Low-energy Method Research Articles

Assembly of plant-based meat analogs using soft matter physics: A coacervation-shearing-gelation approach

High-energy processing equipment, like extruders or shear cells, are normally required to create fibrous plant-based meat analogs with textures and mouthfeels designed to mimic those of real meat. Here, we propose a simple low-energy method of creating fibrous structures using a soft matter physics approach, which involves complex coacervation, shearing, and gelation of protein/polysaccharide mixtures. A mixture of potato protein and gellan gum was used to create the chicken analogs. Initially, potato protein (10, 15, or 20 wt%) and gellan gum (3 or 4 wt%) were mixed to produce aqueous solutions under conditions where coacervates should form due to electrostatic attraction between the proteins and polysaccharides. This solution was then sheared to elongate and align the coacervates into fiber-like structures. Finally, the mixtures were heated (90 °C, 30 min) to induce thermal denaturation of the proteins, which stabilized the fibrous structures by gelling the proteins. The textural, rheological, and thermal properties of the chicken analogs were characterized and compared to those of real chicken. The texture and rheology of the chicken analogs became increasingly close to real chicken as the protein content of the plant-based chicken was increased from 10 to 20 wt%. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the thermal denaturation of the potato proteins in the chicken analogs occurred over a similar temperature range as the myosin proteins in real chicken. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the chicken analogs containing 20 wt% protein behaved the most similarly to real chicken during heating. Analysis of the appearance and microstructure of the chicken analogs showed they had aligned fibrous structures like those found in real chicken. This study suggests that soft matter physics approaches can be used for the creation of fibrous structures and the development of plant-based meat analogs.

Synergistic effect of pore structure and crystalline domains enabling high capacity toward non-aqueous rechargeable aluminum batteries

Rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) with low cost and high safety have been regarded as a potential alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Despite the widely used graphite materials, the research on hard carbon with abundant sources and low carbonization temperature is rarely reported. Herein, a series of hard carbon materials with different degrees of graphitization is controllably fabricated through a ball-milling method. It is found that surface-specific area and pore structure are significantly affected by ball-milling time. As a result, the as-optimized product with suitable graphitization degree and pore distribution shows a high capacity (125 mAh·g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 200 cycles) and excellent cycle stability (82.2 mAh·g−1 at 150 mA g−1 after 500 cycles). Such electrochemical performances can be ascribed to the fact that a proper graphitization degree ensures fast electrons transfer between layers, and multi-pores architectures contribute to accelerating ions migration. This work is expected to guide synthesizing a biomass-derived hard carbon via a facile and low-energy method, which may accelerate the practical application of RABs and facilitates the mass production of cathode carbon materials.

Ultrasonication for preparing high-performance phase change material nano-emulsions: Optimization and characterization

This work was aimed to optimize the formulation of phase change material nano-emulsions by ultrasonic emulsification that has not been investigated systematically. The optimization was performed using response surface methodology on two response parameters, average droplet size and apparent viscosity, and three independent variables including ultrasonic amplitude (X1), treatment time (X2), and surfactant content (X3). The significance of three variables on both droplet size and apparent viscosity followed the order of X3 > X1 > X2. At the optimal variable levels (X1 = 58 %; X2 = 9 min; X3 = 8 wt%), the droplet size of 118.2 nm and apparent viscosity of 7.3 mPa·s were predicated by the regression model and also well verified by experiments. The 25 wt% phase change nano-emulsion formed by ultrasonication exhibited the best emulsion stability and the lowest apparent viscosity compared with those formulated by high-energy rotor-stator homogenizer and low-energy method of phase inversion temperature. In addition, the rheological behavior associated with the average droplet size and the solid/liquid state of phase change material was illustrated numerically for the first time. In general, a threshold of 170–180 nm was found for the transition of liquid-in-water emulsions from a shear-thinning non-Newtonian fluid to a Newtonian fluid in the shear rate range of 0.6–73 s−1. All solid-in-water suspensions showed shear-thinning fluid behavior, though the shear-thinning degree was dramatically reduced to a flow behavior index of about 0.95 as the particle size was below 100 nm. These findings may be useful for designing high-performance phase change material nano-emulsions with long service life, high energy storage capacity, and low pumping power consumption for applications.

Enhancing the stability of lutein emulsions with a water-soluble antioxidant and a oil-soluble antioxidant

Lutein is critical for protecting the eye against light damage. The low solubility and high sensitivity of lutein to environmental stresses prevent its further application. The hypothesis is that the combination of one water-soluble antioxidant and one oil-soluble antioxidant will be beneficial to improve the stability of lutein emulsions. A low-energy method was performed to prepare lutein emulsions. The combination of a lipid-soluble antioxidant (propyl gallate or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and a water-soluble antioxidant (tea polyphenol or ascobic acid) were investigated for improving the lutein retention rates. It was shown that the highest lutein retention rate was achieved by using propyl gallate and tea polyphenol, 92.57%, at Day 7. It was proven that the lutein retention rates of emulsions with propyl gallate and tea polyphenol were 89.8%, 73.5% and 55.2% at 4 °C, 25 °C and 37 °C, respectively, at Day 28. The current study is helpful to prepare for the further application of lutein emulsions for ocular delivery.

Design and preparation of ZnS superhydrophobic coating with self-healing property and oil-water separation function on stainless steel mesh surface

In order to prepare stainless steel mesh (SSM) with special wettability, long service life and suitable for oil-water separation research, micro-nano rough structure was constructed on the surface of SSM by the synergistic method of electrodeposition and solvothermal method. Finally, ZnS superhydrophobic coating (ZnS@SSM) with special wettability was successfully prepared on the surface of SSM by low-energy modification method. The wettability, microstructure and composition of the sample surface were analyzed by contact angle meter, field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer and Fourier infrared spectrometer. The results showed that the surface of ZnS@SSM was superhydrophobic, and the water contact angle was as high as 158°. The oil-water separation efficiency and reusability of the sample were characterized by an oil-water separation device, and the oil-water separation efficiency was 97.8%. The self-healing performance of ZnS@SSM was experimented by oxygen plasma etching, and it exhibited excellent durability performance.

Formulasi dan Karakterisasi Nanoemulsi Ekstrak Etanol Buah Wualae (Etlingera Elatior (Jack) R.M. Smith)

Wualae (Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M. Smith) has a high flavonoid content, so it has the potential as an antioxidant and can be used in drug delivery systems, namely nanoemulsions. Nanoemulsions can improve absorption, help dissolve lipophilic drugs and increase bioavailability. This study aims to determine the formulation and characterization of wualae nanoemulsion. The research method used is a low-energy emulsification method. The nanoemulsion is formulated into four formulas with a concentration ratio of tween 80 and PEG 400, namely 50%: 30% (F1), 50%: 10% (F2), 10%: 30% (F3), and 10%: 10% (F4). The characterizations included organoleptic tests, nanoemulsion type tests, viscosity tests, transmittance tests, particle size tests, polydispersity index tests, potential zeta and physical tests, and centrifugation and cycling tests. The results obtained sequentially are F1 has a characteristic odour of clear yellow, type of oil-in-water nanoemulsion, 150 cPa.s, 99%, 14.56 ± 0.666 nm, 0.061 ± 0.017, 1.453 ± 1.23 mV and is stable in the test. F2 has a characteristic odour of clear yellow colour, oil-in-water nanoemulsion type, 900 cPa.s, 97.2%, 13.8 ± 0.781 nm, 0.126 ± 0.066, -5.503 ± 0.57 mV and is stable in difficult tests. F3 has a dirty white type of nanoemulsion oil in 9.5 cPa and is unstable in typical tests. F4 has a characteristic odour of cloudy white colour, oil-in-water nanoemulsion type, 6 cPa.s and is inconsistent in stability testing. Based on the data above, the best wualae fruit extract nanoemulsion formulation is formula 1.

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of oil-in-water nanoemulsions: stability and rheological characteristics

A stable neem oil-based oil-in-water nanoemulsion (o/w NE) is obtained by using a series of combinations of low and high-energy methods using optimized emulsifier composition. The application of the ultrasonication (high-energy) along with the dilution (low-energy) methods was used to intensify the process. Azadirachtin (indigenous neem oil) is used as an oil phase along with a mixture of two nonionic surfactants, namely Span80 and Tween80. The o/w NE is synthesized at an optimized HLB value of 8.5. Process parameters of ultrasonication are optimized and resulted in a 25% amplitude ratio, a 0.5 pulse mode factor, and a 30 minutes of ultrasonication time. The effects of optimized parameters are studied on droplet size distribution and the stability of o/w NE. For the oil concentration of 2.5%, the droplet diameter changed from 159 to 160.9 nm for a period of 45 days. Rheological properties of NEs are also evaluated by studying the relationship between shear rate with shear stress and viscosity at different temperatures, ranging from 20 to 50 °C. All the synthesized o/w NEs showed Newtonian behavior. Hence, the o/w NEs exhibited excellent stability for 45 days in terms of its droplet size, appearance, and rheology. The proposed o/w NE could be a potential pesticide for safeguarding the crops, without affecting the useful microorganisms, in the agriculture fields.

Thermal management in radical induced cationic frontal polymerisation for optimised processing of fibre reinforced polymers

Radical induced cationic frontal polymerisation (RICFP) is considered a promising low energy method for processing of fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs). Optimisation of the local heat balance between reinforcement, epoxy resin and the surrounding mould is required to pave the way for its adaptation to an industrial processing method for high volume fraction structural fibre reinforced composites. In this work, we investigate several methods to control the governing heat balance in RICFP-processing of FRPs. Heat generation was controlled by tuning the initiator concentration while limitation of heat losses using highly insulating moulds was found beneficial to the front characteristics and resulting curing degrees. An optimised mould configuration allowed for self-sustaining RICFP in FRPs with fibre volume fractions (Vfs) up to 45.8%, exceeding previously reported maxima of similar systems. A process window was moreover established relating the Vf and required heat generation to the potential formation of a self-sustaining or supported front.

Tunable reduced graphene oxide nanofiltration membrane for efficient retention and separation of dye/salt based on molecular interactions

Effective retention and separation of mixed dyes are critical to treating textile wastewater. Graphene oxide (GO) is an ideal material for treating polluted water attributed to its unique structure and abundant oxygen-containing groups. However, GO still has some limitations, such as unstable performance, poor dye retention and no selective separation performance. Here, we report a weakly reduced graphene oxide (rGO) membrane that can modulate its water permeability and dye retention by controlling the reduction temperature. The water flux (84.35 L m−2 h−1 bar−1) of rGO membranes decreased with increasing reduction temperature but the methylene blue (MB) dye rejection rate (99.09 %) increased with increasing reduction temperature. More interestingly, the rGO membrane has completely different dye rejection rates for MB and methyl orange (MO), allowing the separation of MB and MO mixtures, effectively replacing traditional column chromatography. In addition, we investigated the reasons for the different retention rates and selective separation of dyes by rGO membranes through reduction temperature, contact angle, interlayer distance, electrostatic interactions and molecular dynamics simulations. This work uses a non-expensive and low-energy method to prepare nanofiltration membranes that can be easily extended to construct other stable and efficient filtration membranes for the separation of different dyes and salts.

A study on coating of Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose incorporated with a nano-emulsion of Piper betel leaf essential oil to enhance shelf-life and improve postharvest quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Edible coating films derived from essential oils effectively preserve farm produce, especially fruits and vegetables, and the technology is widely prevalent in improving their shelf life. The present study aimed to reduce the post-harvest loss and extend the shelf life of tomatoes using edible coatings based on Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) containing Piper betel leaf essential oil nano-emulsion as an antibacterial and bioactive compound. It also aimed for optimal extraction of essential oils (EO) from Piper betel leaves which contain various medicinal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant compounds such as chavibetol, eugenol, and other compounds. The essential oils were extracted, and nano-emulsion was prepared by a low-energy emulsification method and incorporated into edible HPMC composite to determine whether the edible coatings of the nano-emulsion of Piper betel leaf could delay the changes that lead to deterioration of the fruit. Results showed that the coatings delayed 5 % changes in color, 8% weight loss, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, soluble solids concentration, lycopene, and decay percentage, compared to uncoated control fruits. It was inferred that tomatoes that were coated with 15% nano-emulsion containing dipping solution showed a significant increase in the shelf life of tomatoes up to 8 days. Therefore, it is suggested to use HPMC containing the Piper betel oil nano-emulsion as an edible coating, extending the shelf-life of tomato fruits post-harvest.

Using iBeacon Components to Design and Fabricate Low-energy and Simple Indoor Positioning Method

Using iBeacon Components to Design and Fabricate Low-energy and Simple Indoor Positioning Method

Formulation and evaluation of ocular self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of brimonidine tartrate

The aim of the current study was to develop an ocular Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) loaded with Brimonidine tartrate (BRT) and evaluate its ex-vivo permeability. SNEDDS loaded with BRT were prepared by low energy method. Physicochemical properties, drug release, ex-vivo permeation, and toxicity studies were investigated. The BRT-loaded SNEDDS formulation was composed of Capmul MCM (Oil), Tween 80 (Surfactant), and Transcutol HP (Co-surfactant) and was optimized by Box-Behnken design. Optimized SNEDDS loaded with BRT had a droplet size of 118.3 nm, a PDI of 0.251, a pH of 6.34 ± 0.31, an osmolarity of 329 mosm/L after reconstitution with NaCl, and a viscosity was found to be 12.39 ± 2.31cP. The optimized SNEDDS loaded with BRT had excellent stability in the shelving period. The apparent permeability coefficient of optimized SNEDDS was found to be (7.078 ± 0.218 × 10−6 cm/s) when compared to the marketed formulation with (3.127 ± 0.173 × 10−6 cm/s). These results suggest that Brimonidine tartrate-loaded SNEDDS can be used as a promising nanocarrier for ocular drug delivery.

Controlling Surface of Rods With Entrained Particle as Asperities

Abstract Changing the surface properties (i.e., roughness or friction) can be instrumental for many applications but can be a complex and resource-intensive process. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel process of controlling the friction of a continuous rod by delivering inorganic microparticles. A standardized continuous particle transfer protocol has been developed in our laboratory for depositing particles from a liquid carrier system (LCS) to the cylindrical rod substrate. The particle transfer process can produce controllable and tunable surface properties. Polymeric binder is used to deliver the particles as asperities over the rod substrate and by controlling their size, shape, and distribution, the coefficient of friction of the rod is determined. Tabletop experiments are designed and performed to measure the friction coefficient following the Capstan equation. The entrained particles on the substrate will create size- and shape-based asperities, which will alter the surface morphology toward the desired direction. Both oblique and direct quantitative measurements are performed at different particles and binder concentrations. A systematic variation in the friction coefficient is observed and reported in the result section. It is observed from the capstan experiment that adding only 1% irregular shaped particles in the suspension changes the friction coefficient of the rods by almost 115%. The proposed friction control technique is a simple scale-up, low-cost, low-waste, and low-energy manufacturing method for controlling the surface morphology.

The Quick Removal of Toxic Dye Molecules by an Efficient Adsorptive BiOI/Bi2MoO6 Heterostructure

Adsorption is a low-energy, economical, and efficient method for pollutant removal from water. Because of their unique structure, large specific surface area (SSA), and non-toxicity, bismuth-based semiconductors, usually researched for the photodegradation of organic molecules, are also excellent for dark adsorption processes. Here, a three-dimensional adsorbent with a heterostructure with a hydrangea-like shape made of Bi2MoO6 (BMO) and BiOI (BOI) was synthesized by a one-pot solvothermal process and investigated for the adsorption of toxic dyes. BOI/BMO with an I-to-Mo ratio of 2.0 adsorbed 98.9% of the model pollutant rhodamine B (RhB) within 5 min with a maximum adsorption capacity of 72.72 mg/g in the dark at room temperature. When compared to pure BMO, the BOI2/BMO heterostructure was 14.1 times more performant because of its flower-like morphology with multiple planes, an SSA that was 1.6-fold larger, increased porosity, the formation of heterojunctions, and a negative surface charge attracting RhB. Further investigation indicated that adsorption by BOI2/BMO fitted the pseudo-second-order kinetic and the Langmuir isotherm models. In addition, the thermodynamic analysis showed that it was a spontaneous exothermic process probably relying on physisorption. Thus, the BOI/BMO adsorbent developed here is promising for the fast removal of toxic dyes from industrial wastewater.

Fabrication and performance of nitrocellulose nanoparticles reinforced environment-friendly waterborne ethyl cellulose (Surelease®) nanocomposites

In terms of eco-friendly materials, cellulose-based nanomaterials have received widespread attention as nano-functional fillers due to their lower production costs, better biodegradability, and excellent interfacial compatibility with polymers. In this paper, a nitrocellulose (NC) nano aqueous dispersion was successfully prepared using a simple, low-energy solvent displacement method. The effect of the organic: aqueous phase mixing order and kinetics, organic solvent, stirring speed, and organic: aqueous phase mixing ratio on the particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) of the nanoparticles were investigated. The obtained NC dispersion had a small particle size (Z-average particle diameter (Zave) < 100 nm), uniform size distribution (polydispersity index (PDI) < 0.2), and relatively good stability (Zeta potential is about −30 mV). And a series of Surelease® nanocomposites incorporated with various content of NC nanoparticles were fabricated via a facile solution casting/solvent evaporation method. The micromorphology, chemical structure, thermal properties, and water vapor sorption behavior of the nanocomposites were systematically investigated by Field scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, Differential scanning calorimetry, Thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic vapor sorption technology. The results show that the nanocomposites have good resistance to moisture absorption (<3 %) and effective thermal properties.

Green Nanobioinsecticide of a Brazilian endemic plant for the Aedes aegypti control

The search for sustainable alternatives for larval control of the Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito, the vector that transmits Dengue Fever, is urgently needed in tropical and subtropical regions. This work aims to realize the chemical characterization of the essential oil from Xylopia ochrantha Mart. Leaves, prepare a stable nanoemulsion, and determine its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) and larvicidal activity against the 3rd instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. Aerial dried parts of Xylopia ochrantha were collected at Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park (Brazil), and the essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical characterization was done by gas chromatography, revealing germacrene D (17.8%), bicyclogermacrene (17.4%), and δ-elemene (13.9%) as the major compounds. The nanoemulsion prepared by the low-energy method presented a droplet size of 75.56 nm, a polydispersion index of 0.271, and a relative hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of 14.22. The LC50 was 192.5 μg/mL within 48 h against the 3rd instar Ae. Aegypti larvae. This study concluded that the nanoemulsion obtained from the essential oil of X. ochrantha leaves proved helpful for controlling this vector, which is responsible for causing diseases with a great impact on public health. Moreover, it gives visibility to the restinga, an important ecosystem. It points to the possibility of developing environmentally friendly products to help solve significant public health problems.

Chloroplast/thylakoid-rich material: A possible alternative to the chemically synthesised flow enhancer polyglycerol polyricinoleate in oil-based systems

Chloroplasts are abundant organelles in a diverse range of plant materials; they are predominantly composed of multicomponent thylakoid membranes which are lipid and protein rich. Intact or unravelled thylakoid membranes should, in principle, have interfacial activity, but little has been published on their activity in oil-in-water systems, and nothing on their performance on an oil continuous system. In this work different physical methods were used to produce a range of chloroplast/thylakoid suspensions with varying degrees of membrane integrity. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that pressure homogenisation led to the greatest extent of membrane and organelle disruption compared to less energy intensive preparation methods The ability of the derived materials to modulate the flow behaviour of a chocolate model system (65% (w/w) sugar/ sunflower oil (natural amphiphiles removed) suspension) was investigated by acquiring rheological parameters. All chloroplast/thylakoid preparations reduced yield stress, apparent viscosity, tangent flow point and cross over point in a concentration-dependent fashion, although not as significantly as polyglycerol polyricinoleate applied at a commercially relevant concentration in the same chocolate model system. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed presence of the alternative flow enhancer material at the sugar surfaces. This research reveals that low-energy processing methods that do not extensively disrupt thylakoid membranes are applicable to generating materials with marked capacity to affect the flow behaviour of a chocolate model system. In conclusion, chloroplast/thylakoid materials hold strong potential as natural alternatives to synthetic rheology modifiers for lipid-based systems such as PGPR.

Understanding Imbibition Mechanisms of Catanionic Surfactant–Stabilized Nanoemulsion for Enhanced Oil Recovery in Tight Sandstone Reservoirs: Experimental and Numerical Assessment

Summary Surfactant-induced imbibition is considered a promising method for increasing oil recovery from tight oil reservoirs beyond primary production. Nanoemulsion (nE) offers a great potential for this application owing to its unique physicochemical properties, such as kinetic stability, large surface area, and low oil-aqueous interfacial tension (IFT). Herein, we designed and prepared a series of surfactant-stabilized oil-in-water (O/W) nE using efficient catanionic surfactants by a low-energy method. The physicochemical properties of the nE samples were comprehensively characterized to better perform experimental and numerical simulations and constrain the modeling. We conducted imbibition tests on Chang 7 tight cores using nE and brine and also assessed the imbibition dynamics. Results indicated that nE was successfully synthesized at a surfactant concentration ranging from 0.4 to 1.0 wt%. The oil droplets in nE had a mean size of 10 nm. All the nE samples were able to lower the oil-aqueous IFT to an ultralow level of 10–3 mN/m. In addition, nE demonstrated superior capacities in wettability alteration, and oil solubilization and emulsification, which were all integrated into numerical modeling. The imbibition oil recovery was increased by 18.8% of the initial oil in place when nE1 (0.4 wt%) was used compared to that of brine. Because of the interactions among oil, nE, and rock surface, nE required a longer time to reach imbibition equilibrium than brine. The simulation results, for the first time, suggested that the dominant imbibition mechanisms of nE varied with time, during which IFT reduction and wettability alteration played the leading roles in the first 50 hours. The reactions of oil solubilization and emulsification became significant after 50 hours and then contributed equally to the oil recovery with IFT reduction and wettability alteration. The diffusion of nanosized oil droplets increased the equilibrium time of imbibition, thereby promoting the ultimate oil recovery.

EFEITO DO ÓLEO DE Moringa oleífera SOBRE O PATÓGENO PISCÍCOLA Saprolegnia parasítica

Moringa oleifera is a plant with great potential for this purpose, due to its antimicrobial properties. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the action of M. oleifera seed oil on the fungus Saprolegnia parasitica, which causes the most important fungal disease in freshwater fish. For this purpose, the seeds were collected from the pods in a ripe state and submitted to a cold extraction process via mechanical press. A strain of the S. parasitica was used as test culture by the bioanalytical method "in vitro" on BDA (Potato, Dextrose and Agar) medium. The oil was emulsified by the low energy method, with surfactant and water, and poured onto the plates with medium at the concentrations of the treatments. The experiment was conducted in a randomized design with 5 treatments (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0 mL/L), all with 5 repetitions, maintained at a temperature of 24°C. The plates were observed every 24 hours for 96 hours for mycelial growth measurement. By 48 hours, a reduction in growth was observed at 0.25mL/L, intensifying at levels of 0.5; 0.75, and 1.0mL/L. In 72 hours, the control treatments and the 0.25mL/Ltreatment did not differ, but were different from the other treatments. However, after 96 hours all reached full extension. Therefore, M. oleifera seed oil shows fungistatic activity on the fungus S. parasitica at concentrations higher than 0.25mL/L.

Ferulic acid-loaded polymeric nanoparticles prepared from nano-emulsion templates facilitate internalisation across the blood-brain barrier in model membranes.

A hydroxycinnamic acid derivative, namely ferulic acid (FA) has been successfully encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). FA-loaded polymeric NPs were prepared from O/W nano-emulsion templates using the phase inversion composition (PIC) low-energy emulsification method. The obtained PLGA NPs exhibited high colloidal stability, good drug-loading capacity, and particle hydrodynamic diameters in the range of 74 to 117 nm, depending on the FA concentration used. In vitro drug release studies confirmed a diffusion-controlled mechanism through which the amount of released FA reached a plateau at 60% after 6 hours-incubation. Five kinetic models were used to fit the FA release data as a function of time. The Weibull distribution and Korsmeyer-Peppas equation models provided the best fit to our experimental data and suggested quasi-Fickian diffusion behaviour. Moderate dose-response antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of FA-loaded PLGA NPs were demonstrated using the DPPH˙ assay achieving inhibition activities close to 60 and 40%, respectively. Cell culture studies confirmed that FA-loaded NPs were not toxic according to the MTT colorimetric assay, were able to internalise efficiently SH-SY5Y neuronal cells and supressed the intracellular ROS-level induced by H2O2 leading to 52% and 24.7% of cellular viability at 0.082 and 0.041 mg mL-1, respectively. The permeability of the NPs through the blood brain barrier was tested with an in vitro organ-on-a-chip model to evaluate the ability of the FA-loaded PLGA and non-loaded PLGA NPs to penetrate to the brain. NPs were able to penetrate the barrier, but permeability decreased when FA was loaded. These results are promising for the use of loaded PLGA NPs for the management of neurological diseases.