Search Results (181)

Laser therapy is commonly associated with transient skin reactions such as erythema and edema, creating a need for effective post-procedural skincare strategies. In this study, we developed and characterized a novel bio-mask that integrates a hydrogel matrix with a lipid nanodispersion system designed to simultaneously deliver hydrophilic and hydrophobic active compounds. The key innovation of this formulation lies in the combination of a highly hydrophilic hydrogel structure with lipid nanoparticles embedded within a polymeric network, enabling enhanced bioavailability of active ingredients. Preliminary observations from instrumental measurements in a small group of healthy volunteers suggest that a single 60 min application resulted in notable improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, along with a reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema, and skin sensitivity. Furthermore, both the complete formulation and its individual components exhibited inhibitory activity against collagen and elastin glycation, while promoting type I procollagen synthesis. Importantly, this study provides new evidence for the synergistic interaction between hydrogel matrices and lipid nanodispersion systems in modulating skin barrier function and biochemical aging markers. The formulation, composed entirely of ingredients of natural origin, proved to be an effective carrier for active compounds and showed measurable benefits for skin hydration and barrier-related parameters. Full article

The depletion of natural resources has emerged as a major global concern, accelerating the transition from petroleum-based to renewable materials. The development of biobased ‘active’ materials is emerging especially in food packaging to ensure safety and functionality. Such packaging systems containing bioactive ingredients provide effective antioxidant, antimicrobial, and UV-protective features extending food shelf life. In this context, plant-derived secondary metabolites have gained substantial interest as functional reinforcements. These compounds not only provide food protection but also contribute to environmental safety owing to their inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and compostability. However, their high production costs remain a major challenge to large-scale applications. Therefore, the valorization of agro-food byproducts/wastes has been increasingly promoted. This review aims to discuss the combined use of plant secondary metabolites and biopolymers for the development of innovative packaging solutions, highlighting recent advances and functional performance. Furthermore, key challenges limiting their real-world applicability are addressed. In particular, the intrinsic hydrophilicity of many biobased materials compromises their moisture barrier and mechanical stability. To overcome this limitation, the use of biobased hydrophobic ingredients including natural waxes has emerged as a sustainable and effective approach to enhance water resistance while preserving the bioactive functionality of the packaging materials. Full article

Hydrophilic colloids are ideal materials for preparing edible films; however, their intrinsic hydrophilicity leads to poor hydrophobicity in the resulting films. Emulsion-based films can significantly improve the hydrophobicity of films made from hydrophilic colloids, but this approach tends to disrupt intermolecular interactions within the film matrix. Phenolic compounds can compensate for this drawback by promoting crosslinking among film-forming polymers. In this study, hemp seed protein was used as the film-forming matrix, and rose essential oil was incorporated to prepare emulsion-based films. Different amounts of propolis flavonoids were added to investigate their effects on the physicochemical properties of the films. The results show that the addition of propolis flavonoids significantly reduced film whiteness (9%–45%), thickness (6%–37%), light transmittance (9%–60%), water vapor transmission rate (34%–65%), and peroxide value (25%–76%) of oil, while increasing tensile strength (15%–149%), elongation at break (24%–95%), Young’s modulus (26%–140%), surface hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, pork wrapped with flavonoid-containing films exhibited inhibition of microbial growth, lipid oxidation, protein degradation, and maintained firmness. Therefore, propolis flavonoids represent a potential active ingredient for improving the physicochemical properties and preservative performance of emulsion-based films. Full article

Background/Objectives: Compounded vaginal creams are widely used for conditions such as hormone replacement therapy, vaginal dryness, low libido, vaginal infections, etc. Recent research highlights the potential of using anhydrous bases to extend shelf life, particularly when combined with self-emulsifying and mucoadhesive properties that improve mucosal retention and enhance drug bioavailability. This study provides in vitro and ex vivo evaluation of an anhydrous vaginal base. Methods: Key quality indicators such as irritation potential, leakage potential, pH compatibility, mucoadhesion, and self-emulsification were assessed using the chorioallantoic membrane Hen’s Egg Test, MTT assay, texture analysis, and fluorescence microscopy. Results: The anhydrous vaginal base demonstrated high cell viability (>78%) and non-irritant potential (IS = 2.5) in in vitro assays. It maintained physiological vaginal pH (4.56 ± 0.05), showed strong mucoadhesive properties comparable to commercial products, and exhibited minimal leakage. Ex vivo studies confirmed its prolonged retention on vaginal tissues. The anhydrous vaginal base formed stable emulsions upon contact with vaginal fluid simulant, effectively distributing both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds. Conclusions: Compared to water-containing bases, an anhydrous vaginal base shows advantages: longer retention time and lower leakage; adaptability to varying vaginal fluid levels; and efficient dispersion of both hydrophilic and lipophilic active pharmaceutical ingredients. These features support its potential use in compounded vaginal products, minimizing stability risks and enhancing patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. Full article

The formulation of solid cosmetic products with elevated water content poses considerable challenges, particularly in the context of lip care products, where water contributes to hydration, enhances texture, and facilitates the dissolution of hydrophilic active ingredients. Conventionally, these products are based on water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions embedded in a solid matrix, stabilised primarily by synthetic emulsifiers. However, an increase in consumer demand for eco-friendly formulations has resulted in a heightened interest in natural emulsifiers. In this study, the performance of IDRAWAX^® REVO, a natural emulsifying and structuring agent, was evaluated in solid W/O formulations with varying water concentrations. The findings indicate that IDRAWAX^® REVO efficiently stabilises emulsions across diverse oil and water contents, thereby preserving product uniformity and stability. These findings emphasise the potential of this approach to streamline the formulation of water-based solid cosmetics, thus obviating the necessity for synthetic emulsifiers. This work represents a significant advancement in the field of solid cosmetic formulation, thereby facilitating the development of innovative products that exhibit enhanced properties and optimised textures. Full article

Background: Hydrolyzed collagen peptides (HCP) are widely used as bioactive ingredients in anti-aging and skin rejuvenation formulations due to their role in supporting skin hydration, elasticity, and extracellular matrix integrity. However, their high hydrophilicity limits effective incorporation into lipid-based systems, and restricts controlled release from formulations. Objective: In this study, ethosomal nanocarriers were designed as a phospholipid–ethanol-based system to promote favorable molecular interactions with hydrophilic peptides, aiming to enhance the encapsulation, stability, and controlled release of HCP for dermocosmetic applications. Methods: HCP-loaded ethosomes were prepared using phospholipid (Lipoid P75) and ethanol and optimized by varying high-pressure homogenization cycles. Physicochemical properties, including vesicle size, distribution uniformity, zeta potential, pH, and long-term stability, were monitored for up to 180 days. Vesicle morphology and peptide–lipid interactions were characterized using cryo-scanning electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. Encapsulation efficiency was determined by ultrafiltration, while cytocompatibility was assessed in HaCaT keratinocyte cells. In vitro release behavior was investigated using Franz diffusion cells and compared with aqueous HCP solutions. Results: All formulations exhibited nanoscale size distribution and high colloidal stability, with negative zeta potentials ranging from −42.9 to −76.7 mV. The optimized formulation demonstrated sustained encapsulation efficiency (73% after 180 days) and preservation of peptide structure, as confirmed by FTIR, indicating effective chemical stabilization within the ethosomal matrix. Cytotoxicity studies confirmed good skin cell compatibility. In vitro release studies revealed a controlled and prolonged release profile from ethosomal carriers compared with free HCP solutions, suggesting improved topical bioavailability of collagen peptides. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this work provides one of the first systematic investigations of optimized ethosomal systems for the stabilization of hydrophilic collagen peptides as anti-aging dermocosmetic ingredients. These findings demonstrate that optimized HCP-loaded ethosomes represent a promising ingredient formulation platform enabling bioactive preservation, formulation stability, and controlled topical performance for collagen-based skin rejuvenation applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Poor aqueous solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) remains a critical barrier to effective oral formulation. This study investigated the production of ketoprofen amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) via hot melt extrusion (HME) using hydrophilic carriers and surfactants to enhance solubility and dissolution. Methods: ASDs were prepared by the fusion method employing mannitol or polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 hydrophilic carriers and further modified by addition of poloxamer 188 or poloxamer 407 as surfactants. Solubility was evaluated, and the best performing formulations were selected for HME to assess the effect of extrusion parameters (temperature, screw speed and re-extrusion) on API solubility and dissolution. Selected ASD extrudates were formulated into tablets and capsules and further tested. Results: Ternary ASDs exhibited higher solubility than their binary counterparts. The combinations of high-concentration hydrophilic carrier (mannitol or PEG 4000) and poloxamer 407 proved the most effective. The HME-produced ASDs showed superior solubility compared to the simple fusion method, with temperature being the most critical processing parameter, while screw speed and re-extrusion were carrier dependent, enhancing solubility for mannitol-based ASDs but not for PEG 4000; re-extrusion also led to mild color changes and technological issues preventing further processing. The selected ASD extrudates were successfully formulated into tablets and capsules with good physical characteristics and dissolution profiles. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the need to further investigate the potential of re-extrusion strategies and surfactant-enhanced ASD systems for improving the oral delivery of poorly soluble drugs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nanoemulsions (NEs) are a promising platform for transdermal drug delivery (TDD); however, how the polarity of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) influences NE structure–performance relationships remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to systematically compare the transdermal delivery behavior of a hydrophilic API, salbutamol hemisulphate (log P ≈ 0.1), and a lipophilic API, ibuprofen (log P ≈ 3.3), incorporated into compositionally matched nanoemulsion systems. Methods: Kolliphor EL–based NEs were prepared using identical excipients, with systematic variation of oil, surfactant, and water ratios. Thirty-six formulations were produced for each API. Physical stability, droplet size, and viscosity were characterized, and in vitro skin permeation studies were conducted using excised mouse skin. Flux and cumulative permeation were quantified, and statistical analyses were performed to identify key compositional drivers of permeation. Results: Ibuprofen-containing NEs exhibited superior physical stability compared to salbutamol formulations, likely due to interfacial interactions that imparted surfactant-like behavior. Both APIs formed nanoscale droplets, with salbutamol formulations ranging from 16 to 507 nm and ibuprofen formulations spanning 12–563 nm, more frequently yielding sub-100 nm droplets. Viscosity values covered broad ranges (3–9532 mPa·s for salbutamol; 13.4–9759 mPa·s for ibuprofen), with salbutamol generating an extended high-viscosity domain at 50% (w/w) surfactant and ibuprofen showing a narrower viscosity maximum at 30–40% surfactant. Salbutamol NEs achieved high fluxes (up to 374 µg/cm²·h) and cumulative permeation of approximately 80% of the applied dose, whereas ibuprofen formulations showed markedly lower fluxes (maximum 32 µg/cm²·h) and cumulative permeation below 6%. High surfactant levels suppressed permeation for both APIs, but the dominant positive drivers differed: balanced oil–water ratios for salbutamol and hydration-dependent diffusional resistance for ibuprofen. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that API polarity and interfacial portioning behavior decisively govern NE performance, providing a framework for rational tailoring of oil–surfactant–water ratios to maximize transdermal delivery efficiency. Full article

Microneedle (MN) technologies have emerged as a groundbreaking platform for transdermal and intradermal drug delivery, offering a minimally invasive alternative to oral and parenteral routes. Unlike passive transdermal systems, MNs allow the permeation of hydrophilic macromolecules, such as peptides, proteins, and vaccines, by penetrating the stratum corneum barrier without causing pain or tissue damage, unlike hypodermic needles. Recent advances in materials science, microfabrication, and biomedical engineering have enabled the development of various MN types, including solid, coated, dissolving, hollow, hydrogel-forming, and hybrid designs. Each type has unique mechanisms, fabrication techniques, and pharmacokinetic profiles, providing customized solutions for a range of therapeutic applications. The integration of 3D printing technologies and stimulus-responsive polymers into MN systems has enabled patches that combine drug delivery with real-time physiological sensing. Over the years, MN applications have grown beyond vaccines to include the delivery of insulin, anticancer agents, contraceptives, and various cosmeceutical ingredients, highlighting the versatility of this platform. Despite this progress, broader clinical and commercial adoption is still limited by issues such as scalable and reliable manufacturing, patient acceptance, and meeting regulatory expectations. Overcoming these barriers will require coordinated efforts across engineering, clinical research, and regulatory science. This review thoroughly summarizes MN technologies, beginning with their classification and drug-delivery mechanisms, and then explores innovations, therapeutic uses, and translational challenges. It concludes with a critical analysis of clinical case studies and a future outlook for global healthcare. By comparing technological progress with regulatory and commercial hurdles, this article highlights the opportunities and limitations of MN systems as a next-generation drug-delivery platform. Full article

Fruit shrubs’ lignocellulosic biomass remaining as waste after harvesting and/or after pruning is an underutilized, little-explored bioresource. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) and blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) berries are rich in biologically active compounds, so these shrubs’ woody biomass derivatives are prospective investigation objects. The influence of pre-treated biomass, extracts, and purified proanthocyanidins on the oxidative stability of lipid-based systems was studied by accelerated oxidation method. Emulsion stability, antimicrobial activity against bacteria that causes acne—Cutibacterium acnes; contaminating wounds; skin care products—Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus; cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of extracts and proanthocyanidins on HaCaT human keratinocytes were tested. The study established that biomass, lipophilic extracts obtained using liquefied hydrofluorocarbon, and hydrophilic extracts obtained by aqueous ethanol increased oxidative stability of lipid-based formulations. Compounds with skin-protecting properties were detected. Sea buckthorn and aronia hydrophilic extracts and proanthocyanidins had the highest antimicrobial activity. Low phototoxicity was revealed, emphasizing safety and applicability in topical formulations; human HaCaT keratinocyte viability was the best with aronia extracts, but none of the other samples decreased cell viability by more than 50%. It was proven that agro-waste biomass is a prospective source of multifunctional ingredients for cosmetic and pharmaceutical topical formulations. Full article

Lettuce, which contains sesquiterpene lactones that have been associated with anti-inflammatory and sedative properties, also appears to harbor bitter ingredients such as lactucopicrin, often found abundantly in the emulsion released from the cut core. Previous reports suggest that lettuce may gradually increase in bitterness post-harvest, possibly reflecting alterations in the composition of its components during shelf life. Therefore, analyzing changes in the concentrations of these components could contribute to the development of methods for evaluating lettuce freshness. In this study, we examined variations in sugar contents and hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity values in lettuce leaves, refined an analytical approach for sesquiterpene lactones in the lettuce core, and explored how their levels may differ depending on harvest timing within the same day and across the storage period. High-resolution LC-MS analysis was employed to estimate the levels of key components such as cichorioside B, 11β,13-dihydrolactucin, lactucin, and lactucopicrin. While the emulsion is generally considered to contain substantial amounts of lactucopicrins, relatively little information is available about the components present in the lettuce core. Our current findings indicate that cichorioside B may be a predominant bitter component in the core. Collectively, these results may provide a basis for developing approaches to assess lettuce freshness and monitor compositional changes during storage. Full article

Plants are sources of compounds with important effects on health, but plant-based food industry generates substantial waste amounts, especially in oil production. This study aimed to characterize flours derived from oilseed by-products, pumpkin, sunflower, and apricot seed residues, and compare them with conventional grain flours (white and whole wheat). Nutritional composition was analyzed with emphasis on amino acid profiles performed by ion chromatography. Mineral profiles were determined by ICP-MS. Total phenolics and antioxidant activity were assessed using in vitro colorimetric microassays. Oil press cake flours showed significantly higher levels of protein and fiber compared to wheat flours (p < 0.05), while the latter contained more carbohydrates. Among the examined flours, pumpkin and apricot seed flours stood out with the highest potassium, while sunflower seed flour led in calcium content. Despite higher polyphenol content in wheat flours, apricot seed flour exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity, likely due to its diverse profile of hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactive compounds. These findings highlight oil press cakes as nutritionally valuable ingredients for protein-enriched and other innovative food products, aligning with circular economy principles and promoting resource efficiency in the agri-food sector. Full article

Background/Objectives: PlantCrystals (PCs) are submicron particles derived from plants or parts of plants that can be produced by bead milling and/or high-pressure homogenization. Previous studies suggested improved dermal drug delivery of lipophilic active ingredients (API), which was explained by the formation of extracellular vesicles (EVs) during the production of PCs. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of PCs for enhancing the dermal penetration efficacy of different types of APIs. Methods: For this purpose, hydrophilic, lipophilic, and poorly water-soluble API-surrogates were loaded into PCs, and the dermal penetration efficacy, as well as the skin hydrating properties, were determined with an ex vivo porcine ear model. The penetration efficacy of the API surrogates from the PCs was compared to other formulation principles, e.g., simple API solutions, API loaded into classical EVs, and API added to the PCs after preparation. Silymarin-PCs—unloaded and loaded with API—were obtained by milling milk thistle seeds using small-scale bead milling. The PCs were characterized by size, size distribution, and zeta potential. Results: Milling of milk thistle seeds resulted in the formation of submicron particles with sizes of about 300 nm. Loaded PCs had a slightly larger size. Loading API into PCs resulted in improved dermal penetration when compared to the other formulation principles. The effect was most pronounced for the lipophilic API-surrogate (+90%, p < 0.001) and least pronounced for the hydrophilic API-surrogate (+2%, p > 0.05). The improved penetration of API from PCs can be explained by the formation of EVs during the production of the PCs in which the API is encapsulated. The encapsulation seemed to be highly efficient for the lipophilic API-surrogate, moderate for the poorly soluble API-surrogate, and very limited for the hydrophilic API-surrogate. All formulations increased the skin hydration significantly by about 30–40%. Conclusions: Milk thistle seeds are suitable for the production of PCs. These PCs improve skin hydration and enhance the dermal penetration of poorly water soluble and lipophilic APIs. However, they have limited effects on the dermal penetration efficacy of hydrophilic APIs. Full article

The study explores the impact of incorporating Polygonatum cyrtonema flour (PCF) into wheat flour on dough functionality and steamed bread quality. The results show that PCF enhanced dough hydration, rheology, and protein network stability through hydrophilic and non-covalent interactions, particularly hydrogen bonding. At the optimal level, steamed bread demonstrates improved specific volume, elasticity, and cohesiveness, accompanied by reduced hardness and chewiness, with hardness decreasing by 29%, chewiness by 25.80%, and gumminess by 26.30%. Microstructural analyses have confirmed enhanced water retention, strengthened gluten matrices, and favorable secondary structure transitions. The ultraviolet visible absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy analyses revealed that PCF enhanced the interactions between proteins and starch, accompanied by a red shift and decreased fluorescence intensity, indicating a more compact protein conformation. These findings suggest that PCF regulates protein secondary structures through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, thereby stabilizing the gluten network. PCF supplementation boosted antioxidant activity and modulates starch digestibility; at a 10% substitution level, resistant starch (RS) decreases from approximately 60% in the control to 34%. This reduction indicates that PCF disrupts the integrity of the starch protein matrix, increasing amylase accessibility to starch granules and thus promoting starch hydrolysis. Incorporating 4% PCF in the formulation enhances both the technological performance and nutritional quality of the product while maintaining its overall integrity. These findings highlight the dual role of PCF in improving technological functionality and nutritional attributes. PCF emerges as a promising natural fortification ingredient for steamed bread, offering quality enhancement and additional health value. Full article

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been extensively utilized in drug formulations due to its multifunctional properties, i.e., hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. The roles played by PEG (as a drug delivery carrier and a solubilizer) improve the dissolution profile of several active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), leading to an improved absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profile. Moreover, PEG aids in upgrading the existing mechanical properties (as a binding agent, a plasticizer, etc.). Furthermore, PEG, due to its unique ability to provide “stealth” properties, is a valuable tool in pharmaceutical nanotechnology. Exploiting physicochemical variables, PEG acts as a coating/conjugation component of nanocarriers for ameliorating permeability and enhancing in vivo circulation without clearance by the body’s immune system. Additionally, PEG’s presence at the target site decreases external interactions and enhances the pharmacological attributes in terms of loading efficiency and controlled release. Nevertheless, cases of hypersensitivity or allergy, as well as anaphylactic shocks and allergic reactions, have been detected. The topic of this article is the exploitation of PEG’s physicochemical properties in the study of drug delivery, focusing on solid dosage forms and nanovesicles, along with the evaluation of its contribution to the fabrication of safe delivery and theragnostic systems. Full article