Controlled Release Properties Research Articles

A pH-responsive dual-network biopolysaccharide hydrogel with enhanced self-healing and controlled drug release properties.

Traditional hydrogels based on Schiff base reactions frequently encounter issues with rapid drug release when employed as drug delivery systems owing to their susceptibility to hydrolysis under acidic conditions. It is, therefore, necessary to implement improvements to regulate the drug release behavior. In this study, a dual-network and pH-responsive biopolysaccharide hydrogel was developed, which is self-healing, injectable and biocompatible. Most importantly, the hydrogel has excellent tunability for controlled drug release. The hydrogel consisted of a primary network of dibenzaldehyde-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (DP) and chitosan (CS) formed through a Schiff base reaction and a secondary network of sodium alginate (SA) and CS formed through electrostatic interactions. It was found that the DP-CS-2%SA hydrogel can prolong the release duration up to four-fold compared to the single-network DP-CS hydrogel at a given release threshold. Significantly, by adjusting the relationship between the two effects through the amount of SA, the release modifiability of drug delivery systems has been greatly enhanced. This study could significantly enhance the tunability of hydrogel drug delivery systems.

Development of pH-sensitive chitosan/plant extract microcapsules: Enhanced corrosion protection for carbon steel in HCl solution

In recent years, controlled-release green corrosion inhibitors have become a research hotspot in the field of corrosion. In this study, chitosan/plant extract microcapsules (GCI@CS) loaded with Ambrosia artemisiifolia extract (green corrosion inhibitor, GCI) were prepared by emulsification cross-linking. Both the functional groups and micromorphology of GCI@CS were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM). The loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of GCI@CS were analyzed using UV–Vis spectroscopy. The corrosion inhibition performance of GCI@CS on carbon steel (C-steel) in 1.0 mol/L HCl was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results indicated that GCI@CS, as a pH-sensitive microcapsule, can provide effective corrosion protection for C-steel in HCl solution. Notably, the corrosion resistance of GCI@CS improved with increasing concentration and time. The corrosion inhibition efficiency (ηEIS) of C-steel immersed in 1.0 mol/L HCl (with 500 mg/L GCI@CS) for 24 h reached 93.48 %. This study provides important insights for the industrial deployment of green corrosion inhibitors with controlled release properties.

Hybrid poly(lactide-co-glycolide) membranes incorporated with Doxycycline-loaded copper-based metal–organic nanosheets as antibacterial platforms

The rise of antimicrobial resistance necessitates innovative strategies to combat persistent infections. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted significant attention as antibiotic carriers due to their high drug loading capacity and structural adaptability. In particular, 2D MOF nanosheets are emerging as a notable alternative to their traditional 3D relatives due to their remarkable advantages in enhanced surface area, flexibility and exposed active region properties. Herein, we synthesized 2D copper 1,4-benzendicarboxylate (CuBDC) nanosheets and utilized them as a carrier and controlled release system for Doxycycline (Doxy@CuBDC), for the first time. The Doxy@CuBDC nanosheets were subsequently incorporated into Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) electrospun membranes (Doxy@CuBDC/PLGA). The resultant bioactive fibrous membranes exhibited double-barrier controlled release properties, extending the Doxy release up to ∼9 d at pH 7.4 and 5.5. Significant inhibitory effects againstStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coliwere observed. The morphological analyses revealed the deformed bacterial cell structures on Doxy@CuBDC/PLGA membranes that indicates potent bactericidal activity. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assays demonstrated the non-toxic nature of the fabricated membranes, underscoring their potential use for biomedical applications. Overall, the hybrid antibacterial PLGA membranes present a promising strategy for combating microbial infections while maintaining biocompatibility and offer a versatile approach for biomedical material design and surface coatings (e.g. wound dressings, implants).

Encapsulation of ferulic acid in potato protein-pectin nanocomplexes with improved stability and controlled release properties

In this study, the potato protein (PP)-pectin (PC) nanoparticles were constructed to encapsulate ferulic acid (FA). The effects of FA additive amount, addition order and pH value on the properties of PP-FA-PC/PP-PC-FA nanocomplexes were investigated. It was found that when the mass ratio of PP to FA was 25:1, the PP-FA-PC nanocomplex had the smallest particle size, turbidity and the highest FA encapsulation efficiency. At pH 5.0, the addition order of FA had an effect on the properties of the nanocomplexes, and the formed nanocomplexes had larger particle size, higher turbidity and better encapsulation efficiency than the nanocomplexes formed at pH 7.0. Additionally, the nanocomplexes formed at pH 5.0 also possessed lower ABTS+ and DPPH free radical scavenging rates, indicating that FA was successfully encapsulated by PP-PC nanoparticles. The results of Z-average diameter and fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed PP-FA-PC nanocomplex at pH 5.0 encapsulated FA based on hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. The scanning electron microscopy showed that the PP-FA-PC nanocomplex exhibited irregular and segregated small particles at pH 5.0. Moreover, the PP-FA-PC nanocomplexes at pH 5.0 had the best encapsulation ability and protection effect on FA, and the environmental stability was the best. The release rate of FA loaded by PP-PC nanoparticles was greatly reduced in simulated gastric fluid, while increased in simulated intestinal fluid compared to free FA. This study may provide valuable information for PP-PC nanoparticles as a food-grade delivery system, signifying the potential application in the health food industry.

Encapsulation and controlled release of Streptomyces sp. herbicidal metabolites for pre-plant weed germination control

ABSTRACT Streptomyces sp. herbicidal metabolite encapsulation with controlled release properties is considered an innovative method for weed control without negatively affecting the environment. This research reports the preparation and application of new herbicidal metabolites-core/alginate-shell encapsulation systems with controlled release properties of Streptomyces sp. metabolites with pre-plant herbicidal activity for the control of weeds, Lolium perenne, Amaranthus retroflexus and Bidens pilosa showing good germination inhibition capacity. The production of Streptomyces sp. metabolites was performed by the liquid fermentation method. Three alginate polymer-coated Streptomyces sp. herbicidal metabolites-controlled release systems with an encapsulation efficiency of > 94%, were successfully prepared using the dripping extrusion method. Well-defined and compact release systems were obtained with a spherical shape and average diameters of 4.4-4.5 mm and an alginate shell thickness in the order of 400 µm with different pore sizes (26-5 µm). An increase in the alginate concentration of 0.75-2.0% (w/v) during the preparation resulted in a decrease in the shells' porosity size and a decrease in the release of the Streptomyces sp. herbicidal metabolites. The release activity of the herbicidal metabolites was evaluated by UV-Vis optical absorption spectroscopy. The statistical results showed that porous shell release systems with a lower release rate over time have a higher potential for the inhibition of germination in > 91% of weeds than the direct herbicidal metabolite application and the control group (P < 0.05). These results indicate that Streptomyces sp. herbicidal metabolites-controlled release systems represent a potentially sustainable alternative for pre-plant weed management.

Preparation of gelatin/gelatin-dextran/gelatin-based three-layer films with cinnamaldehyde and α-tocopherol for scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) adductor muscle preservation

In this study, three-layer films based on gelatin/gelatin-dextran/gelatin with different concentrations of functional fillers (cinnamaldehyde and α-tocopherol) were fabricated by using the layer-by-layer casting method to preserve refrigerated scallop adductor muscle. The films demonstrated excellent bonding, with functional fillers creating a porous cross-section, a slightly rough surface, and increased hydrophobicity while maintaining thermal stability. The crystallinity, water contact angle, thickness, opacity, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity of the films were increased, while the water vapor permeability and mechanical properties were decreased with increasing concentrations of the functional fillers. The film with 1.2% active fillers showed over 82% free radical scavenging activity and significant inhibition zones (24.7 ± 1.2 to 43.9 ± 1.8 mm) against five foodborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria. Both cinnamaldehyde and α-tocopherol demonstrated controlled release properties in four food simulants, with the maximum release and minimum release times observed in 95% ethanol (9.0 h) and distilled water (2.0 h), respectively. Overall, the introduction of 1.2% of active fillers into the films significantly enhanced the chemical and microbiological stability of refrigerated scallops and prolonged their shelf life by 6 days. Furthermore, the developed films showed excellent controlled release, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, making them potential candidates for preserving seafood.

Pectin/Alginate bio-nanocomposite hydrogel beads based on in-situ formed layered double hydroxide in the presence of Mentha extract: Antibacterial carrier for potential pH-responsive targeted anti-cancer drug delivery

This research presents the creation of novel pH-responsive drug delivery carriers with potential applications in cancer treatment. The study involved the Mentha Extract (ME) for the in-situ synthesis of Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) bio nanoparticles (LDH-ME NPs). These NPs were incorporated into a biopolymeric hybrid formulation containing Pectin and Alginate to produce bio-nanocomposite hydrogel beads. The morphology and chemical composition were assessed and confirmed through various techniques. Doxorubicin (DOX) was employed as a representative anti-cancer medication to investigate the controlled drug release properties of the newly developed hydrogel beads (loading capacity: ∼92 %). In vitro experiments revealed that the drug release pattern was significantly regulated in response to pH levels (with a higher drug release rate at pH 7.4, about 89 %). The assessment for antibacterial properties validated the effective antibacterial performance of the hydrogel beads toward S. aureus and E. coli with inhibition zones about 20 mm and 14 mm, respectively. MTT assay indicated a high level of cytocompatibility with HT-29 cells (cell viability exceeding 95 %) for the blank bio-nanocomposite hydrogel beads. Conversely, bio-nanocomposite hydrogel beads loaded with DOX exhibited notable cytotoxicity (∼13 % cell viability in 15.6 µg/mL) against HT-29 cells. These findings recommend the current bio-nanocomposite as a promising bio-platform with superior antibacterial and anti-cancer properties.

Optimising the production of PLGA nanoparticles by combining design of experiment and machine learning

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a widely used biodegradable polymer in drug delivery and nanoparticle (NP) formulation due to its controlled drug release properties and safety profiles. Among the methods available for NP production, nanoprecipitation is distinguished by its simplicity and scalability. However, it requires careful optimisation to achieve the desired NP characteristics, making the process potentially lengthy and costly. This study aimed to assess and compare the predictive performance of Design of Experiments (DOE) and Machine Learning (ML) models for the optimisation of PLGA nanoparticle size and zeta potential produced by nanoprecipitation. Various ML methods were employed to predict particle size, with Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) identified as the best performing. The key finding is that integrating ML with DOE provides deeper insights into the dataset than either method alone. While ML outperformed DOE in predictive performance, as evidenced by lower root mean squared error values and higher coefficients of determination, both methods struggled to accurately predict zeta potential, generating models with high errors. However, ML proved more effective in identifying the parameters that most significantly influence NP size, even with a smaller DOE dataset. Combining DOE datasets with ML for parameter importance was particularly advantageous in situations where data is limited, offering superior predictive power and the potential to streamline experimental design and optimisation. These results suggest that the synergistic use of ML and DOE can lead to more robust feature analysis and improved optimisation outcomes, particularly for NP size. This integrated approach can enhance the accuracy of predictions and supports more efficient experimental design, streamlining nanoparticle production processes, especially under resource-constrained conditions.

Fabrication and characterization of curcumin-encapsulated composite nanoparticles based on soybean protein isolate hydrolysate/soybean polysaccharides: Interaction mechanism, stability and controlled release properties

This study developed a stable nanoparticle (CUR-SPIH/SSPS) using soybean protein isolate hydrolysate (SPIH) and soybean polysaccharides (SPSS) to protect curcumin (CUR) from degradation during storage and exposure to light and heat conditions, achieving controlled release. The SPIH to SPSS mass ratio of 5:1 gave the CUR-SPIH/SPSS nanoparticles with the highest CUR encapsulation efficiency (95.60 ± 3.00 %) and the strongest antioxidant capacity (90.26 ± 2.42 % and 66.78 ± 1.89 % for ABTS•+ and DPPH radical scavenging ability, respectively), and CUR was successfully encapsulated within the CUR-SPIH/SPSS as evidenced by X-ray diffraction. FTIR and fluorescence spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the interactions in CUR-SPIH/SPSS are primarily driven by electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, the CUR-SPIH/SPSS nanoparticles significantly enhanced CUR's thermal and UV light stability. The UV degradation kinetics showed that the half-life of CUR-SPIH/SPSS (247.55 min) was 1.61 times longer than that of free CUR (154.03 min). The release rate of CUR incorporated into CUR-SPIH/SPSS was significantly delayed during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. This study introduces an innovative nanoparticle strategy for the stable delivery of lipophilic compounds.

An S2--responsive coating on 70Cu-30Ni alloy for suppressing microbiologically influenced corrosion induced by sulfate-reducing bacteria

To mitigate the microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of 70Cu-30Ni alloy induced by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), a novel and intelligent antibacterial coating with controlled release properties was developed. The coating was constructed by incorporating S2--responsive nanocontainers into the epoxy coating. The nanocontainers were prepared by filling the hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) with triclosan (TCS), which served as an antibacterial agent, and the subsequent deposition of ZIF-7, acting as the S2--responsive gatekeeper. The synthesized nanocontainers were characterized using various techniques, including SEM, TEM, FT-IR, XRD, and XPS. Antibacterial tests against SRB were conducted to assess the antibacterial effect of nanocontainers. UV–vis experiments demonstrated that TCS could be triggered to release from the HMSNs-TCS@ZIF-7 nanocontainers in response to the attack of S2-. The sustained release of TCS effectively inhibited the SRB adhesion and the released benzimidazole by the decomposition of ZIF-7 acted as corrosion inhibitors, thereby preventing SRB-induced MIC. This study would contribute to the development and design of intelligent responsive coatings with long-term MIC inhibition capabilities.

Liposome/chitosan coating film bioplastic packaging for Litchi fruit preservation

Chitosan is an ideal coating film for food preservation, but the performance of a single chitosan coating film is not good. Herein, the liposome was prepared by embedding copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and thyme essential oil (TEO) in the hydrophilic and hydrophobic double-domain structure formed by phospholipids, and combining with chitosan to obtain a chitosan-based coating film for litchi preservation. The liposome was well-dispersed and stable with an average particle size of about 190 nm. The liposome showed excellent controllable release properties, and the cumulative release rate of TEO was 65.17 % and that of CuNPs was 15.17 % after 7 days. Furthermore, the oxygen and water vapor barrier properties of the coating film were greatly improved. Importantly, the film possessed effective antioxidant, antibacterial activity and excellent safety, which presents a better fresh-keeping effect on litchi. This study provides insights into the design and manufacture of food packaging for controllable and long-lasting preservation.

Development of phage-containing hydrogel for treating Enterococcus faecalis-infected wounds.

Chronic wound infections caused by Enterococcus faecalis pose formidable challenges in clinical management, exacerbated by the emergence of vancomycin-resistant strains. Phage therapy offers a targeted approach but encounters delivery hurdles. Due to their biocompatibility and controlled release properties, hydrogels hold promise as carriers. This study aimed to fabricate phage-containing hydrogels using sodium alginate (SA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and hyaluronic acid (HA) to treat E. faecalis-infected wounds. We assessed the efficacy of these hydrogels both in vitro and in vivo. The hydrogel was prepared using SA-CMC-HA polymers. Phage SAM-E.f 12 was incorporated into the SA-CMC-HA hydrogel. The hydrogel's swelling index was measured after 24 h, and degradation was assessed over seven days. Surface morphology and composition were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Antibacterial activity was tested via optical density (OD) and disk diffusion assays. Phage release and stability were evaluated over a month. In vivo efficacy was tested in mice through wound healing and bacterial count assays, with histopathological analysis. Hydrogels exhibited a swelling index of 0.43, a water absorption rate of %30, and 23% degradation over seven days. FTIR confirmed successful polymer incorporation. In vitro studies demonstrated that phage-containing hydrogels significantly inhibited bacterial growth, with an OD of 0.3 compared to 1.1 for the controls. Hydrogels remained stable for four weeks. In vivo, phage-containing hydrogels reduced bacterial load and enhanced wound healing, as shown by improved epithelialization and tissue restoration. Phage-containing hydrogels effectively treat wounds infected with E. faecalis-infected wounds, promoting wound healing through controlled phage release. These hydrogels can improve clinical outcomes in the treatment of infected wounds.

Triggering Pyroptosis by Doxorubicin-Loaded Multifunctional Nanoparticles in Combination with Decitabine for Breast Cancer Chemoimmunotherapy.

Pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, holds great promise for breast cancer treatment. However, the downregulation of gasdermin E (GSDME) limits the effectiveness of pyroptosis. To address this challenge, we developed a folic acid-modified and glutathione/reactive oxygen species dual-responsive nanocarrier (FPSD NPs) for the targeted delivery of doxorubicin (DOX). Through the combination with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine (DAC), the GSDME protein expression was significantly increased in 4T1 cells, resulting in cell swelling and ballooning, which are characteristic features of pyroptosis. In vivo experiments further demonstrated the antitumor efficacy of DAC + DOX@FPSD NPs, and the 4T1-bearing mice treated with DAC + DOX@FPSD NPs exhibited reduced tumor volumes, minimized tumor weights, decreased Ki67-positive cells, increased TUNEL apoptosis ratios, and pronounced lesions in H&E staining. Furthermore, DAC + DOX@FPSD NP treatment could promote pyroptosis-associated antitumor immunity, as evidenced by the increased presence of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells, heightened secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ, elevated high-mobility group box-1 levels, and enhanced calreticulin exposure. The FPSD nanocarrier developed in this study had favorable stability, active targeting ability, biocompatibility, and controlled release properties, and the DAC + DOX@FPSD NPs represented an approach to antitumor therapy by inducing pyroptosis, which offers a promising avenue for breast cancer treatment.

Novel thermal-regulation and temperature-responsive controlled-release fibermats with porous sheath-core structures

Active regulation of the wound microenvironment as well as on-demand drug delivery have proven to be effective ways to accelerate wound healing, and the development of advanced textiles offers feasibility. A novel fibermat with thermal-regulation and temperature-responsive controlled-release properties was fabricated by using coaxial electrospinning, consisting of porous sheath-core polylactic acid (PLA)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) fibers. The pore generation in the PLA shell of the PLA/PEG fiber was achieved through a phase separation method. The fiber diameter and pore size of the obtained fiber could be controlled by adjusting the flow rate of shell solution during electrospinning. Increasing the flow rate of shell solution form 0.8 mm min−1 to 1.4 mm min−1 resulted in an increase in fiber diameter from 4.8 μm to 15.3 μm, and an increase in pore size from 59.4 nm to 305.6 nm. Due to the high enthalpy and coverage of the PEG core, the PLA/PEG fibermats exhibited excellent thermal-regulation performance, with a surface temperature that was 2.5 °C–5.6 °C lower than that of pure PLA fibermat during heating process. On-demand release was achieved by directly controlling the core layer of the coaxial PLA/PEG fiber through temperature. The hydrophobicity of the PLA shell initially reduced burst release, followed by increased release as the temperature reached the phase transition temperature of PEG. Furthermore, this advanced fibermat demonstrated desirable moisture permeability, appropriate mechanical properties and good thermal stability, indicating broad potential applications in medical and health fields.

Synthesis of Reduction-Sensitive Brush-Arm Star Polymers via Combined Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization–Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization and Controlled-Release Properties

Synthesis of Reduction-Sensitive Brush-Arm Star Polymers via Combined Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization–Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization and Controlled-Release Properties

Formulation and characterization of controlled-release floating tablets of pregabalin

Pharmaceutical research has increasingly focused on developing oral drug delivery systems with controlled-release capabilities to address challenges such as short gastric residence time and variable gastric emptying. This study designed and evaluated floating pregabalin tablets with controlled-release properties by experimenting with various blends of HPMC K4M and HPMC K100LV. The tablets are engineered to remain buoyant in the stomach, thereby enhancing gastric retention time and improving oral bioavailability. Using Design Expert Software, nine formulations (X1-X9) were developed and optimized. Among these, the X7 formulation demonstrated promising results: it exhibited a low initial swelling index but formed a substantial gel layer by the eighth hour, maintaining matrix integrity for approximately 6-7 hours. The optimized X7 formulation achieved a controlled drug release rate of 95.06% and maintained buoyancy for up to 12 hours, showcasing its potential for effective and sustained drug delivery. This research contributes to the advancement of oral controlled-release systems, offering a viable approach to improving pregabalin's therapeutic efficacy through enhanced gastric retention and consistent release rates.

Quantum Insights into Partially Molecular Imprinted Microspheres for Anticancer Therapeutics: Experimental and Theoretical Studies.

Drug solubility is a determining factor for controlled release, and solubility-dependent release kinetics can be modified by changing the drug's state in the polymer matrix through partial molecular imprinting (PMI), although research in this area remains limited. This novel PMI approach creates nanocavities within the polymer by partially retaining the imprinting molecule and trapping the drug. Such a method holds promise for developing advanced biomaterial-based drug delivery systems for anticancer therapies. In this study, we developed microspheres designed for anticancer drug delivery utilizing PMI to enhance controlled release properties. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) microspheres were partially imprinted with aspirin (ASP) to create nanocavities for gemcitabine (GEM) molecules, inducing a polymorphic shift of GEM within the polymer matrix. This novel PMI approach enhanced drug release properties by enabling control over the drug crystallinity and release rate. The PVA-ASP-GEM complex showed zero-order release kinetics, releasing 21.6% of GEM over 48 h, maintaining steady state release profile. In contrast, nonimprinted PVA-GEM microspheres exhibited first-order kinetics with a faster release of 46.85% in the same period. Quantum insights from density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed the superior stability of the PVA-ASP-GEM complex, with a binding free energy of -56.03 kcal/mol, compared to -29.07 kcal/mol for PVA-GEM. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations demonstrated that ASP's presence created nanocavities that restricted GEM's movement, further contributing to the controlled release. Experimental validation through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the polymorphic transitions within the PVA-ASP-GEM complex. This PMI-based approach offers a promising method for modulating drug release kinetics and improving the stability of anticancer therapeutics, paving the way for innovative biomaterial-based drug delivery systems.

Recent Advances in Ocular Drug Delivery: Insights into Lyotropic Liquid Crystals.

Background/Objectives: This review examines the evolution of lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) in ocular drug delivery, focusing on their ability to address the challenges associated with traditional ophthalmic formulations. This study aims to underscore the enhanced bioavailability, prolonged retention, and controlled release properties of LLCs that significantly improve therapeutic outcomes. Methods: This review synthesizes data from various studies on both bulk-forming LLCs and liquid crystal nanoparticles (LCNPs). It also considers advanced analytical techniques, including the use of machine learning and AI-driven predictive modeling, to forecast the phase behavior and molecular structuring of LLC systems. Emerging technologies in biosensing and real-time diagnostics are discussed to illustrate the broader applicability of LLCs in ocular health. Results: LLCs are identified as pivotal in promoting targeted drug delivery across different regions of the eye, with specific emphasis on the tailored optimization of LCNPs. This review highlights principal categories of LLCs used in ocular applications, each facilitating unique interactions with physiological systems to enhance drug efficacy and safety. Additionally, novel applications in biosensing demonstrate LLCs' capacity to improve diagnostic processes. Conclusions: Lyotropic liquid crystals offer transformative potential in ocular drug delivery by overcoming significant limitations of conventional delivery methods. The integration of predictive technologies and biosensing applications further enriches the utility of LLCs, indicating a promising future for their use in clinical settings. This review points to continued advancements and encourages further research in LLC technology to maximize its therapeutic benefits.

Carboxymethyl chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel films by incorporating MSNs as ε-PL carrier with pH-responsive controlled release and antibacterial properties

A hydrogel film with pH-responsive release and excellent antibacterial properties was developed by utilizing mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as carriers for ε-PL. Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) is grafted onto aminated-MSNs through amine-bond reaction mediated, which is subsequently bound to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by esterification reaction. The addition of MSNs and optimization of CMCS proportion improved the dispersion stability of CMCS/PVA, resulting in a TSI value of 0.6 for 1.6CMCS/0.8PVA@MSNs-ε-PL, which is significantly lower than other groups. The proportion increase of CMCS improved the thermal stability and water oxygen barrier capacities of the 1.6CMCS/0.8PVA@MSNs-ε-PL by enhancing cross-linking with MSNs. The 1.6CMCS/0.8PVA@MSNs-ε-PL exhibited pH-responsive release behavior, with the extent of release increasing proportionally with higher pH levels. The 1.6CMCS/0.8PVA@MSNs-ε-PL exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas azotoformans MN10 in vitro, attributed to the ε-PL's ability to damage the bacterial membrane structure. Hence, the 1.6CMCS/0.8PVA@MSNs-ε-PL exhibits significant potential in food preservation.

Exploring the insights of bioslurry-Nanoparticle amalgam for soil amelioration.

In response to global agricultural challenges, this review examines the synergistic impact of bioslurry and biogenic nanoparticles on soil amelioration. Bioslurry, rich in N, P, K and beneficial microorganisms, combined with zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized through eco-friendly methods, demonstrates remarkable soil improvement capabilities. Their synergistic effects include enhanced nutrient availability through increased soil enzymatic activities, improved soil structure via stable aggregate formation, stimulated microbial activity particularly beneficial groups, enhanced water retention due to increased organic matter and modified soil surface properties and reduced soil pH fluctuations. These mechanisms significantly impact soil physico-chemical properties including cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity and nutrient dynamics. This review analyses these effects and their implications for sustainable agricultural practices, focusing on crop yield improvements, reduced chemical fertilizer dependence and enhanced plant stress tolerance. Knowledge gaps such as long-term nanoparticle accumulation effects and impacts on non-target organisms are identified. Future research directions include optimizing bioslurry-nanoparticle ratios for various soil types and developing "smart" nanoparticle-enabled biofertilizers with controlled release properties. This innovative approach contributes to environmentally friendly farming practices, potentially enhancing global food security and supporting sustainable agriculture transitions. The integration of bioslurry and biogenic nanoparticles presents a promising solution to soil degradation and agricultural sustainability challenges.