The emergence of phytosome nanotechnology has a potential impact in the field of drug delivery and could revolutionize the current state of topical bioactive phytochemicals delivery. The main challenge facing the translation of the therapeutic activity of phytochemicals to a clinical setting is the extremely low absorption rate and poor penetration across biological barriers (i.e., the skin). Phytosomes as lipid-based nanocarriers play a crucial function in the enhancement of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of herbal-originated polyphenolic compounds, and make this nanotechnology a promising tool for the development of new topical formulations. The implementation of this nanosized delivery system could enhance the penetration of phytochemicals across biological barriers due to their unique physiochemical characteristics, improving their bioavailability. In this review, we provide an outlook on the current knowledge of the biological barriers of phytoconstituents topical applications. The great potential of the emerging nanotechnology in the delivery of bioactive phytochemicals is reviewed, with particular focus on phytosomes as an innovative lipid-based nanocarrier. Additionally, we compared phytosomes with liposomes as the gold standard of lipid-based nanocarriers for the topical delivery of phytochemicals. Finally, the advantages of phytosomes in topical applications are discussed.

Geriatric patients are more likely to suffer from multiple chronic diseases that require using several drugs, which are commonly ingested. However, to enhance geriatric patients’ convenience, the electrospun nanofiber system was previously proven to be a successful alternative for the existing oral dosage forms, i.e., tablets and capsules. These nanofibers prepared either as single- or multi-layered fibers could hold at least one active compound in each layer. They might also be fabricated as ultra-disintegrated fibrous films for oral cavity administration, i.e., buccal or sublingual, to improve the bioavailability and intake of the administered drugs. Therefore, in this work, a combination of nifedipine and atorvastatin calcium, which are frequently prescribed for hypertension and hyperlipidemia patients, respectively, was prepared in a coaxial electrospinning system for buccal administration. Scanning electron microscopy image showed the successful preparation of smooth, non-beaded, and non-porous surfaces of the drug-loaded nanofibers with an average fiber diameter of 968 ± 198 nm. In contrast, transmission electron microscopy distinguished the inner and outer layers of those nanofibers. The disintegration of the drug-loaded nanofibers was ≤12 s, allowing the rapid release of nifedipine and atorvastatin calcium to 61% and 47%, respectively, after 10 min, while a complete drug release was achieved after 120 min. In vitro, a drug permeation study using Franz diffusion showed that the permeation of both drugs from the core–shell nanofibers was enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the drugs in a solution form. In conclusion, the development of drug-loaded nanofibers containing nifedipine and atorvastatin calcium can be a potential buccal delivery system.

Hand hygiene is an essential factor to prevent or minimize the spread of infections. The ability to prepare an alcohol-free hand sanitizer (AFHS) with antimicrobial properties is crucial, especially during pandemics, when there are high demands and a low supply chain for ethanol and isopropanol. The objective of this study was to prepare AFHS gels based on natural materials that contain essential oils (EOs) that would be effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens. The results showed that the organoleptic characteristics of all prepared hand sanitizer gels were considered acceptable. The pH of the formulations was slightly acidic (circa 3.9) owing to the presence of aloe vera in large proportions (90% v/v), which is known for its acidity. The spreadability for all tested formulations was in the acceptable range. The antimicrobial effectiveness test demonstrated that the prepared hand sanitizer gels had antimicrobial activities against different gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans yeast. The highest antibacterial effect was observed with tea tree oil hand sanitizers, which lack activity against the yeast, while clove oil hand sanitizers showed effectiveness against all microorganisms, including Candida albicans. The lavender hand sanitizer exhibited the least antimicrobial efficiency. The acceptability study on 20 human volunteers showed that the hand sanitizer gel containing 1.25% (v/v) clove oil did not produce any signs of skin irritation. This study suggested that the prepared natural hand sanitizer gel with 1.25% (v/v) clove oil can be a potential alternative to commonly used alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS).

Cystic Fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive genetic disease, is caused by a mutation in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). This mutation reduces the release of chloride ions (Cl−) in epithelial tissues, and hyperactivates the epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) which aid in the absorption of sodium ions (Na+). Consequently, the mucus becomes dehydrated and thickened, making it a suitable medium for microbial growth. CF causes several chronic lung complications like thickened mucus, bacterial infection and inflammation, progressive loss of lung function, and ultimately, death. Until recently, the standard of clinical care in CF treatment had focused on preventing and treating the disease complications. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge on CF pathogenesis and provided an outlook on the current therapeutic approaches relevant to CF (i.e., CFTR modulators and ENaC inhibitors). The enormous potential in targeting bacterial biofilms using antibiofilm peptides, and the innovative therapeutic strategies in using the CRISPR/Cas approach as a gene-editing tool to repair the CFTR mutation have been reviewed. Finally, we have discussed the wide range of drug delivery systems available, particularly non-viral vectors, and the optimal properties of nanocarriers which are essential for successful drug delivery to the lungs.

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