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Abstract: Biodegradable nanogels in the biomedical field are emerging vehicles comprising dispersions of hydrogel nanoparticles having 3D crosslinked polymeric networks. Nanogels show distinguished characteristics including their homogeneity, adjustable size, low toxicity, stability in serum, stimuli-responsiveness (pH, temperature, enzymes, light, etc.), and relatively good drug encapsulation capability. Due to these characteristics, nanogels are referred to as nextgeneration drug delivery systems and are suggested as promising carriers for dermal applications. The site-specific delivery of drugs with effective therapeutic effects is crucial in transdermal drug delivery. The nanogels made from biodegradable polymers can show external stimuliresponsiveness which results in a change in gel volume, water content, colloidal stability, mechanical strength, and other physical and chemical properties, thus improving the site-specific topical drug delivery. This review provides insight into the advances in development, limitations, and therapeutic significance of nanogels formulations. It also highlights the process of release of drugs in response to external stimuli, various biodegradable polymers in the formulation of the nanogels, and dermal applications of nanogels and their role in imaging, anti‐inflammatory therapy, antifungal and antimicrobial therapy, anti‐psoriatic therapy, and ocular and protein/peptide drug delivery.

Cancer is one of the major reasons for mortality across the globe. Many side-effects are associated with the formulations available in the market, affecting the quality of life of the patients. This has caused the researchers to find an alternative source of medications, such as herbal medicine, showing a promising effect in anticancer treatment; one such source is Pomegranate, which belongs to the family Punicaceae. Punica granatum contains many polyphenols that have antioxidant, antidiabetic, and therapeutic effects in the treatment and management of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, as well as a favourable effect on anticancer therapy. Polyphenols like punicalin, punicalagin, and ellagic acid are a few of the many compounds responsible for the anticancer activity of pomegranate. Many preparations of pomegranate, such as Pomegranate Juice (PJ), Pomegranate seed oil (PSO), Pomegranate peel extract (PoPx), etc. are used in various clinical studies. These polyphenols show anticancer activity by either arresting the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, inducing apoptosis or damaging the DNA of tumor cells. This review explicitly discusses the role and mechanism of bioactives obtained from the pomegranate in the treatment and management of cancer. The chemical structure, properties, and role of pomegranate in the treatment of breast, lung, thyroid, colon, and prostate cancer have been focused on in detail. This review also discusses various targeted drug delivery approaches for tumour treatment as well as patented preparation of pomegranate compounds along with the ongoing clinical trials.

To obtain the different types of technical utilities, the surface of various systems needs to be modified by altering surface properties using polymer coating(s) which is one of the emerging technologies to impart smart functions. The polymer coating has a wide application in various fields such as biomedicals, pharmaceuticals, packaging, corrosion control, electronics, and abrasion control. The coating can be done using both biodegradable and non-degradable polymers having eminent properties such as better mechanical strength, anti-wear characteristics, corrosion protection, electrical conductivity, biocompatibility, and high surface functionality. Several methods have been reported for the fabrication of defensive coatings. A thoughtful selection of polymers, coating methods, and critical process parameters may bring forth a better protective coating with advanced properties. This review discusses the objectives of the polymer coating, various coating technologies, and their smart applications.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has relentlessly spread all over the world even after the advent of vaccines. It demands management, treatment, and prevention as well with utmost safety and effectiveness. It is well researched that herbal medicines or natural products have shown promising outcomes to strengthen immunity with antiviral potential against SARS-COV-2.Our objective is to provide a comprehensive insight into the preventive and therapeutic effects of herbal medicines and products (Ayurvedic) for pre-and post-COVID manifestations.The database used in the text is collected and compiled from Scopus, PubMed, Nature, Elsevier, Web of Science, bioRxiv, medRxiv, American Chemical Society, and clinicaltrials.gov up to January 2022. Articles from non-academic sources such as websites and news were also retrieved. Exploration of the studies was executed to recognize supplementary publications of research studies and systematic reviews. The keywords, such as "SARS-COV-2, coronavirus, COVID-19, herbal drugs, immunity, herbal immunomodulators, infection, herbal antiviral drugs, and WHO recommendation" were thoroughly searched. Chemical structures were drawn using the software Chemdraw Professional 15.0.0.160 (PerkinElmer Informatics, Inc.).A plethora of literature supports that the use of herbal regimens not only strengthen immunity but can also treat SARS-COV-2 infection with minimal side effects. This review summarizes the mechanistic insights into herbal therapy engaging interferons and antibodies to boost the response against SARS-COV-2 infection, several clinical trials, and in silico studies (computational approaches) on selected natural products including, Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Yashtimadhu, Tulsi, etc. as preventive and therapeutic measures against COVID. We have also emphasized the exploitation of herbal medicine-based pharmaceutical products along with perspectives for unseen upcoming alike diseases.According to the current state of art and cutting-edge research on herbal medicines have showed a significant promise as modern COVID tools. Since vaccination cannot be purported as a long-term cure for viral infections, herbal/natural medicines can only be considered a viable alternative to current remedies, as conceived from our collected data to unroot recurring viral infections.

The object of present study was to design, develop and characterize mannose functionalized lipid-polymer based nanocomposite(s) for the site-specific delivery of immunogenic molecules. The DSPE-PEG2000-mannose was synthesized by the method reported elsewhere in the literature and then characterized by using FTIR and 1NMR spectral analysis. The functionalized and conventional lipid-polymer based nanocomposite(s) were prepared by double emulsification method. The prepared nanocomposite(s) were evaluated for physico-chemically characteristics i,e., optimum particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential which were measured to be 173.2 ± 6.84 nm, 0.227 ± 0.030, −23.11 ± 1.94 mV respectively; while percentage entrapment of OVA in MLPNs measured was 60.08 ± 2.34%. Further, nanocomposite(s) was characterized for morphology and shape performed using transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The in vitro release of OVA from nanocomposite(s) was assessed using ultracentrifugation for separation of nanocomposite(s) and estimation of Ag(s) in supernatant spectrophotometrically. The cellular uptake of developed formulation(s) was assessed using RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines. The findings indicated that mannose functionalized lipid-polymer based nanocomposite(s) could carry a payload of immune-bioactive(s) and effectively deliver the loaded contents to the antigen presenting cells for better therapeutic outcome.

Cancer is one of the major reasons for mortality across the globe. Many side-effects are associated with the formulations available in the market, affecting the quality of life of the patients. This has caused the researchers to find an alternative source of medications, such as herbal medicine, showing a promising effect in anticancer treatment; one such source is Pomegranate, which belongs to the family Punicaceae. Punica granatum contains many polyphenols that have antioxidant, antidiabetic, and therapeutic effects in the treatment and management of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, as well as a favourable effect on anticancer therapy. Polyphenols like punicalin, punicalagin, and ellagic acid are a few of the many compounds responsible for the anticancer activity of pomegranate. Many preparations of pomegranate, such as Pomegranate Juice (PJ), Pomegranate Seed Oil (PSO), Pomegranate peel extract (PoPx), etc. are used in various clinical studies. These polyphenols show anticancer activity by either arresting the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, inducing apoptosis or damaging the DNA of tumor cells. This review explicitly discusses the role and mechanism of bioactives obtained from the pomegranate in the treatment and management of cancer. The chemical structure, properties, and role of pomegranate in the treatment of breast, lung, thyroid, colon, and prostate cancer have been focused on in detail. This review also discusses various targeted drug delivery approaches for tumour treatment as well as patented preparation of pomegranate compounds along with the ongoing clinical trials.

In recent years, natural phytochemicals are gaining much attention for their antimicrobial potential. Garlic and turmeric are most widely used from the natural source, and their constituents directly or indirectly provide various health benefits, especially due to antimicrobial potential. Though the conventional antimicrobial compounds are effective against various pathogens, up till now there is a necessity of effective agents against MDR pathogens. Phytochemicals have been used for their antimicrobial potential from ancient times. These phytochemicals can work by multiple mechanisms, such as by inhibiting target modifying and drug degrading enzymes or as efflux pump inhibitors. The use of natural phytoconstituents (e.g., curcumin from turmeric and allicin from garlic) from these two medicinal plants may be an alternative strategy and can overcome the side effects associated with antibiotics or other allopathic means of treatment. A wide range of indications has revealed the therapeutic efficacy of these compounds on bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. To improve safety and efficacy, these phytoconstituents have been delivered using nanoformulations such as liposomes, hydrogels, and nanoparticles for the treatment against different bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites infections. This chapter is attempted to discuss phytochemistry, antimicrobial mechanisms, and application potential of phytoconstituents from turmeric and garlic.

The aim of present approach was to design and develop mannose functionalized reverse polymeric nanocomposite(s) system based on release promoter (MRPRPNs). Thus, the composition of the present formulation was optimized by employing the systematic design of experiments (DoE) for screening and optimization using L8-Array Taguchi and 3-level-3-factor Box-Behnken Design (BBD). Further, the developed formulation was observed for its preferential internalization by professional antigen presenting cells (macrophages/dendritic cells) and prompt release of loaded antigen in a pH-dependent manner. The optimized formulation was also extensively characterized for average hydrodynamic diameter, surface potential, poly dispersity index of reverse polymeric nanocomposite(s) which were recoded to be 189.4 ± 8.52 nm, 0.111 ± 0.024, -23.4 ± 2.0 mV, respectively; while percentage entrapment efficiency of OVA in MRPRPNs to be 60.17 ± 2.41%. The release pattern of OVA from MRPRPNs was consistent at pH 7.4. However, at acidic pH (≈5.5) where in protons (H

Oral drug delivery (ODD) is considered as one of the most convenient and optimal routes of drug delivery administration for achieving therapeutic benefits. This preference stems from several factors including patient compliance, noninvasiveness, ease-of-use, and reliability of oral dosage forms. Despite significant advancement in other administration routes such as nasal, injectable, and transdermal, the truth is that the ODD still remains the preferred delivery route. However, the challenges faced in ODD include drug inefficacy, toxicity, and poor bioavailability of drugs. In order to overcome these limitations, new drug dosage forms have been developed by taking advantage of nanoparticulate drug delivery systems. The so-called nanomedicines are designed to maximize drug concentration at the target absorption site while minimizing the drug adverse effects. To this aim, nanoplatforms should basically manifest appropriate drug vehiculization capabilities and a perfect control on the biological fate of drug molecules. It is unquestionably accepted only the wise engineering of the drug nanocarrier may meet these requisites.

Cell annexation is an intrinsic cellular pathway whereby cells reciprocate to extracellular stimuli to drift and restrain the structure of their extracellular matrix (ECM) to evolve, reconstruct, and protect the body’s tissues. In cancer cells, this process becomes peculiarly (varying from the usual) regulated and lead to cancer metastasis. So for the diagnosis and treatment (theranostic) of this unwanted cellular growth, researchers have worked on many potential molecular/therapeutic targets of cancer cell invasion. We aim to provide a perspective on how the advances in cancer biology and the field of nanomedicine can be combined to offer new solutions for treating cancer metastasis. Nanomedicine is an emerging technology which gives potential solution for approaching cancer metastasis by improving the specificity and potency of therapeutics delivered to invasive cancer cells. In this chapter, we describe different types of nanomedicines such as quantum dots (QDs), different nanoparticulate systems including silver nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles (GNPs), etc. For the diagnosis of cancer different types of testing procedures are applied to confirm the presence of disease and distinguish the correct tumor type, location, and stage. At present different types of cancer therapies are being used in the treatment of cancer like 396radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, stem cell transplants, etc. It is further discussed how the field of nanomedicine can be applied to diagnose, monitor, and treat cancer cell annexation.

Nanotechnology-based advances in nanosponges have impacted the field of drug delivery of biomacromolecules to maximize therapeutic efficacy along with minimizing its untoward effects. Several approaches have been exploited not only to develop nanosponges for targeted and controlled drug delivery but also for photothermal therapy, blood purification, and solubility enhancement. Nanosponges have emerged as a tool of nanotechnology in the field of drug delivery. In order to achieve specific targeted delivery, these tiny sponges can circulate within the body until they encounter its target site to release the drug in a controlled and programmed manner. Recently, various software-based approaches have also been used for the optimization of nanosponges. There are several applications of nanosponges such as increased bioavailability, stability, reduced irritancy and many more. This review attempts to elaborate on merits and demerits, methods of preparation, characterization, optimization approaches, applications, and recent advances in nanosponges.

The effectiveness of any drug is dependent on to various factors like drug solubility, bioavailability, selection of appropriate delivery system, and proper route of administration. The oral route for the delivery of drugs is undoubtedly the most convenient, safest and has been widely used from past few decades for the effective delivery of drugs. However, despite of the numerous advantages that oral route offers, it often suffers certain limitations like low bioavailability due to poor water solubility as well as poor permeability of drugs, degradation of the drug in the physiological pH of the stomach, hepatic first-pass metabolism, etc. The researchers have been continuously working extensively to surmount and address appropriately the inherent drawbacks of the oral drug delivery. The constant and continuous efforts have led to the development of lipid-based nano drug delivery system to overcome the aforesaid associated challenges of the oral delivery through lymphatic transportation. The use of lymphatic route has demonstrated its critical and crucial role in overcoming the problem associated and related to low bioavailability of poorly water-soluble and poorly permeable drugs by bypassing intestinal absorption and possible first-pass metabolism. The current review summarizes the bonafide perks of using the lipid-based nanocarriers for the delivery of drugs using the lymphatic route. The lipid-based nanocarriers seem to be a promising delivery system which can be optimized and further explored as an alternative to the conventional dosage forms for the enhancement of oral bioavailability of drugs, with better patient compliance, minimum side effect, and improved the overall quality of life.

A folic acid-conjugated paclitaxel (PTX)-doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier(s) (FA-PTX-DOX NLCs) were prepared by using emulsion-evaporation method and extensively characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and % entrapment efficiency which were found to be 196 ± 2.5 nm, 0.214 ± 0.04, +23.4 ± 0.3 mV and 88.3 ± 0.2% (PTX), and 89.6 ± 0.5% (DOX) respectively. In vitro drug release study of optimized formulation was carried out using dialysis tube method. FA-conjugated PTX-DOX-loaded NLCs showed 75.6 and 78.4% (cumulative drug release) of PTX and DOX respectively in 72 h in PBS (pH 7.4)/methanol (7:3), while in the case of FA-conjugated PTX-DOX-loaded NLCs, cumulative drug release recorded was 80.4 and 82.8% of PTX and DOX respectively in 72 h in PBS (pH 4.0)/methanol (7:3). Further, the formulation(s) were evaluated for ex vivo cytotoxicity study. The cytotoxicity assay in doxorubicin-resistant human breast cancer MCF-7/ADR cell lines revealed lowest GI50 value of FA-D-P NLCs which was 1.04 ± 0.012 μg/ml, followed by D-P NLCs and D-P solution with GI50 values of 3.12 ± 0.023 and 3.89 ± 0.007 μg/ml, respectively. Findings indicated that the folic acid-conjugated PTX and DOX co-loaded NLCs exhibited lower GI50 values as compared to unconjugated PTX and DOX co-loaded NLCs; thus, they have relatively potential anticancer efficacy against resistant tumor.

Nanotechnology has drawn the attention of many researchers for the delivery of therapeutics used in various medical applications. Liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles represent promising nanocarriers that efficiently encapsulate drugs, which prevents their degradation along with the control and sustained drug release. Despite the many advantages of these formulations, some of the drawbacks associated with them limit their application to a certain extent. Therefore, there is need for a novel nanocarrier that possesses all of their individual advantages and excludes their drawbacks. Currently, researchers are focused on developing a novel platform that is a hybrid of a polymeric and liposomal-based carrier that combines the peculiarity of both and excludes their shortcomings. Lipid hybrid polymer nanoparticles (LPNs) contain the hydrophobic biodegradable polymeric core surrounded by a lipid layer for intensification of biocompatibility. This chapter includes an introduction of LPNs along with their advantages, composition, and method of preparation.

Hydrogels are promising and innovative drug delivery system that plays a vital role by addressing the problems associated with old and modern therapeutics such as nonspecific effects and poor stability. Hydrogels are extensively being explored as drug delivery systems due to ease of their modifications and ability to efficiently encapsulate therapeutics of diverse nature through simple mechanisms. These are essentially based on hydrophilic polymer networks, with a tendency to imbibe water when placed in an aqueous environment. The affinity to aqueous solutions, superior colloidal properties, inertness in the biological system and the internal aqueous environment, make them suitable for incorporation of bulky drugs for delivery of chemotherapeutics and proteins. Present chapter presents introduction to hydrogel based drug delivery including types of hydrogel, their composition, types of polymerization techniques used for formulation of hydrogel and characterization of hydrogel. Furthermore, stimuli responsive hydrogels and their biomedical applications will be summarized.

Infectious agents generally use mucosal surfaces as entry port to the body thereby necessitating the need of development of mucosal vaccine as vaccination is important for disease avoidance and suppression. Vaccination through mucosal route is a promising strategy to elicit efficient immune response as parentally administered vaccines induce poor mucosal immunity in general. Safety, economy and stability are highly desired with vaccines and this can be achieved with use of delivery cargos. This review focuses on challenges related with mucosal vaccines and use of nanocarriers as suitable cargos to cater the antigen effectively to the desired site. The review also includes different factors which are to be considered regarding the performance of the nanocarriers and clinical status of these systems.

Aim: The purpose of present approach is to target C-Type lectin (CTL) receptors for preferential uptake by the macrophages/dendritic cells and improving the cross-presentation of ovalbumin. Materials & methods: Conventional and engineered nanoliposomes (MPNLs) were fabricated and extensively characterized. The nanoliposome(s) was spherical in shape; and their ζ potential, size and ovalbumin loading efficiency were recorded to be 268 ± 4.15 nm, 23.4 ± 0.35 mV, 46.65 ± 1.84%, respectively. Results: The findings demonstrate that MPNLs significantly improved the antigen uptake and its cross-presentation to evoke Th CD8+ cell-mediated cellular immunity. Conclusion: In a nutshell, this engineered approach mannose surface modification for active targeting to dendritic cells/macrophages and pH-dependent quick endosomal antigen release is a promising system for efficient cancer immunotherapy.

Liposomes (LIP), nanoparticles (NP), dendrimers (DEN), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), represent eminent classes of drug delivery devices. A study was carried out herewith by employing docetaxel (DTX) as model drug to assess their comparative drug delivery potentials. Under optimized conditions, highest entrapment of DTX was observed in CNT-based formulation (DTX-CNTs, 74.70 ± 4.9%) followed by nanoparticles (DTX-NP, 62.34 ± 1.5%), liposome (49.2 ± 1.51%), and dendrimers (28.26 ± 1.74%). All the formulations were found to be of nanometric size. In vitro release studies were carried out in PBS (pH 7.0 and 4.0), wherein all the formulations showed biphasic release pattern. Cytotoxicity assay in human cervical cancer SiHa cells inferred lowest IC50 value of 1,235.09 ± 41.93 nM with DTX-CNTs, followed by DTX-DEN, DTX-LIP, DTX-NP with IC50 values of 1,571.22 ± 151.27, 1,653.98 ± 72.89, 1,922.75 ± 75.15 nM, respectively. Plain DTX showed higher hemolytic toxicity of 22.48 ± 0.94%, however loading of DTX inside nanocarriers drastically reduced its hemolytic toxicity (DTX-DEN, 17.22 ± 0.48%; DTX-LIP, 4.13 ± 0.19%; DTX-NP, 6.43 ± 0.44%; DTX-CNTs, 14.87 ± 1.69%).

Cancer is a dreadful disease and presently the leading cause of death worldwide. Scientists are continuously exploring new treatment regimen for successful management of this disease. Advancement in the field of nanotechnology and its integration with the field of immunotherapy has paved new ways for improving the treatment of cancer. Immunotherapy refers to therapeutic approaches that treat cancer by using patient’s own immune system. By using nanometric-sized particulate and vesicular carriers, tumor-associated antigen(s) and adjuvant(s) can be simultaneously administered which augment the immune system activation and this concept can be wisely used for designing nanotechnology-based cancer immunotherapy. Also nanotechnology-based immunotherapy confers certain benefits like enhanced therapeutic effect, targeted delivery to immune cells, and reduced adverse outcomes. Nanotechnology-based therapeutic cancer vaccine consists of antigen(s), delivery system, and adjuvant. This chapter comprises of the expected outcomes of simultaneous delivery of tumor-associated antigen(s) and adjuvant to dendritic cells using vesicular and particulate vaccine delivery system(s). It is also a summarized overview on the advancement of polymeric- and lipid-based delivery systems for the development of nanotechnology-based cancer immunotherapy.

Psoriasis, one of the dreadful skin autoimmune disorder is characterized with relapsing episodes of inflammation and hyperkeratosis. Presently, various treatment approaches with different antipsoriatic drugs having different modes of action and routes of administration, are established. Among the currently available treatments including topical therapy, phototherapy, and systemic therapy, none of the treatment for psoriasis is found to be safe, effective, and able to completely cure the disease. In addition, long-term use of the available treatment choices are associated with related toxicity and inappropriate cosmetic appearance. The need to overcome the drawbacks of the conventional therapeutic approaches has encouraged the researchers to develop and introduce newer formulations utilizing colloidal drug-delivery systems, such as liposome, transferosome, niosomes, ethosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, microspheres, micelles, dendrimers, etc. Present chapter is an attempt to contemplate on psoriasis in terms of pathogenesis, role of cytokines, currently available treatment options pertaining to mode of action, pharmacokinetics, major hindrances in psoriasis treatment, side effects of individual antipsoriatic drugs, and recent developments in the delivery of various antipsoriatic drugs through lipid-based novel colloidal drug carriers.

Size-dependent immunity prompted interest in development of not only nanosized-based but also microparticle (MP)-based vaccine delivery systems. By using micrometric-sized substances such as virus-like proteins, liposomes, and MPs, a number of antigens and adjuvants can be simultaneously administered, which enhances the activation of the immune system; this concept can be wisely used for designing novel vaccines for effective immunotherapy. Particulate delivery systems generally have sizes similar to those of the pathogens and thus can be used wisely to elicit desired immune responses as synergistic responses are generated. Also, specificity can be achieved by MPs by tailoring the surface of these micron-sized carriers. These carriers can surmount the major drawbacks associated with conventional vaccines such as stability, low immune response, biocompatibility, and degradation followed by clearance from the site sometimes prior to the desired action. The present chapter sums up microparticulate carrier–based new generation vaccines, their development, and current scenario in the clinics.

Vaccination has been accomplished as one of the most effective method of regulating microbial infections. Progress in nano-biotechnology has created opportunities for the development of a nanocarrier-based new generation of vaccines against various diseases such as cancer, malaria, hepatitis B, anthrax, AIDS, etc. Nanoparticulate-carrier-based vaccine delivery is a promising approach owing to their nano size, biodegradability, biocompatibility nature, immune adjuvant property, spatiotemporal delivery of antigens, and ability to provide effective immunization through better targeting and by triggering antibody response at the cellular level. Nanoparticulate carriers can overcome the major challenges associated with conventional vaccines such as stability, low immune response, biocompatibility, degradation followed by clearance from the site sometimes prior to the desired action. Nanocarriers include polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, niosomes, bilosomes, emulsomes, nanocapsules, and so forth progressively being applied for effective nanovaccines development. The proposed chapter summarizes the cutting edge technologies of nanoparticulate-carrier-based new generation of vaccine development, including design aspects, clinical trials, and so on.

Nanotechnology-based “theranostic” approaches have gained much interest in the area of cancer research, particularly in the development of novel nanomedicine that combines therapeutic and bioimaging agents using a single nanoscale carrier system. This concept, coined as “nanotheranostics,” enables diagnosis and monitoring of bioactive(s) delivery and therapeutic response in real time. By combining therapeutic functionalities with molecular imaging, theranostic-based modalities may be beneficial in the selection of therapy, planning of treatment, monitoring of objective response, and planning of follow-up therapy based on the specific molecular characteristics of a disease. Significant nanomaterial(s)-based attempts have been made to combine therapeutic and diagnostic properties into a single effective nanomedicine formulation. This chapter describes the various modalities that combine tumor therapeutic agents and bioimaging agents into a single nanoplatform. This manuscript also focuses on the various nanotheranostics, which include polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based vesicular nanocarriers, gold nanostructures, magnetic nanoparticles, micelles, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots, with their targeted codelivery of cancer bioactives and diagnostic agents in a controlled and sustained manner for better biomedical applications in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics.

Biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles have gained much attention in recent decades in the field of drug delivery, particularly in the development of new-generation cancer therapies. Nanoparticle-based cancer therapies are a promising strategy owing to their nanosize, surface-modifiable properties, and ability to overcome the biomedical, biological, and biophysical barriers. It was realized that engineered nanoparticle-loaded bioactive(s) could not only selectively gain access to tumor but also release the drug(s) at a predefined site in a controlled and targeted manner with better chemotherapeutic index. Engineered nanoparticles in cancer therapy offer many targeted functions such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, thermotherapy, immune-detection, imaging, antiangiogenesis, and photodynamic therapy. Numerous clinical studies prove that nanoparticle-based approaches can enhance efficacy and reduce side effects as compared to conventional cancer therapies. This chapter summarizes the recent advancement of nanoparticles for tumor-targeted therapies, including theragnostic applications, clinical trials, and recent patents.

The oral deliverance of therapeutics established the route of drug administration and is extensively explored in this chapter. Unfortunately, it is weighed down with a few key problems including devastation of therapeutics in the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and low absorption of macromolecules. A number of approaches have been exploited in order to attain improved oral absorption and vis a vis the bioavailability of ample drugs, particularly those having poor water solubility. The route of administration is associated with challenges such as biocompatibility, stability, and solubility, which can be surmounted with the help of nanocarriers. Lipidic nanocarriers are progressively being applied within this arena to optimize drug targeting for improved bioavailability. Examples of these nanocarriers include liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanocarriers, nanostructured lipid carriers, nanocapsules, etc. The nanocarrier system diffuses to some extent into the mucus gel layer and the loaded bioactive is released into this layer. Future trends mainly concentrate on a nanocarrier that is proficient in enhancing drug solubility, providing drug release at controlled rates, and also allowing efficient permeation across the mucus gel layer without being destroyed. The chapter will describe the cutting edge technologies with a specific focus on the delivery of the lipid carriers containing bioactives within the gastrointestinal system, the transport mechanism of the GI tract, barriers to drug absorption, and current status and limitations of nanotechnology.

Recent years have witnessed a shift in paradigm in regard to the use of nanobiomaterials over conventional systems. Noteworthy advances have been made in the development of nanomaterials of precise geometry and physicochemical and surface properties. Formulations with biodegradable polymers and their subsequent surface tailoring further resulted in improved biocompatibility and site-specific delivery of bioactives. With advancement in nanotechnology, a state-of-the-art platform is available for detection, therapy, and monitoring of cancer. Thus it leads to successful management of cancer. Nanomaterials can be used for optical imaging, as contrast agents, and in magnetic resonance imaging. Nanocarrier-based formulations can augment tumor exposure to bioactives and improve the treatment efficiency by increasing the circulation time and enhancing tumor uptake through a combination of receptor-mediated endocytosis and enhanced permeability and retention effect. Also, encapsulating the bioactive in the nanocarrier imparts protection to the same from degradation. Additionally, imaging and therapeutic agents can be codelivered to integrate the diagnosis and therapy. Metallic nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots are some examples of nanoformulations that can be used as multifunctional platforms for cancer theranostics. This chapter focuses on the role of nanomaterials in detection and treatment of cancer, drawing attention to the promising potential of nanomaterials for applications in antitumor therapy.

The purpose of the present investigation was to investigate the drug targeting potential of glycyrrhizin (GL) conjugated dendrimers (GL-PPI) and multi walled carbon nanotubes (GL-MWCNTs) towards liver targeting of a model anti-cancer agent, doxorubicin (DOX). The synthesis was confirmed by FTIR, 1H-NMR and morphology analysis. Higher DOX loading was observed in case of GL-PPI-DOX and GL-MWCNT-DOX (43.02 ± 0.64% and 87.26 0.57%, respectively) than parent nanocarriers. GL attachment considerably reduced the haemolytic toxicity of DOX by 12.38 ± 1.05 and 7.30 ± 0.63% by GL-PPI-DOX and GL-MWCNT-DOX, respectively. MTT cytotoxicity studies, flow cytometry and cell morphology assessment was done in HepG2 cell. The IC50 of DOX was reduced from 4.19±0.05 µM to 2.0±0.01 and 2.7±0.03 µM, respectively by GL-PPI-DOX and GL-MWCNT-DOX, respectively. Flow cytometry and phase contrast microscopy confirmed GL conjugated formulations to be significantly dragging higher cancer cell number of cells in early apoptosis as well as in early apoptotic phase.

Therapeutic vaccines that treat cancers with the help of the patient’s own immune system signify a feasible option for active immunotherapy against the disease. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in modulating the immune response and thus can be wisely utilized as an immunotherapeutic strategy for cancer regimens. Advances in the knowledge of DC biology and function have led to the development of DC-based vaccines for cancer therapy. In the present review, we discuss the biology and function of DCs, their subsets and receptors, antigen loading and route of administration of DC vaccines, as well as active and passive targeting strategies for treating the cancer. We also discuss the preclinical and clinical status of these newly developed vaccines. Special attention should be given by the scientific community to the challenges that need to be solved for the successful implication of these vaccines in cancer therapy.

In the recent years, theranostic nanomedicine based strategies have gained much attention in the field of oncology particularly, in the development of new generation cancer diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Today, various approaches have been developed for bioactive(s) targeting to predefined pathological sites, as well as for quantification of physiological processes and visualization. Significant attempts have been made to combine therapeutic and diagnostic properties in to a single effective nanomedicine formulation. This concept, coined as "theranostics" is smart nanosystem(s), able to diagnose, bioactive(s) delivery and monitoring of therapeutic response. By combining therapeutic functionalities with molecular imaging, theranostic based strategies may be beneficial in the selection of therapy, planning of treatment, monitoring of objective response and planning of follow-up therapy based on the specific molecular characteristics of a disease. In this manuscript, we reviewed the recent development of theranostic approaches, various nanosystems as theranostic agents and applications of theranostic in cancer therapeutics and diagnostics.

Mucosal sites serve as the main portal for the entry of pathogens and thus immunization through mucosal routes can greatly improve the immunity. Researchers are continuously exploring the vaccination strategies to engender protective mucosal immune responses. Unearthing of mucosal adjuvants, that are safe and effective, is enhancing the magnitude and quality of the protective immune response. Use of nanotechnology based polymeric nanocarrier systems which encapsulate vaccine components for protection of sensitive payload, incorporate mucosal adjuvants to maximize the immune responses and target the mucosal immune system is a key strategy to improve the effectiveness of mucosal vaccines. These advances promise to accelerate the development and testing of new mucosal vaccines against many human diseases. This review focuses on the need for the development of nanocarrier based mucosal vaccines with emphases on the polymeric nanoparticles, their clinical status and future perspectives. This review focuses on the need and new insights for the development of nanoarchitecture governed mucosal vaccination with emphases on the various polymeric nanoparticles, their clinical status and future perspectives.