Search Results (11,504)

The utilization of encapsulated biopharmaceuticals, including peptides and proteins, has grown substantially in recent years. In this study, the influence of aliphatic polyester physicochemical properties, specifically crystallinity and hydrophobicity, on the development of protein-loaded microparticles was investigated. A series of polyesters, namely amorphous PDLLA and semicrystalline PLLA, PCL, and PPDL, were synthesized via chemical and enzymatic ring-opening polymerization. Bovine serum albumin (BSA)-loaded microparticles were fabricated using a water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) double emulsion solvent evaporation method. The size of microparticles obtained was determined by scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering methods. The enzymatic degradation of the polymer microparticles was assessed through incubation in a lipase-containing buffer solution. BSA and α-chymotrypsin (ACHT) were used as model proteins for the preparation of encapsulated polymer microspheres and comparison of their characteristics and properties. Protein encapsulation efficacy, release rate, and enzyme activity retained after encapsulation were evaluated and compared for selected aliphatic polyesters. The release profiles were processed with the use of various mathematical models to reveal the possible mechanism(s) of protein release. Full article

Background: Encapsulating essential oils in polymer-based nanocarriers can improve their stability, solubility, and bioavailability, while maintaining the biological activity of the oil’s active ingredients. In this contribution, we investigated the antiviral activity of Oregano Essential Oil (OEO) in its pure form and encapsulated into nanosized polymeric micelles, based on a poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) diblock copolymer. Methods: The effect of encapsulation was evaluated using three structurally different viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) (DNA—enveloped virus), human coronavirus (HCoV OC-43) (RNA—enveloped virus), and feline calicivirus (FCV) (RNA—naked virus). The effect on the viral replicative cycle was determined using the cytopathic effect inhibition (CPE) test. Inhibition of the viral adsorption step, virucidal activity, and protective effect on healthy cells were assessed using the final dilution method and were determined as Δlg compared to the untreated viral control. Results: In both studied forms (pure and nanoformulated), OEO had no significant effect on viral replication. In the remaining antiviral experiments, the oil embedded into nanocarriers showed a slightly stronger effect than the pure oil. When the oil was directly applied to extracellular virions, viral titers were significantly reduced for all three viruses, with the effect being strongest for HSV-1 and FCV (Δlg = 3.5). A distinct effect was also observed on the viral adsorption stage, with the effect being most significant for HSV-1 (Δlg = 3.0). Conclusions: Pretreatment of healthy cells with the nanoformulated OEO significantly protected them from viral infection, with the greatest reduction in viral titer for HCoV OC-43. Full article

This study focuses on the preparation of poly(HCQM-co-VP) copolymeric nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance the aqueous solubility and bioavailability of the hydrophobic and antitumor molecules HCQ (hydroxychloroquine) and α-TOS (α-tocopheryl succinate). HCQ is covalently incorporated into the polymer backbone, while α-TOS is encapsulated within the nanoparticles by non-covalent interactions. Poly(HCQM-co-VP) was synthesized from a vinyl derivative of HCQ (HCQM) and N-vinylpyrrolidone (VP), with a molar composition of 17% HCQM and 83% VP, providing the optimal hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance for forming, via nanoprecipitation, empty nanoparticles (NPs) with a diameter of 123.6 nm and a zeta potential of −5.8 mV. These nanoparticles effectively encapsulated α-TOS within their hydrophobic core, achieving an encapsulation efficiency (%EE) of 78%. These α-TOS-loaded NPs resulted in smaller diameters and more negative zeta potentials (71 nm, −19.2 mV) compared to the non-loaded NPs. The cytotoxicity of these NPs was evaluated using the AlamarBlue assay on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The empty NPs showed no toxic effects within the tested concentration range, after 72 h of treatment. In contrast, the α-TOS-loaded NPs, exhibited a pronounced cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 100.2 μg·mL⁻¹, thereby demonstrating their potential as controlled drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. These findings contribute to the development of a new HCQ-based polymeric nanocarrier for α-TOS or other hydrophobic drugs for the treatment of cancer and other diseases treatable with these drugs. Full article

Plant-based extracts and elicitors (signaling molecules that activate the fruit’s innate defense responses) have emerged as promising and sustainable alternatives to synthetic chemicals for preserving postharvest fruit quality and extending shelf life. This review provides a comprehensive analysis, uniquely complemented by a bibliometric assessment of the research landscape from 2005 to 2025, to identify key trends and effective solutions. This review systematically examined the efficacy of various natural compounds including essential oils (complex volatile compounds with potent antimicrobial activity such as lemongrass and thyme), phenolic-rich botanical extracts like neem and aloe vera, and plant-derived elicitors such as methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid. Their preservative mechanisms are multifaceted, involving direct antimicrobial activity by disrupting microbial membranes, potent antioxidant effects that scavenge free radicals, and the induction of a fruit’s innate defense systems, enhancing the activity of enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD). Applications of edible coatings of chitosan or aloe vera gel, nano-emulsions, and pre- or postharvest treatments effectively reduce decay by Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium spp.), delay ripening by suppressing ethylene production, minimize water loss, and alleviate chilling injury. Despite their potential, challenges such as sensory changes, batch-to-batch variability, regulatory hurdles, and scaling production costs limit widespread commercialization. Future prospects hinge on innovative technologies like nano-encapsulation to improve stability and mask flavors, hurdle technology combining treatments synergistically, and optimizing elicitor application protocols. This review demonstrates the potential of continued research and advanced formulation to create plant-based preservatives, that can become integral components of an eco-friendly postharvest management strategy, effectively reducing losses and meeting consumer demands for safe, high-quality fruit. Full article

This research focuses on developing innovative nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. We engineered biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles capable of encapsulating various therapeutic agents, demonstrating improved stability, prolonged circulation times, and preferential accumulation in target tissues. Surface functionalization with targeting ligands achieved unprecedented specificity in drug delivery. Our nanoparticle formulations exhibited superior tumor accumulation in preclinical cancer models, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing systemic toxicity. Additionally, we developed stimuli-responsive nanoparticles for precise spatiotemporal control over drug release. These advanced delivery systems promise to improve patient outcomes and advance personalized nanomedicine. Full article

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) poses a critical global public health challenge necessitating immediate action. Without prompt interventions, infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria could surpass the annual mortality rates of all cancers combined by 2050. Phages are one of the most abundant biological entities on earth that specifically infect and replicate in bacterial cells and can act as potential alternatives to antibiotics. Nanotechnology provides a favorable solution to overcome various challenges linked with phage therapy. Developments in nanotechnology, including nano-encapsulation, offer solutions to various clinical as well as pharmacological challenges by improving delivery efficacy, ensuring controlled release, and protecting phages from environmental degradation and immune clearance. The synergistic actions of phage-guided targeting and the strong bactericidal potential of engineered nanocapsules (NCs) could effectively eradicate multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria while diminishing off-target activities. Potential applications of engineered phage-guided nanotherapeutic systems have already been explored in terms of phage/nanocarrier cocktails, enhanced antibacterial activity, effective treatment of nosocomial infections, wound healing, and disruption of bacterial biofilms. The present review focuses on comprehensively discussing the advances in phage-guided NCs along with their mechanisms in enhancing precision antibacterial therapy. In this regard, numerous in vitro and in vivo study findings have been summarized in this review. Moreover, various approaches to overcome and optimize the pharmacokinetic profiles of phage-guided NCs have been discussed. Full article

This research investigates the intersection of construction innovation and cultural heritage through the lens of tourist perceptions of the world’s largest carved golden Buddha, situated at Khao Chi Chan Mountain, Pattaya, Thailand. Positioned as an emerging tourism destination, this site contributes to the rebranding of Pattaya as a globally significant hub for religious tourism. This study highlights how this monumental Buddha statue fosters spiritual experiences, promotes the conservation of art and culture, and encapsulates a historical narrative tied to Thailand’s royal lineage. Notably, the statue’s creation employed a pioneering technique—the only one of its kind worldwide—involving laser-guided carving by artisans, followed by gold leaf application to enhance its aesthetic magnificence. A mixed-methods research approach was adopted, integrating historical document analysis with narrative accounts of the statue’s construction using modern technology, complemented by quantitative data collected through tourist questionnaires. By documenting the historical use of laser technology in creating this iconic Buddhist landmark, this research corrects misconceptions about its construction process and highlights the innovative application of a 20 W Argon ion laser for drawing the image of Buddha on the cliff. This study evaluates tourist perceptions using the DHARMA model, revealing how Destination Identity, Heritage Values, and Memorable Experiences foster emotional connections and spiritual enrichment (β = 0.801, p < 0.001). The findings underscore Khao Chi Chan’s potential to reposition Pattaya as a hub for Buddhist tourism, diversifying its image beyond nightlife-centric tourism. This work contributes to sustainable tourism by demonstrating how sacred sites can balance cultural preservation and economic vitality, offering insights for heritage management and urban tourism development in Southeast Asia. Full article

With the continuous progress and innovation of petroleum engineering technology, the development of new oilfield additives with superior environmental benefits has attracted widespread attention. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a natural resource characterized by abundant availability, low cost, biodegradability, and environmental compatibility. Konjac gum easily forms a weak gel network in water, but its water solubility and thermal stability are poor, and it is easily degraded at high temperatures. Therefore, its application in drilling fluid and fracturing fluid is limited. In this paper, a method of carboxymethyl modification of KGM was developed, and a carboxymethyl group was introduced to adjust KGM’s hydrogel forming ability and stability. Carboxymethylated Konjac glucomannan (CMKG) is a water-soluble anionic polysaccharide derived from natural Konjac glucomannan. By introducing carboxymethyl groups, CMKG overcomes the limitations of the native polymer, such as poor solubility and instability, while retaining its safe and biocompatible nature, making it an effective natural polymer additive for oilfield applications. The results show that when used as a drilling fluid additive, CMKG can form a stable three-dimensional gel network through molecular chain cross-linking, significantly improving the rheological properties of the mud. Its unique gel structure can enhance the encapsulation of clay particles and inhibit clay hydration expansion. When used as a fracturing fluid thickener, the viscosity of the gel system formed by CMKG at 0.6% (w/v) is superior to that of the weak gel system of KGM. The heat resistance/shear resistance tests confirm that the gel structure remains intact under high-temperature and high-shear conditions, meeting the sand-carrying capacity requirements for fracturing operations. The gel-breaking experiment shows that the system can achieve controlled degradation within 300 min, in line with on-site gel-breaking specifications. This modification process not only improves the rheological properties and water solubility of the CMKG gel but also optimizes the gel stability and controlled degradation through molecular structure adjustment. Full article

Drug delivery is a well-established method for transporting anticancer drugs to cancerous tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Carbon nanocapsules (CNs) and boron nitride nanocapsules (BNNs) are promising nanocarriers capable of delivering drugs to tumor sites following their release. In this context, their diffusivity characteristics and drug release behavior need to be thoroughly addressed. This study examines the diffusion mechanisms of CNs and BNNs, as well as the impact of nanobubble cavitation on their performance as drug-releasing agents, utilizing molecular dynamics (MD) simulation methods. The results revealed that BNNs exhibit a higher diffusion coefficient compared to CNs in pure water. Moreover, temperature cannot be employed as a navigation mechanism for either CNs or BNNs. In terms of drug release, the collapse of nanobubbles at 298 K and 1 atm generates a high-energy water nanohammer, characterized by a temperature of approximately 1000 K and a pressure of 25 GPa, which impacts the nanocapsules. The impulse from the water nanohammer crushes the CN nanocapsule, whereas it leads to wall breakage in the BNN nanocapsule. Although both crushing and breakage can enable drug release, the crushing of CNs presents a higher risk of damage to the encapsulated drug. In summary, BNNs demonstrate better diffusivity and more favorable drug release behavior under nanobubble cavitation. However, further investigation is required to address targeting mechanisms and safer release strategies, involving the use of metallic functional groups and beam radiation, respectively. Full article

This study introduces a single-step method to synthesize guar gum-based interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels, achieving simultaneous Diels–Alder crosslinking and amoxicillin (AMOX) encapsulation under mild conditions. To evaluate the influence of porogen addition on IPN structure, drug loading and release, twenty-one formulations were developed, including AMOX loading (25% or 40% w/w relative to the polymer) and biocompatible porogens incorporation [polyethylene glycol (PEG) or sucrose at 5%, 10%, or 50% w/w]. All crosslinked IPN hydrogels formed robust gels, unlike non-crosslinked controls. Porogen choice strongly influenced hydrogel performance: PEG quadrupled the swelling index while enhancing storage modulus (up to 10,054 Pa) and complex viscosity (up to 1302 Pa·s), whereas high sucrose concentrations produced soft, ductile networks with critical strains above 20% and swelling indices up to 1895%. All hydrogels released AMOX at levels above MIC₅₀ for H. pylori. PEG-based IPN provided superior drug delivery profiles, with extended AMOX release (t₅₀ up to 15.5 h at pH 5.0), while sucrose-rich matrices exhibited faster burst release and disintegration. Single-step (pre-loading) AMOX during synthesis improved release control compared to post-loading. These findings highlight the potential of one-pot IPN synthesis with porogen modulation offering a promising gastroretentive platforms for sustained AMOX delivery against H. pylori. Full article

The degree of bovine serum albumin (BSA) released from particles based on chitosan and hydroxyapatite prepared by encapsulation and chemisorption methods, crosslinked by aldol condensation, was studied. The obtained materials’ composition was qualitatively determined by IR spectroscopy; phase identification and surface morphology were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. A spectrophotometric method was used to quantitatively assess the loading and release degree of encapsulated/chemisorbed BSA from polymer microspheres. To determine the release mechanism, the data on the amount of BSA released were analyzed according to the zero- and first-order, Higuchi, and Korsmayer–Peppas models. Full article

Wireless power transfer (WPT) has emerged as a compelling solution for delivering electrical energy without physical connectors, particularly in applications requiring reliability, mobility, or encapsulation. This work presents the modeling, simulation, construction, and experimental validation of an optimized dual-frequency WPT system using magnetically coupled resonant coils. Unlike conventional single-frequency systems, the proposed architecture introduces two independently controlled excitation frequencies applied to distinct transistors, enabling improved resonance behavior and enhanced power delivery across a range of coupling conditions. The design process integrates numerical circuit simulations in PSpice and three-dimensional electromagnetic analysis in ANSYS Maxwell 3D, allowing accurate evaluation of coupling coefficient variation, mutual inductance, and magnetic flux distribution as functions of coil geometry and alignment. A sixth-degree polynomial model was derived to characterize the coupling coefficient as a function of coil separation, supporting predictive tuning. Experimental measurements were carried out using a physical prototype driven by both sinusoidal and rectangular control signals under varying load conditions. Results confirm the simulation findings, showing that specific signal periods (e.g., 8 µs, 18 µs, 20 µs, 22 µs) yield optimal induced voltage values, with strong sensitivity to the coupling coefficient. Moreover, the presence of a real load influenced system performance, underscoring the need for adaptive control strategies. The proposed approach demonstrates that dual-frequency excitation can significantly enhance system robustness and efficiency, paving the way for future implementations of self-adaptive WPT systems in embedded, mobile, or biomedical environments. Full article

This study investigated the effects of inulin concentration and ultrasonic homogenization on the particle size distribution and microstructure of oil-in-water emulsion gels stabilized with psyllium husk. These gels were then incorporated into meal purees formulated for individuals with dysphagia. Under ultrasound treatment, an increase in inulin from 0% to 20% reduced the average droplet size from 14.98 μm to 1.58 μm, indicating a synergistic effect between ultrasound treatment and inulin in reducing and stabilizing droplet size. The optimal formulation under ultrasound was 20% (w/w) inulin. Scanning electron and polarized light microscopy confirmed that ultrasonic homogenization improved emulsion integrity by minimizing droplet size and promoting encapsulation. Inulin-rich emulsion gels, when added to purees, reduced structural voids, improved matrix cohesion, and lowered expressible fluid content. Enzymatic assays showed enhanced inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, indicating increased resistance to oral enzymatic degradation. Importantly, substituting emulsion gels at 10% (w/w) did not compromise puree firmness. All formulations met International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) Level 4 requirements, confirming their suitability for individuals with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). These findings demonstrate the potential of psyllium husk-stabilized emulsion gels as innovative texture-modifying agents for dysphagia-friendly food development. Full article

Fungal mycelial pellets (MPs) exhibit high biomass-loading capacity; however, their application in wastewater treatment is constrained by structural fragility and the risk of environmental dispersion. To overcome these limitations, a dual-crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol–alginate gel (10% PVA, 2% sodium alginate) embedding strategy was developed and stabilized using 2% CaCl₂ and saturated boric acid. This encapsulation enhanced the tensile strength of MPs by 499% (310.4 vs. 62.1 kPa) and improved their settling velocity by 2.3-fold (1.12 vs. 0.49 cm/s), which was critical for stability under turbulent bioreactor conditions. Following encapsulation, the specific oxygen uptake rates (SOURs) of three fungal strains (F557, Y3, and F507) decreased by 30.3%, 54.8%, and 48.3%, respectively, while maintaining metabolic functionality. SEM revealed tight adhesion between the gel layer and both surface and internal hyphae, with the preservation of porous channels conducive to microbial colonization. In sequential-batch reactors treating sulfamethoxazole (SMX)-contaminated wastewater, gel-encapsulated MPs combined with acclimated sludge consistently achieved 72–75% SMX removal efficiency over six cycles, outperforming uncoated MPs (efficiency decreased from 81.2% to 58.7%) and pure gel–sludge composites (34–39%). The gel coating inhibited hyphal dispersion by over 90% and resisted mechanical disintegration under 24 h agitation. This approach offers a scalable and environmentally sustainable means of enhancing MPs’ operational stability in continuous-flow systems while mitigating fungal dissemination risks. Full article

Protein-based emulsion gels and bigels serve as ideal delivery systems owing to their distinctive structural properties, high encapsulation efficiency, and adjustable digestive behavior. However, limited research has examined the differences between emulsion gels and bigels as polyphenol delivery systems. In this study, oil-in-water (O/W)-type emulsion gels formulated with soy protein isolate (SPI) and κ-carrageenan (κ-CG) were fabricated using a cold-set gelation method, and then the bigels were prepared through further oil gelation by the addition of glycerol monostearate (GMS). Both SPI-κ-CG emulsion gels and bigels were mainly stabilized by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, exhibiting high gel strength, varying from 940 g to 1304 g, and high water holding capacity (~84%). Both the SPI-κ-CG emulsion gels and bigels demonstrated high curcumin encapsulation efficiency, reaching 98~99%. Stability testing revealed that bigels prepared with 15% and 20% GMS exhibited the highest curcumin retention ratios, with a value of around 78% after storage for 21 days at 25 °C, suggesting that denser network structures more effectively prevent the degradation of the encapsulated compound. During the in vitro simulated gastric digestion, higher GMS content significantly delayed curcumin release by over 7%. Increasing GMS concentration from 0% to 20% elevated lipolysis by over 8% and concurrently improved the release of curcumin by more than 18% during the in vitro simulated intestinal digestion. This study provides comparative insights into polyphenol delivery performance between emulsion gels and bigels, offering valuable guidance for developing functional foods based on gel delivery systems. Full article