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AbstractDrug addiction, particularly to opioids like morphine, remains a pressing global health issue. Curcumin, a natural flavonoid, holds promise for treating neurological disorders, yet faces challenges, such as poor solubility and limited bioavailability across the blood-brain barrier. Solid lipid nanoparticles offer a solution, facilitating drug delivery to the brain. Using the Box-Behnken design, nanoparticles were optimised, yielding particles sized 152 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.254, and an encapsulation efficiency of 70.74%. These nanoparticles enhance curcumin concentration and retention in brain tissue. Behavioural experiments using the conditioned place preference (CPP) test confirmed curcumin’s impact on morphine addiction and its modulation of c-Fos gene expression. Pharmacological network analysis identified potential mechanisms of action, highlighting common targets in calcium and serotonin pathways. Docking simulations showed curcumin’s affinity for proteins like 5HT1A, MAO-A, and TRPV1, relevant to addiction pathways. This research underscores the potential of curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles as a therapeutic approach for combating opioid addiction and neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin flaps are employed to cover cutaneous denuded surfaces, but ensuing flap necrosis often occurs. Previously, rats with myocardial infarction treated with lipid-core nanoparticles (LDE) loaded with methotrexate (MTX) improved myocardial irrigation and reduced necrosis. Here, the aim was to investigate the efficacy of LDE-MTX to preserve the viability of cutaneous flaps and its implications for surgical wound healing. Twenty-eight male rats were divided into 4 groups: (1) LDE, injected intraperitoneally with LDE only; (2) MTX (1 mg/Kg commercial MTX): (3) LDE-MTX (1 mg/Kg MTX associated with LDE), and controls without treatment. LDE, MTX or LDE-MTX were repeated after 2 days. Then, flap surgery (9x3cm) was performed on the dorsal region. Injections were continued every other day until day 7 when animals were euthanized. LDE-MTX treatment improved the total viable area of the flaps with a fourfold increase in blood flow and reduced inflammatory cell number (p < 0.001), accompanied by decreased protein expression of pro-inflammatory factors. SOD-1 was higher in LDE-MTX-treated rats (p < 0.05). In conclusion, LDE-MTX treatment achieved total viability of cutaneous flaps, with increased irrigation and diminished local inflammation. LDE-MTX may offer efficient and cost-effective prevention of cutaneous flaps and treatment for wounds from surgical procedures to be tested in future clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naturally available antioxidants offer remarkable medicinal applications in wound healing. However, the encapsulation of these phytoactive moieties into suitable nano-scale drug delivery systems has always been challenging due to their inherent characteristics, such as low molecular weight, poor aqueous solubility, and inadequate skin permeability. Here, we provide a systematic review focusing on the major obstacles hindering the development of various lipid and polymer-based drug transporters to carry these cargos to the targeted site. Additionally, this review covers the possibility of combining the effects of a polymer and a lipid within one system, which could increase the skin permeability threshold. Moreover, the lack of suitable physical characterization techniques and the challenges associated with scaling up the progression of these nano-carriers limit their utility in biomedical applications. In this context, consistent progressive approaches for addressing these shortcomings are introduced, and their prospects are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of nanodelivery systems for delivery of hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs particularly lipid nanoparticles (LNP), has seen significant advancements in recent years. Fine-tuning LNP formulations is crucial due to the impact of various parameters on their efficacy quality. The study investigated the influence of formulation variables on amoxicillin-loaded LNPs designed for anti-Helicobacter pylori activity. Size, polydispersity index (PDI), Zeta potential and entrapment efficiency (EE) were evaluated across diverse formulations. The impact of particle size on drug release and encapsulation was explored. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based design of experiments generated formulations to minimize the particle size, PDI and Zeta potential while maximizing the EE, accounting for factor interactions. Additionally, the user friendliness of QbD (Quality by Design), Machine Learning (ML), and design of experiment (DoE) were compared. To optimize amoxicillin (amox)-loaded LNP, a Box-Behnken design with 27 formulations were chosen. Each formulation was measured for particle size distribution, zeta potential, PDI, and entrapment efficiency. LNP ranged in size from 200 to 600 nm, zeta potential from − 5 to -40 mV, PDI from 0.1 to 1, and EE from 5 to 100%. Characterization included DLS, FESEM, FTIR, and SEM. The obtained results were statistically analyzed. This study demonstrates the potential of AI-driven DoE for optimizing LNP formulations. We explained the effect of different parameters, lipid concentration, surfactant concentration, sonication time and sonication speed on nanoparticles and derived a formula for further prediction. The identified formulations exhibited desired antibiotic efficiency with minimum chemical usage, suggesting the effectiveness of this approach. Further research explored it as a drug with more bioavailability, stability, and cheap alternatives to traditional medicines, with more side effects and less bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Micelles, liposomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are promising drug delivery vehicles; however, poor aqueous stability requires post-processing drying methods for maintaining long-term stability. The objective of this study was to compare the potential of lipid-based micelles, liposomes, and SLNs for producing stable re-dispersible spray-dried powders with trehalose or a combination of trehalose and L-leucine. This study provides novel insights into the implementation of spray drying as a technique to enhance long-term stability for these lipid-based nanocarriers. Methods: Aqueous dispersions of LDV-targeted micelles, liposomes, and SLNs loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) were converted into re-dispersible powders using spray drying. The physicochemical properties of the nanocarriers were determined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Karl Fischer titration, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Short-term stability of all nanocarrier formulations was compared by measuring particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and paclitaxel retention over 7 days at room temperature and at 4 °C. Results: Paclitaxel-loaded micelles, liposomes, and SLN formulations were successfully converted into well-dispersed spray-dried powders with acceptable yields (71.5 to 83.5%), low moisture content (<2%), and high transition temperatures (95.1 to 100.8 °C). SEM images revealed differences in morphology, where nanocarriers spray-dried with trehalose or a combination of trehalose and L-leucine produced smooth or corrugated particle surfaces, respectively. Reconstituted spray-dried nanocarriers maintained their nanosize and paclitaxel content over 7 days at 4 °C. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate the potential for the development of spray-dried lipid-based nanocarriers for long-term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the development and characterization of lyophilized chondroitin sulfate (CHON)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) as an innovative platform for advanced drug delivery. Background/Objectives: Solid lipid nanoparticles are increasingly recognized for their biocompatibility, their ability to encapsulate diverse compounds, their capacity to enhance drug stability, their bioavailability, and their therapeutic efficacy. Methods: CHON, a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan with anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, was integrated into SLN formulations using the hot microemulsion technique. Two formulations (SLN-1 and SLN-2) were produced and optimized by evaluating critical physicochemical properties such as particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE%), and stability. The lyophilization process, with the addition of various cryoprotectants, revealed trehalose to be the most effective agent in maintaining nanoparticle integrity and functional properties. Results: Morphological analyses using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed the dimensions of the nanoscales and their structural uniformity. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed minimal excipient interaction with CHON, ensuring formulation stability. Stability studies under different environmental conditions highlighted that SLN-2 is the most stable formulation, maintaining superior encapsulation efficiency (≥88%) and particle size consistency over time. Conclusions: These findings underscore the potential of CHON-loaded SLNs as promising candidates for targeted, sustained-release therapies in the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin ageing, driven predominantly by oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by environmental factors like ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, accounts for approximately 80% of extrinsic skin damage. L-glutathione (GSH), a potent antioxidant, holds promise in combating UVA-induced oxidative stress. However, its instability and limited penetration through the stratum corneum hinder its topical application. This study introduces a novel solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN)-enriched hydrogel designed to enhance GSH stability, skin penetration, and sustained release for anti-ageing applications. Methods: GSH-loaded SLNs were prepared via a double-emulsion technique and optimized using factorial design. These SLNs were incorporated into 1–3% (w/v) Carbopol hydrogels to produce a semi-solid formulation. The hydrogel's characteristics, including morphology, mechanical and rheological properties, drug release, stability, antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and skin penetration, were evaluated. Results: SEM and FTIR confirmed the uniform dispersion of SLNs within the hydrogel. The formulation exhibited desirable properties, including gel strength (5.1 ± 0.5 g), spreadability (33.6 ± 1.9 g·s), pseudoplasticity, and elasticity. In vitro studies revealed a biphasic GSH release profile, with sustained release over 72 h and over 70% cumulative release. The hydrogel significantly improved antioxidant capacity, protecting human fibroblasts from UVA-induced oxidative stress and enhancing cell viability. Stability studies indicated that 4 °C was optimal for storage over three months. Notably, the hydrogel enhanced GSH penetration through the stratum corneum by 3.7-fold. Conclusions: This SLN-enriched hydrogel effectively improves GSH topical delivery and antioxidant efficacy, providing a promising platform for anti-ageing and other bioactive compounds with similar delivery challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millions of people worldwide suffer from cancer, facing challenges such as treatments affecting healthy cells, suboptimal responses, adverse effects, recurrence risk, drug resistance, and nonspecific targeting. Chemoresistance leads to fatalities, but phytoactives show promise in cancer management despite limitations such as high metabolism, poor absorption, and high dosage requirements. Challenges in the large-scale isolation of phytoactive compounds, solubility, bioavailability, and targeting limit their development. Recent developments, including carbohydrate, lipid, and protein-based nanoparticles, have enhanced cancer treatment by improving the bioavailability and targeted delivery of phytoactives such as polyphenols, alkaloids, sulfur-containing compounds, flavonoids, and terpenes. Despite advancements, clinical application faces hurdles such as poor bioavailability and inconsistent immune responses. This article discusses the promise of phytoactive-loaded nanoformulations in cancer management, highlighting targeted drug delivery, unmet needs, and challenges. Further research is needed to overcome these challenges and fully understand the potential of phytoactives in cancer management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, problems related to antibiotic resistance are shifting the focus of pharmaceutical research towards natural molecules with antibacterial properties. Among them, flavonoids represent promising molecules with strong antibacterial features; however, they have poor biopharmaceutical properties. In this study, we developed solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with the flavanone naringenin (NRG) to offer an option for treating bacterial infections. NRG-SLNs systems were prepared by a solvent emulsification/diffusion and ultrasonication method, using Compritol® 888 ATO (COM) as the lipid. The optimal formulation was obtained using a 10% (w/w) theoretical amount of NRG (NRG10-SLNs), exhibiting homogeneous sizes (approximately 50 nm and 0.15 polydispersity index), negative zeta potential (−30 mV), and excellent encapsulation parameters (an encapsulation efficiency percentage of 97.9% and a drug content of 4%). NRG10-SLNs presented good physical stability over 4 weeks. A cumulative drug release of 55% in 24 h and the prolonged release of the remaining amount over 10 days was observed. In addition, µ-Raman spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction measurements were carried out to characterize the drug–lipid interactions. Finally, the in vitro antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of NRG10-SLNs were assayed and compared to free NRG. NRG10-SLNs were bacteriostatic against Staphylococcus aureus, including the methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli strains. An improvement in the antibacterial activity of NRG-loaded SLNs compared to the free molecule was observed against S. aureus strains, probably due to the interaction of the surfactant-coated SLNs with the bacterial surface. A similar trend was observed for the biofilm inhibition.

Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress significantly impacts skin health, contributing to conditions like aging, pigmentation, and inflammatory disorders. Curcumin, with its potent antioxidant properties, faces challenges of low solubility, stability, and bioavailability. This study aimed to encapsulate curcumin in three lipid nanocarriers—solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and nanoemulsions (NEs)—to enhance its stability, bioavailability, and antioxidant efficacy for potential therapeutic applications in oxidative-stress-related skin disorders. Methods: The lipid nanocarriers were characterized for size, polydispersity index, ζ-potential, and encapsulation efficiency. Stability tests under various conditions and antioxidant activity assays (DPPH and FRAP methods) were conducted. Cytotoxicity in human dermal fibroblasts was assessed using MTT assays, while the expression of key antioxidant genes was evaluated in human dermal fibroblasts under oxidative stress. Skin penetration studies were performed to analyze curcumin’s distribution across the stratum corneum layers. Results: All nanocarriers demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency and stability over 90 days. NLCs exhibited superior long-term stability and enhanced skin penetration, while NE formulations facilitated rapid antioxidant effects. Antioxidant assays confirmed that curcumin encapsulation preserved and enhanced its bioactivity, particularly in NLCs. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of key antioxidant markers (GPX1, GPX4, SOD1, KEAP1, and NRF2) with curcumin-loaded nanocarriers under oxidative and non-oxidative conditions. Cytotoxicity studies confirmed biocompatibility across all formulations. Conclusions: Lipid nanocarriers effectively enhance curcumin’s stability, antioxidant activity, and skin penetration, presenting a targeted strategy for managing oxidative stress in skin applications. Their versatility offers opportunities for tailored therapeutic formulations addressing specific skin conditions, from chronic disorders like psoriasis to acute stress responses such as sunburn.

[Display omitted] Oral bioavailability of nebivolol (NEB), a highly-selective β1-adrenergic receptor antagonist specially used in hypertension treatment, is limited by its low aqueous solubility. In this work we investigated the possibility of developing a new effective oral formulation of NEB by exploiting a combined strategy based on NEB complexation with hydroxypropyl-βCyclodextrin (HPβCD) and complex incorporation into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). Solubility studies enabled to choose Imwitor 491 and 988 as solid lipids for SLN preparation. The effect of their separated or combined use, at different amounts, and of different surfactants on nanoparticles dimensions, homogeneity and surface charge was examined. The best formulations were selected for drug loading, as such or as complex with HPβCD, and evaluated for physicochemical properties, morphology, entrapment efficiency and drug release. A comparison of the two kinds of formulations revealed that the presence of HPβCD improved SLNs quality in terms of reduced dimensions, higher homogeneity and greater physicochemical stability, avoiding the sharp Zeta Potential reduction observed when loading the plain drug; moreover, it allowed a marked increase in entrapment efficiency and better control of drug release. Furthermore, the use of HPβCD gave the opportunity of doubling drug loading without noticeable variations in SLNs physicochemical properties and maintaining excellent entrapment efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) can protect and deliver naturally derived or synthetic biologically active products to target sites in vivo. Here, an SLN formulation produces a measured four-fold reduction in inhibitory concentration of an antimicrobial peptide nisin Z against S. aureus as compared to the free peptide, indicating the successful delivery and enhanced effectiveness of the SLN-encapsulated bacteriocin. Spherical SLNs of size 79.47 ± 2.01 nm and zeta potential of −9.8 ± 0.3 mV were synthesised. The lipid formulation maximizes the membrane-damaging mode of action of the free peptide with more and larger-sized pores formed on bacterial membranes treated with nisin Z SLNs as measured from scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Flow cytometry measurements precisely quantified an enhanced dye leakage from pre-labeled bacterial cells when treated with nisin Z-loaded SLNs compared to free peptide. The lipid formulation accelerated cell death by killing all the cells within half an hour compared to the equivalent concentration of free peptide which was not bactericidal. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed a mechanism of SLN facilitated binding to the lipid II bacterial cell wall precursor via enhanced adsorption of nisin Z at the inner bacterial cell membrane bilayer. These findings confirmed the potential of SLN formulations for the effective delivery of therapeutic peptides for next-generation antibiotics that are active at low concentrations with the potential to mitigate antimicrobial resistance. [Display omitted] • Solid lipid nanoparticles enhance nisin Z antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. • Minimum inhibitory concentration of SLN-formulated nisin Z reduces four-fold. • SLNs amplify the membrane-damaging action of free nisin Z. • SLN-mediated confinement of nisin Z at bacterial lipid bilayer is the proposed mechanism. • Killing efficiency of nisin is enhanced through use of a non-antibacterial carrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ritonavir (RTV) is an antiviral drug that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, it has low bioavailability, which can be improved with the assistance of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs)., Objective: The present work aimed to formulate and optimize RTV-loaded SLNs using Box-Behnken design and evaluate the permeability coefficient using ex vivo permeation studies., Methods: RTV-SLNs were prepared using the ultrasonication technique. The SLN formulation was optimized based on particle size, % entrapment efficiency, and % cumulative drug release using response surface methodology resulting from Box-Behnken design. The Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) studies were carried out for the characterization of optimized SLN formulation. Ex vivo permeation studies were also performed using chicken ileum., Results: The optimized RTV-SLNs had a particle size of 270.34 nm, polydispersity index of 0.157, and zeta potential of -25.2 mV. The % entrapment efficiency and % cumulative drug release were found to be 94.33% and 67.13%, respectively. The FT-IR study revealed that SLNs showed no significant interactions between the drug and lipid in the formulation. The % crystalline index of the RTV-loaded SLN formulation was found to be 44.31% compared to the reference value of 100% for lipids. TEM analysis showed spherical nanoparticles that were uniform in shape. The release kinetics data demonstrated the drug release behavior, followed by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, and suggested that the release from SLNs followed the non-fiction diffusion. The permeability coefficient of optimized SLN formulation was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) more compared to free RTV suspension. The enhancement ratio results suggested that RTV-SLNs permeated significantly (p < 0.05) faster (approximately 3.5 times) as compared to free RTV suspension., Conclusion: The optimized RTV-SLNs could be a promising carrier for improving the oral bioavailability of RTV., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Ezetimibe (EZT) is a class II drug of the Biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS), with limited aqueous solubility and high permeability. This study aims to enhance the solubility and oral bioavailability of EZT by developing EZT solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). EZT-SLNs were developed through the effervescent dispersion technique. Different amounts of Tween-80, Compritol ATO 888, and mannitol as cryoprotectant were used. F11 was the optimum formula with 154 nm in size and 90.26% entrapment efficiency. It demonstrates significant enhancements in solubility across various pH values. In addition, F11 shows a significantly higher drug release than pure EZT at all time points, and that's related to the reduction in the particle size and increasing its surface area along with the transformation from a crystalline state to an amorphous state. The powder X-ray diffraction and Differential Scanning Calorimetry tests confirmed this conversion from crystalline form to amorphous. The in vivo animal study demonstrated that the C max and  AUC 0 ∞  of the EZT-SLNs group were significantly higher than the pure EZT group, after oral administration. In conclusion, EZT-SLNs with enhanced in vitro and in vivo properties were successfully developed using the effervescent dispersion technique.

New trends in the food industry emphasize safer, more stable, eco-friendly, and value-added packaging solutions. Active packaging has emerged to release or absorb bioactive components, which are often sensitive to physical, chemical and/or enzymatic factors as well as being unstable. Lipid-based nanocarriers (nanoemulsions, nanoliposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers) have demonstrated their industrial potential and efficiency in the uptake, protection, bioavailability and controlled/targeted release of a wide variety of water-soluble, fat-soluble or amphiphilic bioactive substances. Additionally, their reduced size and consequently, high surface-to-volume ratio, give them unique physicochemical attributes, novel characteristics in the final product and biocompatibility as well as adhesion strength with the food packaging, without altering the sensory attributes of the food. Despite these benefits, challenges related to stability, regulatory concerns, and large-scale production must be addressed. This review examines the fabrication, characterization, and application of lipid-based nanocarriers in active food packaging, emphasizing their benefits, challenges, and future potential while further exploring their successful integration into the food packaging industry., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2025 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the performance of slightly viscous dispersions (SVDs) of the mucoadhesive oxidized alginate (Alg OX) with or without hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) as vehicles for brain delivery of the α-synuclein aggregation inhibitor Anle 138b loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (Anle 138b SLNs) by intranasal administration. For this purpose, the required Anle 138b loaded SLNs were prepared employing the self-emulsifying Gelucire® 50/13 as lipid matrix following the melt emulsification method. The resulting nanocarriers showed a mean diameter of 99 ± 3 nm, an average zeta potential of -5.0 ± 0.2 mV and the encapsulation efficiency of 65 ± 2 %. Their stability on storage was found of a month at 4 °C and 24 h at 37 °C. Solid state studies on Anle 138b SLNs, based on FT-IR and Raman at mid- and at higher-frequency spectra, suggested that the inhibitor is endowed with higher fluidity compared to the pure drug and X-ray diffraction spectra allowed us to assess the reduced crystallinity state for Anle 138b SLNs. The Alg OX based SVDs were prepared by aqueous dispersion of mucoadhesive polymer at low concentrations to which SLN pellets were added. Drug release studies employing SVDs and SNF/mucin mixture as release medium showed quantitative release of the inhibitor within 48 h. We conclude that Anle 138b SLN Alg OX/HPMC SVD constitutes a promising formulation due to its capability to provide the inhibitor in quantitative and sustained way, being not cytotoxic towards human RPMI 2650 cells and neuronal SH-SY5Y cells., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2025 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Degenerative ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are typically treated with intravitreal (IVT) injections of anti-VEGF antibodies such as bevacizumab (BVZ). However, frequent IVT injections are associated with significant risks, including adverse effects and low patient compliance. This paper proposes solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) as an innovative drug delivery system to address these challenges. Indeed, SLNs offer advantages such as improved stability and prolonged release of the loaded compounds. After assessing BVZ prolonged release from SLNs by in vitro release studies, accurate in vivo studies were performed in a laser-induced CNV model in Brown Norway rats. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of BVZ-SLNs in comparison to conventional treatments like Avastin®. Techniques including optical coherence tomography (OCT) were employed to assess the potential neovascularization inhibition. The results show that BVZ-SLNs administration can significantly decrease vascular density, even with a difference of 3.7% with Avastin®. Overall, the findings underscore SLNs as a promising platform for ocular drug delivery offering a valid strategy for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance in the treatment of degenerative ocular pathologies., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: [E.F. reports financial support was provided by Spain Ministry of Science and Innovation, Generalitat of Valencia, and Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme-EU. A.PS. reports financial support was provided by Spain Ministry of Science and Innovation, Fundación Luciano Tripodi and Fundación Caser. The other authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.]., (Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a transformative platform for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, revolutionizing treatment paradigms across a spectrum of diseases. Since the inception of liposomes in the 1960s, lipid-based nanotechnology has evolved to address limitations such as poor bioavailability, off-target effects, and instability, thereby enhancing the efficacy and safety of drug administration. This review highlights the latest advancements in LNPs technology, focusing on their application in cancer therapy, gene therapy, infectious disease management, glaucoma, and other clinical areas. Recent studies underscore the potential of LNPs to deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) for precise genetic intervention, exemplified by breakthroughs in RNA interference and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. Additionally, LNPs have been successfully employed to ameliorate conditions, demonstrating their versatility in addressing both acute and chronic disorders. However, challenges persist concerning large-scale manufacturing, long-term stability, and comprehensive safety evaluations. Future research must focus on optimizing formulations, exploring synergistic combinations with existing therapies, and expanding the scope of treatable diseases. The integration of LNPs into personalized medicine and the exploration of applications in other diseases represent promising avenues for further investigation. LNPs are poised to play an increasingly central role in the development of next-generation therapeutics., (© 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Currently, there is a growing concern surrounding the treatment of cancer, a formidable disease. Pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine have emerged as significant areas of interest in cancer management. The efficacy of many cancer drugs is hindered by resistance mechanisms, particularly P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux, leading to reduced therapeutic outcomes. Efforts have intensified to inhibit P-gp efflux, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of resistant drugs. P-gp, a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily, specifically the multidrug resistance (MDR)/transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) sub-family B, member 1, utilizes energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to drive efflux. This review focuses on genetic polymorphisms associated with P-gp efflux and explores various novel pharmaceutical strategies to address this challenge. These strategies encompass SEDDS/SNEDDS, liposomes, immunoliposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, lipid core nanocapsules, microemulsions, dendrimers, hydrogels, polymer-drug conjugates, and polymeric nanoparticles. The article aims to elucidate the interplay between pharmacogenomics, P-gp-mediated drug resistance in cancer, and formulation strategies to improve cancer therapy by tailoring formulations to genetically susceptible patients., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The field of cancer therapy has witnessed significant strides with the emergence of innovative drug delivery systems and one such promising avenue is solid lipid-based nanoparticle (SLN) technology. This abstract provides a complete overview of current advances in developing SLNs for effective cancer treatment solid lipid nanoparticles (NPs) represent a novel drug delivery platform characterized by their unique composition which includes biocompatible lipids as the main carrier material. This technology addresses challenges related to standard chemotherapy such as low bioavailability limited medicine stability and non-specific targeting. The incorporation of lipids in SLNs ensures enhanced drug encapsulation, protection of therapeutic agents from degradation-controlled release profiles. Recent breakthroughs in SLN technology have focused on optimizing formulation parameters to achieve superior drug loading capacities stability and sustained release kinetics. Advanced fabrication techniques including high-pressure homogenization and microemulsion methods have been pivotal in tailoring SLN properties for specific cancer types and therapeutic agents. Furthermore, SLNs' capacity to passively build up in tumor tissues using increased penetration and retention effects has been harnessed for targeted drug transport. Surface modifications using ligands or antibodies to facilitate active targeting, enhancing medication delivery's selectivity to tumor cells decreasing unwanted effects on normal tissues. This abstract highlights recent preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating the efficacy of SLN-based formulations in enhancing the therapeutic outcomes of various anticancer agents. The versatile nature of SLN technology makes it a viable option for the advancement of personalized and precision cancer therapies, marking a significant stride toward overcoming the limitations of conventional cancer treatments. As research in this domain progresses, the integration of SLNs holds immense potential for revolutionizing tumor treatment strategies., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Aim: Abemaciclib (ABE) is an anticancer drug that suffers from low bioavailability and multidrug resistance. This study aims to develop ABE-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (ABE-SLNs), which will enhance drug solubility and lead to increased cellular uptake and enhanced cytotoxicity when delivering tumor cells., Methods: Melt emulsification followed by ultrasonication was used as a method of preparation and Quality-by-Design (QbD) was utilized to optimize ABE-SLNs., Results: The optimized ABE-SLNs consist of Precirol-ATO5 as a lipid and Brij-58 as a surfactant. The particle size, PDI value, and zeta potential of the optimized formulation were 170.4 ± 0.49 nm, 0.25 ± 0.014, and -26.4 ± 0.1 mV, respectively. It also showed sustained release behavior and a high entrapment efficiency of 79.96%. ABE-SLNs exhibited enhanced anticancer activity in the MDA-MB-231 and T47D breast cancer cell lines compared to pure ABE. In Caco-2 human colonic cell lines, ABE-SLNs also showed increased cellular uptake., Conclusion: The use of QbD to achieve high entrapment efficiency and sustained release in ABE-SLNs, coupled with enhanced cellular uptake and cytotoxicity, represents a novel approach that could set a new standard for nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems.

Quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, exhibits various anti-carcinogenic, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-helminthic properties. Still, a major portion of orally administered quercetin is metabolized in the intestine and only little amount get absorbed in the portal veins, attributing to its poor bioavailability. The lipid content of food increases the solubility, which inspired us to fabricate lipid-based nanoparticles that will be biocompatible, orally administrable, and enhance the effectiveness of quercetin in hosts. Quercetin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN-Qt) are spherical-shaped, water-soluble in nature, and nanocarriers having a hydrodynamic size of 130.7 ± 42.0 nm showing a drug entrapment efficiency of 79.75 % with sustained drug release of 37.5 ± 1.5 % within the first 24 h at pH 6.4. The drug release was observed till 6 days with 93.7 ± 3.0 % of drug release at pH 7.4. These results suggest improved drug entrapment, high saturation solubility, and better drug distribution. The in-vivo analysis was performed in house rats (Rattus rattus), which were found infected with Syphacia muris, Aspicularis tetraptera, Hymenolepis diminuta, Hymenolepis nana, Cysticercus fasciolaris, Calodium hepaticum, and/ or Trichuris muris. SLN-Qt (200 mg/Kg) treatment showed a significant reduction of parasite egg counts (85.09 ± 15.00 %) of gastrointestinal helminths after 3-dose weekly treatment. Liver histology and biochemical analysis of blood plasma and liver homogenate showed no toxic effects of quercetin and SLN-Qt. Therefore, SLN-Qt presents a promising strategy for delivering poorly soluble drugs and could be a valuable tool in controlling parasitic infections and diseases., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Itraconazole (ICZ) has been approved by the FDA to treat many fungal infections including, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis. ICZ can be also used as prophylaxis in the population who are at high risk for developing systemic fungal infections, such as HIV patients, and chemotherapy patients., Aim: However, since ICZ is a BCS Class II drug that has low solubility and high permeability, leads to low oral bioavailability. In addition, the absorption of ICZ from commercial oral dosage forms is highly affected by food intake and pH., Objective: The current study aimed to develop, optimize, and characterize ICZ-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (ICZ-SLNs) using a Central Composite Design for improved solubility and extendedrelease profile., Methods: ICZ-SLNs were optimized based on physicochemical characteristics. ICZ-SLNs were also evaluated for differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in-vitro release, lyophilization, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and physicochemical stability at refrigerated and room temperatures for three months., Results: The optimized ICZ-SLNs formulation showed particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug content, and entrapment efficiency of 335.6±8.0 nm, 0.25±0.02, -23.8±0.5 mV, 98.3±2.5%, and 99.5±1.5%, respectively. ICZ-SLN dispersions showed extended-release profiles for ICZ compared to the control solution over 24 h. The absence of the endothermic melting drug peak of the lyophilized formulation indicated that the drug was converted to its amorphous form inside the solid matrix. In addition, TEM studies showed spherical shape nanoparticles. Moreover, the optimized ICZ-SLN formulation was stable at both tested storage conditions., Conclusion: The current ICZ formulation could exhibit improved oral bioavailability with better therapeutic outcomes during the treatment of systemic fungal infections., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Targeted therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) appears to have great potential with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The advances in LNP-based techniques, such as liposomes, exosomes, micelles, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nano-cubosomes, and plant- derived LNPs (PDLNPs), are explored in detail in this thorough review. Every platform provides distinct advantages: liposomes enable precise drug release and improved delivery; exosomes function as organic nanocarriers for focused treatment; SLNs offer greater stability; micelles enhance drug solubility and resistance; nano-cubosomes tackle low bioavailability; and PDLNPs offer biocompatible substitutes. The mechanisms, benefits, drawbacks, and therapeutic potential of these LNP platforms in the treatment of colorectal cancer are highlighted in the review. The review highlights how crucial it is to use these technologies for efficient CRC management and looks at potential future developments for them. The controlled release properties of liposomes and solid liposome nanoparticles (SLNs) improve the stability and bioavailability of medicinal compounds. On the other hand, exosomes and micelles provide answers for medication resistance and solubility issues, respectively. Novel strategies for resolving bioavailability problems and enhancing biocompatibility include nano-cubosomes and PDLNPs. These LNP-based systems are promising in clinical applications for boosting therapeutic efficacy, decreasing systemic toxicity, and facilitating tailored drug delivery. By incorporating these nanotechnologies into CRC treatment plans, present therapeutic approaches may be completely changed, and more individualized and efficient treatment choices may be provided. To completely comprehend the advantages and drawbacks of these LNP systems in therapeutic settings, as well as to and optimize them, more study is recommended by the review. Treatment for colorectal cancer may be much improved in the future thanks to developments in LNP-based drug delivery systems. These technologies hold great promise for improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of oncology by tackling important issues related to medication delivery and bioavailability., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

All over the world, cancer death and prevalence are increasing. Breast cancer (BC) is the major cause of cancer mortality (15%) which makes it the most common cancer in women. BC is defined as the furious progression and quick division of breast cells. Novel nanotechnology-based approaches helped in improving survival rate, metastatic BC is still facing obstacles to treat with an expected overall 23% survival rate. This paper represents epidemiology, classification (non-invasive, invasive and metastatic), risk factors (genetic and non-genetic) and treatment challenges of breast cancer in brief. This review paper focus on the importance of nanotechnology-based nanoformulations for treatment of BC. This review aims to deliver elementary insight and understanding of the novel nanoformulations in BC treatment and to explain to the readers for enduring designing novel nanomedicine. Later, we elaborate on several types of nanoformulations used in tumor therapeutics such as liposomes, dendrimers, polymeric nanomaterials and many others. Potential research opportunities for clinical application and current challenges related to nanoformulations utility for the treatment of BC are also highlighted in this review. The role of artificial intelligence is elaborated in detail. We also confer the existing challenges and perspectives of nanoformulations in effective tumor management, with emphasis on the various patented nanoformulations approved or progression of clinical trials retrieved from various search engines., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Emerging lipid-based carriers are revolutionizing drug delivery in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. These innovative carriers harness the unique properties of lipids to improve the solubility, stability, and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, ushering in a new era of precision medicine. Lipid- based carriers, such as liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, and solid lipid nanoparticles, offer several advantages. They can encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, enabling the delivery of a wide range of compounds. Additionally, lipids are biocompatible and biodegradable, minimizing the risk of toxicity. Their ability to mimic cell membranes allows for enhanced cellular uptake and controlled release, optimizing drug efficacy while minimizing side effects. Furthermore, lipid-based carriers are ideal for delivering drugs to specific sites within the body. By modifying the lipid composition, surface charge, and size, researchers can tailor these carriers to target tumours, inflamed tissues, or specific cells, improving therapeutic outcomes and reducing systemic toxicity. In summary, emerging lipid-based carriers are poised to transform pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences by addressing critical challenges in drug delivery. These carriers enhance drug stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery, offering the potential to revolutionize the treatment of various diseases and improve patient outcomes. As research in this field continues to advance, we can expect even more sophisticated lipid-based carrier systems to emerge, further expanding the possibilities for precision medicine. This review focuses on the contribution of lipid carriers in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background: The most difficult kind of cancer to treat is brain cancer, which causes around 3% of all cancer-related deaths. The targeted delivery is improved with the use of technologies based on nanotechnology that are both safe and efficient. Because of this, there is now a lot of research being done on brain cancer treatments based on nanoformulations., Objective: In this review, the author's primary aim is to elucidate the various nanomedicine for brain cancer therapy. The authors focus primarily on the advancement of nanotechnology in treating brain cancer (BC). This review article gives readers an up-to-date look at publications on sophisticated nanosystems in treating BC, including quantum dots (QDs), nanoparticles (NPs), polymeric micelles (PMs), dendrimers, and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), among others. This article offers insight into the use of various nanotechnology-based systems for therapy as well as their potential in the future. This article also emphasizes the drawbacks of nanotechnology-based methods. Future perspectives for treating brain cancer using proteomics and biomimetic nanosystems are briefly discussed., Conclusion: In this review, we review several aspects of brain cancer therapy, including various nanomedicines, their challenges and future perspectives. Overall, this article gives a thorough overview of both the present state of brain cancer treatment options and the disease itself. Various patents granted for brain cancer are also discussed., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

In order to overcome some of the drawbacks of traditional formulations, increasing emphasis has recently been paid to lipid-based drug delivery systems. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are promising delivery methods, and they hold promise because of their simplicity in production, capacity to scale up, biocompatibility, and biodegradability of formulation components. Other benefits could be connected to a particular route of administration or the makeup of the ingredients being placed into these delivery systems. This article aims to review the significance of solid lipid nanocarriers, their benefits and drawbacks, as well as their types, compositions, methods of preparation, mechanisms of drug release, characterization, routes of administration, and applications in a variety of delivery systems with a focus on their efficacy., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background: Malaria remains a formidable public health obstacle across Africa, Southeast Asia, and portions of South America, exacerbated by resistance to antimalarial medications, such as artemisinin-based combinations. The combination of curcumin and artemisinin shows promise due to its potential for dose reduction, reduced toxicity, synergistic effects, and suitability for drug delivery improvement., Objectives: This research aims to enhance the solubility and dissolution rates of curcumin and artemisinin by employing Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs). Oral delivery of both drugs faces challenges due to their poor water solubility, inefficient absorption, and rapid metabolism and elimination., Methods: The study focuses on formulating and optimizing Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) encapsulating artemisinin (ART) and curcumin (CUR). SLNs were developed using the hot homogenization method, incorporating ultrasonication. Drug-excipient compatibility was evaluated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Lipid and surfactant screening was performed to select suitable components. A 3² full factorial design was utilized to investigate the influence of lipid and surfactant concentrations on key parameters, such as entrapment efficiency (%EE) and cumulative drug release (%CDR). Additionally, evaluations of %EE, drug loading, particle size, zeta potential, and in-vitro drug release were conducted., Results: Successful development of artemisinin and curcumin SLNs was achieved using a full factorial design, demonstrating controlled drug release and high entrapment efficiency. The optimized nanoparticles exhibited a size of 114.7nm, uniformity (PDI: 0.261), and a zeta potential of -9.24 mV. Artemisinin and curcumin showed %EE values of 79.1% and 74.5%, respectively, with cumulative drug release of 85.1% and 80.9%, respectively. The full factorial design indicated that increased lipid concentration improved %EE, while higher surfactant concentration enhanced drug release and %EE. Stability studies of the optimized batch revealed no alterations in physical or chemical characteristics., Conclusion: The study successfully developed Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) for artemisinin and curcumin, achieving controlled drug release, high entrapment efficiency, and desired particle size and uniformity. This advancement holds promise for enhancing drug delivery of herbal formulations., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)