{"title":"Polyphenol-conjugated polysaccharide nanoplatforms for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.","authors":"Somesh Narayan, Kalpana Nagpal, Pradeep Kumar","doi":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2514714","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2514714","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Polyphenols represent a broad class of natural chemical compounds comprising, but not limited to, tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavanones, flavanols, anthocyanins, and their related polymerized derivatives. Polyphenols are an important component of various commercial, naturally derived products with therapeutic properties. However, their full therapeutic potential is restricted by inherently low solubility and limited dispersibility in the aqueous phase.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This special report provides a focused viewpoint of various polyphenols conjugated with polysaccharides such as chitosan, dextran, curdlan, alginate, gellan, and pectin. The advantages and performance of conjugating polysaccharides to polyphenols are presented and discussed. Further to this, nanoplatforms of polyphenol-conjugated polysaccharides with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and physicochemical properties are discussed.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Conjugation of polyphenols with polysaccharides, using various chemical conjugation techniques, may provide an amenable solution to the envisaged polyphenol efficacy challenge. The conjugation of polyphenols with polysaccharides offers multiple advantages, including improved aqueous solubility, enhanced protection against oxidative degradation, and targeted delivery through ligand-functionalized nanocarriers. This approach not only improves the pharmacokinetic profile of polyphenols but also maximizes their therapeutic efficacy while minimizing off-target toxicity. Furthermore, polysaccharide-polyphenol conjugates hold immense potential in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical formulations, where enhanced bioactivity and controlled release are desired.</p>","PeriodicalId":94004,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":"1-19"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144210551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ilaria Andreana, Nicole Zoratto, Chiara Di Meo, Pietro Matricardi, Barbara Stella, Silvia Arpicco
{"title":"An overview of hyaluronic-acid nanoparticles for cancer cell targeted drug delivery.","authors":"Ilaria Andreana, Nicole Zoratto, Chiara Di Meo, Pietro Matricardi, Barbara Stella, Silvia Arpicco","doi":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2515266","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2515266","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been widely explored in cancer drug delivery due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability and excellent cargo properties. Recently, HA-based formulations have gained renewed interest thanks to the HA involvement in many CD44-overexpressing tumors, offering potential for active targeting, tumor microenvironment modulation, and immune response regulation.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review explores the role of HA and its receptor in cancer progression and as a strategy for active therapeutic targeting. It also outlines the current status of HA-based formulations in clinical cancer therapy, emphasizing their clinical outcomes. The use of HA-drug conjugates, HA-based and -decorated nanoparticles (NPs), in chemotherapy, gene therapy, and theranostics is reviewed. Additionally, recent advancements in the role of HA in immune system modulation are discussed. All presented systems are herein evaluated for their ability to selectively target CD44-overexpressing cancer cells, with a focus on their in vivo biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Despite significant research, a few HA-based technologies have progressed to clinical trials, with only one showing promising results. Key challenges include high production costs, industrial scale-up feasibility, the need to preserve receptor recognition, and the off-target accumulation of HA in the liver and spleen barriers that must be addressed for successful clinical translation.</p>","PeriodicalId":94004,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144201241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gabriela Lopes Gama E Silva, Aryanne Adametz Escarrone Puejo, Breno de Almeida Bertassoni, Bruna Coelho de Almeida, Tatielle Do Nascimento, Eduardo Ricci-Júnior
{"title":"Graphene quantum dots for breast cancer treatment.","authors":"Gabriela Lopes Gama E Silva, Aryanne Adametz Escarrone Puejo, Breno de Almeida Bertassoni, Bruna Coelho de Almeida, Tatielle Do Nascimento, Eduardo Ricci-Júnior","doi":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2514715","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2514715","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials for controlled drug delivery and breast cancer treatment, thanks to their biocompatibility, large surface area, and tunable optical properties.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review explores their synthesis, characterization, and application in breast cancer therapy, highlighting their role as drug carriers and theranostic platforms.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Some studies suggest that the efficiency of drug release depends on factors such as pH, mechanical stress, light exposure and temperature, which vary according to the type of nanocarrier and the experimental conditions. Moreover, combining GQDs with other nanomaterials enhances stability, selectivity, and therapeutic efficacy. These advancements underscore their potential as an innovative approach for targeted treatment and cancer diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":94004,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144192571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jiayi Yang, Xinyi Ai, Chenming Zhang, Teng Guo, Nianping Feng
{"title":"Application of plant-derived extracellular vesicles as novel carriers in drug delivery systems: a review.","authors":"Jiayi Yang, Xinyi Ai, Chenming Zhang, Teng Guo, Nianping Feng","doi":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2487589","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2487589","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (P-EVs) are nanoscale, lipid bilayer vesicles capable of transporting diverse bioactive substances, enabling intercellular and interspecies communication and material transfer. With inherent pharmacological effects, targeting abilities, high safety, biocompatibility, and low production costs, P-EVs are promising candidates for drug delivery systems, offering significant application potential.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>A comprehensive review of studies on P-EVs was conducted through extensive database searches, including PubMed and Web of Science, spanning the years 1959 to 2025. Drawing on animal and cellular model research, this review systematically analyzes the pharmacological activities of P-EVs and their advantages as drug delivery carriers. It also explores P-EVs' drug loading methods, extraction techniques, and application prospects, including their benefits, clinical potential, and feasibility for commercial expansion.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Establishing unified preparation standards and conducting a more comprehensive analysis of molecular composition, structural characteristics, and mechanisms of P-EVs are essential for their widespread application. Greater attention should be given to the potential synergistic or antagonistic effects between P-EVs as carriers and the drugs they deliver, as this understanding will enhance their practical applications. In conclusion, P-EVs-based drug delivery systems represent a promising strategy to improve treatment efficacy, reduce side effects, and ensure drug stability.</p>","PeriodicalId":94004,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":"787-803"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143756871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Idejan P Gross, Ana Luiza Lima, Livia L Sá-Barreto, Guilherme M Gelfuso, Marcilio Cunha-Filho
{"title":"Recent advances in cutaneous drug delivery by iontophoresis.","authors":"Idejan P Gross, Ana Luiza Lima, Livia L Sá-Barreto, Guilherme M Gelfuso, Marcilio Cunha-Filho","doi":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2490267","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2490267","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Iontophoresis has been extensively studied for topical and transdermal drug delivery to stimulate the absorption of molecules that would hardly pass through the outermost layer of the skin passively. Recent research has focused on its combination with nanoparticle-based systems or microneedles to expand its therapeutic applications.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review explores the fundamental principles of iontophoresis, focusing on key factors influencing its drug transport mechanisms, and provides a discussion of the field's current state. A comprehensive analysis of articles published or available online in 2024 was conducted, categorizing studies by their application areas, drug delivery systems, iontophoretic conditions, and experimental limitations.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>The findings reveal a recent focus on wound healing and skin repair, and advancements in treating inflammation, pain, and skin cancer. Market translation requires standardized experimental protocols, particularly for iontophoretic parameters and preclinical models, along with the development of cost-effective commercial devices. Additionally, while advancements in cutaneous drug delivery have increasingly benefited from machine learning approaches, their application to iontophoresis remains underexplored. With the growing interest in associating iontophoresis with the Internet of Things, such an integration, if combined with AI tools, could offer promising opportunities for personalized, real-time treatments in modern dermatology, and therapeutic systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":94004,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":"857-874"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143813250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nanominerals: a multifaceted biomaterial for regenerative medicine and drug delivery.","authors":"Aishik Chakraborty, Wei Luo, Arghya Paul","doi":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2491642","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2491642","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94004,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":"763-768"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144003923","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Long-acting injectables for the treatment of substance use disorder: a look ahead.","authors":"Sohyung Lee, Nitin Joshi","doi":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2493232","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2493232","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94004,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":"757-761"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12129659/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144060719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Redox chemical delivery system: an innovative strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.","authors":"Jeevan Lal Prajapati, Yogita Dhurandhar, As Pee Singh, Deepak Kumar Gupta, Vivek Singh Baghel, Umesh Kushwaha, Kamta Prasad Namdeo","doi":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2489558","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2489558","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>It is anticipated that the prevalence of illnesses affecting the central nervous system (CNS) will rise significantly due to longer lifespans and changing demography. Age-related decline in brain function and neuronal death are features of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which provide formidable treatment challenges. Because most therapeutic drugs cannot across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach the brain, there are still few treatment alternatives available despite a great deal of research.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This study explores the role of redox chemical delivery systems in CNS drug delivery and addresses challenges associated with neurodegenerative disease (ND). Redox Chemical Delivery System offers a promising approach to enhancing leveraging redox reactions that facilitate the transport of therapeutic agents across the BBB. Through the optimization of medication delivery pathways to the brain, this technology has the potential to greatly improve the treatment of ND.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>As our understanding of the biological underpinnings of ND deepens, the potential for effective interventions increases. Refining drug delivery strategies, such as RCDS, is essential for advancing CNS therapies from research to clinical practice. These advancements could transform the management of ND, improving both treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":94004,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":"805-822"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143797454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The nasal route for nose-to-brain drug delivery: advanced nasal formulations for CNS disorders.","authors":"Paraskevi Papakyriakopoulou, Georgia Valsami","doi":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2489553","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2489553","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The nasal route offers a feasible alternative to oral and/or parenteral administration, providing a noninvasive route to achieve nose-to-brain drug delivery involving the olfactory and trigeminal nerves, and facilitating local or systemic drug action. Conventional liquid nasal dosage forms have not managed to bridge the gaps of precise dosing and targeted central nervous system (CNS) delivery, while more sophisticated formulation approaches are being explored for brain targeting, aiming to enhance bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review focuses on preclinical and clinical evaluation of microemulsions, in-situ gels, nasal powders, and nanocarrier-based formulations. Key pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic findings are discussed to evaluate their potential and limitations in improving drug bioavailability and CNS targeting. The existing regulatory framework for approval of products for nose-to-brain drug delivery is also addressed and relative hurdles are discussed.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>While nasal drug delivery holds great promise for CNS therapeutics, key challenges remain, including formulation stability, mucosal permeability, patient adherence. Future research should prioritize improving targeting efficiency, overcoming mucociliary clearance, developing user-friendly pharmaceutical products. Personalized medicine and smart delivery systems could further enhance drug targeting and minimize side effects. Continued research and regulatory advancements are essential to fully realize nasal delivery's perspective in CNS therapeutics.</p>","PeriodicalId":94004,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":"823-839"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143797455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recent advancements and future applications of intrauterine drug delivery systems.","authors":"Ashwin Abhang, Diane J Burgess","doi":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2490266","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17425247.2025.2490266","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are drug-device combination products that are placed inside the uterus above the endometrium. IUDs contain a therapeutic agent used for contraception and have been shown to have other therapeutic benefits. Over the past century, intrauterine drug delivery systems (IUDDS) have revolutionized women's health, and they hold immense growth potential in the future for new developments in the therapeutic areas beyond contraception.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>The aim of this review is to offer a comprehensive description of the history, development, and current state of IUDDS, next-generation IUDDS, and future applications of IUDDS in therapeutic areas beyond contraception such as multi-purpose prevention technologies, hormone replacement therapy, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and endometrial cancer.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>The uterus's unique features make it an ideal site for controlled, prolonged, and localized delivery of drugs, ensuring maximum concentration at the target site. Currently, IUDs are the most widely used contraceptive method. Future IUDDS hold the potential to deliver therapeutic agents for broader therapeutic areas for women's health, potentially aiding in the treatment of various diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system. Further research in development, characterization, and translation is warranted to ensure IUDDS reach their potential in many areas of women's health.</p>","PeriodicalId":94004,"journal":{"name":"Expert opinion on drug delivery","volume":" ","pages":"841-856"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143797501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}