Manjeet Dahiya, Anroop B Nair, Varsha Kadian, Ahmed S Alnaim, Shery Jacob, Bandar Aldhubiab, Rashed M Almuqbil, Rekha Rao
{"title":"Ellagic Acid-Loaded Microsponges Impregnated Chitosan-Guar Gum Hydrogel for Wound Therapy: Investigation on Rheology, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities.","authors":"Manjeet Dahiya, Anroop B Nair, Varsha Kadian, Ahmed S Alnaim, Shery Jacob, Bandar Aldhubiab, Rashed M Almuqbil, Rekha Rao","doi":"10.1177/1540658X261447032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1540658X261447032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>The therapeutic efficacy of ellagic acid could be improved by developing suitable carrier system. The present research was to develop ellagic acid-loaded microsponges impregnated with chitosan-guar gum hydrogel and evaluate its potential as novel carrier system for wound therapy. Ellagic acid-loaded microsponges were fabricated using ethyl cellulose by the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method and incorporated into chitosan and guar gum hydrogel. Prepared microsponges were found to be spherical, non-aggregated particles ranging in size from 100 to 300 µm. The hydrogel formulation was assessed for pharmaceutical characteristics, rheology, drug release, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. FTIR confirmed that the bioactive and the excipients used are chemically compatible. Spreadability data confirm precise and easy dosage application of microsponge hydrogel in the skin. Results of rheological studies revealed that microsponge-loading considerably increased elastic strength, while frequency and temperature sweep tests demonstrated viscoelastic stability at 25°C. A sustained ellagic acid release for 12 h following the Higuchi kinetics model (<i>R</i><sup>2</sup> = 0.987) was noticed with microsponge loaded chitosan-guar gum hydrogel. The good antioxidant activity exhibited at doses (50-100 µg/mL) by the developed hydrogel implies that the formulation successfully preserves bioactive antioxidant properties. Developed hydrogel retained antimicrobial activity against the test organisms and showed notable inhibition against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> at low concentration (12.5 µg/mL). This study establishes an effective topical formulation of ellagic acid-loaded microsponges with potential antioxidant and antimicrobial efficacy, highlighting its possibility to be used for wound healing</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":8586,"journal":{"name":"Assay and drug development technologies","volume":" ","pages":"1540658X261447032"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147810208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Molecular Mechanism of μ-Opioid Receptor Activation.","authors":"Yuhan Qu, Fuming Liu","doi":"10.1177/1540658X261442281","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1540658X261442281","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>\u0000 <i>This study demonstrates through an integrated computational and experimental approach that classical calcium channel blockers (CCBs) from four distinct structural classes possess previously unrecognized Mu-opioid receptor (MOR) activation capabilities. Virtual screening revealed stable binding modes between the investigated compounds (verapamil, cinnarizine, diltiazem, and flunarizine) and the 7SBF protein target, with cinnarizine exhibiting the most favorable interaction profile through strong hydrogen bonding with TYR-236 and GLN-124. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed binding stability, particularly for cinnarizine, which maintained a root-mean-square deviation below 0.3 nm. Experimental validation via cAMP inhibition assays demonstrated significant MOR activation by all compounds, with cinnarizine showing superior potency (IC<sub>50</sub> = 21.4 ± 1.5 nM) and efficacy (Imax = 70% ± 2%). The conserved MOR activation across structurally diverse CCBs supports a polypharmacological mechanism where these drugs concurrently modulate both calcium channels and opioid receptors. These findings not only elucidate a novel aspect of CCB pharmacology but also suggest new avenues for drug repurposing and the development of multi-target cardiovascular therapeutics.</i>\u0000 </p>","PeriodicalId":8586,"journal":{"name":"Assay and drug development technologies","volume":" ","pages":"1540658X261442281"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147716149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Tongnao Decoction Exerts a Treatment Effect on Ischemic Stroke by IL-6/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Pathway: Based on the Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking.","authors":"Jiale Gan, Yujun Cong, Lulu Li, Fei Ma, Xinyi Yang, Yongxing Deng, Yan Liu, Yang Wu, Hui Jiang, Zhaoyao Chen, Wenlei Li, Yuan Zhu, Minghua Wu","doi":"10.1177/1540658X261438876","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1540658X261438876","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>\u0000 <i>Ischemic stroke (IS) is an important disease leading to high disability and mortality, and the current clinical treatment is limited. Tongnao Decoction (TND) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula for treating IS, but its pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanism through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and related experimental verification. First, the bioactive components of TND, along with their potential targets and IS-related gene targets, were identified through multiple databases. Subsequently, an \"herb-active component-disease gene target\" network and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed. Combined with enrichment analysis, key biological processes and signaling pathways were identified. Following this, molecular docking experiments were conducted to preliminarily validate drug-target interactions. Finally, the efficacy of the relevant pathway targets was validated in a photochemically induced mouse cerebral ischemia model. A total of 90 active compounds and 615 target genes were screened. PPI network analyses suggested that TP53, EGFR, STAT3, AKT1, and IL-6 were the hub targets. TND significantly modulates inflammatory biological processes and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway during IS treatment. Molecular docking analysis indicated that the primary components of TND may exhibit favorable binding affinity to multiple hub target proteins, including TP53, EGFR, STAT3, AKT1, and IL-6. Further <i>in vivo</i> experiments showed that TND dramatically improved neurological function, reduced neuronal damage, and decreased IL-6 expression in brain tissue. In addition, TND stimulated the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway. These findings imply that TND and its key bioactive components, coryincine, dihydrocapsaicin, and 4 (4'-hydroxybenzyloxy)benzyl methylether exert therapeutic effects on IS through the IL-6/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway.</i>\u0000 </p>","PeriodicalId":8586,"journal":{"name":"Assay and drug development technologies","volume":" ","pages":"1540658X261438876"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147627032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Spatiotemporal Nanocarriers for Circadian-Aligned Drug Delivery: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions.","authors":"Dilpreet Singh, Akshay Thakur","doi":"10.1177/1540658X251410476","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1540658X251410476","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Circadian rhythms orchestrate a wide array of physiological processes that critically influence drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Misalignment between drug administration and biological timing can compromise therapeutic efficacy, increase adverse effects, and lead to therapeutic failure in diseases with established diurnal variation. Chronotherapy seeks to align pharmacologic interventions with these endogenous rhythms; however, traditional drug delivery systems lack the ability to adapt dynamically to circadian cues. Recent advances in nanotechnology have enabled the development of spatiotemporal nanocarrier systems capable of both anatomical targeting and time-synchronized drug release. These smart nanocarriers leverage internal stimuli (<i>e.g.</i>, pH, redox state, enzyme activity) or external triggers (<i>e.g.</i>, light, temperature, magnetic fields) to optimize therapeutic action at specific circadian windows. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of circadian biology relevant to drug delivery, current clinical applications of chronotherapy, and emerging preclinical evidence for chrono-responsive nanosystems, enabling technologies such as wearable biosensors, organ-on-chip platforms, and artificial intelligence. We also discuss the translational barriers and future directions in realizing patient-specific, feedback-controlled chrono-nanomedicine. The convergence of circadian pharmacology and intelligent nanocarrier design represents a transformative approach toward achieving precision medicine that targets not only the right site but also the right time.</p>","PeriodicalId":8586,"journal":{"name":"Assay and drug development technologies","volume":"24 3","pages":"189-205"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147670151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jacob L Bouchard, Pedro de Andrade Horn, Yu Nishio, Emily L Days, Liangping Li, Roman M Lazarenko, Snehal Sant, Sichen Chang, Joshua A Bauer, Jerod S Denton, Olivier Boutaud, Masahito Abe, Craig W Lindsley
{"title":"Identification of Kir2.1 Inhibitors from a High-Throughput Screen.","authors":"Jacob L Bouchard, Pedro de Andrade Horn, Yu Nishio, Emily L Days, Liangping Li, Roman M Lazarenko, Snehal Sant, Sichen Chang, Joshua A Bauer, Jerod S Denton, Olivier Boutaud, Masahito Abe, Craig W Lindsley","doi":"10.1177/1540658X261415763","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1540658X261415763","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The inward-rectifier potassium channel (Kir) 2.x family is an important family of ion channels in the context of human health. These potassium channels are involved in processes such as cardiac action potential, formation of skeletal muscle, bone development, vasodilation, and neuronal activity and are expressed centrally and peripherally. Given their importance, they are an attractive target for the development of tool compounds. The high homology between the members of the Kir family has made isoform selectivity challenging. In an effort to discover novel chemical matter related to this intriguing target, we performed a high-throughput screen utilizing compounds from the Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology Discovery Collection. This screen of over 20,000 compounds resulted in 48 verified hits consisting of six novel chemical scaffolds. Of these hits, VU0523203 and VU0606851 were selected as promising starting points for initial medicinal chemistry optimization to improve potency and distribution, metabolism, and pharmacokinetic (DMPK) properties. These efforts resulted in the discovery of VU6073995, a compound with modest potency at Kir2.1 and improved DMPK properties compared with ML133.</p>","PeriodicalId":8586,"journal":{"name":"Assay and drug development technologies","volume":" ","pages":"265-273"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146212059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Khaled Shalaby, Mohammed Elmowafy, Mohammed H Elkomy, Omar Awad Alsaidan, Mohamed A Abdelgawad, Ehab M Mostafa, Ayman Salama, Abdulsalam M Kassem, Mohamed F Ibrahim
{"title":"Terpenes Encapsulated Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles for Topical Delivery of Hydrocortisone: <i>In Vitro</i> Study and <i>In Vivo</i> Appraisal.","authors":"Khaled Shalaby, Mohammed Elmowafy, Mohammed H Elkomy, Omar Awad Alsaidan, Mohamed A Abdelgawad, Ehab M Mostafa, Ayman Salama, Abdulsalam M Kassem, Mohamed F Ibrahim","doi":"10.1177/1540658X251410481","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1540658X251410481","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This work aimed to develop and assess terpene encapsulated polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles for topical delivery of hydrocortisone (HC). Formulations were designed to investigate the effect of terpene/PCL ratio and concentration of surfactant on physicochemical characteristics. Structural analyses were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. <i>Ex vivo</i> skin permeation and anti-inflammatory activity of HC were also appraised. Results showed that the physicochemical characteristics were particularly influenced by terpene/PCL ratio and concentration of surfactant. The selected formulation (F6) showed core-shell structure and good encapsulation of HC in less crystalline state. Higher skin flux (366.11 ± 32.8 µg/cm<sup>2</sup>/h) and permeability coefficient (17.57 ± 2.6 × 10<sup>2</sup> cm/h) of HC from gel based on F6 were observed when compared with crude drug gel. Anti-inflammatory activity of HC was significantly improved and showed sustained therapeutic action when using gel based on F6. Collectively, these findings suggest that terpene encapsulated PCL nanoparticles can potentially deliver HC through the skin.</p>","PeriodicalId":8586,"journal":{"name":"Assay and drug development technologies","volume":"24 3","pages":"237-249"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147670068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Network Pharmacology Combined with Experimental Validation to Investigate the Mechanism of Huxinkang Tablets in Treating Atherosclerosis by Modulating Macrophages.","authors":"Zhengke Yu, Guobing Zhou, Kaili Wang, Qi Zhao, Xiaojing Zhu, Wenbo Zhao, Zhihong Chen","doi":"10.1177/1540658X251404889","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1540658X251404889","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Huxinkang tablets (HXKT) is the formula prescription of Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating atherosclerosis (AS), but its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Network pharmacology and experimental verification were integrated to explore the therapeutic effects and key targets of HXKT in macrophage-associated genes in vulnerable AS plaques. Our findings indicated that a total of 75 candidate targets of HXKT against vulnerable AS were acquired. Furthermore, five core targets were identified including STAT3, HIF1A, EGFR, ESR1, and BCL2. KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated that these targets participated in the advanced glycation end product - receptor for advanced glycation end-product (AGE-RAGE) signaling pathway associated with diabetic complications, lipid metabolism, AS, and human cytomegalovirus infection. Molecular docking results indicated that the ESR1-miltirone complex exhibited the highest binding affinity. <i>In vitro</i> experiments demonstrated that HXKT inhibited oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced macrophage injury, reversed abnormal expression of key targets, and reduced inflammation and lipid accumulation. Overexpression of STAT3 partially attenuated the protective effects of HXKT, confirming its role as a critical target while underscoring the multi-target mechanism of HXKT. In conclusion, HXKT stabilizes vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques by regulating macrophage function through a multi-component, multi-target mechanism, with STAT3 signaling playing a pivotal role.</p>","PeriodicalId":8586,"journal":{"name":"Assay and drug development technologies","volume":"24 3","pages":"216-227"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147670094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiaojuan He, Rui Jing, Na Wu, Xiaojing Li, Shasha Qiao, Zhaojuan Yang, Ying Zhang, Yuanyuan Han
{"title":"Computational Prediction and <i>In Vitro</i> Validation of Potential Molecular Targets Associated with Adverse Reactions of Antimicrobial Drugs in Neonates.","authors":"Xiaojuan He, Rui Jing, Na Wu, Xiaojing Li, Shasha Qiao, Zhaojuan Yang, Ying Zhang, Yuanyuan Han","doi":"10.1177/1540658X251413074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1540658X251413074","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neonates are particularly susceptible to a range of adverse reactions when administered antimicrobial drugs, including allergic reactions, gastrointestinal discomfort, and hepatic or renal dysfunction. These adverse reactions can have significant long-term impacts on neonatal health. This study aimed to investigate the common molecular targets associated with these adverse reactions using reverse target identification and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and to experimentally assess the inhibitory effects of selected drugs on these targets. We initially identified adverse reactions associated with commonly used antimicrobial drugs such as Ceftazidime, Meropenem, Levofloxacin, Cefdinir, and Avibactam through DrugBank. Potential targets for these drugs were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction software, and common targets were identified using a Venn diagram. Molecular docking and MD simulations were conducted to assess the binding affinity and stability of the drug-target interactions. Finally, the inhibitory potential of selected antimicrobial drugs on the target proteins was evaluated through <i>in vitro</i> bioactivity assays. The study identified AKR1B1 and Neprilysin as common potential off-targets. Bioactivity assays confirmed that the tested antimicrobial drugs exhibited significant inhibitory effects on these two proteins, with inhibitory concentration at 50% (IC<sub>50</sub>) values generally in the micromolar range. MD simulations indicated that the complexes of these drugs with the target proteins maintained relatively stable root mean square deviation (RMSD) values throughout the simulation period. Analysis of intermolecular forces revealed key attractive charge interactions and hydrogen bonds between the drugs and target proteins. This study systematically analyzed the molecular targets associated with antimicrobial drug adverse reactions in neonates by integrating computational and experimental approaches. The findings suggest that these drugs may cause adverse reactions by affecting the function of specific off-target proteins. This discovery provides valuable molecular insights into the mechanisms of adverse reactions and establishes a scientific basis for the rational design of safer drug analogs and for informing future antimicrobial treatment research for neonates.</p>","PeriodicalId":8586,"journal":{"name":"Assay and drug development technologies","volume":"24 3","pages":"250-264"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147670157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ultrafast Detection of Environmental Pollutants and Pharmaceutical Residues Using a CuFe Nanozyme-Enhanced Sensing Platform.","authors":"Dilpreet Singh","doi":"10.1177/1540658X251378353","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1540658X251378353","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to develop a novel CuFe nanozyme-enhanced sensing platform for the ultrafast detection of trace analytes, specifically targeting environmental pollutants and heavy metals. The objectives of the research included evaluation of the platform's sensitivity, selectivity, and real-world applicability for detecting trace analytes in environmental and biological samples. We synthesized the CuFe nanozyme using a co-precipitation method with metal-organic precursors and a reducing agent. The sensing platform was fabricated using conductive electrodes and immobilized nanozymes. The turnover frequency was calculated under optimized conditions (e.g., temperature, pH, and substrate concentration). Equipment utilized included an X-ray diffraction analyzer, transmission electron microscope, electrochemical workstation, and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. This CuFe nanozyme demonstrated a turnover frequency of 125 s<sup>-1</sup>, 3.5 times higher than natural peroxidase enzymes, as determined using a colorimetric assay with 3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine. The sensing platform exhibited ultrafast detection with a response time of 5 s, determined through real-time monitoring of analyte interaction via the electrochemical method. The detection limit was established at 0.1 nM for target analytes, as measured by the electrochemical method with calibration curves constructed for each analyte in the concentration range of [0.1 nM-X nM]. Importantly, the system was successfully validated in real-world environmental water samples and spiked clinical fluids, showing high recovery rates (98%-102%). The CuFe nanoenzyme-based electrochemical sensing platform demonstrated high accuracy, precision, and recovery in environmental water and spiked biological fluid samples. This study presents a robust, ultrafast nanozyme-based sensing platform with superior sensitivity and selectivity.</p>","PeriodicalId":8586,"journal":{"name":"Assay and drug development technologies","volume":" ","pages":"206-215"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145032717","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xianmei Cai, Gregory Barker, Shivani Patel, Anthony Paiva, Yongnian Sun, Chunli Huang, David Connors, Peter Chase, Nicole Diaz, Mary Ellen Cvijic, Wilson Shou
{"title":"Building a State-of-the-Art Automation Platform to Support High-Throughput 96-Well Caco-2 Permeability Assay.","authors":"Xianmei Cai, Gregory Barker, Shivani Patel, Anthony Paiva, Yongnian Sun, Chunli Huang, David Connors, Peter Chase, Nicole Diaz, Mary Ellen Cvijic, Wilson Shou","doi":"10.1177/1540658X251408742","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1540658X251408742","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Automation plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and increasing capacity for <i>in vitro</i> absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion profiling in early drug discovery. Building an automation platform requires a careful balance of innovation and practical considerations to align assay needs with technological capabilities. In this study, we present a state-of-the-art automation system designed to support the miniaturization of the Caco-2 permeability assay from the 24-well to the 96-well format. This platform integrates advanced infrastructure for cell culture and assay execution, along with several key features, including innovative cleaning protocols, cutting-edge plate tracking, and dynamic scheduling capabilities. The fully automated 96-well platform delivers significant efficiency gains, increased capacity, and faster turnaround for permeability assay support while maintaining high predictive accuracy. It correctly classified 94% of 50 literature compounds, demonstrating strong concordance with the established 24-well format. Moreover, the platform enables large-scale permeability data generation, advancing our \"predict-first\" modeling paradigm, in which predictive models guide experimental design and compound prioritization</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":8586,"journal":{"name":"Assay and drug development technologies","volume":" ","pages":"228-236"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145861907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}