Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles and are crucial in intercellular communication. Interestingly, tumor-derived exosomes carry oncogenic molecules, such as proteins and microRNAs, which can reprogram recipient cells, promote angiogenesis, and stimulate cancer pre-metastatic niche, supporting cancer growth and metastasis. On the other hand, their biocompatibility, stability, and ability to cross biological barriers make them attractive candidates for drug delivery. Recent advances have shown the potential for exosomes to be used in early disease detection and in targeted drug therapy by delivering therapeutic agents specifically to tumor sites. Despite the promising applications, a number of challenges remain, including exosome isolation and characterization, as well as their inherent heterogeneity. Thus, the current review aims to describe the roles of exosomes in health and disease, and discuss the challenges that hinder their development into becoming useful medical tools.

Significant progress has been made in developing cell-based drug delivery systems that utilize the intrinsic biological properties of various cell types—erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, stem cells, and even spermatozoa—to improve drug targeting, bioavailability, and biocompatibility. This review presents an integrative analysis of the latest advances in cell-based drug delivery systems, focusing on their design, pharmacokinetics, cellular interactions, and therapeutic potential. We specifically focus on hybrid microrobots and membrane-coated nanocarriers as emerging biohybrid platforms. Despite these advances, translation to the clinical phase remains constrained by persistent limitations, such as immune clearance, loss of membrane integrity during cargo loading, limited tissue penetration of carrier cells, and manufacturing challenges. Finally, we highlight future directions, including CAR-cell combinations and artificial cell engineering, that promise to expand the clinical utility of cell-based drug delivery systems in oncology, infectious diseases, and regenerative medicine.

Reactions with allyl-, acetyl-, and phenylisothiocyanate have been studied on the basis of 3-amino-4,6-dimethylpyridine-2(1H)-one, 3-amino-4-phenylpyridine-2-one, and 3-amino-4-(thiophene-2-yl)pyridine-2(1H)-one (benzoyl-)isothiocyanates, and the corresponding thioureide derivatives 8-11a-c were obtained. Twelve thiourea derivatives were obtained and studied for their anti-diabetic activity against the enzyme α-glucosidase in comparison with the standard drug acarbose. The comparison drug acarbose inhibits the activity of α-glucosidase at a concentration of 15 mM by 46.1% (IC₅₀ for acarbose is 11.96 mM). According to the results of the conducted studies, it was shown that alkyl and phenyl thiourea derivatives 8,9a-c, in contrast to their acetyl–(benzoyl) derivatives and 10,11a-c, show high antidiabetic activity. Thus, 1-(4,6-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridin-3-yl)-3-phenylthiourea 9a has the highest inhibitory activity against the enzyme α-glucosidase, exceeding the activity of the comparison drug acarbose, which inhibits the activity of α-glucosidase by 56.6% at a concentration of 15 mm (IC₅₀ = 9,77 mM). 1-(6-methyl-2-oxo 4-(thiophen-2-yl)-1,2-dihydropyridin-3-yl)-3-phenylthiourea 9c has inhibitory activity against the enzyme α-glucosidase, comparable to the comparison drug acarbose, inhibiting the activity of α-glucosidase at a concentration of 15 mm per 41.2% (IC₅₀ = 12,94 mM). Compounds 8a, 8b, and 9b showed inhibitory activity against the enzyme α-glucosidase, with a lower activity compared to acarbose, inhibiting the activity of α-glucosidase at a concentration of 15 mM by 23.3%, 26.9%, and 35.2%, respectively. The IC₅₀ against α-glucosidase for compounds 8a, 8b, and 9b was found to be 16.64 mM, 19.79 mM, and 21.79 mM, respectively. The other compounds 8c, 10a, 10b, 10c, 11a, 11b, and 11c did not show inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase. Thus, the newly synthesized derivatives of thiourea based on 3-aminopyridine-2(1H)-ones are promising candidates for the further modification and study of their potential anti-diabetic activity. These positive bioanalytical results will stimulate further in-depth studies, including in vivo models.

Background/Objectives: Ceftriaxone (Ctx) is a third-generation cephalosporin widely used to treat infections caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, its clinical efficacy may be limited by rapid systemic elimination and suboptimal tissue distribution. Erythrocyte-based targeted drug delivery systems (TDDSs) have emerged as a promising approach to prolong drug circulation and enhance site-specific accumulation. This study investigated the pharmacokinetic profile and tissue distribution of ceftriaxone encapsulated in autologous erythrocytes (RBC-Ctx) compared with free ceftriaxone (Free-Ctx) following intravenous administration in rats. Methods: Ceftriaxone was encapsulated into autologous rat erythrocytes using a hypoosmotic hemolysis loading technique. Drug-loaded erythrocytes are called pharmacocytes. Adult male Wistar rats received a single intravenous injection of Free-Ctx or RBC-Ctx at an equivalent ceftriaxone dose of 340 mg/kg. Plasma samples were collected over 24 h for pharmacokinetic analysis, while the liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, heart, pancreas, and skeletal muscle were harvested at 1 and 12 h for tissue distribution studies. Ceftriaxone concentrations were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Results: Erythrocyte encapsulation significantly modified the pharmacokinetic behavior of ceftriaxone. Compared with Free-Ctx, RBC-Ctx prolonged the elimination half-life (4.4 ± 0.6 vs. 1.8 ± 0.1 h), increased systemic exposure (AUC₀–last, 1.6 ± 0.1 vs. 1.2 ± 0.2 mg·h/mL), reduced total body clearance (218.2 ± 11.0 vs. 294.0 ± 48.8 mL/h/kg), and increased the apparent volume of distribution at steady state (688.3 ± 61.0 vs. 435.0 ± 23.1 mL/kg). In addition, RBC-Ctx was associated with a distinct relative tissue-distribution pattern of ceftriaxone, particularly in reticuloendothelial system-rich organs such as the liver and spleen, while ceftriaxone remained detectable in several tissues at 12 h after administration. In contrast, ceftriaxone concentrations following Free-Ctx declined markedly or became undetectable over the same period. Conclusions: Encapsulation of ceftriaxone into autologous erythrocytes substantially prolonged systemic circulation, enhanced drug exposure, reduced clearance, and altered the relative tissue distribution of ceftriaxone. These findings demonstrate that erythrocyte-based carriers effectively modulate ceftriaxone pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution, supporting their potential as a targeted antibiotic delivery platform for improving antimicrobial therapy, particularly for infections involving reticuloendothelial system-associated tissues. Further studies in experimental models of infection and inflammation are warranted to evaluate therapeutic efficacy under pathological conditions and to optimize this delivery strategy.

Aging is an inevitable stage of life, a natural process that we all experience and often strive to slow down. As life expectancy on Earth continues to rise, the quest for longevity and vitality becomes increasingly significant. However, alongside this increase in lifespan, we face the emergence of diseases associated with aging and genetic mutations that can lead to various health complications. This dual challenge has long been a concern for researchers and healthcare professionals.To mitigate the negative impact of aging on health, it is crucial to explore ways to slow down this process. This article discusses several promising options that suggest their effectiveness against aging, potentially acting as geroprotectors. Among these, antioxidants are perhaps the most popular choice due to their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging.In addition to traditional antioxidants, synthetic antioxidants such as enzyme mimetics are becoming a focal point of therapeutic research. These compounds aim to replicate the action of natural enzymes that combat oxidative stress, offering a novel approach to age-related health issues. Furthermore, polyphenols, naturally occurring compounds found in various fruits, vegetables, and beverages like tea and red wine, have garnered attention for their potential health benefits.Together, these compounds may contribute to new research opportunities aimed at combating age-related pathology and improving overall health outcomes. By understanding and harnessing the power of antioxidants, enzyme mimetics, and polyphenols, we may pave the way for innovative interventions that not only extend lifespan but also enhance the quality of life for individuals as they age. The pursuit of effective geroprotectors represents a vital frontier in promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related diseases.