Polydispersity Index Values Research Articles

Chitosan-Hyaluronan Nanoparticles for Vinblastine Sulfate Delivery: Characterization and Internalization Studies on K-562 Cells.

In the present study, we developed chitosan/hyaluronan nanoparticles (CS/HY NPs) for tumor targeting with vinblastine sulfate (VBL), that can be directed to the CD44 transmembrane receptor, over-expressed in cancer cells. NPs were prepared by coating with HY-preformed chitosan/tripolyphosphate (CS/TPP) NPs, or by polyelectrolyte complexation of CS with HY. NPs with a mean hydrodynamic radius (RH) of 110 nm, 12% polydispersity index and negative zeta potential values were obtained by a direct complexation process. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images showed spherical NPs with a non-homogeneous matrix, probably due to a random localization of CS and HY interacting chains. The intermolecular interactions occurring between CS and HY upon NPs formation were experimentally evidenced by micro-Raman (µ-Raman) spectroscopy, through the analysis of the spectral changes of characteristic vibrational bands of HY during NP formation, in order to reveal the involvement of specific chemical groups in the process. Optimized NP formulation efficiently encapsulated VBL, producing a drug sustained release for 20 h. In vitro studies demonstrated a fast internalization of labeled CS/HY NPs (within 6 h) on K-562 human myeloid leukemia cells. Pre-saturation of CD44 by free HY produced a slowing-down of NP uptake over 24 h, demonstrating the need of CD44 for the internalization of HY-based NPs.

Synthesis of Lignosulfonate based Nanocarriers for the Delivery of Agrochemicals

Aims: The study's objective is to develop lignosulfonate-based nanocarriers as a UV protectant for agrochemical delivery
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Nano Science & Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The research was carried out between March 2021 and January 2022.
 Methodology: We demonstrate a straightforward approach for the solvent – anti-solvent conversion of lignosulfonate macromolecules from black liquor derived from the paper pulping industry to nanocarriers. Due to the amphiphilic nature of lignin, nanoparticles are generated by self-assembly. To create lignin nanoparticles, a drop-by-drop solvent exchange approach has been used. The lignosulfonate solution was prepared using solvents such as ethanol and tetrahydrofuran, and then water was added as an antisolvent, resulting in the creation of nanoparticles by self-assembly. The hydrophobic portion of lignin creates the particle's core, while the hydrophilic hydroxyl groups form the particle's shell. The size and stability of nanoparticles were determined using dynamic light scattering, and the form and size of the systems were imaged using scanning electron microscopy. The functional groups of the nanoparticles were determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
 Results: Solvent tetrahydrofuran generated uniform and spherical lignosulfonate nanoparticles than the solvent ethanol employed in the solvent exchange procedure. When ethanol and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide were used as solvent and surfactant, respectively, the size of lignosulfonate nanoparticles was smaller (270±31.9nm). However, the stability of nanocarrier systems was unaffected by the solvent used, with polydispersity index values of 0.435±0.003 and 0.401±0.028 for tetrahydrofuran and ethanol solvents, respectively. The existence of a distinctive peak at 526 and 609 cm-1 in the infrared spectrum corresponding to sulfonic stretching indicated the presence of lignosulfonate in the carrier systems.
 Conclusion: Lignosulfonate-based nanocarrier systems were developed using the solvent exchange method. However, the nanocarrier systems are to be validated to assess the bioefficacy of active molecules.

Synthesis and Physicochemical Characterization of Naringeninand Gallic Acid-Loaded Polymeric Micelles for Cancer Drug Delivery

Introduction: Cancer nano-drug drug delivery system is important as it can improve drug bioavailability and reduce dosing frequency. Polymeric micelles (PMs) can reach targeted site and most likely will be useful in reducing side effects of treatment. This study aimed to synthesize naringenin- and gallic acid-loaded polymeric micelles for cancer drug delivery and to determine their physicochemical properties including particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and structural composition. Methods: Two types of PMs (naringenin [NAR] and gallic acid [GA]) were prepared in different proportions of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) via solvent casting method. These PMs were visually observed and further analyzed by dynamic light scaterring (DLS) and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. Results: From this study, NAR-PEG-TPGS PMs showed particle size less than 30 nm whereas GA-PEG-TPGS PMs exhibited larger particle size between 171-205 nm. NAR2 PM that contain higher amount of TPGS were observed to have smaller particle size whereas GA2 PM with higher TPGS content exhibited larger particle size. PDI values for these drug-loaded PMs were between 0.32-0.74. FTIR results confirmed the presence of O-H and C=O stretching vibrations in all PM samples. Conclusion: NAR-PEG-TPGS PMs had shown more relevant physicochemical properties than GA-PEG-TPGS PMs for cancer nano-drug delivery.

Surface-modified CoFe2O4 nanoparticles using Folate-Chitosan for cytotoxicity Studies, hyperthermia applications and Positive/Negative contrast of MRI

Performance evaluation was conducted for hyperthermia and positive/negative contrast agents incorporating in-vivo angiography studies in Albino Wister rats using folate-chitosan (FC) coated cobalt ferrite (CF) nanoparticles. The structural characterizations were done using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The average particle size of CF nanoparticles was found to be 8 nm in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. The lattice fringe in the High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and discrete circular ring in the selected area electron diffraction (SEAD) pattern confirmed the high degree of crystallinity with single phase inverse spinel structure of CF nanoparticles. The TEM images of folate chitosan coated cobalt ferrite (FCCF) demonstrated that the particles were highly dispersed. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) revealed no impurity phases and thermal analysis showed two transition temperatures around 284 °C and 614 °C, indicating the burning of folate and chitosan groups. The value of hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential of FCCF nanoparticles were satisfactory at lower concentration (0.5 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml, 2 mg/ml). The self-heating properties of FCCF revealed that the temperature increases with the increase of concentration while specific loss power (SLP) decreases. The cytotoxic effect of FCCF in HeLa cell line confirmed the survival of HeLa cells up to 80–85% for the lower concentration. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) investigation on phantom using fast spin-echo (FSE) sequence revealed fast-relaxation of 0.02 s for 0.125 mg/ml concentration. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) conducted on Albino Wister rats presented higher efficacy of contrast agent for FCCF administered rats than the non-administered rats.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Libyan Propolis Nanoparticles and its Biological Activity

The ever-increasing demand for natural products and biotechnology, derived from bees and ultra-modernization of various analytical devices, has facilitated the rational and planned development of biotechnology products with a focus on human health to treat chronic and neglected diseases. This study aimed to prepare, characterize and examine the stability and evaluation of the antioxidant and the antibacterial activity of Libyan propolis. Propolis Nanoparticles PNP were prepared using particle size reduction, then Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) at a magnification of X 25000, was used for accurate evaluation of the size distribution of NPs. Three different concentration (10, 5, 2.5 mg/ml) of propolis and nano-propolis powder were tested for their 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. The quantitative antioxidant activity test results using UV Spectrophotometer absorbance at 517 nm. The antibacterial activities of propolis and prepared nano propolis at different concentrations (10, 5 and 2.5mg/ml) were tested on bacterial strain, Klebsiella, human mouth, skin, and surface bacteria using cup cut diffusion method. The findings exhibited that the prepared propolis Nanoparticles (PNPs) were generally non-spherical with a size 100-200 nm. The PNP was a nano-sized particle around 316 nm in diameter. Zeta potential of PNP showed a negative surface charge value (− 48 mV) which was sufficiently high to avoid NPs aggregation. This value represents a stable and dispersed suspension of NPs and disables the tendency of aggregations in a short in period of time. Poly dispersity index (PdI) of synthetized PNP was used as a measurement of the size distribution. PdI values for PrNP were generally uniform with PdI 0.3 indicating monodispersity of the prepared systems. The propolis and PNPs displayed good antioxidant activity with inhibition percentage (77%, 46% and 18%) for propolis and (82%, 66% and 37%) for PNPs. Propolis nanoparticles showed to have more antibacterial effect compared to propolis. Libyan propolis nanoparticles has shown to be potential candidates as antioxidant and antibacterial agent.

Bio-waste eggshell membrane assisted synthesis of NiO/ZnO nanocomposite and its characterization: Evaluation of antibacterial and antifungal activity

This paper presents the synthesis of NiO/ZnO nanocomposite using a bio-waste eggshell membrane as a template, which is used to control the particle size. It is a two-step process, soaking followed by the calcination method. The synthesized NiO/ZnO nanocomposite was characterized by the following techniques: Powdered X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD), Ultra-Violet Visible spectroscopy (UV–Visible), Fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering analysis (Zeta potential & particle size), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX), and Hi-ResolutionTransmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) respectively. The NiO/ZnO nanocomposite exists in both face-centered cubic (NiO) and hexagonal wurtzite (ZnO) structures, according to PXRD results. The crystallite size was equal to 14.12 nm (NiO) and 14.70 nm (ZnO). The UV–Visible spectrum showed the wavelength at 302 nm and 372 nm, which indicates the presence of NiO and ZnO. The peaks at 449 cm−1 and 550 cm−1 are due to the stretching vibration of (Ni-O) NiO2 octohedral in the cubic NiO and the stretching vibration of ZnO. A Raman vibrational mode confirms the formation of the NiO/ZnO nanocomposite. The zeta potential analysis of the NiO/ZnO nanocomposite was equal to −42.7 mV, which indicates good stability, and the particle size distribution was equal to be 205.8 nm with a polydispersity index value of 0.5940. The SEM images of the NiO/ZnO nanocomposite appeared aggregated with small rods. The EDX spectra confirmed the presence of nickel, oxygen, and zinc, respectively. TEM images of the NiO/ZnO nanocomposite showed the particle size is less than 50 nm. The synthesized NiO/ZnO nanocomposite was subjected to antibacterial and antifungal activity by the agar-well diffusion method. The results demonstrated that the zone of inhibition of NiO/ZnO nanocomposite was high in Bacillus subtilis (30 ± 0.88 mm) for bacterial pathogens and Aspergillus terreus (30 ± 0.0 mm) for fungal pathogens, respectively. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of NiO/ZnO nanocomposite was tested for bacterial pathogens. The results showed that the synthesized NiO/ZnO nanocomposite inhibited cell growth even at the lowest concentration (9.37 μg/mL). So it is inferred that the NiO/ZnO nanocomposite could act as an antifungal and antibacterial agent for a wide range of diseases.

Toxicity of Nanoparticles of AgO, La₂O₃, CuO, AgO-Fe₃O₄, Ag-Graphene, and GO-Cu-AgO to the Fungus Moniliella wahieum Y12T Isolated from Degraded Biodiesel and the Bacterium Escherichia coli.

Moniliella wahieum Y12T (M. wahieum Y12T), a fungal isolated from biodiesel caused serious biodiesel contamination and resulting in biofouling and corrosion, especially during storage. Nanoparticles (NPs) composed of silver, copper, iron, and graphene or their binary mixtures were examined as environmental inhibitors against the fungus Moniliella wahieum Y12T, a biodiesel contaminant. Exposure of M. wahieum Y12T and Escherichia coli (E. coli) to low concentrations of Ag-based nanoparticles (from 0.01 to 0.05 mg mL-1) resulted in excellent growth inhibition. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of M. wahieum Y12T by La₂O₃ NPs was 138 times greater when compared with silver (AgO). The median effective concentration (EC50) of La₂O₃ NPs on E. coli was 379 times more than M. wahieum Y12T. At this same concentration, E. coli was uninhibited after exposure to the NPs. However, a fluorescein diacetate analysis showed the Ag-based NPs (including AgO, AgO-Fe₃O₄ and GO-Cu-AgO) significantly reduced the metabolic activity for both of the compared organisms. Compared with other metal oxide NPs, AgO and AgO-Fe₃O₄ NPs display strong bactericidal effect with higher stability and dispersibility, with the zeta potential of -22.27 mV and poly-dispersity index (PDI) values of 0.36. These results demonstrate the broad-spectrum biological inhibition that occurs with both Ag-based bimetallic and graphene oxide nanoparticles and the combined utilization of Ag-based NPs paves a new way for inhibits the biodegradation of biodiesel.

Evaluation of Metformin Hydrochloride Tailoring Bilosomes as an Effective Transdermal Nanocarrier.

IntroductionMetformin hydrochloride (metformin HCL), a first-line drug treating diabetes type II, was known to cause severe gastritis, so seeking a non-oral dosage form was the new trend. Bilosomes are bilayer nano-vesicles of non-ionic surfactants embodying bile salts. In our study, bilosomes were investigated as an acceptable novel carrier for active targeting transdermal delivery of metformin HCL, circumventing its side effects.MethodsTwelve bilosome formulations were prepared with solvent evaporation method with slight modification according to a 31.22 full factorial design, and the optimized formulation was determined using Design -Expert 13 software (Stat-Ease, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA) studying the effect of surfactant and bile salt types on the entrapment efficiency (EE), vesicle size (VS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), percentage of drug released within 24 h (R), and flux of drug permeated within 6 h (Jss) of vesicles. In addition, the optimized formulation was further evaluated to Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), deformability index (DI), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) to ensure bilosomes formation, elasticity, and spherical shape, respectively.ResultsThe resulting vesicles publicized EE from 56.21% to 94.21%, VS from 183.64 to 701.8 nm, PDI values oscillating between 0.33 and 0.53, ZP (absolute value) from 29 to 44.2 mV, biphasic release profile within 24 h from 60.62 and up to 75.28%, and permeation flux enhancement (198.79–431.91 ng cm −2 h−1) in comparison with the non-formulated drug (154.26 ng cm −2 h−1). Optimized formulation was found to be F8 with EE = 79.49%, VS = 237.68 nm, ZP = 40.9 mV, PDI = 0.325, R = 75.28%, Jss = 333.45 ng cm−2 h−1 and DI = 6.5 with spherical self-closed non-aggregated vesicles and non-superimposed bands of its components in the FTIR.ConclusionOverall results showed that bilosome incorporation of metformin HCL improved permeation and offered a new nano-carrier for active transdermal delivery.

DESIGN OF TEA TREE OIL-LOADED NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIERS: PREPARATION AND IN VITRO ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY

Tea tree oil (TTO) is a promising essential oil that has enormous potential for antifungal development. However, its pharmacological applications have several limitations, including volatility and an extensive range of partition coefficients. To overcome these, TTO can be loaded into a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC). The combination of solid and liquid lipids and production conditions affect the characteristics of the NLC formed. This study aimed to design TTO-loaded NLCs with appropriate particle sizes to improve the therapeutic efficacy of TTO as an antifungal agent. The novelty of this research is the discovery of a stable and potential TTO loaded NLC formula as a topical antifungal agent. TTO-loaded NLCs were prepared using the high-shear homogenization method with formulas consisting of TTO, solid lipids, liquid lipids, surfactants, and distilled water. Then, they were characterized with particular attention to average particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential, pH, and viscosity. Further tests included physical stability for one month at room temperature (27±2 °C) and in vitro antifungal activity using the well diffusion method. TTO-loaded NLCs combining stearic acid, glyceryl monostearate, and cetyl alcohol (solid lipids) with Miglyol 812 and olive oil (liquid lipids) showed relatively small average particle sizes and low polydispersity index values. Also, the stirring speed did not affect the particle size. It was found that TTO exhibited in vitro antifungal activities as good as ketoconazole cream. This study has successfully combined various solid and liquid lipids to formulate TTO-loaded NLCs with favorable stability for one-month storage and great antifungal potential.

A novel preparation and characterization of melatonin loaded niosomes based on using a ball milling method

The present study aims to develop an optimized niosome formulation for encapsulation of melatonin using a ball milling (BM) method. Niosomes with and without melatonin inclusions were prepared using a mixture of Span 60 and cholesterol in various molar ratios (2:1, 1:1, and 1:2). The physical properties and stability of the blank niosomes and melatonin-loaded niosomes were characterized using FTIR, TEM, and dynamic light scattering techniques. The results revealed that the BM method was successfully applied to niosome preparation. It provided a smaller average size and a narrower size distribution, with high stability. All niosomal formulations resulted in spherical particles, ranging from 250 nm to 600 nm in diameter with lower polydispersity index values. The niosomes with 1:1 ratios of Span 60 and cholesterol were found to have high stability, suitable for further in vitro drug release study. The entrapment efficiency of melatonin in niosomes was found to range from 85.09% to 86.69%. The results of an in vitro study revealed that the released profile of melatonin-loaded niosomes was more prolonged, with a maximum release of 21% after 48 h. The mechanism of drug release from the niosomes was best described by Higuchi’s model, which indicates that the drug diffuses at a slower rate as the diffusion distance increases. Based on this study, the BM technique is a promising method for the preparation of niosomes for encapsulation of poorly soluble drugs with improved drug release profiles.

Macro-Batch and Continuously Operated Microfluidic Emulsification—Differences, Similarities and Optimization

In this work, the emulsification of oil-in-water two-phase systems with three emulsifiers (PEG1500, 6000 and 20000) was studied in a batch macro system and in a continuously operated microfluidic system. The effect of emulsifier concentration, oil concentration and mixing rate on zeta potential and average Feret diameter was analyzed for the macro-batch system, while the effect of emulsifier concentration, oil concentration and total flow rate on zeta potential and average Feret diameter was analyzed for the microfluidic system. The emulsions prepared in batch system were more stable, had smaller droplet diameter but higher values of polydispersity index (PDI) compared to those prepared by continuous method. In both cases, batch and continuous, the use of PEG with higher molecular weight resulted in emulsions with lower zeta potential values. In batch emulsification, all three optimization parameters (emulsifier concentration, oil concentration and mixing rate) had a significant influence on the average Feret diameter and zeta potential (depending on the PEG, used for emulsification), while the emulsifier concentration had the most significant influence on the zeta potential and average Feret diameter of emulsions prepared in the continuous microsystem process.

Characterization And Cytotoxicity of Novel Synthesis Selenium Nanoparticles Stabilized By Vitamin E TPGS

The aim of this research was to investigate synergistic effect of combination two related antioxidant agents by novel synthesis of selenium nanoparticles functionalized with D-α- Tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) as a capping agent during chemical reduction of sodium selenite by ascorbic acid. Particle size, morphology, crystallite size of synthesized Se-TPGS were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Ultraviolet-Visible spectrophotometry (UV/Vis), X-Ray diffraction (XRD). The in vitro antioxidant activity, cell toxicity and blood compatibility assays were investigate respectively. The DLS results revealed that the Se-TPGS possess very low polydispersity index value (PDI = 0.03) and having hydrodynamic particle size of 83.33 ± 14.7 nm with negatively value for zeta potential equal to -19.5 mV. Both SEM and TEM show regular spherical shape of SeNPs with size measurement less than DLS measuring. XRD result confirming that the produced SeNPs possessed a standard crystalline hexagonal phase structure. DPPH assay of total antioxidant activity display high antioxidant activity of Se-TPGS NPs when comparing with ascorbic acid as a reference material. The cytotoxicity of new formula Se-TPGS investigated for both cancerous (MCF-7) and normal (HBL-100) breast cell lines with significantly different. This study provides a facile and green method for chemically synthesizing stable SeNPs which are suitable for further evaluation in therapeutic applications. The SeNPs could be a blueprint in the field of biomedical application as an alternative chemotherapy for fighting cancerous cells.

Olive oil and clove oil-based nanoemulsion for topical delivery of terbinafine hydrochloride: in vitro and ex vivo evaluation

In this article, formulation studies for terbinafine hydrochloride nanoemulsions, prepared by high-energy ultrasonication technique, are described. Pseudo-ternary phase diagram was constructed in order to find out the optimal ratios of oil and surfactant/co-solvent mixture for nanoemulsion production. Clove and olive oils were selected as oil phase. Based on the droplet size evaluation, maximum nanoemulsion region were determined for formulation development. Further characterization included polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, morphology, pH, viscosity, refractive index, ex vivo skin permeation, skin irritation, and histopathological examination. Droplet sizes of optimized formulations were in colloidal range. PDI values below 0.35 indicated considerably homogeneous nanoemulsions. Zeta potential values were from 13.2 to 18.1 mV indicating good stability, which was also confirmed by dispersion stability studies. Ex vivo permeation studies revealed almost total skin permeation of terbinafine hydrochloride from the nanoemulsions (96–98%) in 6 hours whereas commercial product reached only 57% permeation at the same time. Maximum drug amounts were seen in epidermis and dermis layers. Skin irritation and histopathological examination demonstrated dermatologically safe formulations. In conclusion, olive oil and clove oil-based nanoemulsion systems have potential to serve as promising carriers for topical terbinafine hydrochloride delivery.

Lipid-Based Formulations Containing Labrafil M2125-CS: A Deep Investigation on Nanosystem Stability

Labrafil M2125-CS is a non-ionic surfactant component widely used for improving the solubilization of poor water-soluble drugs and as component of lipid-based nanosystem formulation. The aim of this research work was to evaluate in depth the stability of lipid-based nanosystems when exposed at several experimental conditions, such as temperature- and pH-variations, and during a specific storage process—lyophilization. Dynamic light scattering was the main analysis carried out during this research work for investigating eventual physico-chemical variations of nanosystem properties after different storage phases. We demonstrated that many of prepared formulations were able to maintain almost unchanged mean size and polydispersity index values, resisting acid and basic pH or high and low temperature, as well as the freeze-drying process. Finally, the results showed that there are no univocal experimental conditions suitable for the storage of all formulation types, but each sample requires customized conditions.

Cationic inulin as a new surface decoration hydrocolloid for improving the stability of liposomal nanocarriers

The aim of the present study was to investigate the cationization of inulin with Williamson’s etherification method, and compare cationic inulin with unmodified inulin coatings for stabilizing nanoliposomes (NLPs). The synthetized cationic inulin was characterized by Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, carbon hydrogen nitrogen (CHN) elemental analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Three concentrations of inulin and cationic inulin (1, 2, and 4 mg/mL) were used for the coating of NLPs. The concentration of 4 mg/mL was found to be optimal for inulin and cationic inulin as surface coating, on the basis of particle size, zeta potential, and microstructural morphology. The lowest values of particle size (93.41 nm), polydispersity index (0.25), and negative zeta potential (−24.41 mV) were related to the coated NLPs with cationic inulin at a concentration of 4 mg/mL. The transmission electron microscopy image of the coated NLPs with cationic inulin exhibited a spherical and core-shell structure. The coated NLPs with cationic inulin showed the highest thermal stability, physical stability, and oxidative stability. In conclusion, cationic inulin coating conferred a stronger protection than the unmodified inulin coating of NLPs. The technique developed here can be applied for surface decoration of NLPs to improve their stability.

Poloxamer based Urapidil Loaded Chitosan Microparticle in Approach to Improve the Mechanical Strength by Tensile Strength and Entrapment Determination

Background: The literature review highlighted the issues related to the poor mechanical strength of chitosan-based microparticles. In an attempt to resolve the stated drawback, the microparticles are prepared with a suitable combination of poloxamer-188 (pluronic) and chitosan-based hydrogels. Objective: The current study deals with urapidil-loaded chitosan microparticles incorporating chitosan-based hydrogels and small polyanionic electrolytes. The mechanical strength was ascertained by entrapment efficiency and texture analyzer. Method: Chitosan-based hydrogels and the combination of poloxamer and further microparticles are prepared by counter-ion aggregation technique in polyanionic electrolyte medium (20 % w/v). During the preparation, poloxamer is incorporated to improve the mechanical strength, which is ascertained in terms of adhesive strength (tensile strength) by texture analyzer and entrapment efficiency. The prepared microparticles are also subjected to micrometric studies, swelling index, surface morphology study, drug-polymer interaction study, and zeta analysis. Result: It was observed that there is a remarkable increase in entrapment efficiency (maximum of 78.56 % from SSP4) with the progressive increase in poloxamer-188. In addition to that, adhesive strength was also studied by a texture analyzer for all microparticles. Sodium citrate-based products exhibited superior adhesive strength values compared to sodium sulfate and sodium tripolyphosphate-based and signified the incorporation of poloxamer-188. A significant finding was also recorded for the swelling properties to microenvironmental pH attributed to polyanions. It observed Sodium TPP microparticles continued to swell in phosphate buffer pH 6.8. Zeta value was found to be maximum with -5.2 mV; it could further be improved by adding electrolytes. TPP4 showed a comparatively larger particle size of 8.07 µm. Polydispersity index value ascertained homogenous dispersion of microparticles. SEM study revealed prominent porous surfaces for sodium tripolyphosphate microparticles. Conclusion: The study revealed that the addition of poloxamer-188 improved the mechanical strength, identified by entrapment efficiency and texture analysis. SCP4 microparticle was found to be the best formulation among all.

Effect of high hydrostatic pressure on chlorophyll/soybean protein isolate interaction and the mixtures properties

Chlorophyll (Chl) is highly susceptible to degradation due to food processing (especially thermal processing), resulting in color changes in food. This study was designed to examine the interaction between Chl and soybean protein isolate (SPI) after high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment from fluorescence spectroscopy, SPI structure changes, and physical stability of mixtures as well as thermal stability perspectives. Based on fluorescence quenching analysis, binding constants (Ka) and number of binding sites (n) were calculated. At 100 MPa, the Ka (13.7670 × 105 L/mol) of SPI was the largest, forming a strong interaction, but the results at 300 MPa were completely different. The surface hydrophobicity (H0) of SPI significantly decreased due to the incorporation of Chl at 100 MPa, changing the tertiary and quaternary structures of SPI. Molecular docking showed that phytyls of Chl penetrated into the hydrophobic area of SPI and interacted with it, and porphyrin rings were mainly bound to regions with strong polarity in SPI. The particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) of mixtures were the smallest at 100 MPa, presenting a more compact and stable structure. The samples after HHP treatment were then treated at 80 °C. Chl showed a good color stability (higher retention and -a* values) at 100 MPa and 200 MPa with smaller changes in particle size and PDI value after thermal treatment. Altogether, the Chl-SPI interaction at high pressures appeared to have a positive effect on the stability of Chl and Chl-SPI mixtures.

Microfluidic Synthesis and Purification of Magnetoliposomes for Potential Applications in the Gastrointestinal Delivery of Difficult-to-Transport Drugs.

Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained significant attention in several applications for drug delivery. However, there are some issues related to cell penetration, especially in the transport of cargoes that show limited membrane passing. A widely studied strategy to overcome this problem is the encapsulation of the MNPs into liposomes to form magnetoliposomes (MLPs), which are capable of fusing with membranes to achieve high delivery rates. This study presents a low-cost microfluidic approach for the synthesis and purification of MLPs and their biocompatibility and functional testing via hemolysis, platelet aggregation, cytocompatibility, internalization, and endosomal escape assays to determine their potential application in gastrointestinal delivery. The results show MLPs with average hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 137 ± 17 nm to 787 ± 45 nm with acceptable polydispersity index (PDI) values (below 0.5). In addition, we achieved encapsulation efficiencies between 20% and 90% by varying the total flow rates (TFRs), flow rate ratios (FRRs), and MNPs concentration. Moreover, remarkable biocompatibility was attained with the obtained MLPs in terms of hemocompatibility (hemolysis below 1%), platelet aggregation (less than 10% with respect to PBS 1×), and cytocompatibility (cell viability higher than 80% in AGS and Vero cells at concentrations below 0.1 mg/mL). Additionally, promising delivery results were obtained, as evidenced by high internalization, low endosomal entrapment (AGS cells: PCC of 0.28 and covered area of 60% at 0.5 h and PCC of 0.34 and covered area of 99% at 4 h), and negligible nuclear damage and DNA condensation. These results confirm that the developed microfluidic devices allow high-throughput production of MLPs for potential encapsulation and efficient delivery of nanostructured cell-penetrating agents. Nevertheless, further in vitro analysis must be carried out to evaluate the prevalent intracellular trafficking routes as well as to gain a detailed understanding of the existing interactions between nanovehicles and cells.

Astaxanthin Nanoemulsion Formulation and Evaluation

Astaxanthin has antioxidant activity ten times greater than carotenoids such as -carotene and a hundred times higher than vitamin E. However, its utilization is still limited because its solubility in water is very low which results in low absorption by the skin, resulting in low bioavailability. In this case, to increase the potency of astaxanthin, this research was aimed at the formulation and characterization of astaxanthin nanoemulsions using polysorbate 80 and polyethyleneglycol 400 as a mixture of surfactants with a ratio of 7:1; 8:1 and 9:1 with the method of making a combination of low and high energy emulsification. The data obtained were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test for data on the pH of the preparation and the efficiency of adsorption while the pH test during freeze-thaw stability was analyzed by the Wiloxon test. Based on the test results, it was found that the nanoemulsion preparation with the smix 9:1 formula is the most optimum formula among other formulas, which is to produce preparations with quite good characteristics organoleptically and give a light orange color appearance, clear, distinctive smell with a pH value that meets the SNI standard 16-164399-1996 with pH values ranging from 7.13 to 7.15 and based on the centrifugation test gave stable results and had particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential values, respectively, 22.9 ± 9.4 nm, 0.435 and -21. ,4 mV and the value of entrapment efficiency ranges from 93.87% to 94.32%. However, the thermodynamic stability is not good enough. This is indicated by the instability of the preparation during the freeze-thaw test with the results of changes in color, transparency and changes in pH.Keywords: Nanoemulsion, Astaxanthin, Polyethyleneglycol 400, Polysorbate 80, Surfactants

Synthesis and characterization of noble metal/metal oxide nanoparticles and their potential antidiabetic effect on biochemical parameters and wound healing

Abstract The study assessed the antidiabetic effect of Solenostemma argel and its nanoformulations with silver/gold nanocomposites (CNPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), and metaformin drug. Experimental groups consisted of normal control, diabetic control, and four diabetic groups treated with metformin, CNPs, ZnONPs, and bulk argel leaf extract (So-argel). Transmission electron microscopy characterization showed that the synthesized CNPs and ZnONPs were of variable sizes and dimensions and were quasi-spherical in shape. Particle sizes measured by dynamic light scattering were 106 and 139 nm for CNPs and ZnONPs, respectively. Also, the polydispersity index values were 0.473 and 0.269 for CNPs and ZnONPs, respectively. The biochemical parameters were as follows: the group treated with bulk So-argel (105.00 ± 4.041 mg·dL−1) and CNPs (109.00 ± 8.373 mg·dL−1) showed a more profound anti-hyperglycemic effect and were comparable to the control (88.40 ± 2.249). Liver and kidney functions (p ≤ 0.05) improved with So-argel and its nanoformulations compared to metformin. However, bulk argel (170.33 ± 20.431 and 38.00 ± 3.05 U·L−1) and the nanocomposite (228.33 ± 11.464 and 48.00 ± 5.291 U·L−1) were efficacious in lowering serum levels of liver enzymes (AST and ALT, respectively). No significant difference was observed between urea levels. Nevertheless, bulk So-argel (0.26 ± 0.007) and CNPs (0.24 ± 0.018) were more effective than ZnONPs (0.41 ± 0.289) on serum creatinine. Nanotreatment exhibited a reduction in lesions size/healing. Overall, nanoparticles may offer a safe potential for Type 2 diabetes management.