Expert Opinion On Drug Delivery[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
3D printed hollow microneedles: the latest innovation in drug delivery.
Razzaghi M, Akbari M
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Oct · PMID 40616776 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Hollow microneedles (HMNs) offer a minimally invasive and highly efficient method for transdermal drug administration, overcoming the limitations of traditional delivery systems. AREAS COVERED: This review...
INTRODUCTION: Hollow microneedles (HMNs) offer a minimally invasive and highly efficient method for transdermal drug administration, overcoming the limitations of traditional delivery systems. AREAS COVERED: This review focuses on recent advancements in 3D-printed HMNs, highlighting their transformative potential in drug delivery applications. The integration of cutting-edge 3D printing technologies, such as stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), and two-photon polymerization (2PP), has enabled the fabrication of complex, precise, and customizable microneedles (MNs). These innovations facilitate patient-specific applications, enhance drug bioavailability, and provide unparalleled control over dosage and delivery. Advances in biocompatible and biodegradable materials have further improved the safety and functionality of HMNs. Applications range from insulin delivery to biomarker sensing and theranostic systems, showcasing their versatility. EXPERT OPINION: 3D-printed HMNs are set to play an important role in improving personalized medicine and precision healthcare. By addressing fabrication and design issues, and using new materials, these devices are expected to change drug delivery systems and help develop new therapeutic and diagnostic platforms.
Leveraging endogenous MMPs for drug delivery in the cancer environment.
Richards BA, Yeager LP, Sullivan MO … +1 more , Chen W
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Oct · PMID 40616585 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic enzymes with long-established clinical relevance in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. Their elevated activity in the tumor microenvironment is...
INTRODUCTION: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic enzymes with long-established clinical relevance in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. Their elevated activity in the tumor microenvironment is associated with key pathological processes such as metastasis, angiogenesis, and cancer cell invasion. AREAS COVERED: This review highlights recent developments in the design of MMP-responsive drug delivery systems that leverage the aberrant proteolytic activity of MMPs for targeted and spatiotemporally controlled drug delivery. Key strategies include the use of MMP-cleavable hydrogels, responsive nanoparticles, and various prodrug designs. While MMPs have historically been pursued as therapeutic targets, their physiological role has complicated this approach and led to little success. Instead, recent efforts have reframed MMP activity as a trigger for site-specific drug activation, offering improved precision in cancer treatment. The review also discusses current challenges and the translational progress of these delivery systems. EXPERT OPINION: Exploiting MMP dysregulation in the tumor environment represents a logical next step in cancer treatment. Drug delivery systems that achieve MMP-responsive activation while reducing off-target effects and enhancing drug retention, circulation, or uptake are key to practical translation. Clinical realization of MMP-responsive delivery systems requires further refinement in protease selectivity, stability, and integration of other stimuli-responsive designs.
Triple extrafine fixed-dose combination in asthma: from randomized controlled trials to real-world evidence.
Rogliani P, Manzetti GM, De Guido I … +2 more , di Lorenzo C, Calzetta L
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Oct · PMID 40590254 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Small airway dysfunction affects 50-90% of asthmatic patients, leading to airway remodeling, worsening symptoms, and quality of life. Targeting small airway dysfunction with inhaled extrafine formulations,...
INTRODUCTION: Small airway dysfunction affects 50-90% of asthmatic patients, leading to airway remodeling, worsening symptoms, and quality of life. Targeting small airway dysfunction with inhaled extrafine formulations, with a mass median aerodynamic diameter < 2 µm, is crucial. Triple extrafine fixed-dose combination with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), long-acting β-agonists (LABA), and long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) been approved for uncontrolled asthma, supported by TRIMARAN and TRIGGER randomized controlled trials (RCT). However, while RCTs offer valuable efficacy and safety data under controlled conditions, findings need to be combined with real-world evidence (RWE). AREAS COVERED: This narrative review assessed the impact of triple extrafine fixed-dose combination in asthma, integrating RCTs and RWE findings. Post-hoc analyses of RCTs and preliminary gray literature were also considered. EXPERT OPINION: RCTs and RWE showed significant overlap in outcomes for triple extrafine fixed-dose combination, although differing in some crucial patient characteristics (e.g. smoking status). Triple extrafine fixed-dose combination might be more effective in patients with persistent airflow limitation by targeting small airway dysfunction. However, further RCTs and RWE are needed to address remaining gaps, such as the determinants of response to medium-strength triple extrafine fixed-dose combination vs. high-strength ICS/LABA and to high-strength triple extrafine fixed-dose combination vs. open triple therapy.
Application of zein nanoparticles for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.
Gagliardi A, Del Valle M, Espuelas S … +2 more , Irache JM, Cosco D
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Oct · PMID 40583279 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic gastrointestinal disorders with rising global incidence. Current therapies often suffer from systemic side effects, limited efficacy, and poor patient complianc...
INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic gastrointestinal disorders with rising global incidence. Current therapies often suffer from systemic side effects, limited efficacy, and poor patient compliance, particularly with injectable formulations. These limitations underscore the need for innovative oral delivery strategies capable of targeted action in the inflamed intestine. AREAS COVERED: This review provides an in-depth overview of zein nanoparticles as drug delivery systems for IBD. The discussion covers recent studies on zein nanoparticles containing anti-inflammatory compounds, focusing on their behavior in gastrointestinal environment, their ability to overcome biological barriers, and their potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Special focus is placed on advanced multistage systems designed to extend mucosal retention time and enhance drug accumulation at inflamed sites. EXPERT OPINION: Zein nanoparticles offer a promising and multifunctional platform for IBD therapy. Beyond their role as carriers, their intrinsic antioxidant properties and ability to stimulate endogenous GLP-1 secretion suggest a dual therapeutic action combining drug delivery with mucosal healing and immune modulation. Clinical translation requires overcoming key barriers, including limited mucus penetration, interpatient variability, and challenges in large-scale production. Continued technological advancements may establish zein nanoparticles as a viable carrier for targeted, effective, and patient-compliant oral therapies in IBD.
Harnessing the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter for enhanced oral delivery of peptide drugs: mechanisms, strategies, and therapeutic potential.
Zeng H, Li Y, Deng X … +7 more , Xiao P, Liu B, Zhang Y, Yin T, He H, Gou J, Tang X
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Sep · PMID 40548518 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Oral administration of peptide drugs (PDs) faces significant challenges due to the harsh gastrointestinal environment and low intestinal epithelial permeability, leading to poor bioavailability. Current int...
INTRODUCTION: Oral administration of peptide drugs (PDs) faces significant challenges due to the harsh gastrointestinal environment and low intestinal epithelial permeability, leading to poor bioavailability. Current intestinal delivery pathways are often constrained by limited intestinal transport efficiency, which further hinders the effective delivery of PDs. The apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) presents a promising target for enhancing the oral delivery of PDs. ASBT-mediated oral peptide delivery represents a transformative strategy by leveraging the transporter's high intestinal expression and active transport capacity, surpassing traditional passive/paracellular mechanisms. AREAS COVERED: This review focuses on the emerging research on ASBT-based oral PDs delivery strategies, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the design concepts and principles that support these approaches and offering valuable insights for inspiring ASBT-based oral PDs delivery strategies to enhance bioavailability. EXPERT OPINION: Current strategies predominantly rely on passive transport or paracellular transport, which, despite being widely used, suffer from low transport efficiency. On the other hand, active transport via other intestinal transporters is often limited by transporter abundance and capacity. In contrast, ASBT-mediated transport offers a high-capacity, efficient, and safe mechanism with sufficient transporter expression in the intestine, making it a promising alternative for oral PDs delivery.
All eyes on semifluorinated alkanes: a comprehensive review of the influence of semifluorinated alkane eyedrops on tear film stabilization and drug delivery in dry eye disease.
Agarwal P, Epitropoulos A, Gaddie I … +3 more , Galor A, Karpecki P, Schmidt E
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Sep · PMID 40536308 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent and multifactorial ocular disorder characterized by tear film instability, ocular surface inflammation, and patient discomfort, negatively impacting the quality of life....
INTRODUCTION: Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent and multifactorial ocular disorder characterized by tear film instability, ocular surface inflammation, and patient discomfort, negatively impacting the quality of life. Conventional therapies have limitations due to poor drug bioavailability and patient tolerability. AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes the application of semifluorinated alkanes (SFAs) as advanced ocular drug delivery systems, with a focus on perfluorobutylpentane (PFBP)-based cyclosporine A (CsA) eyedrops. Preclinical and clinical evidence highlighting the influence of SFAs on tear film dynamics, ocular bioavailability, and patient-reported outcomes has been discussed. The review compiles findings from preclinical and clinical studies reported in peer-reviewed journals and databases, including PubMed, USPTO, and conference abstracts up to 2024. EXPERT OPINION: SFAs represent a paradigm shift in ocular drug delivery. The unique physicochemical properties of PFBP-based eyedrops, such as their water-free nature, excellent spreadability, and ability to stabilize tear film lipid layer address several challenges associated with conventional DED therapies. Clinical evidence demonstrates that PFBP-based CsA eyedrops (VEVYE®) have an earlier onset of action than aqueous CsA eyedrops and show a significant improvement in the clinical signs and symptoms of DED with high patient tolerability. These properties of PFBP make it an excellent vehicle for ocular delivery and management of ocular surface disorders.
A semi-mechanistic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model for quantifying phage-antibiotic synergy against .
Assafiri O, Hong Q, Morales S … +2 more , Lin YW, Chan HK
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Sep · PMID 40533117 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) is among the top three pathogens urgently needing new treatments. Phage therapy offers an alternative to antibiotics by auto-dosing and by targeting bacteria that are resistant to c...
BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) is among the top three pathogens urgently needing new treatments. Phage therapy offers an alternative to antibiotics by auto-dosing and by targeting bacteria that are resistant to conventional antibiotics, and combining phages with antibiotics may overcome shortcomings of monotherapy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We developed a novel semi-mechanistic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model based on static time-kill data evaluating ciprofloxacin (CIPRO; 0-128 µg/mL) and bacteriophage PEV31 (0.01-100 MOI) individually and in combination against MDR strain FADDI-PA001. Additionally, a Shiny-based interactive application was designed to simulate and visualize the impact of varying concentrations of phage and antibiotic treatments, facilitating real-time regimen optimization. RESULTS: Monotherapy with either CIPRO or PEV31 inhibited bacterial growth for less than 8 h before regrowth occurred; complete eradication was achieved only at high CIPRO concentrations (64 and 128 µg/mL). In combination (with CIPRO doses above 2 µg/mL), PEV31 and CIPRO acted synergistically, reducing bacterial levels below 10 CFU/mL at 24 h. The final PK/PD model which included a phage-bacteria-interaction term and implemented CIPRO's effect as a power-model successfully captured the observed time-kill-data for both monotherapy and combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS: These promising findings support further validation and mechanistic studies to advance combination therapy for MDR pathogens. Our integrated approach paves way for clinical translation.
Assessment of the effectiveness of intranasal antiviral therapies in preclinical SARS-CoV-2 infection mouse models: a systematic review.
Oti VB, Ranasinghe V, Dyer BP … +2 more , Idris A, McMillan NAJ
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Sep · PMID 40528761 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Intranasally (IN) administered antiviral therapies have emerged as a promising approach to combating SARS-CoV-2 respiratory tract infections. This systematic review aims to examine published preclinical ani...
INTRODUCTION: Intranasally (IN) administered antiviral therapies have emerged as a promising approach to combating SARS-CoV-2 respiratory tract infections. This systematic review aims to examine published preclinical animal studies that report anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects due to IN-delivered antiviral drugs between 1 December 2019 and 1 March 2025. METHODS: Our analysis revealed 37 relevant studies out of 792 identified studies. Importantly, 15 out of the 36 selected studies performed prophylactic and post-exposure IN treatments in preclinical animal models. RESULTS: Our systematic analysis revealed six classes of IN-delivered antiviral therapeutics that significantly improved in vivo survival and reduced target organ viremia with minimal side effects in mice. Antiviral interventions resulted in animal body weight recovery (28 studies), better clinical survival (15 studies) and reduced organ viral loads (infectious viral titers (14 studies) and RNA viral loads (28 studies)). Out of these, one study reported negative outcomes of IN interventions, significant weight loss (one study) and poorer mouse survival (two studies). CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic analysis revealed a moderate association between IN antiviral therapies and clinical and antiviral efficacy. Although the evidence supports the effectiveness of IN antiviral therapies in preclinical models, translation to clinical efficacy in humans remains uncertain. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42024492039.
On the cellular selectivity of targeting peptide-nanoparticle conjugates - a nanoparticle perspective.
Beitzinger B, Draphoen B, Hald J … +5 more , Krämer M, Rudolf T, Schmitt F, Schwarz P, Lindén M
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Sep · PMID 40528422 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Peptide-targeted nanoparticles are promising drug carriers that can enhance drug efficacy at low systemic doses. However, clinical applications are compromised by off-target effects. Nanoparticle surface ch...
INTRODUCTION: Peptide-targeted nanoparticles are promising drug carriers that can enhance drug efficacy at low systemic doses. However, clinical applications are compromised by off-target effects. Nanoparticle surface chemistry fine-tuning is key for solving these problems. AREAS COVERED: The literature related to peptide-based, active targeting is reviewed, and critically discussed, with focus on the influence of surface chemistry influences on targetability. Furthermore, issues related to limited in vitro-in vivo predictivity are discussed. EXPERT OPINION: The potential of more advanced in vitro methods for an increased in vivo prediction is discussed in combination with advanced computational approaches. Efforts toward enhancing endosomal escape are identified as key future developments, in combination with decreasing off-target effects.
Recent advances in extracellular matrix-inspired nanocarriers.
Rao S, Kiick KL
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Sep · PMID 40503764 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: ECM-inspired nanocarriers have emerged as a promising platform for drug delivery due to their unique advantages over traditional nanocarrier systems. The ECM is a complex three-dimensional network comprisin...
INTRODUCTION: ECM-inspired nanocarriers have emerged as a promising platform for drug delivery due to their unique advantages over traditional nanocarrier systems. The ECM is a complex three-dimensional network comprising proteins and polysaccharides that play a key role in maintaining tissue function and homeostasis. Recent advances in the design and synthesis of ECM-inspired nanocarriers have resulted in superior efficacy, targeting, and responsive delivery systems. AREAS COVERED: This review covers ECM-inspired nanocarriers, focusing on their design and fabrication methods, and applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Specific focus is placed on nanocarriers derived from elastin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and their combinations, creating 'conjugate nanoparticles' published in the last 5 years. This review also discusses the benefits of mimicking ECM structure and function, the advantages of each nanoparticle type, challenges associated with large-scale synthesis, and immunogenicity. EXPERT OPINION: ECM-inspired nanocarriers are a novel avenue for the delivery of therapeutics with recent emphasis placed on complex, responsive systems. While substantial progress has been made in the design and application of these nanocarriers in pre-clinical studies, significant challenges remain, particularly concerning immunogenicity, scalability, and the need for more robust clinical data, before these innovations can be widely translated into clinical practice.
Feasibility of switching between different autoinjector designs: positive insights from formative Comparative Use Human Factors studies.
Stoll C, Combedazou A, Brunet-Manquat L … +2 more , Tabet C, Frolet C
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Aug · PMID 40491156 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Users may switch drug-device products when transitioning to generic versions. For autoinjectors, such switches can involve user interface differences, particularly in the activation mechanism, requiring eithe...
BACKGROUND: Users may switch drug-device products when transitioning to generic versions. For autoinjectors, such switches can involve user interface differences, particularly in the activation mechanism, requiring either a push-on-skin step or button activation. It is essential to demonstrate that the use of a generic product remains safe and effective. This article provides preliminary usability data on various autoinjector designs, focusing on generic drug-device combination products. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Two formative Comparative Use Human Factors studies assessed the usability of a 3-step candidate generic button-activated autoinjector compared to RLD autoinjectors: study 1 compared it to a 4-step button-activated while study 2 compared it to a 2-step push-on-skin. RESULTS: In study 1, 80% of participants (12/15) performed similarly with both devices. The error rate for the 3-step candidate generic autoinjector was 20% (3/15), compared to 13.3% (2/15) for the 4-step. In study 2, 90% of participants (10/11) performed similarly with both devices, with a 9% (1/11) error rate for the 3-step candidate generic autoinjector and 0% for the 2-step. CONCLUSION: These studies offer preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility of switching between different autoinjector activation mechanisms without introducing new risks. The main driver of usability results appears to be user familiarity rather than design differences.
Recent developments with pH-responsive lyotropic liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles for targeted bioactive agent delivery.
Koyra N, Yu H, Drummond CJ … +2 more , Zhai J, Dyett B
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Sep · PMID 40491048 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Lyotropic liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a platform technology with broad-ranging potential in bioactive agent delivery applications. Their biomimetic properties impart the capacity to en...
INTRODUCTION: Lyotropic liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a platform technology with broad-ranging potential in bioactive agent delivery applications. Their biomimetic properties impart the capacity to encapsulate large biomolecules and to overcome biological barriers. AREAS COVERED: The properties of lyotropic liquid crystalline LNPs can vary significantly between phases. We briefly introduce key concepts related to their formation and self-assembly and how ionization at the lipid-water interface, i.e. pH-responsiveness, can be leveraged to alter the properties of the nanoparticles. In this review, we summarize recent advances that highlight the role and impact of incorporating ionizable lipids, copolymers, and drug molecules in pH-responsive nanocarriers for the delivery of bioactive agents. EXPERT OPINION: The development of pH-responsive lipid nanoparticles (pR_LNPs) is at the forefront of the new wave of mRNA therapeutics. The complexity of the biological journey faced by the nanoparticle and the broad spectrum of disease targets is sparking a surge in research activity. The accelerating development of new ionizable lipid materials to enhance mRNA delivery potential may benefit from closer consideration - or in tandem development - of self-assembly, interface ionization, and artificial intelligence integration.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors and their promising role in treating diabetic retinopathy and other retinal vascular diseases: overview of their routes of administration, pharmacokinetics, formulations, and drug delivery applications.
Kadavil H, Ali Adib S, Marei A … +5 more , Al-Qahtani NH, Zhu Y, Al-Kinani AA, Alany RG, Younes HM
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Sep · PMID 40478624 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) are emerging as a promising alternative to protein-based anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) in treating diabetic retinopathy (DR) and other retinal vascul...
INTRODUCTION: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) are emerging as a promising alternative to protein-based anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) in treating diabetic retinopathy (DR) and other retinal vascular diseases (RVD). TKIs exhibit broader inhibition of tyrosine kinase pathways, superior tissue penetration, and favorable pharmacokinetics and chemical stability, which may reduce the need for injection frequency. Despite those advantages, their ocular administration and clinical efficacy still face many challenges, but they also open many opportunities. AREAS COVERED: This review evaluates current ocular drug delivery platforms for TKIs for intravitreal or suprachoroidal administration. It discusses TKIs' physicochemical properties and their relevance to their pharmacokinetics and clinical effectiveness. It also examines emerging technologies, such as nanotechnology and innovative polymer systems, that enhance bioavailability and prolong the drug release of TKIs. EXPERT OPINION: The future of DR treatment lies in integrating TKIs with advanced drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, 3D printing, and other interdisciplinary innovations. Combining nanotechnology, biomaterials, regenerative medicine, and AI tools will enable targeted, prolonged, and stable delivery, overcoming current therapy limitations and offering safer, personalized, and more effective treatments. As research progresses, these advancements may revolutionize RVD management and provide hope to millions of patients globally.
Adverse effects of intravenous LNP-mediated mRNA therapy in clinical trials: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Wu W, Wang Z
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Sep · PMID 40474604 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Intravenous LNP-mediated mRNA therapy holds promise for treating various diseases, yet its safety, particularly regarding adverse events, remains a critical concern. This review systematically evaluates the...
INTRODUCTION: Intravenous LNP-mediated mRNA therapy holds promise for treating various diseases, yet its safety, particularly regarding adverse events, remains a critical concern. This review systematically evaluates the adverse effects associated with this therapeutic approach. METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed was conducted for clinical trials on intravenous LNP-mediated mRNA therapies. Data extraction focused on study design, participant demographics, and adverse events. Meta-analysis was performed to assess the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and common manifestations. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. RESULTS: A total of six phase 1/2 clinical trials on intravenous LNP-mediated mRNA therapies were included, with sample sizes ranging from 6 to 38 participants. The pooled incidence of TEAEs was 92.2% (95% CI: 77.7%-99.4%). Sensitivity analysis indicated that excluding one study with a single smaller dose reduced heterogeneity to 6.8%. The incidence of severe TEAEs was 9.2% (95% CI: 0%-38.1%) and showed substantial heterogeneity (I = 89.87%), which was likely influenced by factors such as higher doses, multiple administrations, and patient-specific conditions like comorbidities. CONCLUSION: While low-dose, single-dose intravenous LNP-mediated mRNA therapies generally have a manageable safety profile, higher doses or repeated administrations may increase the risk of severe adverse events. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero identifier is CRD42025643741.
Polyphenol-conjugated polysaccharide nanoplatforms for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
Narayan S, Nagpal K, Kumar P
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Sep · PMID 40455588 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Polyphenols represent a broad class of natural chemical compounds comprising, but not limited to, tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavanones, flavanols, anthocyanins, and their related polymerized deri...
INTRODUCTION: Polyphenols represent a broad class of natural chemical compounds comprising, but not limited to, tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavanones, flavanols, anthocyanins, and their related polymerized derivatives. Polyphenols are an important component of various commercial, naturally derived products with therapeutic properties. However, their full therapeutic potential is restricted by inherently low solubility and limited dispersibility in the aqueous phase. AREAS COVERED: This special report provides a focused viewpoint of various polyphenols conjugated with polysaccharides such as chitosan, dextran, curdlan, alginate, gellan, and pectin. The advantages and performance of conjugating polysaccharides to polyphenols are presented and discussed. Further to this, nanoplatforms of polyphenol-conjugated polysaccharides with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and physicochemical properties are discussed. EXPERT OPINION: Conjugation of polyphenols with polysaccharides, using various chemical conjugation techniques, may provide an amenable solution to the envisaged polyphenol efficacy challenge. The conjugation of polyphenols with polysaccharides offers multiple advantages, including improved aqueous solubility, enhanced protection against oxidative degradation, and targeted delivery through ligand-functionalized nanocarriers. This approach not only improves the pharmacokinetic profile of polyphenols but also maximizes their therapeutic efficacy while minimizing off-target toxicity. Furthermore, polysaccharide-polyphenol conjugates hold immense potential in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical formulations, where enhanced bioactivity and controlled release are desired.
An overview of hyaluronic-acid nanoparticles for cancer cell targeted drug delivery.
Andreana I, Zoratto N, Di Meo C … +3 more , Matricardi P, Stella B, Arpicco S
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Sep · PMID 40454787 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been widely explored in cancer drug delivery due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability and excellent cargo properties. Recently, HA-based formulations have gained renewed intere...
INTRODUCTION: Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been widely explored in cancer drug delivery due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability and excellent cargo properties. Recently, HA-based formulations have gained renewed interest thanks to the HA involvement in many CD44-overexpressing tumors, offering potential for active targeting, tumor microenvironment modulation, and immune response regulation. AREAS COVERED: This review explores the role of HA and its receptor in cancer progression and as a strategy for active therapeutic targeting. It also outlines the current status of HA-based formulations in clinical cancer therapy, emphasizing their clinical outcomes. The use of HA-drug conjugates, HA-based and -decorated nanoparticles (NPs), in chemotherapy, gene therapy, and theranostics is reviewed. Additionally, recent advancements in the role of HA in immune system modulation are discussed. All presented systems are herein evaluated for their ability to selectively target CD44-overexpressing cancer cells, with a focus on their in vivo biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy. EXPERT OPINION: Despite significant research, a few HA-based technologies have progressed to clinical trials, with only one showing promising results. Key challenges include high production costs, industrial scale-up feasibility, the need to preserve receptor recognition, and the off-target accumulation of HA in the liver and spleen barriers that must be addressed for successful clinical translation.
Targeting Alzheimer's disease pathology: influence of nano-based drug delivery systems loaded with a combination of herbal and synthetic drugs.
Mumtaz, Unnithan D, Bano A … +3 more , Chauhan APS, Ali J, Khan MA
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Aug · PMID 40450660 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder marked by cognitive decline and memory loss. Current treatments, including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) and NMDA receptor antagoni...
INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder marked by cognitive decline and memory loss. Current treatments, including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) and NMDA receptor antagonists, provide only symptomatic relief due to poor Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) permeability and side effects. The integration of synthetic and natural drug combinations with nanotechnology offers a promising strategy to enhance drug delivery, efficacy, and overall therapeutic outcomes. AREAS COVERED: This review explores the integration of herbal and synthetic drugs in nano-based delivery systems for AD treatment. It examines co-loading efficiency, release kinetics, and synergistic therapeutic benefits of dual-drug formulations. Additionally, it discusses target-specific ligand functionalization for improved BBB penetration and neuronal targeting, alongside a comparative analysis of dual- vs. single-drug formulations and their impact on disease progression and efficacy. EXPERT OPINION: Current treatments mainly offer early symptomatic relief but fail to target multiple neurobiological mechanisms of AD. Combining established therapies with herbal drugs can enhance efficacy and reduce side effects. Co-loading synthetic drugs and phytoconstituents in one nanoformulation can improve targeted delivery, sustained release, and minimize systemic effects for better outcomes.
Graphene quantum dots for breast cancer treatment.
E Silva GLG, Puejo AAE, de Almeida Bertassoni B … +3 more , de Almeida BC, Do Nascimento T, Ricci-Júnior E
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Aug · PMID 40448445 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials for controlled drug delivery and breast cancer treatment, thanks to their biocompatibility, large surface area, and tunable optical prope...
INTRODUCTION: Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials for controlled drug delivery and breast cancer treatment, thanks to their biocompatibility, large surface area, and tunable optical properties. AREAS COVERED: This review explores their synthesis, characterization, and application in breast cancer therapy, highlighting their role as drug carriers and theranostic platforms. EXPERT OPINION: Some studies suggest that the efficiency of drug release depends on factors such as pH, mechanical stress, light exposure and temperature, which vary according to the type of nanocarrier and the experimental conditions. Moreover, combining GQDs with other nanomaterials enhances stability, selectivity, and therapeutic efficacy. These advancements underscore their potential as an innovative approach for targeted treatment and cancer diagnosis.
Role of carbon dots as nanocarriers in drug delivery: current advancements, prospects, and implementations.
Sandhu ZA, Raza MA, Farwa U … +3 more , Fareed MS, Alqurashi A, Latif M
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Aug · PMID 40445845 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Carbon dots (CDs) are recognized as outstanding nanocarriers for drug delivery owing to their superior biocompatibility, straightforward synthetic routes, and tunable surface properties. AREA COVERED: This...
INTRODUCTION: Carbon dots (CDs) are recognized as outstanding nanocarriers for drug delivery owing to their superior biocompatibility, straightforward synthetic routes, and tunable surface properties. AREA COVERED: This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent developments in CDs within the context of drug delivery systems (DDSs) and their utilization as carriers for drug loading, stabilization, and delivery. It also describes functionalized CDs for therapeutic applications, including cancer, antimicrobial, and gene therapies. Key strategic issues such as toxicity, biodistribution, and manufacturability are thoroughly elaborated and critically evaluated to identify novel approaches to address crucial challenges. EXPERT OPINION: The promising potential of CDs to transform current drug delivery methods is driving researchers to undertake further biological investigations regarding the application of the CDs in clinical settings, as well as to explore future prospects of CDs within the biomedical field.
Current insights into polymeric micelles for nasal drug delivery.
Sipos B, Rajab F, Katona G … +1 more , Csóka I
Expert Opin Drug Deliv · 2025 Aug · PMID 40420578 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The nasal administration route has gained peak interest in recent literature and as a noninvasive alternative for efficient drug delivery and increasing bioavailability of active substances. Technological c...
INTRODUCTION: The nasal administration route has gained peak interest in recent literature and as a noninvasive alternative for efficient drug delivery and increasing bioavailability of active substances. Technological challenges arise from the drug's physicochemical properties and the nasal mucosal barrier for which innovative particle engineering techniques must be implemented, such as using polymeric nanocarriers. AREAS COVERED: This review deals with the importance of the nasal administration route and its connection to polymeric micelles as innovative nanocarriers. The period between 2015-2025 up to date was chosen to search for original research articles where polymeric micelles were applied nasally. The first part demonstrates the utilization of polymeric micelles, followed by a summary of how drug release and permeability can be achieved in the nasal cavity and through the nasal epithelium. The second part reviews the studies conducted on this matter. EXPERT OPINION: The nasal route could be superior to perform as a suitable alternative to conventional routes. Multiple studies have already demonstrated that the main advantages lie in the nose-to-brain drug delivery pathway, which can be conquered via adequately formulated polymeric micelles. As an innovative solution, vaccine delivery is also of great potential by combining the advantages of the delivery route and the polymeric nanocarriers.
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