Dionísio T, Brandão P, Machado V
… +3 more, Botelho J, Mendes JJ, Fonte P
Expert Opin Drug Deliv
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40418261
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INTRODUCTION: Nanotechnology offers a promising avenue for developing new biomedical materials and improving existing dental techniques, particularly in endodontics. Advances in antibacterial nanoformulations could revol...INTRODUCTION: Nanotechnology offers a promising avenue for developing new biomedical materials and improving existing dental techniques, particularly in endodontics. Advances in antibacterial nanoformulations could revolutionize root canal treatment by overcoming challenges such as anatomical complexity, bacterial biofilms, and disinfectant resistance. Nanoparticles in disinfectants and sealers enhance infection control, while in regenerative therapies, they aid in bioactive compound release and scaffold enhancement. AREAS COVERED: This review explores recent research developments in antibacterial nanoformulations tailored for endodontic applications. It covers the principles of endodontic therapy, current protocols, efficacy rates, limitations, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of nanoparticle integration. Additionally, it discusses different nanoparticle types, their efficacy, biocompatibility, and mechanisms of action against endodontic pathogens. The references examined in this review are primarily drawn from studies conducted over the last decade, ensuring an up-to-date perspective on the topic. EXPERT OPINION: We provide an overview of the transformative potential of antibacterial nanoformulations in endodontics, highlighting their advantages over conventional methods, which often show low effectiveness against endodontic flora, application challenges, and high reactivity with biological tissues. Chitosan, silver, and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles have shown strong antimicrobial activity and superior dentinal penetration. Integration into irrigants, sealers, and regenerative scaffolds, enhance efficacy while maintaining or improving material properties. Ongoing research is essential to optimize their design, ensure safety, and support regulatory approval. These innovations may redefine clinical standards and improve treatment outcomes in endodontics.
Brignone SG, Tampucci S, Maletto BA
… +3 more, Allemandi DA, Chetoni P, Palma SD
Expert Opin Drug Deliv
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40397471
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INTRODUCTION: The chemical instability and low liposolubility of ascorbic acid have driven the development of hydrophobic derivatives that not only enhance its stability but also enable the formation of self-assembled sy...INTRODUCTION: The chemical instability and low liposolubility of ascorbic acid have driven the development of hydrophobic derivatives that not only enhance its stability but also enable the formation of self-assembled systems for controlled drug delivery. These systems have garnered increasing interest due to their potential to improve drug administration by enhancing solubility, protecting against degradation, and enabling controlled or targeted release. AREAS COVERED: This review critically explores the development and application of self-assembled systems derived from ascorbic acid compounds, including micelles, microemulsions, aspasomes, and other nanostructures. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases, covering publications from January 2000 to February 2025. The discussion focuses on the physicochemical characteristics, biological behavior, and relevance of these systems in the delivery of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. EXPERT OPINION: Self-assembled drug delivery systems based on hydrophobic ascorbic acid derivatives represent a promising strategy in the field of pharmaceutical development. These platforms combine biocompatibility with functional versatility, offering enhanced membrane permeability, reduced systemic toxicity, and the potential for sustained or targeted drug release. Their suitability for oral, ophthalmic, and parenteral administration further highlights their applicability across a range of therapeutic areas, including immunological, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and oncological treatments.
Expert Opin Drug Deliv
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40372113
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INTRODUCTION: Magnetoliposomes represent a transformative advancement in nanomedicine by integrating magnetic nanoparticles with liposomal structures, creating multifunctional delivery platforms that overcome key limitat...INTRODUCTION: Magnetoliposomes represent a transformative advancement in nanomedicine by integrating magnetic nanoparticles with liposomal structures, creating multifunctional delivery platforms that overcome key limitations of conventional drug carriers. These hybrid systems enable precision targeting through external magnetic fields, controlled release via magnetic hyperthermia, and real-time theranostic capabilities, offering unprecedented spatiotemporal control over therapeutic administration. AREAS COVERED: This manuscript focused primarily on studies from 2023-2025 however, a few select older references were included to provide background and context.This review examines the fundamental design principles of Magnetoliposomes, including bilayer composition, nanoparticle integration strategies, and physicochemical properties governing their biological performance. We comprehensively assess synthesis methodologies - from traditional thin-film hydration to advanced microfluidic approaches - highlighting their impact on colloidal stability, drug encapsulation, and scaling potential. Characterization techniques essential for quality control and regulatory approval are systematically reviewed, followed by applications across oncology, gene delivery, neurology, and infectious disease treatment, supported by recent experimental evidence. EXPERT OPINION: While magnetoliposomes show remarkable therapeutic versatility, their clinical translation requires addressing biocompatibility concerns, manufacturing scalability, and regulatory hurdles. Integration with artificial intelligence, organ-on-chip technologies, and personalized medicine approaches will likely accelerate their development toward clinical reality, potentially revolutionizing treatment paradigms for complex diseases through tailored therapeutic interventions.
Expert Opin Drug Deliv
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40366774
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INTRODUCTION: Natural products, derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms, offer a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-infective, antifungal, anti-tumor, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-inflamm...INTRODUCTION: Natural products, derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms, offer a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-infective, antifungal, anti-tumor, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, their clinical use is often limited by challenges such as low stability, poor bioavailability, and short half-lives. Thus, developing effective drug delivery systems for these compounds is crucial. AREAS COVERED: This review highlights the integration of natural products with nano-drug delivery systems, focusing on recent advancements that utilize the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect to improve their stability, bioavailability, and targeting. By embedding natural compounds into polymeric nanoparticles or similar nanoplatforms, these formulations significantly enhance pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, overcoming traditional limitations. EXPERT OPINION: Combining natural products with nanoparticle technology shows great potential to expand their therapeutic applications. Although these innovations improve the pharmacological profiles of natural compounds, continued research is essential to optimize clinical use. Advances in nanoparticle design and delivery strategies will be key to maximizing the therapeutic potential of natural products, addressing existing challenges, and enhancing their efficacy in disease treatment.
Morici L, Jordan O, Allémann E
… +1 more, Rodríguez-Nogales C
Expert Opin Drug Deliv
· 2025 Jul · PMID 40357685
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INTRODUCTION: More than 500 million people worldwide suffer from arthritis, experiencing daily pain and inflammation. Current treatments for osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are palliative, offering only...INTRODUCTION: More than 500 million people worldwide suffer from arthritis, experiencing daily pain and inflammation. Current treatments for osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are palliative, offering only symptom relief. No disease-modifying OA drugs (DMOADs) capable of restoring joint functionality and regenerating the cartilage matrix have yet been approved by the FDA or EMA. AREAS COVERED: This review highlights recent advances in nanocrystals (NCs) for arthritis drug delivery, including conventional nanosuspensions and novel transdermal microneedles. Special attention is given to intra-articular DMOADs formulated as NC-in-microparticles, designed to extend drug release over months. Papers and reviews with the mentioned contents and published over the last 5 years were included in the review process. EXPERT OPINION: New DMOADs and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are often poorly water-soluble, limiting their clinical progress. The versatility of NCs and nanosuspensions offers a potential advantage over other types of nanoparticles, as they can be adapted to various delivery systems, administration routes, and types of arthritis. Due to the avascular nature of cartilage, exploring the intra-articular route for OA management is essential. Implementing cartilage-targeted strategies or using stimuli-responsive hydrogels can further enhance their therapeutic potential.
Expert Opin Drug Deliv
· 2025 Jul · PMID 40353846
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INTRODUCTION: Despite much progress, nanomedicine-based drug therapies in oncology remain limited by systemic toxicity and insufficient particle accumulation in the tumor. To address these barriers, formulations responsi...INTRODUCTION: Despite much progress, nanomedicine-based drug therapies in oncology remain limited by systemic toxicity and insufficient particle accumulation in the tumor. To address these barriers, formulations responsive to external physical stimuli have emerged. One most promising system is the ultrasound stimulation of drug-loaded, gas-core particles (bubbles). Ultrasound induces bubble cavitation for cell and tissue permeabilization, triggers on-demand drug release, and provides opportunities for real-time imaging of delivery. AREAS COVERED: Here, we focus on shell-stabilized, gas-core nanoparticles (also termed nanobubbles or ultrafine bubbles) and their role in ultrasound-mediated therapeutic delivery to tumors. This review frames the advantages of nanobubbles within the ongoing deficits in nanomedicine, describes mechanisms of ultrasound-mediated therapy, and details formulation techniques for nanobubble delivery systems. It then highlights the past decade of research in nanobubble-facilitated drug delivery for cancer therapy and anticipates new directions in the field. EXPERT OPINION: Nanobubble ultrasound contrast agents offer a spatiotemporally triggerable therapeutic coupled with a safe, accessible imaging modality. Nanobubbles can be loaded with diverse therapeutic cargoes to treat disease and overcome numerous barriers limiting delivery to solid tumors. Close attention to formulation, characterization methods, acoustic testing parameters, and the biological mechanisms of nanobubble delivery will facilitate preclinical research toward clinical adoption.
INTRODUCTION: Gene therapy refers to the use of vectors to introduce target genes into target cells to exert a therapeutic effect on tumors. As a new type of tumor therapy, gene therapy has the advantage of precision and...INTRODUCTION: Gene therapy refers to the use of vectors to introduce target genes into target cells to exert a therapeutic effect on tumors. As a new type of tumor therapy, gene therapy has the advantage of precision and specificity. Excellent delivery vehicles have a major impact on the efficiency, precision and safety of gene therapy. Unlike traditional vectors, bacteria based on prokaryotes have the advantages of good targeting, large load, and simplicity. In addition, different types of bacteria also have characteristics that can be used in various scenarios. AREAS COVERED: In this review, we searched the gene therapy-related literature in PubMed, mainly in the last five years, and compared the characteristics of different gene vectors, focusing on the bacterial gene therapy and aiming to explore excellent bacterial gene therapy programs. EXPERT OPINION: Compared with traditional tumor gene therapy vectors, bacteria have many advantages, such as good targeting, large carrying capacity, and simple production. Meanwhile, the combination of artificial intelligence technology, bacterial imaging probe technology and suicide genes will be expected to control the bacterial therapy process, improve the safety of treatment, and promote the translational application of bacterial gene therapy.
INTRODUCTION: Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in nanomedicine, revolutionizing drug delivery, diagnostics, and personalized treatment. While nanomedicine offers precise targeted drug de...INTRODUCTION: Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in nanomedicine, revolutionizing drug delivery, diagnostics, and personalized treatment. While nanomedicine offers precise targeted drug delivery and reduced toxic effects, its clinical translation is hindered by biological complexity, unpredictable in vivo behavior, and inefficient trial-and-error approaches. AREAS COVERED: This review covers the application of AI and Machine Learning (ML) across the nanomedicine development pipeline, starting from drug and target identification to nanoparticle design, toxicity prediction, and personalized dosing. Different AI/ML models like QSAR, MTK-QSBER, and Alchemite, along with data sources and high-throughput screening methods, have been explored. Real-world applications are critically discussed, including AI-assisted drug repurposing, controlled-release formulations, and cancer-specific delivery systems. EXPERT OPINION: AI has emerged as an essential component in designing next-generation nanomedicine. Efficiently handling multidimensional datasets, optimizing formulations, and personalizing treatment regimens, it has sped up the innovation process. However, challenges like data heterogeneity, model transparency, and regulatory gaps remain. Addressing these hurdles through interdisciplinary efforts and emerging innovations like explainable AI and federated learning will pave the way for the clinical translation of AI-driven nanomedicine.
INTRODUCTION: Fast-disintegrating electrospun fibers are emerging as innovative systems for oral drug delivery. These fibers possess a high surface area, porosity, and customizable hydrophilicity, which facilitates quick...INTRODUCTION: Fast-disintegrating electrospun fibers are emerging as innovative systems for oral drug delivery. These fibers possess a high surface area, porosity, and customizable hydrophilicity, which facilitates quick drug release by disintegrating rapidly in biological fluids or upon contact with water. AREAS COVERED: Hydrophilic polymers and cyclodextrins (CDs), either separately or in combination, are frequently utilized to accelerate the disintegration of electrospun fibers, enhance the solubility of hydrophobic drugs, and improve drug bioavailability, leading to better therapeutic outcomes. Toward this goal, a systematic literature search was conducted to identify experimental studies (2019-2025) in Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus using the keywords ('fast-disintegrating' OR 'fast-dissolving') AND ('electrospinning' OR 'electrospun') AND ('delivery' OR 'release'). EXPERT OPINION: This review examines recent advancements over the past five years in the development of fast-disintegrating drug delivery fibers. It analyzes fiber composition, structural modifications, drug encapsulation routes, and their impact on drug release for oral mucosal delivery. Additionally, it addresses the challenges faced and outlines future directions in the field.
BACKGROUND: During the process of sperm cryopreservation, the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggers oxidative stress thereby leading to a reduction in sperm motility and quality. Therefore, it is a fea...BACKGROUND: During the process of sperm cryopreservation, the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggers oxidative stress thereby leading to a reduction in sperm motility and quality. Therefore, it is a feasible strategy to mitigate oxidative damage during cryopreservation by adding antioxidants to freezing media. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In this study, we explored the potential of melatonin to protect sperm from oxidative stress-induced damage by evaluating sperm-related parameters after thawing through self-assembly with a hyaluronic acid-bilirubin conjugate into nanoparticles (M@HBn). RESULTS: The optimized M@HBn exhibited uniform spherical morphology with average particle size of 112.57 ± 9.8 nm, PDI of 0.22 ± 0.02, a surface potential of - 0.43 ± 1.02 mV and entrapment efficiency of 85.1 ± 4.6%. The addition of 5 μM M@HBn demonstrated a notable enhancement in frozen-thawed human spermatozoa viability, motility, and DNA integrity by scavenging ROS. Additionally, the use of M@HBn supplementation in freezing medium resulted in the most mitochondrial stability and total viability as compared to the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that M@HBn have the potential to serve as a novel drug delivery platform for protecting spermatozoa against from cryodamage while enhancing the quality of cryopreserved sperm and the bioavailability of melatonin.
INTRODUCTION: The eye is a complex organ with several anatomical and physiological barriers that make ocular drug delivery an ongoing challenge. Transfersomes (TFS) are deformable vesicles that have been extensively appl...INTRODUCTION: The eye is a complex organ with several anatomical and physiological barriers that make ocular drug delivery an ongoing challenge. Transfersomes (TFS) are deformable vesicles that have been extensively applied to enhance transdermal drug delivery. However, their application in ocular drug delivery remains largely unexplored. AREAS COVERED: This review highlights the challenges typically associated with ocular drug delivery and emphasizes the inherent properties of TFS that enable them to overcome these challenges. The influence of excipients and critical process parameters on TFS characteristics have been discussed in detail with an emphasis on the fabrication and characterization techniques typically employed for TFS development and optimization. Furthermore, recent studies evaluating the application of TFS in ocular drug delivery have been discussed in depth. EXPERT OPINION: The unique stress-responsive and deformable nature of TFS makes them promising carriers for ocular drug delivery. However, further research in this direction is needed to understand their penetration mechanism and elucidate their potential for sustained and targeted drug delivery to ocular tissues. Moreover, further research is needed to optimize the stability and scalability of TFS to encourage their translation to the market.
INTRODUCTION: Device-related persistent adverse events with current DES-use have refocused the attention on a 'leave-nothing-behind' philosophy, in which it is hypothesized that treating coronary stenosis without permane...INTRODUCTION: Device-related persistent adverse events with current DES-use have refocused the attention on a 'leave-nothing-behind' philosophy, in which it is hypothesized that treating coronary stenosis without permanently caging the vessel with a metallic implant would lead to superior clinical outcomes. One of these uncaging technologies is bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS). AREAS COVERED: In this article, we describe the technical specifications and clinical data of currently available BRS devices. EXPERT OPINION: Newer BRS devices have thinner struts and more biocompatible scaffold backbones (either polymer-based or metal-based), resulting in improved radial strength, faster resorption times, and more antithrombogenic properties (e.g. magnesium-based scaffolds). Results of BRS in the treatment of simple coronary artery disease demonstrate favorable clinical efficacy and safety outcome data. It is probable that over the next 5 years more fourth-generation devices with ever-increasing biocompatibility and safety profiles will be investigated and released commercially, resulting in a much more prominent role for BRS, especially in the treatment of simple coronary artery disease in younger patients.
Expert Opin Drug Deliv
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40231429
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INTRODUCTION: Hybrid closed-loop systems have become the standard of care for managing type 1 diabetes (T1D). Both clinical trials and real-world data have demonstrated that these systems improve glycemic control without...INTRODUCTION: Hybrid closed-loop systems have become the standard of care for managing type 1 diabetes (T1D). Both clinical trials and real-world data have demonstrated that these systems improve glycemic control without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia, while also reducing the overall burden of T1D management. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed for studies including individuals with T1D that were published until the end of 2024. AREAS COVERED: In this review, we summarize the safety and efficacy of currently available hybrid closed-loop systems, drawing from key clinical trials and real-world data analyses. We also highlight recent advancements in closed-loop systems, discuss their limitations and barriers to access, and explore future directions for automated insulin delivery. Finally, we explore potential predictors of outcomes for people with T1D to better understand why some individuals respond better to closed-loop systems than others. EXPERT OPINION: Closed-loop systems are advancing rapidly, with a growing focus on enhancing automation through fully closed-loop systems to improve glycemic control and further reduce the burden of management. Identifying the predictors that influence how individuals respond to closed-loop therapy will enable these systems to be optimized. It is crucial to ensure widespread and equitable access to this advanced technology.
Gross IP, Lima AL, Sá-Barreto LL
… +2 more, Gelfuso GM, Cunha-Filho M
Expert Opin Drug Deliv
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40199721
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INTRODUCTION: Iontophoresis has been extensively studied for topical and transdermal drug delivery to stimulate the absorption of molecules that would hardly pass through the outermost layer of the skin passively. Recent...INTRODUCTION: Iontophoresis has been extensively studied for topical and transdermal drug delivery to stimulate the absorption of molecules that would hardly pass through the outermost layer of the skin passively. Recent research has focused on its combination with nanoparticle-based systems or microneedles to expand its therapeutic applications. AREAS COVERED: This review explores the fundamental principles of iontophoresis, focusing on key factors influencing its drug transport mechanisms, and provides a discussion of the field's current state. A comprehensive analysis of articles published or available online in 2024 was conducted, categorizing studies by their application areas, drug delivery systems, iontophoretic conditions, and experimental limitations. EXPERT OPINION: The findings reveal a recent focus on wound healing and skin repair, and advancements in treating inflammation, pain, and skin cancer. Market translation requires standardized experimental protocols, particularly for iontophoretic parameters and preclinical models, along with the development of cost-effective commercial devices. Additionally, while advancements in cutaneous drug delivery have increasingly benefited from machine learning approaches, their application to iontophoresis remains underexplored. With the growing interest in associating iontophoresis with the Internet of Things, such an integration, if combined with AI tools, could offer promising opportunities for personalized, real-time treatments in modern dermatology, and therapeutic systems.
Expert Opin Drug Deliv
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40193227
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INTRODUCTION: Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are drug-device combination products that are placed inside the uterus above the endometrium. IUDs contain a therapeutic agent used for contraception and have been shown to have...INTRODUCTION: Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are drug-device combination products that are placed inside the uterus above the endometrium. IUDs contain a therapeutic agent used for contraception and have been shown to have other therapeutic benefits. Over the past century, intrauterine drug delivery systems (IUDDS) have revolutionized women's health, and they hold immense growth potential in the future for new developments in the therapeutic areas beyond contraception. AREAS COVERED: The aim of this review is to offer a comprehensive description of the history, development, and current state of IUDDS, next-generation IUDDS, and future applications of IUDDS in therapeutic areas beyond contraception such as multi-purpose prevention technologies, hormone replacement therapy, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and endometrial cancer. EXPERT OPINION: The uterus's unique features make it an ideal site for controlled, prolonged, and localized delivery of drugs, ensuring maximum concentration at the target site. Currently, IUDs are the most widely used contraceptive method. Future IUDDS hold the potential to deliver therapeutic agents for broader therapeutic areas for women's health, potentially aiding in the treatment of various diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system. Further research in development, characterization, and translation is warranted to ensure IUDDS reach their potential in many areas of women's health.