Ionotropic Gelation Method Research Articles

Design Formulation and Statistical Evaluation of Gastroretentive Microspheres of Rasagiline Mesylate for Parkinson’s Disease Using Design Expert

Abstract: Introduction: Rasagiline mesylate is primarily prescribed to treat the symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease works as irreversible inhibitor of mono amino oxidase. The microspheres were designed for extended retention of drug in gastrointestinal tract, resulting in superior absorption and enhanced bioavailability by oral route. Materials and Methods: The ionotropic gelation method was used to prepare the formulations RM1 to RM14 mucoadhesive microspheres with Sodium alginate, Calcium chloride, Carbopol 934, Xanthan gum, Chitosan of different concentrations were formulated in preliminary trials after performing preformulation studies such as FTIR, DSC. Optimization of Rasagiline mesylate mucoadhesive microspheres (RMS1 to RMS11) were done by optimizing independent variables such as polymer concentration i.e. Xanthan Gum (5 mg, 20 mg and 35 mg), a Stirring speed (500, 1000 and 1500 rpm) and dependent variables such as percentage entrapment efficiency, particle size and cumulative percent drug release. Optimization was done by using Design export 13 software by Central composite design from Response surface methodology. ANOVA explains the impact of independent variables on the dependent variables. For optimized formulation structural features determined by SEM and XRD. Results: In preliminary studies it was found that, apart from Chitosan, the formulations with Carbopol 934P had shown best mucoadhesion and drug release. The optimized formulation RMS12 (given by Design expert software) having 32.12 mg of Xanthan gum at 1500RPM showed 86.84% entrapment efficiency, 440μm particle size and 96.43 Cumulative percent drug release. Conclusion: It was concluded that the formulated Gastro retentive mucoadhesive microspheres of Rasagiline mesylate was found to be having best in vitro drug release. Keywords: Rasagiline mesylate, Parkinson’s disease, Mucoadhesion, Microspheres, Design expert, Response surface methodology.

Stability Studies, Biodegradation Tests, and Mechanical Properties of Sodium Alginate and Gellan Gum Beads Containing Surfactant.

The excessive presence of single-use plastics is rapidly degrading our natural environment on a global scale due to their inherent resistance to decomposition. Wet wipes used for personal or household purposes contribute significantly to the accumulation of plastic waste. One potential solution to address this problem involves developing eco-friendly materials that possess the ability to degrade naturally while retaining their washing capabilities. For this purpose, the beads from sodium alginate, gellan gum, and a mixture of these natural polymers containing surfactant were produced using the ionotropic gelation method. Stability studies of the beads by observing their appearance and diameter were performed after incubation in solutions of different pH values. The images showed that macroparticles were reduced in size in an acidic medium and swelled in solution of pH-neutral phosphate-buffered saline. Moreover, all the beads first swelled and then degraded in alkaline conditions. The beads based on gellan gum and combining both polymers were the least sensitive to pH changes. The compression tests revealed that the stiffness of all macroparticles decreased with the increasing pH of the solutions in which they were immersed. The studied beads were more rigid in an acidic solution than in alkaline conditions. The biodegradation of macroparticles was assessed using a respirometric method in soil and seawater. It is important to note that the macroparticles degraded more rapidly in soil than in seawater.

CD44 targeted delivery of oncolytic Newcastle disease virus encapsulated in thiolated chitosan for sustained release in cervical cancer: a targeted immunotherapy approach.

Cervical cancer accounts for one of most common cancers among women of reproductive age. Oncolytic virotherapy has emerged as a promising immunotherapy modality but it comes with several drawbacks that include rapid clearance of virus from body due to immune-neutralization of virus in host. To overcome this, we encapsulated oncolytic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in polymeric thiolated chitosan nanoparticles. For active targeting of virus loaded nanoformulation against CD44 (cluster of differentiation 44) receptors which are overly expressed on cancer cells, these nanoparticles were surface functionalized with hyaluronic acid (HA). Using half dose of NDV (TCID50 (50% tissue culture infective dose) single dose 3 × 105), virus loaded nanoparticles were prepared by green synthesis approach through ionotropic gelation method. Zeta analysis was performed to analyse size and charge on nanoparticles. Nanoparticles (NPs) shape and size were analysed by SEM (scanning electron microscope) and TEM (transmission electron microscope) while functional group identification was done by FTIR (fourier transform infrared) and XRD (X-ray diffraction). Viral quantification was done by TCID50 and Multiplicity of infection (MOI) determination while oncolytic potential of NPs encapsulated virus was analysed by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and cell morphology analysis. Zeta analysis showed that average size of NDV loaded thiolated chitosan nanoparticles surface functionalized with HA (HA-ThCs-NDV) was 290.4nm with zeta potential of 22.3 mV and 0.265 PDI (polydispersity index). SEM and TEM analysis showed smooth surface and spherical features of nanoparticles. FTIR and XRD confirmed the presence of characteristic functional groups and successful encapsulation of the virus. In vitro release showed continuous but sustained release of NDV for up to 48 hours. TCID50 for HA-ThCs-NDV nanoparticles was 2.63x 106/mL titter and the nanoformulation exhibited high oncolytic potential in cell morphology analysis and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay as compared to naked virus, in dose dependent manner. These findings suggest that virus encapsulation in thiolated chitosan nanoparticles and surface functionalization with HA is not only helpful in achieving active targeting while masking virus from immune system but, it also gives sustained release of virus in tumor microenvironment for longer period of time that increases bioavailability of virus.

DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PH-RESPONSIVE POLYMERIC MICROBEADS INTERCALATED WITH MONTMORILLONITE FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF DOXORUBICIN

Objective: The aim of the present study is to develop pH-responsive polymeric microbeads for controlled release of doxorubicin. Methods: Doxorubicin-encapsulated polymeric microbeads were developed by a simple ionotropic gelation method using sodium alginate, gum ghatti, and montmorillonite (MMT). In this work, we investigate the positive benefits of MMT mineral as a drug carrier for the controlled release of DOX. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the generated microbeads. The influence of hetero-ionic concentration on drug encapsulation efficiency and drug release from microbeads was examined. In vitro release and swelling studies were performed at pH 2.0 and 7.4 at 37 °C. The cytotoxicity of the developed microbeads was studied using in vitro cultures of the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Results: FTIR confirms the generation of microbeads and also the interaction between the polymer matrix, DOX and MMT clay. XRD analysis reveals the molecular dispersion of DOX and the presence of MMT in the polymeric matrix. SEM studies reveal the developed microbeads are spherical in shape with rough surfaces. Swelling and in vitro release studies are dependent on the pH of the test medium, which may be favorable for intestinal drug delivery. MTT results reveal that the developed microbeads showed good in vitro toxicity against MCF-7 cells. The drug release kinetics of the generated microbeads are followed by both the higuchi and korsmeyer-peppas models. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the DOX-encapsulated microbeads are promising carriers for drug delivery applications. The fabricated microbeads further needs warrant for drug delivery applications.

Peripheral Nervous System Regeneration via Phenytoin-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Loaded into Nanofibrous Artificial Neural Guidance Channels

In the current study, we used phenytoin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles in order to improve the healing potential of cellulose acetate-based neural guidance channels. Neural channels were produced via electrospinning method and rolling up the electrospun sheets. Drug-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared using ionotropic gelation method. The produced nanoparticles were then loaded into collagen hydrogel and injected into the lumen of neural conduits upon implantation. Various experiments were performed in order to characterize the developed system. The healing activity of neural channels was investigated in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury. Results of in vivo study showed that nanoparticle-loaded conduits had comparable healing activity with autograft group as evidenced by functional recovery assays. Phenytoin-delivering neural channels could significantly improve the tissue expression level of brain derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor genes. The proposed system can be potentially considered as an alternative treatment strategy for nerve grafting in clinic.

Alginate and malva nut gum-based hydrogels incorporated with brewer’s spent grain as a source of fibre and antioxidants

Hydrogels were prepared using malva nut gum (MVG) and alginate as a structuring agent via the ionotropic gelation method. For preparation as a source of fibre and antioxidant, the hydrogels were incorporated with brewer’s spent grain (BSG) at varying concentrations (0 - 10%). Then, the characteristics and stability of the beads were evaluated based on heating and the storage pH of the beads. The antioxidant activities of the hydrogels increased proportionally with the BSG content. The incorporation of BSG, especially at high concentration, enhanced the bead stability with the beads showing good stability under acidic pH conditions, perhaps because of molecular interactions between the hydrogel-structuring agents and the chemicals available in BSG, as suggested by the FTIR profiles. Then, the hydrogels incorporated with BSG were introduced to passionfruit juice, and their stability was observed throughout 2 w storage. The most appropriate BSG concentration incorporated into the beads was 7.5%, based on its good stability in the juice model, and the relatively high antioxidant capacity of the beads. Therefore, it could be feasible to use the MVG-alginate-based hydrogels incorporated with BSG for the production of healthy food, due to the presence of fibre and the antioxidant in the beads.

Optimization of sodium alginate-galactoxyloglucan blended hydrogel beads through ionotropic gelation method

Hydrogels are 3D crosslinking networks of hydrophilic biopolymers which can able to absorb and retain large amount of water. In this present study, the Sodium alginate (SA)- Galactoxyloglucan (GXG) blended hydrogel beads were prepared and optimized through two level optimization steps. Alginate and xyloglucan are the cell wall polysaccharides biopolymers obtained from the plant sources, Sargassum sp. and Tamarindus indica L. respectively. The extracted biopolymers were confirmed and characterized by UV-Spectroscopy, FT-IR, NMR and TGA analysis. Based on the hydrophilicity, non-toxicity and biocompatibility, SA-GXG hydrogel were prepared and optimized through two-level optimization steps. The optimized hydrogel bead formulation was characterized through FT-IR, TGA and SEM analysis. From the obtained result, it is found that the polymeric formulation GXG (2 % w/v)-SA (1.5 % w/v), cross-linker (CaCl2) concentration at 0.1 M and the cross-linking time at 15 Min showed significant swelling index. The optimized hydrogel beads are porous and show good swelling capacity and thermal stability. The optimized protocol of hydrogel beads may be useful in designing hydrogel beads for specific applications in agricultural, Biomedical and remediation sectors.

Assessment and evaluation of Chitosan-Metamizole nanoparticles for the fracture healing and analgesic effect: Preclinical study in rat model.

To assess and evaluate Chitosan-Metamizole nanoparticles for fracture healing and analgesic potential, nanoparticles were formulated using the ionotropic gelation method. The nanoparticles were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, loading efficiency, surface characteristics and drug release properties. The analgesic activity was determined in carrageenan-induced arthritic male Wister rats. Further fracture healing potency, mechanical testing, radiographic examination and bone histology of the femur were studied. The drug loading efficiency of 11.38%-17.45%, particle size of 140-220nm, and zeta potential of 19.12-23.14mV were observed with a spherical, smooth appearance. Nanoparticles showed sustained release behaviour over a longer period. Nearly 4-fold inhibition of oedema was observed in animals treated with nanoparticles with excellent fracture healing potential. The femurs treated with nanoparticles required greater force to fracture. Nanoparticles significantly improved the strength and healing process. Histopathological studies showed the potential of nanoparticles in the healing process. The study confirmed the potential of nanoparticles in fracture healing and enhancement of analgesic activity.

Comparative study of nanocarrier for Eupatorium perfoliatum 3C by low molecular over high molecular chitosan for efficient encapsulation and dye degradation applications

AbstractThis study focuses on encapsulating the drug with enhanced efficiency and characterizing the same environmental applications. Efficient encapsulation and conjugation of this remarkable drug with chitosan have never been attempted before. Loading into a nanocarrier extends the efficiency of the boneset from being general folk medicine to a specialized functional moiety that even works as potential nanomedicine and dye degeneration. Eupatorium perfoliatum 3C loaded in the chitosan nanocarrier was performed using an ionotropic gelation method. Physicochemical properties were analyzed using a pH meter, UV‐Vis spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A dye degradation assay was done for four commercially available dyes, namely, safranin, methyl red as well as orange, and methylene blue. Irrespective of chitosan's molecular weight, methyl orange is degraded the most by E. perfoliatum 3C formulation by 31.9% at 90 min. In terms of encapsulation efficiency, lower molecular chitosan shows 96% encapsulation of the drug within its surface. Thus, manifesting itself as a potential nanocarrier for therapeutic applications in the future.

Formulation and evaluation of microspheres of anti-inflammatory drug diacerein prepared by ionotropic gelation method

The context of this research was to reduce the untoward effects of diacerein by preparing a microsphere formulation of the same. The ionotropic gelation method was adopted to prepare diacerein microspheres. This method involves the interaction of two ionic components under certain conditions. Among these two ionic components, at least one component must be a polymer. Simple interaction between ionic polymer with oppositely charged ion leads to the formation of microspheres. In this process, sodium alginate and Chitosan were used as polymers, whereas for the crosslinking process, calcium chloride was used. The prepared formulations of diacerein displayed mean particle size ranging from 106-542 µm, while the percentage yield ranged from 49-82. An increased concentration of calcium chloride and sodium alginate increases the particle size. However, an increased chitosan concentration was found to increase the drug entrapment efficiency of the microspheres. Further, phosphate buffer media (pH 6.8) in the USP paddle type dissolution apparatus were used for the percentage drug release study. Results showed that increased chitosan concentration slows the release of drugs from microspheres. We noted that the B3 formulation, which contains sodium alginate: Chitosan (1:3), showed the lowermost rate of drug release. Besides, SEM studies of the same formulation (B3) revealed that microspheres have spherical shapes with rough surfaces. It was observed that the B3 formulation showed a significant result in formulation evaluation studies; hence, it may be further considered an optimized formulation for preclinical evaluation

Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan coated alginate and carrageenan beads Loaded with Venlafaxine HCl: A Comprehensive Study

This study focuses on the development of microsphere systems for the sustained release of Venlafaxine Hydrochloride (HCl) using the ionotropic gelation method with sodium alginate, chitosan, carrageenan and calcium chloride as key components. The microspheres were characterized for their size, shape, and surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray powder diffraction analysis (X-RD) was employed to determine the physical state of the drug within the formulations, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to investigate the drug-polymer interactions. Additionally, entrapment efficiency, in vitro release, and release kinetics were evaluated.The results of FTIR analysis indicated no significant interactions between the drug and polymers, ensuring the stability of the formulated microspheres. X-RD analysis confirmed the presence of the drug in an amorphous state within the beads, facilitating its sustained release. Furthermore, the absence of significant drug-polymer interactions, as indicated by FTIR analysis, supports the stability and integrity of the formulated beads. In conclusion, the developed microsphere systems demonstrate promising potential for the sustained release of Venlafaxine HCl. Their high entrapment efficiency, controlled release rate, and stability make them viable option for improving the therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance associated with Venlafaxine HCl administration. Further studies are warranted to evaluate their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles, as well as their long-term stability, to ensure their suitability for clinical applications.

Effect of chitosan-oleuropein nanoparticles on dentin collagen cross-linking.

The integrity and stability of collagen are crucial for the dentin structure and bonding strength at dentin-resin interface. Natural plant-derived polypehenols have been used as collagen crosslinkers. The aims of the study were to develop novel chitosan oleuropein nanoparticles (CS-OL-NPs), and to investigate the CS-OL-NPs treated dentin's the resistance to enzymatic degradation and mechanic property. CS-OL-NPs were developed using the ionotropic gelation method. Release and biocompatibility of the CS-OL-NPs were tested. Twenty demineralized dentin collage specimens were randomized into four interventions groups: A, Deionized Water (DW); B, 5% glutaraldehyde solution (GA); C, 1 mg/ml chitosan (CS); and D, 100 mg/L CS-OL-NPs. After 1-min interventions, dentin matrix were evaluated by the micro-Raman spectroscopy for the modulus of elasticity test. Collagen degradation was assessed using hydroxyproline (HYP) assay. CS-OL-NPs were spherical core-shape with a size of 161.29 ± 8.19 nm and Zeta potential of 19.53 ± 0.26 mV. After a burst release of oleuropein in the initial 6 h, there was a long-lasting steady slow release. CS-OL-NPs showed a good biocompatibility for the hPDLSCs. The modulus of elasticity in the crosslinked groups were significantly higher than that in the control group (P< 0.05 for all). The specimens treated with CS-OL-NP showed a greater modulus of elasticity than those treated with GA and CS (P< 0.05 for both). The release of HYP in the crosslinked group was significantly lower than that in the non-crosslinked groups (P< 0.05 for all). CS-OL-NPs enhanced the dentin mechanical property and resistance to biodegradation, with biocompatibility and potential for clinical application.

Harpin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles induced defense responses in tobacco

Phytopathogens entry into plant cell is restricted by several chemical substances which hamper the natural ecosystem and are expensive. Induction of defense responses in plants by elicitors is a better alternative approach to combat phytopathogens. Controlled and steady release of elicitors from nanoparticles core will improve the bioavailability and alleviate the repeated application of molecules that triggers the hypersensitive response (HR) in plants. Here we reported the efficacy of chitosan-harpin as nanoparticles in eliciting defense responses in tobacco wherein harpin (30 ng/mL) loaded chitosan nanoparticles (H-CSNPs) were prepared by ionotropic gelation method using chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). The nanoparticles were spherical and possess a size of about ∼160 nm with a zeta potential of 30.2 ± 0.7 mV. The FT-IR and XRD studies confirmed the formation of chitosan nanoparticles. The encapsulation efficiency of harpin was 85% and steady release was observed up to 4 h in releasing kinetics. Topical application of H-CSNPs resulted histopathological evidences which coincided with the induction HR specific marker genes viz., pathogenises related proteins and induction of defense enzymes. The harpin at nanogram concentrations with chitosan improved the bioavailability than the harpin or chitosan alone in the tobacco plant.

Preparation, characterization and release studies of naproxen-loaded microspheres from natural gums

Background: Use of biodegradable natural materials as pharmaceutical excipients is increasing. In this study, Naproxen loaded microbeads were produced, using natural gums obtained from Cedrela odorata and Irvingia gabonensisObjective: Aim is to evaluate physicochemical properties of the gums and determining release properties of the formulations.Materials and Methods: Cedrela gum (CG) and Irvingia gum (IG) were extracted from Cedrela odorata and Irvingia gabonensis respectively, and characterized by viscosity, density and pH measurements. Naproxen microbeads were formulated (Formulation A2 to A9) with the gums and sodium alginate using ionotropic gelation method. Cross linkers (CaCl2 or Al2[SO4]3) were used at different curing times. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photomicrographs, entrapment efficiency and release profiles of the formulations were determined.Results: Physicochemical property tests showed that the gums possess good flow, viscosity and they presented with acidic pH. There was no interaction between FT-IR spectra of the gums and naproxen. SEM revealed microbeads to be almost spherical, having slightly rough surfaces. Microbeads from Formulation A6 had the largest particle size (1500±163.2 μm) while Formulation A9 possessed the smallest particle size A9 (491.6±191.7 μm). All the formulations gave high entrapment efficiency (80 – 96%); microbeads containing IG (Batch A6 – A9) had higher values than those formulated with CG gum (Batch A2 – A5) (p &gt; 0.05). Batch A6 (containing IG with CaCl2 at curing time of 15 minutes) gave the highest drug release (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Gums obtained from Cedrela odorata and Irvingia gabonensis possessed good physicochemical properties and produced microbeads suitable for the controlled release of Naproxen. Formulations containing Irvingia gum showed higher drug release and better entrapment.

Amoxicillin-docosahexaenoic acid encapsulated chitosan-alginate nanoparticles as a delivery system with enhanced biocidal activities against Helicobacter pylori and improved ulcer healing.

Encapsulation of amoxicillin (AMX) for drug delivery against Helicobacter pylori infection and aspirin-induced ulcers in rat's stomachs was performed using docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-loaded chitosan/alginate (CA) nanoparticles (NPs) developed by ionotropic gelation method. The physicochemical analyses of the composite NPs were performed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy. The encapsulation efficiency of AMX was increased to 76% by incorporating DHA, which resulted in a reduction in the particle size. The formed CA-DHA-AMX NPs effectively adhered to the bacteria and rat gastric mucosa. Their antibacterial properties were more potent than those of the single AMX and CA-DHA NPs as demonstrated by the in vivo assay. The composite NPs attained higher mucoadhesive potential during food intake than during fasting (p = 0.029). At 10 and 20 mg/kg AMX, the CA-AMX-DHA showed more potent activities against H. pylori than the CA-AMX, CA-DHA, and single AMX. The in vivo study showed that the effective dose of AMX was lower when DHA was included, indicating better drug delivery and stability of the encapsulated AMX. Both mucosal thickening and ulcer index were significantly higher in the groups receiving CA-DHA-AMX than in the groups receiving CA-AMX and single AMX. The presence of DHA declines the pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17A. The synergistic effects of AMX and the CA-DHA formulation increased the biocidal activities against H. pylori infection and improved ulcer healing properties.

Rheological, morphological and swelling properties of dysprosium-based composite hydrogel beads of alginate and chitosan: A promising material for the effective cationic and anionic dye removal

An alginate (Alg) and Alginate-chitosan (Alg-Ch) based novel hydrogel beads were fabricated by ionotropic gelation method using trivalent lanthanide dysprosium (Dy3+) ion as crosslinking agent. The chemical components, morphology and viscoelasticity of the as-prepared hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and rheology. The hydrogels beads with high content of Alginate were smooth but with increase in chitosan in the hybrid beads, significant macro-porous structure was observed by FE-SEM. The Dy-Alg beads possess higher viscoelasticity compared to Dy-Alg-Ch hybrid beads along with the higher breaking strain and structure recovery as revealed by rheology. However, the hydrogel beads of 1:1 and 2:1 Dy-Alg-Ch showed stable gel structure upto 80 °C in contrast to Dy-Alg or 1:2 Dy-Alg-Ch hydrogel beads showing stabilization effect of adding chitosan to Dy-Alg beads. The hybrid hydrogel beads (1:2 and 1:1) showed much better swelling compared to Dy-Alg hydrogel beads. The as-prepared beads with higher chitosan content showed significantly high adsorption of cationic dye Rhodamine B (RhB) whereas decrease in chitosan content favored the adsorption of anionic dye Fluorescein (Flu). The mechanism of adsorption process was evaluated by fitting adsorption data to kinetic models which reveals that adsorption of both the dyes involve chemisorption phenomena determined mainly by film and intraparticle diffusion in case of RhB and by multiple steps in case of Flu. The easy and fast fabrication, outstanding mechanical and stable properties indicated the hydrogel as a promising material for the wastewater treatment with cost- effective performance.

Co-Delivery of Curcumin and Resveratrol via a Hydrogel/Nanoparticle System Modulate NF-kB Inflammatory Signalling Pathway in Rat Model of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

In this research, a nanocomposite delivery system was developed for the delivery of curcumin and resveratrol to treat spinal cord injury in rat model. The nanoparticles were prepared using the ionotropic gelation method and then dispersed in a calcium alginate hydrogel. The delivery system was characterized in vitro and its healing potential was evaluated in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Study showed that the nanocomposite system was not toxic against PC-12 cells and showed a sustained release profile for both drugs. In vivo study showed that co-administration of curcumin and resveratrol had significantly higher healing activity compared with the animals treated with other groups. In addition, the delivery system downregulated the expression profile of NF-kB and TNF-a genes.

Synthesis and Characterization of Calcium Alginate-Based Microspheres Entrapped with TiO2 Nanoparticles and Cinnamon Essential Oil Targeting Clinical Staphylococcus aureus.

It is important to create new generations of materials that can destroy multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, which are a serious public health concern. This study focused on the biosynthesis of an essential oil entrapped in titanium dioxide (TiO2) calcium alginate-based microspheres. In this research, calcium alginate-based microspheres with entrapped TiO2 nanoparticles and cinnamon essential oil (CI-TiO2-MSs) were synthesized, using an aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds for TiO2 nanoparticle preparation, and the ionotropic gelation method for microsphere preparation. The microspheres obtained were spherical, uniformly sized, microporous, and rough surfaced, and they were fully loaded with cinnamon essential oil and TiO2 nanoparticles. The synthesized microspheres were analyzed for antibacterial activity against the clinical multidrug-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus. Disc diffusion and flow cytometry analysis revealed strong antibacterial activity by CI-TiO2-MSs. The synthesized CI-TiO2-MSs were characterized by the SEM/EDX, X-ray diffraction, and FTIR techniques. Results showed that the TiO2 nanoparticles were spherical and 99 to 150 nm in size, whereas the CI-TiO2-MSs were spherical and rough surfaced. Apoptosis analysis and SEM micrography revealed that the CI-TiO2-MSs had strong bactericidal activity against S. aureus. The in vitro antibacterial experiments proved that the encapsulated CI-TiO2-MSs had strong potential for use as a prolonged controlled release system against multidrug-resistant clinical S. aureus.

Chitosan nanoparticles: Current aspects

Nanoparticles are currently becoming one of the important parts for various segments. Much more process/application becomes effective or more economical and time-saving because of nanoparticles. Polymers with distinct characteristics are widely used but nature-origin polymer has important properties that make a polymeric material for nanoparticles. Many methods were successfully evaluated to prepare chitosan nanoparticles for loading various compounds including ionotropic gelation, micelles, and emulsification methods. In this article, we have reviewed the current aspects made-up of chitosan nanoparticles. Chitosan nanoparticles have an application to improve bioavailability, controlled release of the loaded drug also increases cellular uptake and targeting to cancer cells, stabilization of proteins, and enhanced the effectivity of anti-microbial agents. In agriculture, chitosan nanoparticles are used for herbicides, insecticides, and pesticide loading to improve the cultivation of crops and are used in food packaging. Chitosan nanoparticles also have wide applications as implant and therapeutic agent.

Chitosan nanoparticles effectively improved quality stability of pork patties subjected to multiple freeze–thaw cycles

The potential of chitosan nanoparticles (CHNPs) for improving the quality stability of pork patties under freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles was studied. Chitosan nanoparticles were successfully produced by the ionotropic gelation method. Pork patties were incorporated with 0%, 0.5% chitosan, 1% chitosan, 0.5% CHNPs, and 1% CHNPs and then subjected to repeated F-T cycles. Results showed that CHNPs were able to inhibit lipid and protein oxidation with a significant decrease in the lipid malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl formation in the patties after seven F-T cycles. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) results indicated that CHNPs effectively restrained water mobility of samples. In addition, CHNPs exhibited a distinguishable improvement in the textural properties and water holding capacity in the stored patties during F-T cycles. Thus, CHNPs could be used as a natural ingredient to protect frozen patties from quality degradation caused by temperature fluctuations.