Drug-resistant infectious diseases pose a substantial challenge and threat to medical regimens. While adaptive laboratory evolution provides foresight for encountering such situations, it has inherent limitations. Novel drug delivery systems (DDSs) have garnered attention for overcoming these hurdles. Multi-stimuli responsive DDSs are particularly effective due to their reduced background leakage and targeted drug delivery to specific host sites for pathogen elimination. Bacterial infections create an acidic state in the microenvironment (pH: 5.0–5.5), which differs from normal physiological conditions (pH: 7.4). Infected areas are characterized by the overexpression of hyaluronidase, gelatinase, phospholipase, and other virulence factors. Consequently, several effective stimuli-responsive DDSs have been developed to target bacterial pathogens. Additionally, biofilms, structured communities of bacteria encased in a self-produced polymeric matrix, pose a significant challenge by conferring resistance to conventional antimicrobial treatments. Recent advancements in nano-drug delivery systems (nDDSs) show promise in enhancing antimicrobial efficacy by improving drug absorption and targeting within the biofilm matrix. nDDSs can deliver antimicrobials directly to the biofilm, facilitating more effective eradication of these resilient bacterial communities. Herein, this review examines challenges in DDS development, focusing on enhancing antibacterial activity and eradicating biofilms without adverse effects. Furthermore, advances in immune system modulation and photothermal therapy are discussed as future directions for the treatment of bacterial diseases.

Rosa rugosa is a medicinal plant known for its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial benefits. The pharmacological effects of Rosa rugosa extract on hair loss have not yet been documented. This research sought to assess the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of action of Rosa rugosa water extract (RWE) in a mouse model of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced alopecia. The study was conducted using C57BL/6 mice, which were assigned to five groups: control, DHT-treated, Rosa rugosa water extract (RWE) at doses of 25 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight, and bicalutamide-treated. To induce hair loss, dihydrotestosterone (1 mg/day per body weight) was administered via intraperitoneal injections, and dorsal hair removal was timed to align with the telogen phase. Each group received oral treatments for a period of 23 days. In this study, we assessed hair growth activity, examined histological changes, and performed immunoblot analysis. We noted improvements in hair length and thickness. Additionally, the protein expression of growth factors associated with hair growth, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), showed significant increases in the group treated with RWE. Additionally, treatment with RWE suppressed the protein expression of hair growth inhibitory factors, including dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1 (DKK1) and interleukin (IL)-6. Moreover, hair growth regulatory pathway related factors, including ERK, AKT, and GSK-3β, were activated. These findings indicate that RWE could serve as a promising natural therapy for preventing hair loss by enhancing the production of factors that promote hair growth while inhibiting those that suppress it.

Jung Up Park, Se Jin Jo, Yue Gong, Rui Jiang, Jungu Lee, Jae-Woong Park, Jungki Kwak, and Young Ran Kim. Prev Nutr Food Sci 2025;30:340-8. https://doi.org/10.3746/pnf.2025.30.4.340

Objective: The rich botanical biodiversity resulting from diverse climates and geographical distinctiveness offers a plethora of biological resources that can be pivotal in developing innovative biomaterials. This investigation sought to evaluate the functional properties of indigenous Korean plant species. Methods: Forty-six indigenous plants during a year-long expedition across inhabited and uninhabited Korean islands were collected. The plant specimens were divided into 5 parts (flower, fruit, stem, leaf, and whole body) and subjected to extraction using water, 30% ethanol, and 70% ethanol, followed by characterizations of anti-inflammatory, immune response, and anti-bacterial activity. Results: Thirty-eight percent of the extracts (59 extracts from 31 species) exhibited statistically significant anti-inflammatory effects. Concurrently, 22% of the extracts (35 extracts from 24 species) demonstrated notable immune boosting effects. Additionally, 17 extracts exhibited significant inhibitory effects against the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential utility of extracts of plants from Korean islands as natural agents for next-generation pharmaceutical and medical applications by emphasizing their effectiveness in combating inflammation, enhancing immune responses, and conferring anti-bacterial benefits.