Pulmonary Delivery of Nonviral Nucleic Acid-Based Vaccines With Spotlight on Gold Nanoparticles.

Nucleic acid-based vaccines are leading-edge tools in developing next-generation preventative care. Much research has been done to convert vaccine gene therapy from an invasive to a noninvasive administration approach. The lung's large surface area and permeability make the pulmonary route a promising noninvasive delivery option for vaccines, with systemic and local applications.

In Vivo and Ex Vivo Evaluation of a Novel Method for Topical Delivery of Macromolecules Through the Stratum Corneum for Cosmetic Applications.

Background: Effective topical delivery of large/charged molecules into skin has always been challenging. Chemical penetration enhancers, organic substances that increase permeability of skin, have been in use for decades with variable success. One application of enhancers involves multilamellar vesicles composed of submicron emulsion droplets and micelles surrounded by concentric phospholipid bilayers.

Preserving and enhancing mitochondrial function after stroke to protect and repair the neurovascular unit: novel opportunities for nanoparticle-based drug delivery.

The neurovascular unit (NVU) is composed of vascular cells, glia, and neurons that form the basic component of the blood brain barrier. This intricate structure rapidly adjusts cerebral blood flow to match the metabolic needs of brain activity. However, the NVU is exquisitely sensitive to damage and displays limited repair after a stroke.

BDNF gene delivery to the retina by cell adhesion peptide-conjugated gemini nanoplexes in vivo.

Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) neurodegeneration in glaucoma is not prevented by controlling the elevated intraocular pressure alone. Neuroprotective gene therapy approaches could be an essential part of a combination treatment. Five cell adhesion peptide (CAP)-gemini surfactants (18-7N(p)-18) were synthesized as building blocks for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene carrier nanoparticles (CAP-NPXs).

Gene therapy strategies for glaucoma from IOP reduction to retinal neuroprotection: Progress towards non-viral systems.

Glaucoma is the result of the gradual death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) whose axons form the optic nerve. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor that contributes to RGC apoptosis and axonal loss at the lamina cribrosa, resulting in progressive reduction and eventual anterograde-retrograde transport blockade of neurotrophic factors. Current glaucoma management mainly focuses on pharmacological or surgical lowering of IOP, to manage the only modifiable risk factor.