Curcumin is a natural compound that has been widely investigated thanks to its various biological properties, including antiproliferative. This molecule acts on different cancers such as lung, breast, pancreatic, colorectal, etc. However, the bioactive actions of curcumin have limitations when its physicochemical properties compromise its pharmacological potential. As a therapeutic strategy against cancer, curcumin has been associated with inorganic nanoparticles. These nanocarriers are capable of delivering curcumin and offering physicochemical properties that synergistically enhance anticancer properties. This review highlights the different types of curcumin-based inorganic nanoparticles and discusses their physicochemical properties and in vivo anticancer activity in different models of cancer.

Sunscreen products are essential for shielding the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a leading cause of skin cancer. While existing products serve this purpose, there is a growing need to enhance their efficacy while minimizing potential systemic absorption of UV filters and associated toxicological risks. Liposomal-based formulations have emerged as a promising approach to address these challenges and develop advanced photoprotective products. These vesicular systems offer versatility in carrying both hydrophilic and lipophilic UV filters, enabling the creation of broad-spectrum sunscreens. Moreover, their composition based on phospholipids, resembling that of the stratum corneum, facilitates adherence to the skin’s surface layers, thereby improving photoprotective efficacy. The research discussed in this review underscores the significant advantages of liposomes in photoprotection, including their ability to limit the systemic absorption of UV filters, enhance formulation stability, and augment photoprotective effects. However, despite these benefits, there remains a notable gap between the potential of liposomal systems and their utilization in sunscreen development. Consequently, this review emphasizes the importance of leveraging liposomes and related vesicular systems as innovative tools for crafting novel and more efficient photoprotective formulations.

The growing interest in green-synthesized metallic nanoparticles reflects a global shift toward sustainable, eco-friendly technologies in biomedical innovation, particularly in dentistry. This scoping review examines the rising focus on these nanoparticles regarding their antimicrobial, regenerative, and therapeutic potential in dental applications. Among the metals studied, silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles dominate because of their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and enhanced biocompatibility, achieved through phytochemically mediated synthesis. Conventional nanoparticle production often relies on toxic reagents and energy-intensive processes, posing environmental and clinical challenges. In contrast, green synthesis, using plant extracts, fungi, or bacteria, offers a sustainable alternative by leveraging natural reducing agents like polyphenols and flavonoids. These bioactive compounds not only facilitate nanoparticle formation but also improve stability and biological efficacy, making them ideal for dental applications such as caries prevention, endodontic disinfection, and periodontal regeneration. Our analysis of 98 studies reveals India as the leading contributor (78.6%), driven by its rich biodiversity and strong research infrastructure. Key plant families including Lamiaceae and Fabaceae were frequently employed due to their high phenolic content. Despite promising results, gaps remain, such as the predominance of in vitro studies (68.7%) and insufficient cytotoxicity assessments (47.8%), underscoring the need for translational research. This review highlights the transformative potential of green-synthesized nanoparticles in dentistry, merging technological advancement with ecological responsibility. Future work should prioritize clinical trials, long-term safety evaluations, and standardized protocols to fully realize their therapeutic benefits.

Theranostic nanoparticles integrate diagnostic and therapeutic potential, representing a promising approach in precision medicine. Accordingly, numerous inventions have been patented to protect novel formulations and methods. This review examines the evolution of patented theranostic nanoparticles, focusing on organic nanosystems, particularly polymeric and lipid nanoparticles, to assess their development, technological advances, and patentability. A scoping review approach was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and European Patent Office (EPO) database. The search included patents filed within the last ten years (2014–2024) that specifically claimed organic and/or hybrid theranostic nanoparticles. Data extraction focused on nanoparticle composition, synthesis methods, functionalization strategies, and theranostic applications. The search identified 130 patents, of which 13 met the inclusion criteria. These patents were primarily filed by inventors from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Italy, and China. Polymeric nanoparticles were frequently engineered for targeted drug delivery and imaging, utilizing hyperbranched polyesters, sulfated polymers, or chitosan-based formulations. Lipid nanoparticles were often hybridized with inorganic nanomaterials or magnetic nanostructures to enhance their theranostic potential. While most patents detailed synthesis methods and physicochemical characterizations, only a few provided comprehensive preclinical validation, limiting their demonstrated efficacy. The analysis of recent patents highlights significant advances in the design and application of theranostic nanoparticles. However, a notable gap remains in validating these nanosystems for clinical translation. Future efforts should emphasize robust preclinical data, including in vitro and in vivo assessments, to enhance patent quality and applicability to substantiate the claimed theranostic capabilities.

Ocular diseases, particularly infections such as fungal keratitis, present significant therapeutic challenges due to limited treatment options and low patient compliance. This study aimed to develop and characterize polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based hydrogel ophthalmic lenses (HOLs) incorporating amphotericin B (AmB) for potential use in treating fungal ocular infections. A central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimize the formulation, which was then evaluated for thickness, swelling degree, drug loading, release kinetics, and physicochemical properties via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS). Additional assessments included mass loss under physiological conditions (37 °C) and in vitro antifungal activity against clinical strains of Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida tropicalis. The CCD enabled precise mathematical modeling of swelling behavior, resulting in HOLs with controlled thickness (0.162 ± 0.011 mm to 0.265 ± 0.018 mm) and suitable hydration profiles. The results from FTIR and PXRD analyses confirmed effective crosslinking and indicated the presence of AmB in an amorphous or molecular dispersed state. After 30 days in artificial tear fluid (pH ∼ 7.4), the lenses exhibited low mass loss (4.4 ± 2.7%), supporting their structural stability. Release studies demonstrated a sustained and controlled AmB release profile, with cumulative release ranging from approximately 25% to 58% in the first 24 h among the tested formulations, consistent with the MDS findings that showed strong interactions between AmB, PVA, and sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). The HOLs demonstrated antifungal efficacy, particularly against Candida parapsilosis. Overall, the developed PVA-based HOLs offer a promising platform for sustained ocular delivery of AmB in treatment of fungal infections.