Carrier System Research Articles

Kinetic study of in vitro release of curcumin from chitosan biopolymer and the evaluation of biological efficacy

Sustained release of curcumin from the polymeric carrier system chitosan, a natural biopolymer material derived from chitin originated from natural shrimp shell waste, was studied. Six kinetic models, zero order, first order, Korsmeyer–Peppas (KP), Peppas – Sahlin (PS), Higuchi, and Hixson–Crowell, were applied to study the drug release kinetics. The release mechanism of the drug from the curcumin-chitosan composite was evaluated by changing the pH, ionic strength of the release media, and drug concentration. KP and PS models were selected among the studied models to investigate the drug release mechanism from the chitosan biopolymer based on the R2 values (R2 > 0.99). The model constants m in the PS model and n in the KP model stand for the case II relaxation and Fickian diffusion contribution, respectively. The n being < 0.43 in the KP model suggests that the Fickian diffusion governs the drug release. Furthermore, there is a noticeable difference between the values obtained for model parameters m and n in the PS and KP models, indicating that Case II relaxation and Fickian diffusion play crucial roles in the curcumin release mechanism from chitosan. Polymer relaxation has been proven to play a predominant role in releasing curcumin from the composite at lower ionic strengths and higher pH values. Anti-inflammatory activity was tested using the egg-albumin denaturation assay, and the diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay was carried out to determine the antioxidant activity of the composite. The composite material showed IC50 values of 0.29 mg/ mL and 1.08 mg/ mL for anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities, respectively. The drug composite has shown antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus, which are highly effective against S.aureus. The resulting inhibition zones for S.aureus were 13.34 ± 0.34 mm, 16.34 ± 0.60 mm, and 13.34 ± 0.73 mm for 5, 10, and 20 mg/ml concentrations, respectively. The drug composite’s minimum inhibitory concentration/ minimum bactericidal concentration ratio for S.aureus, K. pneumoniae, and P.aeruginosa was greater than 4, suggesting that they cause bacteriostatic effects.

Aquatic toxicity, bioaccumulation potential, and human estrogen/androgen activity of three oxo-Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (oxo-LOHC) systems

The Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) technology offers a technically attractive way for hydrogen storage. If LOHC systems were to fully replace liquid fossil fuels, they would need to be handled at the multi-million tonne scale. To date, LOHC systems on the market based on toluene or benzyltoluene still offer potential for improvements. Thus, it is of great interest to investigate potential LOHCs that promise better performance and environmental/human hazard profiles. In this context, we investigated the acute aquatic toxicity of oxygen-containing LOHC (oxo-LOHC) systems. Toxic Ratio (TR) values of oxo-LOHC compounds classify them baseline toxicants (0.1 < TR < 10). Additionally, the mixture toxicity test conducted with D. magna suggests that the overall toxicity of a benzophenone-based system can be accurately predicted using a concentration addition model. The estimation of bioconcentration factors (BCF) through the use of the membrane-water partition coefficient indicates that oxo-LOHCs are unlikely to be bioaccumulative (BCF < 2000). None of the oxo-LOHC compounds exhibited hormonal disrupting activities at the tested concentration of 2 mg/L in yeast-based reporter gene assays. Therefore, the oxo-LOHC systems seem to pose a low level of hazard and deserve more attention in ongoing studies searching for the best hydrogen storage technologies.

Adsorption and desorption of hydroxychloroquine onto sulphur doped graphene powders as a potential drug for COVID-19: physicochemical investigation, surface chemistry and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a very substantial drug active substance that was approved for emergency use by the FDA during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic due to its potent antiviral properties. In this study, adsorption and desorption of hydroxychloroquine on sulfur (S)-doped graphene powders were investigated. While the adsorption experiments were carried out in the environment of distilled water (pH 5.0-6.0), HEPES buffer (pH 7.6), and Tris.HCl buffer (pH 8.0) the desorption studies were performed in distilled water. The HCQ adsorbed S-doped graphene powders were characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, BET and TEM techniques. According to UV-Vis measurements, the adsorption efficiency in the HEPES buffer medium at pH 7.6 was the highest (68.72% for H3 (HCQ adsorption with SGr3 graphene in HEPES medium)). FT-IR and XRD analyses confirmed the presence of HCQ on the graphene powders’ surface. While morphological changes on the surfaces of graphene powders were imaged by TEM, BET surface area changes proved the HCQ adsorption. The in vitro toxicity of the developed H3 was found to be lower than that of HCQ alone on the L929 cell line. These fundamental findings of the surface interaction between HCQ and graphene are precious for the design and optimization of a targeted drug based on this molecule and material. The adsorption/desorption features of HCQ onto graphene-based carrier systems which in particular doped with sulfur from functional metals have been investigated for the first time.

Therapeutic potential of boron-based nanoparticles for enhanced glioblastoma treatment

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of brain tumor and its treatment is difficult due to its infiltrative nature into normal brain tissue, heterogeneity, and presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which restricts the penetration of chemotherapy drugs into the brain tissue and also the tumor site. Nanoparticles have emerged as a potential solution to improve the stability and delivery of the therapeutic agents directly to the tumor site. In this paper, we developed boron-based nanocarrier systems for providing the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) to T98G human glioblastoma cells. Three types of nanoparticles, calcium tetraborate (CBO), magnesium tetraborate (MBO), and strontium tetraborate (SBO) were prepared with sizes ranging approximately from 200 to 350 nm. DOX was effectively incorporated into the nanoparticles with ∼95 % loading capacity. As a result of cytotoxicity studies, the IC50 of free DOX was determined as ∼25 μg/mL (0.046 mM) for the glioblastoma cells. In contrast to blank borate nanoparticles, which had no harmful effect on the cells except SBO at high concentrations, DOX-containing borate nanoparticles increased toxicity in a way that was dependent on both time and concentration. Also, the nanoparticles were successively taken by the glioblastoma cells and therefore exhibited more cytotoxic effect than free DOX. As a result, these DOX-loaded boron-based nanoparticles are promising carrier systems for further research in glioblastoma treatment such as combined therapy with boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT).

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded with Dexamethasone Palmitate for Pulmonary Inflammation Treatment by Nebulization Approach.

Pneumonia stands as the leading infectious cause of childhood mortality annually, underscoring its significant impact on pediatric health. Although dexamethasone (DXMS) is effective for treating pulmonary inflammation, its therapeutic potential is compromised by systemic side effects and suboptimal carrier systems. To address this issue, the current study introduces solid lipid nanoparticles encapsulating hydrophobic dexamethasone palmitate (DXMS-Pal-SLNs) as an anti-inflammatory nanoplatform to treat pneumonia. The specialized nanoparticle formulation is characterized by high drug loading efficiency, low drug leakage and excellent colloidal stability in particular during nebulization and is proficiently designed to target alveolar macrophages in deep lung regions via local delivery with the nebulization administration. In vitro analyses revealed substantial reductions in the secretions of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 from alveolar macrophages, highlighting the potential efficacy of DXMS-Pal-SLNs in alleviating pneumonia-related inflammation. Similarly, in vivo experiments showed a significant reduction in the levels of these cytokines in the lungs of mice experiencing lipopolysaccharide-induced pulmonary inflammation after the administration of DXMS-Pal-SLNs via nebulization. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that DXMS-Pal-SLNs effectively control acute infections without causing pulmonary infiltration or excessive recruitment of immunocytes in lung tissues. These findings highlight the potential of nebulized DXMS-Pal-SLNs as a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating pneumonia-related inflammations.

A Lipophilic Salt Form to Enhance the Lipid Solubility and Certain Biopharmaceutical Properties of Lapatinib.

Lapatinib (LTP) commercially available as lapatinib ditosylate (LTP-DTS) salt is the only drug approved for the treatment of HER-positive metastatic breast cancer. A low and pH-dependent solubility results in poor and variable oral bioavailability, thus driving significant interest in molecular modification and formulation strategies of the drug. Furthermore, due to very high crystallinity, LTP and LTP-DTS have low solubility in lipid excipients, making it difficult to be delivered by lipid-based carrier systems. Thus, the present work reports a new salt form of LTP with a docusate counterion to enhance the pharmaceutical properties of the drug (LTP-DOC). NMR spectra showed a downfield shift of the methylene singlet proton from 3.83 and 4.41 ppm, indicating a lowering of electron density on the adjacent nitrogen atom and confirming the formation of amine-sulfonyl salt through the specified basic nitrogen center located adjacent to the furan ring. PXRD diffractograms of LTP-DOC indicated a reduced crystallinity of the prepared salt. The dissolution, equilibrium solubility, lipid excipient solubility, partitioning coefficient, distribution coefficient, tabletability, and in vitro cytotoxicity of the lipophilic salt of LTP were investigated. The equilibrium solubility data showed that LTP-DOC possesses a pH-independent solubility profile in the pH range of 3.5 to 7.4 with a 3.14 times higher permeability coefficient than commercial ditosylate salt. Furthermore, the prepared LTP-DOC salts showed twice higher log P than the free base and 8 times higher than LTP-DTS. The prepared LTP-DOC was found to have 4- to 9-fold higher solubility in lipid excipients like Capmul MCM C8 and Maisine CC compared to the ditosylate salt. The LTP-DOC salt was tabletable and showed approximately 1.2 times lower dissolution than commercial ditosylate salt, indicating extended-release behavior. A cytotoxicity study of LTP-DOC salt showed an approximately 2.5 times lower IC50 value than the LTP-free base and 1.7 times lower than commercial ditosylate salt with an approximately 3 times higher selectivity index. The investigations strongly indicate a high translational potential of the prepared salt form in maintaining solubility-lipophilicity interplay, enhancing the drug's bioavailability, and developing lipidic formulations.

Determination of antifungal efficacy and phytotoxicity of a unique silica coated porous zinc oxide nanocomposite medium for slow-release agrochemicals.

In this study the antifungal efficacy and phytotoxicity of silica coated porous zinc oxide nanoparticle (SZNP) was analyzed as this nanocomposite was observed to be a suitable platform for slow release fungicides and has the promise to bring down the dosage of other agrochemicals as well. Loading and release kinetics of tricyclazole, a potent fungicide was analyzed by measuring surface area (SBET) using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) isotherm and LC-MS/MS respectively. The antifungal efficacy of ZnO nanoparticle (ZNP) and SZNP was investigated on two phytopathogenic fungi (Alternaria solani and Aspergillus niger). The morphological changes to the fungal structure due to ZNP and SZNP treatment were studied by field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Nanoparticle mediated elevation of reactive oxygen species in fungal samples was detected by analyzing the level of superoxide dismutase, catalase, thiol content, lipid peroxidation and by 2,7-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay. The phytotoxicity of these two nanostructures was assessed in rice plants by measuring primary plant growth parameters. Further, the translocation of the nanocomposite in the same plant model system was examined by checking the presence of Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) tagged SZNP within the plant tissue. ZNP had superior antifungal efficacy than SZNP and caused generation of more reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the fungal samples. Even then SZNP was preferred as an agrochemical delivery vehicle because unlike ZNP alone it was not toxic to plant system. Moreover, as silica in nano form is entomotoxic in nature and nano ZnO has antifungal property, both the cargo (agrochemical) and the carrier system (silica coated porous nano zinc oxide) will have a synergistic effect in crop protection.

Impact of RAAS Receptors and Membrane-Bound Transporter System in the Left Ventricle during the Long-Term Control of Hypertension.

The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) has been implicated in systemic and neurogenic hypertension. The infusion of RAAS inhibitors blunted arterial pressure and efficacy of use-dependent synaptic transmission in sympathetic ganglia. The current investigation aims to elucidate the impact of RAAS-mediated receptors on left ventricular cardiomyocytes and the role of the sarcolemma-bound carrier system in the heart of the hypertensive transgene model. A significant increase in mRNA and the protein expression for angiotensin II (AngII) receptor subtype-1 (AT1R) was observed in (mREN2)27 transgenic compared to the normotensive rodents. Concurrently, there was an upregulation in AT1R and a downregulation in the MAS1 proto-oncogene protein receptor as well as the AngII subtype-2 receptor in hypertensive rodents. There were modifications in the expressions of sarcolemma Na+-K+-ATPase, Na+-Ca2+ exchanger, and Sarcoendoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase in the transgenic hypertensive model. These observations suggest chronic RAAS activation led to a shift in receptor balance favoring augmented cardiac contractility and disruption in calcium handling through modifications of membrane-bound carrier proteins and blood pressure. The study provides insight into mechanisms underlying RAAS-mediated cardiac dysfunction and highlights the potential value of targeting the protective arm of AngII in hypertension.

Chitosan‐based pH‐sensitive antibacterial bionanocomposites with laponite immobilized silver nanoparticles for delivery of sunitinib maleate to breast cancers

In this work, new pH‐sensitive and antibacterial drug carrier systems based on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded in the interlayer of laponite (Lap) in the presence of chitosan (CTS) for the controllable release of sunitinib maleate (STM) were developed. Silver ions and sunitinib maleate were first loaded into Lap, and the CTS‐based hybrid bionanocomposite carrier (Lap@CTS@AgNPs@STM) was obtained in the presence of citric acid as a cross‐linker agent. The successful preparation of nanocarrier and Ag NPs formation was thoroughly confirmed using techniques such as FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and TEM. TEM images illustrated the excellent distribution of Ag NPs in the structure of Lap@CTS@AgNPs. The as‐prepared samples showed a pH‐sensitive anticancer drug release behavior. The STM release mechanism was studied using Korsmeyer–Peppas and Higuchi kinetic models. Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxicity and antibacterial tests were carried out against both bacteria S. aureus and E. coli and MCF‐7 cell lines, respectively, to prove the effectiveness of synthesized samples as multifunctional carrier systems for biomedical applications.

Innovations in Skin Cancer Nanotechnology: A Comprehensive Review.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer among white people, according to the World Health Organisation. The incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers has increased to epidemic levels, making them the most widespread type of skin cancer. Melanoma is a very aggressive form of cancer, characterized by limited treatment choices due to multidrug resistance and an extremely low probability of patient survival. This article explores the various impediments and limitations associated with conventionally available treatments. Chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy are among the conventional treatments for melanoma; however, each of these approaches has several adverse reactions. Recently, there has been a focus on biological and pharmacological research on developing alternative, site-specific therapy approaches. Nanotechnology offers several benefits in this regard, with the potential to enhance the longevity of melanoma patients while minimizing adverse effects. Nanoparticles serve as effective drug carrier systems due to their capacity to improve the solubility of medications with low water solubility, modify pharmacokinetics, prolong drug half-life by reducing immunogenicity, boost bioavailability, and decrease drug metabolism. This article highlights recent advancements in utilizing several nanotechnological techniques, including solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, liposomes, transferosomes, ethosomes, and nanoemulsion polymeric mixed micelles.

Revealing the impacts of intermittent aeration on nitrogen and phosphorus removal in powder carrier system from interfacial thermodynamics and metagenomic analysis

Intermittent aeration strategy has attracted significant attention due to its benefits of low oxygen and carbon source consumption. However, the feasibility of intermittent aeration in the powder carrier process and its effect on micro-granule formation remain unclear. This study investigated the impacts of intermittent aeration on the powder carrier system through interfacial thermodynamics and metagenomic analysis. The results demonstrated that total nitrogen removal efficiency increased from 61.1 ± 2.6 % to 89.7 ± 3.7 % under intermittent aeration, while the PO43-–P removal efficiency increased from 47.6 ± 4.7 % to 81.6 ± 3.9 %. The interfacial free energy of micro-granules was reduced from –4.85 mJ/m2 to –16.03 mJ/m2 due to aeration mode, resulting in a larger micro-granule size (185.24 ± 15.25 μm) and enhanced aggregation ability. Significant enhancements in tryptophan-like substances and hydrophobic functional groups (β-sheet, protonated amines, and C-(C/H)) in EPS under intermittent aeration likely contributed to the increased hydrophobicity and reduced interfacial free energy. The abundances of norank_NS9_marine_group (4.17 %), norank_Comamonadaceae (4.57 %), and Terrimonas (3.44 %) were increased, further driving the synergy of nitrogen removal of simultaneous partial nitrification and denitrification and endogenous denitrification. Correlation analysis confirmed that intermittent aeration primarily affected gene expression involved in the partial nitrification process, and that denitrification genes were enriched by increased hydrophobic components and micro-granule size. These results provide deeper insights into the key influencing factors and mechanisms of the powder carrier system, and offer a theoretical basis for process optimization.

Thermophysical properties of the liquid organic hydrogen carrier system based on benzyltoluene considering influences of isomerism and dissolved hydrogen

The benzyltoluene (BT)-based liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) system currently considered for large-scale applications represents a mixture of regioisomers. To characterize this complex system, a comprehensive experimental database for various thermophysical properties of synthesized BT isomers and their mixtures without and with the presence of hydrogen (H2) close to vapor-liquid equilibrium is established using optical and conventional techniques at process-relevant temperatures and pressures up to 573 K and 6 MPa. The surface tension varies by less than 4% among the dehydrogenated (H0-BT) or hydrogenated (H12-BT) isomers. The density and viscosity of mixtures of H0-BT or H12-BT isomers can be described by simple mixing rules with average absolute relative deviations of 0.022% and 0.38%. With increasing H2 pressure, the viscosity remains nearly constant, while the interfacial tension decreases by up to 5%. The thermal and mutual diffusivity of H12-ortho-BT containing dissolved H2 at 6 MPa decrease and increase with increasing temperature.

A novel pH-sensitive drug carrier system based on 18-crown ether-6/sodium alginate for curcumin/nido-carborane encapsulation: Studies of release properties, cell imaging and bioactivity evaluation

Curcumin's remarkable anti-tumor action has drawn a lot of interest, however its low bioavailability, poor targeting, and poor water solubility restrict its therapeutic potential. Two fluorescent polymers based on curcumin/nido-carborane-crown ether were produced using a two-phase technique in this study: Cur/Carborane-C/SA (encapsulated with sodium alginate) and Cur/Carborane-C (without sodium alginate). Cur/Carborane-C/SA was thought to be the most promising polymer with anti-tumor properties. The drug delivery method based on the polymer created by tris (3-aminoethyl) amine (TAEA) and 18-crown ether-6 in combination with sodium alginate offers a novel approach to curcumin encapsulation technology. Nido-carborane improves the targeting of curcumin and its tumor-cell-inhibiting properties. Good fluorescence qualities were shown by Cur/Carborane-C/SA's fluorescence quantum yield of 0.119 %. According to in vitro drug release data, the polymer performed well for pH response release at 5.0. The TEM and particle size data demonstrated that curcumin produced uniformLy sized, difficult to agglomerate nanoparticles with a particle size of less than 300 nm. The polymer exhibited a substantial affinity and inhibition of HCT-116 and HeLa cells, with an inhibition rate that may reach 78.3 %, according to the findings of the cytotoxicity assay and cell imaging. As a result, it is anticipated that the produced Cur/Carborane-C/SA would provide a new pH-responsive drug carrier system for curcumin intended for use in cancer treatment.

Lung-Specific mRNA Delivery Enabled by Sulfonium Lipid Nanoparticles.

Among various mRNA carrier systems, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) stand out as the most clinically advanced. While current clinical trials of mRNA/LNP therapeutics mainly address liver diseases, the potential of mRNA therapy extends far beyond─yet to be unraveled. To fully unlock the promises of mRNA therapy, there is an urgent need to develop safe and effective LNP systems that can target extrahepatic organs. Here, we report on the development of sulfonium lipid nanoparticles (sLNPs) for systemic mRNA delivery to the lungs. sLNP effectively and specifically delivered mRNA to the lungs following intravenous administration in mice. No evidence of lung and systemic inflammation or toxicity in major organs was induced by sLNP. Our findings demonstrated that the newly developed lung-specific sLNP platform is both safe and efficacious. It holds great promise for advancing the development of new mRNA-based therapies for the treatment of lung-associated diseases and conditions.

Review on Study of Nanoparticles in Brain Targeting for Treatment Of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder, in which there is a progressive deterioration of intellectual and social functions, memory loss, personality changes and inability for self-care, and has become the fourth leading cause of death in developed countries. Pathogenesis of AD, there is a progressive deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ)- peptide in the hippocampal and cerebral cortical regions. This deposition is associated with the presence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and senile plaques. The senile plaques deposited between the neurons consist mainly protein β amyloid. Neurofibrillary tangles deposited inside the neurons fabricated from Tau protein. Diagnosing Alzheimer's requires careful medical evaluation thorough medical history, mental status testing, physical and neurological examination tests (such as blood tests and brain imaging), two classes of medications approved to treat AD. Cholinesterase inhibitors: Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine, NMDA receptor antagonists: Memantine. The major goal in designing nanoparticles as a delivery system are to control particle size, surface property and release of pharmacologically active agents in order to achieve the site-specific action of the drug at the therapeutic optimum rate and dose regimen of the agent to the CNS, but also the ability of the agent to access the relevant target site within the CNS. Many strategies have been developed to deliver the drug into brain by crossing the BBB: chemical delivery systems, magnetic drug targeting or drug carrier systems such as antibodies, liposomes or nanoparticles. Among those, nanoparticles have got a great concentration as the potential targeted drug delivery systems in the brain recently. Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, β-amyloid, cholinesterase inhibitors, Curcumin nanoparticles.

Raman spectroscopy for the determination of hydrogen concentration in liquid organic hydrogen carrier systems

This work reports on the development of a calibration approach of Raman spectroscopy for the determination of the concentration of dissolved hydrogen (H2) in representative compounds and mixtures of liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) systems based on diphenylmethane and ortho-benzyltoluene (o-BT). Hydrogen solubility data are measured by the isochoric-saturation method at temperatures and pressures up to 473 K and 7 MPa where Raman spectra of the saturated liquid phase are recorded in parallel. By selecting an appropriate frequency range attributed to the LOHC signatures in isotropic spectra, a calibration which is independent of the LOHC system, the degree of hydrogenation of the LOHC samples, and temperature can be found. The transfer of the calibration to another setup is successfully tested up to 523 K and 6 MPa, where H2 solubilities in the fully hydrogenated o-BT can be determined with an average absolute deviation of 0.009 from theoretically calculated data.

Parametric Study on The Geometric Properties of Masonry Stone Bridges with an Arch Carrier System

In this research, computational models of masonry arch bridges were constructed, taking into account distinctive features such as span dimensions, height, and arch thickness, while the arch width was maintained as a constant parameter throughout the modeling process. The finite element analysis software, ANSYS version 16, was utilized to create these computational representations. To evaluate the structural integrity and load-carrying capabilities of these bridges, loading scenarios were applied to both the center section of the bridge and a quarter of the arch span. The analytical methodology adopted for this purpose was static thrust analysis. Subsequently, the study delved into the influence of the geometrical characteristics of the arches on their load-carrying capacity. The findings of this research hold potential utility in guiding and informing the reconstruction of historic bridges that have been completely or partially demolished.

A rapid and successful method to synthesis of branched Poly(β-aminoester) as gene carrier system: Microwave-assisted polycondensation

Poly (β-amino ester)s (PBAEs) which are the efficient carriers for gene and drug delivery, synthesize by conventional polycondensation in a very long reaction time. The goal of this study is to shorten the reaction time without decreasing the efficacy of PBAE. For this purpose usability of microwave irradiation in the synthesis of the PBAE was investigated for the first time. The structural characterization of PBAE was realized using FTIR and 1H NMR, and its molecular weight was determined by the GPC-SEC. PBAE nanoparticles (nPBAEs) were also prepared and their physicochemical characteristics were determined. The transfection efficiency of nPBAE were determined on the Human Embryonic Kidney 293T (HEK293T) and Primary Ovine Fibroblast (POF) cells. All results were evaluated in comparison with those of the conventional product (PBAEc) as reference product. It was observed that both PBAE and PBAEc have same molecular structure and similar efficiency. This study revealed that PBAE was successfully synthesized by microwaves without decreasing its efficiency. When the synthesis of PBAE carried out by microwaves compared with conventional method, the reaction time and the consumed energy dramatically reduced from 48 h to 10 min and from 1.5 kWh to 0.032 kWh respectively.

Design of mucoadhesive thiomer/organically modified montmorillonite nanocomposites: Evaluation of controlled drug release

This present work introduces a novel thiomer/nanoclay nanocomposite material with mucoadhesive and controlled release properties that has been prepared and evaluated as a potential drug carrier system. This hybrid material is based on thiolated alginate and organically modified montmorillonite (MMT). Alginate thiomer was synthesized by immobilization of l-cysteine on alginate backbone via carbodiimide reaction. Thiol/disulfide groups were identified and quantified by FT-IR, 1H NMR and Ellman's method. Rheological assays as preliminary in vitro mucoadhesion test using mucin show that complex viscosity increases until ∼7-fold compared to unmodified alginate/mucin, and G’ > G″ is present in thiomers, compared with G” > G′ present in unmodified alginate, which indicate strong interactions between thiomer and mucin. Thiomer/nanoclay nanocomposites were prepared by film casting method and characterized by TGA, XRD, TEM and rheometry. Nanocomposites maintain rheological properties showed by thiolated alginate when they are tested with mucin, increasing complex viscosity until ∼8-fold respect a nanocomposite formulation based on unmodified alginate. The release of deltamethrin from nanocomposite films was studied and the impact of the amount of nanoclay (0–7%) and four types of organic modifiers in MMT were evaluated. Different kinetic models were evaluated in order to study the mechanism involved in drug release. Zero, first, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas model were evaluated, being the last two kinetic models the ones with better fitting and higher values of R2. The presence of nanoclay on the formulation influence significantly (P < 0.001) deltamethrin short-term release showing an anomalous and Case-II transport mechanism. Compared with a Fickian diffusion when nanoclay is absent in the formulation. The diffusion coefficient D could decrease until ∼7-fold compared to a formulation without nanoclay. Long-term release is significantly influenced (P < 0.0001) by the chemical nature of organic modifier used on nanoclay and its interaction with the drug. This thiomer/nanoclay nanocomposite material could be a useful prospect as a mucoadhesive material for drug carrier with controlled drug release properties.

Lipid-Based Nanomedicine for Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Advances.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is expected to greatly rise in future, making it a major worldwide health concern with severe impacts on individuals and society. Despite advancements in understanding the cellular and molecular aspects of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in recent decades, it still poses a significant problem. A major problem is accurately delivering drugs to diseased neurons while minimising effects on healthy neurons. This difficulty is worsened by the low water solubility of anti-Alzheimer's disease medicines and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that hinders the entry of central nervous system pharmaceuticals that are highly lipophilic. The focus of this article is on nanocarriers that are lipid-based. This is one of the more widely accepted methods of treating Alzheimer's disease, as it increases therapeutic efficacy while decreasing side effects related to cooperated neurological disorder payload. Searched many databases for papers published under the title (including PubMed, Elsevier, and Google Scholar). Nano Lipid Carriers (NLCs) are recognized for their ability to target the brain effectively due to their lipid-loving properties and compatibility with living tissues. They improve the absorption of drugs in the brain while decreasing the accumulation of drugs in unintended organs. This work emphasises the importance of nano lipid carriers, which are lipophilic and biocompatible and have demonstrated exceptional targeting efficiency, making them an ideal carrier system for delivering medications to the brain.