Zeta Potential Research Articles (Page 1)

fluoride formulations have constituted the cornerstone of preventive dentistry; however, the emergence of engineered nanomaterials now portends a transformative shift in the discipline. Metal nanoparticles exhibit the capacity to facilitate the controlled deposition of mineral ions onto the enamel surface and thus to counter the progression of enamel demineralization. This investigation examines the efficacy of a colloidal suspension of silver, gold, platinum and diamond nanoparticles in both caries prophylaxis and remedial treatment of carious lesions, measured against deionized aqueous medium. Mineral density was quantitatively assessed via Vickers surface microhardness profiling. EDX device was also used to calculate the atomic weights of oxygen, phosphorus, and calcium. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of prepared nanoparticles against bacteria that cause tooth decay (S. mutans), as well as studying the virulence factors of bacteria when applying nanomaterials to them and their impact on human tooth enamel. Surface hardness analysis and atomic weight comparison of enamel composition were performed. The characterization of nanoparticle suspension produced by laser ablation in liquid media was conducted using Zeta Potential (ZP), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-visible) to obtain particle size distribution, crystalline phase, and optical absorption data, respectively. Hardness measurements were performed before and after treatment using a Vickers TEST. We used 4 teeth, one tooth per group, to demonstrate the implant technique. Nanoparticles were implanted into the tooth enamel using Nd-YAG laser with a wavelength of 532 nm and a number of pulses of 20. From the previous results, we note an increase in the hardness of the teeth for each group, as the nanoparticles efficiently remineralize human teeth and constitute an effective alternative to mouthwashes containing sodium fluoride.

Background Simvastatin, a lipid-lowering drug, has low oral bioavailability due to poor solubility and extensive first-pass metabolism. Transdermal delivery may overcome these limitations. Objectives The present study aimed to develop, optimize, and evaluate a simvastatin-loaded transethosomal gel for enhanced dermal permeation and improved antihyperlipidemic efficacy. Methods Critical quality attributes, including particle size (PS), entrapment efficiency (%EE), and polydispersity index (PDI), were defined through a Quality Target Product Profile. Transethosomes were prepared using a Face-Centered Central Composite Design (FCCCD), varying Soya phosphatidylcholine and ethanol concentrations. Optimized transethosomes were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The selected formulation was incorporated into a 2% w/v carbopol gel and evaluated for pH, viscosity, and spreadability. Gel properties, in vitro diffusion, and ex vivo skin permeation were evaluated. Dermal safety was assessed via skin irritation studies. Antihyperlipidemic efficacy was tested in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 6 per group) over six weeks, comparing oral simvastatin (10 mg/kg/day) and the transethosomal gel (1 g containing 10 mg simvastatin). Results Optimized vesicles showed nanoscale PS (104.9 ± 0.42 nm), high %EE (79.92 ± 0.19%), low PDI (0.113 ± 0.45), and negative zeta potential (−32.1 ± 0.48 mV). Microscopy confirmed spherical, unilamellar morphology. The gel exhibited enhanced permeation, sustained release, and was non-irritant. In vivo, HFD-fed rats displayed significant dyslipidemia, while both oral simvastatin and the transethosomal gel improved lipid parameters. Notably, the gel produced greater reductions in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) compared to oral simvastatin (p < 0.05). Conclusion The simvastatin-loaded transethosomal gel demonstrated superior dermal delivery, efficacy, and safety, supporting its potential as a nanoenabled transdermal alternative for hyperlipidemia management.

Felodipine (FDP) is used to treat hypertension and angina pectoris. FDP has an oral bioavailability of approximately 15% in humans, primarily due to its poor water solubility and extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver and gut wall. The study aimed to develop and evaluate a lyophilized buccal wafer containing felodipine-loaded nano-spanlastics to enhance solubility, permeability, and therapeutic efficacy. FDP-loaded nano-Spanlastics (FDP-SL) using a 23 factorial design. The developed SL formulations were physiochemically characterized. In vitro permeation studies assessed trans-buccal delivery, while FDP-SL7 was incorporated into CMC wafers for mucoadhesive application. In vivo investigations evaluated the effects of the formulations. Histopathological assessment further contrasted the protective effects of the SL-7 wafer with those of Plendil on cardiac tissues. DLS studies of the modified SL-7 indicated particle size, PDI, and zeta potential values, followed by the assessment of EE (95.38 ± 0.96%), deformability index (12.46 ± 0.46g), flux (28.51 ± 0.21g/cm2/h), and stability, collectively demonstrating a 4.72-fold enhancement. The drug release data indicates Q24h values of 63-66% for SL formulations compared to the quick release of the suspension. Additionally, the ex vivo permeability results demonstrate that SL7 exhibits a flux of 28.51 ± 0.21µg/cm2/hr, reflecting a 4.72-fold boost over the drug suspension. In vivo studies showed significant improvements in blood pressure. Encapsulating FDP in Tween 80-based SL and delivering it via mucoadhesive buccal wafers significantly enhances its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. This non-invasive approach offers a promising strategy for improved hypertension management.

The development of high-performance optoelectronic materials through morphology tuning induced by acid vapors remains a significant challenge. In this study, we present the synthesis and characterization of a novel molecule, PTHN, which integrates pyrene-butyric-acid-appended histidine with a naphthalene monoimide core. The PTHN molecule exhibits aggregation-induced emission in a DMSO-H2O solvent mixture and displays bright yellow fluorescence in the solid state under UV illumination (λ = 365 nm). Notably, the solid-state emission of PTHN is quenched upon exposure to various acid vapors including trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), HNO3, HCl, and H2SO4. The quenching efficiencies and corresponding limits of detection were determined to be 1.83 ppm (TFA), 0.32 (HNO3), 0.62 (HCl), and 5.0 ppb (H2SO4), respectively. In a DMSO/H2O (3:97, v/v) mixture, PTHN aggregates into vesicular structures. Upon exposure to acid vapors, however, a distinct morphological transformation occurs, with the vesicles converting into fibrous networks. Dynamic light scattering measurements reveal a significant increase in the hydrodynamic volume and positive zeta potential, suggesting the incorporation of positive charges. The optoelectronic properties of PTHN, including electrical conductivity and photoswitching behavior, were systematically investigated before and after acid vapor treatment. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements show a drastic increase in current from 18 nA to 35 μA at +5 V, representing a 1944-fold enhancement. The system also demonstrated a maximum photocurrent gain of 6.28 in the presence of TFA vapor. This remarkable enhancement in conductivity and photoresponse is attributed to the formation of interconnected fibrous networks upon acid exposure. These findings highlight the potential of PTHN as a promising material for acid vapor sensing and optoelectronic applications, offering high sensitivity, morphological responsiveness, and efficient photocurrent conversion.

The generation of large quantities of waste bauxite residue (BR), during the Bayer alumina production process, poses a significant global environmental challenge. Approximately 1 to 2.5 t of waste BR is produced for every ton of alumina manufactured, depending on the chemistry and mineralogy of the raw bauxite sample. This study investigates the effectiveness of hydrochloric acid solution infused with calcium (Ca2⁺) and magnesium (Mg2⁺) ions for the settling and dewatering of BR slurry. Dolomite served as the source of Ca2⁺ and Mg2⁺ ions. Various experimental parameters, including acid concentration, agitation time, temperature, dolomite weight percentage, settling time, and solid weight percentage in the slurry, were optimised to evaluate the dewatering process. The solid percentage in the slurry significantly influences settling efficiency. When the solid percentage is maintained below 15%, settling efficiency ranges between 92 and 98%. However, when the solid percentage exceeds this threshold, settling efficiency slowly declines to 40%. Therefore, tests conducted at higher solid concentrations indicated that either extended settling times or larger volumes of the impregnated acid solution would be necessary to achieve settling efficiencies greater than 90%. Additionally, the effects of dolomite amount and acid concentration were considered during these experiments. The physicochemical characteristics of the BR and the processed product were analysed using techniques such as particle size analysis, ICP-OES, zeta potential, XRD, FTIR, and SEM-EDX studies to support the experimental findings. The incorporation of divalent cations into the low-concentration HCl solution significantly enhances the settling characteristics of BR particles. The possible settling mechanism is discussed based on the experimental evidence, characterisation results, and relevant literature.

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have garnered significant interest for their safety and efficacy, especially following the success of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. This study presents the synthesis and characterization of a novel stearic acid (SA)-gambogic acid (GA) conjugate, where GA, a xanthonoid, exhibits high affinity for the transferrin receptor (TfR) without competing with endogenous transferrin. The SA-GA conjugate was employed to formulate SLNs using a hot homogenization-ultrasonication-solvent evaporation technique for the peroral delivery of cyclosporine (CsA), paclitaxel (PTX), and urolithin-A (UA). Physicochemical properties, including particle size, zeta potential, drug loading, and entrapment efficiency, were assessed. Among the three tested compounds, UA exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency at both 5% and 10% w/w loading, with particle sizes remaining under 250nm. SA-GA SLNs demonstrated excellent stability in simulated gastric fluids, supporting their potential for oral administration. Cellular uptake studies using Coumarin-6 (C6) and drug-loaded SLNs indicated that UA achieved the highest uptake (~ 50%) in both FHS-74 (human small intestine) and HK2 (human kidney) cell lines. Further, in cisplatin-induced HK2 cell damage models, UA-loaded SA-GA SLNs significantly reduced inflammatory markers TLR4, NF-κB, and IL-1β. These results highlight UA-loaded SA-GA SLNs as a promising TfR-targeted oral delivery system for mitigating cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in cancer therapy.

Abstract Background: Antimicrobial resistance is listed as one of the top ten global health issues driven by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been used extensively as an antimicrobial agent to treat various skin infections due to their broad antibacterial spectrum. Despite their efficacy, high toxicity remains a major drawback. AgNPs can be conjugated with antimicrobial peptides (Bac8c), to form AgNP-Bac8c conjugates with enhanced antibacterial effect. Method: AgNPs were synthesised via the chemical reduction method. Various concentrations of Bac8c were used to mix with AgNPs to form AgNP-Bac8c conjugates. UV-Vis spectra, size, and zeta potential measurements were performed on AgNPs and conjugates. FESEM/EDX was used to study morphology and actual size of AgNPs and the optimised conjugate (AgNP-Bac8c-8). Broth microdilution assay and MTT assay were performed to evaluate the antibacterial effects and cytotoxicities of AgNP, Bac8c, and AgNP-Bac8c-8. Results: Synthesised AgNPs showed a λ max at 418 nm in UV-Vis spectrum, possessed an actual size of 37.8 ± 9.8 nm, and a zeta potential of -27.8 mV. AgNP-Bac8c-8 was found to be the optimised conjugate. AgNP-Bac8c-8 showed a size 51 ± 8.4 nm under FESEM and a zeta potential of +5 mV. AgNP-Bac8c-8 has demonstrated an enhanced antibacterial effect against both sensitive and resistant bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) in contrast to AgNPs and Bac8c alone. AgNP-Bac8c-8 showed a lower cytotoxicity towards human skin cells as compared to Bac8c, but not AgNPs alone. Conclusion: AgNP-Bac8c conjugate has demonstrated an enhanced antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including resistant strains. A lower cytotoxicity was reported for AgNP-Bac8c compared to Bac8c, but not statistically significant, in terms of toxicity, compared to AgNPs. Stability, bioactivity, and cytotoxicity of the conjugate can be optimised further in future studies to provide a potent treatment option for skin infections.

In this study, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)-based water nanofluids were prepared and stabilized using two surfactants with opposite charges: the cationic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and the anionic sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Different MoS2:surfactant ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 1:3) were examined to identify the optimal formulation ensuring stable dispersion. Stability was evaluated through dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and UV–Vis spectroscopy analyses. The results showed that the MoS2:SLS (1:3) nanofluid achieved the highest stability, characterized by a zeta potential of −38 mV and a mean particle size of approximately 290 nm. Thermophysical properties were then investigated for nanoparticle concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 wt%. The 0.1 wt% nanofluid exhibited the best performance, showing a thermal conductivity enhancement of about 49% and an increased specific heat capacity compared with pure water. This improvement is attributed to uniform nanoparticle dispersion and enhanced phonon transport. Overall, the results demonstrate that the anionic SLS surfactant at a 1:3 ratio effectively enhances the stability as well as the thermal performance of MoS2–water nanofluids, making them promising candidates for thermal management and energy systems applications.

This study investigates the influence of physicochemical characteristics of mineral filler passing 75 µm on the rheological behavior of bituminous mastic. Mastics were prepared with a polymer-modified binder and three different fillers—basalt, granite, and quartzite—in three different volumetric ratios (0.56, 0.60, 0.64). Lime was used as a partial replacement in one set of mastics to study the effect of lime. The physicochemical properties such as morphology, particle size distribution, specific surface area, surface free energy (SFE), and zeta potential of the mineral filler were measured. The Canny edge detection technique was used to extract the roughness metrics of the fillers from the scanning electron microscopy images. Surface-to-surface interparticle distance was also measured through the K-dimensional tree algorithm from the particle size distribution obtained through laser diffraction of filler particles. Among the mastics without lime, mastic with quartzite exhibited the highest stiffness, followed by granite and basalt. Replacement of filler with lime increased the stiffness in the case of basalt, whereas it decreased with granite, indicating intricate physicochemical interactions between lime, fillers, and binder. Regression analysis results underscored the importance of the properties of fillers in determining mastic’s rheological characteristics. Interparticle distance, Rigden voids, pore radius, and SFE are some key parameters found to be influencing the behavior of mastic without lime.

The bioleaching efficiency of various solids, including mining waste, is influenced by the physicochemical changes occurring on the particle surface in the presence of microorganisms. Mineral modification is widely used in mineral processing and can also be applied in bioextraction and bioremediation. Surfactant adsorption can serve as a tool to control bacterial attachment, a critical factor in such processes. Bacterial adhesion promotes the intensification of leaching, while increased mobility reduces the metal removal. Therefore, the impact of such modification and its further effect on the release of toxic metals from mining waste was investigated, focusing on physicochemical aspects. Bioleaching experiments were conducted in shaken flasks for four weeks, with solid to liquid ratio of 1:10. Two types of surfactants were used: cationic (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) and anionic (sodium dodecyl sulfate). Zeta potential was measured using the classic streaming potential and streaming current method. The surface morphology of the leaching residue was analysed using scanning electron microscopy. Secondary precipitates formed were identified by X-ray diffraction, revealing jarosite formation. The presence of surfactants caused a change in the surface charge of particles, which could affect the behaviour of bacteria during leaching and, thus, its efficiency. Arsenic was identified as the primary toxic element. When no modifications were applied, its recovery from the solid reached 1631 g/L after four weeks of leaching. Conditioning of the mineral waste with surfactants before the process resulted in lower metal content: 1264 mg/L for a cationic surfactant and 937 mg/L for an anionic surfactant. Moreover, a correlation was observed between the efficiency and the measured surface area — higher recovery rates were associated with larger specific surface area values. The adsorption of surface-active agents altered the surface properties of the waste material. Treatment with the anionic surfactant increased the negative zeta potential, whereas exposure to the cationic surfactant resulted in a positive surface charge. At the end of the bioleaching, all leaching residues exhibited a positive zeta potential. This effect was primarily caused by the formation of positively charged iron(III) precipitates under acidic conditions. It has been demonstrated that in the presence of microorganisms, arsenic can be released from mining waste and that surface modification with surfactants inhibits this process, which may have potential applications in preventing unwanted effects of bioweathering.

Cetirizine hydrochloride, an antihistamine drug, demonstrated potential off-label use for management of androgenic alopecia (Aga). The aim of the current study was cost-effective preparation of niosomal and cubosomal gels containing Cetirizine hydrochloride for enhanced skin permeation. Niosomes were prepared using a lipid mixture (Span 60 or Tween 80 and cholesterol), with incorporation of an essential oil (Eucalyptus or Peppermint oil) at different weight ratios. Cubosomes were prepared using glyceryl monooleate and Poloxamer 407 at different weight ratios. The prepared nanovesicles were characterized in terms of particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, morphological properties, entrapment efficiency, in-vitro drug release, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The optimal formulations were incorporated into Carbopol gel base (1%) and evaluated in terms of organoleptic properties, viscosity, spreadability, drug permeation, and skin irritation. Niosomes and cubosomes displayed nanosized spherical and cubic morphologies, respectively, with higher entrapment efficiency for cubosomes (98 ± 4.90–99.20 ± 4.46%) compared to niosomes (40.70 ± 1.57–85.90 ± 3.19%). Ex-vivo permeation studies over 24 h demonstrated superior skin permeation for the cubosomal gel (6.2-fold increase) when compared to the niosomal gels (3.1-4.6-fold increase). Cetirizine niosomal (NG10) and cubosomal (CG6) gels demonstrated acceptable skin permeation and safety profiles thus they have great potential in off-label management of Aga.

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide, with its incidence steadily increasing. Cisplatin (Cis) is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug. Natural compounds such as propolis and chrysin may help mitigate the toxic side effects of Cis while enhancing its therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer potential of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and chrysin (Chry) through niosomal encapsulation (Nio). The synergistic effects of Nio formulations in combination with low-dose Cis were also investigated in vivo. EEP was extracted and analyzed for its phytochemical composition using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Both EEP and Chry were loaded onto niosomes, which were then characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, UV-Vis, and FTIR spectroscopy. Fifty adult female Swiss Albino mice were induced with Ehrlich carcinoma and randomly divided into ten treatment groups: control, Free Nio, Free EEP, Free Chry, Nio + EEP, Nio + Chry, Nio + EEP + low Cis, Nio + Chry + low Cis, low Cis, and high Cis groups. Treatments were administered intraperitoneally every three days. The study assessed the efficacy of cancer treatments by analyzing tumor histology, tracking growth, and tracking oxidative stress. In addition, the cytotoxicity of kidney and liver tissues was studied. Niosomes improved and enhanced the stability and encapsulation efficiency of EEP and Chry (90%). Combination treatments reduced tumor volume by about 90% compared to the control group and enhanced antioxidant activity. Histopathological evaluation of tumor tissue revealed that Nio + EEP + low Cis and Nio + Chry + low Cis significantly reduced mitotic figures and increased necrotic changes relative to the low and high cis groups. In the liver, these groups exhibited only mild necrobiotic changes and minimal vascular congestion, indicating a protective effect against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. In the kidney, mild interstitial nephritis, limited tubular degeneration, and reduced glomerular hypercellularity were observed. EEP and Chry-loaded niosomes effectively enhanced the antitumor efficacy of low-dose cisplatin while minimizing systemic toxicity. These findings suggest that Nio-based natural adjuvants could be promising nanocarriers for combination cancer therapy.

On‐water surface synthesis has emerged as a powerful approach for constructing thin‐layer, crystalline 2D polyimines and their layer‐stacked covalent organic frameworks. This is achieved by directing monomer preorganization and subsequent 2D polymerization on the water surface. However, the poor compatibility of water with many organic monomers has limited the range of accessible 2D polyimine structures. Herein, the on‐liquid surface synthesis of crystalline 2D polyimine films from a water‐insoluble, C 3 ‐symmetric monomer previously deemed incompatible with aqueous systems is reported. In situ grazing incidence X‐ray scattering reveals a stepwise evolution of monomer adsorption, preorganization, and 2D polymerization assisted by the fluorinated surfactant monolayer, leading to the formation of large‐area, face‐on‐oriented 2D polyimine films. Notably, a pronounced lattice expansion from 3.4 nm in the monomer assembly to 5.3 nm in the 2D polyimine framework is observed, highlighting the templating effect of the preorganized monomers in defining the final crystallinity. The representative 2DPI‐TCQ‐DHB is obtained as free‐standing thin film with well‐defined hexagonal pores, mechanical robustness, and a negatively charged surface (zeta potential: −58.8 mV). Leveraging these structural characteristics, it is integrated 2DPI‐TCQ‐DHB films into osmotic power generators, achieving a power density of 16.0 W m −2 by mixing artificial seawater and river water, surpassing most nanoporous 2D membranes.

The rapid spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics necessitates the development of innovative strategies to enhance their efficacy. One promising approach is incorporating antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to synergize antibiotics. Herein, we introduce pH-responsive nanoplexes of plant AMP and sodium alginate (Na-Alg) for the co-delivery of AMP and Vancomycin (VCM) against resistant bacteria. The optimal nanoplexes (VCM-Na-Alg/AMP) were characterized, revealing a particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity of 159.5± 1.150 nm, 0.149± 0.018,-23.1± 0.1 mV, 82.34± 0.07 %, and 24.03± 0.10 % w/w, respectively. The nanoplexes exhibited pH-dependent changes in size and accelerated VCM release at acidic pH. In vitro antibacterial studies demonstrated a 2-fold enhanced activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S.aureus (MRSA) and a 5-fold greater MRSA biofilm eradication, compared to bare VCM. Furthermore, the invivo antibacterial activity evaluated on a mice model of MRSA systemic infection demonstrated that the nanoplexes reduced MRSA burden by 5-fold in kidneys and 4-fold in liver and blood. The nanoplexes also exhibited reduced inflammation and improved tissue integrity in the treated subjects. These findings present VCM-Na-Alg/AMP as a novel strategy to augment the efficacy of antibiotics against resistant bacteria.

ABSTRACT It remains a challenge to prevent serpentine minerals from being carried over during metal sulfide flotation. This study investigates the zeta potentials of air bubbles and their influences on serpentine entrainment in thiol-based collector systems through flotation tests, zeta potential measurements, froth stability assessments, microscopic observations, and interfacial force calculations. The results demonstrate that ammonium butyl dithiophosphate (DTP) renders more substantial negative charges to air bubbles compared to sodium ethyl xanthate (SEX). These negative bubble charges promote electrostatic interactions with the positively charged Mg-O cleavage planes of serpentines. This leads to the formation of a highly viscous foam, amplifying both true flotation and mechanical entrainment. SEX, however, seems to reduce serpentine entrapment due to the formation of a thinner serpentine adhesion layer on bubbles, resulting in less viscous foam with faster coalescence. Interfacial force calculations and microscopic observations further confirm the formation of oriented aggregates between serpentines and bubbles, as well as densely packed serpentine networks trapped between bubbles. This mechanism demonstrates that their electrostatic adhesion on bubbles was inevitable and could potentially benefit in alleviating the entrainment of serpentine by converging their charges

In recent years, continuous advancements in nanotechnology have driven the widespread application of natural mineral materials across various fields. To further enhance the potential application of sepiolite nanofibers as fillers in composite materials, this study commenced with acid-activated sepiolite nanofibers, focusing on the modification and optimization of the surface of acid-activated bentonite nanofibers. Successfully prepared were methyl trimethoxysilane-modified bentonite nanofibers (MTMS/A-SEP), hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide-modified bentonite nanofibers (CTAB/A-SEP), as well as PEG-800/A-SEP and PEG-4000/A-SEP. Through analysis of the results from scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), the successful incorporation of the modifying agents was confirmed. Additionally, the dispersion, compatibility at the organic phase interface, and thermal stability of the surface-modified bentonite nanofibers were characterized using zeta potential, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) tests. The selected surface-modified bentonite nanofibers, which are most compatible with the organic matrix interface, demonstrated excellent dispersion and thermal stability, establishing a foundation for their subsequent application in sepiolite-based composite materials.

Abstract Treating infectious diseases with current available antimicrobial drugs is extremely difficult due to biofilms that act as barriers and reduce the concentration of antimicrobial agents that reach the bacteria embedded in the biofilms. In this study, we hypothesized that extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)-binding liposomes anchor to biofilm matrices and sterically block the communication between bacteria, leading to biofilm inhibition. A 16-mer peptide, which binds to hyaluronic acid as one of the EPS, was covalently conjugated to PEG (polyethylene glycol)-lipid for producing EPS-binding liposomes. The effect of the liposomes on inhibiting or eradicating biofilm formation was investigated, compared to the bare liposomes. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement results showed that the EPS-binding liposomes and bare liposomes have a particle size of &lt; 200 nm and nearly neutral zeta potential. The molecular interaction of EPS extracted from S. aureus biofilm with EPS-binding liposomes and free EPS-binding peptides was determined using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and the result revealed that EPS-binding liposome (Ka ~ 4.82 × 10 5 ) has better affinity than the free EPS-binding peptides (Ka ~ 1.79 × 10 3 ). The minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) assay showed EPS-binding liposomes have a better biofilm inhibition effect, in a dose-dependent manner, compared to the bare liposomes and free EPS-binding peptides. Physical disruption and blocking chemical communication via biofilm binding are likely a key mechanism behind the effectiveness of EPS-binding liposomes in biofilm inhibition although further study is needed.

Sinomenine (SIN) is a promising candidate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although it possesses the advantage of being non-addictive, its poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability have limited its clinical application. To address these issues, SIN was encapsulated into lipid cubic liquid crystal nanoparticles (LCNPs) and systematically characterized. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were first employed to screen suitable excipients for formulation development. Combined with single-factor optimization and Box–Behnken response surface design, the optimal composition and preparation process were determined. The resulting SIN-LCNPs exhibited a particle size of 149.7 ± 0.9 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.223 ± 0.01, a zeta potential of −18.9 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of 92.2%. Spectroscopic analyses confirmed successful incorporation of SIN into the lipid matrix. Pharmacodynamic studies revealed that SIN-LCNPs enhanced targeted drug delivery to inflamed joints, significantly alleviating inflammation and suppressing disease progression in rats. In vivo single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) experiments further demonstrated that SIN was primarily absorbed through the small intestine and that the LCNP carrier effectively improved its intestinal permeability. Collectively, this study provides a novel strategy and theoretical foundation for developing efficient formulations of poorly water-soluble drugs, highlighting the potential clinical application of SIN-LCNPs in RA therapy.

Aims: To synthesise and characterise silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Aegle marmelos leaf extract and evaluate their antibacterial efficacy against selected pathogenic bacteria. Study Design: Experimental laboratory-based comparative study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biotechnology, Dr D.Y. Patil College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Pimpri, Pune, India, conducted between January 2024 and June 2025. Methodology: AgNPs were synthesised via green synthesis using Aegle marmelos leaf extract, followed by electrolysis to enhance nanoparticle stability and antibacterial activity. Characterisation was performed using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and zeta potential analysis. Antibacterial efficacy was assessed using the disc diffusion method against Escherichia coli. The zone of inhibition was measured and compared across treatments, including AgNPs, electrolyzed AgNPs (E-AgNPs), silver nitrate (AgNO₃), and a standard antibiotic, such as Penicillin and Ampicillin. Results: Electrolyzed AgNPs (E-AgNPs) showed enhanced antibacterial activity compared to non-electrolyzed AgNPs and AgNO₃. The highest zone of inhibition was observed for the combination of ampicillin with E-AgNPs (29 mm), followed by standalone E-AgNPs (12 mm) and conventionally synthesized AgNPs (11 mm). Notably, electrolyzed AgNO₃ also exhibited comparable activity (11 mm), while non-electrolyzed AgNO₃ showed minimal inhibition (2 mm). UV-Visible spectra confirmed nanoparticle formation with a peak at 430 nm. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of functional groups responsible for reduction and stabilization. Zeta potential measurements revealed improved stability of E-AgNPs (−26 to −28 mV) compared to non-electrolyzed AgNPs (−20 to −25 mV), indicating enhanced electrostatic repulsion and reduced aggregation. In contrast, AgNO₃ exhibited a nearly neutral zeta potential (−7.4 mV), confirming its instability. Conclusion: Electrolysis enhanced the stability and antibacterial efficacy of green-synthesized AgNPs. Even electrolyzed AgNO₃ showed comparable activity. The strongest effect was seen with E-AgNPs combined with antibiotics, indicating synergy. This eco-friendly dual approach shows promise for future antimicrobial applications.

Background: Zinc is an essential micronutrient as well as an effective antimicrobial agent, widely used in fish health management. Due to its relatively non-toxic nature, zinc is also employed in the green synthesis of nanoparticles. However, concerns remain regarding its potential toxicity, particularly in aquaculture and fish health applications. Methods: Pomegranate peel-mediated ZnO nanoparticles (PP-ZnO NPs) were synthesized via a green route. The nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine particle morphology and size, dynamic light scattering (DLS) to assess hydrodynamic size distribution and polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential analysis to evaluate surface charge and colloidal stability. In vitro toxicity was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) to determine the effect of PP-ZnO NPs on shrimp survival. Result: TEM analysis revealed that the PP-ZnO NPs possessed a hexagonal wurtzite structure with an average size of 54±8 nm. DLS analysis showed that the nanoparticles were moderately monodispersed, with a PDI of 0.345, indicating slight agglomeration. Zeta potential measurements confirmed a negative surface charge (-41.5 mV), suggesting good colloidal stability. BSLA demonstrated that the PP-ZnO NPs were non-toxic to brine shrimp, indicating their biocompatibility and safety for potential applications.