Crystallization Of Nanoparticles Research Articles

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.

Topological and Morphological Membrane Dynamics in Giant Lipid Vesicles Driven by Monoolein Cubosomes

Lipid nanoparticles have important applications as biomedical delivery platforms and broader engineering biology applications in artificial cell technologies. These emerging technologies often require changes in the shape and topology of biological or biomimetic membranes. Here we show that topologically‐active lyotropic liquid crystal nanoparticles (LCNPs) can trigger such transformations in the membranes of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). Monoolein (MO) LCNPs, cubosomes with an internal nanostructure of space group Im3m incorporate into 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DOPC) GUVs creating excess membrane area with stored curvature stress. Using time‐resolved fluorescence confocal and lattice light sheet microscopy, we observe and characterise various life‐like dynamic events in these GUVs, including growth, division, tubulation, membrane budding and fusion. Our results shed new light on the interactions of LCNPs with bilayer lipid membranes, providing insights relevant to how these nanoparticles might interact with cellular membranes during drug delivery and highlighting their potential as minimal triggers of topological transitions in artificial cells.

Topological and Morphological Membrane Dynamics in Giant Lipid Vesicles Driven by Monoolein Cubosomes.

Lipid nanoparticles have important applications as biomedical delivery platforms and broader engineering biology applications in artificial cell technologies. These emerging technologies often require changes in the shape and topology of biological or biomimetic membranes. Here we show that topologically-active lyotropic liquid crystal nanoparticles (LCNPs) can trigger such transformations in the membranes of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). Monoolein (MO) LCNPs, cubosomes with an internal nanostructure of space group Im3m incorporate into 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) GUVs creating excess membrane area with stored curvature stress. Using time-resolved fluorescence confocal and lattice light sheet microscopy, we observe and characterise various life-like dynamic events in these GUVs, including growth, division, tubulation, membrane budding and fusion. Our results shed new light on the interactions of LCNPs with bilayer lipid membranes, providing insights relevant to how these nanoparticles might interact with cellular membranes during drug delivery and highlighting their potential as minimal triggers of topological transitions in artificial cells.

Preparation of cubic liquid crystal nanoparticles of puerarin and its protective effect on ischemic stroke

The low oral bioavailability of puerarin (Pur) affects its efficacy. Preparation of puerarin cubic liquid crystal nanoparticles (Pur-Cub) enhances the protective effect of Pur against ischemic stroke (IS) by increasing its bioavailability. The average particle size, PDI, and zeta potential of Pur-Cub were 274.70 ± 16.20 nm, 0.24 ± 0.05 and −25.30 ± 2.34 mV, respectively. Polarized light microscopy (PLM) and Small angle X-ray diffraction (SAXS) identified Pur-Cub as a cubic phase (Pn3m). The in vitro release of Pur-Cub was fast and then slow, in accordance with the biphasic kinetic equation. Pur-Cub increased the penetration of Pur in the intestine (mainly the duodenum) and significantly improved the bioavailability of Pur in the blood (304.16 %) and its distribution in the brain (1.69-fold) compared to Pur suspension. Pur-Cub narrowed down cerebral infarcts and significantly reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).

Therapeutic Potential of Molsidomine-Loaded Liquid Crystal Nanoparticles for the Treatment and Management of Niacin-Induced Varicose Veins: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

Varicose vein therapy has historically relied significantly on invasive surgical procedures, which frequently resulted in poor compliance among patients. The tendency could stem from the past use of abrasive surgical procedures and a lack of documented drug-induced animal models. To address this challenge, we envisaged an innovative approach for animal model development that uses niacin-induced recurrent flushing. And to further treat the condition, we used liquid crystal nanoparticles (LCNPs) as carriers for the antiangiogenic, cardio protective, and anti-inflammatory drug molsidomine. After the successful initiation of reticular perforant varicose veins, the animals were administered and treated with molsidomine-loaded liquid crystal nanoparticles (MD-LCNPs) that were simultaneously synthesized via a straightforward homogenization method. The preparation of MD-LCNPs involved inducing the disruption of a cubic-phase gel of glyceryl monostearate (GMS) by Milli-Q water in the presence of a Tween-80. Characterization of MD-LCNPs encompassed an assessment of their physicochemical properties. Microscopic studies revealed monodispersity with an average size of 195 ± 55.94 nm. In vitro evaluations demonstrated commendable antioxidant potential, excellent swelling behavior, and sustained release behavior of MD-LCNPs. Furthermore, MD-LCNPs exhibited nontoxicity toward cells, with minimal generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or nitric oxide (NO). Histopathological and hematological analysis indicated the efficacy of MD-LCNPs in ameliorating niacin-induced varicose veins, the absence of detrimental and toxic effects on blood cells and visceral organs, and safety for intravenous administration. Following the administration of nanoparticles, the formulation demonstrated appropriate levels of prostaglandins (PGDs), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This substantiates the formulation's suitability for the treatment and management of varicose veins. In conclusion, our work shows an efficient method that induces varicose veins in rodents, and also a promising nanocarrier-based drug delivery approach using MD-LCNPs for effective and safe varicose vein therapy.

Synthesis and up-conversion luminescence of erbium-doped yttrium silicate single crystal nanoparticles tailored by the mesoporous silica template

Erbium-activated yttrium silicate nanoparticles were tailored using a mesoporous silica template. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the synthesized particles are single crystals of yttrium pyrosilicate (α−Y2Si2O7:Er), possessing a spherical shape (with an average size of about 210 nm) and a narrow size distribution. Up-conversion luminescence of the synthesized particles was investigated in the green spectral region under excitation by a laser diode operating at a wavelength of 808 nm. In the range of 510-580 nm, intense narrow lines with a Lorentzian shape were observed, attributed to radiative transitions from two thermally coupled energy levels of the Er3+ ion [2H11/2→4I15/2 (520–540 nm) and 4S3/2→4I15/2 (545–570 nm)]. It was experimentally demonstrated that within the temperature range of 250–520 K, the equilibrium populations of the 2H11/2 and 4S3/2 levels follow the Boltzmann distribution. This result provides a basis for the potential use of the synthesized particles as temperature sensors in various applications, including biomedical ones.

Liquid crystal nanoparticles for oral combination antibiotic therapies: A strategy towards protecting commensal gut bacteria during treatment

Antibiotics are essential for treating infections and reducing risks during medical interventions. However, many commonly used antibiotics lack the physiochemical properties for an efficient oral administration when treating systemic infection. Instead, we are reliant on intravenous delivery, which presents complications outside of clinical settings. Developing novel formulations for oral administration is a potential solution to this problem. We engineered hexosome and cubosome liquid crystal nanoparticles (LCNPs) characterized by small-angle X-ray scattering and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, and could encapsulate the antibiotics vancomycin (VAN) and clarithromycin (CLA) with high loading efficiencies. By rationally choosing stable lipid building blocks, the loaded LCNPs demonstrated excellent resilience against enzymatic degradation in an in vitro gut model LCNP stability is crucial as premature antibiotic leakage can negatively impact the gut microbiota. In screens against the representative gut bacteria Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli, our LCNPs provided a protective effect. Furthermore, we explored co-administration and dual loading strategies of VAN and CLA, and demonstrated effective loading, stability and protection for E. faecalis and E. coli. This work represents a proof of concept for the early-stage development of antibiotic-loaded LCNPs to treat systemic infection via oral administration, opening opportunities for combination antibiotic therapies.

The refined microstructure and enhanced properties of the Al-Mo laser-alloyed layer after high-current pulsed electron beam irradiation

The aim of this study is to investigate the microstructure and properties of the AlMo laser-alloyed layer induced by high-current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) irradiation. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to investigate the microstructures of the modified layer. The microhardness and friction properties were also measured. The microstructural observation shows that HCPEB irradiation led to the formation of a modified layer approximately a dozen microns thick, which was the absence of the pores. It was found that the flower- and strip-like AlMo particles were dissolved to form nano-size particles consisting of Al5Mo (h2), Al12Mo, and Al17Mo4 phase after HCPEB irradiation. Additionally, the slip bands and high-density dislocations were formed in the modified layer. The refined microstructure significantly enhanced the microhardness of the laser-alloyed layer. A quantitative evaluation was conducted to investigate the individual contributions of four strengthening mechanisms to the strength of the modified layer, which indicated that dislocation and grain boundary strengthening were dominant. The results of sliding wear tests show that the modified layer exhibited superior properties compared to the laser alloying layer, which was attributed to the formation of crystal defects, solid solutions, and nanoparticles.

Исследование теплового эффекта на основе наночастиц жидких кристаллов

Исследование теплового эффекта на основе наночастиц жидких кристаллов

Copper-Vit B3 MOF preparation, characterization and catalytic evaluation in a one-pot synthesis of benzoxanthenones with docking validation as anti H. pylori.

Copper-Vit B3 MOF was successfully prepared by efficient and eco hydrothermal method. The prepared MOF was characterized as a tetragonal crystal copper-MOF nanoparticles by FTIR, SEM, TEM, EDX and XRD. The prepared nanoparticles were used as an effective, inexpensive and low-toxic catalyst in the one-pot synthesis of some new benzoxanthenone derivatives. As example 4-(9,9-dimethyl-11-oxo-8,10,11,12-tetrahydro-9H-benzo[a]xanthen-12-yl)phenyl benzoate (4h) was synthesized in high yield 92%. The MOF catalyst's role is activating the nucleophilic attack by increasing the carbonyl polarization, and this generally improves the reaction time, which ranges between 20-60 minutes and products' yields ranging between 80-92%. Prepared compounds (4a-4j) undergo molecular docking scanning as Helicobacter pylori type II dehydroquinase inhibitors, and the data obtained showed that there are three promises of the prepared compounds 4d, 4e, 4h and 4j compared with amoxicillin.

Synthesis of seawater-derived superhydrophobic calcium carbonate via CO2 mineralization by utilizing L-Arginine/L-Lysine oleate-based self-assembly structures

Superhydrophobic materials have been gaining popularity owing to their self-cleaning, anti-freezing, and anti-corrosion properties. This study presents an approach for the synthesis of superhydrophobic calcium carbonate via CO2 mineralization using carbon capture utilization (CCU) technology. By using biodegradable amino acids (L-arginine/L-lysine) and oleic acid, various biosurfactant self-assembly structures were formed as surface-modifying agents of calcium carbonate owing to the saponification and lyotropic phase transition. Moreover, calcium cations were recovered from salt-farm wastewater using pH-swing ion separation for sustainability and waste management. we presented various self-assembly structures depending on the ratio of amino acids to oleic acid, such as spherical micelles, liquid crystal nanoparticles, and vesicles for L-arginine oleate and spherical micelles, cylindrical micelles, and planar lamellar structures for L-lysine oleate. The synthesized calcium carbonates were 87.95 % purified scalenohedral calcite under micellar L-arginine oleate and 87.08 % purified spherical calcite under micellar L-lysine. Moreover, their surface areas were 28.85 m2/g for L-arginine and 13.46 m2/g for L-lysine. They were significantly improved and larger than that of commercial calcium carbonate (3.45 m2/g). In comparison, larger agglomerated calcite particles were produced under the other self-assembled structures. During mineralization, the amount of calcium oleate adsorbed on the surface of calcium carbonate played a crucial role in particle formation. Notably, superhydrophobic calcium carbonates were synthesized with a contact angle of 168.66° under spherical micelles of L-arginine oleate and 167.46° under spherical micelles of L-lysine oleate. The in-situ surface modification method utilizing biosurfactant self-assembled structures was expected to revitalize the carbon capture and utilization.

In situ one step growth of amorphous tin oxide electron transport layer for high-performance perovskite solar cells.

Tin oxide used in electron transport layer (ETL) exhibits key role in transmitting electrons and blocking holes in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) device. However, crystal tin oxide nanoparticles (NPs) become necessary to form SnO2 film by method of spin-coating, resulting in possible surface defect and cracks among SnO2 NPs, corresponding to unsatisfied performance PSCs. Herein, an amorphous tin oxide thin film is creatively in situ grew onto Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide (FTO) substrate as ETL. The designed solar cell device with structure of FTO/SnO2/MAPbI3/Sprio-OMeTAD/Ag owns a champion photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 17.64%, 76.20% of filling coefficient (FF), and 1.09 V of open-circuit voltage (Voc), in comparing with 16.43%, 64.35% and 1.05 V for control group (crystal tin oxide as ETL), respectively. Besides, the champion device keeps 83.33% of initial PCE under nitrogen (N2) condition for one month, in comparison with 76.09% for control group. This work provides a viable strategy for facile preparing amorphous tin oxide film based ETL in perovskite solar cells.

Superior photoluminescence of quantum dot displays via organic-inorganic composite scatterers

High color purity of quantum dot organic light-emitting diodes (QD-OLEDs) can be achieved by blue OLED light to stimulate pixelized green and red QDs within a color conversion layer, providing high color conversion efficiency in commercialized displays. However, enhancing external quantum efficiency (EQE) and minimizing blue light leakage remain significant challenges. To resolve these issues, we have developed an organic-inorganic composite system comprising quantum dots (QDs), liquid crystal (LC), polymer, and inorganic nanoparticles, like titanium dioxide (TiO2). The best EQE was enhanced by ∼81.9% when TiO2 of 6 wt%. More importantly, the EQE was enhanced by ∼58.6% when TiO2 of 3 wt% while TiO2 nanoparticles were well-dispersed and stable without aggregation for more than 3 days, which is crucial for preventing nozzle blockages during inkjet printing in manufacturing processes. We believe our innovative approach is promising for boosting color conversion efficiency by exciting highly concentrated green and red QDs with blue light while also overcoming inherent fabrication hurdles associated with high concentrations of inorganic scatterers.

Lipid Nanocarriers-Enabled Delivery of Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Adjuvants to Overcome Bacterial Biofilms.

The opportunistic bacteria growing in biofilms play a decisive role in the pathogenesis of chronic infectious diseases. Biofilm-dwelling bacteria behave differently than planktonic bacteria and are likely to increase resistance and tolerance to antimicrobial therapeutics. Antimicrobial adjuvants have emerged as a promising strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and restore the efficacy of existing antibiotics. A combination of antibiotics and potential antimicrobial adjuvants, (e.g., extracellular polymeric substance (EPS)-degrading enzymes and quorum sensing inhibitors (QSI) can improve the effects of antibiotics and potentially reduce bacterial resistance). In addition, encapsulation of antimicrobials within nanoparticulate systems can improve their stability and their delivery into biofilms. Lipid nanocarriers (LNCs) have been established as having the potential to improve the efficacy of existing antibiotics in combination with antimicrobial adjuvants. Among them, liquid crystal nanoparticles (LCNPs), liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are promising due to their superior properties compared to traditional formulations, including their greater biocompatibility, higher drug loading capacity, drug protection from chemical or enzymatic degradation, controlled drug release, targeted delivery, ease of preparation, and scale-up feasibility. This article reviews the recent advances in developing various LNCs to co-deliver some well-studied antimicrobial adjuvants combined with antibiotics from different classes. The efficacy of various combination treatments is compared against bacterial biofilms, and synergistic therapeutics that deserve further investigation are also highlighted. This review identifies promising LNCs for the delivery of combination therapies that are in recent development. It discusses how LNC-enabled co-delivery of antibiotics and adjuvants can advance current clinical antimicrobial treatments, leading to innovative products, enabling the reuse of antibiotics, and providing opportunities for saving millions of lives from bacterial infections.

Niacin-Loaded Liquid Crystal Nanoparticles Ameliorate Prostaglandin D2-Mediated Niacin-Induced Flushing and Hepatotoxicity

Niacin-Loaded Liquid Crystal Nanoparticles Ameliorate Prostaglandin D2-Mediated Niacin-Induced Flushing and Hepatotoxicity

Preparation and characterization of macrophage membrane camouflaged cubosomes as a stabilized and immune evasive biomimetic nano-DDS.

This study aims to develop a biomimetic nano-drug delivery system (nano-DDS) by employing a macrophage cell membrane camouflaging strategy to modify lyotropic liquid crystal nanoparticles (LLC-NPs). The cubic-structured LLC-NPs (Cubosomes, CBs) were prepared via a top-down approach (ultra-sonification) using monoolein (MO) and doped with the cationic lipid, DOTAP. The cell membrane camouflaging procedure induced changes in the cubic lipid phase from primitive cubic phase (QIIP) to a coexistence of QIIP and diamond cubic phase (QIID). The macrophage membrane camouflaging strategy protected CB cores from the destabilization by blood plasma and enhanced the stability of CBs. The in vitro experiment results revealed that the macrophage cell membrane coating significantly reduced macrophage uptake efficacy within 8 h of incubation compared to the non-camouflaged CBs, while it had minimal impact on cancer cell uptake efficacy. The macrophage membrane coated CBs showed lower accumulation in the heart, kidney and lungs in vivo. This study demonstrated the feasibility of employing cell membrane camouflaging on CBs and confirmed that the bio-functionalities of the CBs-based biomimetic nano-DDS were retained from the membrane source cells, and opened up promising possibilities for developing an efficient and safe drug delivery system based on the biomimetic approach.

Rheological Properties Study of Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals Doped by SiO2 Nanoparticles

The present report discusses the development of a novel nano-composite using a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) and inorganic silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of the SiO2 nanoparticles on the rheological properties of the PDLC films. In our research described in this paper SiO2 nanoparticle-doped polymer dispersed liquid crystal films were made from a mixture of ethylene glycol phenyl ether methacrylate (EGPEMA) pre-polymer, 4-Cyano-4′-pentylbiphenyl (5CB) liquid crystals (LC) and SiO2 nanoparticles by the polymerization induced phase separation (PIPS) process. Doping the PDLC systems with SiO2 improved the rheological properties of these materials; the percolation (network formation) observed reflected the good interfacial adhesion between the nanoparticles, the polymer matrix and the LC. On the other hand, a decrease in the storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) of the PDLC systems after addition of the SiO2 nanoparticles confirmed their high flexibility and low crystallinity. A slight increase in G′ at 0.05 wt.% SiO2 resulted in the good mechanical strength of the doped PDLC. The viscoelastic behavior of the doped and undoped PDLC systems was confirmed at high frequencies. Thermal characterization by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed a decrease in the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the PDLC with 0.05 wt.% of SiO2 nanoparticles, which showed that we had a more flexible material.

Cubosomes as versatile lipid nanocarriers for neurological disorder therapeutics: a comprehensive review.

Cubosomes are novel vesicular drug delivery systems with lipidic liquid crystal nanoparticles formed of predetermined proportions of amphiphilic lipids. They have a honeycomb-like structure and are thermodynamically stable. These bicontinuous lipid layers are separated into two water-based channels internally that can be used by various bioactive substances, including drugs, proteins, and peptides. This complex structure is responsible for its high drug-loading capacity. Cubosomes are thought to be promising vehicles for various routes of administration because of their extraordinary characteristics, including bioadhesion, the capacity to encapsulate hydrophilic, and hydrophobic, as well as amphiphilic substances, high resistance to environmental stress, and their ability to achieve controlled release through modification. One of the essential elements for improving patient compliance is the ability of these well-defined nano-drug delivery systems to boost the effectiveness of targeting while lowering the side effects/toxicities of payloads. The large internal surface area, a sufficiently uncomplicated fabrication procedure, and biodegradability make it an attractive nano lipid carrier for drug delivery. This review outlines the recent advancement of cubosomes for managing various neurological disorders, highlighting their potential in this field.

Theoretical study of the nematic to isotropic phase transition in the mixtures of nematic liquid crystal and quantum dots nanoparticles

ABSTRACTThe nematic to isotropic phase transition in the mixtures of nematic liquid crystal and quantum dots nanoparticles has been studied. Flory Huggins theory of isotropic mixing and Landau-de Gennes theory have been used to study the nematic to isotropic phase transition. The effects of quantum dots nanoparticles on the nematic order parameter, transition temperature, and splay elastic constant have been discussed. The decrease of nematic order parameter, transition temperature, and splay elastic constant with the increase in volume fraction of quantum dots nanoparticles has been observed.

Enhancing persulfate activation by carbon − based Mn − Fe nanoparticles for groundwater ISCO treatment: Efficiency, stability and mechanism

Persulfate − based in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) is a promising approach for groundwater treatment due to its potential. However, the development of catalysts with sufficient activity and stability in persulfate oxidation remains a long − term goal. In this study, we aimed to address this challenge by preparing bimetallic nanoparticles coated with porous nitrogen − doped graphene shells, known as MnFe − NC, to activate peroxydisulfate (PDS). The unique structural feature of MnFe − NC, with metallic crystal nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon shells, ensured excellent persulfate activation performance of MnFe − NC, even during repeated cycles and extended periods of storage. To evaluate the practical application of MnFe − NC, MnFe − NC/PDS was installed in sand columns for the ISCO of sulpiride (SPR), achieving removal efficiencies of approximately 100 % during a continuous 7 − day reaction process. MnFe − NC/PDS exhibited remarkable tolerance to pH changes and environmental interference commonly encountered in groundwater treatment scenarios. Combined with density functional theory calculations, Mn5C2 and Fe2N were identified as the key active site for MnFe − NC activation of PDS. The decomposition mechanism of SPR in the system was further analyzed, including the cleavage of C–N/C–C, denitration reaction, and substitution reaction. These findings provide important insights into the intricate processes involved in the degradation of refractory organic pollutants. The developed MnFe − NC catalyst for PDS − based ISCO exhibits great potential in the remediation of refractory organic pollutant − contaminated groundwater.