{"title":"Non-Invasive <i>Mycobacterium avium</i> Detection Using <sup>99m</sup>Tc-GSA on Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography.","authors":"Yuri Nishiyama, Asuka Mizutani, Masato Kobayashi, Miyu Kitagawa, Yuka Muranaka, Kakeru Sato, Hideki Maki, Keiichi Kawai","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030362","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030362","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: The prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection is on the rise, surpassing that of pulmonary tuberculosis in Japan. Current standard therapy for NTM infection involves long-term treatment of at least 1.5 years, with low success rates and a high relapse rate. <sup>99m</sup>Tc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-galactosyl-human serum albumin (<sup>99m</sup>Tc-GSA) is used for human liver imaging. In this study, we utilized <sup>99m</sup>Tc-GSA as a probe to detect <i>Mycobacterium avium</i> (<i>M. avium</i>), a major pathogen in NTM pulmonary diseases (NTM-PDs). Our aim was to investigate the non-invasive detection of <i>M. avium</i> using <sup>99m</sup>Tc-GSA on Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). <b>Methods</b>: The accumulation of <sup>99m</sup>Tc-GSA in <i>M. avium</i> was investigated in vitro. In vivo, SPECT images were obtained after the administration of <sup>99m</sup>Tc-GSA to an <i>M. avium</i> thigh infection model. Subsequently, the contrast difference in accumulated <sup>99m</sup>Tc-GSA between infected and non-infected thighs was calculated using SPECT imaging. Furthermore, SPECT images were obtained for thighs infected with varying bacterial loads, and the accumulation was compared between them. <b>Results</b>: In vitro, we observed that <sup>99m</sup>Tc-GSA accumulates in <i>M. avium</i>. In vivo, SPECT images demonstrated the specific accumulation of <sup>99m</sup>Tc-GSA at the infection site, with this accumulation being correlated with the bacterial load. <b>Conclusions</b>: <sup>99m</sup>Tc-GSA specifically accumulates in <i>M. avium</i>, and SPECT can be used to monitor the distribution and quantity of <i>M. avium</i> in animals. By utilizing these measures, <sup>99m</sup>Tc-GSA can be targeted to the site of infection and used as a bacterial probe.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11944664/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143721034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Experimental and Numerical Study to Enhance Granule Control and Quality Predictions in Pharmaceutical Granulations.","authors":"Maroua Rouabah, Inès Esma Achouri, Sandrine Bourgeois, Stéphanie Briançon, Claudia Cogné","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030364","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030364","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> The pharmaceutical industry demands stringent regulation of product characteristics and strives to ensure the reproducibility of granules manufactured via the wet granulation process. A systematic model employing the discrete element method (DEM) was developed herein to gain insights into and better control this process. <b>Methods</b>: The model comprehensively simulates particle behavior during granulation by considering the intrinsic properties of the powder material, the specific geometry of the granulation equipment, and various operational conditions, including impeller speed and chopper use. Notably, this approach can simulate dynamic interactions among particles and integrate complex phenomena, such as cohesion, which is crucial for predicting the formation and quality of granules. <b>Results</b>: To further support process optimization, an EDEMpy artificial intelligence (AI) tool was developed as a posttreatment routine to monitor and analyze agglomerate size distributions, proving essential for assessing the efficiency of the granulation process and the quality of resulting granules. The DEM model was evaluated by comparing its output with experimental data collected from a 0.5 L high-shear granulator. The model reproduced the granule growth kinetics observed experimentally, confirming the agreement between the experimental and numerical analyses. <b>Conclusions</b>: This underscores the model's potential in predicting and controlling granule quality in wet granulation processes, enhancing the precision and efficiency of pharmaceutical manufacturing.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11944741/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143721027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PharmaceuticsPub Date : 2025-03-13DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17030363
Ana F C Uchôa, Allessya L D Formiga, Anny L M R Cardoso, Graziela M A Pereira, Lucas M M Carvalho, Pedro H O Souza, Anauara L Silva, Ramon R M Souza, Marianna V Sobral, Marcelo S Silva, José M Barbosa-Filho, Francisco H Xavier-Júnior
{"title":"Optimized and Functionalized Carvacrol-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Enhanced Cytotoxicity in Breast Cancer Cells.","authors":"Ana F C Uchôa, Allessya L D Formiga, Anny L M R Cardoso, Graziela M A Pereira, Lucas M M Carvalho, Pedro H O Souza, Anauara L Silva, Ramon R M Souza, Marianna V Sobral, Marcelo S Silva, José M Barbosa-Filho, Francisco H Xavier-Júnior","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030363","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030363","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Carvacrol, a monoterpenoid phenol found in essential oils, exhibits many biological activities, including anticancer properties through mechanisms such as induction of apoptosis. These properties can be enhanced if encapsulated within nanoparticles. This study focuses on producing functionalized carvacrol-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) applied to the treatment of breast cancer. <b>Methods</b>: NLCs were produced by hot emulsification with the sonication method and optimized by the Box-Behnken design, considering Precirol<sup>®</sup> (1, 4, 7%), carvacrol (1, 5, 9%), and Tween<sup>®</sup> (0.1, 0.5, 0.9%) as independent variables. <b>Results</b>: The optimized NLC containing 2% carvacrol had a particle size of 111 ± 2 nm, PdI of 0.26 ± 0.01, and zeta potential of -24 ± 0.8 mV. The solid lipid (Precirol<sup>®</sup>) was the variable that most influenced particle size. NLCs were functionalized with Pluronic<sup>®</sup> F68, cholesterol, chitosan, and polyethylene glycol (0.05-0.2%), with oNLC-Chol presenting the most promising results, with no significant increase in particle size (±12 nm) and high encapsulation efficiency (98%). Infrared spectra confirm effective carvacrol encapsulation, and stability tests showed no significant physicochemical changes for 120 days of storage at 4 °C. When incubated with albumin (5 mg/mL), NLCs showed overall good stability over 24 h, except for oNLC-Chol, which increased slightly in size after 24 h. In addition, oNLC increased the cytotoxic effect of carvacrol by 12-fold, resulting in an IC<sub>50</sub> of 7 ± 1 μg/mL. <b>Conclusions</b>: Therefore, it was possible to produce stable, homogeneous NLCs with nanometric sizes containing 2% carvacrol that displayed improved anticancer efficacy, indicating their potential as a delivery system.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11945829/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143721038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PharmaceuticsPub Date : 2025-03-13DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17030366
Anita Yadav, Anu Sharma, Mohini Moulick, Subhadip Ghatak
{"title":"Nanomanaging Chronic Wounds with Targeted Exosome Therapeutics.","authors":"Anita Yadav, Anu Sharma, Mohini Moulick, Subhadip Ghatak","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030366","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030366","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic wounds pose a significant healthcare challenge, impacting millions of patients worldwide and burdening healthcare systems substantially. These wounds often occur as comorbidities and are prone to infections. Such infections hinder the healing process, complicating clinical management and proving recalcitrant to therapy. The environment within the wound itself poses challenges such as lack of oxygen, restricted blood flow, oxidative stress, ongoing inflammation, and bacterial presence. Traditional systemic treatment for such chronic peripheral wounds may not be effective due to inadequate blood supply, resulting in unintended side effects. Furthermore, topical applications are often impervious to persistent biofilm infections. A growing clinical concern is the lack of effective therapeutic modalities for treating chronic wounds. Additionally, the chemically harsh wound microenvironment can reduce the effectiveness of treatments, highlighting the need for drug delivery systems that can deliver therapies precisely where needed with optimal dosages. Compared to cell-based therapies, exosome-based therapies offer distinct advantages as a cell-free approach for chronic wound treatment. Exosomes are of endosomal origin and enable cell-to-cell communications, and they possess benefits, including biocompatibility and decreased immunogenicity, making them ideal vehicles for efficient targeting and minimizing off-target damage. However, exosomes are rapidly cleared from the body, making it difficult to maintain optimal therapeutic concentrations at wound sites. The hydrogel-based approach and development of biocompatible scaffolds for exosome-based therapies can be beneficial for sustained release and prolong the presence of these therapeutic exosomes at chronic wound sites. Engineered exosomes have been shown to possess stability and effectiveness in promoting wound healing compared to their unmodified counterparts. Significant progress has been made in this field, but further research is essential to unlock their clinical potential. This review seeks to explore the benefits and opportunities of exosome-based therapies in chronic wounds, ensuring sustained efficacy and precise delivery despite the obstacles posed by the wound environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11945274/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143720948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PharmaceuticsPub Date : 2025-03-12DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17030359
Haia A Al-Assaf, Sofia A Papadimitriou, Ayesha Rahman, Raj Badhan, Afzal R Mohammed
{"title":"Advanced Manufacturing Methods for High-Dose Inhalable Powders.","authors":"Haia A Al-Assaf, Sofia A Papadimitriou, Ayesha Rahman, Raj Badhan, Afzal R Mohammed","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030359","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030359","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pulmonary drug delivery is governed by three main categories of forces: interparticle forces in the powder formulation, the dispersion forces during inhalation by the device, and deposition forces in the lungs. The interaction between fine inhalable powder particles of the active ingredient is governed by various types of forces, such as capillary forces, electrostatic forces, and van der Waals forces. The different types of inter-particle interactions influence the balance between powder dispersibility and agglomerate stability. The high level of cohesion forces arising from high surface energy of very fine powder hinders powder flowability, leading to issues of agglomeration. Therefore, there is a critical need for advanced manufacturing techniques to overcome the challenges of handling and manufacture of fine cohesive particles, particularly high-dose powders for inhalation. This review will focus on the challenges facing the formulation process of very fine inhalable powder, the various types of existing particle engineering techniques for high-dose powder inhalers, and the characterization techniques employed to analyse the powder characteristics required to meet the acceptance criteria of inhalable preparations.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11946774/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143720953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PharmaceuticsPub Date : 2025-03-12DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17030361
Yusheng Qian, Danjing Yang, Xiangyu Lin, Chenyun Shen, Jieping Zhang, Jin Xu, Yan Zhao, Ling Zhu, Haoran Kong, Mingyu Zhang, Yueqian Zhu, Chuncai Zhou, Jing He
{"title":"Dendrimer-Derived Mimics of Host Defense Peptides Selectively Disrupt Cancer Cell Membranes for Melanoma Therapy.","authors":"Yusheng Qian, Danjing Yang, Xiangyu Lin, Chenyun Shen, Jieping Zhang, Jin Xu, Yan Zhao, Ling Zhu, Haoran Kong, Mingyu Zhang, Yueqian Zhu, Chuncai Zhou, Jing He","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030361","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030361","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Melanoma is one of the most common malignancies, posing a significant health threat to patients, particularly in advanced stages due to its high aggressiveness. Chemotherapy agents with biocompatibility and low susceptibility to induce resistance are required for systematic management. <b>Methods</b>: Dendrimer-derived mimics (DMs) of host defense peptides (HDPs), which were constructed by a dendrimer core and optimized ratios of the hydrophobic arm, were used to treat A375 cells and HaCaT cells as the control. Live/dead staining, flow cytometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were conducted to analyze the anticancer mechanism. Mice with subcutaneous tumors were used to test the antitumor activity and toxicity in vivo. <b>Results</b>: DMs exhibited enhanced activity against A375 cells with remarkable selectivity, which mimics the action of natural HDPs and can cause damage to cell membranes. DMs can effectively inhibit solid tumor growth with minimal systemic toxicity and no adverse effects on healthy tissues. <b>Conclusion</b>: All the findings highlight DMs as promising anticancer candidates with significant potential for systemic melanoma therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11946345/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143720453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Development and Evaluation of Anti-Pollution Film-Forming Facial Spray Containing Coffee Cherry Pulp Extract.","authors":"Weeraya Preedalikit, Chuda Chittasupho, Pimporn Leelapornpisid, Sheng Qi, Kanokwan Kiattisin","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030360","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030360","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study aimed to develop and evaluate an anti-pollution film-forming spray (FFS) containing coffee cherry pulp extract (FFS-CCS). The formulation was designed to create a protective skin barrier, improving skin health while defending against environmental pollutants. Its physical properties, dust resistance, stability, skin penetration, and clinical effectiveness were assessed to ensure optimal performance and safety. <b>Methods</b>: Various polymers and a ternary solvent system were used to enhance the stability and solubility of bioactive compounds from the coffee cherry pulp extract. The formulations were characterized based on appearance, film formation, viscosity, pH, spray uniformity, spray pattern, angle, film thickness, and particle adhesion. Stability testing was conducted under different storage conditions. Skin penetration was assessed using Franz diffusion cells with Strat-M<sup>®</sup> membranes to simulate human skin. A single-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 42 participants was conducted over 60 days to evaluate the effects of FFS-CCS on skin hydration, tone, and wrinkle reduction. Clinical assessments were performed using a Corneometer, Mexameter, and Skin Visioscan. <b>Results</b>: The FFS1-CCS formulation, incorporating PVP K90 and a ternary solvent system, significantly improved the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of key bioactive compounds (chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and theophylline). Physical characterization confirmed uniform, transparent films with optimal viscosity and sprayability. Stability testing showed minimal degradation. Skin penetration and retention studies revealed enhanced retention of bioactive compounds with minimal systemic absorption. PVP K90, along with ethanol and propylene glycol, extended the compounds' residence time on the skin, ensuring localized delivery. Clinically, FFS1-CCS significantly improved skin hydration, reduced roughness, lightened skin tone, and decreased erythema. <b>Conclusions</b>: The FFS1-CCS formulation utilizing PVP K90 significantly enhanced the stability, bioavailability, and skin retention of coffee cherry pulp extract, resulting in improved skin hydration, wrinkle reduction, and skin tone enhancement. These findings highlight the potential of coffee cherry pulp extract as a multifunctional, sustainable cosmeceutical ingredient, offering both anti-aging and environmental protection benefits, making it a promising solution for skincare applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11946395/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143720739","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PharmaceuticsPub Date : 2025-03-11DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17030358
Mariya Mathew, Justyna Knapik-Kowalczuk, Mateusz Dulski, Marian Paluch
{"title":"High-Pressure Dielectric Spectroscopic Studies of Amorphous CBD: Investigating Molecular Dynamics and Physical Stability Under Manufacturing Conditions of the Pharmaceuticals.","authors":"Mariya Mathew, Justyna Knapik-Kowalczuk, Mateusz Dulski, Marian Paluch","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030358","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030358","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> This study highlighted the key role played by high-pressure (HP) dielectric spectroscopic measurements of amorphous CBD to probe the molecular dynamics in order to examine the physical stability of the drug. The pharmacological properties of CBD assure that this can be a promising drug for the pharmaceutical industry. Hence, it is important to check the physical stability under elevated temperature and pressure conditions to understand the behavior of the drug under manufacturing conditions. <b>Methods:</b> This research investigated the molecular dynamics at various temperatures and pressures. We utilized the HP dielectric studies which are considered as an advanced and sensitive tool to determine both the molecular dynamics and the phase transformations. <b>Results:</b> This paper discusses the physical stability by analyzing the behavior of structural relaxation and crystallization tendencies of the amorphous drug under ambient and elevated pressure conditions. This study verified that amorphous CBD is highly physically stable at storage and elevated temperature conditions under ambient pressure. <b>Conclusions:</b> Accordingly, we examined the physical stability under elevated pressures at storage temperature, and we observed that the compression induced the crystallization of amorphous CBD. The breaking of weak hydrogen bonds present in the CBD might be the reason for this destabilization at elevated pressures. The least physical stability at high-pressure conditions was also confirmed by the broadening of the α-relaxation peak at high pressures.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11944352/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143720985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PharmaceuticsPub Date : 2025-03-11DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17030357
Ayelen M Sosa, Celeste Cottet, Belén E Berin, Luis M Martínez, Mercedes A Peltzer, María J Prieto, Carolina S Martinez
{"title":"Development of Films for Wound Healing Based on Gelatin and Oil/Water Emulsions as Carriers of Bioactive Compounds.","authors":"Ayelen M Sosa, Celeste Cottet, Belén E Berin, Luis M Martínez, Mercedes A Peltzer, María J Prieto, Carolina S Martinez","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030357","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030357","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Natural biopolymeric matrices for developing dressings have been extensively studied, as they may exhibit beneficial properties for wound healing. Gelatin possesses promising structural and physicochemical properties for incorporating active compounds (ACs). O/W emulsions are an alternative delivery system for AC with different properties and solubilities, promoting wound healing. <b>Objective:</b> This study aimed to develop gelatin films by adding silver nanoparticles and healing agents encapsulated in an O/W emulsion to treat skin wounds. <b>Methods:</b> A film-forming dispersion was prepared using gelatin and glycerol as a plasticizer, and films were obtained using the casting technique. Emulsions with ACs (EAs) and without ACs (ECs) were incorporated into the films. The formulations were analyzed by FESEM and characterized for their mechanical, thermal, and swelling properties, as well as their water vapor permeability. <b>Results:</b> The results showed that films with a higher amount of emulsion exhibited greater structural rigidity and lower permeability, while films with lower amounts of emulsion demonstrated more elasticity and higher permeability. General and organ-specific toxicity were evaluated in zebrafish larvae. The films showed no lethal or sub-lethal effects on the morphology or activity of the brain, heart, and liver. <b>Conclusions:</b> The active films developed could provide stable support and a safe delivery system for active compounds to treat skin lesions, minimizing the risk of infection and the need to heal a wound.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11944759/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143720746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PharmaceuticsPub Date : 2025-03-10DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17030355
Renata Maria Văruț, Alin Iulian Silviu Popescu, Simina Gaman, Carmen Elena Niculescu, Adrian Ștefan Niculescu, Dalia Dop, Mioara Desdemona Stepan, Nina Ionovici, Cristina Elena Singer, Cristina Popescu
{"title":"Cyclodextrin-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Depression: Improving Antidepressant Bioavailability and Targeted Central Nervous System Delivery.","authors":"Renata Maria Văruț, Alin Iulian Silviu Popescu, Simina Gaman, Carmen Elena Niculescu, Adrian Ștefan Niculescu, Dalia Dop, Mioara Desdemona Stepan, Nina Ionovici, Cristina Elena Singer, Cristina Popescu","doi":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030355","DOIUrl":"10.3390/pharmaceutics17030355","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cyclodextrin (CD)-based drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome limitations commonly encountered in antidepressant therapy, including low bioavailability, poor solubility, and suboptimal penetration of the blood-brain barrier. This review synthesizes current evidence demonstrating that complexing various classes of antidepressants-such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and atypical antidepressants-with β-CD or its derivatives significantly enhances drug solubility and stability. In addition, encapsulation with CDs can diminish systemic toxicity and improve pharmacokinetics, thereby helping to optimize dosage regimens and reduce adverse effects. Analysis of published in vitro and in vivo studies indicates that CD formulations not only boost therapeutic efficacy but also enable sustained or targeted release, which is critical for drugs requiring precise plasma and tissue concentrations. When compared to other carriers (e.g., liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers), CD-based systems often stand out for their ease of formulation, biocompatibility, and cost-effectiveness, although limited drug-loading capacity can be a drawback. We recommend expanding in vivo trials to substantiate the clinical benefits of CD-antidepressant complexes, particularly for treatment-resistant cases or specific subpopulations (e.g., elderly and pediatric patients). Additional investigations should also explore hybrid systems-combining CDs with advanced nano- or macroparticles-to amplify their advantages and address any limitations. Ultimately, integrating CDs into antidepressant regimens holds substantial potential to refine therapy outcomes, reduce adverse events, and pave the way for more personalized, effective interventions for depression.</p>","PeriodicalId":19894,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutics","volume":"17 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11945394/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143721020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}