Meloxicam (MLX) is efficient in relieving pain and inflammatory symptoms, which, however, is limited by the poor solubility and gastrointestinal side effects. The objective of this study is to develop a nanocrystal formulation to enhance transdermal delivery of MLX. MLX nanocrystals were successfully prepared by the nanoprecipitation technique based on acid-base neutralization. With poloxamer 407 and Tween 80 (80/20, w/w) as mixed stabilizers, MLX nanocrystals with particle size of 175 nm were obtained. The crystalline structure of MLX nanocrystals was confirmed by both differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder diffractometry. However, the nanoprecipitation process reduced the crystallinity of MLX. Nanocrystals increased both in vitro and in vivo transdermal permeation of MLX compared with the solution and suspension counterparts. Due to the enhanced apparent solubility and dissolution as well as the facilitated hair follicular penetration, nanocrystals present a high and prolonged plasma MLX concentration. And 2.58- and 4.4-fold increase in AUC0→24h was achieved by nanocrystals comparing with solution and suspension, respectively. In conclusion, nanocrystal is advantageous for transdermal delivery of MLX.

An optimized QU–LU Carbopol 940-based hydrogel significantly promoted S. aureus -infected wound healing through anti-infection, anti-inflammation, collagen deposition and angiogenesis, revealing it as a promising alternative for infected wound repair.

Four unprecedented cycloheptanone-containing and some related known bioactive polyketides were isolated from an endophytic fungus associated with the critically endangered conifer Abies beshanzuensis.

Ionic liquids (ILs) loading ketoconazole (KCZ) have shown better efficacy on rats with tinea pedis than the marketed Daktarin® but clinical studies are still lacking. In this study, we described the clinical translation of ILs containing KCZ (KCZ‐ILs) from the lab into the clinic and evaluated the efficacy and safety of KCZ‐ILs in patients with tinea pedis. Thirty‐six enrolled participants were randomized to receive either KCZ‐ILs (KCZ, 4.72 mg/g) or Daktarin® (control group; KCZ, 20 mg/g) topically twice daily, making the lesion be covered with a thin layer of medication. The randomized controlled trial lasted for 8 weeks including 4 weeks of intervention and 4 weeks of follow‐up. Primary efficacy outcome was the proportion of treatment success responders, defined as patients achieving negative mycological result and ≥60% relative reduction in total clinical symptom score (TSS) from baseline at week 4. Secondary outcomes mainly for evaluating the relapse of disease included the proportion of treatment success individuals at week 8 and fungal recurrence rate at weeks 2, 3, 4, and 8. After 4 weeks of medication, 47.06% of the KCZ‐ILs subjects were treatment successes compared with only 25.00% of those using Daktarin®. Throughout the trial period, KCZ‐ILs induced a significantly lower recurrence rate (52.94%) than that of control patients (68.75%). Furthermore, KCZ‐ILs were found to be safe and well‐tolerated. In conclusion, ILs loading only 1/4 KCZ dose of Daktarin® showed a better efficacy and safety profile in the management of tinea pedis, creating a new opportunity for the treatment of skin diseases caused by fungal infection and is worthy of clinical application.