German Journal of Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials

Editor

Editor — 2025-01-10

PROTACs: Mechanism and Bioavailability enhancement strategies by nanotechnology, RNA viral infections (vaccine strategy) and Prodrug development

Sanaul Mustafa — 2025-01-10

Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTACs) are a brand-new concept of therapeutics that use the ubiquitin-proteasome system for selective degradation of disease-related proteins. Like other therapeutics, PROTACs function by recruiting a protein target and a ubiquitin ligase that leads to the degradation of the target protein; however, unlike most other drugs, PROTACs do not simply disable the target’s function through steric hindrance. As a result of this present review, the application of PROTACs will be discussed in oncology, leukemia, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, there are considerable difficulties regarding the bioavailability of PROTACs; one of which is selecting the appropriate degron. This review describes the issues of bioavailability that are related with PROTACs, such as solubility and stability issues, and proposed tactical decisions, which could be used under those conditions. The newest approaches in nanotechnology-aided drug delivery and the use of nanocarriers to address the limitations in PROTACs and their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties are discussed. They improve the solubility and stability of PROTACs, allow for targeted delivery to the tumour site and minimize toxicity to healthy cells. Moreover, arguably the most interesting virtue of PROTACs is its applicability for RNA viral infections (new vaccine design) based on the degradation of viral proteins. An idea for the field of antiviral therapy, this invention defines a new horizon for the management of diseases that have not responded to traditional methods. In addition, the review focuses on the advanced techniques on the application of prodrug strategies in PROTACs. These inactive PROTACs are then converted to prodrugs to enhance their uptake into target tissues thereby increasing the concentrations at the target site and at the same time minimizing on the adverse effects that may be caused by higher concentrations in the entire body. Also, when PROTACs are incorporated into sophisticated drug delivery systems, their desirability and selectivity are further improved beyond existing issues related to small-molecule inhibitors. This review also includes new progress, clinical applicability, and development trend of PROTAC for the change of disease therapy and drug delivery.

Impact of Nutritional Factors on Colorectal Cancer: Implication the molecular mechanisms of Vitamins Supplementation

Hossna M. Ismail — 2025-01-10

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of death from gastrointestinal cancer, the second largest cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and the third most common cancer in both men and women. Bad eating habits, smoking, intestinal inflammatory diseases, polyps, aging, and genetic factors all increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. More interestingly, vitamin deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. We reviewed the published significance of vitamin supplementation on colorectal cancer proliferation, survival, apoptosis, angiogenesis and migration, focusing on the possible molecular mechanisms of water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins to provide protective suggestions to minimize the occurrence and progression of colorectal cancer.

Abdominal Wall Defects: Hydrogel based solutions in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Alook Kumar Ajay — 2025-01-10

Abdominal wall defects, including hernias and congenital anomalies, are complex conditions that require practical and durable repair strategies. While commonly used, traditional synthetic meshes often face limitations such as poor integration with host tissue and complications like infection or adhesion formation. This paper presents hydrogel-based materials as a novel approach to addressing these abdominal wall defect repair challenges. Hydrogels, characterized by their biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, and ability to support tissue regeneration, offer a promising alternative to existing methods. This paper explores the design and application of these hydrogels, highlighting their potential to improve surgical outcomes through enhanced tissue integration, reduced inflammation, and minimized postoperative complications. Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that hydrogel technology could revolutionize the standard of care for abdominal wall defects, offering a more effective and patient-friendly solution.

GC-MS analysis, antimicrobial and antiulcer evaluations of ginger-infused virgin coconut oil

Ibeabuchi Jude Ali — 2025-01-10

Medicinal herb-infused oil is utilized in folkloric medicine due to its efficacy in ameliorating various diseases of humans; even with this evidence, most herbs are still underutilized and poorly investigated. This prompted the investigation of ginger-infused virgin coconut oil's chemical composition and antimicrobial and antiulcer activities (GIVCO). The virgin coconut oil was produced using the natural fermentation method. Dried ginger and VCO (1:10) were infused for three days and then filtered to obtain ginger-infused virgin coconut oil. GC-MS was used to detect GIVCO chemical constituents. The agar well diffusion method was used for antimicrobial evaluation test organisms. The ethanol and indomethacin-induced ulcer models were used for antiulcer evaluation. The GC-MS
analysis identified the presence of lauric acid methyl ester, Myristic acid, Palmitic Acid, Oleic acid, Capric acid, Stearic acid, Caryophyllene, Docosahexaenoic Acid methyl ester. At 100 mg/ml, inhibition zone diameter (IZD) ranged from 10-16 mm for various strains of bacteria and 10-21 mm for various strains of fungi. The effect of GIVCO on tested organisms compared favorably to that of standard drugs. The acute toxicity study of GIVCO is atoxic. The antiulcer activity demonstrated a dose-dependent effect; at 100 mg/ml, the GIVCO protected the intestine with a %UI of 80 and 63 for ethanol and indomethacin model against the standard omeprazole with 50% UI. The study demonstrated the potential of GIVCO as an alternative medicine against antimicrobial infections and the prevention of stomach ulcers.