Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Voriconazole Delivery Applied to Invasive Fungal Infections

Abstract

Invasive fungal infections increase mortality and morbidity rates worldwide. The treatment of these infections is still limited due to the low bioavailability and toxicity, requiring therapeutic monitoring, especially in the most severe cases. Voriconazole is an azole widely used to treat invasive aspergillosis, other hyaline molds, many dematiaceous molds, Candida spp., including those resistant to fluconazole, and for infections caused by endemic mycoses, in addition to those that occur in the central nervous system. However, despite its broad activity, using voriconazole has limitations related to its non-linear pharmacokinetics, leading to supratherapeutic doses and increased toxicity according to individual polymorphisms during its metabolism. In this sense, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have successfully improved the physicochemical and biological aspects of different classes of drugs, including antifungals. In this review, we highlighted recent work that has applied nanotechnology to deliver voriconazole. These systems allowed increased permeation and deposition of voriconazole in target tissues from a controlled and sustained release in different routes of administration such as ocular, pulmonary, oral, topical, and parenteral. Thus, nanotechnology application aiming to delivery voriconazole becomes a more effective and safer therapeutic alternative in the treatment of fungal infections.

Evaluation of Anticancer Activity of Zhubech, a New 5-FU Analog Liposomal Formulation, against Pancreatic Cancer

“…There are many parameters used to assess in vitro stability, such as particle size (or hydrodynamic diameter), poly dispersity index, physical appearance, entrapment efficiency (or drug content), and zeta potentials. However, in this study, we evaluated the hydrodynamic diameter, physical appearance, and drug content (MFU) of zhubech at the following temperatures; 4 ± 2 • C, 25 ± 2 • C, and 40 ± 3 • C for 30, 60, and 90 days, respectively [31][32][33][34]. All formulations were stored in 20 mL glass vial containers during the study period.…”

Advances in the Optimization of Fe Nanoparticles: Unlocking Antifungal Properties for Biomedical Applications

“…Some studies have demonstrated notable enhancements in various drug-related characteristics, including solubility and stability in aqueous environments, enhanced bioavailability, and improved tissue penetration. These improvements have led to increased therapeutic effectiveness and diminished toxicity [21]. Fe NPs have been demonstrated to possess the potential for developing multifunctional nano-systems that could be utilized for treating fungal infections as well as serving as diagnostic and sensitizing tools, and a large number of studies have supported this assertion.…”