Exploring Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Antimicrobial Applications

APZE is an azathioprine-loaded, colon-targeted nanoparticle that improves colonic delivery and shifts azathioprine metabolism in ways that may offer safety advantages. In a preclinical comparison, APZE produced greater systemic exposure and a distinct metabolite pattern versus a conventional azathioprine suspension. Clinically, these findings imply that systemic exposure and metabolite results from nano-enabled formulations must be interpreted in the context of formulation-driven delivery.

In healthy rats (n=6 per group), APZE increased oral bioavailability relative to suspension: peak plasma AZA concentrations rose from about 474 ng/mL to 668 ng/mL, and 6‑MP Cmax increased from ~31 ng/mL to ~89 ng/mL; the AUC for 6‑MP roughly doubled (≈52.7 to 102 ng·h/mL).

APZE reduced formation of the inactive oxidation product 6‑thiouric acid compared with the suspension, with lower 6‑TU levels observed in plasma and renal tissue. This pattern—less routing into xanthine oxidase–mediated oxidation and reduced first-pass conversion to inactive derivatives—can lower clearance into inactive pools and may lessen exposure to toxicity-associated pathways.

Fecal microbiota assays showed more extensive conversion of APZE to 6‑MP and no inhibition of microbial growth under the tested conditions. In a mouse colitis model (n=8–10 per group), this shift in microbial metabolism was associated with improved disease-related readouts. Those associations were exploratory and are not presented as proof of causality.

Nanotechnology also applies to device protection: nanocoatings and nano-enabled surface treatments reduce biofilm formation on device surfaces and therefore have potential to lower device-related infections. Practical targets include indwelling vascular catheters, urinary catheters, orthopedic implants, and endoscopic equipment where surface colonization drives infection risk. Operational limits remain related to surface durability, resistance to repeated sterilization, long-term biocompatibility, and regulatory evaluation; nanocoatings are best viewed as a plausible adjunct that warrants targeted feasibility work in high-risk device settings.