Aim: The aim of this research was to generate new peptide molecules with cytotoxic activity against cervical cancer that can become effective in mitigating the impact of the disease and preventing its progression. The design is based on the hybrid peptide formation strategy that allows new chemical entities to be obtained from the union of fragments of different bioactive peptides. Specifically, we worked by combining the RWQWRWQWR sequence derived from bovine lactoferricin with different functional peptides such as anticancer peptides, cervical cancer cell-targeting peptides, and cell-penetrating peptides. Methods: Hybrid peptides and precursors were synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis using the Fmoc/tBu strategy, purified via reverse phase (RP)-solid phase extraction, and characterized by RP-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) chromatography and mass spectrometry. In vitro cytotoxicity of hybrid peptides in human cervical cancer cells lines HeLa and Ca Ski was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results: All hybrid peptides were obtained with high purity and the experimental mass corresponds with the theoretical mass. Some hybrid peptides exhibited significant, fast, and selective cytotoxic activity against the cancerous cells evaluated, specifically those containing sequences of anticancer peptides and cell-penetrating peptides. The cytotoxic effect exerted by the monomeric and dimeric hybrid peptides depended on the concentration of the peptide, which allowed the determination of the IC50 values and the selectivity index (SI). Conclusions: We obtained hybrid peptides with the core sequence RWQWRWQWR that are active against HeLa and Ca Ski cell lines. The combination of the RWQWRWQWR sequence with short anticancer peptides and cell-penetrating peptides allowed the creation of hybrid peptides with improved cytotoxic potency against cervical cancer. Hybrid peptides constitute a novel, viable, and useful strategy for the design and identification of peptide drugs with anticancer activity.

The presence of high-quality water is essential not only for human survival but also for the well-being of plants and animals. This research aimed to examine studies investigating the occurrence of antibiotics, endocrine disruptors, and other pharmaceutical products in water, sediments, and organisms within aquatic ecosystems. These substances have been linked to numerous adverse health effects on both humans and aquatic life, including reproductive issues and neurotoxic effects. The pervasive utilization of antibiotics in medical and agricultural domains has precipitated their ascension as formidable environmental contaminants. Effluents discharged from pharmaceutical industries constitute significant contributors to aquatic ecosystems’ contamination with antibiotics. These pharmacological agents permeate diverse environmental niches, spanning groundwater, surface water, soils, and wastewater treatment facilities, exhibiting concentrations ranging from nanograms to grams per liter. Concurrently, the indiscriminate and excessive application of antibiotics worldwide has engendered escalating apprehensions pertaining to antimicrobial resistance—a formidable global health exigency. This review also delves into the impact of pharmaceutical pollutants on aquatic environments, particularly as endocrine-disrupting compounds. Analysis of surface water in River Taff and River Ely reveals a consistent discharge of approximately 6 kilograms of pharmaceuticals per day. The study examines particular pharmaceuticals, such as diethylstilbestrol (DES), chlorotriazines, chloroquine, and antineoplastic drugs, elucidating their varied effects on reproductive cycles. Pharmaceutical pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, originating from sources like wastewater, agriculture, and improper disposal, persist and adversely affect organisms through bioaccumulation and biomagnification. These contaminants pose significant ecological and health risks, necessitating effective mitigation strategies.

The environmental impact of drug manufacturing raises concerns about sustainability in healthcare. To address this, exploring alternative approaches to drug production is crucial. This review focuses on seaweed as a sustainable resource for greening drug manufacturing processes. Seaweed offers advantages such as renewability, abundance, and a positive environmental footprint. The review begins by providing an overview of sustainable drug manufacturing practices and the challenges faced in achieving sustainability. It then discusses seaweed as a sustainable resource, including cultivation techniques and environmental benefits. Seaweed has various applications in drug manufacturing, including extracting and purifying bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic properties. Seaweed’s role in developing green technologies, such as seaweed-based excipients, biodegradable packaging materials, and as a source of sustainable energy for drug manufacturing processes, is highlighted. The environmental and economic implications of incorporating seaweed-based solutions are discussed, emphasizing reduced carbon footprint and cost-effectiveness. Regulatory and industrial perspectives are addressed, examining challenges, and opportunities for implementing seaweed-based drug manufacturing. Collaboration between academia, industry, and regulatory bodies is crucial for successful integration. The review presents future directions and opportunities, including emerging trends and innovations in seaweed-based drug manufacturing, areas for further research, policy development, and industry engagement recommendations. Incorporating seaweed into drug production facilitates a reduction in environmental impact, promotes resource efficiency, and contributes to sustainable healthcare. This review showcases seaweed-based solutions as a means to foster a greener future for drug manufacturing, addressing environmental concerns, and promoting sustainability.