Particle Encapsulation Research Articles

Novel in-situ encapsulation of tin phosphide particles in MXene conductive networks as anode materials of the durable sodium-ion battery

Sodium-ion battery (SIB) is one of potential alternatives to lithium-ion battery, because of abundant resources and lower price of sodium. High electrical conductivity and long-term durability of MXene are advantageous as the anode material of SIB, but low energy density restricts applications. Tin phosphide possesses high theoretical capacity, low redox potential, and large energy density, but volume expansion reduces its cycling stability. In this study, tin phosphide particles are in-situ encapsulated into MXene conductive networks (SnxPy/MXene) by hydrothermal and phosphorization processes as novel anode materials of SIB. MXene amounts and hydrothermal durations are investigated to evenly distribute SnxPy in MXene. After 100 cycles, SnxPy/MXene reaches high specific capacities of 438.8 and 314.1 mAh/g at 0.2 and 1.0 A/g, respectively. The capacity retentions of 6.0% and 73.6% at 0.2 A/g are respectively obtained by SnxPy and SnxPy/MXene. The better specific capacity and cycling stability of SnxPy/MXene are attributed to less volume expansion of SnxPy during charge/discharge processes and relieved self-stacking of MXene by encapsulating SnxPy particles between MXene layers. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique are also applied to analyze the charge storage mechanism in SIB. Higher sodium ion diffusion coefficient and smaller charge-transfer resistance are obtained by SnxPy/MXene.

Preparation and characterization of a nanostructured lipid carrier for phenylethyl resorcinol

Phenylethyl resorcinol (PR) demonstrates inhibitory effects on multiple targets in the melanin synthesis pathway, resulting in a strong whitening effect. However, challenges such as limited solubility in water and susceptibility to oxidation and discoloration restrict its practical application in the cosmetics industry. In order to enhance stability and performance characteristics, a whitening nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) was synthesized through high-pressure homogenization. This method entailed the incorporation of solid lipids, a liquid lipid, and a compound emulsifier, with deionized water fulfilling the roles of solid phase, liquid phase, and water phase, respectively. The NLC's particle size, Zeta potential, stability, encapsulation efficiency, and other parameters were assessed using techniques such as particle sizer, stability analyzer, and HPLC. The results showed that the NLC for phenylethyl resorcinol prepared by using the optimal formula (7.50 % solid lipids, 3.00 % ethylhexyl palmitate, and 2.00 % Tween 80 and soybean lecithin) has an encapsulation efficiency of 87.11 %, a particle size of 157.2 ± 0.70 nm, a kinetic instability of less than 1.2, and a greatly improved stability, thereby successfully solving the problems of unstable storage and poor solubility of phenylethyl resorcinol.

In vitro and ex vivo evaluation of chitosan gel containing metformin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles for topical treatment of melanoma

Objective The purpose of this study was to prepare and evaluate chitosan (CS) gel containing metformin hydrochloride (MET)-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) for topical treatment of melanoma. Significance Topical administration of MET-PCL NPs-CS gel improves penetration of drug, decreases side effects, and increases efficacy of treatment. Methods MET-PCL NPs were prepared by double emulsion method. Particle size, charge, encapsulation efficiency (EE), release, and morphology were evaluated. MET-PCL NPs-CS gel formulation was characterized in terms of organoleptic properties, pH, gelling time, viscosity, spreadability, release, and morphology. Cytotoxicity was performed on B16F10 cells. Ex vivo permeability was done with pig skin. Results The size, charge, and EE were found to be 180 ± 10 nm, −11.4 mV, and 93%. SEM images showed that NPs were spherical and smooth. An initial burst release followed by a slower release was observed. MET-PCL NPs-CS gel was found to be transparent. The pH was 4.9 ± 0.05. The gelation time was 1.6 ± 0.2 min. The viscosity results confirm pseudoplastic behavior of gel. The spreadability by % area was 392 ± 6.4 cm. The images showed that gelling network of CS gel was composed of suspended NPs. The viscosity was between 554 and 3503 cP. MET-PCL NPs-CS gel showed prolonged release up to 72 h. On B16F10 cells, gel showed higher cytotoxicity compared to MET solution. MET-PCL NPs-CS gel had twofold higher permeability in pig skin compared with MET-CS gel. Conclusion Topical administration of MET-PCL NPs-CS gel into the skin resulted in improved dermal penetration and this promising approach may be of value in effective treatment of melanoma and other skin cancers.

High-Emissivity Double-Layer ZrB2-Modified Coating on Flexible Aluminum Silicate Fiber Fabric with Enhanced Oxidation Resistance and Tensile Strength.

Fibers crystallize and become brittle at high temperatures for a long time, so the surface coating must maintain long-lasting emission performance, which requires superior antioxidant properties of the high-emissivity fillers. To improve the radiation performance of the coating and the tensile strength of the fiber fabric, a double-layer coating with high emissivity was prepared on the surface of flexible aluminum silicate fiber fabric (ASFF) using MoSi2 and SiC as emissive agents. The incorporation of borosilicate glass into the outer coating during high-temperature oxidation of ZrB2 results in superior encapsulation of emitter particles, effectively filling the pores of the coating and significantly reducing the oxidation rate of MoSi2 and SiC. Furthermore, the addition of an intermediate ZrO2 layer enhances the fiber bundle's toughness. The obtained double-coated ASFF exhibits an exceptionally high tensile strength of 57.6 MPa and a high bond strength of 156.2 kPa. After being subjected to a 3 h heating process, the emissivity exhibits a minimal decrease of only 0.032, while still maintaining a high value above 0.9. The thermal insulation composites, consisting of a flexible ASFF matrix and a ZrB2-modified double-layer coating, exhibit significant potential for broad applications in the field of thermal protection.

Development and Assessment of Helicteres isora Extract Loaded Phospholipid Complex for Anti-Nociceptive Activity

Its primary objective is to assess the efficacy of a phospholipid complex formulation containing an extract of Helicteres isora in reducing inflammation, to determine its progress and evaluation. An Indian Screw Tree, also known as Helicteres isora, is an extremely healing plant. In addition to improving solubility and stability, the phospholipid complex formulation also increases bioavailability and efficacy. This formulation was created by combining Helicteres isora extract with phospholipids using a technique known as phospholipid complexation. Several parameters were evaluated to evaluate the formulation, including particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and drug release profile. Using both in vitro and in vivo models, the anti-inflammatory properties of a phospholipid complex formulation of Helicteres isora were assessed. The experiments were conducted using a rat model of carrageenan-induced paw edema. In this work, phospholipid complex formulations were shown to have improved physicochemical properties, including smaller particle sizes and higher encapsulation rates. According to the results of the in vivo evaluation, phospholipid complex formulations significantly reduced paw edema compared with plain extracts, indicating improved anti-inflammatory activity. The bioavailability, anti-inflammatory activity, and bioavailability of Helicteres isora extract are enhanced by the phospholipid complex formulation.

Development and optimization of electrosprayed vitamin C - chitosan nanoparticle: A CCD-RSM approach and characterization of bioactive encapsulant

Electrospraying for Vitamin C (VC) encapsulation in Chitosan (Cs) nanoparticles was investigated and particle size, zeta potential, loading capacity (LC%) and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) were examined. Cs concentration (1–2% w/v) and voltage (21-25 kV) were varied with VC (0.25–0.75 w/w Cs). Twenty experiments in a face-centered CCD-RSM design were evaluated. ANOVA suggested voltage and Cs concentration as significant factors for particle size and VC content affected zeta, LC and EE%. RSM proposed optimum processing parameter at 2% Cs, 0.746 VC: Cs mass ratio and 21 kV voltage with 251.1 ± 59.03 nm particle size, 36.6% LC and an EE of 85.42%. Encapsulated particles were subjected to release behaviour, antioxidant property and analyzed through FTIR, DSC and XRD. Encapsulated VC had better antibacterial properties than Cs nanoparticles, and comparable VC retention in apple juice showed its effectiveness. Overall, nanoencapsulation of VC using electrospraying was successfully developed to be used in numerous food processing applications.

Pb/As simultaneous removal from soil leachate of Pb/Zn smelting sites by magnetic biochar

Lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) contaminated soils, caused by Pb and zinc (Zn) smelting activities, pose an urgent environmental issue. Magnetic biochar (MB) has been regarded as an increasingly appealing candidate for the remediation of multi-metals in contaminated soils or their leachate. Finding economically feasible preparation methods for MB and demonstrating its remediation potential is desperately required for the remediation of such complex smelting sites. In this study, a modified MB was prepared using an optimized co-precipitation method, and its application potential for Pb/As simultaneous removal based on the basic properties of a typical Pb/Zn smelting site was evaluated. The surface modifications of MB facilitated the encapsulation of various ultrafine iron oxide particles, predominantly γ-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4, whilst notably enhancing the presence of oxygen-containing surface functional groups. The adsorption of Pb(II) and As(III) by MB was well-described using the pseudo-second-order adsorption and Langmuir models. The existence of SO42− and Ca2+ in the soil leachate competed with the adsorption sites for Pb(II) and As(III). Notably, within the pH range of 5–9, the adsorption efficiency of Pb(II) by MB increased with the rising solution pH, whereas alterations in pH minimally affected the removal rate of As(III), maintaining a consistent removal rate exceeding 95%. Furthermore, dissolved organic matter (DOM) abundant in organic functional groups, particularly CO and CC groups, significantly augmented the adsorption affinity for both Pb(II) and As(III). An application rate of 2 g/L could effectively reduce the concentration of Pb(II) and As(III) in soil leachate to <0.05 mg/L. The findings demonstrated the potential of the prepared MB for simultaneous removal of As(III) and Pb(II) in soil leachate, which should be beneficial to multi-metals polluted soil remediation in Pb/Zn smelting sites.

Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Microparticles for the Delivery of Model Drug Compounds for Applications in Vascular Tissue Engineering

Introduction: Localized delivery of angiogenesis-promoting factors such as small molecules, nucleic acids, peptides, and proteins to promote the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues remains a challenge in vascular tissue engineering. Current delivery methods such as direct administration of therapeutics can fail to maintain the necessary sustained release profile and often rely on supraphysiologic doses to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. By implementing a microparticle delivery system, localized delivery can be coupled with sustained and controlled release to mitigate the risks involved with the high dosages currently required from direct therapeutic administration. Methods: For this purpose, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles were fabricated via anti-solvent microencapsulation and the loading, release, and delivery of model angiogenic molecules, specifically a small molecule, nucleic acid, and protein, were assessed in vitro using microvascular fragments (MVFs). Results: The microencapsulation approach utilized enabled rapid spherical particle formation and encapsulation of model drugs of different sizes, all in one method. The addition of a fibrin scaffold, required for the culture of the MVFs, reduced the initial burst of model drugs observed in release profiles from PLGA alone. Lastly, in vitro studies using MVFs demonstrated that higher concentrations of microparticles led to greater co-localization of the model therapeutic (miRNA) with MVFs, which is vital for targeted delivery methods. It was also found that the biodistribution of miRNA using the delivered microparticle system was enhanced compared to direct administration. Conclusion: Overall, PLGA microparticles, formulated and loaded with model therapeutic compounds in one step, resulted in improved biodistribution in a model of the vasculature leading to a future in translational revascularization.

Encapsulation of Arthrospira platensis polyphenolic extract using supercritical emulsion-based process

Arthrospira platensis polyphenolic natural extracts have several benefits for human health. Due to their instability and reduced shelf-life, these extracts are usually encapsulated. This work analyzed the supercritical emulsion extraction (SEE) process for the production of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with A. platensis polyphenolic extracts. The objective of this work was to evaluate a powdered encapsulation system to overcome the drawbacks of liquid systems, which are those mainly used for microalgae extract stabilization. An optimization study was performed investigating different process parameters and comparing the obtained particles in terms of particle size distribution, morphology, and encapsulation efficiency. The process permitted the successfull production of loaded polymeric nanoparticles with an encapsulation efficiency up to 74 % in the best operating conditions. The SEE process allowed a better control of morphology and particle size distribution of the nanometric particles operating in a continuous mode.

Ceftazidime and Usnic Acid Encapsulated in Chitosan-Coated Liposomes for Oral Administration against Colorectal Cancer-Inducing Escherichia coli.

Escherichia coli has been associated with the induction of colorectal cancer (CRC). Thus, combined therapy incorporating usnic acid (UA) and antibiotics such as ceftazidime (CAZ), co-encapsulated in liposomes, could be an alternative. Coating the liposomes with chitosan (Chi) could facilitate the oral administration of this nanocarrier. Liposomes were prepared using the lipid film hydration method, followed by sonication and chitosan coating via the drip technique. Characterization included particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, pH, encapsulation efficiency, and physicochemical analyses. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were determined against E. coli ATCC 25922, NCTC 13846, and H10407 using the microdilution method. Antibiofilm assays were conducted using the crystal violet method. The liposomes exhibited sizes ranging from 116.5 ± 5.3 to 240.3 ± 3.5 nm and zeta potentials between +16.4 ± 0.6 and +28 ± 0.8 mV. The encapsulation efficiencies were 51.5 ± 0.2% for CAZ and 99.94 ± 0.1% for UA. Lipo-CAZ-Chi and Lipo-UA-Chi exhibited antibacterial activity, inhibited biofilm formation, and preformed biofilms of E. coli. The Lipo-CAZ-UA-Chi and Lipo-CAZ-Chi + Lipo-UA-Chi formulations showed enhanced activities, potentially due to co-encapsulation or combination effects. These findings suggest potential for in vivo oral administration in future antibacterial and antibiofilm therapies against CRC-inducing bacteria.

Microstructure and wear-resistant behaviors of Al2O3-TiO2 reinforced Ni-based composite coating plasma-sprayed on 6061 aluminum alloy

Aluminium alloy is a widely used lightweight alloy in automobile and rail vehicle components, especially in parts such as brake pads and wheels, which require high wear resistance. Herein, to improve the wear resistance of aluminium alloys, Al2O3–13%TiO2 (AT13) reinforced Ni-based composite coatings were prepared by plasma spraying on 6061 aluminium alloy. The impact of AT13 content and heat treatment on the microstructure and wear resistance of Ni-based alloy coatings was systematically investigated. From our analysis, it was demonstrated that, in comparison to the substrate, the average micro-hardness of the composite coating with 10 %AT13 increased by more than 11 times, with a high value of 1250.81 HV0.2. Moreover, the average friction coefficient and wear rate reduced by 66 % and four orders of magnitude, with low values of 0.17 and 8.99 × 10−7 mm3(N−1∙m−1), respectively, which indicated a significant enhancement in wear resistance. In addition, after heat treatment at 450 °C for 2 h, the micro-hardness of the composite coatings was improved, and the wear rate further decreased. This effect could be attributed to the encapsulation of the hard ceramic particles in the nickel-based alloy, which may suppress the dislocation motion in the composite coating. This study provides valuable insights into enhancing the wear resistance of metal-based alloy coatings with ceramic composite coatings.

Full-scale study on the coupling settling behavior of droplets and PM10 particles based on the CLSVOF method and wetting experiments

Coal mines produce large quantities of dust during production and transportation of coal, especially respirable particulate matter of diameter < 10 µm (PM10). This not only jeopardizes the health of workers but also pollutes the environment. Currently, spraying is the most commonly used dust reduction technology. Traditional spraying techniques use pure water; however, the wetting and condensing of dust by pure water droplets is poor, resulting in low dust reduction efficiency. To address this issue, we used orthogonal tests to determine the optimal ratio of composite dust-reducing agents. Using the coupled level set and volume of fluid (CLSVOF) method, we investigated the dynamic wetting process of PM10 when using solutions of dust-reducing agents. We found that a particle size ratio of ≥ 2 and an initial velocity of droplets of 20–40 m/s resulted in optimal wetting and encapsulation of dust particles by droplets. We then conducted macroscopic experiments and found that the settling efficiency of PM10 reached 88.98 % when using a 1.5-mm caliber fine atomizing nozzle and a spray pressure of 6 MPa. Our findings reveal the dynamic wetting law of droplets and dust during the process of spray dust reduction, which could lead to improved efficiency of dust-reducing agents and better management of respirable dust. These findings will help to improve clean production in coal mines and the occupational health of coal miners.

Porous PLGA microparticles prepared with nanosized/micronized sugar particles as porogens

The objective of this study was to explore the use of nanosized/micronized sugar particles as porogens for preparing porous poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles by a solid-in-oil-in-water (S/O/W) solvent evaporation method. Porous PLGA microparticles containing dexamethasone were prepared with different nanosized/micronized sugars (sucrose, trehalose and lactose), types of PLGA, and osmogens (NaCl or sucrose) in the external water phase. The microparticles were characterized for morphology, thermal properties, particle size, surface area, encapsulation efficiency and drug release/swelling during release. The addition of nanosized/micronized sugar particles resulted in porous PLGA microparticles with high encapsulation efficiencies. The porosity of the microparticles was caused both by the influx of water into the polymer droplets and the encapsulation and subsequent dissolution of sugar particles during the manufacturing process. The porosity (pore size) of the microparticles and, as a result, the drug release pattern could be well controlled by the particle size and weight fraction of the sugar particles. Because of a larger inner surface area, nanosized sugar particles were more efficient porogen than micronized sugar particles to obtain porous PLGA microparticles with flexible release patterns.

Efficacy of nanoencapsulated Moringa oleifera L. seeds and Ocimum tenuiflorum L. leaves extracts incorporated in functional soft cheese on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

BackgroundIn recent years, there has been significant interest in using various plant-based phytochemicals with exceptional biological activities as nutraceuticals to prevent the development and advancement of diabetes mellitus and its severe consequences. The extracts of Moringa oleifera L. seeds and Ocimum tenuiflorum L. leaves are used in herbal therapy due to their beneficial effects in combating various disorders, notably diabetes mellitus PurposeThe paper aimed to investigate the incorporation of both free Moringa oleifera L. seed extract and Ocimum tenuiflorum L. leaves extract and nanoencapsulated using whey protein isolate cold gelation ultra-filtration cheese as natural plant-based functional foods and explore both free and nano-encapsulated ultra-filtration cheese impacts as a novel application on diabetic rats through nutritional parameters, biochemical parameters, physicochemical parameters, and sensory evaluation. MethodsThirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were given only one dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally. The nutritional and biochemical parameters were assessed. The Moringa oleifera L. seed extract and Ocimum tenuiflorum L. leaves extract were successfully encapsulated, and the best ratio added was 75 mg of both, which gave the best results regarding particle size distribution, surface charge and encapsulation efficiency. ResultsThe Moringa oleifera L. seed extract and Ocimum tenuiflorum L. leaves extract gave the best results regarding particle size distribution, surface charge, and encapsulation efficiency. Their nano-encapsulated forms had increased the total solids, protein, and ash of ultra-filtration cheese. Moringa oleifera L. seed extract and Ocimum tenuiflorum L. leaves extract, nano-encapsulated in ultra-filtration cheese, gave antioxidant activity stability and significantly captured free radicals. The ultra-filtration cheese samples' sensory qualities evaluations received high marks and were suitable for incorporating Moringa oleifera L. seed extract and Ocimum tenuiflorum L. leaves extract nanoparticles in food systems. ConclusionThe nutritional and biochemical parameters confirmed that both nanoencapsulation forms of natural plant sources and functional soft cheese containing nano-encapsulated Moringa oleifera L. seed extract and Ocimum tenuiflorum L. leaves extract demonstrated a potential anti-hyperglycemic effect without any problems.

Tunable coffee-ring patterns of sessile suspension droplets through silica particle encapsulation with thermo-responsive block copolymers

Silica (Si) particles coated with poly(methyl methacrylate-b-N-isopropylacrylamide) (PMMA-b-PNIPAM) block copolymers (Si-PM-PN particles) were engineered to mitigate the coffee-ring effect (CRE) frequently encountered during the drying process of particulate suspensions. Leveraging the thermo-responsive transition between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic states of PNIPAM, with its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) around 32 °C, enabled precise adjustment of the CRE. Through microrheological analysis using multi-speckle diffusing wave spectroscopy and observation under an optical microscope, the dynamic behaviors of Si-PM-PN particles in sessile suspension droplets during drying were scrutinized both below and above the LCST. Above the LCST, the Si-PM-PN particles exhibited hydrophobic characteristics, with some migrating toward the center along the droplet interface, resulting in a more uniform particle distribution post-drying. Conversely, below the LCST, the homogeneously dispersed Si-PM-PN particles displayed rapid Brownian motion, contributing to a pronounced CRE. This approach, involving the surface treatment of particles with thermo-responsive polymers, effectively altered the droplet pattern by modulating particle interactions with the air–water interface.

Formulation and Characterization of Triamcinolone Acetonide Acetate-Loaded Microspheres Prepared by a Static Mixing Technique

Purpose: Reproducibility and scale-up production of microspheres through spray drying present significant challenges. In this study, biodegradable microspheres of Triamcinolone Acetonide Acetate (TAA) were prepared using a novel static mixing method by employing poly( lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as the sustained-release carrier. Methods: TAA-loaded microspheres (TAA-MSs) were prepared using a static mixing technique. The PLGA concentration, polyvinyl alcohol concentration (PVA), phase ratio of oil/water, and phase ratio of water/solidification were optimized in terms of the particle size, drug loading (DL), and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of TAA-MSs. The morphology of TAA-MSs was examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while the physicochemical properties were evaluated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The in vitro release of TAA-MSs was compared to that of the pure drug (TAA) using a water-bath vibration method in the medium of pH 7.4 at 37°C. Results: The formulation composition and preparation condition for the preparation of TAA-MSs were optimized as follows: the PLGA concentration was 1%, the phase ratio of oil(dichloromethane) /water (PVA solution) was 1:3, the phase ratio of water (PVA solution)/solidification was 1:2. The optimized TAA-MSs displayed spherical particles with a size range of 30-70 μm, and DL and EE values of 27.09% and 98.67%, respectively. Moreover, the drug-loaded microspheres exhibited a significant, sustained release, with 20% of the drug released over a period of 28 days. The XRD result indicated that the crystalline form of TAA in microspheres had been partly converted into the amorphous form. DSC and FT-IR results revealed that some interactions between TAA and PLGA occurred, indicating that the drug was effectively encapsulated into PLGA microspheres. Conclusion: TAA-loaded PLGA microspheres have been successfully prepared via the static mixing technique with enhanced EE and sustained-release manner.

Understanding the Manufacturing Process of Lipid Nanoparticles for mRNA Delivery Using Machine Learning.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), used for mRNA vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, protect mRNA and deliver it into cells, making them an essential delivery technology for RNA medicine. The LNPs manufacturing process consists of two steps, the upstream process of preparing LNPs and the downstream process of removing ethyl alcohol (EtOH) and exchanging buffers. Generally, a microfluidic device is used in the upstream process, and a dialysis membrane is used in the downstream process. However, there are many parameters in the upstream and downstream processes, and it is difficult to determine the effects of variations in the manufacturing parameters on the quality of the LNPs and establish a manufacturing process to obtain high-quality LNPs. This study focused on manufacturing mRNA-LNPs using a microfluidic device. Extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), which is a machine learning technique, identified EtOH concentration (flow rate ratio), buffer pH, and total flow rate as the process parameters that significantly affected the particle size and encapsulation efficiency. Based on these results, we derived the manufacturing conditions for different particle sizes (approximately 80 and 200 nm) of LNPs using Bayesian optimization. In addition, the particle size of the LNPs significantly affected the protein expression level of mRNA in cells. The findings of this study are expected to provide useful information that will enable the rapid and efficient development of mRNA-LNPs manufacturing processes using microfluidic devices.

Preparation of kartogenin-loaded PLGA microspheres and a study of their drug release profiles

Introduction: Kartogenin, a potent inducer of chondrogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells and a key agent in cartilage regeneration, presents a viable therapeutic strategy for osteoarthritis management. Despite the abundance of literature on therapeutic potential of kartogenin, there is a paucity of studies characterizing the formulation specifics in microsphere fabrication. This exploration is pivotal to advances in regenerative medicine, particularly in the domain of cartilage regeneration, to assure clinical efficacy and safety.Methods: In this work, we fabricated kartogenin-loaded PLGA microspheres with diverse formulations and their particle size, size distribution, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading and release profiles were characterized. Ratio of polymer, drug, and solvent and the use of surfactant was used as variables, and in particular, the effect of surfactant on particles was investigated.Results: The average diameter of the spheres was 16.0–31.7 μm. Morphological variations from solid to porous surface structures depending on surfactant incorporation during the emulsification process was observed. Cumulative kartogenin release from microspheres ranged from 53.8% to 80.9% on day 28, and release profiles conform predominantly to the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetics model.Discussion: This study provides a foundational framework for modulating kartogenin release dynamics, a critical consideration for optimizing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing adverse effects in cartilage tissue engineering applications.

Analytical Ultracentrifugation to Assess the Quality of LNP-mRNA Therapeutics.

The approval of safe and effective LNP-mRNA vaccines during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is catalyzing the development of the next generation of mRNA therapeutics. Proper characterization methods are crucial for assessing the quality and efficacy of these complex formulations. Here, we show that analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) can measure, simultaneously and without any sample preparation step, the sedimentation coefficients of both the LNP-mRNA formulation and the mRNA molecules. This allows measuring several quality attributes, such as particle size distribution, encapsulation efficiency and density of the formulation. The technique can also be applied to study the stability of the formulation under stress conditions and different buffers.

Development and in vitro antiviral activity of ivermectin liposomes as a potential drug carrier system.

This study aimed to assess and compare diverse formulations of ivermectin-loaded liposomes, employing lipid film hydration and ethanol injection methods. Three lipids (DOPC, SPC, and DSPC) were used in predetermined molar ratios. A total of 18 formulations were created, and a factorial design determined the optimal formulation based on particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. The average mean particle size, PDI and zeta potential of the selected formulations (F1, F2, F7, F9, and F11) was, respectively, 196.40 ± 44.60 nm, 0.39 ± 0.09, and -40.24 ± 9.17. The encapsulation efficiency exceeded 80%, with a mean loading capacity of 4.00 ± 1.70%. In vitro studies included transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, drug release, and antiviral activity assessments against SARS-CoV-2. The liposomal formulations demonstrated superior antiviral activity compared to free ivermectin, as indicated by lower IC50 values. The results of this study emphasize the effectiveness of ivermectin-loaded liposomes in inhibiting viral activity, highlighting their potential as promising candidates for antiviral therapy. The findings suggest that the strategic use of liposomes as drug carriers can significantly modulate and improve the antiviral properties of ivermectin, offering a novel approach to harnessing its full therapeutic potential. Collectively, these results provide a robust foundation for further exploration of ivermectin as a viral protection tool and optimization of its delivery mechanisms.