Micro- and Nanoemulsions in Therapeutics: Advancements in Targeted Drug Delivery and Theranostic Applications

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 May 2024 | Viewed by 1756

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
Interests: nanomedicine; micro/nanoemulsions; liposomes; lipid nanoparticles; polymer-functionalized nanoformulations; gels; physicochemical characterization; electron paramagnetic resonance

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to present this Special Issue dedicated to microemulsions and nanoemulsions designed for precision in pharmaceutical applications. In the rapidly growing field of nanomedicine, these colloidal nanocarriers and related systems, such as micro/nanoemulsion-based gels and nanocapsules, are standout contributors. They offer significant advantages for biomedical applications because they can encapsulate compounds of different polarity while demonstrating stability coupled with ease of preparation. Micro- and nanoemulsions can deliver a wide range of molecules, including drugs, enzymes, imaging agents, and even nucleic acids, while enhancing their efficiency. Unique design approaches enable their penetration into targeted tissues and facilitate controlled release at the nanoscale upon different administration routes. In response to the demand for more effective and personalized treatments, surface functionalization with polymers, peptides, and antibodies emerges as a crucial strategy that further enhances precision, increased bioavailability, prolonged drug release, and enhanced patient compliance.

This Special Issue in Pharmaceutics highlights recent breakthroughs in microemulsions, nanoemulsions, and related systems in nanomedicine, with special focus on the targeted delivery of molecules alongside advancements in diagnosis and theranostics. Our goal is to build a well-balanced collection, including research articles and reviews, that will elucidate the critical role of these systems in pharmaceutical research, from their physicochemical characterization to their biological evaluation; this involves not only highlighting the latest progress but also outlining the future trajectory of this dynamic field.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Evgenia Mitsou
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • nanoemulsions
  • microemulsions
  • micro/nanoemulsion-related systems
  • stimuli responsive micro/nanoemulsions
  • targeted drug delivery
  • surface functionalization
  • controlled release
  • diagnostics
  • theranostics

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 4266 KiB  
Article
Microemulsions and Nanoemulsions for Topical Delivery of Tripeptide-3: From Design of Experiment to Anti-Sebum Efficacy on Facial Skin
by Nontachai Magrode, Worrapan Poomanee, Kanokwan Kiattisin and Chadarat Ampasavate
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(4), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16040554 - 19 Apr 2024
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Abstract
The targeted delivery of a hydrophilic Tripeptide-3 to the skin using microemulsions or nanoemulsions for facial oil reduction was the focus of this study. The impact factors affecting oil/water transparent dispersion formation, such as the surfactant system, HLB value, and co-solvent, were identified [...] Read more.
The targeted delivery of a hydrophilic Tripeptide-3 to the skin using microemulsions or nanoemulsions for facial oil reduction was the focus of this study. The impact factors affecting oil/water transparent dispersion formation, such as the surfactant system, HLB value, and co-solvent, were identified through the water titration method and pseudoternary phase diagram plots. The interfacial tension between caprylic/capric triglyceride (CCT oil) and water was significantly reduced by the surfactant/co-surfactant combination (Smix) of Cremophore® RH40 and a double-tails co-surfactant, polyglycerol-3-diisostearate, at an HLB of 13 together with a water-to-co-solvent (PG) ratio of 1:1. A two-level full factorial design of experiment (FFD-DoE) emphasized the independent variables of the HLB value, co-solvent, and CCT oil contents affecting the optimal compositions for micro- or nanoemulsion formation. The low-energy spontaneous emulsification of the optimized combination at a low Smix content (10%) yielded the translucent oil-in-water Tripeptide-3 nanoemulsions with an internal droplet size of 25.7 ± 1.20 nm, a narrow polydispersity index of 0.237 ± 0.129, and 70.6 ± 0.58% transmittance. The in vitro skin permeation study revealed a significantly higher skin penetration and retention of the Tripeptide-3 nanoemulsions compared to the high surfactant microemulsions and coarse emulsions. Skin irritation and oil control efficacy were evaluated in healthy volunteers before and after product application for 28 days. The obtained nanoemulsions not only decreased sebum production but also enhanced skin moisture levels. In conclusion, the meticulously designed nanoemulsions, incorporating suitable excipients, show a promising delivery system for hydrophilic peptides to control sebum overproduction in oily facial skin. Full article
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14 pages, 1427 KiB  
Article
Chemical Characterization, Leishmanicidal Activity and In Vitro Cytotoxicity of the Essential Oil Extracted from Pectis brevipedunculata (Gardner) Sch.Bip. and Its Incorporation into Microemulsion Systems
by Auxiliadora Cristina Correa Barata Lopes, Jessyane Rodrigues do Nascimento, Marcos Bispo Pinheiro Camara, Aldilene da Silva Lima, Gláucia Laís Nunes Lopes, Matheus Oliveira do Nascimento, Júlia Karla Albuquerque Melo Xavier, Caroline Martins de Jesus, Cáritas de Jesus Silva Mendonça, André Luis Menezes Carvalho, Lucilene Amorim Silva and Cláudia Quintino da Rocha
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(1), 87; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pharmaceutics16010087 - 09 Jan 2024
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Abstract
Pectis brevipedunculata (Gardner) Sch.Bip., known in Brazil as alecrim do campo, is a small Asteraceae family plant with a calming effect and consumed as tea. This species contains components, such as neral and geranial, that display various biological activities, such as leishmanicidal. The [...] Read more.
Pectis brevipedunculata (Gardner) Sch.Bip., known in Brazil as alecrim do campo, is a small Asteraceae family plant with a calming effect and consumed as tea. This species contains components, such as neral and geranial, that display various biological activities, such as leishmanicidal. The aim was to chemically characterize the essential oil (EO) obtained from P. brevipedunculata (EO-PB) by hydrodistillation and a microemulsion formulated with EO (ME-PB), Tween 80 and Transcutol P, assess the leishmanicidal effect against Leishmania (L.) amazonensis promastigotes and cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7. EO-PB and ME-PB were analyzed by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Monoterpene hydrocarbons were noteworthy among the identified compounds. The main EO-PB constituents were α-pinene and limonene, followed by neral and geranial, which were maintained in ME-PB. EO-PB presented an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 20 µg/mL and ME-PB of 0.93 µg/mL. ME-PB inhibition towards the parasite was 20-fold higher than that of EO-PB. This indicated that EO incorporation to the microemulsion resulted in optimized biological activity. Selectivity indices indicate that ME-PB is more selective concerning parasite inhibition. Thus, ME-PB may comprise an adequate approach against Leishmania, as the inhibitory concentration (IC50) promastigotes was lower than that considered toxic for cells cell cytotoxicity of 50% (CC50). Full article
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