Incorporation Of Natural Compounds Research Articles

In vivo SPF from multifunctional sunscreen systems developed with natural compounds-A review.

The use of sunscreens is mandatory, especially in countries with high ultraviolet (UV) incidence. In consequence, there has been a growing interest in using compounds from natural sources to develop new multifunctional products that protect human skin from the consequences of UV exposition. Even though there are in vitro methods to determine anti-UV efficacy, it is still required to test photoprotection activity on human skin to validate product performance. In this review, we summarized all reported clinical studies about sun protection factor (SPF) measurements of sunscreens with natural compounds. We also discussed the probable action mechanism of those actives. Herein, we provided an overview on recent studies concerning photoprotection activity of compounds from natural sources, for example, rutin, ferulic acid, caffeine, shea butter, and plant extracts, mainly presented in sunscreen systems with efficacy clinically established by SPF. Our review suggested that even when the in vivo SPF evaluation has inherent difficulties, it is essential to assure the real efficacy of sunscreens. Furthermore, the incorporation of natural compounds could enhance the in vivo SPF values of such sunscreens by different mechanisms. Finally, some compounds derived from natural resources with skin benefits could be used as "green"/natural UV filters that provide broad-spectrum sunscreens with further upgrading of the multifunctional dermocosmetic formulation to enhance aesthetics and even skin health.

Characteristic changes in PHBH isothermal crystallization monofilaments by the effect of heat treatment and dip-coating in various solvents

PHBH monofilament was fabricated by the melt-spinning process followed one-step-drawing after isothermal crystallization (IC) near Tg for 24, 48, and 72 h. A feasible way to improve the functionality of monofilament is the incorporation of natural compounds as an antibacterial reagents such as propolis. Moreover, various solvents were used to evaluate the penetration of propolis into PHBH IC monofilaments. The effect of heat treatment by various solvents such as acetone, ethanol, hexane, propanol as well as water, and air in physical change of PHBH IC fibers have been studied. The change in shrinkage and diameter of fibers found to be highly dependent on the temperature of each solvents. The dip-coating as a method to incorporate propolis reagent in ethanol and acetone solution was also evaluated. Acetone-propolis (AP) solution showed excellent penetration into PHBH IC monofilaments. Furthermore, by dip-coating for 5, 10, 15 circle times in AP solution at 50 °C affected the physical properties, mechanical properties, and inner structure of PHBH IC monofilaments. The length of IC 24 and 72 h fibers after dip-coating for 15 circle times shrank 25 and 26% from the initial length, respectively. Thus, the diameter of IC fibers expanded and the weight of IC fibers increased as a consequence of the propolis reagent settle in voids of IC monofilaments. IC 24 and 72 h monofilaments after dip-coating showed a reduction in tensile strength and an increase in elongation at break. The crystallinity (WAXD) of IC 24 and 72 h monofilaments was decreased and led to an increase in the thickness of the lamellar crystal (SAXS) by applying dip-coating for 15 circle times. The antibacterial test demonstrated that PHBH IC fibers containing propolis resulted in inhibitors against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the characteristic changes in PHBH IC fibers can apply for reference as further research regarding drug delivery or the dyeing process by various solvents.

Characterization of nanocomposite films based on chitosan and carboxymethylcellulose containing Ziziphora clinopodioides essential oil and methanolic Ficus carica extract

The aim of the present study was to improve different characteristics including antibacterial, antioxidant, and some physicomechanical properties of chitosan-nanomontmorillonite (Ch-MMT) and carboxymethylcellulose-nanomontmorillonite (CMC-MMT) films by incorporating Ziziphora clinopodioides essential oil (ZEO; 1 and 2%) separately and in combination with methanolic Ficus carica extract (FCH; 1%). The major compounds of the ZEO identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry were carvacrol (65.22%) and thymol (19.51%). Incorporation of natural compounds into Ch-MMT and CMC-MMT films could improve antibacterial and antioxidant activities, thickness as well as water vapor and oxygen barrier properties. Moreover, ZEO separately and in combination with FCH decreased water sorption property, tensile strength, elongation at break, puncture force, and puncture deformation of Ch-MMT and CMC-MMT films. The highest antibacterial (inhibition zone: 13.6–27.4 mm) and antioxidant (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate scavenging activity: 39.96%) effects was found for Ch-MMT film containing ZEO 2% + FCH 1%. The lower lightness (L*: 17.96 ± 0.03), higher redness (a*: 24.53 ± 0.32), higher yellowness (b*: 8.13 ± 0.09), and subsequently a darker and reddish color was found in Ch-MMT film containing ZEO 2% + FCH 1%. This study indicated some benefits of addition of ZEO and FCH into Ch-MMT and CMC-MMT films and their potentials for application as biodegradable active packaging. Practical applications Production of biodegradable polymers from natural renewable resources is one of the major points of interest in the food industry area due to concern regarding the use of plastic packaging materials and also increasing consumer interest for improvement of quality and appearance of food products. According to the results of the present study, chitosan-nanomontmorillonite and carboxymethylcellulose-nanomontmorillonite films containing Ziziphora clinopodioides essential oil and Ficus carica extract can be used as food packaging materials in food industries.

Tannin-based thin-film composite membranes for solvent nanofiltration

The natural oligomer tannic acid was used as a reactant for an interfacial polymerization on top of a crosslinked polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membrane. The PAN membrane was soaked with the aqueous tannic acid solution and contacted with a dilute solution of teraphtaloyl chloride in hexane. Since both layers, the PAN support and the thin tannin-based layer, are highly crosslinked, the resulting thin film composite membrane is stable in harsh solvent environments such as N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). NMP permeances of up to 0.09L/m2hbar with a molecular weight cut-off of approximately 800g/mol were obtained. The exceptional stability in NMP and the incorporation of natural compounds like tannic acid for the manufacture of organic solvent nanofiltration membranes provides a cost-effective alternative for industrial separations due to the simplicity of the interfacial reaction and the replacement of the commonly applied toxic aromatic amines. The scale up of the manufacturing process is not difficult; the low price of the natural tannic acid is another advantage.

Abstract 2186: Incorporation of natural compounds into biomaterials to prevent breast cancer recurrence

Abstract Numerous studies have demonstrated that naturally occurring phytochemicals such as Tannic acid (TA) possess anti-cancer properties. Apoptotic activity is increased in breast cancer and prostate cancer cells in response to exposure to tannin extracts. Collagen type I is a biomaterial routinely used for cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, including breast reconstruction following breast cancer mandated surgeries. TA functions as a collagen crosslinking agent through both hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic effects. Thus, if TA-crosslinked collagen type I is used for breast reconstruction procedures, the crosslinked collagen will be remodeled by growing breast epithelial cells and adipocytes where the incorporated TA will be released killing nearby residual cancer cells preventing recurrence. When adipocytes are grown on TA-crosslinked collagen beads the measureable released TA induces caspase-mediated apoptosis in ER+ and HER2+ breast cancer cells but has no effect on triple negative breast cancer cells and reduced apoptotic-inducing activity in normal breast epithelial cells. We are developing an injectable matrix comprised of TA-crosslinked collagen beads and adipocytes to serve as a tissue regeneration platform in patients post-lumpectomy. Variables such as collagen temperature, syringe pump rate, and drop distance have been studied to determine ideal method for producing beads of the desired size and shape. These promising results will lead to the construction of a matrix designed to not only promote tissue regeneration but also simultaneously help to prevent tumor recurrence. This matrix provides protection in breast cancer patients and holds promise for patients suffering from other soft tissue cancers. Citation Format: Lauren Jordan, Bailey-Jean Walker, Christopher Moody, Brian W. Booth. Incorporation of natural compounds into biomaterials to prevent breast cancer recurrence. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2186.

Antimicrobial Nanomaterials Derived from Natural Products-A Review.

Modern medicine has relied heavily on the availability of effective antibiotics to manage infections and enable invasive surgery. With the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, novel approaches are necessary to prevent the formation of biofilms on sensitive surfaces such as medical implants. Advances in nanotechnology have resulted in novel materials and the ability to create novel surface topographies. This review article provides an overview of advances in the fabrication of antimicrobial nanomaterials that are derived from biological polymers or that rely on the incorporation of natural compounds with antimicrobial activity in nanofibers made from synthetic materials. The availability of these novel materials will contribute to ensuring that the current level of medical care can be maintained as more bacteria are expected to develop resistance against existing antibiotics.

Degradable polyurethane foams based on disaccharides

ABSTRACTNew functional elastic polyurethane foams (PUF) degradable under environmental abiotic and biotic factors, retaining all the inherent properties of the conventional foams were synthesized using isocyanate precursors based on disaccharides (DS): lactose, maltose and saccharose. It was shown by the model reactions of monosaccharide glucose, and DS lactose and saccharose, with phenylisocyanate that both the primary and secondary hydroxyls of the carbohydrates reacted to form urethanes. The main properties of DS‐based foams (PUF/DS) were found to be similar to PUF foam (matrix) prepared with conventional polyols. However, the new PUF/DS were found to undergo enhanced acid/alkaline hydrolysis and degradation compared with PUF matrix when incubated in soil. Mass losses of incubated PUF/DSs significantly exceeded the actual carbohydrate content 28.6%, and in 12 months reached 39.58 (PUF‐4), 53.31(PUF‐8), and 47.25 (PUF‐12). In contrast, under the same conditions PUF matrix lost only 2–2.5%, confirming that incorporation of natural compounds into the polymer chain impacted the degradation processes. PUF/DS were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, ebullioscopy, and exclusion chromatography (molecular masses and molecular mass distribution of the oligomeric model), physical and mechanical tests (density, tensile strength, relative elongation, moisture absorption, vapor permeability), morphology, and degradation in the soil. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42131.