Introduction: Wild pistachio (Pistacia atlantica, P. atlantica) is a promising natural source of bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, that may help manage metabolic and endocrine disorders through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Nanotechnology further offers opportunities to improve the stability, solubility, bioavailability, and targeted delivery of these compounds. Methods: This comprehensive review summarizes recent scientific literature on the phytochemical composition, nutritional value, pharmacological properties, and nanoformulation strategies associated with P. atlantica. Special attention was given to evidence relevant to metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, and hormone-related disorders. Results: The reviewed studies indicate that P. atlantica contains biologically active compounds with the potential to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, aging-related damage, and carcinogenic processes. Preclinical evidence suggests beneficial effects on metabolic and endocrine pathways, while nanoencapsulation and nanoliposome-based delivery systems may enhance the therapeutic performance of its bioactive constituents by improving stability and absorption. Discussion: Overall, the available evidence suggests that P. atlantica has considerable therapeutic potential, particularly when combined with nanoformulation approaches that may improve the stability, bioavailability, and delivery of its bioactive constituents. Nevertheless, most of the current evidence is derived from experimental studies, and differences in study design, formulations, and outcome measures make it difficult to draw firm clinical conclusions. Further well-designed translational and clinical research is needed before these findings can be confidently applied in practice. Conclusion: P. atlantica and its nanoformulations represent promising candidates for future supportive interventions in metabolic and endocrine diseases. However, the current evidence is largely preclinical, and further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies are needed to confirm efficacy, safety, and translational potential.
Introduction/Objective: Azithromycin is a BCS class II macrolide antibiotic characterized by poor aqueous solubility, a limited dissolution rate, and relatively low oral bioavailability (37%), limiting its therapeutic effectiveness for the treatment of skin infections. This study aimed to design and optimize an azithromycin nanosuspension-based nanogel using a Box–Behnken design. Methods: Azithromycin nanosuspension was prepared by the antisolvent precipitation method followed by probe sonication. The effects of formulation-variable concentrations on particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential were optimized using a Box–Behnken design. The optimized formulation was incorporated into a Carbopol-based gel and subsequently evaluated. In vitro release, ex vivo skin permeation, in vivo dermal irritation, antimicrobial activity, and stability studies were performed. Results: The optimized formulation contained PVP K30 (0.1% w/v), Tween 80 (0.2% w/v), and HPMC E5 (0.02% w/v), yielding a particle size of 30.65 ± 1.7 nm, polydispersity index of 0.13 ± 0.01, and zeta potential of −0.53 ± 0.13 mV. The nanogel significantly enhanced ex vivo permeation across rat skin (flux 16.8 ± 0.45 μg/cm²·min) compared with the plain hydroalcoholic gel (6.0 ± 0.2 μg/cm²·min). The optimized nanogel exhibited appreciable dermal safety and enhanced antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Discussion: The improved performance of the selected nanogel was attributed to the nanosuspended particles, which enhanced azithromycin dissolution, localization at the application site, and permeation across the dermal layers. Conclusion: The optimized nanogel exhibited enhanced dissolution, controlled drug release, improved skin permeation, local antimicrobial efficacy, and good dermal tolerability.
Abstract: Nystatin is a commonly used antifungal medicine for the treatment of candidiasis, particularly in superficial and mucosal infections. Its clinical usefulness is limited by poor water solubility, instability, a short residence time in the mucosa, and low absorption. This review critically evaluates 22 eligible studies (PRISMA 2020-compliant search, January 2004-December 2025) on nano- and microparticulate delivery systems for nystatin in the treatment of candidiasis, using a novel analytical framework that maps nanocarrier physicochemical properties to site-specific delivery requirements across oral, cutaneous, and vulvovaginal candidiasis. Nanoemulsions, nanosuspensions, Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN), Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC), polymeric nanoparticles, and vesicular systems, specifically liposomes and nanocubosomes, are evaluated by standardized physicochemical parameters, evidence-graded antifungal endpoints, and a translational readiness evaluation. Nanoemulsions and NLCs demonstrate the most favorable translational profiles. Challenges related to manufacturing scalability, long-term stability, and regulatory acceptance remain barriers to clinical translation.
Introduction: Nanogels are broadly tuneable nanoparticles formulated for controlled drug delivery and represent an effective means of delivering active pharmaceutical compounds. This review aims to provide a broad understanding of nanogels by elucidating their fundamental properties, drug-release mechanisms, synthesis methods, patents, clinical trials and recent technological advancements. It further explores the underlying mechanisms that govern nanogels' functionality, as well as the significant challenges and persistent limitations associated with their biomedical use. Methods: A detailed analysis of the current literature was conducted to examine nanogels’ fabrication techniques, physicochemical properties, and their expanded applications in drug delivery and disease modification. This review has also encompassed recent patents, clinical trial progress, and technological advancement related to nanogel-based drug delivery. Results: Some nanogels have been reported to exhibit high biocompatibility, strong water retention, and beneficial mechanical properties, making them an ideal system for drug delivery. Nanogels characterized by tunable size, large surface area, and a tangled internal network provide a diverse platform for advanced therapeutic applications. Discussion: Nanogel-based drug delivery shows growing translational interest, but a significant gap remains between laboratory innovation and clinical implementation. Nanogels offer promise for targeted and sustained drug delivery, but require optimized synthesis, mechanistic studies, robust preclinical evaluation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Conclusion: Nanogels represent a promising, versatile drug delivery system with enormous potential for controlled, targeted applications. Advancements and mechanistic insights are essential to overcome current limitations. Future research should be deeply focused on enhancing their drug-delivery capabilities and expanding their clinical applications across a broad spectrum of diseases.
Abstract: Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative force in modern healthcare, particularly through the innovative use of nanobots for drug delivery. These microscopic, programmable devices are designed to navigate biological systems and deliver therapeutic compounds directly to targeted tissues or cells, thereby enhancing drug bioavailability and minimizing systemic side effects. This review explores recent advancements in nanobot technology, including their engineering with advanced materials, magnetic control systems, and programmable designs that enable precise, adaptable drug delivery. The implications of nanobots are profound, offering targeted interventions in oncology, neurology, and infectious diseases, along with the potential for personalized medicine and real-time monitoring of treatment. Despite the promising outlook, significant challenges remain in optimizing biocompatibility, propulsion mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks. This work highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to refine nanobots' clinical applications and unlock their full potential in shaping the future of targeted therapeutic approaches.
