Zeta Potential Research Articles

Madhuca indica oil-entrapped buoyant galactomannan hydrogel microspheres for controlling epileptic seizures

A stable Madhuca indica oil-in-water nanoemulsion (99–210 nm, zeta potential: > − 30 mV) was produced employing Tween 20 (surfactant) and Transcutol P (co-surfactant) (3:1). The nanoemulsion (oil: Smix = 3:7, 5:5, and 7:3) were subsequently incorporated into oxcarbazepine-loaded carboxymethylxanthan gum (DS = 1.23) dispersion. The hydrogel microspheres were formed using the ionic gelation process. Higher oil concentration had a considerable impact on particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, and buoyancy. The maximum 92 % drug entrapment efficiency was achieved with the microspheres having oil: Smix ratio 5:5. FESEM study revealed that the microspheres were spherical in shape and had an orange peel-like surface roughness. FTIR analysis revealed a hydrogen bonding interaction between drug and polymer. Thermal and x-ray examinations revealed the transformation of crystalline oxcarbazepine into an amorphous form. The microspheres had a buoyancy period of 7.5 h with corresponding release of around 83 % drug in 8 h in simulated stomach fluid, governed by supercase-II transport mechanism. In vivo neurobehavioral studies on PTZ-induced rats demonstrated that the microspheres outperformed drug suspension in terms of rotarod retention, number of crossings, and rearing activity in open field. Thus, Madhuca indica oil-in-water nanoemulsion-entrapped carboxymethyl xanthan gum microspheres appeared to be useful for monitoring oxcarbazepine release and managing epileptic seizures.

Effect of different amphiphilic emulsifiers complexed with xanthan gum on the stability of walnut milk and structural characterization of their complexes

The kind of compounding emulsifier used and the amount of compounding have a significant impact on the emulsion's stability. In this study, the average particle size, Zeta potential, emulsification index, laser confocal microstructure, and rheological properties shows that the ratio of monoglyceride-xanthan gum and sucrose ester-xanthan gum could maintain the good stability of the emulsion in a certain range, and the monoglyceride and sucrose ester compounding could effectively improve the stability of the emulsion in a specific ratio (7:3). The results of fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that the simultaneous complexation of three substances was more likely to produce hydrophobic interactions with walnut proteins than the simultaneous complexation of two substances. Also confirmed were the hydrogen bonding connections between the proteins and the monoglyceride, sucrose ester, and xanthan gum. Monoglyceride and xanthan gum complexes were also found to stabilize more proteins.

Nanosupplements based on protein-polysaccharide coacervates loaded with essential oils: Evaluation of antioxidant and antidiabetic properties

Essential oils (EOs) have demonstrated potential in food products to prevent complications related to diabetes. Nevertheless, the physicochemical characteristics of pure EOs, including high volatility and low chemical stability, face significant challenges when considering their utilization as functional ingredients. Thus, this study aimed to develop nanosupplements based on protein-polysaccharide coacervates loaded with EOs, thyme (THY) and oregano (ORE), and to evaluate their colloidal, antioxidant, and α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory properties following an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process. First, heat-induced egg white protein nanoparticles (EWPn) were used to encapsulate both EOs as nanocomplexes. Second, the process to obtain nanosupplements involved the electrostatic deposition of high methoxyl pectin (HMP) onto the surface of pre-formed nanocomplexes, resulting in the production of EWPn-THY-HMP and EWPn-ORE-HMP powders through a freeze-drying process. The effects of in vitro digestion on particle size, zeta potential, stability, and bioaccessibility of systems were analyzed. HMP exhibited a slight ability to protect EWPn from gastric digestion, while encapsulation within the EWPn-HMP system prevented the chemical degradation of EOs during gastrointestinal digestion. Subsequently, the antioxidant properties and the inhibitory effects of digested systems on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities were examined. After in vitro digestion, EWPn-THY-HMP and EWPn-ORE-HMP systems showed higher ABTS+ radical scavenging than pure EOs (around 70% vs. 30%, respectively). Additionally, reducing power activities (expressed as mg of ascorbic acid equivalents-AAE mL−1) of EWPn-THY-HMP and EWPn-ORE-HMP systems were higher (1.6 ± 0.0 mg and 1.8 ± 0.1 mg of AAE mL−1, respectively) compared to pure THY and ORE (approximately 1.5 mg of AAE mL−1 for both) after in vitro digestion. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of EOs decreased upon encapsulation within EWPn-HMP system from an IC50 value of 0.3–1.0 μg mL−1, approximately. However, the effect of encapsulation on α-amylase inhibitory activity was EOs-dependent, and it was higher for the EWPn-ORE-HMP system, with an IC50 value of 8.6 ± 0.2 μg mL−1. The results highlight the potential of EOs encapsulation within EWPn-HMP coacervate nanosupplements as a promising strategy to facilitate their incorporation into food matrices while preserving their antioxidant and α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory properties.

Effect of Iron(III) ions on rutile flotation: Surface properties and adsorption mechanism

Various studies have shown that the presence of metal ions in the slurry can significantly impact flotation. However, it was still uncertain how iron, a typical metal ion, affected rutile flotation. Micro-flotation experiments, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, icp-oes, solution chemistry calculation, zeta potential and contact angle test were used to explore the effect of iron ions on the surface properties and floatability of rutile in this investigation. Micro-flotation results showed that iron ions not only substantially increased the rutile flotation recovery from 42.27 % to 75.69 % at pH = 4, but also converted the optimal pH of flotation from a point (pH = 4) to a platform (pH = 4–8). Solution chemistry calculations indicated that iron ions could form complexes with hydroxyl to produce FeOH2+, which reacted with benzohydroxamic acid (BHA) to create [Fe(C7H6NO2)2]+ at pH=4–7. The analysis conducted through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, coupled with the results obtained from contact angle measurements, revealed that the complex [Fe(C7H6NO2)2]+ had the capability to engage with Ti-OH groups, improving the hydrophobicity of rutile surface. Zeta potential analysis results further illustrated that Fe3+/BHA complexes reinforce the adsorption of BHA and iron ions onto rutile surface by the formation of [Fe(C7H6NO2)2]+. In addition, the O1s peak fitting results and ICP-OES analysis results proved that at the same pH, 60 mg/L was the optimal concentration for iron ion activation, which may be limited by Saturated adsorption capacity of [Fe(C7H6NO2)2]+.

Fagonia arabica extract-stabilized gold nanoparticles as a highly selective colorimetric nanoprobe for Cd2+ detection and as a potential photocatalytic and antibacterial agent

In the current study, polar leaves extract of the plant Fagonia arabica (FALE) from the Zygophyllaceae family was used to synthesize sunlight-assisted gold nanoparticles (FALE@AuNPs) with defined size and shape and of excellent colloidal stability. The effect of different physiochemical parameters (FALE dosage, Au3+ ions concentration, sunlight exposure time) on the formation of AuNPs was also studied. The synthesized FALE@AuNPs were characterized using UV–visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-rays (SEM-EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder XRD, zeta potential (ZP) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The successful synthesis of FALE@AuNPs in solution was confirmed by the appearance of a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) characteristic peak at 535 nm in UV–Vis spectra. The size estimated by UV–Vis (∼59 nm) was found in good agreement with that determined by SEM (∼60 nm) and DLS (∼61 nm). A zeta potential value of -28±1.5 mV confirms the colloidal stability of FALE@AuNPs. The FALE@AuNPs were utilized as a colorimetric nano-sensor for Cd2+ ion 15 nM limit of detection (LOD) and linear range detection of 0–600 nM. When utilized to identify Cd2+ ion in actual water samples, the nano-probe demonstrated high recovery rates of over 98 % and a low relative standard deviation (RSD) of about 4 %, demonstrating its dependability and efficiency in doing so. FALE@AuNPs were found to be antibacterial against gram-positive as well as gram-negative bacteria. An exceptionally high photocatalytic activity was shown by FALE@AuNPs with 80 % efficiency of degradation examined against methylene blue and methyl orange dye.

Chemically Modulating Ceria-Based Artificial Haloperoxidase for Enhanced Antibacterial Activity and Biofilm Inhibition.

Ceria (CeO2) nanoparticles with haloperoxidase (HPO)-like activity have gained attention as a biologically benign antifoulant. 3,4-Dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine (DOPA), a main composition in mussel foot proteins, plays a crucial role in the biofouling process. However, the impact on the HPO-like activity and antifouling performance of CeO2 nanoparticles when DOPA molecules adsorb on them remains unexplored. This interesting question warrants investigation, particularly considering that it may occur in an actual marine environment. Herein, the interaction between DOPA and CeO2 is explored. Despite the higher Ce3+ fractions and the lower band gap energies due to the electron transfer from DOPA to the CeO2 surface, DOPA still had a slightly negative effect on the HPO-like activity of CeO2 since they decreased the exposed Ce3+ sites. The DOPA-CeO2 nanocomposites with HPO-like activities could kill bacteria and trigger quorum-sensing signaling quenching, achieving a biofilm inhibition performance. Amazingly, 0.1% DOPA-CeO2 nanocomposite exhibited higher antibacterial activity and better biofilm suppression activities due to its HPO-like activity and positive zeta potential. The remarkable results demonstrated that DOPA, as a participant in the biofouling process, could enhance the antibacterial activity and antifouling performance of CeO2 nanoparticles at an appropriate concentration.

Bio-synthesis, purification and structural analysis of Cyclosporine-A produced by Tolypocladium inflatum with valorization of agro-industrial wastes

Cyclosporine A (CyA) holds significant importance as a strategic immunosuppressive drug for organ transplant patients. In this study, we aimed to produce pure and cost-effective Cyclosporine A (CyA) by fermenting a culture medium containing dairy sludge, using Tolypocladium inflatum PTCC 5253. Following the fermentation stage, ethyl acetate extraction and fast protein liquid chromatography were employed for sample purification. The initial evaluation of the effectiveness of CyA obtained from these processes was performed through bioassay, wherein the antimicrobial clear zone diameter was found to be larger compared to the sample obtained from the fermentation culture. The concentration of CyA was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography, yielding values of 334 mg/L, 456 mg/L, and 578 mg/L for the fermented, extracted, and purified samples, respectively. Further analysis utilizing liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) confirmed a purity of 91.9% and proper agreement with the standard sample based on the ion intensity of Z/m 1205. To validate the structure of CyA, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), and Raman spectroscopy were employed. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analyses demonstrated that the purified CyA exhibited a crystal structure similar to the standard sample, characterized by two broad peaks at 2θ = 9° and 20°, and comparable glass transition temperatures (57–68 °C for the purified sample; 53–64 °C for the standard sample). Dynamic light scattering analysis confirmed a uniform particle size distribution in both the purified and standard samples. The zeta potentials of the purified and standard samples were determined to be − 25.8 ± 0.16 and − 23.63 ± 0.12 mV, respectively. Our results demonstrate that dairy sludge can serve as a suitable culture medium for the production of (CyA).

Phytofabrication of biocompatible zinc oxide nanoparticle using Gymnema sylvestre and its potent in vitro antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231).

The increasing incidence of breast cancer and bacterial biofilm in medical devices significantly heightens global mortality and morbidity, challenging synthetic drugs. Consequently, greener-synthesized nanomaterials have emerged as a versatile alternative for various biomedical applications, offering new therapeutic avenues. This study explores the synthesis of biocompatible zinc oxide (ZnONPs) nanoparticles using Gymnema sylvestre and its antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic properties. Characterization of ZnONPs inferred that UV-Vis spectra exhibited a sharp peak at 370nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopical analysis revealed the presence of active functional groups such as aldehyde, alkyne, cyclic alkene, sulfate, alkyl aryl ether, and Zn-O bonds. X-ray diffraction analysis results confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticle. Scanning electron microscope analysis evidenced hexagonal morphology, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed zinc content. High-resolution transmission electron microscope analysis showed hexagonal and rod-shaped ZnONPs with a size of 5nm. Zeta potential results affirmed the stability of nanoparticles. The ZnONPs effectively inhibited gram-positive (18-20mm) than gram-negative (12-18mm) bacterial pathogens with lower bacteriostatic and higher bactericidal values. Biofilm inhibitory property inferred ZnONPs were more effective against gram-positive (38-94%) than gram-negative bacteria (27-86%). The concentration of ZnONPs to exert 50% biofilm-inhibitory is lower against gram-positive bacteria (179.26-203.95μg/mL) than gram-negative bacteria (201.46-236.19μg/mL). Microscopic visualization inferred that at 250μg/mL, ZnONPs strongly disrupted biofilm formation, as evidenced by decreased biofilm density and altered architecture. The cytotoxicity of ZnONPs against breast cancer cells showed a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability with an IC50 value of 19.4µg/mL. AO/EB staining indicated early and late apoptotic cell death of breast cancer cells under fluorescence microscopy. The results of hemolytic activity validated the biocompatibility of the ZnONPs. Thus, the unique properties of the green-synthesized ZnONPs suggest their potential as effective drug carriers for targeted delivery in cancer therapy and the treatment of biofilm-related infections.

Bio-synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles from Trichoderma species against cassava root rot disease

Cassava root rot disease caused by the fungal pathogens Fusarium solani and Lasiodiplodia theobromae produces severe damages on cassava production. This research was conducted to produce and assess silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized by Trichoderma harzianum for reducing root rot disease. The results revealed that using the supernatants of T. harzianum on a silver nitrate solution changed it to reddish color at 48 h, indicating the formation of AgNPs. Further characterization was identified using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). DLS supported that the Z-average size is at 39.79 nm and the mean zeta potential is at − 36.5 mV. SEM revealed the formation of monodispersed spherical shape with a diameter between 60–75 nm. The antibacterial action of AgNPs as an antifungal agent was demonstrated by an observed decrease in the size of the fungal colonies using an increasing concentration of AgNPs until the complete inhibition growth of L. theobromae and F. solani at > 58 µg mL−1 and at ≥ 50 µg mL−1, respectively. At in vitro conditions, the applied AgNPs caused a decrease in the percentage of healthy aerial hyphae of L. theobromae (32.5%) and of F. solani (70.0%) compared to control (100%). The SR-FTIR spectra showed the highest peaks in the first region (3000–2800 cm−1) associated with lipids and fatty acids located at 2962, 2927, and 2854 cm−1 in the AgNPs treated samples. The second region (1700–1450 cm−1) consisting of proteins and peptides revealed the highest peaks at 1658, 1641, and 1548 cm−1 in the AgNPs treated samples. The third region (1300–900 cm−1), which involves nucleic acid, phospholipids, polysaccharides, and carbohydrates, revealed the highest peaks at 1155, 1079, and 1027 cm−1 in the readings from the untreated samples. Finally, the observed root rot severity on cassava roots treated with AgNPs (1.75 ± 0.50) was significantly lower than the control samples (5.00 ± 0.00).

Brain targeted lactoferrin coated lipid nanocapsules for the combined effects of apocynin and lavender essential oil in PTZ induced seizures.

Apocynin (APO) is a plant derived antioxidant exerting specific NADPH oxidase inhibitory action substantiating its neuroprotective effects in various CNS disorders, including epilepsy. Due to rapid elimination and poor bioavailability, treatment with APO is challenging. Correspondingly, novel APO-loaded lipid nanocapsules (APO-LNC) were formulated and coated with lactoferrin (LF-APO-LNC) to improve br ain targetability and prolong residence time. Lavender oil (LAV) was incorporated into LNC as a bioactive ingredient to act synergistically with APO in alleviating pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures. The optimized LF-APO-LAV/LNC showed a particle size 59.7 ± 4.5 nm with narrow distribution and 6.07 ± 1.6mV zeta potential) with high entrapment efficiency 92 ± 2.4% and sustained release (35% in 72 h). Following subcutaneous administration, LF-APO-LAV/LNC brought about ⁓twofold increase in plasma AUC and MRT compared to APO. A Log BB value of 0.2 ± 0.14 at 90 min reflects increased brain accumulation. In a PTZ-induced seizures rat model, LF-APO-LAV/LNC showed a Modified Racine score of 0.67 ± 0.47 with a significant increase in seizures latency and decrease in duration. Moreover, oxidant/antioxidant capacity and inflammatory markers levels in brain tissue were significantly improved. Histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment of brain tissue sections further supported these findings. The results suggest APO/LAV combination in LF-coated LNC as a promising approach to counteract seizures.

Solid lipid nanoparticle: A potent vehicle of the kaempferol for brain delivery through the blood-brain barrier in the focal cerebral ischemic rat

Kaempferol is major flavonoid present in Convolvulus pluricaulis. This phytochemical protects the brain against oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation, neurotoxicity, neurodegeneration and cerebral ischemia induced neuronal destruction. Kaempferol is poorly water soluble. Our study proved that solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were efficient carrier of kaempferol through blood-brain barrier (BBB). Kaempferol was incorporated into SLNs prepared from stearic acid with polysorbate 80 by the process of ultrasonication. Mean particle size and zeta potential of kaempferol loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (K-SLNs) were 451.2 nm and −15.0 mV. Atomic force microscopy showed that K-SLNs were spherical in shape. Fourier transformed infrared microscopy (FTIR) showed that both stearic acid and kaempferol were present in K-SLNs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that the matrices of K-SLNs were in untidy crystalline state. Entraptment efficiency of K-SLNs was 84.92%. In-vitro drug release percentage was 93.24%. Kaempferol loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (K-SLNs) showed controlled release profile. In-vitro uptake study showed significant efficiency of K-SLNs to cross blood-brain barrier (BBB). After oral administration into the focal cerebral ischemic rat, accumulation of fluorescent labeled K-SLNs was observed in the brain cortex which confirmed its penetrability into the brain. It significantly decreased the neurological deficit, infarct volume and level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased the level of pro-inflammatory mediators like NF-κB and p-STAT3. Damaged neurons and brain texture were improved. This study indicated increased bioavailability of kaempferol into the brain tissue through SLNs formulation.

Enzyme activity test paper with high wet strength and anion adsorption properties fabricated from whole cationized softwood chemical fiber

Paper-based test film material is widely used in a variety of test instruments for different applications. The enzyme activity test paper sheet is one of the most popularly used test papers. Here we present a novel fabrication of paper-based enzyme activity test paper without cationic resin added in. The chemical pulping fibers were first beaten to different degrees (from 14.6 to 41.5°SR) with a PFI beater. After that, the fibers were modified with a cationic agent (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) under the system of alkali and water solution. Finally, the test papers were made with the modified fiber by a regular paper former in lab. The results showed that beating is beneficial for the improvement of the cationization reaction which is indicated by the Zeta potential, FTIR and EDS. The main mechanisms involved are the destruction of crystalline zone, increase of free hydroxyl group and defibrillation. This hypothesis was supported by the SEM, XRD and fiber analyzer. Beating under the optimized condition, the wet strength and liquid absorbability of test paper can meet the application requirement, and the test results of enzyme activity are quite close to those of commercial test papers.

Biochar/Delonix regia seed gum/chitosan composite as efficient adsorbent for the elimination of phenol from aqueous medium

In this study, biochar (BC) from Delonix regia pods peel and gum from Delonix regia seed (SG) were prepared, and also biochar/chitosan composite (BCS) and biochar/Delonix regia seed gum/chitosan composite (BCGS) were fabricated for the efficient adsorption of phenol. Various characterization tools such as SEM, TEM, ATR-FTIR, TGA, zeta potential, and textural investigation were studied to examine the features of the synthetized adsorbents, confirming their positive construction. It was fully studied how necessary factors, comprising pH, dose of adsorbent, contact shaking time, initial phenol concentration, and temperature influenced adsorption behavior. An obvious rise of the adsorption capacity from 60.16 to 165.20 mg/g was achieved by the modification of biochar with Delonix regia seed gum and chitosan under ideal circumstances of 2 h contact duration, pH 7, 15 °C, and a dose of 2.0 g/L. The phenol adsorption was well applied by Langmuir, Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Sips isotherms, in addition to nonlinear pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Furthermore, the physisorption, endothermic, and spontaneous process was illustrated by thermodynamic investigation. Additionally, the fabricated adsorbents could be effectively used and regenerated without main losses of only 7.5, 4.6, and 4.0 % for BC, BCS, and BCGS, respectively in the removal percentage after seven cycles of application.

Prolonged Release Niosomes For Ocular Delivery of Loteprednol: Ocular Distribution Assessment on Dry Eye Disease Induced Rabbit Model.

Loteprednol etabonate (LE) is a topical corticosteroid for the symptomatic management of ocular conditions, encompassing both allergic and infectious etiologies. Owing to the dynamic and static barriers of the eye, LE exhibits significantly low bioavailability, necessitating an increase in the frequency of drug administration. The objective of this study is to overcome the limitations by developing niosomal systems loaded with LE. Design of Experiments (DoE) approach was used for the development of optimal niosome formulation. The optimal formulation was characterized using DLS, FT-IR, and DSC analysis. In vitro and ex vivo release studies were performed to demonstrate drug release patterns. After that HET-CAM evaluation was conducted to determine safety profile. Then, in vivo studies were carried out to determine therapeutic activity of niosomes. Zeta potential (ZP), particle size, polydispersity index (PI), and encapsulation efficacy (EE) were -33.8mV, 89.22nm, 0.192, and 89.6%, respectively. Medicated niosomes had a broad distribution within rabbit eye tissues and was absorbed by the aqueous humor of the bovine eye for up to 6h after treatment. Cumulative permeated drug in the bovine eye and rabbit eye were recorded 52.45% and 54.8%, respectively. No irritation or hemorrhagic situation was observed according to the results of HET-CAM study. Thus, novel LE-loaded niosomal formulations could be considered as a promising treatment option for the dry-eye-disease (DED) due to enhanced bioavailability and decreased side effects.

CRGD-modified hybrid lipopolymeric nanoplexes for gene editing in the posterior segment of the eye

Eye-related diseases, specifically retinal dystrophy (RD) conditions, are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Gene addition, regulation, or editing could potentially treat such diseases through gene expression regulation. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing is one of the most prominent and precise gene editing tools which could be employed to edit genes related to the dystrophic condition. However, CRISPR/Cas9 faces in vivo delivery challenges due to its high molecular weight, negative charge, prone to degradation in the presence of nucleases and proteases, poor cellular degradation, etc., which makes it challenging to adopt for therapeutic applications. We developed cRGD-modified lipopolymeric nanoplexes loaded with Cas9 RNPs with a particle size and zeta potential of 175 ± 20 nm and 2.15 ± 0.9 mV, respectively. The cRGD-modified lipopolymeric nanoplexes were stable for 194 h and able to transfect >70 % ARPE-19 and NIH3T3 cells with an Indel frequency of ~40 % for the VEGF-A gene. The cRGD-modified lipopolymeric nanoplexes found good vitreous mobility and could transfection retinal cells in vivo after 48 h of intravitreal injection in Wistar Rats. Moreover, in vivo VEGFA gene editing was ~10 % with minimal toxicities. Collectively, the cRGD-modified lipopolymeric nanoplexes were found to have extreme potential in delivering CRISPR/Cas9 RNPs payload to the retinal tissues for therapeutic applications.

Formulation and Characterization of Ethosomes for Transdermal Delivery of Prinsepia Utilis Rogle Seed Oil with Ameliorative Effects against UVB-Induced Skin Damage.

Prinsepia utilis seed oil (PUSO) is a natural medication obtained from Prinsepia utilis Rogle seed, which has been used for the treatment of skin diseases. The study aims to prepare ethosomes with high drug loading as a water-soluble transdermal vehicle to enhance the transdermal delivery of PUSO. PUSO-loaded ethosomes (PEs) were prepared using a cold method, and optimized by an orthogonal experimental design with entrapment efficiency (EE) as the dependent variable. The PEs prepared with the optimized formulation showed good stability, with a spherical shape under transmission electron microscopy (TEM), average particle size of 39.12 ± 0.85 nm, PDI of 0.270 ± 0.01, zeta potential of -11.3 ± 0.24 mV, and EE of 95.93 ± 0.43%. PEs significantly increased the skin deposition of PUSO compared to the PUSO suspension (P < 0.001). Moreover, the optimum formula showed significant ameliorative effects on ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation-associated macroscopic and histopathological changes in mice skin. Therefore, PEs represent a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of UVB-induced skin inflammation, with the potential for industrialization.

IN SILICO TEST AND CHARACTERIZATION TEST OF THE NANOEMULSION FORMULA OF CATECHIN COMPOUNDS AS ANTI ACNE

Catechin is a polyphenolic compound produced by green tea and gambier plants with catechin activity as an antibacterial. The method that can be used to predict the activity of catechin compounds as anti-acne is by using the in silico method and catechins are unstable because they are difficult to dissolve in water, making transdermal delivery inefficient. As a drug delivery system, nanoemulsions can increase the effectiveness of drug therapy by reducing the particle size to the nanometer range. The aim of this research is to find out how to test in silico protein (1VJY) with catechin compounds as an anti-acne agent and to find out how the evaluation and characterization of the nanoemulsion preparation formula from catechin compounds meets the specified requirements. The results of in silico testing can predict catechin compounds as antibacterials that inhibit protein mechanisms (1VJY) as shown by 2D visualization and docking values and evaluation test results of catechin nanoemulsion preparations such as organoleptic, pH, transmittance, freeze and thaw, viscosity, specific gravity, irritation test has fulfilled the specified requirements. The results of the characterization test for the catechin nanoemulsion preparation showed a particle size of 10.6 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.452, and a zeta potential of -34.5 m, which is in accordance with the requirements.

Morphology-transforming AuNPs-based fluorescent probe for ultra-low sensitive detection of levofloxacin in urine samples at pH 7.0 through excimer formation

Fluorescent metal nanoparticles (MNPs) have garnered considerable interest in the realm of healthcare applications. Within this domain, we present a novel fluorescent sensor: Pamoic acid (PA) functionalized excitation-dependent gold nanoparticles (PA@AuNPs), designed to ascertain levofloxacin (LF) concentrations in human urine samples under pH 7.0 conditions. The synthesis of PA@AuNPs was achieved via a chemical reduction method employing PA as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. Validation of the successful synthesis of PA@AuNPs was conducted utilizing a suite of analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Microscopic examination via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) elucidated the spherical morphology of PA@AuNPs, with an average diameter ranging from 10 to 15 nm. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed an average surface roughness of 20.72 nm for PA@AuNPs. Thermal analysis results divulge that PA@AuNPs are highly stable up to 370 °C. The PA@AuNPs have shown more than 10-fold higher selectivity for LF in comparison with other commercially available antibiotics. The fluorescence emission intensity of PA@AuNPs (quantum yield (ΦF) 3.36 %) has shown enhanced redshift (436 → 497 nm; ∼61 nm) (λex 353 nm) upon the sequential addition of LF (0 → 100 µM) and achieved a lower detection limit (LoD = 36 nM; LoQ = 121 nM; Ka = 1.0457 × 104 M−1) with increased ΦF 18.96 %. This radiative process and fluorescence enhancement were confirmed by time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) measurement (4.89 → 5.36 ns). Interestingly, upon sensing LF, PA@AuNPs changed their morphology from spherical to octahedron and displayed an excimer formation through intermolecular π-π stacking. Furthermore, the stability of the complex, PA@AuNPs•LF which formed through coordination, by restoring the fluorescence intensity of PA@AuNPs•LF (turn on) in the presence of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) (turn off) is demonstrated. The formation of the PA@AuNPs•LF complex was further confirmed by XRD analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. The HRTEM and FESEM validate that PA@AuNPs•LF have octahedral morphology with an average size of 20–30 nm, and the obtained moiré fringes in TEM images are due to the overlap of LF on the surface of PA@AuNPs. The AFM analysis divulges that PA@AuNPs•LF had a larger surface roughness (Sa = 26.91 nm). The experimentally attained zeta potential of PA@AuNPs (–12.6 mV) was further decreased (–17.6 mV) in the presence of LF, which confirms the interaction between PA@AuNPs and LF. The cell viability (82 %) in L929 Fibroblast cells augmented the biological applications of PA@AuNPs. The practicability of the fluorescent sensor probe was demonstrated in human urine samples with recovery ranges from 97.56 to 104.38 %.

Carbopol 934-based transethosomal gel of Glycyrrhizic acid for the management of skin cancer

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) exhibited potential anti-cancer efficacy and was used for the treatment of skin cancer. Transethosomes were developed to improve the solubility, bioavailability, and permeability of GA since it shows high solubility in ethanol. The topical route offers the benefits of higher patient compliance, easy administration, and withdrawal in case of any side effects. The GA loaded transethosome (GA-TE) was optimized by using the Box-Behnken design. The optimized GA-TE formulation was characterized for vesicle size, and zeta potential, which were 127.6 ± 0.8 nm and −24.41 ± 0.7 mV respectively. The % entrapment efficiency and % drug loading of the optimized GA-TE formulation were found to be 85.22 ± 0.94 % and 6.22 ± 0.43 % respectively. The prepared GA-TE formulation was converted to topical gel by incorporating 1 % Carbopol 934 as a gelling agent. The texture analysis of GA-TE gel showed that the values of cohesiveness, work of cohesion, consistency, and firmness were suitable for the topical delivery system for skin cancer as compared to the conventional gel. The results of ex-vivo and in-vitro permeation of GA-TE gel showed better and enhanced permeation than conventional gel. The confocal laser scanning microscopy results showed better permeation, retention, deposition, and distribution of rhodamine B-loaded GA-TE gel formulation into the skin as compared to conventional gel. The produced GA-TE formulation was proven to be beneficial in treating skin cancer based on the in-vivo results.

Synthesis and characterization of cationic tamarind seed polysaccharide: An effective flocculating agent

A series of cationic tamarind seed polysaccharides (CTSPs) with different degrees of substitution were synthesized by etherification of tamarind seed polysaccharides (TSP) with 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride (CHPTAC). By elemental analysis, zeta potential and FTIR, the successful linking of cationic groups on the chain of TSPs were confirmed, and the substitution degrees were determined as 0.143, 0.197 and 0.346, respectively. NMR data indicated that the quaternary ammonium groups were linked to C6 of T-Gal. Subsequently, the flocculation behaviors of CTSPs in kaolin solution were investigated, and the results showed that both the degree of substitution and pH affected their flocculation properties. Charge neutralization and positional blocking effects caused flocculation to show an increasing and then decreasing trend with increasing substitution of CTSPs, whereas the lower the pH, the less flocculant was required to achieve the same flocculation effect. The presence of positive charges allowed CTSPs to effectively remove negatively charged waste water such as kaolin suspensions.