Three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds are essential in tissue engineering, providing optimal conditions for cellular proliferation, tissue repair, and regeneration. In oncology, these structures are crucial for correctly reproducing the in vivo milieu and effectively modelling the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recent advancements indicate that 3D scaffolds are very effective in preserving cell viability, improving connections between tumors and stroma, and properly replicating cellular communication. Developing sophisticated three-dimensional (3D) cell culture methods that accurately emulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) is essential, given the inherent constraints of traditional two-dimensional (2D) cultures and animal models. These advanced 3D in vitro cancer models provide significant advantages for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, improving our understanding of cancer development and therapy. This article examines the latest advancements in three-dimensional tissue scaffolds for cancer therapy. It discusses the potential impact of such shifts on the field and the types of cancer research and treatments that will be feasible in the future.

Transmucosal drug delivery presents a complex interfacial materials challenge where continuous mucus turnover, tight epithelial junctions, and dynamic fluid clearance fundamentally restrict therapeutic efficacy. Electrospun nanofibers have emerged as advanced polymeric platforms capable of overcoming these biological barriers through precision structural engineering and tunable physicochemical properties. This critical review evaluates the solid-state behavior and architectural design of electrospun transmucosal systems, with a specific focus on the dynamic material-mucosa interface. We dissect the mechanistic basis of nanofiber performance, detailing how polymer chemistry, hydration dynamics, and solid-state drug amorphization collectively govern mucoadhesion, mucus penetration, and release kinetics. Furthermore, we critically analyze advanced architectural strategies, including fast-dissolving matrices, sequential-release multilayers, core-shell configurations, and hierarchical nanoparticle-in-nanofiber assemblies, and highlight how the spatial manipulation of polymeric materials dictates functionality across the oral, nasal, and vaginal mucosa. Finally, we address prevailing translational bottlenecks in materials processing, such as the thermodynamic instability of amorphous solid dispersions during scale-up, while outlining future perspectives in stimuli-responsive smart polymers and device-integrated 3D-printed composite scaffolds. Ultimately, this review establishes that the rational engineering of nanofiber morphology, surface chemistry, and solid-state properties is paramount to advancing next-generation mucosal delivery platforms.

Nanomedicine, a fusion of science and technology, involves the design and development of nanosystems at the forefront of biomedical innovation. These systems, engineered at molecular, atomic, and macromolecular sizes, generate minuscule particles with distinctive features. Nanomedicines and nano-drug delivery systems determine their biological destiny using size, surface characteristics, and composition. The primary objective is focused intervention; however, the plasma membrane presents a barrier that restricts the entry of therapeutic substances into cells, hence diminishing their efficacy. Numerous pharmacological drugs attempt to modulate intracellular components, yet their permeability across cellular membranes frequently remains insufficient. Understanding the interactions between cells and nanomaterials is thus essential. A systematic literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases was conducted to identify recent, high-impact studies emphasizing the translational potential of nanomedicine. The search prioritized articles on nanomaterial properties, cellular uptake mechanisms, and disease- specific applications. The complex cellular uptake processes have been found to involve a refined interaction with cell membranes, incorporating mechanisms, like endocytosis and phagocytosis. However, custom nanomaterial designs are essential because cells involved in photothermal treatment could have different mechanisms for absorption. Comprehending intracellular pathways is essential to enhance the targeting of therapeutic and imaging agents. From the perspective of several physicochemical attributes, this review addresses biocompatibility and possible nanotoxicity within biological systems and their likely utility for site-specific targeting, delivering more significant therapeutic effects for disease therapy.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the deadliest solid tumours, driven by late diagnosis, early metastatic dissemination, and profound resistance to systemic therapies. Increasing evidence indicates that these hallmarks are not solely tumour cell intrinsic but are critically orchestrated by a complex and highly dynamic tumour microenvironment (TME) composed of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subtypes, immune cells, endothelial and neuronal elements, and a dense extracellular matrix (ECM). This review provides an integrated overview of the cellular and acellular components of the PDAC TME and delineates how their reciprocal crosstalk drives desmoplasia, immune suppression, metabolic reprogramming, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), pre-metastatic niche formation, and metastatic outgrowth. Particular emphasis is placed on the context-dependent roles of stromal and immune niches in modulating drug delivery, chemoresistance, and failure of immunotherapy, highlighting why indiscriminate stromal depletion has yielded paradoxical outcomes. Building on these mechanistic insights, the review critically examines emerging therapeutic strategies targeting PSCs, CAF subsets, ECM components, myeloid and lymphoid populations, and key signalling pathways, including approaches that normalize stroma, reprogram immunity, or exploit nanocarrier-based delivery systems. Finally, a structured framework is proposed for rational TME-targeted combination regimens that integrate cytotoxic, targeted, and immunotherapeutic agents to overcome current therapeutic barriers in PDAC.

Piperine, the principal bioactive alkaloid of Piper nigrum, has emerged as a potent phytoconstituent with a diverse pharmacological portfolio spanning anticancer, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective domains. Despite its therapeutic versatility, Piperine's clinical translation is significantly hindered by physicochemical constraints, including low aqueous solubility, poor oral bioavailability, and crystallization-induced instability. Central to overcoming these barriers is the advent of nanostructured drug delivery systems. Nanocarriers such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, and electrospun nanofibers not only enhance solubility and protect against degradation but also enable controlled, site-specific delivery. This review examines three core aspects driving the development of Piperine- based therapies: inherent molecular limitations, innovations in formulation techniques, and the potential for clinical translation. Detailed discussions encompass design strategies, synthesis techniques, and characterization protocols, supported by in-vitro/in-vivo efficacy studies. By critically synthesizing recent advances, the article highlights the transformative role of nano-enabled formulations in extending the therapeutic reach of phytoconstituent-based interventions, paving the way for future clinical integration.

Four-dimensional (4D) printing, the fabrication of stimuli-responsive constructs whose time-dependent behavior is programmed during the printing process itself, has become a crowded research field producing an increasingly repetitive review literature. Most existing reviews catalog materials and applications without addressing the fabrication-criterion boundary between true 4D printing and conventional 3D printing of smart materials, evaluating additive manufacturing platforms by their ability to encode spatiotemporal actuation at the voxel level, or providing organ-specific design guidance that connects printing technique selection to clinical functional requirements. This review addresses these gaps directly. We establish a rigorous fabrication-encoding criterion that distinguishes programmable 4D constructs from post-print-programmed 3D objects, and apply it consistently throughout. We evaluate material extrusion, vat polymerization, powder bed fusion, and volumetric platforms quantitatively against three axes: multi-material interface resolution, voxel-level property control, and process-induced microstructural gradients, providing a design-oriented framework for platform selection. We critically synthesize two underserved application domains, 4D printing in cancer therapeutics and self-forming tubular constructs, and provide tissue-specific fabrication and material recommendations for heart, bone, cartilage, skin, neural, and vascular targets. The integration of AI-augmented closed-loop manufacturing as a quality assurance strategy for clinical translation is also examined. Together, these contributions reframe 4D biomedical printing as an engineering design discipline governed by quantifiable fabrication parameters rather than a catalog of materials demonstrations.

Background Electrospun nanofiber food packaging has advanced rapidly in functional performance. However, a critical knowledge gap persists: the environmental sustainability of these nanomaterials is frequently presumed based on the renewable sourcing of their parent polymers. While numerous existing reviews exhaustively cover use-phase innovations (e.g., barrier and antimicrobial properties), they broadly conflate the theoretical biodegradability of bulk resins with the actual post-consumer fate of electrospun mats, leaving the true environmental impact of the fiber morphology largely uncharacterized. Scope and approach To address this deficit, this review introduces a novel “morphological evidence audit,” distinguishing this manuscript from prior packaging literature. This structural approach systematically decouples assumed sustainability claims by strictly separating end-of-life (EOL) behavior demonstrated directly for true electrospun nanofibers from evidence merely extrapolated from bulk or cast-film analogs. Furthermore, it uniquely evaluates the “antimicrobial paradox,” assessing the distinct ecotoxicological risks of active nanoparticles independently from the degradation of the polymer matrix itself. Key findings and conclusions The audit reveals that while nanoscale morphology accelerates biodegradation in select polyesters, this advantage has not been empirically verified for the majority of biopolymers that dominate the field. Crucially, the literature currently lacks any cradle-to-grave life-cycle assessment for finished electrospun systems. Theoretical sustainability is actively compromised by the degradation-retarding effects of chemical crosslinkers, the ecotoxicity of embedded nanoparticles, and consumer misinterpretation of compostability labels. With stringent regulatory mandates, such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), rapidly approaching, EOL behavior and legal compliance must transition from assumed corollaries of renewable sourcing to primary, first-order design constraints.

Background The orofacial mucous membrane is an appealing route for drug delivery to improve both systemic and local treatments. The aim of the present study was to develop an oral dental film loaded with curcumin hydrotropic solid dispersion for sustained drug delivery in the orofacial region. Compared to other dosage forms, films are the most elegant, palatable, and suitable systems for systemic mucosal drug delivery. Methods A hydrotropic solid dispersion technique utilizing 2 M sodium salicylate was developed to enhance the solubility of curcumin, addressing its poor water solubility. By forming a solid dispersion with a 1:4 ratio through solvent evaporation, the in-vitro physicochemical properties of the curcumin-loaded system were evaluated. Results The utilization of sodium salicylate hydrotrope in a molecular dispersion significantly improved the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin. Subsequently, an oral dental film loaded with hydrotropic solid dispersion was developed using the solvent casting method with HPMC and gelatin as mucoadhesive polymers. Six different films were prepared using polymeric blends with HPMC and gelatin, which showed homogeneity, yellowish colour, and high drug content uniformity of 98.56 ± 3.24, with thickness ranging from 0.16 mm to 0.24 mm. The films exhibited excellent folding endurance and tensile strength for improved patient palatability. In-vitro studies demonstrated a significant enhancement in curcumin release, reaching a maximum of 94.66% over seven days in the presence of sodium salicylate hydrotrope, following first-order kinetics. An ex vivo permeation of Cur-F3 film had a significant effect on mucoadhesion. Conclusion Using hydrotropes in oral film formulation is a new and sustainable method for delivering clinically significant curcumin through the oral mucosa. As a result, it is recommended for use in the design of treatments for other dental diseases.

The oral bioavailability of drugs is often limited by metabolic barriers, including enzymatic degradation and active efflux processes in the gastrointestinal tract. Piperine, a pungent alkaloid found in black pepper (Piper nigrum), has garnered significant interest as a natural bioenhancer due to its multifaceted ability to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A4, and efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp). These actions result in enhanced intestinal absorption and prolonged systemic retention of various therapeutic agents. Additionally, Piperine modulates intestinal permeability and alters the pharmacokinetics of drugs by interfering with first-pass metabolism. Recent developments in nanotechnology have led to innovative formulation strategies, such as nanoemulsions, liposomes, and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems, which further enhance Piperine's solubility, stability, and efficacy. However, despite its promising bioenhancing effects, Piperine exhibits limitations such as poor water solubility, dose-dependent toxicity, reproductive and hepatic concerns, and the potential for significant drug-drug interactions. This review critically examines the mechanistic pathways, formulation advances, pharmacological roles, safety issues, and clinical prospects of Piperine. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for rigorous clinical trials and regulatory evaluation to validate Piperine's use in pharmaceutical applications. Overall, Piperine represents a potent, yet cautiously applicable, tool in modern drug delivery strategies.

Fucoidans (FU's), sulfated polysaccharides derived predominantly from brown seaweeds, have garnered substantial interest due to their multifunctional biological activities and emerging applications in biomedicine. This review comprehensively examines FU's structural diversity, physicochemical properties, and therapeutic relevance, particularly on native and modified forms. FU content across species ranges from 2 % to 20 % (dry weight), with molecular weights spanning 10-950 kDa and sulfation levels between 5 % and 35 %, all critically influencing bioactivity. Quantitative evaluations reveal that FU's can inhibit tumor cell proliferation with IC50 values ranging from 24 to 72 μg/mL and reduce inflammatory mediators by up to 56 % in in vitro models. Advances in formulation science have enabled the development of FU-based nanoparticles (90-210 nm), hydrogels, microneedles, and scaffolds, achieving up to 87 % encapsulation efficiencies and sustained drug release over 48-72 h. Modified FU's (e.g., oversulfated or conjugated forms) demonstrate enhanced anticoagulant, immunomodulatory, and regenerative effects. This review integrates findings from over two decades (2000-2025), highlighting source-specific properties, bioactivities, and challenges such as low oral bioavailability, structural heterogeneity, and regulatory bottlenecks. Synthesizing structural, pharmacological, and translational insights, this work offers a timely reference that bridges marine-derived biomolecules with next-generation therapeutic platforms.

Breast cancer remains a prevalent and diverse disease, significantly contributing to cancer- related deaths among women worldwide. Recent advancements in molecular biology have paved the way for targeted therapies and pharmacogenomics, which are crucial for developing personalized treatment strategies. This literature review synthesizes findings from recent studies on these approaches, emphasizing clinical trials, genomic profiling, and personalized medicine. It aims to focus on studies examining targeted treatments, such as human epidermal growth factor receptor- 2 (HER2) inhibitors and CDK4/6 inhibitors, alongside pharmacogenomic data that influence drug metabolism, efficacy, and toxicity. Additionally, it examines the role of gene SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) correlated with treatment resistance, which have emerged as key biomarkers affecting therapeutic outcomes in breast cancer. These SNPs, found in genes involved in drug metabolism and tumor progression, contribute to variability in treatment responses and resistance in specific subtypes. They encompass various breast cancer subtypes, including hormone receptorpositive (HR+), HER2-positive, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The targeted therapies, particularly HER2 inhibitors, have markedly improved outcomes for specific subtypes. Furthermore, pharmacogenomics personalizes treatment by identifying genetic variations that affect drug response, optimizing therapy selection, and minimizing adverse effects. Despite these advancements, drug resistance remains a significant challenge, highlighting the necessity for ongoing research in molecular diagnostics and innovative therapeutic combinations. The literature suggests that precision medicine, driven by genomic profiling, pharmacogenomic data, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) analysis, is enhancing treatment efficacy for breast cancer patients. HER2- positive and HR+ patients have especially benefitted from these targeted therapies while emerging treatments are addressing the complexities of TNBC. Additionally, genetic testing, such as BRCA1/2 mutation screening, is vital for guiding treatment decisions. Targeted therapies and pharmacogenomics have revolutionized breast cancer treatment, providing more personalized and effective care. Nevertheless, overcoming drug resistance and expanding access to genomic testing are essential for future advancements in this field.

Oral cancer, currently ranked 16th among the most prevalent malignancies worldwide according to GLOBOCAN, presents significant challenges to global oral health. Conventional treatment modalities such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy often have limitations, prompting the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. Tissue engineering has emerged as a promising solution aimed at developing biocompatible, functional, and biologically responsive tissue constructs. This approach involves the integration of cells, bioactive compounds, and scaffolds to enhance treatment efficacy. Electrospun nanofibers, mimicking the extracellular matrix, exhibit considerable potential in addressing complex oral health issues by influencing cellular behavior. The versatility of electrospinning technology allows for the fabrication of fiber scaffolds with high surface area, making them ideal for localized delivery of bioactive compounds or pharmaceuticals. Enhancing these electrospun scaffolds with growth factors, nanoparticles, and biologically active substances significantly increases their therapeutic appeal in oral cancer management. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the various applications of electrospun nanofibers in oral cancer therapy. Utilizing electronic databases such as PubMed, CrossREF, and Google Scholar, we conducted an extensive review of relevant literature concerning "electrospun nanofibers" and their therapeutic potential in oral cancer treatment. Key topics addressed include engineering methodologies, drug diffusion mechanisms, factors influencing nanofiber scaffold design, toxicity concerns, and clinical implications. The findings underscore the transformative potential of electrospun nanofibers in revolutionizing oral cancer therapy.

Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, represents a major global health challenge primarily driven by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Recent research highlights naringenin, a citrus-derived flavonoid, as a promising therapeutic candidate due to its ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), induce cell cycle arrest, activate caspase-3, inhibit ERK1/2 and JNK MAPK signaling, and suppress angiogenesis. It also promotes melanogenesis by modulating Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K pathways and enhancing tyrosinase activity. Beyond its anticancer actions, naringenin exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiphotoaging effects, making it a versatile agent for dermatological applications. However, rapid metabolism, poor solubility, and limited bioavailability hinder its clinical translation. To overcome these challenges, advanced nanocarrier systems, including lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, ethosomes, and nanostructured lipid carriers, have been engineered to enhance stability, skin penetration, and tumor-targeted delivery. These innovations highlight the potential of integrating mechanistic insights with delivery strategies to maximize therapeutic efficacy. Nonetheless, challenges such as high production costs, variability in phytochemical composition, and the need for harmonized manufacturing protocols remain. Addressing these barriers through multidisciplinary research and international collaboration is essential to translate phytochemical-based nanotherapies into safe and effective clinical options for melanoma management.

The management of acute and chronic wounds remains a clinical challenge due to infection, delayed re-epithelialization, and impaired angiogenesis. Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds have emerged as promising biomaterials, offering high surface area-to-volume ratios, tunable porosity, and ECM-like architectures. Chitosan, derived from chitin, is a biocompatible, biodegradable, and antimicrobial natural polymer ideally suited for wound healing. Electrospun chitosan nanofibres support cellular proliferation, modulate inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration. This review examines recent advances in the fabrication and biomedical applications of electrospun chitosan-based nanofibres for wound healing. Key electrospinning parameters, such as polymer concentration, molecular weight, solution viscosity, and applied voltage, are discussed. Various electrospinning strategies, including blend, coaxial, emulsion, and multilayer methods, are explored for encapsulating therapeutic agents, controlling drug release, and enhancing scaffold performance. The influence of polymer blends, crosslinking methods, and solvent systems on nanofibre morphology and mechanical integrity is also examined. Significantly, this work bridges materials design with clinical functionality, offering a roadmap for translating molecular-level chitosan modifications and nanostructure control into precision medicine. Beyond wound healing, the fabrication strategies and design principles discussed herein hold broad relevance for the fields of materials science and biomedical engineering, particularly in developing next-generation bioresponsive materials, tissue scaffolds, and drug delivery systems. As the field evolves, electrospun chitosan nanofibres are poised to play a pivotal role in advancing smart, adaptive, and regenerative biomaterials for diverse therapeutic applications.

By integrating the cutting-edge principles of nanotechnology with medical science, nanomedicine offers unprecedented opportunities to develop advanced drug delivery systems that surpass the limitations of conventional therapies. These nanoscale systems are designed to enhance treatments' efficacy, specificity, and safety by optimizing pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, ensuring that therapeutic agents reach their intended targets with minimal side effects. The article provides an in-depth analysis of nanomaterials' pivotal role in overcoming challenges related to drug delivery, including the ability to bypass biological barriers, improve bioavailability, and achieve controlled release of drugs. Despite these promising advancements, the transition of nanomedicine from research to clinical practice faces significant hurdles. The review highlights key obstacles such as patient heterogeneity, physiological variability, and the complex ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) profiles of nanocarriers, which complicate treatment predictability and effectiveness. Moreover, the article addresses the issues of limited tissue penetration, variable patient responses, and the need for standardized protocols in nanomaterial characterization, all of which hinder the widespread clinical adoption of nanomedicine. Nevertheless, the potential of nanomedicine in revolutionizing personalized cancer therapy remains immense. The article advocates for increased translational research and international collaboration to overcome these challenges, paving the way for fully realizing nanomedicine's capabilities in precision oncology and beyond.

Background: The amalgamation of targeted transportation and enhancement of the release profile of the active pharmaceutical ingredient is a contemporary trend in the evolution of oral medicinal products. A renowned method to actualize this concept is to develop floating gastroretentive delivery systems that ensure an extended stay of the dosage form on the gastric surface. The success of drug delivery is largely dependent on the type of polymer used that sustains the release and avoids any toxic effects. Intragastric floating drug delivery systems are designed to remain buoyant in the stomach without affecting the gastric emptying rate for a prolonged period. This allows for a slow release of the drug in the stomach, which can be particularly beneficial for drugs with a narrow absorption window, like Glibenclamide, an anti-diabetic medication. Objective: The current research focused on the sustained drug delivery of Glibenclamide as intragastric floating microspheres. The goal was to adjust the floatation and drug release pattern using Eudragit RS 100 and magnesium stearate as a droplet stabilizer. Different batches of floating microspheres were optimized based on the polymer, drug-polymer concentration, and the amount of magnesium stearate. The strategy aimed to enhance the effectiveness of Glibenclamide, particularly for individuals with diabetes, by facilitating a controlled and consistent release of the drug in the gastric environment. Materials and Methods: The solvent evaporation method was used to create four batches of intragastric microspheres. The maximum absorbance of the drug, also known as lambda max, was observed at 212 nm. The prepared batches were evaluated for various in-vitro physicochemical parameters. The average particle size was found to be 619 nm. Rheological studies indicated excellent flow properties. The microspheres exhibited in-vitro buoyancy for up to 7 hours. Results: The entrapment efficiency was as high as 93.19%. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the microspheres have a porous structure, which allows for the easy movement of solvents and solutes into and out of the microspheres. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) indicated the physical and chemical properties of the microspheres. All in-vitro drug release and kinetic studies for the optimized batch (F-M4) revealed that Eudragit RS 100 effectively sustained the intragastric delivery of Glibenclamide. Conclusion: Floating drug delivery systems enhance oral dosage forms and the range of APIs by ensuring targeted gastric delivery and modified release. This improves bioavailability, reduces drug losses, and partially mitigates side effects.

Background: In the pharmaceutical sciences, the solubility profile of therapeutic molecules is crucial for identifying and formulating drugs and evaluating their quality across the drug discovery pipeline based on factors like oral bioavailability, metabolic transformation, biodistribution kinetics, and potential toxicological implications. The investigation aims to enhance the solubility parameters of ketoprofen (BCS-II class), which exhibits low solubility and high permeability. Methods: In this method, hydrotrope blends of aromatic sodium benzoate and electrolyte sodium acetate were employed to enhance the solubility parameter of ketoprofen. Several batches of solid dispersion of ketoprofen were made using a solvent evaporation method, and the response surface method 3² factorial design was used to find the best one. The optimised formulation, KSD9, underwent in-vitro drug dissolution, DSC, pXRD, and SEM studies. Results: The optimized batch demonstrated substantial improvement in ketoprofen solubility, attributed to mixed hydrotropy. The results indicated that both solubility and %CDR improved when hydrotropes were employed, suggesting a direct proportionality between the rise in solubility and %CDR. Formulations KSD1-KSD9 exhibited solubility enhancements ranging from 2.23 to 5.77-fold, along with an elevation in %CDR from 72.28% to 94.76%. This implies that the %CDR was modulated by the hydrotropes, specifically influenced by the concentration levels of the independent variables. An increase in hydrotrope levels corresponded to an increase in %CDR. The positive coefficients in the quadratic equation for %CDR underscored the significant role of these independent variables in augmenting the in-vitro release of Ketoprofen. Similarly, during a comparative dissolution investigation, the optimized KSD9 formulation exhibited remarkable solubility and drug content compared to conventional Ketoprofen dispersible tablets. Conclusion: The synergistic effect of combining two hydrotropic agents significantly increased the solubility of ketoprofen by up to 58 times. The results indicated that the independent variables exerted a positive influence on solubility and %CDR. Furthermore, the responses were contingent on the specific hydrotropes selected, which functioned as the independent variables. Analyzing the r² and ANOVA results suggested that the dependent variables aligned well with the chosen model. Visual representations, such as the 3D response surface plot and contour plot, demonstrated the impact of each hydrotrope individually and when combined. Overall, employing hydrotropes led to improved solubility and %CDR, highlighting a direct proportionality between the rise in solubility and %CDR. Mixed hydrotropic lessens the toxicity associated with individual hydrotrope concentrations while also offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. This study paves the way for future research aiming to improve the solubility of low- solubility drugs, broadening their clinical applications.

Radiotherapy is a cornerstone in the treatment of solid tumors, with extensive Phase III trials confirming its effectiveness. As advancements in treatment technologies and our understanding of tumor resistance mechanisms continue, the role of radiation oncology is set to become even more pivotal. Addressing the global challenge of lethal cancers demands innovative strategies, particularly in minimizing the side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy and ionizing radiation (IR). Recently, there has been growing interest in natural compounds for radioprotection, aiming to prevent tumor development and metastasis. Piperine, a compound found in black and long pepper, has emerged as a promising chemopreventive agent that works effectively without harming normal cells. Mechanistically, piperine modulates key signaling pathways, inhibits cancer cell migration and invasion, and enhances sensitivity to IR. Combining piperine with radiotherapy offers a compelling approach, boosting treatment efficacy while protecting healthy tissues from radiation damage. Piperine’s versatile role goes beyond radiosensitization to include radioprotection by inhibiting NF-κB activation, reducing autophagy, and promoting apoptosis in cancer cells. This dual action makes it a promising candidate for personalized cancer care. As research advances, the therapeutic potential of piperine may drive new frontiers in cancer treatment strategies.

Background and purpose: The study explores basil seed mucilage as a bioadhesive carrier for naproxen sodium, demonstrating its ability to enhance solubility when administered rectally. The mucilage, derived from Ocimum basilicum seeds, showed bioadhesive properties and thermal stability, as confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Experimental approach: Microspheres were prepared using a double emulsion solvent evaporation technique, varying polymer ratios to optimize drug delivery. Key results: Particle size analysis revealed a range of 456±0.51 to 712±0.21 µm, with larger microspheres formed at higher mucilage concentrations due to increased viscosity. Encapsulation efficiency ranged from 45.01±0.25 % to 79.4±0.93 %, improving with higher basil/alginate ratios. The superior batch, OBM5, showed excellent mucoadhesive qualities in ex-vivo assays, attributed to the increased polymer content, facilitating interaction with rectal mucosa. SEM analysis of OBM5 indicated a spherical, monolithic structure conducive to free flow. Drug release was efficient, with OBM5 achieving 88.7±1.3 % after 7 hours, indicating a control­led release profile. Conclusion: Incorporated into polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 suppositories, suppose­tories were completely disintegrated in buffer solution within 25 minutes. The bioadhesive force of basil seed mucilage on rectal mucosa was significantly enhanced, reaching 6.44±0.58 g, correlating with mucilage concentration. These findings underscore the efficacy of basil seed mucilage as a bioadhesive biopolymer for rectal drug delivery systems.

The extraction of natural products is a critical area of focus in the interdisciplinary domain of applied chemistry, biology, and technology, with an emphasis on the development of eco-friendly and sustainable methodologies driven by increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly alternatives and industry concerns about sustainable, non-toxic extraction techniques. The yield and composition of natural extracts are contingent upon the extraction method employed and the solvent selected. Emerging technologies are designed to reduce extraction time, increase extraction yield, eliminate the use of solvents, and lessen environmental impact. The pharmaceutical industry has conducted extensive research into the application of innovative extraction technologies, including green technologies. In line with the development of “green technology,” the use of green solvents for the extraction of phytochemicals, as opposed to conventional non-eco-friendly solvents, is of paramount importance. Hydrotropes are one such class of green solvents that enhance the solubility of poorly water-soluble or hydrophobic compounds in aqueous solutions by reducing toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and pH independence. These compounds have the potential to enhance the bioavailability, solubility, dissolution rate, extraction yield, and purity of extracted phytoconstituents. Their use minimizes energy consumption and costs, making them an efficient and sustainable choice in the extraction process. This review highlights the extensive use of hydrotropes in the innovative extraction of phytoactive compounds. It provides a comprehensive overview of hydrotrope chemistry, addresses toxicological concerns, and discusses state-of-the-art extraction technologies. The review also examines factors affecting the yield of phytoconstituents and explores available drug delivery systems. The potential of hydrotropes in this context is promising, paving the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly extraction methodologies.