Search Results (2,222)

N-chlorotaurine (Tau-Cl) is a mild oxidizing haloamine formed from the reaction of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) with taurine (2-amino-ethanesulfonic acid). It is widely used as a topical antiseptic. In this study, we investigated haloamines derived from the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid, specifically GABA chloramine and bromamine (GABA-Cl, GABA-Br), as well as their halogenated γ-aminobutyric acid ethyl esters (GABAet-Cl, GABAet-Br). Due to their higher hydrophobicity, the esterified haloamines were more potent oxidants in the presence of lyophilic surfactant micelles, demonstrating their greater ability to access hydrophobic environments. By using fluorescent azapentalenes as molecular targets incorporated into sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles, the second-order oxidation rate constants (k₂) resulted in 1.15 × 10² and 1.10 × 10⁴ M⁻¹min⁻¹ for GABA-Cl and GABAet-Cl, respectively. As expected, due to the presence of a bromine atom, GABAet-Br was even more reactive (4.50 × 10⁶ M⁻¹min⁻¹). The ability of GABAet-Br to access hydrophobic sites was demonstrated by comparing the reaction rate using micelles generated by different surfactants such as SDS (4.5 × 10⁶ M⁻¹min⁻¹), cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC, 2.5 × 10⁴ M⁻¹min⁻¹), and triton X-100 (TX-100, 3.9 × 10³ M⁻¹min⁻¹). GABAet-Cl and GABAet-Br exhibited higher bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, probably due to their increased lipophilicity and improved penetration into microorganisms compared to GABA-Cl and GABA-Br. The enhancement of the oxidation capacity by GABAet-Cl and GABAet-Br represents a new direction in the exploration and application of haloamines as antiseptic agents. Full article

Cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid with therapeutic potential for neurological and other conditions, faces significant challenges in bioavailability due to its low water solubility, high lipophilicity, and extensive first-pass metabolism. Researchers have developed advanced nanodelivery systems addressing these limitations to enhance CBD’s absorption, stability, and efficacy. This review provides not only a comprehensive summary of current nanotechnological delivery strategies for CBD, including nanoemulsions, liposomes, polymeric micelles, nanosuspensions, and cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, but also introduces a distinct comparative and integrative perspective. Unlike previous reviews, our work synthesizes preclinical and clinical evidence while highlighting the novel integration of nanotechnology with bioenhancers and personalized medicine approaches. We further emphasize the emerging concepts of hybrid and smart nanocarriers, which have not yet been systematically discussed, positioning them as next-generation solutions to overcome CBD’s bioavailability challenges and paving the way for precision therapeutics. Full article

In response to the limitations of hyaluronic acid (HA)—such as its high cost, short durability, and instability—in anti-aging aesthetic applications, this study developed a novel injectable micelle system, with a triple network structure. It is the particle size of approximately 400 nm and the elevated potential that enhance the crosslinking density and mechanical strength of the hydrogel. Importantly, following ultrafiltration and purification processes, the material’s hemolysis rate measured by spectrophotometry was only 3.25%, and endotoxin levels measured by the LAL assay were less than 0.5 EU/mL (test conditions: 37 °C, pH = 7, detection limit: 0.125 EU/mL). Building on this safe and stable material platform, we further designed an antibacterial wound dressing by functionalizing γ-PGA with penicillin or benzalkonium chloride. It reduced the cellular activity of Staphylococcus aureus by 78.9% and 84.2%, respectively. The outstanding safety profile, combined with customizable functionality, positions this γ-PGA-based platform as a promising multifunctional biomaterial meeting practical standards for both aesthetic medicine and wound care applications. Full article

The rheological properties of aqueous solutions of wormlike micelles (WLMs) of cationic surfactant erucyl bis(hydroxyethyl)methylammonium chloride (EHAC) in the presence of hydrotropic salt sodium salicylate (NaSal) and inorganic salt sodium chloride (NaCl) have been studied. The conditions for maximum zero-shear viscosity at fixed surfactant concentration were investigated. It has been shown that charged WLMs in the presence of NaSal have higher viscosities than well-screened micelles in the presence of NaCl. This is because the adsorption of hydrophobic salicylate ions onto the micelles increases their length more significantly than the presence of a large amount of sodium ions in the solution. It was discovered that the effect of temperature on the rheological properties depends on both the type of salt used and the salt/surfactant molar ratio. An unusual increase in zero-shear viscosity and elastic modulus was observed at a NaSal concentration that corresponds to the maximum zero-shear viscosity when the WLMs are linear, charged, and “unbreakable”. These results expand the possibilities of using hydrotropic salts to create stable, highly viscous systems in various fields, and opening up new horizons for applications in oil production, cosmetics, and household chemicals. Full article

Τhe self-assembly behavior of a series of amphiphilic diblock copolymers, each consisting of a hydrophilic poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PNVP) block and a hydrophobic block derived from n-alkyl vinyl esters, namely poly(vinyl butyrate) (PVBu), poly(vinyl decanoate) (PVDc), and poly(vinyl stearate) (PVSt), in aqueous solutions was investigated. Dynamic and static light scattering (DLS and SLS) techniques were employed to monitor the micellization behavior. In addition, the self-assembled structures were observed with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The effect of the nature of the hydrophobic block, the copolymer composition and the copolymer molecular weight on the self-assembly properties was thoroughly examined. The encapsulation of curcumin and indomethacin within the dry cores of the micellar structures was conducted in aqueous solutions for all block copolymers at various curcumin/indomethacin-to-polymer mass ratios. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to evaluate the drug-loading capacity and efficiency (%DLC and %DLE). In several cases, the encapsulation of both hydrophobic drugs was found to be nearly quantitative. Combined with the observed stability of the micellar structures, these findings suggest that the block copolymers demonstrate significant potential as carriers for drug delivery applications. Full article

Background: Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular disorder characterized by tear film instability, inflammation, oxidative stress, and ocular surface damage. Current therapeutic options often provide only temporary relief and are limited by poor patient compliance and inadequate drug retention at the ocular surface. Aim: This review aims to critically analyze the therapeutic potential of polyphenols and their nanoencapsulated formulations for the management of DED, focusing on pharmacological mechanisms, formulation strategies, and translational implications. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using combinations of the following keywords: “dry eye disease,” “polyphenols,” “antioxidants,” “nanocarriers,” “ocular delivery,” and “bioavailability.” Studies published in English from 2000 to 2024 were considered. Inclusion criteria encompassed experimental, preclinical, and clinical studies evaluating polyphenol-based formulations for ocular application, while reviews without original data or studies unrelated to DED were excluded. Results: The analysis identified EGCG, curcumin, resveratrol, and quercetin as the most extensively investigated polyphenols, exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective activities through modulation of cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and immune signaling pathways. Nanoformulations such as lipid nanoparticles, micelles, and cyclodextrin complexes improved solubility, stability, ocular retention, and bioavailability, leading to enhanced therapeutic efficacy in preclinical DED models. Conclusions and Future Perspectives: Polyphenol-loaded nanocarriers represent a promising approach for improving the management of DED by enhancing local drug delivery and sustained release. However, further clinical studies are needed to assess long-term safety, scalability, and regulatory feasibility. Future research should focus on optimizing formulation reproducibility and exploring personalized nanotherapeutic strategies to overcome interindividual variability in treatment response. Full article

The association behavior of amphiphilic block copolymers of N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) and several vinyl esters (Ves) (PNVP-b-PVEs), as exemplified by vinyl butyrate (VBu), vinyl decanoate (VDc), and vinyl stearate (VSt), was studied in tetrahydrofuran (THF), which serves as the selective solvent for the PVE blocks. Static (SLS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques were adopted as the tools to investigate micellar properties and acquire information regarding the degree of association, the hydrodynamic radii, and the shape of the aggregates. In addition, CONTIN analysis provided insights concerning the association equilibria in THF solutions. The effect of the chemical structure of the corona-forming PVE block on the association process was investigated. Finally, the experimental results were compared with those obtained in previous studies describing the micellization properties of block copolymers consisting of PNVP and polymethacrylate blocks in the same selective solvent. Full article

Background/Objectives: Polymyxin B (PMB) was incorporated into a sodium deoxycholate sulfate (SDCS) micelle formulation to mitigate polymyxin-induced nephrotoxicity. This study examined the effect of the formulation on nephrotoxicity and biodistribution in a rat model. Methods: Four groups of rats were subcutaneously administered one of the following: normal saline, SDCS, PMB, or a PMB-SDCS formulation. After treatment, the weight changes were recorded, and the rats were euthanized to collect blood for serum biochemistry measurements. The histopathological damage to organs was examined. Two additional groups of rats received the same dose of PMB and the PMB-SDCS formulation subcutaneously; however, their serum PMB was measured at predetermined time points, and the PMB concentrations in the organs were measured. Molecular docking for PMB and formulation with human serum albumin was also performed. Results: The PMB-SDCS formulations showed improvement in serum biomarker measurements. Several abnormalities were observed in the kidney, liver, lung, and spleen tissues following PMB treatment, which indicated evidence of toxicity. The docking showed SDCS reduces PMB binding affinity on HSA. The PMB-SDCS formulations were associated with less acute toxicity and less nephrotoxic damage compared with the PMB group. The results were supported by less PMB accumulation in the kidneys in the formulation group. Conclusions: The study indicates that SDCS has the potential to mitigate PMB-induced nephrotoxicity in rat models, suggesting a promising strategy for safer use that warrants further investigation. Full article

The integration of nanotheranostics into cancer treatment represents a transformative shift in oncology, combining precision diagnostics with targeted therapeutic interventions. This manuscript explores the advancements in nanotechnology-driven cancer therapies, highlighting the role of engineered nanoparticles, such as liposomes, dendrimers, polymeric micelles, and virus-like particles, in enhancing drug delivery, real-time imaging, and tumor-specific targeting. Additionally, emerging therapies, including immunotherapy, gene editing, and chromophore-assisted light inactivation (CALI), are discussed in the context of personalized medicine. The convergence of these strategies is poised to redefine cancer treatment paradigms, improving therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. This review outlines the key challenges, current limitations, and future directions in nanotheranostic applications, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize their clinical translation. Full article

In recent decades, the consumption of animal proteins has been rethought by consumers. Factors such as improved health and sustainability are key aspects of this scenario. Studies have sought innovative and sustainable technologies to improve protein extraction from alternative sources to increase their competitiveness. In this sense, the aim of this work was to combine the effects of nonconventional extraction methods on the process yield and the resulting techno-functional properties extracted from alternative proteins. The literature contains significant publications regarding the use of ultrasound (US), pulsed electric fields (PEFs), microwaves (MWs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for enhancing protein extraction. Re-emerged techniques such as reverse micelles and aqueous two-phase extraction have also been reported. For this reason, the present study aimed not only to present the obtained results but also to discuss how the mechanisms associated with the aforementioned technologies impact the extraction yield and modification of proteins. In general, US tends to increase protein solubility (20–30%) and emulsifying capacity (35%); MWs can increase protein yield (25%) while reducing extraction time (50–70%); DES-based extraction tends to retain more than ~40% of the native functionality, and PEFs have demonstrated up to a 20% improvement in protein recovery. Nonconventional extraction methods have varying effects on the characteristics and quality of extracted proteins, offering benefits and challenges that should be considered when choosing the most suitable technology. The specificity related to each technology can be used to make possible interesting industrial applications involving nonanimal proteins. Full article

Polymeric micelles are promising nanocarriers for hydrophobic drug delivery, offering enhanced solubility, circulation time, and targeted release. This review presents a comprehensive evaluation of micelle preparation strategies, spanning conventional methods such as direct dissolution, dialysis, and thin-film hydration to emerging techniques including microfluidics, supercritical fluids, stimuli-responsive systems, and PEG-assisted assembly. Each method is compared in terms of scalability, reproducibility, solvent use, and regulatory compatibility. Among them, PEG-assisted methods show particular promise due to their simplicity and industrial readiness. We also explore the impact of fabrication strategy on drug loading, stability, and therapeutic efficacy across applications in cancer, infection, and inflammation. Finally, the review discusses key challenges in storage, manufacturing, and regulation, and highlights potential solutions through Quality-by-Design and scalable process integration. These insights provide guidance for the rational development of clinically translatable micelle-based drug delivery systems. Full article

Biodegradable polymers such as Polycaprolactone (PCL), Polylactic acid (PLA), and Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) are attracting attention as key platforms for anticancer drug delivery systems due to their excellent biocompatibility and controllable degradation rates. These polymers can overcome limitations of existing chemotherapeutics, such as low bioavailability, systemic toxicity, and nonspecific cell damage, and contribute to the development of precision medicine approaches and long-acting therapeutics. This paper discusses the chemical and physicochemical properties of these three polymers, their synthetic strategies, and the controlled drug release technology through surface functionalization and stimuli-responsive design. Furthermore, we highlight their potential for use in various formulations, including micelles, nanoparticles, hydrogels, and microspheres, enabling enhanced drug solubility, sustained release, and tumor targeting. Preclinical and clinical applications demonstrate that these polymer-based DDSs represent a promising approach for implementing next-generation precision anticancer treatment strategies, with further potential for clinical translation and widespread adoption. Full article

This article focuses on the utilization of the supramolecular self-assembly of renewable materials derivatives to obtain functional compounds. Novel bio-based amphiphile molecules (CALAH and PALAH) were synthesized through a tailored process, involving Williamson ether synthesis and amidation reactions, employing renewable amino acid and cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) derivatives as essential reactants. Their molecular structures were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Notably, these compounds self-assemble into nanofibers that organize into a fibrous network, unexpectedly exhibiting two distinct morphologies: curved and rigid nanostructures. These structures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and their formation mechanisms were elucidated through temperature-dependent NMR studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The sodium salts of the compounds (PALA and CALA) exhibited fundamental surfactant properties, exhibiting a hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) value of 13.7 and critical micelle concentration (CMC) values of 1.05 × 10⁻⁵ M and 4.10 × 10⁻⁶ M. They also demonstrated low cytotoxicity, suggesting potential suitability in consumer applications. Furthermore, the compounds exhibited multi-functional performance as effective inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus and efficient adsorbents for gaseous pollutants. Full article

The impact of counterion structure, especially variations in constitutional and stereochemical isomers, on the properties and performance of AABSs remains under-explored. This study investigates how structural variations, particularly the stereochemistry of diammonium cyclohexane (DACH) counterions, influence the self-assembly behavior of AABSs. Four AABSs: undecanoyl-glycine, -L-alanine, -L-valine, and -L-leucine, were paired with six DACH counterions representing cis/trans isomers of 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-DACH. Critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) were determined via conductimetry, and micellar sizes were measured using dynamic light scattering. The degree of counterion binding (β) was calculated to probe micelle stability, while geometry-optimized structures of the DACH isomers were obtained using density functional theory. Lastly, pH measurements were taken to probe the protonation of DACH counterions at their natural pH, where both the DACH counterion and AABS headgroups intrinsically behave as buffers. Results indicate that while surfactant hydrophobicity primarily dictates CMC in other AABS/DACH combinations, trans-1,3-DACH leads to consistently higher CMCs. This deviation likely arises from its structural conformation, which positions the amine groups an intermediate distance of ~4.4–4.5 Å apart, allowing a small fraction of divalently charged counterions to form strong electrostatic bridging pockets at the micelle interface. These interactions dominate over headgroup effects, leading to elevated and surfactant-independent CMC values. Regarding size and other unusual trends in the systems, cis- isomers formed slightly larger micelles, and trans-1,4-DACH induces abnormal aggregation in undecanoyl-glycine leading to temperature dependent gel formation. These findings highlight the significant influence of counterion structure on AABS behavior and support counterion design as a strategy for enhancing surfactant performance in sustainable applications. Full article

To enhance the scope of therapeutic interventions using star polymeric nanoparticles of desired concentrations, an understanding of the effect of converting aqueous formulations into stable redispersible dry powders by freeze drying on their physicochemical and biological properties is essential. We demonstrate that parameters such as the choice of the cryoprotectant, its molecular weight, and concentration play an important role during lyophilization and reconstitution processes. We hypothesized that utilizing cryoprotectants akin to shell-forming polymers may be ideal in protection against aggregation and keeping the nanostructures intact during lyophilization and reconstitution, as well as retaining the overall biological efficacy of their cargo. Through an evaluation of miktoarm polymer-based nanoparticles, we demonstrate that PEG_2k at 1% w/v concentration provides the optimized cryoprotection, and the resulting solid formulations upon redispersion in an aqueous medium preserve the desired nanoparticle and curcumin properties. PEG_2k at 1% w/v is more efficient than PEG_5k and saccharides including glucose, sucrose, trehalose, and mannitol in enhancing the integrity of micelles during lyophilization and reconstitution. Addition of PEG_2k 1% w/v (with or without lyophilization and redispersion) enhances drug release in PBS buffer, while it has no impact in the cell culture media. Nanoformulations protect endothelial cells from cytotoxicity of curcumin, and addition of cryoprotectant or the lyophilization/redispersion processes did not impair anti-inflammatory efficacy of curcumin. Full article