Nanogel-based nanoplatforms have become a tremendously promising system of drug delivery. Nanogels constructed by chemical crosslinking or physical self-assembly exhibit the ability to encapsulate hydrophilic or hydrophobic therapeutics, including but not limited to small-molecule compounds and proteins, DNA/RNA sequences, and even ultrasmall nanoparticles, within their 3D polymer network. The nanosized nature of the carriers endows them with a specific surface area and inner space, increasing the stability of loaded drugs and prolonging their circulation time. Reactions or the cleavage of chemical bonds in the structure of drug-loaded nanogels have been shown to trigger the controlled or sustained drug release. Through the design of specific chemical structures and different methods of production, nanogels can realize diverse responsiveness (temperature-sensitive, pH-sensitive and redox-sensitive), and enable the stimuli-responsive release of drugs in the microenvironments of various diseases. To improve therapeutic outcomes and increase the precision of therapy, nanogels can be modified by specific ligands to achieve active targeting and enhance the drug accumulation in disease sites. Moreover, the biomembrane-camouflaged nanogels exhibit additional intelligent targeted delivery features. Consequently, the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, as well as the combinational therapy strategy, result in the improved efficacy of disease treatments, though the introduction of a multifunctional nanogel-based drug delivery system.

Nanogel: A Versatile Nano-Delivery System for Biomedical Applications

Multi-functional silica-based mesoporous materials for simultaneous delivery of biologically active ions and therapeutic biomolecules.

Doped-carbon dots: Recent advances in their biosensing, bioimaging and therapy applications.

Photo-assisted bio-fabrication of silver nanoparticles using Annona muricata leaf extract: exploring the antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities

Current developments and future outlook in nanofluid flooding: A comprehensive review of various parameters influencing oil recovery mechanisms

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have opened new horizons in the pharmaceutical industry since they play a fundamental role in the field of drug delivery. Their success is mainly due to their interesting physicochemical behaviors, such as high bioavailability, capability of administration through different routes, large-scale production, inherent ability to cross the blood brain barrier, and the ability to deliver macromolecules like proteins, oligonucleotides, and DNA. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief description of the advantages, disadvantages, and production techniques, as well as their potential in the drug delivery area so far.

Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Systems

Preparation of Carbon Quantum Dots- Quinic Acid for Drug Delivery of Gemcitabine to Breast Cancer Cells

Massive data available on cancer therapy more than ever lead our mind to the general concept that there is no perfect treatment for cancer. Indeed, the biological complexity of this disease is too excessive to be treated by a single therapeutic approach. Current delivery systems containing a specific drug or gene have their particular opportunities and restrictions. It is worth noting that a considerable number of studies suggest that single- drug delivery systems result in insufficient suppression of cancer growth. Therefore, one of the main ideas of co-delivery system designing is to enhance the intended response or to achieve the synergistic/combined effect compared to the single drug strategy. This review focuses on various strategies for co-delivery of therapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer. The primary approaches within the script are categorized into co-delivery of conventional chemotherapeutics, gene-based molecules, and plant-derived materials. Each one is explained in examples with the recent researches. In the end, a brief summary is provided to conclude the gist of the review.

Co-Delivery Nanosystems for Cancer Treatment: A Review.

Oral drug delivery is counted as the preferable route of drug administration due to its convenience, safety, and cost-effectiveness. However, many drugs are not good candidates for oral application mainly because of drug degradation within the gastrointestinal system. Overcoming the obstacles for effective oral delivery of drugs is currently one of the chief goals driving drug delivery research. Recently, remarkable advances in drug delivery technology have led to the increase in the use of various carriers for oral drug delivery. Polymers, as one of the most widely utilized tools, have demonstrated a considerable number of benefits of which stable physicochemical properties and cost-effectiveness are the prominent ones. Along with the mentioned features, an ideal polymeric delivery vehicle should be biocompatible and protect the incorporated drug from enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Chitosan has been extensively studied by many researchers, and a massive data is now available upon its distinctive benefits and restrictions as well as its unique characteristics appreciable for oral drug delivery. It is safe, biocompatible, low cost, and readily available. In addition, intrinsic mucoadhesion ability of chitosan urges its use as an oral drug delivery vehicle. The goal of this chapter is to focus on the application of chitosan as an oral delivery carrier for therapeutic molecules and drugs. Current conventional formulations of chitosan are first reviewed, and the related limitations are investigated to lead readers to the next sections in which novel approaches for improved delivery system are explained as fully as possible. Application of chitosan in oral gene and peptide delivery is explained as separate sections since these two areas have been attracting much attention in recent years due to the intrinsic properties of chitosan making it a promising candidate in the areas. Different strategies employed to improve chitosan polymers regarding physicochemical and targeting properties are covered throughout the script. Diverse modification approaches as well as their limitations are explained, exemplified, and illustrated within the body of the chapter. In the end, the future concept of chitosan oral drug delivery is argued followed by a concise summary.

Shabnam Samimi

Papers

Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Systems

Preparation of Carbon Quantum Dots- Quinic Acid for Drug Delivery of Gemcitabine to Breast Cancer Cells

Co-Delivery Nanosystems for Cancer Treatment: A Review.

Application of Chitosan in Oral Drug Delivery