Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Josef Jampilek, Katarina Kralova
Summary: The use of natural compounds in cancer therapy has potential, and researchers are exploring the use of nanoparticles as drug delivery systems to improve their stability and bioavailability.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Claire Richard, Stephanie Cassel, Muriel Blanzat
Summary: Dermal/transdermal drug delivery is increasingly important for enhancing treatment activity and reducing toxicity by avoiding systemic absorption of drugs. This paper reviews the structure of the skin, parameters affecting drug diffusion, and strategies for improving dermal drug delivery, focusing on advanced carriers like vesicular systems. The review presents the state of the art and new trends in the field to optimize cutaneous and transcutaneous drug penetration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dilini Singappuli-Arachchige, Shuren Feng, Lijun Wang, Pierre E. Palo, Samuel O. Shobade, Michelle Thomas, Marit Nilsen-Hamilton
Summary: Magnetosomes of magnetotactic bacteria contain magnetic nanocrystals enclosed in vesicles. Mms6, a single magnetosome protein, has been found to direct the crystallization of magnetite nanoparticles in vitro. This study shows that Mms6 acts as a ferric reductase, reducing Fe3+ to Fe2+ to promote magnetite formation. The structure and multimeric state of Mms6 play a role in its iron reduction ability and iron binding characteristics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Acoustics
Ahmed M. Al-Jumaily, Hassan Liaquat, Sharad Paul
Summary: This article presents a comprehensive review on the effect of various operational parameters of focused ultrasound (FUS) on the injury zone produced by ultrasound beams for different dermatological applications. The article highlights the efficient operational parameters of FUS to enhance pain relief during surgery and make skin treatment more affordable. Additionally, a prospective future technique for efficient FUS is discussed.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joshua Seaberg, Hossein Montazerian, Md Nazir Hossen, Resham Bhattacharya, Ali Khademhosseini, Priyabrata Mukherjee
Summary: Inorganic/organic hybrid nanosystems have been increasingly developed for their versatility and efficacy in biomedical applications, including gene therapy, drug delivery, and phototherapy. They can be classified based on their components and architecture, showing potential for diverse utility and innovation in the future.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nakamwi Akombaetwa, Ange B. B. Ilangala, Lorraine Thom, Patrick B. B. Memvanga, Bwalya Angel Witika, Aristote B. B. Buya
Summary: Skin delivery is a promising approach for effective drug delivery, but low skin permeability is a major challenge. Advances in skin delivery depend on overcoming the challenges associated with drug molecule permeation and skin irritation. Lipid nanosystems offer potential solutions, but their formulation requires careful consideration of factors such as particle size and surface charge.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Araceli Ulloa-Saavedra, Claudia Garcia-Betanzos, Maria Zambrano-Zaragoza, David Quintanar-Guerrero, Susana Mendoza-Elvira, Benjamin Velasco-Bejarano
Summary: This review discusses the advances in the application of natural additives through nanosystems for extending the shelf life of meat and meat products. By using low-cost, eco-friendly methods such as nanotechnology, the incorporation of chemical additives can be reduced while enhancing the functionality of new products.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hao-Yang Liu, Xiao Li, Zhi-Gang Wang, Shu-Lin Liu
Summary: Nanomedicine, an interdisciplinary field involving nanoscale materials and technologies, is rapidly advancing due to the emergence of bionanotechnology. Virus-mimicking nanosystems (VMNs) have gained significant attention, especially during the global outbreak of COVID-19. This review provides a comprehensive view on the development of VMNs, discussing design principles, functionalization strategies, and recent advances in biomedical applications. It also highlights the opportunities and challenges in this field, aiming to inspire further research in disease diagnosis and treatment using VMNs.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cornelia M. Keck, Ayat Abdelkader, Olga Pelikh, Sabrina Wiemann, Vasudha Kaushik, David Specht, Ralph W. Eckert, Reem M. Alnemari, Henriette Dietrich, Jana Bruessler
Summary: The study showed that post-mortem changes in porcine ears can affect the penetration efficacy of chemical compounds. Regardless of the post-slaughter storage time, all types of ears are suitable for dermal penetration testing. SmartFilms and nanostructured lipid carriers were found to be superior strategies for efficient delivery of curcumin through the skin.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Daniel Cristian Ferreira Soares, Fernanda Poletto, Marcelo J. Eberhardt, Stephanie Calazans Domingues, Frederico B. De Sousa, Marli Luiza Tebaldi
Summary: The emergence of new viruses has posed a scientific challenge in finding effective drugs and vaccines for viral diseases. Nanotechnology, specifically polymer-hybrid nanodevices, has shown promise in preventing the spread of viral diseases. This review presents the current status of polymer-hybrid nanodevices in preventing and treating viral diseases, discussing their composition, biodistribution, antigen delivery, and immune responses. Future trends and clinical applications of polymer-based nanotechnology are also discussed.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lydia Rebehn, Samira Khalaji, Fenneke KleinJan, Anja Kleemann, Fabian Port, Patrick Paul, Constantin Huster, Ulla Nolte, Karmveer Singh, Lisa Kwapich, Jonas Pfeil, Taner Pula, Pamela Fischer-Posovszky, Karin Scharffetter-Kochanek, Kay-E. Gottschalk
Summary: This article investigates the differences in biophysical properties of young and aged fibroblasts, and finds that aged cells have decreased cytoskeletal tension and traction force, which may have an impact on extracellular matrix homeostasis and the aging process. These findings provide potential targets for anti-aging drug research.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ana R. Caldas, Jose Catita, Raul Machado, Artur Ribeiro, Fatima Cerqueira, Bruno Horta, Rui Medeiros, Marlene Lucio, Carla M. Lopes
Summary: By encapsulating Omega 3 and Resveratrol in different lipid nanosystems, this study overcame the stability and skin permeation limitations, demonstrating the potential application value of using these two systems in a semi-solid base for autoimmune, inflammatory, and cancerous skin diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarzyna Walendzik, Marta Kopcewicz, Joanna Wisniewska, Paulina Opyd, Sylwia Machcinska-Zielinska, Barbara Gawronska-Kozak
Summary: The epidermally expressed Foxn1 gene regulates the development of dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) and determines the ability of dermal fibroblasts to generate adipocytes. This study identifies the contribution of Foxn1 to dWAT metabolism and suggests potential targets for modulating and regulating dWAT in physiological and pathological processes in the skin.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hossein Omidian, Niloofar Babanejad, Luigi X. Cubeddu
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a major cause of illness and death worldwide. While there have been significant advancements in pharmacological therapies, targeted drug delivery to the cardiovascular system remains challenging. This review examines various drug delivery strategies, including polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, microparticles, and dendrimers, and discusses specific strategies such as magnetic nanoparticles and porous stent surfaces. The review highlights the potential of innovative drug delivery systems as effective strategies for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shichao Ding, Nan Zhang, Zhaoyuan Lyu, Wenlei Zhu, Yu-Chung Chang, Xiaoling Hu, Dan Du, Yuehe Lin
Summary: Protein-based nanomaterials and nanosystems (PNNS) have captured significant scientific interest in recent years due to their potential in bio-applications, with a focus on designing multi-functional PNNS based on different protein characteristics. The latest developments in unique synthesis strategies and detailed classifications of PNNS have been reviewed, highlighting the functions of proteins in biomedical applications such as targeting, carriers, enzymes, and fluorescent indicators. Challenges and future prospects in PNNS research have also been discussed.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Lajarin-Reinares, Elia Martinez-Esteve, Eloy Pena-Rodriguez, Mariona Canellas-Santos, Sanja Bulut, Kostas Karabelas, Adam Clauss, Carles Nieto, Mireia Mallandrich, Francisco Fernandez-Campos
Summary: This study evaluated the transdermal absorption and efficacy of Tenutex against scabies and hair lice. The results showed that Tenutex completely eradicated the parasites after different exposure times, and benzyl benzoate had no cytotoxicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Eloy Pena-Rodriguez, Laura Garcia-Vega, Maria Lajarin Reinares, Marcal Pastor-Anglada, Sandra Perez-Torras, Francisco Fernandez-Campos
Summary: Latanoprost (LAT) has been encapsulated in nanotransfersomes to increase its penetration in the skin and enhance its cell proliferation effect via the MAPK signaling pathway, making it a promising therapy for hair growth disorders.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Antonio J. Zalacain-Vicuna, Carlos Nieto, Jordi Picas, Helena Martinez, Rafael Bermejo, Adrian Corrales, Francisco Fernandez Campos, Soledad Anguiano Igea, Francisco Javier Otero-Espinar, Vicente Garcia-Patos Briones
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a new water-soluble ciclopirox nail lacquer compared to its vehicle and an active comparator in treating toenail fungal infection. The results showed that the ciclopirox nail lacquer was superior to the vehicle and comparator in treating the infection.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Maria Lajarin-Reinares, Eloy Pena-Rodriguez, Mariona Canellas-Santos, Elisabet Rosell-Vives, Pilar Cortes, Montserrat Llagostera Casas, Maria Angels Calvo, Francisco Fernandez-Campos
Summary: Topically applied antimicrobial drugs have several advantages, but the widespread use of antibiotics has led to increasing antimicrobial resistance. Drug repurposing, such as with disulfiram, may provide an attractive alternative for treating multidrug-resistant bacteria in skin infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Helen-Lissette Alvarado, David Limon, Ana-Cristina Calpena-Campmany, Mireia Mallandrich, Laura Rodriguez-Cid, Nuria Aliaga-Alcalde, Arantzazu Gonzalez-Campo, Lluisa Perez-Garcia
Summary: This study evaluated the preventive effects of curcumin and its derivatives on the irritant effects of topically applied xylol and their permeation ability through human skin. An HPLC method was validated for simultaneous determination of the curcuminoids in the samples from the ex vivo permeation studies and drug extraction from the skin. The results show that these three curcuminoids are suitable for anti-inflammatory formulations for dermal applications, and they can be properly quantified using HPLC-UV.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Eloy Pena-Rodriguez, Teresa Garcia-Berrocoso, Ezequiel Vazquez Fernandez, Francisco J. Otero-Espinar, Joaquin Abian, Francisco Fenandez-Campos
Summary: Confocal Raman microscopy and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry imaging are two promising techniques for ex vivo skin imaging and quantification. The biodistribution of dexamethasone (DEX) loaded lipomers in the skin was compared using both techniques, with benzalkonium chloride (BAK) as a tracer. Confocal Raman microscopy showed higher DEX measurements, while MALDI-TOF MSI was more suitable for tracing BAK. Confocal Raman microscopy provided higher spatial resolution and observed specific skin structures, while MALDI-TOF MSI had a faster sampling rate and analyzed larger tissue areas.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paola Bustos-Salgado, Berenice Andrade-Carrera, Valeri Dominguez-Villegas, Veronique Noe, Mireia Mallandrich, Helena Colom, Ana Calpena-Campmany, Maria Luisa Garduno-Ramirez
Summary: This study evaluated the anticancer potential of the natural flavanone compound extracted from Eysenhardtia platycarpa and its derivatives through in silico analysis and cytotoxicity assays. The results showed that these compounds inhibited the growth of tumor cells, with 1b exhibiting the most significant effect. Moreover, the study demonstrated the ability of PLGA nanoparticles to penetrate the skin and prolong the duration of action. Overall, flavanones could be a promising option for future anticancer topical adjuvant treatment.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria Lajarin-Reinares, Iria Naveira-Souto, Mireia Mallandrich, Joaquim Suner-Carbo, Montserrat Llagostera Casas, Maria Angels Calvo, Francisco Fernandez-Campos
Summary: This study aimed to develop and optimize a mucoadhesive drug delivery system for the local administration of disulfiram. The results showed that these gels had antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, and Nakaseomyces glabratus. The physicochemical properties and release profiles of the gels were also characterized and investigated.
Article
Polymer Science
Noelia Perez-Gonzalez, Maria J. Rodriguez-Lagunas, Ana C. Calpena-Campmany, Nuria Bozal-de Febrer, Lyda Halbaut-Bellowa, Mireia Mallandrich, Beatriz Clares-Naveros
Summary: Fungal keratitis is a global cause of corneal blindness. Current treatment involves the use of antibiotics, with Natamycin being commonly used; however, alternative therapies are necessary due to the difficulty in treating fungal keratitis. In situ gelling formulations, which combine the advantages of eye drops and ointments, show promise as an alternative. This study aimed to develop and characterize three formulations containing 0.5% CSP: CSP-O1, CSP-O2, and CSP-O3. The results suggest that these formulations could be potential candidates for the treatment of fungal keratitis.
Article
Polymer Science
Cristina Silva, Gladys Ramos-Yacasi, Mireia Mallandrich, Helena Colom-Codina, Joaquim Suner-Carbo, Noelia Perez-Gonzalez, Ana Cristina Calpena, Francisco Fernandez-Campos
Summary: Sialolithiasis primarily affects the oral salivary glands due to obstruction from small stones, hindering saliva secretion. To ensure patient comfort, treatment and pain control are crucial in managing this condition. A ketorolac calcium cross-linked alginate hydrogel was developed and applied in the buccal cavity, showing desirable physicochemical properties and high drug concentrations to alleviate pain. The formulation was found suitable for oral application based on ex vivo drug release studies.
Article
Polymer Science
Noelia Perez-Gonzalez, Lupe Carolina Espinoza, Maria Rincon, Lilian Sosa, Mireia Mallandrich, Joaquim Suner-Carbo, Nuria Bozal-de Febrer, Ana Cristina Calpena, Beatriz Clares-Naveros
Summary: Caspofungin gel, incorporating Azone, showed higher release and retention of the drug in the skin compared to a promoter-free Caspofungin gel. Both formulations exhibited good tolerability and inhibited the growth of certain Candida species. Dermal treatment with Caspofungin could be a promising therapy for cutaneous candidiasis in refractory or intolerant patients.
Article
Polymer Science
Negar Ahmadi, Maria Rincon, Marcelle Silva-Abreu, Lilian Sosa, Jessica Pesantez-Narvaez, Ana Cristina Calpena, Maria J. Rodriguez-Lagunas, Mireia Mallandrich
Summary: In this study, Pranoprofen (PRA)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were dispersed into blank gels to improve the drug's retention and anti-inflammatory effect for dermal administration. The gels showed sustained release up to 24 hours and demonstrated efficacy in an inflammatory animal model study. The results indicate that these gel formulations could serve as an interesting and effective topical treatment for local skin inflammation caused by abrasion.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marcelle Silva-Abreu, Lilian Sosa, Lupe Carolina Espinoza, Maria-Jose Fabrega, Maria J. Rodriguez-Lagunas, Mireia Mallandrich, Ana Cristina Calpena, Maria Luisa Garduno-Ramirez, Maria Rincon
Summary: Apremilast (APM) is a novel drug for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This study aims to develop APM gels as a new pharmaceutical formulation for topical psoriasis treatment. The APM gel formulations showed good physicochemical characteristics and sustained release. The gels treated the psoriasis mouse model and reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariona Canellas-Santos, Elisabet Rosell-Vives, Laia Montell, Ainhoa Bilbao, Felipe Goni-de-Cerio, Francisco Fernandez-Campos
Summary: This study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of a substance extracted from Camellia sinensis callus on C. acnes-stimulated human keratinocytes and quorum sensing activities. The results showed that the substance could reduce the production of inflammatory factors, decrease the activation of nuclear factor NF-κB, and inhibit biofilm formation and lipase activity.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)