Further evaluations showed that these Myricetin-SNEDDS have no toxicity and the pharmacokinetic study showed improved systemic drug absorption which increases oral bioavailability. Myricetin-SNEDDS showed significant anti-ulcer activity and in vivo anti-oxidant activity on stomach tissue.
The developed Myricetin-SNEDDS significantly enhanced solubility and oral bioavailability compared to pure myricetin. Improved pharmacokinetic parameters absence of toxicity and notable anti-ulcer as well as antioxidant activity confirm its therapeutic potential. Thus SNEDDS can be considered an effective strategy for overcoming the limitations of poorly soluble bioactives like myricetin.
Myricetin's gastroprotective properties and anti-oxidative efficacy can be improved by SNEDDS according to research and it has a good probability of becoming a bioactive substance used as an anti-ulcer agent.
In silico Lactochassis: In Silico Prediction of Essential Genes in Lacticaseibacillus casei: A Step towards Genome Minimisation
Synthetic biology using minimal-genome engineering has been proposed as the best way to optimize probiotic chassis. A minimal genome presents a significant advantage of enhanced production of heterologous proteins. This research article presents a comprehensive computational biology study for bacterial gene essentiality and genome reduction design within Lacticaseibacillus casei ATCC 393.
This study used a computational biology approach to identify the essential genes of L.casei ATCC 393. Essential genes were identified using DELetion design by Essentiality Analysis Tool (DELEATv0.1) Gene Essentiality Prediction Tool for Complete-Genome Based on Orthology and Phylogeny (Geptop2) the Database of Essential Genes (DEG) and Alignable Tight Genomic Clusters-Clusters of Orthologous Genes (ATGC-COG). The criteria for identification of essential genes included phyletic retention (essential orthologs) codon usage G + C content length hydrophobicity score and essential genomic elements such as protein-coding genes and noncoding RNAs among other factors.
Using a consensus approach 633 putative essential genes were identified. In addition 145 genes associated with probiotic attributes such as the production of bacteriocins bile and acid resistance immune modulation and adherence to host gut epithelia were identified.
The directed evolution by serial passage was initiated by streaking L. casei ATCC 393 as part of the test phase of the Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) cycle. The survival rate data were calculated from mean 0D600 nm readings. The data revealed a significant difference in survival rates between E1 and E2 from day 1 to day 38 (V = 224 p = 0.00745) indicating that factors possibly inherent to the isolates themselves or subtle variations in the environment may be influencing the results. Overall the significant differences suggest that survival rates were affected by specific NaCl concentrations. Lower survival rates were observed at 50 g/L and 71g/L compared to other concentrations.
The in silico analysis yielded valuable insights into the essential genes of L. casei ATCC 393. Further it contributes to understanding the fundamental genetic makeup of L. casei ATCC 393 and its potential as a probiotic chassis for various applications including the development of novel biotherapeutics.
Phthalate Toxicity in Different Experimental Models
Phthalates (PAEs) are the major source of concern because they are commonly used plasticizers in various plastic products and can make their way into the environment. Mostly phthalate metabolites are released in the urine. In many research studies it has been observed that some metabolites of phthalates are more harmful than the parental compounds and can be used as biomarkers for the study of phthalate toxicity. Despite some inconsistencies the present review describes the exposure of phthalates to children older people and aquatic life. The studies carried out on the toxic effects of different types of phthalates on various experimental models have been reviewed. The review also summarises the interaction between mechanisms of action involved in the toxicity induced by various PAEs. The literature search has been carried out using PubMed Science Direct Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The studies available on the toxicity of phthalates from 1982 to 2024 have been considered for the review.
Potential Therapeutic and Health Benefits of Spirulina Microalgae, in Neurodegenerative Disorders: From Nutraceutical to Neuroprotectant
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are progressive disorders marked by neuronal loss synaptic dysfunction and cognitive or motor decline. Oxidative stress and chronic neuroinflammation are key drivers in their pathology. In AD β-amyloid plaques and tau hyperphosphorylation cause mitochondrial damage and ROS overproduction while PD involves dopaminergic neuronal loss due to oxidative damage. Elevated cytokines like TNF-α IL-1β and IL-6 further worsen neuronal injury. Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) a nutrient-rich cyanobacterium is gaining attention as a neuroprotective nutraceutical. Its bioactive compounds-C-phycocyanin β-carotene tocopherols and γ-linolenic acid-exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Preclinical studies show spirulina enhances antioxidant enzymes lowers lipid peroxidation and improves cognitive performance. This review analyzed preclinical and clinical studies from PubMed Scopus and Web of Science focusing on spirulina’s effects in AD and PD models. Spirulina reduced oxidative markers (MDA NO) increased antioxidant enzymes (GPx SOD) downregulated pro-apoptotic genes (caspase-3 Bax) and upregulated anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. It also inhibited NF-κB signalling and reduced inflammatory cytokines. A clinical trial in AD patients reported significant MMSE score improvements with spirulina supplementation. Advanced delivery systems like spirulina-loaded nanoparticles and niosomes enhanced its bioavailability and neuroprotective effects in animal models. Overall spirulina shows promise in mitigating neurodegeneration by targeting oxidative stress and inflammation. Despite encouraging results larger clinical trials are needed to confirm its therapeutic potential as a safe effective nutraceutical for neurodegenerative diseases.
Patent Landscape Analysis of Antioxidants from Lamiaceae Plants: Innovations and Applications
Lamiaceae plants are a rich source of natural antioxidants widely applied in cosmetics pharmaceuticals and functional foods due to their therapeutic potential against oxidative stress-related disorders. As natural product innovation accelerates understanding patent trends can provide strategic insights into technological advances key stakeholders and emerging applications.
A systematic patent landscape analysis was performed using the Espacenet database. The search strategy was based on the intersection of Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) codes related to therapeutic applications (e.g. A61P39/06 for oxidative stress A61P17/18 for dermatological use) medicinal preparations (A61K36) and botanical classifications (A01H6/50 for Lamiaceae). All patent documents up to 2024 were included with no language restrictions. Patent families publication trends jurisdictions assignees CPC classifications and technological applications were analyzed to map the innovation landscape.
Between 2001 and 2021 there was a steady rise in patent activity related to antioxidants from Lamiaceae species. China led in both the volume and diversity of innovations followed by the United States and Europe. Technological applications are predominantly concerned with cosmetics dermatological treatments pharmaceuticals and functional food products. Leading assignees included multinational and regional companies indicating strong commercial interest in these bioactive compounds.
The patent trends reveal increasing global interest in sustainable plant-derived antioxidant solutions. The strong presence of industry players highlights the translational potential of Lamiaceae-derived compounds in high-value sectors such as anti-aging anti-inflammatory therapeutics and wellness. Jurisdictional variations reflect strategic patenting behavior and regional innovation capacities.
This study highlights the growing strategic importance of Lamiaceae-derived antioxidants in innovation ecosystems. The patent landscape identifies key technologies markets and actors driving development in natural antioxidant applications. These findings support future interdisciplinary research and industry partnerships aimed at advancing sustainable bioactive product innovation.