Fucoxanthin has interesting anticancer activity, but is insoluble in water, hindering its use as a drug. Microencapsulation is used as a technique for improving drug delivery. This study aimed to formulate fucoxanthin-loaded microspheres (F-LM) for anticancer treatment of H1299 cancer cell lines and optimize particle size (PS) and encapsulation efficiency (EE). Using response surface methodology (RSM), a face centered central composite design (FCCCD) was designed with three factors: Polyvinylalcohol (PVA), poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and fucoxanthin concentration. F-LM was produced using a modified double-emulsion solvent evaporation method. The F-LM were characterized for release profile, release kinetics, and degradation pattern. Optimal F-LM PS and EE of 9.18 µm and 33.09%, respectively, with good surface morphology, were achieved from a 0.5% (w/v) PVA, 6.0% (w/v) PLGA, 200 µg/mL fucoxanthin formulation at a homogenization speed of 20,500 rpm. PVA concentration was the most significant factor (p < 0.05) affecting PS. Meanwhile, EE was significantly affected by interaction between the three factors: PVA, PLGA, and fucoxanthin. In vitro release curve showed fucoxanthin had a high burst release (38.3%) at the first hour, followed by a sustained release stage reaching (79.1%) within 2 months. Release kinetics followed a diffusion pattern predominantly controlled by the Higuchi model. Biodegradability studies based on surface morphology changes on the surface of the F-LM, show that morphology changed within the first hour, and F-LM completely degraded within 2 months. RSM under FCCCD design improved the difference between the lowest and highest responses, with good correlation between observed and predicted values for PS and EE of F-LM.

Supramolecular mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) offer distinct properties as opposed to micron-sized silica particles in terms of their crystal structure, morphology–porosity, toxicity, biological effects, and others. MSN biocompatibility has touched the pharmaceutical realm to exploit its robust synthesis pathway for delivery of various therapeutic molecules including macromolecules and small-molecule drugs. This article provides a brief review of MSN history followed by special emphasis on the influencing factors affecting morphology–porosity characteristics. Its applications as the next-generation drug delivery system (NGDDS) particularly in a controlled release dosage form via an oral drug delivery system are also presented and shall be highlighted as oral delivery is the most convenient route of drug administration with the economical cost of development through to scale-up for clinical trials and market launch.

Documented to exhibit cytotoxicity and poor oral bioavailability, alpha-mangostin was encapsulated into PLGA microspheres with optimization of formulation using response surface methodology. Mixed levels of four factors Face central composite design was employed to evaluate critical formulation variables. With 30 runs, optimized formula was 1% w/v polyvinyl alcohol, 1:10 ratio of oil to aqueous and sonicated at 2 and 5 min time for primary and secondary emulsion, respectively. Optimized responses for encapsulation efficiency, particle size and polydispersity index were found to be 39.12 ± 0.01%, 2.06 ± 0.017 µm and 0.95 ± 0.009, respectively, which matched values predicted by mathematical models. About 44.4% of the encapsulated alpha-mangostin was released over 4 weeks. Thermal analysis of the microspheres showed physical conversion of alpha-mangostin from crystallinity to amorphous with encapsulated one had lower in vitro cytotoxicity than free alpha-mangostin. Aerodynamic diameter (784.3 ± 7.5 nm) of this alpha-mangostin microsphere suggests suitability for peripheral pulmonary delivery.

Mesoporous silica (MPS), a carrier for active pharmaceutical ingredients, has a wide range of particle and pore morphology. A thorough understanding of ingredients used in MPS synthesis is an important prerequisite for optimizing its physicochemical characteristics. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of glycerol and hydrochloric acid on the characteristics of synthesized MPS, Ordered MPS materials were synthesized using the pluronic P123 template and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) precursor. A three-level factorial design was employed to study the interaction between glycerol and hydrochloric acid. The optimized MPS particles were reasonably uniform in shape (short and rod-shaped) and < 1 mu m in size with a smooth surface morphology. The nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis revealed that the uniform cylindrical pores of the prepared MPS had a diameter > 5 nm and a total surface area > 500 m(2)/g. With increasing acid and glycerol concentrations, the particle size of MPS decreased. However, while the glycerol increased the heterogeneity of the synthesized particles, the acid decreased it. The developed MPS was successfully loaded with a biological drug (insulin) with a 21.94% encapsulation efficiency. The MPS prepared in this study exhibits potential applications as a drug delivery carrier for drugs with a large molecular weight.

In past decades, nanomedicine has become a prominent area of focus within the discipline of nanotechnology, eliciting significant anticipation within the field of biomedical research. Scientists are creating unique nanoparticles for diagnosis, utilising techniques for imaging as well as therapy applications using medication delivery techniques. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), a recent addition to this area, serve as a sterling example of innovative nanostructures that offer distinctive and exceptional features. These features make them valuable for developing drug delivery systems with consistent and positive advancements in preclinical. MSNs efficiently encapsulate, control, and sometimes deliver biologic agents intracellularly for clinical use due to their distinct physicochemical characteristics, such as high porosity, large surface area, adjustable pore size and dimensions, good biocompatibility, and significant loading capacity. In this article, we discuss the latest advancements in fabrication, their presumed usefulness in delivering medications, and their application as diagnostic tools. It has been demonstrated that silica can store and release therapeutics, such as antibiotics, in a sustained and controlled manner. The desirable properties of MSNs have been further enhanced by modifying the surface of the siliceous frameworks through incorporating supramolecular assemblies and various metal species and their conjugates. These substantial advancements in innovative colloidal inorganic nanocontainers have driven researchers to explore their use in novel applications, such as stimuli (light/ultrasound/ magnetic)-responsive delivery-associated therapies with exceptional in vivo performance. This article provides a brief overview of the fabrication of siliceous frameworks and discusses significant advances in the engineering of MSNs. The precise control of the shape, dimension, homogeneity, and dispersity of MSNs is crucial, as these characteristics are critical quality attributes necessary for regulatory approval. Currently, explicit FDA guidelines for developing nanomaterial-based formulations intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes are lacking. Therefore, establishing standardised protocols and techniques for the synthesis and characterisation of nanoparticles, particularly for their use as theranostics, is essential for future commercial potential.