Respirable spray dried vancomycin coated magnetic nanoparticles for localized lung delivery

Recent advances in nanostructured delivery systems for vancomycin

Despite the development of new generations of antibiotics, vancomycin remained as a high-efficacy antibiotic for treating the infections caused by MRSA. Researchers have explored various nanoformulations, aiming to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of vancomycin. Such novel formulations improve the effectiveness of drug cargoes in treating bacterial infections and minimizing the risk of adverse effects. The vast of researches have focuses on enhancing the permeation ability of vancomycin through different biological barriers especially those of gastrointestinal tract. Increasing the drug loading and tuning the drug release from nanocarrier are other important goal for many conducted studies. This study reviews the newest nano-based formulations for vancomycin as a key antibiotic in treating hospitalized bacterial infections.

Vancomycin-Loaded Sol-Gel System for In Situ Coating of Artificial Bone to Prevent Surgical Site Infections

Surgical site infections (SSIs) related to implants have always been a major challenge for clinical doctors and patients. Clinically, doctors may directly apply antibiotics into the wound to prevent SSIs. However, this strategy is strongly associated with experience of doctors on the amount and the location of antibiotics. Herein, an in situ constructable sol-gel system is developed containing antibiotics during surgical process and validated the efficacy against SSIs in beagles. The system involves chitosan (CS), β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) and vancomycin (VAN), which can be adsorbed onto porous hydroxyapatite (HA) and form VAN-CS/β-GP@HA hydrogel in a short time. The VAN concentration from VAN-CS/β-GP@HA hydrogel is higher than minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) at the 21st day in vitro. In an in vivo canine model for the prevention of SSIs in the femoral condyle, VAN-CS/β-GP@HA exhibits excellent biocompatibility, antimicrobial properties, and promotion of bone healing. In all, the CS/β-GP instant sol-gel system is able to in situ encapsulate antibiotics and adhere on artificial bone implants during the surgery, effectively preventing SSIs related to implants.

The Recent Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Biomedical Fields

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have found extensive application in the biomedical domain due to their enhanced biocompatibility, minimal toxicity, and strong magnetic responsiveness. MNPs exhibit great potential as nanomaterials in various biomedical applications, including disease detection and cancer therapy. Typically, MNPs consist of a magnetic core surrounded by surface modification coatings, such as inorganic materials, organic molecules, and polymers, forming a nucleoshell structure that mitigates nanoparticle agglomeration and enhances targeting capabilities. Consequently, MNPs exhibit magnetic responsiveness in vivo for transportation and therapeutic effects, such as enhancing medical imaging resolution and localized heating at the site of injury. MNPs are utilized for specimen purification through targeted binding and magnetic separation in vitro, thereby optimizing efficiency and expediting the process. This review delves into the distinctive functional characteristics of MNPs as well as the diverse bioactive molecules employed in their surface coatings and their corresponding functionalities. Additionally, the advancement of MNPs in various applications is outlined. Additionally, we discuss the advancements of magnetic nanoparticles in medical imaging, disease treatment, and in vitro assays, and we anticipate the future development prospects and obstacles in this field. The objective is to furnish readers with a thorough comprehension of the recent practical utilization of MNPs in biomedical disciplines.

Novel Dry Hyaluronic Acid-Vancomycin Complex Powder for Inhalation, Useful in Pulmonary Infections Associated with Cystic Fibrosis

Polyelectrolyte-drug complexes are interesting alternatives to improve unfavorable drug properties. Vancomycin (VAN) is an antimicrobial used in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pulmonary infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. It is generally administered intravenously with a high incidence of adverse side effects, which could be reduced by intrapulmonary administration. Currently, there are no commercially available inhalable formulations containing VAN. Thus, the present work focuses on the preparation and characterization of an ionic complex between hyaluronic acid (HA) and VAN with potential use in inhalable formulations. A particulate-solid HA-VAN25 complex was obtained by spray drying from an aqueous dispersion. FTIR spectroscopy and thermal analysis confirmed the ionic interaction between HA and VAN, while an amorphous diffraction pattern was observed by X-ray. The powder density, geometric size and morphology showed the suitable aerosolization and aerodynamic performance of the powder, indicating its capability of reaching the deep lung. An in vitro extended-release profile of VAN from the complex was obtained, exceeding 24 h. Microbiological assays against methicillin-resistant and -sensitive reference strains of Staphylococcus aureus showed that VAN preserves its antibacterial efficacy. In conclusion, HA-VAN25 exhibited interesting properties for the development of inhalable formulations with potential efficacy and safety advantages over conventional treatment.

Multifunctional systems based on nano-in-microparticles as strategies for drug delivery: advances, challenges, and future perspectives

INTRODUCTION

Innovative delivery systems are a promising and attractive approach for drug targeting in pharmaceutical technology. Among the various drug delivery systems studied, the association of strategies based on nanoparticles and microparticles, called nano-in-microparticles, has been gaining prominence as it allows targeting in a specific and personalized way, considering the physiological barriers faced in each disease.

AREAS COVERED

This review proposes to discuss nano-in-micro systems, updated progress on the main biomaterials used in the preparation of these systems, preparation techniques, physiological considerations, applications and challenges, and possible strategies for drug administration. Finally, we bring future perspectives for advances in clinical and field translation of multifunctional systems based on nano-in-microparticles.

EXPERT OPINION

This article brings a new approach to exploring the use of multifunctional systems based on nano-in-microparticles for different applications, in addition, it also emphasizes the use of biomaterials in these systems and their limitations. There is currently no study in the literature that explores this approach, making a review article necessary to address this association of strategies for application in pharmaceutical technology.

Inhalable Nanoparticle-based Dry Powder Formulations for Respiratory Diseases: Challenges and Strategies for Translational Research

The emergence of novel respiratory infections (e.g., COVID-19) and expeditious development of nanoparticle-based COVID-19 vaccines have recently reignited considerable interest in designing inhalable nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems as next-generation respiratory therapeutics. Among various available devices in aerosol delivery, dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are preferable for delivery of nanoparticles due to their simplicity of use, high portability, and superior long-term stability. Despite research efforts devoted to developing inhaled nanoparticle-based DPI formulations, no such formulations have been approved to date, implying a research gap between bench and bedside. This review aims to address this gap by highlighting important yet often overlooked issues during pre-clinical development. We start with an overview and update on formulation and particle engineering strategies for fabricating inhalable nanoparticle-based dry powder formulations. An important but neglected aspect in in vitro characterization methodologies for linking the powder performance with their bio-fate is then discussed. Finally, the major challenges and strategies in their clinical translation are highlighted. We anticipate that focused research onto the existing knowledge gaps presented in this review would accelerate clinical applications of inhalable nanoparticle-based dry powders from a far-fetched fantasy to a reality.

Expanding the arsenal against pulmonary diseases using surface-functionalized polymeric micelles: breakthroughs and bottlenecks

Pulmonary diseases such as lung cancer, asthma and tuberculosis have remained one of the common challenges globally. Polymeric micelles (PMs) have emerged as an effective technique for achieving targeted drug delivery for a local as well as a systemic effect. These PMs encapsulate and protect hydrophobic drugs, increase pulmonary targeting, decrease side effects and enhance drug efficacy through the inhalation route. In the current review, emphasis has been placed on the different barriers encountered by the drugs given via the pulmonary route and the mechanism of PMs in achieving drug targeting. The applications of PMs in different pulmonary diseases have also been discussed in detail.