Ivana Jarak

There were some aspects in the original publication that need to be corrected

Background: Ganoderma lucidum (GL), commonly known as the “Lingzhi” or “Reishi” mushroom, has long been recognized for its potential health benefits and medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine. The unique potential combination of bioactive compounds present in GL, such as triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptides, has inspired interest in leveraging their therapeutic potential In recent years, the emerging field of nanotechnology has opened up new possibilities for using the remarkable properties of GL at the nanoscale. Objetive: The main objective of this review is to explore the unique potential of GL in traditional and innovative therapies, particularly in cancer treatment, and to assess how nanotechnology-based strategies can enhance its therapeutic applications.is to explore. Results: Nanotechnology-based strategies have been investigated for the efficient extraction and purification of bioactive compounds from GL. Additionally, nanocarriers and nanoformulations have been developed to protect these sensitive bioactive compounds from degradation, ensuring their stability during storage and transportation. The use of GL-based nanomaterials has shown promising results in several biomedical applications, namely due to their anticancer activity by targeting cancer cells, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting tumor growth. Conclusions: The combination of GL and nanotechnology presents an exciting frontier in the development of novel therapeutic and biomedical applications. Nevertheless, further research and development in this interdisciplinary field are warranted to fully exploit the synergistic benefits offered by GL and nanotechnology. Future prospects include the development of robust clinical trials focused on GL nanotechnology-based cancer therapies to clarify mechanisms of actions and optimize formulations, ultimately leading to innovative solutions for human health and well-being.

Most chemotherapeutic agents are poorly soluble in water, have low selectivity, and cannot reach the tumor in the desired therapeutic concentration. On the other hand, sensitive hydrophilic therapeutics like nucleic acids and proteins suffer from poor bioavailability and cell internalization. To solve this problem, new types of controlled release systems based on nano-sized self-assemblies of cyclodextrins able to control the speed, timing, and location of therapeutic release are being developed. Cyclodextrins are macrocyclic oligosaccharides characterized by a high synthetic plasticity and potential for derivatization. Introduction of new hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic domains and/or formation of nano-assemblies with therapeutic load extends the use of CDs beyond the tried-and-tested CD-drug host–guest inclusion complexes. The recent advances in nano drug delivery have indicated the benefits of the hybrid amphiphilic CD nanosystems over individual CD and polymer components. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the most recent advances in the design of CDs self-assemblies and their use for delivery of a wide range of therapeutic molecules. It aims to offer a valuable insight into the many roles of CDs within this class of drug nanocarriers as well as current challenges and future perspectives.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prominent cancer worldwide, and the second leading cause of cancer death. Poor outcomes and limitations of current treatments fuel the search for new therapeutic options. Curcumin (CUR) is often presented as a safer alternative for cancer treatment with a staggering number of molecular targets involved in tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. Despite being promising, its therapeutic potential is hindered due to its hydrophobic nature. Hence, the ongoing development of optimal delivery strategies based on nanotechnology, such as polymeric micelles (PMs), to overcome issues in CUR solubilization and delivery to tumor cells. In this sense, this study aimed to optimize the development and stability of CUR-loaded P123:F127:TPGS PMs (PFT:CUR) based on the thin-film approach and evaluate their therapeutic potential in CRC. Overall, the results revealed that the solubility of CUR was improved when room temperature was used to hydrate the film. The PFT–CUR hydrated at room temperature presents an average hydrodynamic diameter of 15.9 ± 0.3 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.251 ± 0.103 and a zeta potential of −1.5 ± 1.9 mV, and a 35.083 ± 1.144 encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and 3.217 ± 0.091 drug loading (DL%) were observed. To ensure the stability of the optimized PFT–CUR nanosystems, different lyophilization protocols were tested, the use of 1% of glycine (GLY) being the most promising protocol. Regarding the critical micellar concentration (CMC), it was shown that the cryoprotectant and the lyophilization process could impact it, with an increase from 0.064 mg/mL to 0.119 mg/mL. In vitro results showed greater cytotoxic effects when CUR was encapsulated compared to its free form, yet further analysis revealed the heightened cytotoxicity could be attributed to the system itself. Despite challenges, the developed CUR-loaded PM shows potential as an effective therapeutic agent for CRC. Nonetheless, the system must undergo refinements to enhance drug entrapment as well as improve overall stability.

In arterial hypertension, the dysregulation of several metabolic pathways is closely associated with chronic immune imbalance and inflammation progression. With time, these disturbances lead to the development of progressive disease and end-organ involvement. However, the influence of cholecalciferol on metabolic pathways as a possible mechanism of its immunomodulatory activity in obesity-related hypertension is not known. In a phase 2, randomized, single-center, 24-week trial, we evaluated, as a secondary outcome, the serum metabolome of 36 age- and gender-matched adults with obesity-related hypertension and vitamin D deficiency, before and after supplementation with cholecalciferol therapy along with routine medication. The defined endpoint was the assessment of circulating metabolites using a nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics approach. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the systemic metabolic alterations caused by cholecalciferol. In comparison with normotensive controls, hypertensive patients presented overall decreased expression of several amino acids (p < 0.05), including amino acids with ketogenic and glucogenic properties as well as aromatic amino acids. Following cholecalciferol supplementation, increases were observed in glutamine (p < 0.001) and histidine levels (p < 0.05), with several other amino acids remaining unaffected. Glucose (p < 0.05) and acetate (p < 0.05) decreased after 24 weeks in the group taking the supplement, and changes in the saturation of fatty acids (p < 0.05) were also observed, suggesting a role of liposoluble vitamin D in lipid metabolism. Long-term cholecalciferol supplementation in chronically obese and overweight hypertensives induced changes in the blood serum metabolome, which reflected systemic metabolism and may have fostered a new microenvironment for cell proliferation and biology. Of note, the increased availability of glutamine may be relevant for the proliferation of different T-cell subsets.

Polymersomes are artificial nanoparticles formed by the self-assembly process of amphiphilic block copolymers composed of hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks. They can encapsulate hydrophilic molecules in the aqueous core and hydrophobic molecules within the membrane. The composition of block copolymers can be tuned, enabling control of characteristics and properties of formed polymersomes and, thus, their application in areas such as drug delivery, diagnostics, or bioimaging. The preparation methods of polymersomes can also impact their characteristics and the preservation of the encapsulated drugs. Many methods have been described, including direct hydration, thin film hydration, electroporation, the pH-switch method, solvent shift method, single and double emulsion method, flash nanoprecipitation, and microfluidic synthesis. Considering polymersome structure and composition, there are several types of polymersomes including theranostic polymersomes, polymersomes decorated with targeting ligands for selective delivery, stimuli-responsive polymersomes, or porous polymersomes with multiple promising applications. Due to the shortcomings related to the stability, efficacy, and safety of some therapeutics in the human body, polymersomes as drug delivery systems have been good candidates to improve the quality of therapies against a wide range of diseases, including cancer. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy can be improved by using polymersomes to deliver the drugs, protecting and directing them to the exact site of action. Moreover, this approach is also promising for targeted delivery of biologics since they represent a class of drugs with poor stability and high susceptibility to in vivo clearance. However, the lack of a well-defined regulatory plan for polymersome formulations has hampered their follow-up to clinical trials and subsequent market entry.

Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as the "Lingzhi" or "Reishi" mushroom, has long been recognized for its potential health benefits, and medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, the emerging field of nanotechnology has opened up new possibilities in order to use the remarkable properties of G. Lucidum at the nanoscale. The unique combination of bioactive compounds present in G. Lucidum, such as triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptides, has inspired interest in leveraging their therapeutic potential through nanotechnological approaches. Various nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, nanofibers, and nanocomposites, have been employed to encapsulate and deliver these bioactive components to target cells or tissues, enhancing stability, controlled release, and consequently their bioavailability. Nanotechnology-based strategies have been investigated for the efficient extraction and purification of bioactive compounds from G. Lucidum. The use of nanoscale materials has facilitated the extraction process, enhancing the yield and purity of the active components. Additionally, nanocarriers and nanoformulations have been developed to protect these sensitive bioactive compounds from degradation, ensuring their stability during storage and transportation. The use of G. Lucidum-based nanomaterials has shown promising results in several biomedical applications. Nanoparticles loaded with bioactive compounds derived from G. Lucidum have exhibited potent anticancer activity by targeting cancer cells, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting tumor growth. Additionally, nanotechnology-based formulations have demonstrated immunomodulatory effects, promoting the activation of immune cells and enhancing the body's defense mechanisms. GL, combined with the potential of nanotechnology, presents an exciting frontier in the development of novel therapeutic and biomedical applications. The utilization of nanomaterials for extraction, delivery, and integration of bioactive compounds from G. Lucidum has shown immense potential for improving drug delivery, tissue engineering, and disease treatment. Further research and development in this interdisciplinary field are warranted to fully exploit the synergistic benefits offered by G. Lucidum, and nanotechnology, ultimately leading to innovative solutions for human health and well-being.

The paradigm of pediatric drug development has been evolving in a “carrot-and-stick”-based tactic to address population-specific issues. However, the off-label prescription of adult medicines to pediatric patients remains a feature of clinical practice, which may compromise the age-appropriate evaluation of treatments. Therefore, the United States and the European Pediatric Formulation Initiative have recommended applying nanotechnology-based delivery systems to tackle some of these challenges, particularly applying inorganic, polymeric, and lipid-based nanoparticles. Connected with these, advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) have also been highlighted, with optimistic perspectives for the pediatric population. Despite the results achieved using these innovative therapies, a workforce that congregates pediatric patients and/or caregivers, healthcare stakeholders, drug developers, and physicians continues to be of utmost relevance to promote standardized guidelines for pediatric drug development, enabling a fast lab-to-clinical translation. Therefore, taking into consideration the significance of this topic, this work aims to compile the current landscape of pediatric drug development by (1) outlining the historic regulatory panorama, (2) summarizing the challenges in the development of pediatric drug formulation, and (3) delineating the advantages/disadvantages of using innovative approaches, such as nanomedicines and ATMPs in pediatrics. Moreover, some attention will be given to the role of pharmaceutical technologists and developers in conceiving pediatric medicines.