Chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes demand advanced drug delivery methods that can accommodate precise, sustained, and targeted release of active compounds. Existing drug carriers such as conventional capsules are limited by issues like poor bioavailability, mechanical fragility, and unpredictable release patterns. With the global drug delivery market expected to surpass USD 1.8 trillion by 2028, it is crucial to address these challenges. Additionally, there is a growing need to develop biocompatible systems that can mitigate concerns about toxicity, environmental impact, and patient compliance. Here, we review the latest advancements in composite drug capsules, focusing on key aspects such as controlled drug release, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial potential. Composite materials offer customised release mechanisms by combining synthetic and natural polymers. This has led to improvements in stability, encapsulation efficiency, and bioavailability. Some noteworthy advancements in this field include the development of magnetic-responsive systems for targeted therapies, alginate-based dual-release systems, and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for gene delivery. For example, the encapsulation of lycopene in whey protein composites achieved an impressive encapsulation efficiency of 94%, showcasing enhanced delivery performance. Additionally, there have been developments in pH-sensitive capsules designed for cancer treatment, which release drugs selectively in tumour environments. Furthermore, multifunctional magnetic capsules have been created to facilitate MRI imaging and remote-controlled drug release. Moreover, pH-sensitive alginate-based capsules have proven effective in improving the therapeutic outcomes of cancer treatments by ensuring drug release specifically within the acidic tumour microenvironment. Other notable achievements include the integration of antioxidant nanoparticles, such as cerium oxide (CeO₂), into drug delivery systems, showing potential for mitigating oxidative stress and providing neuroprotection in inflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions. Despite these innovations, persistent challenges related to scalability, regulatory clearance, and enduring biocompatibility necessitate further investigation. These combined capsules possess significant potential, presenting more intelligent, adaptable drug delivery systems positioned to transform personalised medicine and future healthcare solutions.

Biochar advances for dual-pollutant remediation, microbial impact, and scalable, sustainable soil treatment strategies.

The escalating greenhouse gas emissions drive climate change, posing significant threats to global ecosystems and human societies. This article presents the molecular mechanisms and functions of chloroplasts, emphasizing their pivotal role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing photosynthetic efficiency. A comprehensive examination of the biochemical processes occurring within chloroplasts, pigment function, and molecular regulation in challenging environmental conditions is provided. In particular, the research explores the potential of carboxysomes with minimal genetic footprints for C3 chloroplast transformation, highlighting their promise in improving photosynthetic efficiency in plants. Various strategies for regulating CO₂ and CH₄ emissions are explored. It was found that innovative biological fixation and CO₂ capture methodologies have the potential to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels significantly. This encompasses afforestation/reforestation (AR) as well as methane conversion within natural and engineered systems. The examination involves the optimization of CO₂ and CH₄ absorption and conversion through physiological and molecular restructuring of the chloroplast, showcasing potential enhancements in photosynthetic efficiency and crop yields. Additionally, the study explores the design and implementation of artificial chloroplasts, focusing on the efficacy of light reactions in water splitting and electron transfer processes. Overall, this review contributes to the expanding knowledge of greenhouse gas regulation and photosynthesis optimization. By integrating insights from molecular biology, synthetic biology, and environmental science, innovative approaches to tackling global climate challenges are proposed, with potential implications for sustainable energy production, agricultural productivity, and environmental stewardship.