Androgenetic alopecia is a multifactorial condition characterized by noticeable hair loss, affecting both men and women and representing a debilitating and chronic disorder that considerably affects the quality of life. Available topical treatments based on minoxidil or finasteride require repeated applications and are associated with a certain number of adverse effects. The challenges associated with current treatments pave the way for the research of new therapeutic strategies, more precise and selective, and capable of providing long-term results. In this context, the present review examines the new proposed formulation strategies to deliver 5-α-reductase inhibitors in order to obtain a targeted drug delivery, for improving drug retention at the site of action in the hair follicle, contemporaneously reducing drug systemic absorption, which is the cause of important adverse effects. In particular, the research will be focused on the several aspects that influence the performance of nanostructured drug delivery systems in creating a depot in the hair follicles, such as particle size, surface charge, excipients, and combined application with external stimuli (infrared radiation, mechanical massage, ultrasounds application).

Marine biomass represents a valuable yet underexploited resource for the development of high-value biomaterials. Recent advances have highlighted the significant potential of marine-derived polysaccharides, proteins, and peptides in biomedical applications, most notably in drug delivery and wound healing. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current research on the extraction, processing and pharmaceutical valorization of these biopolymers, with a focus on their structural and functional properties that allow these materials to be engineered into nanocarriers, hydrogels, scaffolds, and smart composites. Key fabrication strategies such as ionic gelation, desolvation, and 3D bioprinting are critically examined for their role in drug encapsulation, release modulation, and scaffold design for regenerative therapies. The review also covers preclinical validation, scale-up challenges, and relevant regulatory frameworks, offering a practical roadmap from sustainable sourcing to clinical application. Special attention is given to emerging technologies, including stimuli-responsive biomaterials and biosensor-integrated wound dressings, as well as to the ethical and environmental implications of marine biopolymer sourcing. By integrating materials science, pharmaceutical technology and regulatory insight, this review aims to provide a multidisciplinary perspective for researchers and industrial stakeholders seeking sustainable and multifunctional pharmaceutical platforms for precision medicine and regenerative therapeutics.

In recent years, the demand for high-quality solar products that combine high efficacy with environmentally friendly characteristics has increased. Among the coral-safe sunscreens, ethylhexyl triazone (Uvinul^® T150) is an effective organic UVB filter, photostable and practically insoluble in water, therefore difficult to be formulated in water-based products. Oil-free sunscreens are considered ideal for most skin types, as they are not comedogenic and do not leave the skin feeling greasy. Recent studies reported that pollen grains might represent innovative drug delivery systems for their ability to encapsulate and release active ingredients in a controlled manner. Before being used, the pollen grains must be treated to remove cellular material and biomolecules, which could cause allergic reactions in predisposed subjects; the obtained hollow structures possess uniform diameter and a rigid wall with openings that allow them to be filled with bioactive substances. In the present work, pollen from Lycopodium clavatum has been investigated both as a delivery system for ethylhexyl triazone and as an active ingredient by evaluating its photoprotective capacity. The goal is to obtain environmentally friendly solar aqueous formulations that take advantage of both sunscreen and sporopollenin microcapsules’ UV protection with a relatively low cost, as these pollen grains are widely available.

Background/Objectives: Curcumin (CUR) is a natural compound with notable antitumor properties but faces limitations in topical applications due to poor aqueous solubility, instability, and insufficient skin penetration. To overcome these challenges, a nanomicellar formulation (TPGS30ELP15) was developed to enhance CUR solubility, stability, and skin penetration. This study aimed at evaluating the skin permeation and retention of CUR when delivered through nanomicelles alone or combined with a thermosensitive hydrogel for potential melanoma therapy. Methods: A CUR-loaded nanomicellar formulation containing CUR 5 mM was developed, characterized by particle sizes of 12–25 nm. Skin permeation studies utilized pig ear skin to assess CUR localization using both HPLC quantitative analysis and confocal microscopy. To improve patient comfort and application efficiency, the nanomicellar dispersion was incorporated into a thermosensitive hydrogel based on 16% Kolliphor^® P407 and was able to undergo a sol–gel transition at skin temperature (32–36 °C). Formulations were evaluated for physicochemical properties, stability, and CUR distribution within skin layers using in vitro permeation assays. Results: CUR-loaded nanomicelles demonstrated selective localization in the viable epidermis (100–150 µm depth), bypassing the stratum corneum. The addition of the thermosensitive hydrogel enhanced CUR retention and distribution, prolonging contact at the application site and providing a gradual release profile. The hydrogel’s sol–gel transition properties can facilitate ease of use and patient compliance. The combined system effectively delivered CUR to the basal epidermis, a target site for melanoma treatment, achieving therapeutically relevant drug concentrations. Conclusions: The incorporation of CUR-loaded nanomicelles into a thermosensitive hydrogel enhanced the solubility, stability, and targeted delivery of CUR to skin layers. This dual system represents a promising strategy for improving topical drug delivery for melanoma therapy, addressing limitations associated with CUR’s physicochemical properties while ensuring patient-friendly application and gradual drug release.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition characterized by insufficient tear film stability and ocular discomfort. Conventional artificial tears offer limited efficacy due to short precorneal residence time. This study aimed to develop and optimize ion-sensitive in situ gelling formulations based on low-acyl gellan gum (GG) and arabinogalactan (AG) to enhance retention and therapeutic efficacy in DED. Various buffer systems were screened to identify optimal gelation conditions upon interaction with artificial tear fluid (ATF). Formulations were characterized by pH, osmolality, wettability, thermal behavior, viscosity, and viscoelastic properties. A Design of Experiments (DoE) approach was employed to understand the influence of GG and AG concentrations on rheological behavior. The selected formulation, GG(0.1%)/AG(0.2%), demonstrated a significant viscosity increase upon ATF dilution, suitable viscoelastic properties, enhanced mucoadhesion compared to hyaluronic acid, improved ferning patterns, no cytotoxic effects, and stability over time. In vivo studies in rabbits confirmed prolonged precorneal retention of the fluorescently labeled formulation. These results suggest that the GG/AG-based hydrogel is a promising strategy for improving the performance of artificial tears in DED treatment.