Low Polydispersity Research Articles

Lipid-core nanocapsules containing simvastatin do not affect the biochemical and hematological indicators of toxicity in rats.

Our research group previously studied the effectiveness of lipid-core nanocapsules (LNC) containing simvastatin (SV-LNC) in treating cognitive impairment in rats. While our results were promising, we needed to evaluate the potential toxicity of the nanoparticles themselves. This study aimed to compare the biochemical and hematological parameters of adult Wistar rats receiving LNC or SV-LNC to those receiving low doses of simvastatin crystals dispersed in a saline solution over 45days. We discovered that LNC and SV-LNC, which are both nanometers in size with low polydispersity index, negative zeta potential, and high SV encapsulation efficacy, were not more toxic than SV crystals based on various biochemical markers of hepatic, pancreatic, renal, mineral, bony, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, and uric acid damage. Furthermore, LNC exhibited no toxicity for hematological parameters, including red and white blood cell counts. Based on this animal model of toxicological study, our findings suggest that long-term administration of LNC is a safe and promising nanocarrier.

The influence of citrate buffer molarity in mRNA-LNPs: Exploring factors beyond general critical quality attributes

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are crucial in delivering mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. The properties of LNPs can be influenced by the choice of lipids and the manufacturing conditions, such as mixing parameters, lipid concentration, and the type and concentration of the aqueous buffer used. In this study, we investigated the impact of the citrate buffer molarity, the buffer commonly used to dissolve mRNA in the preparation of mRNA-LNPs. We prepared SM-102 LNPs containing firefly luciferase mRNA using citrate buffers at molarities of 50 mM, 100 mM, or 300 mM. Our findings revealed that varying the molarity of the citrate buffer did not significantly affect the particle size when considering the average diameter (z-average or Mode). All formulations exhibited low polydispersity index (PDI) and high encapsulation efficiency. Detailed analysis of particle size sub-populations (D10, D50, and D90) and morphology indicated that citrate buffer concentration might influence lipid packing during LNP production, though these differences were subtle. However, using higher citrate molarity (300 mM) to produce LNPs notably reduced cellular internalisation and in vitro transfection efficiency. This trend was also observed in vivo, where similar expression levels were noted in mice receiving the 50 mM and 100 mM LNP formulations, but lower expression was seen for the 300 mM formulation. Our study highlights the importance of buffer molarity in the aqueous phase during mRNA-based LNP preparation and that generally reported critical quality attributes (CQAs) for LNPs may not detect subtle formulation differences

In silico and in vivo evaluations of fisetin and fisetin-loaded nanosuspension on monoamine oxidase inhibition in Aβ(25-35) induced dementia in mice model

BackgroundAmyloid beta (Aβ) plaques on the extracellular matrix and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles comprise the key indicative pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Fisetin, an antioxidant bioactive compound having pharmacotherapeutic effects is applied by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) such as Toxicodendron vernicifum (Chinese lacquer tree), Cotinus coggygria Scop, Gan Shuang granulates and formula of Acacia catechu-Scutellariae Radix. Nevertheless, fisetin has constraints such as low oral bioavailability, insignificant aqueous solubility and high hepatic metabolisms. ObjectiveThis investigation aimed to envisage the effects of fisetin and its optimised nanoformulation on Aβ(25-35) desirous neurotoxicity in mice through deciphering inhibitory actions against monoamine oxidase A and B (MAO-A and B) enzymes following molecular docking. MethodsMolecular docking with MAO-A and B enzymes were accomplished by AMDock's integrated AutoDock Tools (ADT) scripts. For in vivo studies, fisetin nanosuspension was prepared by nanoprecipitation method and evaluated for standard characterization. 10 and 20 mg/kg of fisetin and 10 mg/kg of fisetin nanosuspension were given once daily to mice for 21 days. On the 15th day, the mice were challenged with Aβ(25–35) by intracerebroventricular injection (ICV) and behavioural tests (open field and elevated plus maze) were performed on the 20th day. Biochemical and histology were examined in brain tissues. ResultsFisetin docked to the catalytic positions of MAO-A and B, unveiling good binding scores and molecular interactions with amino acid residues for inhibition activities. Fisetin nanosuspension has average particle size (225.4 ± 2.95 nm) with low polydispersity index (0.19) and standard zeta potential (-19.13 ± 1.17 mV). Findings showed that fisetin increased locomotor activity and reduced anxiety-like behaviour. Fisetin and its nanosuspension significantly reduced the concentration of MAO-A (P < 0.01) and MAO-B enzymes suggesting a potential neuroprotection effect in Aβ peptide-induced amnesia in mice. ConclusionFisetin with optimized bioavailability, effectively exhibits neuroprotection through molecular interactions of MAO enzymes. Further investigations affidavits the neuroprotection through bidirectional pathways related to biogenic amines and their deamination on Aβ stress conditions.

Utilization of benzoic acid–based green deep eutectic solvents for the fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass

The fractionation of lignocellulose utilizing green solvents is essential for the effective operation of biorefineries. In this study, a deep eutectic solvent (DES) system composed of benzoic acid (BA, hydrogen bond donor) and choline chloride (ChCl, hydrogen bond acceptor) was fabricated and successfully applied to the lignocellulose fractionation. The DES has low toxicity and little pollution. In this system, 67.8 % of lignin and 91.2 % of hemicellulose in poplar were removed, leaving 95.8 % of cellulose intact as solid residue. Due to the removal of the amorphous components, crystallinity of cellulose-rich water-insoluble solid (CIS) substantially increased from 55.6 % to 68.6 %, and CIS was used as feedstock for nanocrystalline cellulose preparation with excellent properties. The results showed that the obtained lignin had similar properties to CEL by GPC, FT-IR, 2D-NMR and TGA. A high-purity lignin rich in G units was recovered with a well-preserved structure, which has β–O–4 linkage content up to 53.01 %, low molecular weight, low polydispersity (1.99). Finally, the hydrolyzate can be used for fermentation. This study demonstrated that BA is suitable for DES design with excellent properties on lignin extraction, and this promising DES enable efficient pretreatment for economically feasible biomass conversion. This ChCl-BA DES facilitates environmentally friendly production of functional materials derived from cellulose and lignin under mild conditions.

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYEPICHLOROHYDRIN DIOLS

Polyepichlorohydrin (PECH) is a functional polymer with high value in energy materials. Cationic ring-opening polymerization of epichlorohydrin (ECH) with a diol initiator and Lewis or protic acids catalyst, proceeds through an activated monomer mechanism (AM) allowing control of the polymer's average molecular weight and polydispersity index. In the present investigation, PECH diol was synthesized under the catalysis of boron trifluoride etherate, with the ECH monomer:ethylene glycol as an initiator molar ratio of 1:0.045, achieving a low molecular weight nM = 1935 g/mol, low polydispersity index PDI = 1.25, predominantly in the linear chain configuration with the terminal hydroxyl group.

Synthesis of gold nanoparticles using soybean byproducts: applications in catalysis

AbstractThis study demonstrates the feasibility of extracting lecithin from oil industry byproducts in an eco‐friendly manner, with minimal use of water and without harmful chemicals. Liposomes can be generated directly from this extracted lecithin, enhancing the value of these byproducts and enabling the production of catalytic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Thin‐layer chromatography of the extracted lecithin revealed a phospholipid composition primarily consisting of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine, and surface tension studies demonstrated similar behavior between the extracted and commercial lecithin. Liposome formation using sustainable lecithin (LPn) resulted in structures that were stable for at least 10 days, exhibiting a low polydispersity index (0.395) and uniform size (approximately 214 ± 7 nm). Gold nanoparticles were synthesized successfully in LPn loaded with [HAuCl4] by using different photoreduction methods: ultraviolet (UV) lamp, pulsed laser 355 nm, and sunlight irradiation. The AuNPs exhibited characteristic sizes (ranging from 5.03 to 6.78 nm) and optical properties typical of nanoparticles, including a distinct surface plasmon resonance. As a proof of concept, we also demonstrated that the synthesized AuNPs exhibited catalytic activity in UV‐induced cis‐trans isomerization reactions. Overall, the study highlights the potential of sustainable soy lecithin extraction for diverse applications, including nanoparticle synthesis and catalysis.

Formulation and characterization of cholesterol-based nanoparticles of gabapentin protecting from retinal injury.

This study aimed to prepare cholesterol and stearic acid-based solid lipid nanoparticles of gabapentin (GAB-SLNs) for protection against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced retinal injury in rats. We prepared four preparations of GAB-SLNs using a hot high-shear homogenization ultrasonication process, and the best formulation was selected and tested for biological activity. The retinal injury was brought in male adult albino rats while gabapentin doses continued for 6weeks. Six groups of rats were assigned as the vehicle, diabetic, diabetic + gabapentin (10-20mg/kg), and diabetic + GAB-SLNs (10-20mg/kg). GAB-SLN#2 was selected as the optimized formulation with high entrapment efficacy (EE%, 98.64% ± 1.97%), small particle size (185.65 ± 2.41nm), high negative Zeta potential (-32.18 ± 0.98mV), low polydispersity index (0.28 ± 0.02), and elevated drug release (99.27% ± 3.48%). The TEM image of GAB-SLN#2 revealed a smooth surface with a spherical shape. GAB-SLNs provided greater protection against retinal injury than free gabapentin as indicated by the histopathology data which demonstrated more organization of retinal layers and less degeneration in ganglion cell layer in rats treated with GAB-SLN#2. Further, GAB-SLN#2 reduced the inflammatory proteins (IL-6/JAK2/STAT3) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The preparation of GAB-SLNs enhanced the physical properties of gabapentin and improved its biological activity as a neuroprotectant. Further studies are warranted to validate this technique for the use of oral gabapentin in other neurological disorders.

Augmentation of antifungal activity of fluconazole using a clove oil nanoemulgel formulation optimized by factorial randomized D-optimal design.

In the present study, fluconazole (FLU) showed the highest solubility in clove oil and was selected as the oil phase for the FLU-loaded nanoemulsion (FLU-NE). Among the studied cosurfactants, Labrafac was better than ethanol at providing globules with acceptable sizes and a lower polydispersity index (PDI) when Tween 80 was the surfactant. This optimized FLU-NE was thermodynamically stable. Furthermore, FLU-NE stored at 40 ± 2°C and 75 ± 5% relative humidity for 6months demonstrated good stability. The FLU-NE was converted to a FLU-loaded nanoemulsion gel (FLU-NEG) using 2% w/v sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The FLU-NEG was acceptable in terms of visual appearance and spreadability. Rheological studies revealed pseudoplastic behavior for FLU-NEG. The viscosity of FLU-NEG decreased when the applied rpm was increased. FLU-NEG showed greater drug release than that from a FLU-GEL formulation. Furthermore, the FLU release from FLU-NEG followed the Higuchi model. The results from the in vitro antifungal evaluation of FLU-NEG on Candida albicans ATCC 76615 strain confirmed the increase in the antifungal activity of FLU by clove oil. Significant differences were observed in the zones of inhibition produced by FLU-NEG compared to those produced by the blank nanoemulsion gel (B-NEG), fluconazole suspension (FLU-SUS), and nystatin samples. Thus, the increase in the antifungal activity of FLU using clove oil as the oil phase in its nanoemulsion formulation was quite evident from our results. Therefore, the developed FLU-NEG could be considered a potential candidate for further preclinical and clinical studies.

Characterization and antibacterial application of peppermint essential oil nanoemulsions in broiler

In order to mitigate the risk of antibiotic resistance in poultry, scientists nowadays consider plant secondary metabolites to be a major organic antibacterial substitute. This study aimed to characterize and investigate the in silico, in vitro, and in vivo antibacterial effects of peppermint essential oil (PEO) in the form of a nanoemulsion (NE), termed PEONE. Menthol as a major compound of PEO has been identified by gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GCMS) analysis as 32.3 %, while lower droplet size, polydispersity Index (PDI), and optimum zeta potential values depicted the stability of PEONE have been observed and validated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrograph image. In silico antibacterial activity was studied by molecular docking of menthol and enrofloxacin with Topoisomerase IV protein (PDB: 1s16;) of Escherichia coli K12 MG1655 and this effect was validated by in vitro and in vivo analysis. In vitro analysis, sustained release of PEONE has been observed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In this study for in vivo experiments (n = 90) day-old broiler chicks were distributed into 6 dietary treatments with 5 replicates of 3 birds per replication. Dietary treatments included 1) Negative control (basal diet), 2) Positive control (basal diet + 200 µl enrofloxacin), 3) 25 µl PEONE + basal diet, 4) 50 µl PEONE + basal diet, 5) 75 µl PEONE + basal diet, and 6) 100 µl PEONE + basal diet. Analyzed data by different statistical tools confirmed that PEONE significantly affected body weight gain (BWG) with an improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. A significant increase in cecal Lactobacillus count and a decrease in total coliform was observed. Positive effects on physiological parameters, visceral organs, and meat quality characteristics have been observed. In conclusion, our experiments suggest that PEONE can be used in the broiler industry as a substitute for antibiotics to minimize bacterial resistance.

Biocompatible cationic 5-fluorouracil loaded elastic liposomes for ocular delivery: In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo evaluation

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is used to treat scleral and episcleral fibroblast proliferations (scarring process) in the eyes. Frequent washing of the conventional solution results in limited drug access to the eyes. Taguchi and central composite design (CCD) oriented optimized mucoadhesive cationic elastic liposomes were prepared and characterized. The optimized F-CEL8 (composed of 85 mg of dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine, 15 mg of sodium cholate, 10 mg of 5-FU, 7 mg of ethanol, and 883 mg of buffer) and its gel were studied for in vitro and ex vivo drug release profiles as compared to the drug solution and the liposomes. In vitro hemolysis and Draize studies corroborated safety concerns. An in vivo pharmacokinetics study was studied in rats. Each mL of F-CEL8 contained dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine (X1), sodium cholate, and ethanol to deliver 10 mg of 5-FU with optimal vesicle size, low polydispersity index (PDI), and high zeta potential (ZP). The %EE value of spherical F-CEL8 was quite high (82.3 ± 7.1 %) as compared to liposomes (∼53 %) due to the large volume of the inner aqueous chamber of vesicles. F-CEL8-gel exhibited relatively high viscosity for slow and sustained release for 24 h as compared to others. The percent permeation of 5-FU from the solution, F-CEL8, F-CEL8-gel, and the liposomes were found to be 28.6 ± 4.6 %, 69.6 ± 7.4 %, 76.89 ± 12.4 %, and 54.8 ± 5.3 %, respectively. All isotonic formulations did not exhibit hemolysis and irritation to the eyes. The gel illustrated the highest values of pharmacokinetics parameters as compared to the solution and the liposomes, which may be attributed to the maximum residence time achieved through electrostatic interaction (the vesicle internalization with the mucosal layer of eyes).

Preparing a Phytosome for Promoting Delivery Efficiency and Biological Activities of Methyl Jasmonate-Treated Dendropanax morbifera Adventitious Root Extract (DMARE).

(1) Background: Methyl jasmonate-treated D. morbifera adventitious root extract (MeJA-DMARE), enriched with phenolics, has enhanced bioactivities. However, phenolics possess low stability and bioavailability. Substantial evidence indicates that plant extract-phospholipid complex assemblies, known as phytosomes, represent an innovative drug delivery system. (2) Methods: The phytosome complex was created by combining MeJA-DMARE with Soy-L-α-phosphatidylcholine (PC) using three different ratios through two distinct methods (co-solvency method: A1, A2, and A3; thin-layer film method: B1, B2, and B3). (3) Results: Initial evaluation based on UV-Vis, entrapment efficiency (EE%), and loading content (LC%) indicated that B2 exhibited the highest EE% (79.98 ± 1.45) and LC% (69.17 ± 0.14). The phytosome displayed a spherical morphology with a particle size of 210 nm, a notably low polydispersity index of 0.16, and a superior zeta potential value at -25.19 mV. The synthesized phytosome exhibited superior anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting NO and ROS production (reduced to 8.9% and 55.1% at 250 μg/mL) in RAW cells and adjusting the expression of related inflammatory cytokines; they also slowed lung tumor cell migration (only 2.3% of A549 cells migrated after treatment with phytosomes at 250 μg/mL), promoting ROS generation in A549 cell lines (123.7% compared to control) and stimulating apoptosis of lung cancer-related genes. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, the MeJA-DMARE phytosome offers stable, economically efficient, and environmentally friendly nanoparticles with superior inflammation and lung tumor inhibition properties. Thus, the MeJA-DMARE phytosome holds promise as an applicable and favorable creation for drug delivery and lung cancer treatment.

Optimizing Desmostachya bipinnata-derived platinum nanoparticles for enhanced antibacterial and biofilm reduction

This study presents the green synthesis and comprehensive characterization of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) using Desmostachya bipinnata (Db) extract, incorporated into two innovative mouthwash formulations (MW1 and MW2). UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed the successful synthesis of PtNPs, with distinct absorption peaks between 250 and 600 nm. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups, critical for the bioreduction and stabilization of PtNPs. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) revealed uniformly dispersed, spherical nanoparticles with a size range of 10–20 nm, while dynamic light scattering (DLS) confirmed a hydrodynamic diameter of 10–30 nm and a low polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.238, indicating excellent stability. Both formulations exhibited robust antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-plaque properties, with MW2 showing superior efficacy, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as a notable 70 % reduction in biofilm formation and a 60 % plaque reduction within 2 h of treatment. The study underscores the potential of Desmostachya bipinnata-derived PtNPs as a promising alternative to conventional mouthwash, offering enhanced antimicrobial efficacy, biofilm disruption, and plaque prevention, alongside excellent stability and biocompatibility for oral healthcare applications.

Green synthesis of polyphenol-grafted lignin nanoparticles and their application as sustainable anti-acne, antioxidant, and UV-blocking agents

Acne is a persistent infectious skin condition primarily caused by Propionibacterium acne that affects 80 % of teenagers. The rise of antibiotic resistance in P. acnes has led to an increasing interest in exploring alternative antimicrobial agents. This study explored the effects of natural polyphenol (gallic and tannic acid)-grafted lignin nanoparticles on P. acnes and other pathogens causing skin infections. The process involved functionalizing lignin by grafting with gallic acid and tannic acid using laccase, followed by mechanical homogenization to synthesize lignin-gallic acid (LGAL-NPs) and lignin-tannic acid (LTAL-NPs) nanoparticles. LGAL-NPs and LTAL-NPs exhibited average low polydisperse particles of less than 60 nm and increased total phenolic content. Testing against P. acnes, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis showed that the nanoparticles had an MIC of 0.625 mg/mL. The effectiveness of LGAL-NPs and LTAL-NPs against acne-causing bacteria was attributed to their high phenolic content and nanosize. Furthermore, studies on the mechanism of action have revealed the interaction of LGAL-NPs with bacterial surfaces, destabilization of membranes, increase in ROS levels, and reduction of metabolic activity. Molecular docking results indicated that these nanoparticles effectively inhibited bacterial growth and compromised their pathogenic abilities by targeting and disrupting key virulence factors. Additionally, these nanoparticles exhibited antioxidant and UV-protecting properties, making them potentially useful in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries for developing skincare products. Their natural, low toxicity, cost-effective nature, and eco-friendly attributes make them a sustainable option for skincare applications.

Silver and Copper Nanoparticles Hosted by Carboxymethyl Cellulose Reduce the Infective Effects of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli:F4 on Porcine Intestinal Enterocyte IPEC-J2.

Zero-valent copper and silver metals (Ms) nanoparticles (NPs) supported on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were synthesized for treating Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli fimbriae 4 (ETEC:F4), a major cause of diarrhea in post-weaned pigs. The antibacterial properties of Cu0/CMC and Ag0/CMC were assessed on infected porcine intestinal enterocyte IPEC-J2, an in vitro model mimicking the small intestine. The lower average particle size (218 nm) and polydispersity index [PDI]: 0.25) for Ag0/CMC, when compared with those of Cu0/CMC (367 nm and PDI 0.96), were explained by stronger Ag0/CMC interactions. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Ag0/CMC were lower in both bacteria and IPEC-J2 cells than those of Cu0/CMC, confirming that silver nanoparticles are more bactericidal than copper counterparts. IPEC-J2, less sensitive in MNP/CMC treatment, was used to further investigate the infective process by ETEC:F4. The IC50 of MNP/CMC increased significantly when infected IPEC-J2 cells and ETEC were co-treated, showing an inhibition of the cytotoxicity effect of ETEC:F4 infection and protection of treated IPEC-J2. Thus, it appears that metal insertion in CMC induces an inhibiting effect on ETEC:F4 growth and that MNP/CMC dispersion governs the enhancement of this effect. These results open promising prospects for metal-loaded biopolymers for preventing and treating swine diarrhea.

Ultrasound-assisted fabrication of chitosan-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose nanoemulsions loaded with thymol and cinnamaldehyde: Physicochemical properties, stability, and antifungal activity

This study investigated the influence of chitosan (CH) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (H), along with ultrasound power, on the physicochemical properties, antifungal activity, and stability of oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions containing thymol and cinnamaldehyde in a 7:3 (v/v) ratio. Eight O/W formulations were prepared using CH, H, and a 1:1 (v/v) blend of CH and H, both with and without ultrasonication (U). Compared to untreated samples, U-treated nanoemulsions had lower droplet sizes (433–301 nm), polydispersity index (0.42–0.47), and zeta potential (−0.42–0.77 mV). The U treatment decreased L* and b* values, increased a* color attribute values, and increased apparent viscosity (0.26–2.17) at the same shear rate. After 28 days, microbiological testing of nanoemulsions treated with U showed counts below the detection limits (< 2 log CFU mL−1). The U-treated nanoemulsions exhibited stronger antifungal effects against R. stolonifer, with the NE/CH-U and NE/CH-H-U formulations demonstrating the lowest minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations, measured at 0.12 and 0.24 μL/mL, respectively. On day 28, U-treated nanoemulsions demonstrated higher ionic, thermal, and physical stability than untreated samples. These findings suggest that the stability and antifungal efficacy of polysaccharide-based nanoemulsions may be improved by ultrasonic treatment. This study paves the way for innovative, highly stable nanoemulsions.

A structural, magnetic and colloidal stability study of uncoated and silica coated iron oxide samples prepared in two different surfactants

The discovery of new magnetic materials of interest in the biomedicine field is a relevant topic in current research. For years, our research group has been investigating the obtaining and study of nanostructured magnetic samples that behave superparamagnetically to enable their transport in living organisms. We present here a study that summarizes the structural characteristics, magnetic behavior and stability of two Fe3O4 samples synthesized by coprecipitation that were dispersed using two different surfactants (oleylamine, OL, and oleic acid, OA), and two others prepared from the previous ones by reaction with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The relationships between the surfactant used in the synthesis, the presence of a certain maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) content, the influence of silica shell thickness and magnetic behaviour of all samples were systematically studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Mössbauer spectroscopy and H vs. M loops. Rietveld refinements of the XRD profiles confirmed a partial oxidation of the non-silica-coated samples and FTIR spectra of the uncoated samples showed a very strong broad metal-oxygen band and additional sets of bands from the different organic chains of the two surfactants. Individual particles with a mean diameter of 7 and 9 nm were distinguished in TEM images of uncoated magnetic samples. Mössbauer data indicated the presence of non-stoichiometric magnetite in all samples, in agreement with XRD refinements. Magnetic measurements confirmed the superparamagnetic behavior of all the samples. Highest negative zeta potential values are found for the silica covered samples in both acidic and basic medium, being Fe3O4-AO@SiO2 the best suited for the purposes of its dispersibility in future applications. Low polydispersity index (PDI) values confirmed the best stability and dispersibility of all samples investigated in tetrahydrofuran (THF).

Advancing coenzyme Q10 delivery with plant protein-based nanoparticle-mediated nanosuspensions

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) possesses significant health-promoting potential, yet its oral delivery encounters obstacles stemming from its distinctive physicochemical characteristics, such as poor solubility, sensitivity to environmental factors and low bioaccessibility. To overcome these challenges, we developed high-payload CoQ10 nanosuspensions (CQ@SPNP, CQ@RPNP, and CQ@WPNP) using plant-based protein nanoparticles (NPs) derived from soybean (SPNP), rice (RPNP), and walnut (WPNP). The nanosuspensions include spherical particles, characterized by small particle size (<230 nm), low polydispersity (PDI < 0.15), and a high zeta potential (<−44 mV). CoQ10 loading capacity exceeded 70.3 %, with an encapsulation efficiency of over 77.4 %. CoQ10 interacted with plant protein-based NPs via hydrophobic effect without losing its crystal structure. Moreover, SPNP, RPNP, and WPNP significantly increased the stability of CoQ10 nanosuspensions against light, heat, long-term storage, and in vitro digestion. In particular, CQ@WPNP exhibited the highest stability and CoQ10 bioaccessibility post-digestion. The observed increases in stability and bioaccessibility were closely related to the specific NPs utilized. This study highlights the potential of plant protein-based NPs in addressing challenges of CoQ10 delivery, offering a promising approach to improve its efficacy.

Is Low Polydispersity Always Beneficial? Exploring the Impact of Size Polydispersity on the Microstructure and Rheological Properties of Graphene Oxide.

Graphene oxide (GO) is a promising material widely utilized in advanced materials engineering, such as in the development of soft robotics, sensors, and flexible devices. Considering that GOs are often processed using solution-based methods, a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental characteristics of GO in dispersion states becomes crucial given their significant influence on the ultimate properties of the device. GOs inherently exhibit polydispersity in solution, which plays a critical role in determining the mechanical behavior and flowability. However, research in the domain of 2D colloids concerning the effects of GO's polydispersity on its rheological properties and microstructure is relatively scant. Consequently, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how GO's polydispersity affects these critical aspects remains a pressing concern. In this study, we aim to investigate the dispersions and structure of GOs and clarify the effect of polydispersity on the rheological properties and yielding behavior. Using a rheometer, polarized optical microscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering, we found that higher polydispersity in the same average size leads to overall improved rheological properties and higher flowability during yielding. Thus, our study can be beneficial in the employment of polydispersity in the processing of GO such as 3D printing and fiber spinning.

Kinetics and scale inhibition application studies towards bulk and RAFT copolymerization of maleic anhydride and acrylic acid

Poly(maleic anhydride) (PMA) is commonly reckoned as a better water scale inhibitor than poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) since each maleic anhydride unit can supply two carboxylic acid groups. However, pure PMA is difficult to achieve because the steric effect of its monomer MA. Herein, we synthesize copoly(MA-AA) copolymer by bulk polymerization method (bulk-copoly(MA-AA)), which avoids the use of any solvents which have to be removed afterwards. In addition, we also synthesize copoly(MA-AA) by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization method to afford RAFT-copoly(MA-AA) with low polydispersity index (PDI) less than 1.2, and the performance of RAFT-copoly(MA-AA) in water scale inhibition is more excellent relative to bulk-copoly(MA-AA). We also synthesize other copoly(MA-AA) copolymers by varying the molar ratio of MA to AA to study the polymerization mechanism. Through the static scale inhibition experiment, it is concluded that when the concentration of copoly(MA-AA) is 80 mg/L, the scale inhibition performance of RAFT-copoly(MA-AA) can reach 96.50 % which is the best among the control samples. It is also found that only 1:1 alternating copolymerization of MA and AA could be achieved as demonstrated by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of the copolymers, evidencing the strong steric hindrance of MA for its homo-polymerization.

Box–Behnken design for the development of fluconazole-loaded classical ethosomes

Introduction: Ethosomes are soft and flexible vesicles mainly composed of phospholipids, ethanol and water. The presence of a high amount of ethanol ensure deeper drug penetration; however, an optimal formulation is necessary. This study aims to develop and characterize Fluconazole loaded classical ethosomes using Box-Behken design, in order to achieve to an optimal formulation having a minimal vesicle size, low polydispersity index, high zeta potential and good entrapment efficiency (% EE). Methods: Fluconazole ethosomes were prepared using cold method and tested for vesicle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and EE%. Box-Behken design was created using Design Expert® Software, where the impact of sonication time and amount of ethanol and soybean lecithin on resulting formulation were investigated. Results: It was determined that increasing the concentration of ethanol up to an optimized limit reduces vesicle size and improves % EE. It was also observed that soybean lecithin concentrations affected positively vesicle size but negatively % EE. Whereas sonication time had an inverse effect both on, vesicle size and EE%. All prepared formulations showed a low polydispersity index and a good zeta potential indicating homogeneity and high stability. Therefore, the optimal formulation had % EE of 80.05±0.306 % and vesicular size of 226.501±5.34 nm with polydispersity index of 0.487±0.0078. Conclusion: In summary, using Box-Behnken design can enhance the understanding of the correlations between the variables involved in ethosome formation and their effects on vesicle size, polydispersity index and % EE. The optimal formulation obtained can be incorporated into drug delivery systems to enhance skin permeation and antifungal activity.