Carriers Of Active Substances Research Articles

Study on the Effect of Emulsifiers on the Properties of Oleogels Based on Olive Oil Containing Lidocaine

Oleogels are semi-solid materials that consist primarily of liquid oil immobilized in a network of organized structural molecules, which provide stability and maintain the oil in the desired shape. Due to their structure, oleogels can stabilize large amounts of liquid, making them excellent carriers for active substances, both lipophilic and hydrophilic. This study presents the synthesis methodology and investigations of olive oil-based oleogels, which are among the healthiest and most valuable vegetable fats, rich in unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants such as vitamin E. Two types of surfactants were used: TWEEN 80, which lowers surface tension and stabilizes emulsions, and SPAN 80, which acts in oil-dominated phases. The oleogels were enriched with lidocaine, an active substance commonly used as a pain reliever and local anesthetic. This research characterized the obtained oleogels regarding their medical applications, paying particular attention to the influence of surfactant type and amount as well as the active substance on their physicochemical properties. Structural analyses were also conducted using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, alongside rheological and sorption studies, and the wettability of the materials was evaluated. The stability of the obtained oleogels was verified using the MultiScan MS20 system, allowing for an assessment of their potential suitability for long-term pharmaceutical applications. The results indicated that SPAN-stabilized oleogels exhibited better stability and favorable mechanical properties, making them promising candidates for medical applications, particularly in pain relief formulations.

Nanomedicine in Bladder Cancer Therapy.

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary system. Traditional BC therapies include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, limitations such as lack of specificity, cytotoxicity, and multidrug resistance pose serious challenges to the benefits of BC therapies. Consequently, current studies focus on the search for new therapeutic solutions. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using nanotechnology in the treatment of both non-invasive (NMIBC) and invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Nanotechnology is based on the use of both organic molecules (chitosan, liposomes) and inorganic molecules (superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles) as carriers of active substances. The main aim of such molecules is the targeted transport and prolonged retention of the drug in the target tissue, which increases the therapeutic efficacy of the active substance. This review discusses the numerous types of nanoparticles (including chitosan, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and protein nanoparticles), targeting mechanisms, and approved nanotherapeutics with oncological implications in cancer treatment. We also present nanoformulation applications in phototherapy, gene therapy, and immunotherapy. Moreover, we summarise the current perspectives, advantages, and challenges in clinical translation.

Experimental and computational study on the Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+ and Sr2+ exchanged zeolites as a drug delivery system for fluoroquinolone antibiotic – Ciprofloxacin

There is a great need for new antibacterial materials. One of the methods of creating such materials is the use of carriers for active substances - antibiotics. One of the potential materials to be used for this purpose are zeolites. In this work, zeolite X with ions exchanged for Ca2+, Mg2+, Sr2+ and Zn2+ was prepared and used as a carrier for an antibiotic from the group of fluoroquinolones - ciprofloxacin. To our best knowledge, so far no one has prepared carriers for this substance based on its interaction with ions. The material was subjected to SEM/EDS analysis, which confirmed the sorption of the drug in the form of a monolayer on the internal pore surface of the zeolites. All materials were able to retain and release the drug, but these processes were dependent on the atomic radius of the ions present in the zeolite. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to elucidate the host-guest interactions in more detail. The bacterial growth in the presence of the materials containing zeolites and antibiotics was inhibited almost completely which proves their antibacterial activity. This material can be used as a filler to create bone scaffolds and as a coating for implants.

Nanotechnology as a Promising Method in the Treatment of Skin Cancer.

The incidence of skin cancer continues to grow. There are an estimated 1.5 million new cases each year, of which nearly 350,000 are melanoma, which is often fatal. Treatment is challenging and often ineffective, with conventional chemotherapy playing a limited role in this context. These disadvantages can be overcome by the use of nanoparticles and may allow for the early detection and monitoring of neoplastic changes and determining the effectiveness of treatment. This article briefly reviews the present understanding of the characteristics of skin cancers, their epidemiology, and risk factors. It also outlines the possibilities of using nanotechnology, especially nanoparticles, for the transport of medicinal substances. Research over the previous decade on carriers of active substances indicates that drugs can be delivered more accurately to the tumor site, resulting in higher therapeutic efficacy. The article describes the application of liposomes, carbon nanotubes, metal nanoparticles, and polymer nanoparticles in existing therapies. It discusses the challenges encountered in nanoparticle therapy and the possibilities of improving their performance. Undoubtedly, the use of nanoparticles is a promising method that can help in the fight against skin cancer.

Effects of three tebuconazole nanopesticides on the survival of Daphnia magna

The growing pressure to reduce excessive pesticide use has led to exploring novel formulation methods, including nanoparticle carriers for active substances.

Inorganic Compounds Utilized in Cancer Therapy: A Comprehensive Review

Background: Cancer is the most feared disease, with more than 1.6 million cases yearly. Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body, from the uncontrollable growth and multiplication of damaged cells. Cancerous tumors can spread into the human body (a process called metastasis) in a solid form usually, but the cancers of the blood generally do not. Methods: The review analyzes a wide range of scientific literature and research studies to assess the efficacy and mechanisms of action of different inorganic compounds in cancer therapy. It covers both preclinical and clinical studies, examining the effects of these compounds on tumor growth inhibition, apoptosis induction, and modulation of signaling pathways. Results: Cancer treatment includes chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. In this article, we will address inorganic compounds as a source of treatment, diagnosis, and carriers of active substances. Overall, this comprehensive review highlights the diverse roles of inorganic compounds in cancer therapy. It emphasizes the importance of further research to better understand the mechanisms of action, optimize dosage regimens, and enhance the clinical efficacy of these compounds in the treatment of cancer. Conclusion: The findings presented in this review contribute to the development of innovative and effective therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Keywords: cancer; cisplatin; selenium; zinc; copper; gold

Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles with Optimized Parameters for Targeted Delivery of a Specific Anticancer Drug—A Comprehensive Review

Chitosan is a positively charged polysaccharide obtained through chitin deacetylation. It belongs to a group of biodegradable, bioavailable, and non-toxic materials of natural origin; thus, it is a promising matrix for creating delivery systems of different active agents. Recently, much attention has been paid to nanodelivery systems as carriers to enable better bioavailability, and thus higher efficiency of the loaded drug. The present review is focused on the progress in chitosan-based nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of antitumor drugs. The paper discusses literature reports from the last three years in which chitosan nanoparticles were applied as carriers for active substances used in antitumor therapy and potential new drugs with anticancer properties. Special attention was paid to the different treatments applied to increase the therapeutic effectiveness and minimize the side effects of a specific active substance.

Acute Toxicity Evaluation of Phosphatidylcholine Nanoliposomes Containing Nisin in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Liposomes are among the most studied nanostructures. They are effective carriers of active substances both in the clinical field, such as delivering genes and drugs, and in the food industry, such as promoting the controlled release of bioactive substances, including food preservatives. However, toxicological screenings must be performed to ensure the safety of nanoformulations. In this study, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was used as an alternative model to investigate the potential in vivo toxicity of nanoliposomes encapsulating the antimicrobial peptide nisin. The effects of liposomes containing nisin, control liposomes, and free nisin were evaluated through the survival rate, lethal dose (LD50), nematode development rate, and oxidative stress status by performing mutant strain, TBARS, and ROS analyses. Due to its low toxicity, it was not possible to experimentally determine the LD50 of liposomes. The survival rates of control liposomes and nisin-loaded liposomes were 94.3 and 73.6%, respectively. The LD50 of free nisin was calculated as 0.239 mg mL-1. Free nisin at a concentration of 0.2 mg mL-1 significantly affected the development of C. elegans, which was 25% smaller than the control and liposome-treated samples. A significant increase in ROS levels was observed after exposure to the highest concentrations of liposomes and free nisin, coinciding with a significant increase in catalase levels. The treatments induced lipid peroxidation as evaluated by TBARS assay. Liposome encapsulation reduces the deleterious effect on C. elegans and can be considered a nontoxic delivery system for nisin.

A carbon cloth interlayer immobilizes carbon nanotube-supported ternary chalcogen compounds in novel lithium-chalcogenide batteries

The development of lithium-chalcogen batteries containing one active species is limited by bottlenecks. Multichalcogen composites that integrate the advantages of each component while avoiding their defects are desired. Herein, carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carboxylated-CNT (CCNT) are adopted as carriers for active substances consisting of S, Se, and Te at a feed ratio of 8:1:1 (SST811). The electrochemical performance of SST811/CCNT is better than that of SST811/CNT because CCNT contains more oxygen-containing functional groups, allowing the active species to be firmly anchored. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) curves, charge-discharge profiles and in-situ Raman results reveal the solid-phase charge-discharge mechanism of SST811/CCNT in ester electrolyte, consisting of a combination of basic reaction steps. To suppress the shedding of active species during long cycling, a carbon cloth (CC) interlayer is introduced between cathode and separator without altering the inherent reaction mechanism of SST811/CCNT. Under the protection of CC interlayer, the capacity of SST811/CCNT remains at 1219.2 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles, which is 1.5 times that without interlayer. The protective effect of CC interlayer is demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman results. This work inspires the further development of lithium-chalcogenide batteries.

Production and Application of Biomaterials Based on Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as Wound Dressing.

The development of ideal wound dressing with excellent properties, such as exudate absorption capacity, drug release control ability, and increased wound healing, is currently a major requirement for wound healing. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a biodegradable semi-crystalline synthetic polymer that has been used in the field of biotechnology such as tissue regeneration, wound dressing, and drug delivery systems. In recent years, PVA-based wound dressing materials have received considerable attention due to their excellent properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity and low cost. PVA can be used as a wound dressing material to create the necessary moist wound environment, improve the physical properties of the dressing, and increase the wound healing rates. In addition, PVA can also be mixed with other organic and inorganic materials and can be used for drug delivery and wound healing. This review article addresses the role of biomaterials based on PVA mixed with other ingredients for wound dressing. It also focuses on its recent use in wound dressings as carriers of active substances.

Evaluation of the Physico-Chemical Properties of Liposomes Assembled from Bioconjugates of Anisic Acid with Phosphatidylcholine.

The aim of this work was the evaluation of the physico-chemical properties of a new type of liposomes that are composed of DPPC and bioconjugates of anisic acid with phosphatidylcholine. In particular, the impact of modified anisic acid phospholipids on the thermotropic parameters of liposomes was determined, which is crucial for using them as potential carriers of active substances in cancer therapies. Their properties were determined using three biophysical methods, namely differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), steady-state fluorimetry and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Moreover, temperature studies of liposomes composed of DPPC and bioconjugates of anisic acid with phosphatidylcholine provided information about the phase transition, fluidity regarding chain order, hydration and dynamics. The DSC results show that the main phase transition peak for conjugates of anisic acid with phosphatidylcholine molecules was broadened and shifted to a lower temperature in a concentration- and structure-dependent manner. The ATR-FTIR results and the results of measurements conducted using fluorescent probes located at different regions in the lipid bilayer are in line with DSC. The results show that the new bioconjugates with phosphatidylcholine have a significant impact on the physico-chemical properties of a membrane and cause a decrease in the temperature of the main phase transition. The consequence of this is greater fluidity of the lipid bilayer.

The use of natural polymers for treatments enhancing sowing material

Biopolymers from a group of polysaccharides are used in treatments enhancing sowing material of crops due to their physical and chemical properties, susceptibility to chemical modification, biodegradability and high bioactivity. Natural polymers, such as: chitosan, alginian, celulose, galaktoglucomannans, lignin and gellan gum, can be used as binders in seed coating or carriers of active substances and microorganisms. Moreover, biopolymers contained in the seed coatings and seed dressings can protect germinating seeds from unfavorable influence of environment and pathogens.

Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan-Coated Pectin Aerogels: Curcumin Case Study.

The following study describes the preparation of pectin aerogels and pectin aerogels coated with an external layer of chitosan. For the preparation of chitosan-coated pectin aerogels, a modified coating procedure was employed. Since pectin as well as pectin aerogels are highly water soluble, a function of chitosan coating is to slow down the dissolution of pectin and consequently the release of the active substances. Textural properties, surface morphologies, thermal properties, and functional groups of prepared aerogels were determined. Results indicated that the coating procedure affected the textural properties of pectin aerogels, resulting in smaller specific surface areas of 276 m2/g, compared to 441 m2/g. However, chitosan-coated pectin aerogels still retained favorable properties for carriers of active substances. The case study for prepared aerogels was conducted with curcumin. Prior to in-vitro release studies, swelling studies were performed. Curcumin’s dissolution from both aerogels showed to be successful. Pectin aerogels released curcumin in 3 h showing a burst release profile. Chitosan-coated pectin aerogels prolonged curcumin release up to 24 h, thus showing a controlled release profile.

Synthesis Methods and Favorable Conditions for Spherical Vaterite Precipitation: A Review

Vaterite is the least thermodynamically stable anhydrous calcium carbonate polymorph. Its existence is very rare in nature, e.g., in some rock formations or as a component of biominerals produced by some fishes, crustaceans, or birds. Synthetic vaterite particles are proposed as carriers of active substances in medicines, additives in cosmetic preparations as well as adsorbents. Also, their utilization as a pump for microfluidic flow is also tested. In particular, vaterite particles produced as polycrystalline spheres have large potential for application. Various methods are proposed to precipitate vaterite particles, including the conventional solution-solution synthesis, gas-liquid method as well as special routes. Precipitation conditions should be carefully selected to obtain a high concentration of vaterite in all these methods. In this review, classical and new methods used for vaterite precipitation are presented. Furthermore, the key parameters affecting the formation of spherical vaterite are discussed.

Fabrication of novel PHB-liposome nanoparticles and study of their toxicity in vitro

Liposomes represent a tool used in cosmetics and for drug delivery due to their small size, biocompatibility, and ability to house both hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules. However, under storage, there is a tendency for liposomes to release encapsulated components. In order to enhance their stability, combination with biodegradable polymers may be a promising option. Bacterial polymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is one such material that may contribute liposome structure, as it is also biocompatible and biodegradable and promotes controlled release of active agents in the skin. Nanoparticles consisting of PHB and phospholipids can be very attractive as biomaterials for application in cosmetics. In this work, novel combined PHB-liposome nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized, and their biocompatability with mammalian cells was assessed in vitro. Incorporation of PHB into liposome particles led to preservation of small size (123.8 ± 0.9 nm; evaluated by DLS) and colloidal stability of particles for 2 months in water environment. Cytotoxicity studies using MTT test with two different skin keratinocytes cell lines (HEK and HaCaT) showed significant dose-dependent differences in cell viability after exposure to liposome and PHB liposome particles in vitro. However, these PHB-liposomes were not found toxic both for HEK and HaCaT cells. Regarding to natural UV-scattering effect of PHB, we suggest that newly fabricated combined liposome-PHB particles could exhibit added value as carriers of active substances for topical applications. However, further study is necessary in order to reveal interactions between this new type of particle and human cells.

Process Variables and Design of Experiments in Liposome and Nanoliposome Research.

Liposomes vesicles consisting of one or more phospholipid bilayers are microcarriers used in numerous scientific disciplines. During the last decade, nanostructured liposomes, or nanoliposomes, have been utilized in biomedical investigations due to their unique characteristics including nanoscale size, sustained release, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The extensive literature covering the field of liposomology is an indication of increasing interests and applications in many areas, especially as carriers of active substances in nanomedicine, agriculture, food technology, and cosmetics. Nanoliposomes application as drug carriers resulted in more effective treatment of such diseases as cancers, atherosclerosis, infectious diseases and ocular disorders. In this communication, we will introduce commonly used methods for the preparation of liposome, pointing the therapeutic report of liposomes, and explaining the common process variables in liposome encapsulations. We will also review different screening methods and full and fractional factorial designs that impact independent variables in certain applications and the end-user response. We will review such key factors as encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, particles' biologic, structural and physicochemical properties, and lipid composition in an effort to provide a comprehensive guide for liposomologists in different fields of interest.

From the carrier of active substance to drug delivery systems

Development and innovation all the time are in interests of pharmaceutical science and evaluation of different dosage forms. They are concerned with the aim of compliance of patients. All the time different research groups try to develop and improve form of drugs to receive better bioavailability or strict control of dose, place and time of action of active substances. This is possible by using different excipients; biodegradable, biocompatible polymers that work like a carriers; developing simple drug delivery systems, which in time became more and more complicated; nanotechnology that control size, shape and multi-functionality of particulate drug delivery systems. This review shows the main points in the evaluation of pharmaceutical researches from simple carriers of active substances to drug delivery systems.

Dermal and Transdermal Delivery of Active Substances from Semisolid Bases

The selection of a semisolid base type (hydrophobic, hydrophilic or emulsion) has an essential influence on the skin and transdermal delivery of active substances. The cutaneous and percutaneous absorption may be influenced by interactions occurring between base components and skin on the one hand and interactions between base components and the active ingredient on the other hand. The present article discusses the utility of different types of semisolid bases as carriers of active substances and summarizes results of studies comparing delivery of active substances from different semisolid bases.

Characteristics of W/O emulsions containing polymeric emulsifier PEG 30-dipolyhydroxystearate

Water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions are dispersed systems which are often used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries as products, or as carriers of active substances. It is well known that they are very unstable, so that selection of the emulsifier and properties of the oil and water phase are main factors affecting their stability. The aim of this paper was to examine the possibility of application of a lipophilic, polymeric emulsifier, PEG 30-dipolyhydroxystearate (CithrolTM DPHS), for stabilization of W/O emulsions. Behaviour of the emulsifier at W/O interfaces was determined by means of tensiometry. A series of emulsions were prepared with 20% (w/w) of water and different types of oil. Droplet size, droplet size distribution, viscosity, and sedimentation stability during 30 days of storage at room temperature of the emulsions prepared with paraffin oil, olive oil, grape seed oil, and medium-chain triglycerides, stabilized with 1% CithrolTM DPHS, were determined. All investigated emulsions were stable for 30 days, except the one prepared with paraffin oil. The results of this study confirmed that PEG 30-dipolyhydroxylstearate is a good emulsifier and stabilizer of W/O emulsions which contain different types of oil.

Methods of nanoliposomes preparation

During the last decade, nanoliposomes have attracted great interest of many researchers. This was caused by unusual properties of these molecules, such us their nanosize, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Due to these properties, they can be widely applied in many fields, especially as carriers of active substances in cosmetics, food technology, agriculture, and nanotherapy. The application of nanoliposomes as drug nanocarriers in medicine allows for more effective treatment of many diseases (e.g. cancers, atherosclerosis, ocular diseases) [1,6,7]. The advantage of these nanocarriers used in medicine is cell-specific targeting, which is indispensable to attain drug concentration, requisite for optimum therapeutic efficacy in the target site, with accompanying side effects limited to the minimum. Furthermore, the efficacy of treatment with these carriers comes from enhancing bioavailability, improving controlled release, and enabling precision targeting of the entrapped compounds, due to a larger increased surface area [7]. The aim of this paper is to present the current knowledge on the conventional methods of preparation of nanoliposomes, including microfluidization, extrusion, sonification technique, with particular emphasis on the advantages and disadvantages of each of these methods.