Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a serious threat due to its resistance to common antibiotics. This study investigates the antibacterial and quorum-sensing (QS) inhibitory effects of encapsulated quercetin (QE) and ferulic acid (FA) in chitosan (CS) nanoparticles against MRSA virulence genes. QE and FA were encapsulated into CS nanoparticles and characterized using scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and zeta potential analysis. Encapsulation efficiency, antibacterial activity, biofilm inhibition, hemolysis, macrophage intracellular killing, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis induction were assessed for both free and encapsulated forms. Antibacterial activity was evaluated via growth inhibition, biofilm formation assays, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination in combination with clindamycin. RT-PCR was used to assess effects on MRSA virulence gene expression. All treatments inhibited MRSA growth, with the CS-QE-FA combination showing the highest inhibition (85%) and biofilm reduction (90%). This combination also synergized with clindamycin, reducing its MIC to 1/64 of the original. RT-PCR revealed significant downregulation of QS-related genes, including RNAIII, agrA, hla, and psmα (P < 0.001). CS nanoparticles encapsulating QE and FA significantly inhibit MRSA growth and QS-related gene expression, especially in combination. Their synergistic action with clindamycin suggests potential for novel therapeutic strategies against antibiotic-resistant infections.IMPORTANCEAntibiotic-resistant infections like those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are a growing global health concern, often leading to longer hospital stays, increased costs, and higher mortality. This study presents a novel approach using natural compounds-quercetin and ferulic acid-encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles to target MRSA. Not only do these nanoparticles inhibit bacterial growth and biofilm formation, but they also disrupt the bacteria's communication system (quorum sensing), which controls the production of toxins. Importantly, these effects are enhanced when combined with clindamycin, a commonly used antibiotic. This combination reduces the amount of antibiotic needed and may help overcome drug resistance. The findings offer a promising strategy for developing safer, more effective treatments against persistent infections while potentially slowing the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Investigation of structural and thermal properties of solid lipid-based nanocarriers optimized by microfluidic synthesis.

Block copolymer micelles mediate PbBr2 complexation through two distinct pathways: an architecture-dependent interfacial process under static conditions and a shear-dominated mechanism under dynamic mixing. This study reveals how the polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) asymmetry governs the chain adsorption conformations (trains, loops, and tails) on PbBr2 surfaces and its complexation outcome. Under static conditions, the process is kinetically limited by micellar diffusion. Upon reaching the PbBr2 surface, the strong pyridine-Pb2+ coordination induces a restructuring of the micelle core. For asymmetric PS-b-P2VP with long P2VP blocks, a thin PS shell allows the P2VP core to deform and spread onto the surface, creating a large adsorption footprint. The long-tethered P2VP chains form multiple train-loop segments, maximizing the number of coordination sites per micelles and enabling efficient PbBr2 dissociation into [PbBr3]- complexes. Conversely, the thick PS shells of symmetric copolymers act as a steric barrier. This shield prevents interfacial restructuring and hinders complexation. Dynamic mixing introduces an energy-driven mechanism that circumvents these architectural constraints. Shear forces simultaneously fragment PbBr2 monoliths into nanoparticles, accelerating complexation independently of copolymer architecture. UV-vis and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses show that micelle dimensions and chain conformations dictate the efficiency of PbBr2 complexation. By correlating micelle architecture with mixing conditions, this work establishes key design principles for PbBr2 complexation. We reveal a critical mechanistic switch. Under static conditions, the process is architecture-dependent. In contrast, dynamic mixing creates a shear-dominated, architecture-independent process. This finding provides fundamental insight into controlling lead halide precursor solutions.

The exceptional biological qualities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), including their antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory capabilities, have garnered a lot of interest. The synthesis of AgNPs using plant-derived compounds is considered an environmentally friendly method, limiting the use of toxic chemicals. Among them, natural essential oils, rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, have shown effective roles as reducing agents and stabilizers. Calamondin (Citrus microcarpa) peel essential oil (CmEO), which is notable for its high limonene and flavonoid content, was chosen as the green synthesis agent in this study. AgNPs were created by reducing AgNO3 with CmEO, and they were examined using UV-Vis, FTIR, DLS, and SEM. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and SEM based on the analysis, it was observed that the AgNPs-CmEO possessed a spherical morphology with an average particle size of approximately 204.3 nm. The UV–Vis spectrum exhibited a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak around 420 nm. In addition, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were susceptible to the antibacterial activity of AgNPs-CmEO. However, the activity was still lower than that of gentamicin. The antioxidant activity was moderate, with IC50 of 617.37 μg/mL (DPPH) and 385.48 μg/mL (ABTS). Overall, CmEO is a potential bioreducing agent for AgNPs synthesis, opening up potential applications in food preservation and biomedicine while indicating the need for further process optimization to improve product performance and stability.

The market offers a wide range of extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolation products, but their lack of standardization is a concern. Therefore, it is important to carefully assess the quality of the EVs obtained using these products to patent the ideal method. In this study, we compared the EXOCIB kit with the ultracentrifuge method, which is considered the gold standard for small EV isolation. After overnight fasting, small plasma EVs were extracted from four individuals using both the ultracentrifuge and the EXOCIB kit methods. The pooled EVs were then compared for the presence of the cluster of differentiation 63 (CD63) protein using the western blot analysis, and their size and zeta potential were performed by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). In addition, the size and morphology of small EVs were determined by using the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) technique. An average hydrodynamic size of 135.7 nm and a zeta potential of -6.33 Mv at 25°C was found for small EVs isolated by the ultracentrifuge, whereas the kit method resulted in small EVs with a hydrodynamic size of 102.8 nm and a zeta potential of -0.907. Notably, the size of the particles in the kit samples was smaller compared to those obtained through the ultracentrifuge (P < 0.001). The western blot method confirmed the expression of CD63 in both methods, so the ultracentrifuge yielded small EVs with a higher level of purity compared to the kit-based approach (P = 0.036). The DLS findings revealed the existence of vesicles within the appropriate size range for small EVs like exosomes in both isolation techniques. The results of the western blot analysis, in conjunction with DLS, displayed that the ultracentrifuge method extracted small EVs with a greater degree of purity than the kit-based approach.

A new type of fluorinated surfactant-free microemulsion: towards (fluorous - hydrogenous - aqueous) compartmentalized micelles.

Molecular insights into the formation of polymeric nanoassemblies of the anticancer peptide PEN-FFW.

Growth conditions shape the proteome and diversity of Neurospora crassa extracellular vesicles.

Highly sensitive printed pH sensor using CB/PANI nanocomposite for POC diagnosis of orthopedic infections.

Phenolic terpenes in liposomal bilayers: Unraveling physicochemical interactions and membrane perturbation via biophysical and computational approaches.

Hofmeister effect of anions on the layer-by-layer nanofiltration membranes: Assembly kinetics and micropollutant removal.

Functional inhibition of wheat germ agglutinin by glycodendrimers: Interplay of affinity, architecture, and temperature.

Vibrational analysis of polystyrene photodegradation and its implications for microplastic formation in arid zones.

Sustainable encapsulation of lipophilic fragrances using biodegradable sodium alginate for cosmetic applications.

ABSTRACT The conditions for synthesizing a polymer‐metal complex hydrogel containing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) of various sizes and shapes, using chemical methods from solutions of purified sodium‐carboxymethylcellulose (Na‐CMC) with a degree of substitution of 0.97 and a degree of polymerization of 1000, along with aqueous solutions of zinc nitrate hexahydrate at 80°C, were determined. It was found that mixing of those solutions led to ionic‐coordinate cross‐linking binding of the zinc ions (Zn 2+ ) with the carboxylate anions (R‐COO − ) of Na‐CMC. The physicochemical properties of the hydrogel containing ZnO NPs of various sizes and shapes, stabilized by Na‐CMC macromolecules, were examined using FT‐IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, AFM, SEM, TEM, XRD diffraction, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis methods. It was found that increasing the initial concentration of Zn(NO 3 ) 2 in Na‐CMC hydrogel results in the formation of ZnO NPs with various sizes, contents, and shapes during chemical reduction. Additionally, DLS and zeta potential measurements confirmed the stability of ZnO NPs with a ζ potential of −38.3 mV in Na‐CMC hydrogel during 72 days of storage times. A strong sunscreen effect was observed in the CMC/ZnO NPs hydrogel containing 0.0324% ZnO NPs sized 35–95 nm, compared with the commercial “Floresan” sunscreen cream. The antibacterial activity of the hydrogel containing ZnO NPs with sizes of 35–95 nm was tested using two assays against the bacterium Staphylococcus epidermidis and the fungus Candida albicans . The hydrogel exhibited a strong bactericidal “nano effect,” achieving a 100% kill rate compared to the control and the commercial “Floresan” sunscreen cream. Na‐CMC hydrogels incorporating ZnO NPs have potential for broad use in medical and cosmetic applications, serving as sunscreens with antibacterial properties.

Polyelectrolyte-based complexes have attracted attention, as the interaction of the oppositely charged components results in nanoparticle formation through an easy but highly efficient method, avoiding the use of strong solvents, extreme temperatures, and toxic chemicals. Sodium oleate (NaOL) is a widely used surfactant in the pharmaceutical industry due to its availability, eco-friendliness, and low cost. In the present study, the neutral-cationic block copolymer poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)–b–quaternized poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (POEGMA-b-Q(PDMAEMA)) is mixed with the anionic surfactant sodium oleate for the formation of nanoscale polyelectrolyte complexes through electrostatic interactions. Different weight ratios of copolymer to surfactant are studied. Then, the co-solvent protocol was implemented, and curcumin is successfully loaded in the formed particles for drug delivery applications. The size and morphology of the macromolecular complexes are examined via Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy (cryo-TEM). The methods that we have used have indicated that the polymer–surfactant complexes form spherical complexes, worm-like and vesicle-like structures. When curcumin was introduced, encapsulation was effectively achieved into micelles, giving rise to vesicle-like shapes. The success of curcumin encapsulation is confirmed by Ultraviolet–Visible absorption (UV–Vis) and fluorescence (FS) spectroscopy. POEGMA-b-Q(PDMAEMA)–sodium oleate polyelectrolyte complexes revealed promising attributes as efficient drug carrier systems for pharmaceutical formulations.

The uncontrolled release of pharmaceuticals in traditional drug delivery systems has resulted in the development of innovative drug delivery methods based on nanotechnology and the use of tailored nanocarriers for cancer treatment. This study aimed to develop a targeted drug delivery system and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for enhanced therapeutic efficacy in lung cancer treatment. Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) were synthesised via a Polyol route and surface-modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to improve biocompatibility. Further functionalization with folic acid (FA) facilitated targeted delivery to the human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5) (normal) and the human lung carcinoma cell line (A549) (lung cancer). The nanoparticles were loaded with paclitaxel (PTX), which inhibits microtubule polymerisation, forming UCNPs-FA-PTX complexes. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) characterisation revealed well-dispersed nanoparticles with an average size of 22.5 ± 8.67 nm. Zeta potential analysis confirmed a shift from +24.5 mV for UCNPs to -14 mV for UCNPs-FA-PTX, indicating successful drug loading and surface modification. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) showed a larger particle size for drug-loaded UCNPs, with a mean diameter of 117 nm. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated using MTT and Flow cytometry assays. The UCNPs-FA-PTX complex demonstrated a significantly reduced A549 cell viability, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50) of 11.15 μg ml-1at 72 h, compared to MRC-5 cells (IC 50 =22.8 μg ml-1), and induced higher apoptosis in cancer cells. The study integrates PDT, using Tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) as a dye to enhance treatment. Laser treatment (980 nm) enhanced these effects through a synergistic therapeutic approach. In contrast, UCNPs-FA and UCNPs exhibited minimal cytotoxicity, underscoring their biocompatibility.

The cannabidiol (CBD)-rich cannabis extract CAN296 shows anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity relevant to oral lichen planus (OLP), oral graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but its high lipophilicity limits aqueous dispersion. This study developed a stable Tween-based nanoemulsion optimized for oral mucosal delivery. Ethanol-dissolved CAN296 was nanoemulsified using a 1% Tween/Span system. Physical stability was visually assessed; droplet size and morphology were examined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM); and wettability was measured by static contact angle (SCA). Additional evaluations included temperature stability (25 °C vs. 4 °C), in vitro release using a dialysis membrane, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of membrane-associated droplets. Nanoemulsions with ≥80% Tween 80 incorporated CAN296 up to 800 µg/mL, clear at 400 µg/mL, and uniformly turbid at 800 µg/mL. DLS and TEM confirmed spherical nanoscale droplets, and SCA indicated favorable cohesion and wettability. Stability was maintained for 30 days at 4 °C. Dialysis studies demonstrated strong membrane association with limited diffusion, supported by SEM visualization of membrane-bound droplets. The Tween-dominant (≥80%) nanoemulsion stably incorporated CAN296 up to 800 µg/mL, demonstrated nanoscale uniformity, improved 4 °C stability, and strong membrane retention under static conditions, suggesting potential for localized oral delivery.

Soft actuators that respond to external stimuli play a fundamental role in microscale robotics, active matter, and bio-inspired systems. Among these actuators, photo-thermal hybrid microgels (HMGs) containing plasmonic nanoparticles enable rapid, spatially controlled actuation via localized heating. Understanding their dynamic behavior at the single-particle level is crucial for optimizing performance. However, traditional bulk characterization methods such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) provide only ensemble-averaged data, thereby limiting analytical insights. Here, a dual-laser optical tweezers approach is introduced for real-time, single-particle analysis of HMGs under controlled light exposure. Combining direct imaging and mean-squared displacement (MSD) analysis, our method quantifies the precise laser power required for actuation and accurately tracks the particle size. The results are benchmarked against dual-laser DLS, demonstrating comparable precision while offering the unique advantage of single-actuator resolution. Thus, this method provides a robust platform for precise optimization of programmable actuators with applications in soft robotics, microswimmers, and biomedical devices.

A key indicator of coated catalyst membrane (CCM) and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) performance in proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems is the formation of the catalyst-ionomer interface.1,2 Ionomer coverage and thickness dictate the ion transport to the catalyst material (i.e., platinum, Pt). A thick layer of ionomer can block pores and slow oxygen permeability, resulting in lower electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) and activity whereas a thin layer of ionomer can result in a poor ionic network and slow transport of protons.3 Further, inconsistencies in the layer can result in inconsistent ion transport throughout the catalyst layer.The conformation of ionomer can influence the formation of the catalyst-ionomer interface and thus the distribution of ionomer within the catalyst layer.4 Due to both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions present in ionomer, it is known to change conformation depending on the solvent system used; this can result in rod-like or spherical aggregates of ionomer particles.5 Water content of the solvent system and pH have been found to correlate to increasing ionomer size and exposure of accessible protons respectively.6,7 Ionomer conformation has previously been determined through both small-angle X-Ray scattering (SAXS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) which has been used to study the rod-like and spherical shapes of the particles depending on the solvent system used.8,9 While SAXS and SANS are useful techniques to assess ionomer conformation, further understanding of the size and accessibility of protons is important to elucidate further details on the ionomer-catalyst interface, and thus the effect of ionomer conformation on ionic conductivity and functionality (e.g., coatability, performance) of the catalyst layer.In this work, ionomer dispersions are investigated in both aqueous and mixed alcoholic solvent systems to gain an understanding of the size, conformation and viscosity through dynamic light scattering (DLS), SAXS and rheology. The use of DLS has previously been demonstrated for use of ionomer particles.10 However, DLS size distribution models are built for spherical, monodispersed nanoparticles and are non-ideal for polymeric materials.11 This work investigates the challenges, limitations and methods for consistent, reproducible measurements to evaluate size and shape of ionomer dispersions, with supporting techniques of SAXS and rheology. Continued work will investigate the relationship between the morphology of ionomer dispersions and the formation of the ionomer-catalyst interface and improved electrochemical performance.AcknowledgementsThis work was supported by Mitacs through the Mitacs Elevate program and performed in collaboration with Unilia (Canada) Fuel Cells.References1) Li, C. et al. Energy Environ. Sci., 2023, 16, 29772) Choi, WJ. et al. Korean J. Chem. Eng. 2024.3) Woo, S. et al. Curr. Opin. Electrochem. 2020, 21, 289-2964) Yang, D. et al. Int. J. Hydron. Ener. 2021, 46, 66, 33300-333135) Tarokh, A. et al. Macromolecules, 2020, 53, 16) Berlinger, S. A. et al. J. Phys. Chem. B, 2018, 122, 317) Srivastav, H. et al. Langmuir, 2024, 40, 13,8) Bird, A. et al. Adv. Energy Mater. 2025, 24042429) Song, J. et al. Giant, 2024, 20, 10033210) Orfanidi, A. et al. J. Electrochem. Soc. 2018, 165, F125411) Fischer, K.; Schmidt, M. Biomaterials, 2016, 98, 79-91