{"title":"Sustainable nanosystems for targeted drug delivery and their impacts on combination therapies and personalized medicine: Advancements and perspectives","authors":"Pouya Javaherchi , Parisa Heydari , Haniyeh Salimifard , Atefeh Zarepour , Arezoo Khosravi , Siavash Iravani , Ali Zarrabi","doi":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recent advances in sustainable nanosystems for targeted drug delivery have emphasized biodegradable and biocompatible nanocarriers synthesized through eco-friendly methods to enable precise, controlled, and stimuli-responsive drug release with minimal environmental impact. This review focuses on green-synthesized and sustainable nanocarriers, highlighting emerging strategies that prioritize environmentally responsible design. Eco-friendly fabrication techniques, including microfluidics, solvent-free processes, supercritical fluid methods, and ionic gelation, are discussed for their potential to reduce resource use and environmental burden. Moreover, biomimetic approaches such as cell membrane-coated nanoparticles, virus-like particles, peptide-based nanostructures, and DNA/RNA carriers are examined for their enhanced targeting efficiency and biological compatibility. Besides, the use of waste-derived materials as renewable resources is also explored, reflecting the growing influence of circular economy principles in pharmaceutical nanotechnology. Furthermore, key applications in cancer, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders are summarized, with emphasis on stimuli-responsive platforms that support precision therapy. The novelty of this review lies in its integrated perspective that unifies green synthesis, circular-economy materials, and biomimetic engineering to present a comprehensive roadmap for next-generation sustainable drug delivery. We have also discussed challenges such as material variability, reproducibility, safety concerns, and scale-up issues, while also providing insights into future directions focused on renewable materials, sustainable manufacturing strategies, and smart multifunctional nanosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15600,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 108006"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035339","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Agenor Gomes dos Santos-Neto , Helton Caio Santana Santos , Marianne Celestino Andrade , Matheus Antoni da Silva Costa , Enrik Barbosa de Almeida , Décio Fragata Silva , Ricardo Guimarães Amaral , Patrícia Severino , Juliana Cordeiro Cardoso , Margarete Zanardo Gomes , Rogério Gondak , Filipe Modolo , Ricardo Luiz Cavalcanti de Albuquerque-Júnior
{"title":"PEGylated liposomal delivery of a tagitinin C-rich supercritical CO2 extract from Tithonia diversifolia induces antitumor effects via dual activation of mitochondrial apoptosis and ferroptosis","authors":"Agenor Gomes dos Santos-Neto , Helton Caio Santana Santos , Marianne Celestino Andrade , Matheus Antoni da Silva Costa , Enrik Barbosa de Almeida , Décio Fragata Silva , Ricardo Guimarães Amaral , Patrícia Severino , Juliana Cordeiro Cardoso , Margarete Zanardo Gomes , Rogério Gondak , Filipe Modolo , Ricardo Luiz Cavalcanti de Albuquerque-Júnior","doi":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108025","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108025","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The therapeutic potential of tagitinin C, a potent sesquiterpene lactone from <em>Tithonia diversifolia</em>, is limited by its poor solubility and non-selective toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the antitumor efficacy and safety of a tagitinin C-rich extract encapsulated in PEGylated liposomes (LPEG-ESTD), hypothesizing that this delivery system would enhance therapeutic outcomes by simultaneously activating mitochondrial apoptosis and ferroptosis pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The tagitinin C-rich supercritical CO<sub>2</sub> extract was characterized (HPLC, FTIR) and encapsulated into PEGylated liposomes via thin-film hydration. The nanoformulation was thoroughly characterized (size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, release profile and structural morphology by electronic microscopy). Efficacy was evaluated through cytotoxicity on B16F10 cells and an <em>in vivo</em> Sarcoma 180 model. Mechanistic pathways and safety were assessed via histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses (Ki-67, TUNEL, caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax, NF-κB, NRF2).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The optimized LPEG-ESTD formulation exhibited a nanometric size (∼120 nm), high encapsulation efficiency (>90%), and sustained release. It significantly enhanced cytotoxicity <em>in vitro</em> and potently inhibited tumor growth <em>in vivo</em>. Mechanistic studies revealed the nanoformulation activated mitochondrial apoptosis (increased TUNEL, caspase-3, Bax; suppressed Ki-67 and NF-κB) and induced ferroptosis (upregulated NRF2). Crucially, the liposomal system effectively mitigated the systemic toxicity of the free extract.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study demonstrates that PEGylated liposomes are a highly effective delivery system for a supercritical CO<sub>2</sub>-extracted phytotherapeutic. The LPEG-ESTD nanoformulation represents a promising strategy for cancer treatment by concurrently inducing apoptosis and ferroptosis, underscoring the value of advanced delivery systems in enhancing the efficacy and safety of natural anticancer compounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15600,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 108025"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mingjun Li , Min Zhao , Yaochen Deng , Zengming Wang , Hui Zhang , Conghui Li , Yi Cheng , Nan Liu , Shirui Mao , Aiping Zheng
{"title":"Development of antibiotic dry powder inhalers formulations for the treatment of respiratory bacterial infections: A comprehensive review","authors":"Mingjun Li , Min Zhao , Yaochen Deng , Zengming Wang , Hui Zhang , Conghui Li , Yi Cheng , Nan Liu , Shirui Mao , Aiping Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108041","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108041","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) constitute the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide, resulting in over two million deaths annually. Bacterial pathogens are implicated in approximately 30 % of these fatalities. Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) facilitate the attainment of elevated pulmonary concentrations of antibiotics through targeted particle deposition at the site of infection, thereby optimizing local drug exposure while concurrently reducing systemic drug levels. Effective pulmonary drug delivery necessitates powders possessing optimal aerodynamic characteristics. Achieving such properties in dry powder inhalation particles is possible through diverse formulation strategies and advanced inhaler technologies. This targeted approach to drug delivery facilitates high-dose localized treatment while concurrently minimizing the potential for systemic adverse effects and the development of antibiotic resistance. This review outlines the global landscape of antibiotic DPIs, detailing marketed products and those in development. It highlights how particle-engineering and functional excipients address API constraints to enhance lung deposition. Future innovations are likely to focus on new delivery methods and strategic combinations, such as antibiotics combined with mucolytics or bacteriophages, to improve the treatment of drug-resistant respiratory infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15600,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 108041"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jong-Soo Choi , Jae-Won Park , Dong Kyu Choi , Jin Hong Lee , Gi-Baek Kwon , Ji-Hoon Shin , Kyung-Oh Doh
{"title":"Optimization of β-sitosterol–based cationic liposomes for gene delivery in vitro and in vivo","authors":"Jong-Soo Choi , Jae-Won Park , Dong Kyu Choi , Jin Hong Lee , Gi-Baek Kwon , Ji-Hoon Shin , Kyung-Oh Doh","doi":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108038","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108038","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cationic cholesterol liposomes offer the advantage of binding affinity to nucleic acids and stability in the serum. Additionally, the cationic cholesterol serves as a helper lipid enhancing the bio distribution of lipid nanoparticles. β-sitosterol, with its branched C-24 ethyl group in the tail of the sterol backbone, influences membrane structure. Because of this structural difference, β-sitosterol containing LNPs may exhibit efficient cellular uptake and gene expression. Therefore, we synthesized the cationic sitosterol derivative through amidation of the 3-hydroxy group of β-sitosterol, followed by conversion to the nitrile, reduction of the nitrile and deprotection of the BOC group. The final compound was incorporated as a lipid component for the liposomal formulation. Replacing cationic cholesterol with the cationic sitosterol derivative in liposomes significantly enhanced gene delivery of plasmid DNA, mRNA and siRNA. The liposome comprising an equal ratio of cationic cholesterol and sitosterol (C1S1) exhibited 3–5 fold increases of GFP pDNA expression in CHO and HeLa cells compared to liposomes containing only cationic cholesterol or sitosterol. It also showed 1.5-fold increases of GFP mRNA expression in CHO and HeLa cells.</div><div>This improvement in gene delivery was attributed to 2-fold increase in cellular uptake and more efficient endosomal escape. However, in an <em>in vivo</em> model, the liposome formulated exclusively with cationic sitosterol demonstrated the highest mRNA expression. This discrepancy suggests that <em>in vivo</em> data cannot always be predicted through <em>in vitro</em> data likely due to physiological barriers such as reticuloendothelial system and serum aggregation <em>in vivo</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15600,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 108038"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pei-Ling Liu , Jia-Lin Wang , Yi-Ying Dong , Hong Liu , Jin-Ju Lei , Bin Xu , Xin-Ru Liao , Di Han , Zi-Hao He , Si-Xue Cheng
{"title":"Co-delivery of gefitinib and curcumin via zein-based nanoparticles to enhance EGFR signaling inhibition and prevent cancer progression","authors":"Pei-Ling Liu , Jia-Lin Wang , Yi-Ying Dong , Hong Liu , Jin-Ju Lei , Bin Xu , Xin-Ru Liao , Di Han , Zi-Hao He , Si-Xue Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108040","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108040","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted cancer therapy offers high selectivity and reduced toxicity. However, the therapeutic efficacy is compromised by the poor bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs such as gefitinib (GEF), and the acquired resistance. Curcumin (CUR) can sensitize tumor cells toward EGFR inhibitors and reverse drug resistance, but its application is also hindered by low solubility. To address these limitations, we developed a zein-based drug delivery system for the co-delivery of GEF and CUR. The dual-drug loaded zein-based nanoparticles (GEF/CUR@ZNP) decorated by pectin were prepared by self-assembly. GEF/CUR@ZNP exhibited a mean diameter less than 300 nm, featuring a narrow size distribution and an encapsulation efficiency higher than 80 %. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated <em>in vitro</em> using PC-9 cells. Compared with free drugs, GEF/CUR@ZNP led to significantly enhanced cellular uptake, resulting in improved induction of cancer cell apoptosis and higher efficiency in downregulation of proteins promote cancer progression (e.g., Sp1, Bcl-2, VEGF, Snail, and CD44). To evaluate the efficacy of the drug delivery system in a context more relevant to clinical settings, we evaluated the EGFR inhibition efficacy by using the blood samples containing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, and immunofluorescence labeling confirmed that GEF/CUR@ZNP achieved most effective suppression of EGFR expression. These findings demonstrate that zein-based co-delivery of GEF and CUR can overcome multiple barriers to targeted cancer therapy, and offer a clinically relevant strategy for enhancing antitumor efficacy and personalizing cancer treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15600,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 108040"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kenji Sugibayashi , Hiroaki Todo , Mitsuhiro Kamimura
{"title":"Commentary: Dermal formulations that deliver therapeutic drugs directly to the dermis, muscle, and mucosal tissues","authors":"Kenji Sugibayashi , Hiroaki Todo , Mitsuhiro Kamimura","doi":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108067","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108067","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dermal formulations have traditionally been classified as either topical agents that relieve local symptoms (Dermal Formulation A) or as transdermal drug delivery systems designed to achieve systemic therapeutic effects (TDDS; Dermal Formulation B). Recently, a third category—Dermal Formulation C—has been proposed as having completely different dermato- and systemic-pharmacokinetic properties than dermal formulations A and B. Dermal Formulation C delivers drugs through the epidermis directly to subepidermal tissues such as the dermis, muscle, or knee joint, or to specific target organs such as the conjunctiva or trachea which are deeper tissues below cutaneous blood vessels, offering a novel therapeutic concept distinct from conventional topical and transdermal systems. This mini-review outlines the characteristics and therapeutic roles of these three categories. Dermal Formulation A treats local inflammation, itching, and infections caused by microbial invasion. Dermal Formulation B delivers drugs across the epidermis into systemic circulation to manage systemic diseases. In contrast, Dermal Formulation C is designed to transport drugs directly to subepidermal tissues while minimizing absorption into dermal blood vessels. Its pharmacokinetic profile involves both direct deliveries to target tissues and partial systemic distribution, enhancing pharmacological efficacy. Initially developed for inflamed or painful muscle tissues, Dermal Formulation C has recently been investigated for ocular drug delivery via eyelid skin to the conjunctiva, and for respiratory or allergic diseases through application to the cervical or nasal regions. This mini-review defines Dermal Formulation C, summarizes its development and pharmacokinetic features, and highlights its current applications and future potential. (245 words)</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15600,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 108067"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147397303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dual pH- and magnetic field-sensitive magnetic κ-carrageenan-graft-poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylamide)/iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by microwave-assisted method for doxorubicin delivery","authors":"Gülcan Geyik , Nuran Işıklan","doi":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108051","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108051","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Magnetic nanomaterials have played a critical role and attracted significant interest in biomedical fields, including magnetic hyperthermia and targeted drug delivery. In this study, we designed and synthesized magnetic κ-carrageenan-graft-poly (2-hydroxypropyl methacrylamide) (CR-g-PHMA) coated iron oxide (Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>) nanoparticles (CR-g-PHMA/Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs) for the magnetic field- and pH-triggered release of the antineoplastic drug doxorubicin (Dox) in cancer therapy. To achieve this, 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylamide was initially grafted onto κ-carrageenan, and afterward, the CR-g-PHMA copolymer was functionalized with Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs using a microwave-assisted co-precipitation method. The Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> and CR-g-PHMA components perform as a superparamagnetic core and a pH-sensitive shell, respectively. The magnetic properties, surface morphology, structure, size, and stability of the synthesized CR-g-PHMA/Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> magnetic NPs were characterized using VSM, TEM, FTIR, XRD, UV, and DLS methods. The <em>in vitro</em> release of Dox from the CR-g-PHMA/Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs demonstrated good magnetic field- and pH-sensitive behavior. Under a 100 kHz AMF, Dox release was significantly accelerated, reaching 100 % within 5 h under acidic conditions. Furthermore, the impact of grafting yield and Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> percentage on Dox release showed an enhanced release rate. The <em>in vitro</em> cytotoxicity assessment confirmed that CR-g-PHMA/Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NPs exhibited good biocompatibility against both A549 carcinoma and L929 normal fibroblast cells. In addition, the CR-g-PHMA/Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/Dox NPs demonstrated a significantly improved cytotoxicity towards A549 cells compared to free Dox. These findings indicate that the dual magnetic field- and pH-responsive CR-g-PHMA/Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/Dox NPs have potential for effective and controlled cancer therapy applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15600,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 108051"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147397769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Optimization and characterization of vesicular carrier for nose to brain delivery in glioblastoma therapy-part I","authors":"Tejas Girish Agnihotri , Nidhi Singh , Shyam Sudhakar Gomte , Hemant Kumar , Aakanchha Jain","doi":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by a poor clinical prognosis, with conventional therapies offering limited effectiveness. To address this challenge, the current study presents a mitochondrial-targeted approach wherein a naturally occurring plant cytokinin, kinetin riboside (KR), was incorporated into dequalinium (DQA)-based vesicles, also called DQAsomes. The present study aims to develop and optimize KR-loaded DQAsomes using a Quality-by-Design (QbD) approach for intranasal delivery, including screening of factors by Plackett-Burman design followed by optimization through Box-Behnken Design. The optimized DQAsomes had a particle size of 203 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.17, zeta potential of 32.80 mV and a 74.15 % entrapment efficiency. <em>In vitro</em> drug release in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer demonstrated sustained release in comparison to free KR solution. <em>Ex vivo</em> studies further confirmed improved KR permeation from KR-loaded DQAsomes (1501.73 ± 1.21 μg/cm<sup>2</sup>) than from KR solution (1149.81 ± 9.20 μg/cm<sup>2</sup>) across the nasal mucosa. The optimized DQAsomes exhibited superior anticancer activity in the glioma cell line (U87G), as evidenced by a markedly lower IC<sub>50</sub> value for KR-loaded DQAsomes (9.64 μM) compared to free KR solution (32.33 μM) and DQA solution (68.20 μM). Further apoptosis assay and cell cycle assay revealed superior anticancer potential of KR-loaded DQAsomes. In summary, this research introduces a promising, non-invasive alternative to current GBM treatment, enabling delivery of KR through a systematic QbD approach.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15600,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 108004"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980388","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Design of experiments-based optimization of nifurtimox polymeric nanoparticle formulations","authors":"Giselle R. Bedogni , Claudio J. Salomon","doi":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.107988","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.107988","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed, for the first time, to develop and optimize spray-dried nanoparticles loaded with nifurtimox to enhance drug release, using a Design of Experiments approach to evaluate the effects of key formulation and process variables. Nanoparticles were prepared via spray drying using Soluplus® as a polymeric carrier. A Box-Behnken design was employed to analyze the influence of the polymer ratio in aqueous phase (0.30–0.65 %wt), inlet temperature (110–140 °C), and feed flow rate (1–2 mL/min) on critical quality attributes, including particle size, drug loading, yield, and <em>in vitro</em> release profile by diffusion method. Dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to study the drug in the solid state. Subsequently, <em>in vitro</em> drug release using the dialysis membrane, as well as the <em>in vitro</em> dissolution profiles, were evaluated. The optimized formulation yielded spherical nanoparticles with a mean size of approximately 370 nm, high encapsulation efficiency, and significantly improved dissolution rates compared to pure nifurtimox. Encapsulation into Soluplus® decreased the drug crystallinity, which contributed to improved solubility and dissolution behavior. The optimization approach demonstrated strong predictive capability, with statistically significant effects observed for polymer ratio and temperature on both drug release and particle morphology. In conclusion, spray drying combined with statistical optimization enabled the successful development of a fast-release nifurtimox nanoparticulate system. This approach offers a scalable strategy alternative for potentially improves its therapeutic performance in the treatment of Chagas disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15600,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 107988"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Development and characterization of orally disintegrating films of Nebivolol as complex with Sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin","authors":"Marzia Cirri , Silvia Fiani , Francesca Maestrelli , Natascia Mennini , Maria Cristina Salvatici , Paola Mura","doi":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108043","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108043","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Low water solubility and extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism limit oral bioavailability of Nebivolol hydrochloride (NEB), a new-generation β-blocker agent effective in hypertension treatment. To overcome such issues, a combined strategy was applied, based on the development of orally disintegrating films (ODFs) loaded with NEB as SBEβCD complex. This approach exploits both the SBEβCD solubilizing power and the fast drug dissolution in the oral cavity provided by ODF. Preformulation studies allowed to select the best combinations of film-forming polymers (PVA in mixture with Na alginate or HPMC) and plasticizer (PEG 400) to obtain ODFs with the desired properties. Loading of selected ODF formulations with NEB-SBEβCD complex significantly increased its dissolution rate: >50 % drug dissolved in simulated saliva after 5′ and 100 % in simulated gastric medium within 30’. In contrast, the plain drug achieved only 30 % and 70 % dissolution, respectively.</div><div>This should enhance the drug fraction absorbed in the pre-gastric tract, limiting hepatic first-pass metabolism. Moreover, SBEβCD caused a significant reduction of the film disintegration time, due to the higher water-affinity of the drug-CD complex than free drug. Finally, the drug entrapment within the CD cavity should prevent palatability problems related to drug bitter taste, avoiding addition of flavoring agents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15600,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 108043"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}