Monodisperse Research Articles

Modified release, enriched biocompatibility, and enhanced oral bioavailability as precious features of nitrofurantoin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles

Nitrofurantoin (NTF) is a first-line therapy for treating urinary tract infections. However, gastric upset, short half-life, and poor bioavailability of NTF are major challenges for clinical use. Hence, the current work incorporated NTF in polymeric nanoparticles (NPs).NTF-loaded NPs (NTF-NPs) were prepared using Eudragit RS100 (RS100), DL-lactide/glycolide copolymer (PLGA), and their mixture at a ratio of 1:1 w/w (RS100/PLGA) as polymers. Pluronic F68, Tween 80, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were applied as stabilizers. The particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and entrapment efficiency were determined. Three optimized formulations of NPs; F3, F13, and F29 were selected for further coating with Eudragit L100 (L100) and Eudragit S100 (S100). The optimized NPs and the corresponding coated ones were evaluated for solid-state characterization, morphology, and in vitro release. L100-coated F13 (LCF13) was further investigated for biocompatibility with normal oral epithelial cell (OEC) and Vero cell lines. A pharmacokinetic study using a rat model was also conducted.The results revealed that Tween 80 and PVA-stabilized NPs accomplished a nano-sized range with polymer- and stabilizer-dependent PDI and ZP. Optimized formulations: F3, F13, and F29 were selected for further coating where PS and PDI values not exceeding 260 nm and 0.502, respectively. The coated NPs had negative ZP ranging from −11.00 ± 2.70 to −40.20 ± 1.40 mV, attributable to the L100 or S100 coating. The solid-state characterization confirmed a transition of NTF to amorphousness. The spherical shape with the distinctive halo-like appearance of the coated NPs was proved. Additionally, the coating warranted a prolonged release of NTF especially for LCF13 avoiding the burst effect. Allowing enriched biocompatibility, LCF13 showed an IC50 value of 224.00 ± 9.20 μM for the OEC cell line, whereas a greater IC50 exceeding 300 μM was recognized for the LCF13-treated Vero cell line. After a single oral dose, LCF13 could provide a discernible increase in the extent of absorption (Du∞ = 863.31 ± 73.71 μg) with a significant extension of the absorption rate (tmax and t1/2 of 3 and 2.51 ± 0.317 h, respectively).LCF13 could be considered a controlled and safe nanocarrier that delivered significantly higher levels of NTF for a longer duration than NTF dispersion.

Microencapsulation for the delivery of terazosin hydrochloride: design, development, and characterization

The aim of the work. Terazosin HCL, which is a selective alpha-1 antagonist, has been recommended for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia-related medical conditions, including hypertension and urinary tract disorders. The purpose of this research was to create microparticles that would have a prolonged release of terazosin hydrochloride (TZ). However, TZ is a medicine that is readily soluble and has a high capability of dissolving in water. Materials and methods. A validated HPLC method was established to assess TZ. The TZ microparticles were produced using the process of melt dispersion by utilising cetyl palmitate (CP), myristic acid (MA), Glycerol monostearate 4055 (type II) or Kolliwax® GMS II (GMS), polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) as a plasticizer, and tween 80 as a stabilizing agent. Different formulations of TZ microparticles were evaluated with regard to particle size, zeta potential, and release, and morphological scanning was performed. Results. A zeta potential that falls between -22.9 and -29.4 mV is possessed by TZ microparticles. Furthermore, the size of TZ microparticles falls between 2.11 and 5.60 µm, and the polydispersity index (PDI) was between 0.24 to 0.41. In addition, the formula (F4) that included CP, GMS, PEG 400, and Tween 80 in the proportions of 0.8:0.2:1:0.5 had the highest zeta potential (ZP) and dissolved more than 85 % of TZ after 8 hours. Therefore, F4 was chosen for the purpose of conducting morphological research. Conclusion. Employing the use of CP, GMS, PEG 400, and Tween 80 in a ratio of 0.8:0.2:1:0.5 could result in the generation of microparticles of TZ that are the most acceptable

Hepato-renal protective impact of nanocapsulated Petroselinum crispum and Anethum graveolens essential oils added in fermented milk against some food additives via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: In silico and in vivo studies

The study assessed the efficacy of parsley and dill essential oils (EOs) nanocapsules incorporated into fermented milk in hepato-renal protection against specific food additives. A molecular docking assay was conducted between parsley and dill EOs bioactive molecules and inflammatory cytokines. Freeze-dried parsley and dill EOs nanocapsules were developed, characterized for their morphological structure, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index and encapsulation efficiency and assessed in fast green dye and sodium benzoate (SB) combination-treated rats. The docking results revealed that the primary constituents of parsley and dill EOs (apiol, myristicin, α-pinene, (−)-carvone, and d-limonene) interacted with the active sites of TNF-α, IL-1β and TGF-1β cytokines with hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions. D-limonene had the highest binding affinity (6.4 kcal/mol) for the TNF-α. Apiol and myristicin had the highest binding affinity (5.1, 5.0, 5.0 and 5.0 kcal/mol, respectively) for the IL-1β and TGF-β1 receptors. Biochemically and histopathologically, the excessive co-administration of fast green and SB revealed adverse effects on the liver and the kidney. Whereas the treatment with parsley and dill EOs nanocapsules afford hepato-renal protective effects as manifested by suppression the elevated liver and kidney functions. Parsley and dill EOs nanocapsules showed a significant reduction of the liver (64.08 and 80.5 pg/g, respectively) and kidney (59.3 and 83.6 pg/g, respectively) ROS. Moreover, parsley and dill EOs nanocapsules down-regulated the liver and the kidney inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β and TGF-1β) and lipid peroxidation and up-regulated the antioxidant enzymes. In conclusion, the data suggest a potential hepato-renal protective effects of parsley and dill EOs nanocapsules.

Phytochemical-Based Nanoantioxidants Stabilized with Polyvinylpyrrolidone for Enhanced Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities.

Despite the inhibitory effect of phytoncide (Pht) on food-borne pathogenic bacterial growth, the hydrophobic nature and susceptibility to biodegradation under physiological conditions limits its applications. Here, we developed Pht-loaded polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) micelles (Pht@PVP MC) via micelle packing. Pht was solubilized using different types of PVP as micellar vehicles. The as-prepared Pht@PVP MCs were characterized using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The sizes of the Pht@PVP MCs were controlled from 301 ± 51 to 80 ± 3 nm by adjusting the PVP content. The polydispersity index of Pht@PVP MC was between 0.21 ± 0.03 and 0.16 ± 0.04, indicating homogeneous size. A colony-counting method was employed to evaluate the improvement in antibacterial activity after Pht encapsulation in PVP micelles. The reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging activity and anti-inflammatory efficacy of Pht@PVP MC were analyzed in a concentration range of 10-100 μg/mL by evaluating in vitro ROS and nitric oxide levels using DCFDA and Griess reagents. PVP with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties improved the aqueous solubility of Pht and stabilized it via steric hindrance. Higher-molecular-weight PVP at higher concentrations resulted in a smaller hydrodynamic diameter of Pht@PVP MC with uniform size distribution. The spherical Pht@PVP MC maintained its size and polydispersity index in a biological buffer for 2 weeks. Pht@PVP MC exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity compared to bare Pht. The growth of Staphylococcus aureus was effectively inhibited by Pht@PVP MC treatment. Furthermore, biocompatible Pht@PVP MC exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. Overall, Pht@PVP MC is an effective alternative to synthetic antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory chemicals.

Enhancement of oxidative stability of camelina oil via Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum/sodium alginate–based microcapsules loaded with Echinacea purpurea (L.) extract

Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum (AHSG) and sodium alginate (SA) were utilized as wall materials for the microencapsulation of Echinacea purpurea extract via spray drying. Furthermore, effect of microcapsules on the oxidative stability of camelina oil was assessed over a 30-day storage period. The results showed that with an increase in AHSG concentration, the particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of emulsions decreased, while their viscosity, and stability increased. Microcapsules prepared with AHSG alone exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (90.70 %), loading efficiency (40.70 %), and water solubility (88.47 %), but the lowest moisture content (1.45 %), water activity (0.31), wettability (198 s), and hygroscopicity (13.50 g/100 g). Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed a spherical and smooth surface for AHSG alone-based microcapsules. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that certain chemical interactions occurred between the E. purpurea extract and wall materials. By incorporating AHSG/SA-based microcapsules containing E. purpurea extract into camelina oil, the peroxide value (increasing from 1.79 to 5.12 meq∙O2/kg) and anisidine value (increasing from 1.63 to 7.09) were maintained during the 30-day storage period. In conclusion, the microcapsules prepared with AHSG alone showed significant potential for encapsulating E. purpurea extract and subsequently enhancing oxidative stability of camelina oil, comparable to TBHQ.

Exopolysaccharide from Leuconostoc mesenteroides XR1: Yield optimization, partial characterization and properties

The production conditions of exopolysaccharide (EPS) from Leuconostoc mesenteroides XR1 were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Maximum EPS yield was 56.59 ± 0.51 g/L under fermentation conditions with 2.6 g/L ammonium citrate, initial pH 6.5 and temperature 23 °C, which was 6.21-fold greater than the EPS yield before optimization. Characterization of the chain conformation using Congo red test and circular dichroism (CD) showed that EPS exhibited a random coil structure in aqueous solution. The CD results revealed that the EPS concentration altered its hydrogen-bond interactions and chirality, but did not change its chain conformation. The average polydispersity index (PDI) of the EPS solution was only 27.16 %, indicating that it was uniformly distributed in the aqueous solution with high stability. The degradation temperature of EPS was 253.11 °C, indicating high thermal stability. EPS possessed the ability to scavenge activities of free radicals and was protective against oxidative stress-induced plasmid DNA damage. In addition, stable hydrogels could be formed at EPS concentrations above 5 % (w/v). These results collectively showed that EPS can be used commercially as an antioxidant and drug delivery carrier.

Development and optimization of a self micro-emulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) for co-administration of sorafenib and curcumin.

In this study, we developed a novel co-administration of curcumin and sorafenib using a Self micro-emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SMEDDS) called Sorafenib-Curcumin Self micro-emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SOR-CUR-SMEDDS). The formulation was optimized using star point design-response surface methodology, and in vitro cellular experiments were conducted to evaluate the delivery ratio and anti-tumor efficacy of the curcumin and sorafenib combination. The SOR-CUR-SMEDDS exhibited a small size distribution of 13.48 ± 0.61nm, low polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.228 ± 0.05, and negative zeta potential (ZP) of - 12.4 mV. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the SOR-CUR-SMEDDS was 3-fold lower for curcumin and 5-fold lower for sorafenib against HepG2 cells (human hepatocellular carcinoma cells). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and particle size detection confirmed that the SOR-CUR-SMEDDS droplets were uniformly round and within the nano-emulsion particle size range of 10-20nm. The SMEDDS were characterized then studied for drug release in vitro via dialysis membranes. Curcumin was released more completely in the combined delivery system, showing the largest in vitro drug release (79.20%) within 7 days in the medium, while the cumulative release rate of sorafenib in the release medium was low, reaching 58.96% on the 7day. In vitro pharmacokinetic study, it demonstrated a significant increase in oral bioavailability of sorafenib (1239.88-fold) and curcumin (3.64-fold) when administered in the SMEDDS. These findings suggest that the SMEDDS formulation can greatly enhance drug solubility, improve drug absorption and prolong circulation in vivo, leading to increased oral bioavailability of sorafenib and curcumin.

Design of experiment (DoE) of mucoadhesive valproic acid-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for potential nose-to-brain application

Epilepsy is a highly prevalent neurological disease and valproic acid (VPA) is used as a first-line chronic treatment. However, this drug has poor oral bioavailability, which requires the administration of high doses, resulting in adverse effects. Alternative routes of VPA administration have therefore been investigated, such as the nose-to-brain route, which allows the drug to be transported directly from the nasal cavity to the brain. Here, the use of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) to encapsulate drugs administered in the nasal cavity has proved advantageous. The aim of this work was to optimise a mucoadhesive formulation of VPA-loaded NLC for intranasal administration to improve the treatment of epilepsy. The Design of Experiment (DoE) was used to optimise the formulation, starting with component optimisation using Mixture Design (MD), followed by optimisation of the manufacturing process parameters using Central Composite Design (CCD).The optimised VPA-loaded NLC had a particle size of 76.1 ± 2.8 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.190 ± 0.027, a zeta potential of 28.1 ± 2.0 mV and an encapsulation efficiency of 85.4 ± 0.8%. The in vitro release study showed VPA release from the NLC of 50 % after 6 h and 100 % after 24 h. The in vitro biocompatibility experiments in various cell lines have shown that the optimised VPA-loaded NLC formulation is safe up to 75 µg/mL, in neuronal (SH-SY5Y), nasal (RPMI 2650) and hepatic (HepG2) cells. Finally, the interaction of the optimised VPA-loaded NLC formulation with nasal mucus was investigated and mucoadhesive properties were observed. The results of this study suggest that the use of intranasal VPA-loaded NLC may be a promising alternative to promote VPA targeting to the brain, thereby improving bioavailability and minimising adverse effects.

Novel embelin-loaded transniosomes for topical delivery: comprehensive exploration of in vitro, ex vivo and dermatokinetic assessment for anti-cancer activity.

This study systematically designed and optimised a transniosomal formulation containing embelin for skin cancer management. The transniosomes were developed using a rotary evaporation method and then optimised using a Box-Behnken design. The optimized embelin-loaded transniosomes (Opt-EMB-TNs) exhibited a vesicle size of 149.01 nm, polydispersity index of 0.184, a zeta potential of -21.14 mV, an entrapment efficiency of 75.6 ± 0.65%, drug loading of 3.36 ± 0.03% and drug release of 80.88 ± 2.55%. The antioxidant potential of Opt-EMB-TNs was found to be 88.54% when compared to standard ascorbic acid. Dermatokinetic studies showed a greater drug deposition in targeted skin areas with Opt-EMB-TN gel compared to the embelin conventional gel (EMB-CF gel). In addition, the penetration depth study of the skin sample revealed that the transniosomal gel containing rhodamine B dye exhibited higher penetration than that of the rhodamine B dye containing hydroalcoholic solution. The efficacy of Opt-EMB-TNs for skin cancer was confirmed by cytotoxicity assay against the B16F10 melanoma cell line. The study concluded that the Opt-EMB-TN gel formulation is a promising and effective topical treatment for skin cancer, demonstrating significant potential for further development and clinical application. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Selected Soluble Dietary Fibres as Replacers of Octenyl Succinic Anhydride (OSA) Starch in Spray-Drying Production of Linseed Oil Powders Applied to Apple Juice

The aim of the study was to compare two kinds of soluble dietary fibres in a mixture with OSA-starch as wall components of linseed oil capsules. Comparison was made based on emulsion (droplet size, polydispersity index, and viscosity) and powder properties (outer structure, colour, surface oil content, and encapsulation efficiency). Additionally, linseed oil powders were applied to the food model (apple juice) and the colour, physical stability, and volatile compound profile of fortified juice were determined. Although the obtained linseed oil emulsions with different compositions of polysaccharide components showed some variation in droplet size, polydisperse index and viscosity, their encapsulation efficiency by spray-drying was very high (>98%). The powders produced had a similar structure and low surface oil content, and their 2% addition to apple juice did not change its stability and only slightly decreased its colour lightness and yellowness. However, greater differences in the volatile compounds of obtained juices were observed. Overall, the added powders reduced the volatility of aroma compounds typical of apple juice but introduced propanal and hexanal, especially the powders with the highest OSA-starch share.

HER-2 Receptor and αvβ3 Integrin Dual-Ligand Surface-Functionalized Liposome for Metastatic Breast Cancer Therapy.

Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer metastasis remains the primary cause of mortality among women globally. Targeted therapies have revolutionized treatment efficacy, with Trastuzumab (Trast), a monoclonal antibody, targeting HER2-positive advanced breast cancer. The tumor-homing peptide iRGD enhances the intratumoral accumulation and penetration of therapeutic agents. Liposomes serve as versatile nanocarriers for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. Gefitinib (GFB) is a potential anticancer drug against HER2-positive breast cancer, while Lycorine hydrochloride (LCH) is a natural compound with anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. This study developed TPGS-COOH-coated liposomes co-loaded with GFB and LCH, prepared by the solvent injection method, and surface-functionalized with Trast and iRGD. The dual surface-decorated liposomes (DSDLs) were characterized for their particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), surface chemistry, surface morphology, and their crystallinity during in-vitro drug release, drug encapsulation, and in-vitro cell line studies on SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC-50) values of single decorated liposomes (SDLs), iRGD-LP, and Trast-LP, as well as DSDLs (iRGD-Trast-LP) on SK-BR-3 cells, were 6.10 ± 0.42, 4.98 ± 0.36, and 4.34 ± 0.32 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the IC-50 values of SDLs and DSDLs on MDA-MB-231 cells were 15.12 ± 0.68, 13.09 ± 0.59, and 11.08 ± 0.48 μg/mL, respectively. Cellular uptake studies using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) showed that iRGD and Trast functionalization significantly enhanced cellular uptake in both cell lines. The wound-healing assay demonstrated a significant reduction in SDL and DSDL-treated MDA-MB-231 cell migration compared to the control. Additionally, the blood compatibility study showed minimal hemolysis (less than 5% RBC lysis), indicating good biocompatibility and biosafety. Overall, these findings suggest that TPGS-COOH-coated, GFB and LCH co-loaded, dual-ligand (iRGD and Trast) functionalized, multifunctional liposomes could be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

A glance into factors affecting the possible combined entrapment of curcumin and methylene blue into niosomal formulations as a potential anticancer therapy

Niosomes are non-ionic surfactant vesicles that has successfully attracted a great deal of attention over the last few decades. The best ratio between main components is the key to creating the optimum formulations with substantial loading capacity. Therefore, this study investigated formulation factors that could affect the entrapment of two compounds with different solubilities, namely Methylene blue (MB) and curcumin (CUR) as model hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds, respectively. The aim was to propose an optimum formula to encapsulate both compounds as a potential hybrid anticancer therapy. The factors with potential influence on the entrapment efficiency (EE) included the type of the non-ionic surfactants (Span 60 versus Span 65), cholesterol to surfactant ratio, and the concentrations of the co-surfactant (Cremophor RH40). Niosomes were prepared by thin film hydration technique and downsized using probe sonicator. The morphology, vesicle size and polydispersity index (PDI) of the prepared vesicles were inspected. The data showed the superiority of Span 65 over Span 60 in terms of higher encapsulation efficiency for MB and CUR. The results reflected positive impact of cholesterol and Cremophor RH40 concentration on EE of the two compounds. The optimum composition of Span 65:cholesterol:Ccremophor RH40 was at the mol% ratio of 45:45:10, respectively, with EE of 91.19 % for CUR alone, 51.70 % for MB alone, and 45.32 %/84.40 % for combined MB/CUR loaded formulations. The vesicle size of the formulations after probe sonication, fall into the range of 100–200 nm, ideal for parenteral delivery to the target sites.

HSPiP and QbD oriented optimized stearylamine-elastic liposomes for topical delivery of ketoconazole to treat deep seated fungal infections: In vitro and ex vivo evaluations

The study explored stearylamine containing cationic elastic liposomes to improve topical delivery and efficacy of ketoconazole (KETO) to treat deeply seated fungal infections. Stearylamine was used for dual functionalities (electrostatic interaction and flexibility in lipid bilayer). Hansen solubility program (HSPiP) estimated Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) based on the SMILE file and structural properties followed by experimental solubility study to validate the predicted values. Various formulations were developed by varying phosphatidylcholine and surfactants (tween 80 and span 80) concentration. To impart cationic properties, stearylamine (1.0 %) was added into the organic phase. Using quality by design (QbD) method, we optimized the formulations and evaluated for vesicle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, morphology (scanning electron microscopy), in vitro drug release (%), and ex vivo permeation profiles. Result showed that there is a good correlation (0.65) between HSPiP predicted and actual experimental solubility of KETO in water, chloroform, S80, and tween 80. Spherical OKEL1 showed an established correlation between the predicted and the actual formulation parameters (size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index) (259 nm vs 270 nm, +2.4 vs 0.21 mV, and 0.24 vs 0.27). OKEL1 was associated with the highest value of %EE (83.1 %) as compared to liposomes. Finally, OKEL1 exhibited the highest % cumulative permeation (49.9 %) as compared to DS (13 %) and liposomes (25 %). Moreover, OKEL1 resulted in 4-fold increase in permeation flux as compared to DS which may be attributed to vesicular mediated improved permeation and gel based compensated trans epidermal water loss in the skin. The drug deposition elicited OKEL1 and OKEL1-gel as suitable carriers for maximum therapeutic benefit to treat deeply seated fungal infections.

Development of phytotherapeutic nanoformulation containing Gypsophila eriocalyx and its evaluation as a candidate formulation for osteoporosis treatment on human bone marrow stem cells.

Osteoporosis, one of the common bone diseases, manifests itself as a decrease in bone mass. Recently, the use of medicinal plants in the search for effective and low-toxicity therapeutics for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis has become a trending topic. In this study, we aim to prepare a controlled drug carrier system loaded with Gypsophila eriocalyx to determine its potential for anti-osteoporosis applications. Gypsophila eriocalyx extract (GEE) was prepared, and components were determined. The molecular interactions of the components with Cathepsin K (CatK), which is used as a target in drug development against osteoporosis, were revealed by in silico molecular docking and MD methods. ADMET profiles were also examined. GEE-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were synthesized. The nanoparticles' morphology, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, release profile, average size, polydispersity index, and zeta potentials were determined. The cytotoxic effects of GEE and GEE-loaded CNPs on the L929 and osteogenic proliferation profiles on human bone marrow stem cells (hBMC) were examined. The MD analysis revealed no breaks or atomic changes in the dynamic system, and the docking analysis confirmed the continued interaction of identical residues. It was determined that the GEE-loaded CNP formulation was produced successfully, had no toxic effect on the L929, and had an osteogenic proliferation effect on hBMC. In line with the in vitro and in silico results obtained, it was evaluated that GEE-loaded CNPs can be used as a controlled drug release system as a candidate formulation with phytotherapeutic properties for osteoporosis treatment.q1.

Preparation of tea saponin-cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsion and study of its inhibition of citrus fungi

In this study, tea saponin was used as an emulsifier to construct tea saponin-cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsion (TS-CNE) system by high-pressure homogenization nanotechnology. Preparation conditions of TS-CNE were optimized using single factor and response surface methods. The results showed that optimal TS-CNE had a particle size of 88.81 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.113 and 86.49% retention of cinnamaldehyde. TS-CNE was stored at 4 and 25 °C for 180 days and the nanosystem was stable. Antioxidant assay showed that TS-CNE had good radicals scavenging. Furthermore, antimicrobial assay showed that the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of TS-CNE was 1.95 mL/L against three pathogenic fungi (Penicillium italicum, Penicillium digitatum, and Geotrichum citri-aurantii) of citrus. TS-CNE (MFC and 10 × MFC) effectively suppressed disease development in citrus inoculated with the three fungi. Consequently, TS-CNE had good physicochemical properties and was a promising natural preservative for citrus.

Dyeing of polyacrylonitrile knitted fabric using liposomes

In this study, it was aimed to analyze the effects of liposomes on the dyeing of polyacrylonitrile fabrics. For this purpose, firstly liposome synthesis was carried out, and then liposome production was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Additionally, zeta potential measurements were carried out to see whether stable structures were formed. Then, a selected basic dye was encapsulated with a liposome and the possibilities of using these capsules as alternative to retarders in the dyeing of polyacrylonitrile fabrics were examined. According to results obtained, it can be said that the 1% solution of synthesized liposomes creates a more stable suspension with a polydispersity index of 0.472 and the average particle size of 165.2 nm. On the other hand, it has been revealed that if 1% liposome is used in dyeing, a kind of retarder effect can be achieved in the dyeing of polyacrylonitrile fabrics. Moreover, it can be said that the decrease in color efficiency, that is, the loss of yield, caused by the use of liposome at the end of dyeing is lower compared to the retarder. This is also a very important issue, because a good retarder is expected to slow down the dye uptake, but not reduce the dye intake too much at the end of the dyeing. Dyeing levelness (%) was found to be 96.1, 97.4, and 97.1 for dyeings without auxiliary, with 1% cationic retarder and with 1% liposome, respectively. Beyond this, no significant difference was observed in terms of fastness of dyeing.

Unravelling the nexus between structure, texture, and acoustic traits of fried chicken nuggets

SummaryTexture is a multi‐parameter attribute and one of the prime quality attributes of fried products. This study explored the nexus between microstructure and texture of fried breaded chicken nuggets. Chicken nuggets were deep‐fat fried (2, 4, 6, and 8 min) in canola oil at different frying temperature (170, 180, and 190 °C). Microstructure and texture of fried samples were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and acoustic‐mechanical texture analyser, respectively. Maximum force (Fmax), number of force peaks (NFP), area under force‐deformation plots (FA), sound pressure level (SPL), number of sound peaks (AUX), and area under amplitude‐time curves (SA) were used to describe the textural parameters. Microstructural indices (porosity, number of pores, average pore area, polydispersity index, and average shape factor) were estimated from the SEM images. Results revealed that, both the frying time and temperature were positively correlated with the mechanical (Fmax: 25–55 N, NFP: 05–74 N, FA: 6500–15 000 N.sec) and acoustic (SPL: 88–97 dB, AUX: 650–810 dB, SA: 380–405 dB.sec) parameters. Frying time and temperature significantly (P < 0.05) impacted the formation of micropores in fried chicken nuggets. Crust microporosity showed strong positive correlations (r = 0.82) with the AUX value. The NFP, SPL, and SA of the fried nuggets were significantly (P < 0.05) impacted by the crust microporosity. Crust porosity (10–30%), number of pores (8–400), average pore area (10–4000 μm2), polydispersity index (0.05–0.2), and average shape factor (0.8–1.1) of fried nuggets were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by both the frying time and temperature. Findings from this study would be useful in quality improvement and process monitoring including modelling of coated fried products.

Influencing Factors and Stimulus-Sensitivity of Chitosan/Polymethacrylic Acid (CS/PMAA) Nanogels as Nanocarriers

ABSTRACT Nanogel, nanosized hydrogel, can contribute to biomedical and pharmaceutical, especially in drug delivery, due to its enthralling properties. Small size, large surface area, hydrophilicity, and stimulus responsiveness of nanogel ameliorate tissue penetration, drug loading capacity, and targeted drug delivery. The current study prepared nanosized, pH-sensitive, biocompatible, and stable chitosan/polymethacrylic acid (CS/PMAA) based nanogels using MBA as a crosslinker and APS as an initiator. FTIR confirmed the reaction between functional groups to synthesize nanogels sufficiently in a spherical shape, as affirmed by a FESEM. DLS data revealed nanosized particles with a size range of 70–170 nm and a range of 6–13 for polydispersity index (PDI). A study showed that 2% of MBA crosslinker is sufficient to achieve the desired crosslinking in 60 minutes reaction time (RT) with nanogel size ~ 92 nm. Increasing RT from 30 to 80 minutes during nanogel synthesis demonstrated a decrease in nanogel sizes from 186–73 nm. Synthesized nanogels have shown pH sensitivity (stimuli responsiveness) in acidic and alkaline mediums with an increase in particle size in pH-2 (~144 nm) and pH-8 (~280 nm) compared to intermediate pHs. The pH sensitivity of nanogels by changing the size per the suspended medium’s pH is crucial for prolonged systemic circulation and targeted drug delivery. Moreover, nanogels have shown good colloidal stability with zeta potential (ZP) +28 mv in acidic and −38 mv alkaline mediums. DSC and XRD results demonstrated thermal stability and amorphous morphology of nanogels, respectively. BET surface analysis revealed the surface area of nanogels in the range of 65–68 cm2/g with an average pore size of 28–32 nm. In-vitro cytotoxicity in the L-929 cell line by MTT assay established the cell viability (>70%) after 24 hours of incubation, substantiating the non-toxicity and biocompatibility of nanogels as nanocarriers for drug delivery.

EpCAM aptamer-engineered, azadiradione-loaded, chemo-photo-responsive nano-erythroliposomes for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer

This research aimed to engineer azadiradione (AZ) and IR780-enabled, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (EpCAM) aptamer (Apt) grafted, targeted nano-erythroliposomes (Apt/Eryt/AZ/IR780) for chemo-photo combined treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Physicochemical characterization revealed average particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) of 106.8±3.76 nm and 0.176 ±0.03, respectively, and zeta potential of 28.75±0.65 mV. Compared to formulations that were not NIR triggered, ∼85 % of the AZ was released in 8 h from NIR-exposed formulation. EpCAM expression analysis unequivocally demonstrated that EpCAM levels were significantly elevated in 4T1 cells compared to MDA-MB-231 cells. Cellular uptake analysis revealed strong fluorescence intensity with Apt/Eryt/AZ/IR780 with NIR exposure compared to non-aptamer formulations. Dose-dependent MTT assay (100 mM, 150 mM, and 200 mM concentration of AZ) revealed that <20 % of cells survived after treatment with Apt/Eryt/AZ/IR780 and NIR exposure. The cell viability results were further validated by employing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation determination, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) inhibition, and Caspases-8 assay. In particular, 4T1 cells were found to be sensitive to AZ by decreasing MMP activity (∼17-fold reduction compared to control) and increasing Caspase-3 activity (∼544-fold enhancement compared to control). A hemocompatibility assay revealed a non-significant interaction (<0.9 %) of Apt/Eryt/AZ/IR780 with blood components. In addition, stability investigation for 30 days at 30±2 °C and 5±3 °C of Apt/Eryt/AZ/IR780. The findings revealed no significant change in average size (<8.5 %), zeta potential (<25 %), PDI (<20 %), and % of IR780 (<14 %) and AZ (<13 %) at 5±3 °C in 90 days.

Pea protein-coated nanoliposomal encapsulation of jujube phenolic extract with different stabilizers; characterization and in vitro release

Jujube, a fruit rich in phenolic compounds, is renowned for its potential health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, and exhibiting anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects, attributed to its potent antioxidant properties. However, the application of these phenolics in food products is limited by their instability and low concentration in plant tissues. This study investigates the nanoencapsulation of jujube extract (JE) using nanoliposomes (NLs) coated with pea protein isolate (PPI) to enhance stability and bioavailability. NLs were prepared via the ethanol injection method and optimized through comprehensive characterization, including dynamic light scattering, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. The encapsulated JE showed improved antioxidant activity and controlled release profiles in simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid. This research highlights the potential of PPI-coated NLs in stabilizing and enhancing the bioactivity of jujube phenolics, providing a promising approach for their integration into functional foods.