Quality by Design (QbD)-Driven Development and Optimization of Tacrolimus-Loaded Microemulsion for the Treatment of Skin Inflammation.

Skin inflammation represents a hallmark of many skin conditions, from psoriasis to eczema. Here, we present a novel microemulsion formulation for delivering a low dose of potent immunosuppressant, tacrolimus, to the skin for local inflammation control. The efficacy of topically delivered tacrolimus in controlling skin inflammation can be enhanced by packaging it into microemulsions.

Injectable, reversibly thermoresponsive captopril-laden hydrogel for the local treatment of sensory loss in diabetic neuropathy.

A major and irreversible complication of diabetes is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), which can lead to significant disability and decreased quality of life. Prior work demonstrates the peptide hormone Angiotensin II (Ang II) is released locally in neuropathy and drives inflammation and impaired endoneurial blood flow. Therefore, we proposed that by utilizing a local thermoresponsive hydrogel injection, we could deliver inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) to suppress Ang II production and reduce nerve dysfunction in DPN through local drug release.

Neuromuscular Polytrauma Pain is Resolved by Macrophage COX-2 Nanoimmunomodulation.

Soft tissue injuries often involve muscle and peripheral nerves and are qualitatively distinct from single-tissue injuries. Prior research suggests that damaged innervation compromises wound healing. To test this in a traumatic injury context, we developed a novel mouse model of nerve and lower limb polytrauma, which features greater pain hypersensitivity and more sustained macrophage infiltration than either injury in isolation.

Biomaterials for Protein Delivery: Opportunities and Challenges to Clinical Translation.

The development of biomaterials for protein delivery is an emerging field that spans materials science, bioengineering, and medicine. In this review, we highlight the immense potential of protein-delivering biomaterials as therapeutic options and discuss the multifaceted challenges inherent to the field. We address current advancements and approaches in protein delivery that leverage stimuli-responsive materials, harness advanced fabrication techniques like 3D printing, and integrate nanotechnologies for greater targeting and improved stability, efficacy, and tolerability profiles.

Sustained pain and macrophage infiltration in a mouse muscle contusion model.

Introduction/aims: Prior studies have emphasized the role of inflammation in the response to injury and muscle regeneration, but little emphasis has been placed on characterizing the relationship between innate inflammation, pain, and functional impairment. The aim of our study was to determine the contribution of innate immunity to prolonged pain following muscle contusion.

Methods: We developed a closed-impact mouse model of muscle contusion and a macrophage-targeted near-infrared fluorescent nanoemulsion.