Search Results (376)

Following the trend of food waste valorization to produce innovative bio-based materials, this study proposes the conversion of brewer’s spent grain (BSG) into added value edible, high oxygen barrier, flexible, active packaging films via an extrusion molding compression method. Gelatin (Gel) was used as both a reinforcement and barrier agent and glycerol (Gl) as a plasticizer. Eugenol was nanoencapsulated on natural zeolite (EG@NZ), and pure clove powder (ClP) was used as an active agent to obtain BSG/Gel/Gl/xEG@NZ and BSG/Gel/Gl/xClP (x = 5, 10, and 15 %wt.) active films. Both BSG/Gel/Gl/xEG@NZ and BSG/Gel/Gl/xClP films show enhanced tensile, oxygen barrier, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, and low toxicity and genotoxicity values. All BSG/Gel/Gl/xEG@NZ films presented a higher oxygen barrier, higher total phenolic content (TPC) values, higher antioxidant activity according to a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, higher inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and lower toxicity and genotoxicity than all BSG/Gel/Gl/xClP films. Thus, the superiority of the nanoencapsulated EG in NZ as compared to the physical encapsulated EG in ClP is proved. Briefly, BSG/Gel/Gl/15EG@NZ active film exhibited ~218% higher tensile strength, ~93% higher TPC value, and ~90% lower effective concentration for a 60% antioxidant activity value (EC₆₀) as compared to the pure BSG/Gel/Gl film. The zones against S. aureus and E. coli were 45 and 30 mm, respectively, and the oxygen barrier was zero. The use of this film extended the shelf life of fresh minced meat by two days and exhibited the high potential to be used as active packaging material. Full article

This paper reports on a validated, stability-indicating high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)-based assay for the quantification of nitrofurazone in an ointment formulation. The simple and rapid HPTLC analysis was performed on silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates using toluene–acetonitrile–ethyl acetate–glacial acetic acid (6:2:2:0.1, v/v) as the mobile phase and chloroform–acetone (9:1, v/v) as the solvent. The method was validated in accordance with the guidelines set by both the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Nitrofurazone appeared as a sharp band with a R_F value of 0.18. The method showed excellent linear regression between the concentration ranges of 30–180 ng/band (R = 99.99%). The limit of detection was found to be 10.39 ng/band, and the limit of quantification was 31.49 ng/band. The forced degradation of nitrofurazone via photolysis, oxidation, acid and alkaline hydrolyses confirmed the assay’s suitability for stability studies involving nitrofurazone. Therefore, the method is considered suitable for the routine quality control of nitrofurazone ointment. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study reports the synthesis of TiO₂ nanoparticles, their functionalization with folic acid (FA), and the subsequent loading with zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) to develop photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) targeting glioma cells. Methods: TiO₂, TiO₂-FA, and TiO₂-FA-ZnPc nanoparticles were synthesized via a sol–gel process involving the hydrolysis and condensation of titanium (IV) isopropoxide. FA and ZnPc were incorporated in vitro during the synthesis. The resulting materials were characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and UV–Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was evaluated in vitro using the 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) probe. A 40 ppm solution of each TiO₂ system was irradiated with UV light, and the degradation of DPBF was monitored. Biological assays were conducted to assess the viability of human glioblastoma cells (LN18 and U251) incubated with the TiO₂-based materials, with and without UV exposure. Human fibroblast cells (BJ) were used to evaluate biocompatibility. Results: All TiO₂-based materials retained key characteristics, including high surface area (~600–700 m²/g), mesoporous structure (pore diameter ~4–5 nm), mixed anatase–amorphous morphology, and a bandgap of approximately 3.46 eV. The UV–Vis spectrum of TiO₂-FA-ZnPc displayed additional absorption bands in the visible region (600–700 nm), consistent with ZnPc incorporation. Upon UV irradiation, the DPBF absorbance at 410 nm decreased over time, indicating ROS generation and resulting in complete degradation within 10 min (TiO₂), 12 min (TiO₂-FA), and 14 min (TiO₂-FA-ZnPc). BJ cells exhibited good biocompatibility at all concentrations. LN18 and U251 cells showed no cytotoxicity below 100 μg/mL unless exposed to UV light. Conclusions: The synthesized TiO₂-based systems demonstrate good biocompatibility and significant phototoxicity under UV irradiation, highlighting their strong potential for application in photodynamic therapy. Full article

This study presents the proof-of-concept design and preliminary implementation of a bioelectric biosensor based on an Arduino platform for real-time monitoring of gel-immobilized N2a neuroblastoma cells using dopamine as a model neurotransmitter. The sensor operates on the principle of bioelectric recognition assay (BERA), and uses a two-electrode set-up as a simple, cost-efficient way to capture electrophysiological responses following dopamine exposure, while at the same time mimicking the in vivo cellular environment. Cellular ohmic resistance was assessed under increasing dopamine concentrations and temperatures (24 °C and 37 °C). The results showed that temperature significantly affected cell responses to increasing dopamine concentrations, possibly because of differences in dopamine diffusion in gel, which may in turn have affected membrane polarization and overall cell electric resistance. Pending further testing against a wider range of dopamine concentrations along with various dopamine agonists/antagonists, as well as optimization in terms of specificity, selectivity, and sensitivity, the biosensor could be applied in bioscreening and neuropharmacological studies in a user-friendly, scalable way. Full article

Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based delivery systems are promising tools for advancing RNA-based therapies. However, there are underlying challenges for the oral delivery of LNPs. In this study, we optimized an LNP formulation, which we encapsulated in a pH-sensitive Eudragit^® S 100 (Eu) coating. LNPs were prepared using the DLin-MC3-DMA ionizable lipid, cholesterol, DMG-PEG, and DSPC at a molar ratio of 50:38.5:10:1.5. LNPs were coated with 1% Eu solution via nanoprecipitation using 0.25% acetic acid to get Eu-coated LNPs (Eu-LNPs). Particle characteristics of LNPs were determined by using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Ribogreen and agarose gel retardation assays were used to evaluate nucleic acid entrapment and stability. LNPs and Eu-LNPs were ~120 nm and 4.5 μm in size, respectively. Eu-LNPs decrease to an average size of ~191 ± 22.9 nm at a pH of 8. Phosphate buffer (PB)-treated and untreated Eu-LNPs and uncoated LNPs were transfected in HEK-293 cells. PB-treated Eu-LNPs showed significant transfection capability compared to their non-PB-treated counterparts. Eu-LNPs protected their nucleic acid payloads in the presence of a simulated gastric fluid (SGF) with pepsin and maintained transfection capacity following SGF or simulated intestinal fluid. Hence, Eu coating is a potentially promising approach for the oral administration of LNPs. Full article

In the context of modern dermocosmetic development, multifunctional topical gel-cream formulations must be efficient for both therapeutic efficacy and cosmetic applications. This study presents a comparative physicochemical and pharmacotechnical analysis of three topical gel-cream formulations developed by Brand Chanand^®: Acne Control Cleanser (ACC), Acne Face Cream (AFC), and Gentle Cream Cleanser Serum Control, Regenerating, Hydrating, Calming (IRC). Each formulation is enriched with a specific blend of bioactive compounds, including botanical oils, vitamins, and proteins, designed to treat acne, to support skin regeneration, and to maintain the skin barrier. A multidisciplinary approach was used, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheological evaluation, pH and density determination, spreadability analysis, and oxidative stability testing to evaluate the products. Antioxidant capacity was assessed through multiple in vitro assays. The results demonstrated that all three gel-cream formulations exhibit pseudoplastic rheological behaviour, suitable for topical application. AFC showed the highest oxidative stability and antioxidant activity, while IRC presented superior spreadability and cosmetic efficacy, likely due to its complex composition. ACC displayed faster absorption and was ideal for targeted use on oily or acne-prone skin. The differences observed in the stability and performance suggest that the ingredient synergy, base composition, and solubility profiles show notable variations in dermato-cosmetic formulations. These findings highlight the formulation–performance relationship in topical gel-cream formulations and support the development of new cosmetic products tailored for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Full article

In this study, we designed an injectable skin-rejuvenating formulation based on polyethylene glycol–polycaprolactone–polyethylene glycol (PEG-PCL-PEG) copolymers to provide a synergistic combination of biocompatibility, antioxidative capacity, and regenerative potential. Through the systematic optimization of the precursor molar ratio and molecular weight, well-defined PEG-PCL-PEG copolymers were synthesized and structurally characterized using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. An optimized precipitation and drying protocol effectively reduced residual solvents, as confirmed by gas chromatography (GC). Idebenone was incorporated as an antioxidant to prevent skin aging, while hyaluronic acid (HA), L-arginine, and glycerin were included to promote collagen regeneration. In vitro assays demonstrated that idebenone-loaded samples exhibited prolonged intracellular antioxidant activity with low cytotoxicity. The collagen-promoting formulation, containing HA, glycerin, and L-arginine, enhanced the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and type III collagen (COL3) while suppressing inflammatory genes, suggesting a favorable environment for extracellular matrix remodeling. In vivo evaluation corroborated these outcomes, showing angiogenesis, collagen reorganization, and progressive dermal thickness. Histological analysis further confirmed sustained matrix regeneration and tissue integration. These results highlight the potential of PEG-PCL-PEG-based injectables as a multifunctional platform for collagen regeneration, offering a promising strategy for both cosmetic and clinical applications. Full article

The synthesis of novel biodegradable polymers as non-viral vectors remains one of the challenging tasks in the field of gene delivery. In this study, the synthesis of the polysaccharide-g-polypeptide copolymers, namely, hyaluronic acid-g-polylysine (HA-g-PLys), using a copper-free strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction was proposed. For this purpose, hyaluronic acid was modified with dibenzocyclooctyne moieties, and poly-L-lysine with a terminal azido group was obtained using ring-opening polymerization of N-carboxyanhydride of the corresponding protected amino acid, initiated with the amino group azido-PEG₃-amine. Two HA-g-PLys samples with different degrees of grafting were synthesized, and the structures of all modified and synthesized polymers were confirmed using ¹H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The HA-g-PLys samples obtained were able to form nanoparticles in aqueous media due to self-assembly driven by electrostatic interactions. The binding of DNA and model siRNA by copolymers to form polyplexes was analyzed using ethidium bromide, agarose gel electrophoresis, and SybrGreen I assays. The hydrodynamic diameter of polyplexes was ˂300 nm (polydispersity index, PDI ˂ 0.3). The release of a model fluorescently-labeled oligonucleotide in the complex biological medium was significantly higher in the case of HA-g-PLys as compared to that in the case of PLys-based polyplexes. In addition, the cytotoxicity in normal and cancer cells, as well as the ability of HA-g-PLys to facilitate intracellular delivery of anti-GFP siRNA to NIH-3T3/GFP+ cells, were evaluated. Full article

In this study, aligned with the principles of the circular economy and sustainability, novel eugenol@natural zeolite (EG@NZ) and citral@natural zeolite (CT@NZ) nanohybrids were developed. These nanohybrids were successfully incorporated into a pork gelatin (Gel)/glycerol (Gl) composite matrix using an extrusion–compression molding method to produce innovative active packaging films: Gel/Gl/xEG@NZ (where x = 5, 10, and 15%wt.) and Gel/Gl/xCT@NZ (where x = 5 and 10%wt.). All films exhibited zero oxygen barrier properties. Release kinetic studies showed that both EG@NZ and CT@NZ nanohybrids adsorbed up to 58%wt. of their respective active compounds. However, EG@NZ exhibited a slow and nearly complete release of eugenol, whereas CT@NZ released approximately half of its citral content at a faster rate. Consequently, the obtained Gel/Gl/xEG@NZ films demonstrated significantly higher antioxidant activity as measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazylradical (DPPH) assay and superior antibacterial effectiveness against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes compared to their CT-based counterparts. Overall, the Gel/Gl/xEG@NZ films show strong potential for applications as active pads for fresh pork ham slices, offering zero oxygen permeability, enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and effective control of total viable count (TVC) growth, maintaining a low and steady rate beyond the 10th day of a 26-day storage period. Full article

Nanotechnology has revolutionized dermocosmetic innovation by improving the stability, bioavailability, and efficacy of active ingredients. In this study, we developed and optimized a novel xanthan gum-based hydrogel containing quercetin-loaded chitosan lactate nanoparticles for antioxidant and antimicrobial skincare applications. Chitosan was converted to its lactate form to enhance water solubility and enable nanoparticle formation at physiological pH via ionic gelation with citric acid. The formulation was optimized using Box–Behnken response surface methodology to achieve minimal particle size and maximal zeta potential. The final gel was structured with xanthan gum as the gelling polymer, into which the optimized nanoparticles were incorporated to create a stable and bioactive hydrogel system. Encapsulation efficiency was measured separately to assess the effectiveness of drug loading. The optimized nanoparticles exhibited a mean diameter of 422.02 nm, a zeta potential of +29.49 mV, and a high quercetin encapsulation efficiency (76.9%), corresponding to the proportion of quercetin retained in the nanoparticle matrix relative to the total amount initially used in the formulation. Antioxidant assays (TAC, DPPH, and reducing power) confirmed superior radical-scavenging activity of the nanoformulation compared to the base hydrogel. Antibacterial tests showed strong inhibition against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, with MIC values comparable to streptomycin. Accelerated stability studies demonstrated excellent physicochemical and microbiological stability over 60 days. This natural, bioactive, and eco-friendly formulation represents a promising platform for next-generation cosmeceuticals targeting oxidative stress and skin-related pathogens. Full article

Silk fibroin has recently gained considerable attention as a promising biomaterial for use in medical and bioengineering technologies due to its biocompatibility and favorable mechanical properties. In this study, composite gel based on silk fibroin microparticles and carboxymethyl cellulose was developed, characterized by a viscous, homogeneous white mass containing uniformly distributed fibroin microparticles ranging from 1 to 20 μm in size. The gel exhibited a kinematic viscosity of 36.5 × 10⁻⁶ St, allowing for convenient application to wounds using a syringe or spatula while preventing uncontrolled spreading. The cytocompatibility of the gel was confirmed using the methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay, which showed no cytotoxic effects on 3T3 fibroblast cells. Furthermore, the gel remained stable for over one year when stored at 10 °C, in contrast to conventional fibroin solutions, which typically lose stability within a month under similar conditions. In a full-thickness skin wound model in rats, the application of the gel significantly accelerated skin regeneration, with complete wound closure observed by day 15, compared with 30 days in the control group. Histological analysis confirmed the restoration of all skin layers. These findings demonstrate the high potential of the gel for applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Full article

This study develops and characterizes GelMA–dopamine conjugates as novel tissue adhesives, offering an alternative to sutures. GelMA was synthesized at 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/v) with medium and high dopamine (DOPA) conjugation. Adhesives were evaluated for swelling, degradation, mechanical strength, and cytocompatibility using AlamarBlue assays and F-actin staining to assess cell viability and adhesion. Our findings indicate that DOPA conjugation significantly reduced the swelling ratio while increasing the biodegradation rate, resulting in enhanced release of free methacrylate groups over time. The mechanical properties and adhesion capabilities showed a complex relationship with DOPA substitution. Notably, the formulation containing 10% GelMA with high dopamine conjugation (HD) exhibited superior adhesion and mechanical strength. All formulations demonstrated shear-thinning behavior and recovery, making them suitable for injection and bioprinting applications. Although increased DOPA levels negatively affected crosslinking, the optimal formulation achieved a balance between adhesion and gel concentration. Rapid crosslinking was achieved within five minutes, enhancing the material’s suitability for clinical applications. In vitro cell-based assays confirmed the non-cytotoxic nature of the optimal adhesives, with metabolic activity showing significant increases over a 7-day period. These advancements support the development of improved tissue adhesives, potentially reducing reliance on sutures and enhancing wound healing outcomes. Full article

Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) is a traditional medicinal plant rich in bioactive alkaloids and phenolics, known for their antioxidant and anti-aging properties. This study aimed to develop nanoparticle-based topical gels from ethanolic extracts of four kratom varieties, including Kan Daeng (KD), Hang Kang (HK), Tai Bai-yao (KY), and Kan Keaw (KG). Kratom NPs were prepared using a solvent displacement method. The resulting nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited sizes of 201.9–256.2 nm, polydispersity indices (PDI) below 0.3, and a zeta potential between −22.6 and −29.6 mV. The phytochemical analysis revealed that KG and KY extracts contained the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), which were mostly retained after NP formulation. The HPLC analysis confirmed HK as the richest source of mitragynine (9.97 ± 0.10% w/w), while NP formulations displayed slightly reduced levels. Antioxidant activities assessed by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays revealed enhanced radical scavenging in nanoparticle formulations, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 151.23 to 199.87 µg/mL (DPPH) and 207.37 to 272.83 µg/mL (ABTS). All formulations exhibited a significant inhibition of collagenase (80.56 ± 1.60 to 97.23 ± 0.29%), elastase (45.46 ± 6.53 to 52.19 ± 1.20%), and hyaluronidase (83.23 ± 2.34 to 91.67 ± 3.56%), with nanoparticle forms showing superior enzyme inhibition. Notably, nanoparticle formulations exhibited superior inhibitory effects compared to crude extracts. HaCaT cytotoxicity tests confirmed high biocompatibility (IC₅₀ > 700 µg/mL), especially for KD and KG NPs. The NP-loaded gels demonstrated acceptable physicochemical stability after heating/cooling cycle testing, with pH (7.27 to 7.88), viscosity (10.719 to 12.602 Pa·s), and favorable visual and textural properties. In summary, KG and KY cultivars emerged as the most promising cosmeceutical candidates due to their superior phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity, enzyme-inhibitory activities, and formulation performance. These findings support the potential use of KG NP and KY NP-loaded gels as multifunctional cosmeceutical agents for antioxidant protection, anti-aging, and skin rejuvenation. Full article

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), a member of the Apiaceae family, is known for its culinary and medicinal uses, as well as its potential to cause allergic reactions. Thermal and nonthermal technologies are commonly applied during the production of fruit and vegetable-based products, which may contain allergenic proteins. Consequently, understanding how these processing treatments affect allergenicity is crucial for managing allergenic risks during manufacturing and for identifying technologies that can reduce the allergenic potential of the final products. Currently, there is limited information available on how thermal and ultrasonic processing methods affect the allergenic properties of fennel. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ultrasound and heat treatment on the in vitro immunoreactivity of protein extracts from fennel. After sonication and heat treatment, the protein extracts were analyzed by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All treatments altered the protein patterns of fennel and partially degraded proteins in the range of 15–80 kDa. In addition, all treatments reduced IgE binding, indicating lower allergenicity. Western blotting with IgE from fennel-allergic patients confirmed these effects. The ultrasound probe had the strongest effect, almost eliminating IgE reactivity for several allergens. Heat treatment reduced allergenicity by about 30%, while sonication showed a reduction of about 15% and lower. A larger sample size is needed to better understand the effects of these treatments and the differences in individual allergic responses. Full article

Background: Anthralin is known for its efficacy in treating psoriasis and acne, possessing poor solubility. Addressing these limitations, the present study endeavors to develop a microemulgel formulation of anthralin aimed at enhancing solubility. Method: The solubility study was performed in various solvents. An o/w (oil-in-water) emulsion was formed using the water titration method, which was optimized by statistical experimental design half-run CCD. The final optimized batch was evaluated for physicochemical and in vitro properties Result: The final optimized batch showed a particle size (PS) of 417 nm, −25.2 mV zeta potential (ZP) and pH 5.8, which remained stable upon centrifugation, heating–cooling and freeze–thawing cycle. Furthermore, microemulsion with Carbopol 943 5% w/v was selected as the gel base for the formation of microemulgel characterized by PS, ZP, pH, and viscosity of 230 nm, −50.6 mV, 6.9 and 14,200 cps, respectively, that ensured it a high enough stability. In silico molecular docking between ligand and protein provides the binding energies validating the interaction. Hence, the in silico study was performed for psoriasis and P. acne proteins. An in vitro antibacterial activity study on Propionibacterium revealed a significant efficiency of the formulation and MTT assay using L929 cell line in the presence of the drug-loaded microemulgel indicated an inhibition of growth proving that formulation has anti-psoriatic activity. Conclusions: Combination therapy with Clindamycin might improve efficacy while reducing antibiotic resistance risks. Full article