Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Fight Against Pulmonary Fibrosis: Integrating Mechanistic Insights and Innovative Therapies.
Mao W, Yang Y, Shi W … +2 more , Zhao W, Huang N
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 May · PMID 42227407 · Publisher ↗
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease marked by excessive buildup of extracellular matrix and abnormal tissue remodeling. This leads to irreversible loss of lung function and a major decl...
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease marked by excessive buildup of extracellular matrix and abnormal tissue remodeling. This leads to irreversible loss of lung function and a major decline in quality of life. The disease places a heavy burden on patients, their families, and healthcare systems. For years, treatment options were limited, with no proven effective therapies. However, recent progress in understanding the disease mechanisms has spurred the development of new treatments. This review outlines the latest insights into the pathophysiology of pulmonary fibrosis and explores emerging therapies, including medicine, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and biologics. The goal is to provide a comprehensive resource for clinical practice and to highlight future research directions for improving patient outcomes.
Hybrid Hydrogels for Controlled Drug Delivery in Regenerative Therapies.
Vohra V, Dhanawat M, Malik G … +2 more , Mittal N, Girdhar J
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 May · PMID 42220147 · Publisher ↗
Multifunctional hybrid hydrogel systems have emerged as a paradigm-shifting platform for improving and modeling physiological tissue conditions, enabling regulated drug delivery in regenerative treatments. They can be th...
Multifunctional hybrid hydrogel systems have emerged as a paradigm-shifting platform for improving and modeling physiological tissue conditions, enabling regulated drug delivery in regenerative treatments. They can be three-dimensional, hydrophilic networks synthesized by combining natural and synthetic polymers with nanoparticles or bioactive molecules, which imbue them with tunable physicochemical properties, increased mechanical stability, and responsive degradation kinetics, features necessary to deliver precise, site-specific therapeutic intervention. When stimulated at 45°C, photothermal hybrid dressings accelerate wound closure and increase collagen deposition, reactive oxygen species scavenging, and secretion of proregenerative cytokines, as measured by RNA sequencing and histological analysis. This review comprehensively examines the design principles, classification, and functional mechanisms of hybrid hydrogel systems, including natural synthetic composites, nanocomposite hydrogels, and interpenetrating polymer networks. Particular emphasis is placed on drug loading strategies, diffusion- and stimulus-mediated release mechanisms, and approaches to minimize burst release while achieving near-zero-order kinetics. The applications of hybrid hydrogels in regenerative medicine are critically discussed, with detailed insights into bone and cartilage repair, skin and wound healing, cardiovascular regeneration, and neural tissue engineering. These platforms demonstrate enhanced bioactivity, immunomodulation, angiogenesis, and electrical conductivity, supporting their utility across diverse therapeutic contexts.
Corrigendum to: Nutritional Evaluation and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Nano-formulated Selenium-Moringa Peregrine Seed Extract as a Promising Suppressor of TGF-β1/P38/NF-kβ Signaling Pathway in HgCl Intoxicated-mice.
Eltawila MM, Hamdy RA, Hussein MA … +1 more , Aborhyem SM
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 May · PMID 42220146 · Publisher ↗
In the originally published article [1], the first two tables were inadvertently labeled as Table 1. To correct the sequential numbering of the tables, the following changes have been made: • The second occurrence of Tab...
In the originally published article [1], the first two tables were inadvertently labeled as Table 1. To correct the sequential numbering of the tables, the following changes have been made: • The second occurrence of Table 1 has been renumbered as Table 2. • All subsequent tables and their respective citations within the text have been updated accordingly (e.g., the original Table 2 is now Table 3, and so forth). The scientific content and data within the tables remain unchanged. We regret the error and apologize to the readers. The original article can be found online at: https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/145932.
Houttuynia cordata Injection Alleviates Acute Pulmonary Infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Evidence for its Mechanism of Action.
Wang D, Jin F, Wang T … +3 more , Wang J, Ding X, Wu D
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 Jun · PMID 42220145 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The aqueous extract preparation of Houttuynia cordata, known as H. cordata injection (HCI), is frequently utilized for its antibacterial infection, i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Nevertheless, the...
INTRODUCTION: The aqueous extract preparation of Houttuynia cordata, known as H. cordata injection (HCI), is frequently utilized for its antibacterial infection, i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Nevertheless, the precise anti-infective mechanism of HCI remains unclear. Here, we aim to elucidate the mechanism by which HCI combats pulmonary infection caused by P. aeruginosa. METHODS: The models of P. aeruginosa biofilm formation, murine acute lung infection, and macrophage cell co-culture caused by P. aeruginosa were established to evaluate the mechanism of HCI intervention in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: First, this study found that HCI modestly inhibits P. aeruginosa growth in vitro but effectively suppresses virulence factors. In vivo, HCI showed therapeutic efficacy in murine acute lung infection and Galleria mellonella infection models by reducing bacterial load, protecting lung tissue, and suppressing inflammation. Network pharmacology suggested the TLR4 and NF- κB pathways are important in HCI's action against P. aeruginosa pneumonia. Mechanistically, early HCI exposure induced LPS release from bacteria, promoted M1 macrophage polarization, enhanced secretion of effector molecules, upregulated TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling, and increased bacterial phagocytosis in Raw264.7 and THP-1 cells. Interestingly, prolonged HCI treatment inhibited LPS-induced TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB activation and prevented excessive proinflammatory cytokine release. DISCUSSION: HCI might exhibit inhibitory effects on acute pulmonary infection of P. aeruginosa by TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway activation, thereby modulating macrophage M1 polarization for efficient phagocytosis, and eventually HCI can also alleviate the excess inflammatory damage. CONCLUSION: The presented results imply that the possible bidirectional pharmacological effects of HCI should be key to the anti-infection mechanism of HCI.
Unveiling the Chemical Profile, Biological Activity, and Docking Studies of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana.
Ibrahim TA, Othman A, Hegazy MM … +6 more , Korkor AM, Zahran M, Elhosainy A, Sabry S, Abuelela ME, El-Hela AA
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 May · PMID 42163755 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus that produces diverse bioactive secondary metabolites; however, its detailed metabolic profile and antitumor potential remain poorly characterized...
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus that produces diverse bioactive secondary metabolites; however, its detailed metabolic profile and antitumor potential remain poorly characterized. The objective is to investigate the bioactive metabolites produced by B. bassiana and to evaluate their antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and molecular docking activities. METHODS: Sequential extraction yielded four fractions (B1-B4). Metabolites were characterized using GC-MS and LC-MS/MS. Total phenolic content was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteau procedure. Bioactivities were assessed using agar well diffusion, DPPH radical scavenging, and MTT cytotoxicity assays against HCT-116, HepG2, and MCF-7 cell lines. Molecular docking was conducted against VEGFR-2 and CDK-2 to predict potential anticancer mechanisms. RESULTS: Total phenolic content ranged from 2.28 to 11.68 mg GAE/g, with B4 showing the highest value. GC-MS analysis of B3 identified 30 compounds, predominantly fatty acids, including palmitic acid derivatives. LC-MS profiling of B4 revealed 11 metabolites, notably 3,7-dimethyl quercetin, kaempferide, and hesperetin. B3 and B4 exhibited significant cytotoxicity with IC₅₀ values of 9.72-25.49 μg/mL and high selectivity indices. B2 and B4 demonstrated notable antioxidant activity. Docking analysis showed strong binding affinities of LC9 (3,7-dimethyl quercetin), LC11 (hesperetin), and GC28 (stigmasterol) toward VEGFR-2 and CDK-2, comparable to reference inhibitors. DISCUSSION: Integrated in vitro and in silico findings suggest complementary anticancer mechanisms involving oxidative modulation and kinase inhibition. CONCLUSION: B. bassiana represents a promising source of fatty acids and flavonoid derivatives with significant anticancer potential.
From Nature to Nanomedicine: The Promise and Challenges of Nanocellulose-Based Drug Delivery Systems.
Mishra S, Kulsoom, Srivastava S
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 May · PMID 42163754 · Publisher ↗
Nanocellulose is both renewable and biocompatible; it is a biopolymer derived from natural sources such as plants and bacteria. Given its high surface area, mechanical strength, and versatility, nanocellulose has great p...
Nanocellulose is both renewable and biocompatible; it is a biopolymer derived from natural sources such as plants and bacteria. Given its high surface area, mechanical strength, and versatility, nanocellulose has great promise as a drug delivery system, especially in terms of drug loading, encapsulation, and controlled release. The comparison of traditional drug delivery systems and nanocellulose-based systems highlighted the advantages of nanocellulose for drug delivery, including targeted therapies, reduced side effects, and the potential for personalized medicine. However, challenges associated with the commercialization of nanocellulose-based Drug Delivery Systems (DDSs) include inherent variable nanocellulose properties, potential immune response to nanocellulose, scalability, regulatory issues, and product costs. This review will discuss the potential of nanocellulose-based DDSs for drug delivery beyond simple drug delivery into the domains of theranostics and gene therapy. Recent advances in the engineering of nanocellulose-based DDS, nanotechnology, and bioinformatics can help to improve these systems and facilitate their use in precision medicine and other therapeutic areas. Continuous research, development of standardized protocols, regulatory practices, and interdisciplinary collaborations are necessary for developing the applications of nanocellulose in pharmaceutical delivery systems.
Immunomodulatory Roles of Probiotics: From Intestinal Barrier Regulation to Clinical Applications.
Sarogi GK, Agrawal A, Kumari M … +4 more , Sharma S, Sharma A, Gupta MK, Banik BK
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 May · PMID 42163753 · Publisher ↗
The mammalian gut is a highly dynamic physiological ecosystem that harbors an enormous number of commensal bacteria that play an essential role in the development of various cells of the immune system. The gut bacteria,...
The mammalian gut is a highly dynamic physiological ecosystem that harbors an enormous number of commensal bacteria that play an essential role in the development of various cells of the immune system. The gut bacteria, both resident and diet-derived, share a habitat with immune cells located within the lamina propria layer of the intestinal villi. The intestinal epithelial cells do not come into direct contact with the gut microbiota, but microbial metabolites play a significant role in their maturation and appropriate function. According to the World Health Organization, probiotics are "live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." The microbiota found within the human gut has been evolutionarily selected based on their suitability to survive within the GT. Lactic acid bacteria, belonging to Pediococcus, Lactobacilli, Streptococci, Bifidobacteria, Enterococcus, and yeast cells like Saccharomyces boulardii, are found to be predominantly used as a source of probiotics. However, these properties are strain-specific and not a general feature of all bacteria. To maintain immunological homeostasis and control both the innate and adaptive immune responses, immune cells, nutrients, and commensal microbes continuously interact in dynamic processes in a stable environment. This interaction allows the host to enhance immunity through improved immunological responses to diseases, including inflammatory and infectious conditions. Among specific benefits are infection prevention, alleviation of symptoms associated with Helicobacter pylori suppression, irritable bowel syndrome management, cancer prevention, reduction of gut inflammation, and allergy, diabetes, and drug-resistant pathogen prevention. This review focuses on compiling key findings up to date and discussing their implications in the interaction between probiotics and immune cells towards immune function.
Morphine Dependence Vaccines: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions.
Dadwal MS, Malik JA, Agrewala JN
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 May · PMID 42157589 · Publisher ↗
Morphine is a psychoactive drug that has been commonly used for the past many decades for medicinal purposes in public health departments. However, prolonged use leads to dependence, tolerance, and addiction. In order to...
Morphine is a psychoactive drug that has been commonly used for the past many decades for medicinal purposes in public health departments. However, prolonged use leads to dependence, tolerance, and addiction. In order to address these issues, medications such as naloxone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine are utilized as anti-dependence drugs. In some cases, it has been seen that people face effects like sleep deprivation and issues related to the gut, and if taken in excess, it can have the same effect as dependence. This review discusses the latest developments in treatments for morphine dependence, including vaccine-based immune-therapies, nanotechnology-enhanced delivery systems, gene-regulatory techniques, and computational models of receptors. This comparative analysis highlights that vaccine designs based on TLRtargeted therapy, nanoparticle-enhanced therapy, and modulation of the DARPP-32 gene all play a crucial role in significantly diminishing morphine's major effects and altering reward-related signaling. The vaccines generate these anti-morphine antibodies and support immune memory functions, such as incorporating adjuvants like Pam3Cys, multivalent designs that address multiple opioids, and approaches using gold nanorods for gene delivery, further boosting vaccine effectiveness. Some approaches have even demonstrated the capacity to modulate brain pathways involved in dependence. Although clinical trials are still waiting for morphine-targeted therapy, the preclinical stage shows quite promising results and needs to be considered for therapy purposes. Collectively, these methods offer a cohesive, up-to-date perspective on novel strategies, emphasizing key mechanistic factors, and demonstrating how this review goes beyond earlier analyses focused on opioids.
Medicinal Plant-derived Phytochemicals in the Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease.
Garg M, Arora A, Saini S … +3 more , Kumari S, Deswal G, Singh Grewal A
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 May · PMID 42152667 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive and lifethreatening condition with rising global prevalence, posing major financial and clinical burdens on healthcare systems. Conventional therapies...
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive and lifethreatening condition with rising global prevalence, posing major financial and clinical burdens on healthcare systems. Conventional therapies slow disease progression but do not offer a cure. This review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants in the prevention and management of CKD. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to June 2025, using keywords and MeSH terms related to "chronic kidney disease," "phytochemicals," "medicinal plants," "herbal medicine," and "nephroprotection." Preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical studies reporting nephroprotective effects of phytochemicals through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or anti-fibrotic mechanisms were included, while unrelated studies, case reports, conference abstracts, and articles lacking renal outcomes were excluded. Data were synthesized narratively to highlight plant species, bioactive constituents, mechanisms of action, and translational potential. RESULTS: Numerous plant-derived compounds, including curcumin, quercetin, rutin, allicin, and resveratrol, have shown the ability to attenuate oxidative stress, modulate inflammatory responses, and prevent kidney fibrosis in various experimental models of CKD. Several herbs, such as Curcuma longa, Lespedeza bicolor, Astragalus membranaceus, and Abelmoschus manihot, have shown promising results in both in vitro and in vivo studies, and some have advanced to human clinical trials with favorable safety profiles. DISCUSSION: The compiled findings support the potential of phytochemicals as complementary therapies for CKD. However, challenges such as standardization, bioavailability, dosage optimization, and long-term safety need to be addressed. Integrating phytomedicine with conventional treatment may offer synergistic benefits, but requires further clinical validation. CONCLUSION: Plant-based phytochemicals offer promising nephroprotective effects and may serve as effective adjunctive therapies in CKD management. Further research, including welldesigned clinical trials, is essential to establish their therapeutic efficacy and safety.
Spectral Studies of a Novel Photosensitizer Complex for Photodynamic Therapy.
Zakoyan AA, Harutyunyan BA, Sayadyan AA … +3 more , Goginyan VB, Tuchin VV, Inozemtseva OA
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 May · PMID 42152666 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Photodynamic therapy is a safe and low-invasive technology that uses photosensitizers and specific light sources to treat malignant tumors. However, conventional photodynamic therapy faces challenges, such...
INTRODUCTION: Photodynamic therapy is a safe and low-invasive technology that uses photosensitizers and specific light sources to treat malignant tumors. However, conventional photodynamic therapy faces challenges, such as low photosensitizer uptake by tumors and the tumor microenvironment. To enhance the effectiveness of traditional photodynamic therapy, a nanomaterial-based enzyme-mediated approach was developed. Ceruloplasmin (CP), a coppercontaining protein involved in angiogenesis and antitumor activity, was combined with Fotoditazin® as a photosensitizer and loaded into inorganic particles as carriers. METHODS: For photosensitizer complex encapsulation, initial calcium carbonate (vaterite) particles were prepared by the coprecipitation method and characterized using scanning electron microscopy. The obtained particles were loaded with photosensitizer-based complex (Fotoditazin® + CP) using freezing-induced loading. The extinction and fluorescence spectra of the complex were measured. To explore (Fotoditazin® + CP) complex photobleaching dynamics, UV/Vis spectrophotometry was used. For the possible application of obtained particles as a drug delivery system (Fotoditazin® + CP), complex release was also investigated. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that а Fotoditazin® complex with ceruloplasmin was successfully obtained in 0.9% NaCl under pH 7.4-6.2 conditions. It was revealed that irradiation of the obtained complex with a Red-Blue LED for 30 minutes in 0.9% NaCl at pH 7.4-6.2 causes photobleaching without destroying the complex. Furthermore, to prepare a controlled drug delivery system, we synthesized vaterite particles as carriers and loaded them with the obtained complex. It was found that 86.94% of Fotoditazin® in the complex with ceruloplasmin was loaded into vaterite microparticles. Moreover, the complete release of Fotoditazin® encapsulated as a complex with ceruloplasmin from vaterite microparticles incubated in water occurred after 48 hours. DISCUSSION: The study demonstrates that the (Fotoditazin® + CP) complex interacts with proteins and shows pH-sensitive behavior, making it effective for targeted drug delivery in photodynamic therapy. Calcium carbonate-based microparticles, due to their biocompatibility and responsiveness to acidic environments, are promising carriers for controlled release of photosensitizers in tumor tissues. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a new photosensitizer-based complex with ceruloplasmin to improve photodynamic therapy efficacy. The obtained complex was loaded into vaterite carriers using freezing-induced loading. The application of such drug delivery systems aims to improve the targeted release of photosensitizers at therapeutic doses with minimal side effects.
Advancing Sustainability in Pharmaceutical Industry: Integrating Industry 4.0 for Cleaner Production, Packaging and Disposal Practices.
Jayakrishnan A, Kee PE, Ying Tan VX … +7 more , Loke YH, Mod Razif MRF, Yee KM, Md Noh SM, Phang HC, Ming LC, Liew KB
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 May · PMID 42152665 · Publisher ↗
The pharmaceutical industry is the key player in the healthcare sector but faces significant challenges in terms of sustainability. As the industry evolves with Industry 4.0, integrating green chemistry principles and su...
The pharmaceutical industry is the key player in the healthcare sector but faces significant challenges in terms of sustainability. As the industry evolves with Industry 4.0, integrating green chemistry principles and sustainable practices is imperative. This review explores the intersection of advanced digital technologies and sustainable production, focusing on cleaner manufacturing, green raw materials, and eco-friendly packaging. The adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain enhances transparency, efficiency, and environmental impact tracking throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain. Green chemistry approaches, including the use of renewable feedstocks, atom economy, and safer solvents, are discussed as key strategies to minimize the environmental footprint of pharmaceutical production. Additionally, the implementation of green raw materials and innovative packaging solutions is highlighted as a means to reduce waste and promote circular economy practices. This review also addresses the environmental fate and toxicity of pharmaceuticals, emphasizing the need for responsible disposal and waste management. The findings suggest that a comprehensive, technology-driven approach is essential for advancing sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring that it can meet both current and future environmental and health challenges.
Production, Downstream Processing, and Application of Phycoerythrin: A Review on Progress and Challenges.
Nath PC, Muthuraj M, Bandyopadhyay TK … +4 more , Reddy MK, Tiwari ON, Mandal S, Bhunia B
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 May · PMID 42136291 · Publisher ↗
Food colors derived from natural sources are in high demand currently due to the industries and health-conscious consumers. Cyanobacteria are well-suited for the development of effective natural colorants; however, they...
Food colors derived from natural sources are in high demand currently due to the industries and health-conscious consumers. Cyanobacteria are well-suited for the development of effective natural colorants; however, they are often neglected due to low yields and limited genetic tools. Phycoerythrin (PE) is an essential colorant that has a wide range of industrial applications, including food, cosmetics, agriculture, horticulture, and human health. Despite the high demand for PE, it is difficult to achieve higher levels of production, extraction efficiency, and stability under normal conditions. However, if low-cost cyanobacterial platforms are used, it is expected that the use of PE will increase in the near future. This review addresses the most recent studies on potential new PE producers, as well as their distinctive structure and properties that are responsible for novel biological activities. Additionally, newly discovered nutritional and process parameters for improving PE production in raceway ponds and photobioreactors are highlighted. The improvement of previously developed processes for extracting and purifying PE from cyanobacterial biomass is also thoroughly explained. Additionally, the recently reported biotechnological applications of cyanobacterial PE are discussed. Furthermore, a critical analysis is also given of the market and difficulties involved in developing a system for producing PE using cyanobacteria.
Establishment and Validation of Plasmid-based Reference Materials for CYP2D6*10 rs1065852 and *41 rs1135840 Detection Using Real-time PCR SNP Genotyping.
Malau J, Kasasiah A, Zahra AA … +10 more , Meilani ND, Rohmah S, Septi AF, Zahro AF, Annajla F, Hilmi IL, Hermosaningtyas AA, Setiawan H, Raekiansyah M, Rahmasari R
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 May · PMID 42136290 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The CYP2D6 gene, a key enzyme in drug metabolism, exhibits high polymorphism. Variants rs1065852 (CYP2D6*10) and rs1135840 (CYP2D6*41) are associated with reduced enzyme activity, making their precise detec...
INTRODUCTION: The CYP2D6 gene, a key enzyme in drug metabolism, exhibits high polymorphism. Variants rs1065852 (CYP2D6*10) and rs1135840 (CYP2D6*41) are associated with reduced enzyme activity, making their precise detection crucial for optimizing pharmacotherapy. This study aimed to develop and validate plasmid-derived reference materials for detecting these Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) via real-time PCR genotyping. METHODS: Recombinant plasmids carrying wild-type and mutant-type sequences for rs1065852 (100C > T) and rs1135840 (4180G > C) were constructed in E. coli DH10B. Target sequences were verified by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Analytical performance was evaluated for linearity, Limit of detection (LoD), allelic discrimination, homogeneity, genetic stability (15 generations), and storage stability (up to 180 days). Cross-platform compatibility was assessed using different SNP genotyping assays and real-time PCR instruments. RESULTS: PCR and sequencing confirmed correct SNP integration. qPCR demonstrated strong linearity (R² ≥ 0.9874) with an LoD of 10³ copies/reaction. Allelic discrimination was distinct and reproducible. Homogeneity testing yielded coefficients of variation below 5%. The plasmids-maintained stability across generations and storage conditions, with consistent SNP calls across platforms and assays. DISCUSSION: The developed plasmid-based reference materials exhibited high analytical performance, stability, and reproducibility. Their cross-platform compatibility enhances their utility in standardizing CYP2D6 SNP detection, addressing variability in pharmacogenomic assays. CONCLUSION: Validated plasmid-based reference materials for rs1065852 and rs1135840 offer a cost-effective, accurate, and stable standard for pharmacogenomic testing, supporting improved assay precision and broader clinical implementation.
CRISPR-Cas Systems and CHO in Biopharmaceuticals: Unlocking New Possibilities in Gene Editing.
Sorourian S, Behbahani AB
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 May · PMID 42136289 · Publisher ↗
The CRISPR-Cas system has significantly advanced genome editing, offering superior efficiency, precision, and ease of use compared to traditional technologies such as Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) and Transcription Activa...
The CRISPR-Cas system has significantly advanced genome editing, offering superior efficiency, precision, and ease of use compared to traditional technologies such as Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) and Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs). CHO cells are a widely used mammalian cell line for large-scale therapeutic protein manufacturing due to their ability to produce human-like glycosylation patterns and grow in serum-free media. Recent CRISPR-based CHO cell engineering enables precise genetic modifications, improving productivity, stability, scalability, and reducing costs. This article highlights the transformative role of CRISPR technologies in addressing genetic disorders and expanding the frontiers of multiple scientific fields. It offers a comprehensive analysis of several CRISPR-Cas systems, including Cas9, Cas12, Cas13, and Cas14, emphasizing their unique structural features and functional capabilities. While Cas9 has dominated many genomeediting applications, the use of Cas13 in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells has opened up promising RNA-targeting strategies. Moreover, the compact Cas14 system presents notable potential for applications requiring ultra-precise genome manipulation. With their critical role in therapeutic protein production, CHO cells have greatly benefited from CRISPR-enabled engineering, leading to measurable improvements in productivity, stability, and cost-efficiency. Key advancements in CRISPR delivery platforms, including both viral and nonviral vectors, are discussed alongside ongoing challenges such as off-target effects and regulatory considerations. Emerging trends such as base editing, prime editing, and the integration of artificial intelligence for system optimization are also explored. Altogether, the discussion underscores the pivotal contribution of CRISPR technologies to CHO cell engineering and their broader impact on the future of biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
Unified Multi-task Learning for Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis via Uncertainty-aware Routing, Cross-task Consistency, and Resolution-adaptive Training Process.
Midhunchakkaravarthy D, Nagamani GM, V LN
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 May · PMID 42136288 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The study aims to develop a unified multi-task learning framework for colorectal cancer diagnosis using whole-slide histopathology images. Specifically, it targets joint tissue segmentation and tumor gradin...
INTRODUCTION: The study aims to develop a unified multi-task learning framework for colorectal cancer diagnosis using whole-slide histopathology images. Specifically, it targets joint tissue segmentation and tumor grading, enhancing label efficiency, robustness, and generalization, while minimizing the redundancy and annotation burden typically associated with treating these tasks independently. METHODS: 1. Hierarchical Uncertainty-Gated Task Routing (HUGTR): Dynamically allocates encoder features to decoders based on aleatoric and epistemic uncertainty. 2. Cross-Task Consistency Attention Matrix (CTCAM): Enforces spatial coherence between segmentation and grading by aligning attention maps across tasks. 3. Adaptive Label Denoising with Structural Priors (ALDSP): Employs graph convolutional autoencoders guided by structural priors from tissue segmentation. 4. Contrastive Segmentation-Grading Latent Embedding (CSGLE): Implements a two-headed contrastive learning module to align the latent representation spaces of segmentation. 5. Curriculum-Based Multi-Resolution Task Cascade (CMRTC): Trains the model progressively from low to high resolution images, adapting it to different spatial scales and complexity levels in whole-slide images (WSIs). RESULTS: 6.8% increase in tumor grading AUC, +3.5% improvement in segmentation Dice score, and 27% reduction in model parameters,14.3% decrease in inter-observer variability Discussion: The combination of uncertainty-aware routing, cross-task alignment, and label denoising significantly enhances both diagnostic precision and model efficiency. By treating segmentation and grading as interrelated rather than isolated tasks, the model better captures shared pathological patterns and domain priors. The incorporation of contrastive learning and multi-resolution training further supports generalization across patients and datasets. CONCLUSION: This unified multi-task framework sets a new benchmark in histopathological analysis for colorectal cancer by effectively integrating tissue segmentation and tumor grading. The method's innovations enable better use of annotations, improved diagnostic consistency, and enhanced scalability, positioning it as a robust AI tool in pathology workflows.
Nanozymes in Personalized Medicine: A Review of the Potential for Tailored Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications.
Kainat M, Ahmad I, Huseynova Anvar A … +4 more , Rahayu S, Shakir HA, Khan M, Irfan M
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 May · PMID 42136287 · Publisher ↗
Nanozymes are artificial nanoparticles similar to enzymes. They have received exceptional interest in personalized medicine. This is because of their superior characteristics such as stability, tunability, and multifunct...
Nanozymes are artificial nanoparticles similar to enzymes. They have received exceptional interest in personalized medicine. This is because of their superior characteristics such as stability, tunability, and multifunctionality. The purpose of the review is to explore the opportunities of nanozymes to transform global healthcare systems into individually tailored diagnostic and therapeutic tools. They can be point-of-care diagnostics, biosensing, delivery of targeted drugs, and provide specific-dose therapy. Nanozymes identify biomarkers in a very sensitive and specific manner. This enables the diagnosis at the early stages of a disease. The use of nanozymes also offers new therapeutic approaches. They are used in drug delivery systems and provide solutions for different ailments such as cancer, immune-related diseases, or neurodegenerative disorders. Although nanozymes find increased applications, several issues arise with their use. These are biocompatibility, potential toxicity, mass production, and regulatory issues. Such shortcomings confine their clinical translation. These issues are important to address to use nanozymes in personalized healthcare. This is possible through critical analysis and up-to-date material design. This review includes the latest developments, possible applications, and issues. It also mentions how nanozymes could have a promising role in next-generation medicine.
Suppression of Quorum-sensing-regulated Virulence and Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by the Extract of Cichorium intybus Root.
Zolfaghari A, Moghaddam MJM, Norastehnia A
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42083356 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The rising prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa underscores the urgent need for new antimicrobial approaches. This pathogen forms biofilms and produces quorum-sensing (QS)-regulated fac...
INTRODUCTION: The rising prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa underscores the urgent need for new antimicrobial approaches. This pathogen forms biofilms and produces quorum-sensing (QS)-regulated factors that aid its survival and resistance. This study investigates the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and QS gene expression effects of Cichorium intybus root extracts on clinical P. aeruginosa isolates. METHODS: Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of C. intybus were prepared and analyzed for phenolic, flavonoid, flavonol, and anthocyanin content. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using well diffusion, MIC, and MBIC assays. Biofilm formation was quantified using crystal violet staining, and QS gene expression (lasR, lasI, lasB) was analyzed by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: The aqueous extract had higher phenolic content, whereas the ethanolic extract contained more flavonoids and flavonols (p<0.05). Only strain PA3 was sensitive to the extracts. The ethanolic extract produced larger inhibition zones (15 mm vs. 13 mm, p<0.05), had a MIC of 0.048 g/ml, and significantly inhibited biofilm formation at 0.024 g/ml (p<0.05). qRT-PCR results indicated decreases in lasI, lasR, and lasB gene expression by 23%, 39.9%, and 35.7%, respectively. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that C. intybus root extracts, particularly ethanolic extracts, can suppress P. aeruginosa growth and biofilm formation while modulating QS-regulated virulence factors. This suggests a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics. CONCLUSION: The ethanolic extract of C. intybus root exhibits notable antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antivirulence activity, highlighting its promise as a treatment option.
Safety Assessment of Probiotics and Postbiotics: A Critical Review.
Ranjbar S, Ghotaslou R, Ganbarov K … +3 more , Köse Ş, Abbasi A, Kafil HS
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42083355 · Publisher ↗
Probiotics and postbiotics are essential components of modern dietary supplements, recognized for their beneficial effects on human health. While probiotics positively influence gut microbiota, digestion, and immune resp...
Probiotics and postbiotics are essential components of modern dietary supplements, recognized for their beneficial effects on human health. While probiotics positively influence gut microbiota, digestion, and immune responses, their safety remains a concern, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, due to risks such as infections, transfer of antibiotic resistance genes, and systemic complications. In contrast, postbiotics-defined as inanimate microorganisms and/or their cellular components-offer a safer alternative by providing similar health benefits without the risks associated with live microorganisms. However, safety assessments of postbiotics remain limited and must address critical issues such as cytotoxicity, impurity profiles, and dose-response uncertainties, which are currently underexplored in the literature. Their enhanced stability under various environmental conditions further supports their application in inhibiting foodborne pathogens and extending product shelf life. This review critically evaluates the safety profiles of probiotics and postbiotics, offering a balanced analysis of their benefits and limitations, with particular attention to emerging safety concerns, risk assessment criteria, and applications in food safety and human health. Despite their promising safety profile, widespread adoption of postbiotics is hindered by the absence of standardized safety protocols and long-term toxicological data. Future research should therefore prioritize establishing evidence-based safety criteria, optimizing dosage and formulation for both probiotics and postbiotics, and addressing existing knowledge gaps through rigorous, targeted clinical studies, especially in vulnerable populations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Scopus databases covering the period from 2000 to 2025.
Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury-induced Platelet Activation: Role of Mitochondrial Function and Autophagy.
Zhang Y, Wang Z, Li R … +5 more , Liu Z, Zhang R, Li R, Wang M, Sun G
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42059214 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Platelet activation is a key contributor to myocardial ischemia/ reperfusion (MI/R) injury. Although hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) possesses cardioprotective and antiplatelet properties, its specific mecha...
INTRODUCTION: Platelet activation is a key contributor to myocardial ischemia/ reperfusion (MI/R) injury. Although hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) possesses cardioprotective and antiplatelet properties, its specific mechanisms in modulating platelet activation during MI/R remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated how HSYA attenuates MI/R injury by regulating platelet activation. METHODS: An MI/R model was established in mice via ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The regulatory effects of HSYA on platelet activation and mitochondrial function were evaluated via flow cytometry. The mechanisms were analyzed via platelet proteomics. Platelet autophagy was characterized via transmission electron microscopy and western blotting. RESULTS: HSYA significantly attenuated MI/R injury by reducing the myocardial infarct size, improving cardiac function, and decreasing platelet accumulation in the myocardium. HSYA also suppressed platelet activation and enhanced platelet mitochondrial function. Platelet proteomic analysis indicated that the beneficial effects of HSYA were associated primarily with the modulation of proteins involved in energy metabolism and autophagy pathways. Furthermore, HSYA was found to regulate platelet autophagy, as evidenced by both a change in the number of autophagosomes and altered expression of key autophagy-related proteins, including ATG4A, GLIPR2, P62, and LC3. DISCUSSION: Our study provides novel mechanistic insights into how HSYA confers cardioprotection against MI/R injury, highlighting its clinical potential by demonstrating that its effects are mediated at least in part through the modulation of platelet energy metabolism and autophagy. CONCLUSION: HSYA alleviates MI/R injury by inhibiting platelet activation, which is associated with the restoration of mitochondrial function and the modulation of autophagy in platelets.
Mitigation of Cadmium-induced Renal Damage by Meso-2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid and Spirulina: A Comparative Study.
Tarabay HH, A F AA, Elkady ME … +3 more , Saleh HH, Abdelgawad M, Ali-El-Dein B
Curr Pharm Biotechnol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42003169 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Industrial expansion increases human exposure to Cadmium (Cd), a heavy metal that accumulates in the kidneys, causing tubular injury and chronic kidney disease. This study evaluates the chelating effects of...
INTRODUCTION: Industrial expansion increases human exposure to Cadmium (Cd), a heavy metal that accumulates in the kidneys, causing tubular injury and chronic kidney disease. This study evaluates the chelating effects of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and spirulina's protective role against Cd-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats (6-7 weeks old, 200-250 g) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8/group): (1) Control group received distilled water; (2) Cd group received cadmium chloride (5 mg/kg body weight) orally, three times/week for 6 weeks; (3) Cd + DMSA group received DMSA (50 mg/kg) orally, daily for 2 weeks following Cd exposure; (4) Spirulina treatment group received spirulina (1 g/kg) orally, daily alongside Cd; (5) Spirulina protection group received spirulina 2 weeks before and throughout Cd exposure. Renal function markers, oxidative stress indicators (8-OHdG, isoprostane, MDA), antioxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, CAT), and gene expression of inflammatory (TNF-α, NF-κB), apoptotic (Bax), anti-apoptotic (BCL-2), and detoxification (MT1) markers were assessed. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Cd exposure significantly impaired renal function, increased oxidative stress, and upregulated pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers (p < 0.05). Both DMSA and spirulina significantly mitigated these effects, with prophylactic spirulina showing the most significant improvements. DISCUSSION: Administering DMSA and spirulina effectively mitigates Cd-induced nephrotoxicity and helps restore normal kidney function. CONCLUSION: Spirulina and DMSA demonstrate protective effects against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity. Spirulina, particularly when used prophylactically, potentially offering superior renal protection.
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