Akram Hoshyari,  Reza Ahmadi,  Mojgan Heydari^*,  Mozhgan Bagheri,  Nader Nezafati

, 0(0): 00020. https://doi.org/10.12336/bmt.25.00020

Gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) have been designed and characterized to enable the controlled release of tramadol, offering potential for improved drug delivery and sustained therapeutic effects. In this study, biocompatible GNPs for controlled release of water-soluble drug tramadol were prepared through the water-in-oil emulsion method using Yucca schidigera extract as an eco-friendly, natural green co-surfactant. The presence of an aldimine functional group in the structure of GNPs was confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, indicating cross-linking of gelatin by glutaraldehyde. In addition, the NPs exhibited a uniform, spherical structure without cracks, and the average particle size increased from 70 to 350 nm as the percentage of the cross-linker agent decreased from 25% to 8% v/v. The ninhydrin test was used to study the degree of cross-linking, and the results showed that 8% and 25% v/v of glutaraldehyde were able to cross-link the gelatin structure. The swelling index of GNPs cross-linked with 25% v/v glutaraldehyde (798%) was lower than with 8% v/v glutaraldehyde (1,030%). The GNP-to-tramadol ratios and glutaraldehyde concentration were optimized for tramadol release, and the results showed that cross-linked gelatin with 25% v/v glutaraldehyde and a GNP-to-tramadol ratio of 1:5 exhibited the most optimal characteristics for controlled drug delivery. Drug release kinetics analysis revealed that the release mechanism is concentration-dependent and best described by a first-order model, indicating a non-Fickian, diffusion-controlled process. Moreover, tramadol released from GNPs showed controlled behavior compared to the commercial tablet. Furthermore, the use of Yucca extract with proven emulsifying and stabilizing properties enhanced NP formation, highlighting its potential as a sustainable alternative to synthetic surfactants. The results confirmed that the designed drug delivery system could be a potential candidate for the delivery and controlled release of drugs such as tramadol compared to available conventional tablets.

Supplementary Material | References | Related Articles

Rawia Khalil,  Mohamed F. AbdelHameed,  Shaymaa A. Ismail,  Amira A. Hassan,  Marwa E. Shabana,  Wenli Zhang,  Eman S. Shalaby^*

, 0(0): 00039. https://doi.org/10.12336/bmt.25.00039

Wound management remains a global health concern due to its fatal complications, and cetrimide (CET) is an antimicrobial quaternary ammonium chemical used in wound healing. This study aimed to develop and assess the therapeutic potential of a CET-loaded nanoemulsion for treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds. A high-speed homogenization method was used for preparing nanoemulsions containing CET, sesame oil, and linalool. Entrapment efficiency, droplet size, and zeta potential were evaluated to identify the optimal formulations. Further characterization included in vitro release studies, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy. The selected formulations were subsequently evaluated for their in vivo wound healing efficacy in a full-thickness wound model. The formulated nanoemulsion demonstrated high entrapment efficiency (92.71– 98.57%), with droplet sizes of 150–399 nm and zeta potential of +10–+27.9 mV, suggesting favorable physical stability. The in vitro drug release followed a biphasic pattern. DSC peaks of the drug were diffused in the formulation, suggesting its presence in the amorphous form. FTIR study showed no new peaks, suggesting no chemical interaction between the drug and the formulation components. In vivo evaluation of wound healing efficacy revealed a marked reduction in wound size following treatment with selected CET-loaded nanoemulsions. In addition, a significant decrease in tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, alongside increased expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 and collagen type I, was observed in treated rats. Histological analysis further supported these findings, revealing near-normal tissue architecture. Collectively, these results indicate that CET-loaded nanoemulsions represent a promising approach for enhancing topical wound healing outcomes.

Supplementary Material | References | Related Articles

Rittin Abraham Kurien,  Gokul Kannan,  Kasitpong Thanawut,  Supakij Suttiruengwong,  Pornsak Sriamornsak^*

, 0(0): 00043. https://doi.org/10.12336/bmt.25.00043

Artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D printing are transforming pharmaceutical manufacturing by enabling the production of personalized medications. AI supports real-time decision-making in diagnostics and robotics, although its application in pharmaceutical research remains at an early stage. 3D printing, particularly additive manufacturing, provides precise control over drug formulation, allowing the design of patient-specific dosage forms with tailored release profiles. Machine learning and deep neural networks are used to predict formulation parameters, optimize processing conditions, and support the design of innovative drug delivery geometries. Technological platforms such as cloud computing and blockchain enhance data security, transparency, and scalability. Printable materials—including thermoplastic polymers, hydrogels, and bioinks—demonstrate utility in AI-assisted manufacturing systems. The integration of AI, smart materials, and 3D printing advances intelligent drug production technologies aligned with Industry 4.0 principles. Key considerations include regulatory compliance, data reliability, ethical implications, and pathways for clinical translation. Clinical medicine is rapidly advancing through the adoption of 3D printing and AI, enabling personalized prosthetics, accurate surgical planning, and bioprinted tissues. AI-driven segmentation and optimization enhance the accuracy and efficiency of 3D-printed anatomical models for pre-operative preparations and medical training. Cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics are increasingly adopting these technologies to improve patient outcomes and clinical workflows. Future directions include broader adoption across specialties, bioprinting for regenerative health care, and AI-optimized systems for targeted drug delivery. This review addresses the current challenges and limitations of AI and 3D-printed medicines, pharmaceutical manufacturing, case studies, ethical considerations, and future perspectives. 

Supplementary Material | References | Related Articles

Nicholas Peh Hian Tung^*,  Wei Meng Lim,  Yun Khoon Liew,  Chaw Jiang Lim,  Yoon Yee Then,  Kok Whye Cheong,  Lai Chun Wong^*

, 0(0): 00022. https://doi.org/10.12336/bmt.25.00022

Vision impairment is a major global health challenge, with its prevalence projected to rise significantly in the coming decades due to an aging population and increasing rates of chronic diseases. Ocular conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, refractive errors, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are among the primary causes of vision loss, collectively affecting nearly 200 million individuals worldwide. This growing burden has intensified the demand for ophthalmic therapies that are more effective, safer, and more targeted. Among existing treatment strategies, ocular drug delivery systems provide a non-invasive route for administering medications directly to ocular tissues. However, their clinical effectiveness is often compromised by various anatomical and physiological barriers, including tear turnover, blinking, nasolacrimal drainage, and blood-ocular barriers, which limit drug retention time and significantly reduce bioavailability. In response to these challenges, the application of nanomedicine has emerged as a highly promising strategy to improve ocular drug delivery. This review presents recent advances in drug nanodelivery systems – such as dendrimers, liposomes, nanoemulsion, solid lipid nanoparticles, in situ gel formulations, exosomes, metal-organic frameworks, and nanocrystals – that have demonstrated advantages in enhancing drug solubility, prolonging drug release, improving corneal penetration, and reducing dosing frequency and systemic side effects. In addition, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and personalized medicine in the development and optimization of ocular nanomedicine is explored. AI tools such as predictive modeling, machine learning algorithms, and data-driven formulation strategies remain underutilized in ophthalmology, yet they offer tremendous potential to accelerate innovation, individualize treatment, and enhance clinical translation. This review concludes that future research should prioritize not only the advancement of safer and more efficient drug nanodelivery systems but also the incorporation of AI to transform ocular drug delivery into a more precise and patient-centered approach.

Supplementary Material | References | Related Articles

Noor K. Faheed^*,  Rasha Abdul-Hassan Issa,  Qahtan A. Hamad,  Maryam J. Jaafar,  Mahmood S. Mahmood

, 0(0): 00016. https://doi.org/10.12336/bmt.25.00016

With the rise in transtibial and transfemoral amputations, the number of athletic amputees has steadily increased. This study aims to develop an alternative prosthetic foot for the lower limb to address the limitations of conventional prosthetic designs and better meet user requirements. The proposed prosthetic foot offers a promising solution by incorporating cost-effective materials and mechanisms. The primary objective is to create a prosthetic device suitable for sports activities – particularly running – allowing lower limb amputees to participate in endurance sports using mechanically enhanced limbs that closely mimic the function and characteristics of natural biological limbs. The mechanical and miscibility properties of the prosthetic foot were evaluated through experimental, theoretical, and numerical approaches. Polyester matrix laminates reinforced with both natural and synthetic fibers were fabricated using a vacuum-assisted system and subjected to tensile, hardness, bending, fatigue, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy tests. To assess loading behavior and user comfort, force plate measurements during the gait cycle provided insight into ground reaction forces, moments, and abutment interface pressures, supplemented by F-Socket testing. Finite element analysis was used to determine the distribution of safety factors, strain energy, total deformation, and equivalent von Mises stress and strain. Laminates reinforced with hybrid glass, carbon, and linen fibers demonstrated optimal tensile strength, bending resistance, fatigue performance, and hardness. FTIR spectroscopy analysis further indicated significant interaction between the fibers and the resin. Gait cycle analysis revealed that the prosthesis made from composites reinforced with carbon, glass, and linen fibers exhibited superior comfort, with a maximum applied force of 610 N and acceptable interface pressure values – making it suitable for prosthetic applications. In conclusion, the selected materials meet established safety standards, confirming their suitability for prosthetic foot design. This study underscores the orthopedic potential of biodegradable materials and highlights advancements in biomedical engineering through enhanced biocompatibility and durability.

Supplementary Material | References | Related Articles