Spherical Architecture Research Articles

Enhancing the electrochemical characteristics of P2-Na0.7Mn0.6Cu0.3Cr0.1O2 cathode materials through morphological manipulation: assessment of rate capability and coulombic efficiency

Abstract Manganese-based layered oxides are regarded as an excellent cathode material for Na-ion batteries. These materials are susceptible to phase transitions, which result in structural instability and constrain their reversible capacity. Layered self-assembled microsphere-type cathodes Na0.7Mn0.6Cu0.3Cr0.1O2 were developed to modify the efficiency of sodium-ion batteries through a technique focused on controlling morphology. The incorporation of organic compounds such as benzoic acid employs molecular design techniques to modify intermolecular interactions and increase the spacing between layers. The self-assembled layered spherical architecture enhances the interface between the cathode and electrolyte, thereby markedly boosting the transport efficiency of sodium ions. Based on the cathode for batteries, it demonstrates a substantial initial capacity of 200.26 mAh g-1 at a current density of 26 mA g-1 within the voltage amount of 1.5-4.1 V, with a capacity retention of 82.69% after 100 cycles.

Hyaluronic acid/lactoferrin–coated polydatin/PLGA nanoparticles for active targeting of CD44 receptors in lung cancer

Traditional chemotherapeutic drugs lack optimal efficacy and invoke severe adverse effects in cancer patients. Polydatin (PD), a phytomedicine, has gradually gained attention due to its antitumor activity. However, its low solubility and poor bioavailability are still cornerstone issues. The present study aimed to fabricate and develop hyaluronic acid/lactoferrin–double coated PD/PLGA nanoparticles via a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique for active targeting of CD44 receptors in lung cancer. Different molecular weights (M.wt.) of HA (32 and 110 kDa) were exploited to study the relationship between the HA M.wt. and the NPs targeting efficacy. The optimized formulations were fully characterized. Their cytotoxicity and cellular uptake were investigated against A549 cell line by CCK-8 kit and fluorescence imaging, respectively. Finally, HA110/Lf-coated PD/PLGA NPs (F9) were subjected to a competitive inhibition study to prove internalization through CD44 overexpressed receptors. The results verified the fabrication of F9 with a particle size of 174.87 ± 3.97 nm and a zeta potential of −24.37 ± 1.19 mV as well as spherical NPs architecture. Importantly, it provoked enhanced cytotoxicity (IC50 = 0.57 ± 0.02 µg/mL) and superior cellular uptake efficacy. To conclude, the current investigation lays the foundation for the prospective therapeutic avenue of F9 for active targeting of CD44 receptors in lung cancer.

Design of Aggregation‐Induced Emissive Multiwalled Tubules for Efficiently Sequential Light Harvesting

AbstractIn the endeavor to mimic natural light‐harvesting systems (LHSs), a persistent challenge has been the tendency of synthetic materials to adopt spherical architectures rather than the desired multitubular structures found in nature. In this study, a novel carboxylbetaine‐type zwitterionic surfactant with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) properties is designed. By coassembling with anionic surfactants, multiwalled tubules comprising bilayer membranes ≈5 nm thick are successfully constructed. With AIE fluorophores densely packed at the center, their AIE properties are triggered to serve as an efficient antenna for light harvesting and energy transfer. This facilitated high antenna effects via energy transfer from cyan fluorescent donor to yellow fluorescent acceptor and then to red fluorescent acceptor. Additionally, the emission color can be adjusted from blue to red by manipulating the donor/acceptor/acceptor ratio, with pure white‐light emission achievable at specific ratios. This achievement not only realizes the construction of efficient sequential LHSs but also offers inspiration for the future design of artificial multitubular systems.

Engineering ion diffusion and electron transfer dual pathways within porous spherical H1.6Mn1.6O4 for highly efficient Li+ separation

Efficient and selective electrochemical lithium adsorption from liquid resources is crucial for sustainable lithium extraction and purification. However, the sluggish Li+ diffusion kinetics often lag behind electron transfer rates, hindering the overall adsorption efficiency in capacity and kinetics. This work addresses this challenge by introducing a tunable porous spherical architecture in H1.6Mn1.6O4 adsorbent particles. The Li+ diffusion coefficient (DLi+) enhanced from 1.32 × 10-12 cm2/s to 3.61 × 10-12 cm2/s, the solution resistance (Rs) decreased from 28.88 ohm to 25.30 ohm, the charge transfer resistance (Rct) decreased from 31.04 ohm to 30.40 ohm, and the desolvation activation energy (Ea) reduced from 10.81 kJ/mol to 9.81 kJ/mol. Consequently, the optimized porous spherical H1.6Mn1.6O4 demonstrates superior adsorption capacity and adsorption kinetics, exceeding 24.23 mg/g at 180 min, which is 1.26 times that of the dense spherical counterpart (19.28 mg/g). The simulation calculations of Li+ diffusion highlight the pivotal role of the porous structure in accelerating internal Li+ diffusion, thereby significantly contributing to the enhanced overall adsorption efficiency of H1.6Mn1.6O4. This work emphasizes the significance of synergistically optimizing ion diffusion channels and electron transfer paths for enhancing electrochemical processes and provides a path for constructing similar pore structures in various ion–electron-related applications.

Enhancing Structural Integrity, Optical Properties, and Room Temperature Formaldehyde Sensing Through Optimized Spray Deposition Rates

This study explores the impact of deposition rate on the properties of TiO2 thin films produced via spray pyrolysis, focusing on their application in gas sensors. The analysis covers structural, morphological, optical, and gas sensing characteristics of TiO2 films deposited at rates between 1 and 2.5 ml min−1. Studies show optimizing TiO2 film deposition rates at 2 ml min−1 significantly enhances formaldehyde detection, improving selectivity and achieving a rapid response of 7.52 at 20 ppm concentration. This study underscores the pivotal role of deposition rate optimization in augmenting the gas-sensing efficacy of TiO2 films, particularly for formaldehyde detection at ambient conditions. Optimal deposition rates are instrumental in enhancing sensor performance. The synergistic application of XRD and Raman spectroscopy unequivocally confirmed the presence of the TiO2 anatase phase, which is of paramount significance in gas sensing applications. FESEM furnished high-resolution insights into the surface morphology, revealing a spherical architecture. Furthermore, UV–vis spectroscopy was employed to assess the optical band gap of the films, which exhibited a decrement correlating with the rate of deposition. Notably, a deposition rate of 2 ml min−1 markedly improved the TiO2 films’ sensing performance. These insights are critical for developing cost-effective, high-performance gas sensors for cutting-edge applications.

Rational construction of perylenequinone annulated porphyrins via cycloaddition reactions

Acenequinone-fused porphyrins show remarkable long wavelength absorption, low-lying LUMO orbital and uniform π,π-stacking, enabling the potential applications as opto-electronic materials and catalysts. At present, the synthesis of large quinone fused porphyrins remains challenging. To address this, the cycloaddition reactions of naphthoquinone-fused porphyrin (Ni4NQ), followed by oxidative aromatization, have been employed. Through Diels-Alder reaction with perylenes in the presence of chloranil, a series of perylenequinone-fused porphyrins (1Ni–4Ni) have been synthesized with an overall yield above 70 %. Later, the tri-adduct 3Ni underwent 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with nitrile oxide and the following DDQ oxidation to outcome the unsymmetrical tetra-adduct 5Ni. Although the peripheral perylenequinones fusion in 1Ni–4Ni has limited impact on the absorption with respect to the naphthoquinone-fused counterpart Ni4NQ, introduction of an isoxazole via 1,3-cycloaddition (5Ni) leads to a bathochromic Q band. This result has been rationalized by theoretical calculations. Additionally, the incorporation of perylenequinone units gives rise to intense intermolecular π,π-stacking and CH-π interactions within the crystal packing. The self-assembly behavior using a good/bad solvent strategy are structural dependence. The tri-perylenequinone-fused porphyrins 3Ni formed spherical architecture, while tetraperylenequinone-fused porphyrin 4Ni afforded cubic or petal-type assemblies.

Acoustic Levitation Synthesis of Ultrahigh‐Density Spherical Nucleic Acid Architectures for Specific SERS Analysis

AbstractControllably regulating the electrostatic bilayer of nanogold colloids is a significant premise for synthesizing spherical nucleic acid (SNA) and building ordered plasmonic architectures. We develop a facile acoustic levitation reactor to universally synthesize SNAs with an ultra‐high density of DNA strands, which is even higher than those of various state‐of‐the‐art methods. Results reveal a new mechanism of DNA grafting via acoustic wave that can reconfigure the ligands on colloidal surfaces. The acoustic levitation reactor enables substrate‐free three‐dimentional (3D) spatial assembly of SNAs with controllable interparticle nanogaps through regulating DNA lengths. This kind of architecture may overcome the plasmonic enhancement limits by blocking electron tunneling and breaking electrostatic shielding in dried aggregations. Finite element simulations support the architecture with 3D spatial plasmonic hotspot matrix, and its ultrahigh surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) capability is evidenced by in situ untargeted tracking of biomolecular events during photothermal stimulation (PTS)‐induced cell death process. For biomarker diagnosis, the conjugation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) aptamer onto SNAs enables in situ targeted tracking of ATP during PTS‐induced cell death process. Particularly, the CD71 receptor and integrin α3β1 protein on PL45 cell membrance could be well distinguished by label‐free SERS fingerprints when using specific XQ‐2d and DML‐7 aptamers, respectively, to synthesize SNA architectures. Our current acoustic levitation reactor offers a new method for synthesizing SNAs and enables both targeted and untargeted SERS analysis for tracking molecular events in living systems. It promises great potentials in biochemical synthesis and sensing in future.

Acoustic Levitation Synthesis of Ultrahigh-Density Spherical Nucleic Acid Architectures for Specific SERS Analysis.

Controllably regulating the electrostatic bilayer of nanogold colloids is a significant premise for synthesizing spherical nucleic acid (SNA) and building ordered plasmonic architectures. We develop a facile acoustic levitation reactor to universally synthesize SNAs with an ultra-high density of DNA strands, which is even higher than those of various state-of-the-art methods. Results reveal a new mechanism of DNA grafting via acoustic wave that can reconfigure the ligands on colloidal surfaces. The acoustic levitation reactor enables substrate-free three-dimentional (3D) spatial assembly of SNAs with controllable interparticle nanogaps through regulating DNA lengths. This kind of architecture may overcome the plasmonic enhancement limits by blocking electron tunneling and breaking electrostatic shielding in dried aggregations. Finite element simulations support the architecture with 3D spatial plasmonic hotspot matrix, and its ultrahigh surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) capability is evidenced by in situ untargeted tracking of biomolecular events during photothermal stimulation (PTS)-induced cell death process. For biomarker diagnosis, the conjugation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) aptamer onto SNAs enables in situ targeted tracking of ATP during PTS-induced cell death process. Particularly, the CD71 receptor and integrin α3β1 protein on PL45 cell membrance could be well distinguished by label-free SERS fingerprints when using specific XQ-2d and DML-7 aptamers, respectively, to synthesize SNA architectures. Our current acoustic levitation reactor offers a new method for synthesizing SNAs and enables both targeted and untargeted SERS analysis for tracking molecular events in living systems. It promises great potentials in biochemical synthesis and sensing in future.

Characterization and immunological effect of outer membrane vesicles from Pasteurella multocida on macrophages

Pasteurella multocida is an important bacterial pathogen that can cause diseases in both animals and humans. Its elevated morbidity and mortality rates in animals result in substantial economic repercussions within the livestock industry. The prevention of diseases caused by P. multocida through immunization is impeded by the absence of a safe and effective vaccine. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) secreted from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria are spherical vesicular structures that encompass an array of periplasmic components in conjunction with a diverse assortment of lipids and proteins. These vesicles can induce antibacterial immune responses within the host. P. multocida has been shown to produce OMVs. Nonetheless, the precise characteristics and immunomodulatory functions of P. multocida OMVs have not been fully elucidated. In this study, OMVs were isolated from P. multocida using an ultrafiltration concentration technique, and their morphology, protein constitution, and immunomodulatory properties in RAW264.7 cells were studied. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) revealed that the OMVs exhibited typical spherical and bilayered lipid vesicular architecture, exhibiting an average diameter of approximately 147.5 nm. The yield of OMVs was 2.6 × 1011 particles/mL. Proteomic analysis revealed a high abundance of membrane-associated proteins within P. multocida OMVs, with the capability to instigate the host’s immune response. Furthermore, OMVs stimulated the proliferation and cellular uptake of macrophages and triggered the secretion of cytokines, such as TNF-ɑ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β1. Consequently, our results indicated that OMVs from P. multocida could directly interact with macrophages and regulate their immune function in vitro. These results supported the prospective applicability of P. multocida OMVs as a platform in the context of vaccine development.Key points• Preparation and characterization of P. multocida OMVs.• P. multocida OMVs possess a range of antigens and lipoproteins associated with the activation of the immune system.• P. multocida OMVs can activate the proliferation, internalization, and cytokine secretion of macrophages in vitro.

Persistent Targeting DNA Nanocarrier Made of 3D Structural Unit Assembled from Only One Basic Multi-Palindromic Oligonucleotide for Precise Gene Cancer Therapy.

Construction of a simple, reconfigurable, and stimuli-responsive DNA nanocarrier remains a technical challenge. In this contribution, by designing three palindromic fragments, a simplest four-sticky end-contained 3D structural unit (PS-unit) made of two same DNA components is proposed. Via regulating the rotation angle of central longitudinal axis of PS-unit, theorientedassembly of one-component spherical architecture is accomplished with high efficiency. Introduction of an aptamer and sticky tail warehouse into one component creates a size-change-reversible targeted siRNA delivery nanovehicle. Volume swelling of 20 nm allows one carrier to load 1987 siPLK1s. Once entering cancer cells and responding to glutathione (GSH) stimuli, siPLK1s are almost 100% released and original size of nanovehicle is restored, inhibiting the expression of PLK1 protein and substantially suppressing tumor growth (superiorto commercial transfection agents) in tumor-bearing mice without systemic toxicity.

Gint4.T-siHDGF chimera-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles encapsulating temozolomide for synergistic glioblastoma therapy

Due to glioblastoma (GBM) being the most intractable brain tumor, the continuous improvement of effective treatment methods is indispensable. The combination of siRNA-based gene therapy and chemotherapy for GBM treatment has now manifested great promise. Herein, Gint4.T-siHDGF chimera-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) encapsulating chemotherapy drug temozolomide (TMZ), termed as TMSN@siHDGF-Gint4.T, is developed to co-deliver gene-drug siHDGF and TMZ for synergistic GBM therapy. TMSN@siHDGF-Gint4.T possesses spherical nucleic acid-like architecture that can improve the enzyme resistance of siHDGF and increase the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability of the nanovehicle. The aptamer Gint4.T of chimera endows the nanovehicle with GBM cell-specific binding ability. When administered systemically, TMSN@siHDGF-Gint4.T can traverse BBB and enter GBM cells. In the acidic lysosome environment, the cleavage of benzoic-imine bond on MSN surface leads to an initial rapid release of chimera, followed by a slow release of TMZ encapsulated in MSN. The sequential release of siHDGF and TMZ first allows siHDGF to exert its gene-silencing effect, and the downregulation of HDGF expression further enhances the cytotoxicity of TMZ. In vivo experimental results have demonstrated that TMSN@siHDGF-Gint4.T significantly inhibits tumor growth and extends the survival time of GBM-bearing mice. Thus, the as-developed TMSN@siHDGF-Gint4.T affords a potential approach for the combination treatment of GBM.

Enzyme-loaded rod-like microgel shapes: a step towards the creation of shape-specific microreactors for blood detoxification purposes.

Rapid removal of toxic substances is crucial to restore the normal functions of our body and ensure survival. Due to their high substrate specificity and catalytic efficiency, enzymes are unique candidates to deplete toxic compounds. While enzymes display several limitations including low stability and high immunogenicity, these can be overcome by entrapping them in a diverse range of carriers. The resulting micro/nanoreactors shield the enzymes from their surroundings, preventing their misfolding or denaturation thus allowing them to conduct their function. The micro/nanoreactors must circulate in the blood stream for extended periods of time to ensure complete depletion of the toxic agents. Surprisingly, while it is widely acknowledged that non-spherical carriers exhibit longer residence time in the bloodstream than their spherical counterparts, so far, all the reported micro/nanoreactors have been assembled with a spherical architecture. Herein, we address this important issue by pioneering the first shape-specific microreactors. We use UV-assisted punching to create rod-like microgel shapes with dimensions of 8 μm × 1 μm × 2 μm and demonstrate their biocompatibility by conducting hemolysis and cell viability assays with a macrophage and an endothelial cell line. Upon encapsulation of the model enzyme β-lactamase, the successful fabrication of rod-shaped microreactors is demonstrated by their ability to convert the yellow nitrocefin substrate into its hydrolyzed product.

Urea-Assisted Synthesis of Microspherical Hollow CeO2 Nanostructures for Supercapacitor Applications

In the present work, cerium oxide (CeO2), the most abundant and least expensive rare earth metal oxide with the capability of rapid conversion between the oxidation states of Ce+3 and Ce+4, is synthesized via a urea-assisted solvothermal method in methanol. Along with its role as a precipitating agent, urea reacted with methanol and thus initiated a series of organic reactions which are responsible for the formation of spherical layered assembly of cerium oxide leading to a multi-layered structure with high porosity. The morphology and chemical structure of the material are investigated using SEM, TEM, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy. The porous and spherical architecture achieved here enhanced the surface area, active sites, and electrical conductivity and also introduced more diffusion pathways at the electrode/electrolyte interface, which collectively improved the performance of CeO2 as a supercapacitor electrode material. The outstanding redox characteristics of CeO2 are explored in supercapacitor applications, and the electrode exhibited a specific capacitance of 319.68 F/g at a current density of 0.5 A/g in a three-electrode configuration which proved the excellence of the present CeO2 microspheres in the field of energy storage applications.

Ferrocene/ β-cyclodextrin based supramolecular nanogels as theranostic systems

A supramolecular redox responsive nanogel (NG) with the ability to sense cancer cells and loaded with a releasing therapeutic agent was synthesized using hostguest interactions between polyethylene glycol-grafted-β-cyclodextrin and ferrocene boronic acid. Cyclic voltammetry matched with other spectroscopy and microscopy methods provided strong indications regarding host-guest interactions and formation of the NG. Moreover, the biological properties of the NG were evaluated using fluorescence silencing, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and cell toxicity assays. Nanogel with spherical core-shell architecture and 100–200 nm sized nanoparticles showed high encapsulation efficiency for doxorubicin (DOX) and luminol (LU) as therapeutic and sensing agents. High therapeutic and sensing efficiencies were manifested by complete release of DOX and dramatic quenching of LU fluorescence triggered by 0.05 mM H2O2 (as an ROS component). The NGs showed high ROS sensitivity. Taking advantage of a high loading capacity, redox sensitivity, and biocompatibility, the NGs can be used as strong theranostic systems in inflammation-associated diseases.

Design of 3D graphene‐Ni microsphere based polymeric composites for highly efficient and absorption‐dominated electromagnetic interference shielding performance

AbstractThe development of polymeric composites that possess both exceptional electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) and high absorption capacity has always been appealing, yet it continues to pose a significant challenge. To this end, we disclose a hollow and spherical shielding unit that could achieve “absorption‐reflection‐attenuation” process for incident electromagnetic (EM) wave, which was fabricated through decorating Ni nanoparticles onto rGO hollow microspheres by virtue of Pickering emulsification method followed by thermal annealing. With integrated magnetic and electric parts, the consequent shielding composite by assembling these microspheres into PDMS displayed not only a favorable EMI SE of 44 dB across the entire x‐band, but also significantly improved absorption performance that has exceeded 95% of the total SE. Moreover, the power coefficient of absorption (A) is up to 0.73 at the pyrolysis temperature of 550°C. Such admirable performance is mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of conductive rGO walls, magnetic Ni nanoparticles, as well as the unique spherical architecture, which has enabled more efficient capture and attenuation of EM waves. Herein, this research has highlighted the development of polymeric composites for high‐performance EMI shielding applications.Highlights Reflection‐absorption‐integrated shielding compartment was designed. Decorating magnetic Ni nanoparticles onto rGO hollow microspheres. High EMI SE with enhanced absorption ability was acquired. Unique structure generating synergistic effect on EMI shielding

Membranes with surficial spherical nanoarchitecture – Material importance in emulsion formulation by premix membrane emulsification

Premix membrane emulsification (PME), commonly utilized for the high-throughput manufacturing of sized-controlled emulsion droplets and microparticles with low energy inputs, was applied to the formulation of the emulsion with potential use in cosmetics. It was revealed that membrane material significantly impacts the quality and stability of the emulsion. Membrane materials with spherical (3D) architecture were generated by the chemical attachment of chitosan to the activated and silanized PVDF matrix. Hydrophobic (HB) and hydrophilic (HL) PVDF were used as starting materials. For the first time, hydrophilic PVDF was applied for such functionalization. The systematical study of wettability, surface charge, and physicochemistry was performed and referred to the quality and stability of the emulsion. It was found, that hybrid membranes HB-chitosan were the most effective, joining hydrophobic surface with hydrophilic domains. Owing to the unique structure, the mentioned material was the most promising, considering the transport features, stability, and physicochemical properties. Due to the production of highly stable emulsions their potential in the formulation of cosmetic products is pointed out. The collected results allow to fill the scientific gap identified in the literature on the lack of research focusing on the droplet break-up in PME and the correlation between membrane features and emulsion formulation effectiveness. Such correlation was deliberated and supported with the comprehensive experimental study.

3D hollow spheres comprising MXene/g-C3N4 heterostructre for efficient polysulfide adsorption and conversion in high-performance Li-S batteries

Suppressing the lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) shuttle and facilitating ion and charge transport in the electrode component resulting in effective sulfur conversion, is essential for the efficient functioning of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have substantial sulfur loading. In this study, a multifunctional cathode material based on a three-dimensional MXene and g-C3N4 hollow spheres framework was designed. This design aimed to create a conductive Platform with high absorptive and catalytic capability that would boost the performance of Li-S batteries in practical operating conditions. At the electrode level, the 3D hollow spherical architecture offers a large surface area to achieve high sulfur loading, preserves structure integrity in the electrode over significant volume changes of sulfur species, and facilitates diffusion of Li+ and electrolyte flow. At the molecular level, the pyridinic structure of g-C3N4 and the MXene conductive platform allows for fast sulfur conversion. The cathode, consisting sulfur ratio of 80%, exhibits a remarkable primary specific capacity of 1350.6 mAhg−1 at 0.1C. It retains 877.2 mAhg−1 after 100 cycles, showing a 65.2% retention rate. Furthermore, it exhibits exceptional electrochemical properties in terms of rate performance, giving a capacity of 632.5 mAhg−1 at a current of 4C. Our findings may have future technological consequences since they may speed the development of cost-effective and more efficient electrode materials for Li-S batteries.

Precursor template-induced egg white-derived peptides self-assembly for the enhancement of curcumin: Structure, environmental stability, and bioavailability

Natural multicomponent peptides with abundant bioactivity, varied sizes, and tunable interaction potential are available for rational designing novel self-assembled delivery carriers. Herein, we exploited zein-hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (Z-HA NPs) with a predetermined ordered structure as precursor templates to induce the self-assembly of egg white-derived peptides (EWDP) to generate stable spherical architectures for the enhancement of curcumin (Cur). The resulting Z-EWDP-HA NPs encapsulated hydrophobic Cur through robust hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions with high encapsulation efficiency (97.38% at pH 7.0). The NPs presented superior Cur aqueous solubility, redispersibility, and photothermal stability. More importantly, the self-assembled EWDP could exert synergistic antioxidant activity with Cur and enhance the bioaccessibility of Cur. Meanwhile, the favorable biocompatibility and membrane affinity of EWDP further prolonged residence and time-controlled release feature of Cur in the small intestine. Precursor template-induced multicomponent peptides' self-assembly provides an efficient and controllable strategy for co-enhanced bioactivity and self-assembly capacity of peptides, which could dramatically broaden the functionalization of multicomponent peptides hydrolyzed from natural food proteins.

Microstructural and micromechanical modeling of gum-gelatin-based soft tissue engineering scaffolds

Oral and dental diseases, including periodontal disease, are among the most common conditions in the field of dentistry. The best treatment for this complication is the use of different polymers and multi-component biological tissue prepared through the freeze-drying technique. In this study, biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, namely polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and gelatin (GN), were used for this purpose, along with Arabian gum-hydroxyapatite (HA) for its antibacterial properties. Arabian gum, with weight percentages of 0, 2, 4, and 6 wt%, was added to the polyvinyl alcohol-gelatin composition at −55 °C for 28 h in the freezer and 48 h at −45 °C under a pressure of 0.01 mbar. The resulting porous biological tissue, with four different ratios, was tested for mechanical and biological analysis in a physiological solution. Then, the samples were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique to study the morphology and structure of the compounds before and after placement in biological solutions. Additionally, a wettability and antibacterial test were performed on the nanocomposite specimen. The SEM observations reveal that this method can create a porous structure with a porosity of about 30–50 μm with a spherical and circular architecture, which was further improved by the addition of gum, reducing the percentage of porosity and improving the tissue's tensile strength and elastic modulus. The porosity changes showed a decrease from 72 % to 60 %, and the tensile strength increased from 53.5 kPa to 76 kPa, resulting in an elastic modulus of 510 kPa to 800 kPa. The addition of gum also reduced the rate of destruction of the biological tissue, making it more suitable for soft tissue applications. The obtained results of the pH test showed that the concentration changes were neutral. The contact angle of water droplets was measured to determine hydrophilicity, indicating an improvement in hydrophilicity after the addition of gum. The results showed that the use of PVA and gelatin, due to their ductility and suitable mechanical properties, along with Arabian gum-HA, could accelerate the healing process of dental periodontal problems.

Unraveling the pharmaceutical and clinical relevance of the influence of syringic acid loaded linoleic acid transferosomes on acne

Natural medicines are promising platforms for competent topical treatment modalities benefiting the cosmetic implementation and proffering solutions to the current remedies. Therefore, the objective of this study was to formulate syringic acid (SA), well-known for its multilateral anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials, in newly developed linoleic acid (LA) transferosomes as an anti-acne nano-form remedy. Herein, LA was incorporated in transferosomes owing to its antimicrobial effect and dermal penetrability. Comprehensive appraisal through physicochemical, antioxidant and dermal deposition investigations was conducted. Clinical assessment was also performed in acne patients and compared with the marketed product (Adapalene® gel). The relevant investigations of the optimum formula indicated stable vesicles with a small-sized diameter (147.46 nm), surface charge (-26.86 mV), spherical architecture, reasonable entrapment (76.63%), considerable antioxidant activity (IC50 = 11.1 µg/mL) and remarkable skin deposition (78.72%).More importantly, LA based transferosomes enclosing SA exhibited inflammation lessening in acne sufferers as manifested by greater reduction in the total count of the acne lesions reaching 79.5% in contrast to Adapalene® gel with only 18.7% reduction in acne lesions. Interestingly, no irritation and erythema were reported for the proposed transferosomes. Inclusively, the cosmetic formulation practice could reap benefits of the development of such vesicles.