Aqueous Dispersions Research Articles

The Influence of Polyvinyl Alcohol on the Stability of Aqueous Dispersions of Nanodiamonds

The Influence of Polyvinyl Alcohol on the Stability of Aqueous Dispersions of Nanodiamonds

Zwitterionic stabilized water-borne polymer colloids for antifouling coatings

This study presents antifouling waterborne (meth)acrylic coatings prepared through seeded semi-continuous emulsion polymerization, using trace amounts of a zwitterionic monomer 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (DMAPS). DMAPS was introduced with a dual purpose, to establish a protective layer of DMAPS containing polymer chains on the films' surface, thereby imparting antifouling characteristics, while simultaneously provides in-situ colloidal stability to the emulsion during polymerization.By providing colloidal stability to (meth)acrylic polymer particles in aqueous dispersion (latex), DMAPS-rich units are distributed on the surface of the polymer particles and subsequently on the surface of the resulting polymer films. Subsequent analysis revealed that the films exhibited diminished hydrophilicity, a more textured surface, and diminished affinity for water entrapment compared to conventionally stabilized (meth)acrylic films. Such surfaces demonstrated high resistance to fouling and weak adhesion of the studied BSA protein. These effects were positively influenced by the quantity of DMAPS incorporated within the (meth)acrylic films that allow higher coverage with DMAPS rich polymer chains.The proposed methodology not only emphasizes a potent pathway for the development of environmentally-conscious, waterborne film-forming coating technology but also involves the simultaneous integration of a zwitterionic surface layer, conveying remarkable antifouling attributes to the resulting (meth)acrylic coating film.

Overcoming limitations of conventional solvent exchange methods: Achieving monodisperse non-equilibrium polymer micelles through equilibration-nanoprecipitation (ENP)

HypothesisConventional solvent exchange formulation methods face limitations when trying to control the final non-equilibrium size properties of block copolymer micelles containing a strongly hydrophobicity and a rigid block because the solvent conditions are not well controlled during micelle formation. Therefore, using an alternative formulation method, named Equilibration-Nanoprecipitation (ENP), in which micelles are formed under uniform solvent conditions, will significantly reduce the final dispersity compared a conventional solvent exchange method. ExperimentalSize properties of the final aqueous micelle dispersions formed from the ENP method and a conventional solvent exchange are measured using DLS. Also, a parallel modelling study is completed to predict the final size distributions using both methods.FindingsThe experimental results demonstrate the ENP method is effective producing non-equilibrium micelles with low dispersity below the monodisperse polydispersity index (PDI) cutoff for DLS while the conventional solvent exchange method leads to significantly greater dispersity. Also the experimental results highlight ENP can be used to tune the final size properties which cannot be done using methods which do not properly control the micelle formation conditions. Additionally, the modelling study supports the utility of the ENP approach for producing monodisperse dispersions of nonequilibrium polymer micelles.

Phase Behavior and Rheological Properties of Size-Fractionated MXene (Ti3C2Tx) Dispersions.

Understanding the dispersion behavior of MXenes is interesting from a fundamental colloid science perspective and critical to enabling the fluid-phase manufacturing of MXene devices with controlled microstructures and properties. However, the polydispersity, irregular shape, and charged surfaces of MXenes result in a complex phase behavior that is difficult to predict through theoretical calculations. As two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, MXenes can form lyotropic liquid crystal phases, gels, and aggregates. This work aims to elucidate the effects of MXene (Ti3C2Tx) sheet size on their phase behavior and associated rheological properties. Aqueous dispersions of large sheets with an average lateral dimension of 3.0 μm, small sheets with an average lateral dimension of 0.3 μm, and a bimodal mixture of the two sizes were investigated by using cross-polarized optical microscopy and rheology. At low concentrations, the large MXene dispersions exhibited lyotropic liquid crystal behavior and extended aligned textures, but increasing concentration resulted in the formation of dense flocs. Dispersions of small sheets formed small birefringent domains with increasing concentration but lacked long-range ordering. A bimodal mixture of these sizes enabled the formation of liquid crystalline phases with extended aligned textures with less floc formation. These results provide insights into using polydispersity to tune dispersion microstructure and rheological properties that can be applied to designing dispersions for fluid-phase manufacturing methods, such as direct ink writing.

Design of Multi-Luminescent Silica-Based Nanoparticles for the Detection of Liquid Organic Compounds.

Tracer testing in reservoir formations is utilised to determine residual oil saturation as part of optimum hydrocarbon production. Here, we present a novel detection method of liquid organic compounds by monodisperse SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) containing two luminophores, a EuIII:EDTA complex and a newly synthesised fluorophore based on the organic boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-moiety. The particles exhibited stable EuIII PL emission intensity with a long lifetime in aqueous dispersion. The fluorescence of the BODIPY was also preserved in the aqueous environment. The ratiometric PL detection technique was demonstrated by using toluene and 1-octanol as model compounds of crude oil. The optimal synthesis conditions were found to give NPs with a diameter of ~100 nm, which is suitable for transport through porous oil reservoir structures. The cytotoxicity of the NPs was confirmed to be very low for human lung cell and fish cell lines. These findings demonstrate the potential of the NPs to replace the hazardous chemicals used to estimate the residual oil saturation. Moreover, the ratiometric PL detection technique is anticipated to be of benefit in other fields, such as biotechnology, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring, where a reliable and safe detection of a liquid organic phase is needed.

Nanoparticles of Push-Pull Triphenylamine-Based Molecules for Light-Controlled Stimulation of Neuronal Activity.

Organic semiconductor materials with a unique set of properties are very attractive for interfacing biological objects and can be used for noninvasive therapy or detection of biological signals. Here, we describe the synthesis and investigation of a novel series of organic push-pull conjugated molecules with the star-shaped architecture, consisting of triphenylamine as a branching electron donor core linked through the thiophene π-spacer to electron-withdrawing alkyl-dicyanovinyl groups. The molecules could form stable aqueous dispersions of nanoparticles (NPs) without the addition of any surfactants or amphiphilic polymer matrixes with the average size distribution varying from 40 to 120 nm and absorption spectra very similar to those of human eye retina pigments such as rods and green cones. Variation of the terminal alkyl chain length of the molecules forming NPs from 1 to 12 carbon atoms was found to be an efficient tool to modulate their lipophilic and biological properties. Possibilities of using the NPs as light nanoactuators in biological systems or as artificial pigments for therapy of degenerative retinal diseases were studied both on the model planar bilayer lipid membranes and on the rat cortical neurons. In the planar bilayer system, the photodynamic activity of these NPs led to photoinactivation of ion channels formed by pentadecapeptide gramicidin A. Treatment of rat cortical neurons with the NPs caused depolarization of cell membranes upon light irradiation, which could also be due to the photodynamic activity of the NPs. The results of the work gave more insight into the mechanisms of light-controlled stimulation of neuronal activity and for the first time showed that fine-tuning of the lipophilic affinity of NPs based on organic conjugated molecules is of high importance for creating a bioelectronic interface for biomedical applications.

Deionization-induced colorless transparency in physical gels formed by clay aqueous dispersions

Physical gels formed by aqueous clay dispersion are typically turbid and have a milky appearance. The colorless and transparent nature of gels expands the potential for novel applications. In this study, we successfully produced a transparent gel by deionizing the gel as much as possible while maintaining its dynamic elastic modulus, akin to water. The aqueous clay suspensions exhibited specific sol-gel regions corresponding to the type of clay. According to images obtained through cryo-SEM, the three-dimensional network formed by clay became finer when deionization was carried out, and the aqueous dispersion exhibited Rayleigh scattering. The reduction in the extent of Mie scattering due to the suppression of clay aggregation through deionization results in its colorless transparency. This transparent gel will open up various potential applications, including 3D printing support structures, 3D cell culture, 3D art and displays with dispersed materials, educational materials with visual effects, enhancing traditional products, and innovative engineering applications.

Improved stability and anticancer activity of curcumin via pH-driven self-assembly with soy protein isolate

Curcumin exhibits promising anticancer properties, but its significant hydrophobic nature, instability, and low oral bioavailability pose challenges in utilizing it effectively in food and pharmaceutical fields. In this study the self-assembly of soy protein isolate (SPI) with curcumin (Cur) was driven by pH-driven method to realize the nanoencapsulation of curcumin by soy protein isolate. Characterization and stability analysis of soy protein isolate-curcumin nanoparticles (SPI-Cur) revealed that the SPI and Cur self-assembly altered the secondary structure of SPI, resulting in a significant reduction in the average particle size of SPI-Cur nanoparticles, and exhibited high aqueous dispersibility and stability. In addition, the self-assembly of SPI with Cur resulted in a significant reduction of the IC50 value of curcumin from 29.33 μg/mL to 17.44 μg/mL in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells treated for 24 h, which effectively improved the anticancer activity. The molecular mechanism underlying its potentiating effect is the ROS-induced mitochondria-mediated cascade of caspase apoptotic pathways that exacerbate SPI-Cur-induced cell death events. These findings provide a theoretical basis for utilizing curcumin delivery carriers based on soy protein isolate to exert anticancer effects and increase the possibility of plant protein-curcumin nanoparticles for medical and food healthcare applications.

Stable graphene oxide-based lyotropic liquid crystals for interfacial lubrication

Lyotropic liquid crystals have lubricating properties due to their ordered assembly and fluidity, whose mesogens are often characterized by amphiphilic properties. Despite the attention that graphene oxide (GO) has been studied as a novel amphiphilic lyotropic mesogen this decade, and GO applied as a lubrication additive has been demonstrated in both oil and water-based systems, little research reveals the interfacial lubrication of GO liquid crystals yet. This work reports that GO aqueous dispersion can form lyotropic liquid crystals above a specific critical concentration of 5.00 mg/mL, providing a form of stable water-based lubricant, which can keep stable for several months and can reduce friction by 37.3% and wear by 25.24%. The liquid crystal phase was verified by polarizing microscope and synchrotron radiation small-angle X-ray scattering, and its rheological properties and viscoelasticity were studied by interfacial rheometer. The formation of lyotropic liquid crystals can enhance the stability of GO aqueous dispersions at high density, simultaneously ensuring friction decrease and anti-wear effect. It is attributed to the stable nematic network by the ordered GO sheets. The ordered assembly structure bears vertical shear force, therefore, reducing the wear. It is also assumed that the wide lateral size of graphene oxide promotes the nematic phase thus smoothes the graphene oxide film composed spontaneously under the coincidence of lamellar liquid crystal and 2D layered material. Through this work, the interlayer lubrication of GO was optimized, and the problem of GO dispersion sedimentation was solved by self-assembly. The range of interfacial lubrication of GO aqueous dispersion has been expanded and the synergistic effect is conducive to the environmentally friendly lubricants.

Synthesis and Performances of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Aqueous Dispersions with a High Solid Content and Low Viscosity

Synthesis and Performances of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Aqueous Dispersions with a High Solid Content and Low Viscosity

Preparation, formation mechanism, and performance of nitrocellulose aqueous coating based on the anti-solvent method

The organic solvent-based nitrocellulose (NC) coatings exhibit a high volatile solvent content, leading to significant environmental pollution. Whereas, existing waterborne NC-based coating have demonstrated poor water resistance and complex application methods. Therefore, this study aims to develop a green and highly water-resistant waterborne NC-based coating system utilizing a simple anti-solvent method with two environmentally friendly plasticizers, namely acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) and triethyl citrate (TEC), as film-forming additives. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies revealed that the particle size of NC-based nanoparticles increased with an increase in ATBC content, while it remained relatively constant with an increase in TEC content. Moreover, the particle size results demonstrated that the storage stability of aqueous dispersions containing NC/ATBC (NA) was superior to those containing NC/TEC (NT). Additionally, the physicochemical properties of aqueous dispersions-based films (Ndis), including film formation, hygroscopicity, water resistance, transparency, thermal stability, and mechanical properties were evaluated using solvent-based films (Nsol) as control samples. The results demonstrated that the Ndis films exhibited a dense and uniform structure, with physical and chemical properties that were essentially comparable to those of Nsol films. However, the mechanical properties of Ndis films were somewhat influenced by the nanoparticle size, leading to reduced mechanical performance when the particle size of nanoparticles in the aqueous dispersion was excessively large. The equilibrium moisture content for NA and NT films were reduced to 1.119% and 1.872%, respectively, at a relative humidity of 95%, in comparison to pure NC films (3.975%). Simultaneously, water contact angle measurements indicated an increase from 77° for pure NC film to 89° for NA film and 82° for NT film. All films exhibited superior transparency characteristics. Overall, NA films display excellent water resistance and transparency as well as good mechanical properties.

The Influence of Waste Perlite Powder on Selected Mechanical Properties of Polymer–Cement Composites

The subject of this paper is the influence of the partial substitution of cement with mineral additive on the properties of polymer–cement composites (PCCs). Although there is considerable research on the use of perlite in cement concrete, most of the previous studies were conducted with expanded perlite or ground waste perlite, and there is a lack of results evaluating its suitability with polymer–cement composites. To fill this gap, this paper presents the mechanical characteristic of PCC mortars containing waste perlite powder. The modification consisted of replacing part of the cement with waste perlite powder, a byproduct formed during the expansion and fractionation of perlite. The granulometric characteristics of the powder were compiled, and its specific surface area and density were determined. A chemical composition analysis was also carried out. An aqueous dispersion of styrene–acrylic copolymer was used as a polymer modifier. The proportions (by mass) between the contents of the PCC composite components, i.e., cement/polymer (0 to 20%) and cement/mineral powder (0 to 15%), were used as material variables. The technical characteristics tested included the compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths at 28 and 90 days of curing. The compositions of the tested composites were determined using the statistical planning of the experiment. At a low polymer-modifier content in PCC mortars (2.93%), the tested mechanical strengths decreased by five times, with a 6-fold increase in waste content. For mortars containing more than 10% of the polymer modifier, no effect of waste material powder on the flexural strength was observed, while with relatively minor reductions in compressive strength of 2% and 5% and tensile strength of 4% and 2% were observed after 28 and 90 days of curing, respectively. It was shown that it is possible to use waste perlite powder as an ingredient in construction polymer–cement composites, while there is a limiting waste content, above which there is a deterioration in mechanical properties.

Electroanalytical application of phenol-functionalized reduced graphene oxide produced using gallic acid in a single step

This study introduces a simple one-step approach for synthesizing phenol-functionalized reduced graphene oxide for electroanalytical purposes, just using gallic acid (GA) and graphene oxide (GO). GA serves as both a reductant for GO and a stabilizing, functionalizing agent, introducing phenolic groups to the nanomaterial. This functionalization imparts remarkable attributes to the nanomaterial, allowing complete dispersion in aqueous solutions and tuning of its electrochemical performance, making it very convenient for electrode modification. The resulting nanomaterials (GA-rGO) underwent characterization through UV–visible, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopies, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Glassy carbon electrodes modified with aqueous dispersions of these nanomaterials (GA-rGO/GCE) were employed in voltammetric experiments to evaluate the optimal dispersion composition for electroanalytical application.These GA-rGO/GCE displayed high electrocatalytic activity for the electrochemical oxidation of relevant clinical and environmental analytes. The unique functionalization of GA-rGO facilitated the selective accumulation of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) on the electrode surface, even in the presence of significant amounts of ascorbic acid (AA) in mixtures. Under the specified conditions, voltammetric currents display linear increments over the concentration ranges of 3.0 x 10-7 M to 2.0 x 10-5 M for DA and 7.0 x 10-6 M to 1.0 x 10-4 M for UA. The sensor demonstrated a low detection limit of 0.090 and 2.1 μM for DA and UA, respectively. The reliability of the electroanalytical performance of the proposed sensor in real samples was demonstrated by the quantification of DA in medications, as well as DA and UA in human urine samples, yielding recovery values between 82 % and 105 %, with relative standard deviation below 11 %.

Linear dichroism measurement of geomagnetic orientation of magnetic nanoparticles

Abstract The magnetic orientation of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in dried and aqueous dispersion samples was investigated under weak magnetic fields down to the geomagnetic field using linear dichroism measurements. The geomagnetic orientation of MNPs was observed when the primary MNPs in dispersions made the agglomerates using a magnetic moment that was about 10 times larger than that of the primary particle.

Surface modification of GO/PVDF composite membrane by MXene/protonated g‐C₃N₄ nanosheets hybrids with improved dye separation and antifouling properties

AbstractGraphene oxide‐polyvinylidene composite membranes were fabricated via the phase inversion technique. Then, GO‐PVDF membrane with highest water flux was achieved via surface modification with 2‐D MXene and 2‐D MXene /protonated 2‐D g‐C₃N₄ nanosheets hybrid via vacuum filtration of an aqueous dispersion of MXene and MXene‐protonated g‐C₃N₄ nanosheets hybrid, respectively, on GO‐PVDF membrane support to improve filtration efficiency and antifouling properties. The membranes were designated as MXene/GO‐PVDF (M2) and MXene‐protonated g‐C₃N₄/GO‐PVDF(M3). XRD, SEM, and FTIR analysis were used for characterization. The results showed that the performance of both MXene /GO‐PVDF and MXene‐ Pg‐C₃N₄/GO‐PVDF membranes was improved significantly in removing cationic dyes, unlike anionic pigments. Also, the resistance of these membranes against fouling has improved. The MXene‐ Pg‐C₃N₄/GO‐PVDF shows a significant enhancement in the removal of crystal violet (CV) cationic dye (100%) compared to the pristine membrane (84%) after 4 h of the filtration process. Tests also were performed to remove another two cationic dyes Methylene blue (MB), Rhodamine B (RB), and an anionic dye Methyl‐orange. The anionic dye separation rate from the stream did not show significant improvement while cationic dyes show significant enhancement in separation efficiencies. Modified membranes exhibit an enhancement of fouling resistance properties compared to pristine membranes.Highlights The water contact angle decreased from 71 to 45, which means hydrophilicity improved successfully. Membrane fouling resistance was improved around 15%–20%. PVDF membrane was prepared and graphene oxide was added to the matrix to modify the bulk properties. MXene and C3N4 were synthesized successfully. Surface modification of the PVDF membrane was successful by MXene and C3N4.

Embedding anatase, rutile, and brookite TiO2 nanoparticles to cotton fabric with epoxy silane and comparison of their effects on photodegradation

Purpose This study aims to embed anatase, rutile and brookite TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with different crystal phases into cotton fabrics by epoxy silane and to examine the effect of these applications on the photocatalytic and mechanical properties of the fabric. Design/methodology/approach Different aqueous dispersions which contain anatase, rutile and brookite were prepared at three different concentrations (5%, 10% and 15%). These NPs were embedded in cotton fabrics by using GPTS [(3-glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane]. Characterization tests were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT/IR). Samples were stained with methylene blue (MB) and then exposed to solar light for different periods. Color changes of the samples were examined with a spectrophotometer. Air permeability, abrasion and tear strength tests were applied to all samples. Findings According to SEM images, the NPs were successfully attached to the cotton fabrics, and epoxy silane coating surrounded the fiber surfaces. The presence of the coating was also confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and FT/IR. The treatments reduced the stainability of the samples. The most effective applications for ensuring photocatalytic activity in cotton fabrics were suspensions as 10% brookite, 10% anatase and 5% anatase, in descending order. The applied coating slightly reduced the samples’ air permeability, and wear and tear strength. Originality/value The importance of this study is to determine the optimal crystal phase and its concentration by using epoxy silane to ensure self-cleaning properties on cotton fabrics. The sample treated with 10% brookite is the most approached its original white color by 99.65% as a result of degradation of MB (after 120 min). On the other hand, using the pure rutile with epoxy silane was not suitable for removing MB from the fabric.

Development of a Palm Kernel-Based Emulgel Loaded with Mitracarpus scarber Leaf Extracts for Effective Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Mitracarpus scaber is a tropical herb used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of inflammation and a variety of other diseases. The aim of this study was to develop a palm kernel-based emulgel containing Mitracarpus scarber and examine the product's physicochemical characteristics and anti-inflammatory efficacy on Wister rats. Different batches of emulgel comprising Mitracarpus scarber leaf extracts (MSE), different proportions of oils (palm kernel oil and/or liquid paraffin), and surfactants (tween-80 and/or Cremophor EL-30) were prepared. The freshly prepared and 5-month-old formulations, stored at room temperature (28 ± 2 °C), were evaluated for rheology, syneresis, and extract/excipient compatibility using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The spreadability, extrudability, and anti-inflammatory activity of the optimal formulation were compared with those of a commercial anti-inflammatory emulgel. Even after five months of storage, the created emulgels remained olive green and creamy, with a homogeneous texture, consistency, and glossy appearance. The optimized batch containing palm kernel oil, tween-80, and xanthan gum had the most stable characteristics, with no significant change in pH (P = 1.000) or FT-IR spectrum after 5 months of storage. It exhibited spreadability and extrudability of 12.75 cm2 and 600 g/cm2, respectively, compared to 16.82 cm2 and 400 g/cm2 for the commercial formulation. Four hours post-treatment, the anti-inflammatory effect of the optimized batch was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the aqueous MSE dispersion. The obtained results demonstrate the prospects of palm kernel-based emulgel loaded with Mitracarpus scarber leaf extracts as an innovative therapeutic approach to inflammation treatment. Keywords: Inflammation, Emulgel, Mitracarpus scarber, Palm kernel oil, Formulation

Carbon dots derived from metformin by electrochemical synthesis with broad-spectrum antibacterial properties.

Due to the advantages of good aqueous dispersion and biocompatibility, carbon dots (CDs) are promising candidates for a wide range of applications in the biological field. Notably, CDs derived from biosafe organic precursors will contribute both new types of CDs and new bioactivities. Herein, metformin (MET), a first-line drug for the treatment of type II diabetes, was selected as an organic precursor to fabricate a new type of CDs, namely, semi-carbonized MET (MCDs). These MCDs derived from MET possess a completely new antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) compared with that of MET and achieve complete antibacterial activity at 200 μg mL-1. The broad-spectrum antibacterial mechanism of MCDs involves two aspects. For the Gram-positive bacteria SA, MCDs mainly affect the transport of nutrients by adsorbing onto the surface of bacteria, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth. For the Gram-negative bacteria E. coli, MCDs can easily pass through their thin cell walls and stimulate the bacteria to produce excess ROS, eventually leading to the death of the bacteria. This work may open a new way for the future design and development of CDs prepared from biosafe organic precursors with specific functions.

A microfluidic chip for generation a lipid phase in an aqueous dispersion

A microfluidic chip for generation a lipid phase in an aqueous dispersion

Enhancing the solubility and potency of tetrahydrocurcumin as an anti-cancer agent using a β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex approach.

Curcuminoids originating from turmeric roots are renowned for their diverse pharmacological applications, particularly as a natural anticancer agent. Unfortunately, harnessing the full potential of curcumin derivatives in cancer therapy has been impeded by its inherent limitations, specifically instabilities owing to poor solubility, leading to low systemic bioavailability under normal physiological circumstances. To circumvent this, a novel organic-based drug delivery system employing physically adsorbed β-cyclodextrin (βCD) as an excipient was developed in this study. This resulted in improved aqueous dispersion coupled with anticancer enhancements of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) at a molar ratio of 2:1. Encapsulation of this agent was confirmed by physicochemical characterisation using UV-vis spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and both in vitro and in vivo approaches. Through the presence of an inclusion complex, a higher aqueous dispersion (65-fold) resulting in a higher drug content and an elevated release profile was achieved. Athymic nude (Nu/Nu) mice exposed to this treatment displayed improvements in tumour regression compared to stand-alone agents, consistent with in vitro cytotoxicity assays with an SI value > 10. The inclusion complex further enhanced apoptosis, as well as anti-migration and anti-invasion rates. Mechanistically, this formulation was consistent in terms of caspase 3 activation. Furthermore, the inclusion complex exhibited reduced systemic toxicity, including reduced inflammation in vital organs as examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. This study also revealed a notable sequential reduction in serum levels of tumour markers, including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and mouse Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2), correlating with a significant decrease in tumour bulk volume upon treatment commencement. These compelling findings highlight the potential of this formulation to empower insoluble or poorly soluble hydrophobic agents, thus offering promising prospects for their effective utilisation in colorectal cancer (CRC) chemotherapy.