Search Results (211)

Children are often underserved by adult-oriented oral medicines, leading to off-label use and dosage-form manipulation that may compromise dosing accuracy. This review summarises recent advances in paediatric orodispersible tablets (ODTs), focusing on manufacturing technologies, superdisintegrants, taste masking, and in vitro disintegration testing. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidance and a protocol registered with the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (registration number INPLASY2025110022), we searched PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar for experimental studies on paediatric-relevant ODT formulation and evaluation. Two reviewers screened studies and extracted data on manufacturing methods, excipients, disintegration/dissolution testing, and key outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using a six-domain framework. Overall, 65 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Direct compression was the dominant method, with freeze-drying, sublimation, spray-drying, nanoparticle-in-tablet systems, and semi-solid extrusion/3D printing also reported. Crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium, and sodium starch glycolate were the most common superdisintegrants, while natural and co-processed disintegrants showed promise as cost-effective alternatives. Disintegration was usually assessed using pharmacopoeial methods, with some modified set-ups to better simulate oral conditions. Paediatric ODT development is advancing rapidly. Broader translation requires harmonised disintegration testing, age-stratified acceptability reporting, and GMP-ready workflows, alongside benchmarking of superdisintegrants and attention to dose flexibility, packaging, and affordability. Full article

The medical field now uses mRNA therapeutics to deliver fast programmable treatment options through versatile vaccination platforms. The worldwide adoption of mRNA therapeutics faces a major obstacle because these molecules require extreme cold storage and transportation systems. mRNA stability establishes a fundamental scientific and industrial challenge which requires researchers to unite formulation design with process control and material engineering for cold-chain independence. Current knowledge about RNA hydrolysis and lipid oxidation and water-mediated degradation is combined with new methods for solid-state stabilization through lyophilization and spray-freeze-drying and thin-film technologies. Mechanism such as vitrification, water replacement and excipient RNA interactions are assessed to establish the fundamental chemical properties needed for extended product stability. Advanced mRNA development strategies are also examined, including self-amplifying and circular RNA structures and nano-glass and metal–organic frameworks and artificial intelligence-based predictive design for creating stable mRNA formulations at room temperature. This review examines manufacturing and regulatory and logistical obstacles which affect real-world implementation of mRNA therapeutics through assessments of production scale and product quality tests and packaging strength and tropical environment testing. The combination of research findings presents a path to develop mRNA medicines which maintains their effectiveness when stored at 25 °C or above, thus enabling worldwide access to RNA-based treatments. The development of mRNA into a durable therapeutic platform requires scientists to merge molecular research with process development and regulatory standardization. Full article

Pulmonary drug delivery has emerged as a powerful strategy for the treatment of respiratory infectious diseases, including bacterial, fungal, and viral infections such as influenza and COVID-19, by enabling high local drug concentrations while minimizing systemic exposure. However, the clinical success of inhaled anti-infective therapies critically depends on the precise engineering of particle properties that govern lung deposition, cellular targeting, and therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and technology-driven overview of cutting-edge formulation and manufacturing strategies for pulmonary drug delivery, with particular emphasis on the key process and formulation parameters required to generate effective inhalable systems for the treatment of infectious diseases. Advanced particle-engineering approaches, including spray drying, spray freeze drying, jet milling, and supercritical fluid technologies are discussed as enabling tools to tightly control aerodynamic particle size, morphology, and solid-state properties. In parallel, emerging platforms such as nanoparticle-based delivery systems are examined for their ability to target specific lung cell populations, including epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages, thereby enhancing antimicrobial efficacy. Finally, innovative manufacturing concepts such as microfluidics and three-dimensional (3D) printing are highlighted as promising strategies to improve particle size uniformity, reproducibility, and formulation customization. By integrating formulation science with advanced manufacturing technologies, this review identifies the critical design and processing parameters that underpin effective pulmonary delivery of anti-infective therapies and outlines future directions for the development of next-generation inhaled treatments. Full article

This study investigates viscosity-enhancing and early-strength wet-mix shotcrete (VE-ESWS) incorporating a self-developed viscosity-enhancing and early-strength agent (VE-ES). Indoor tests combined with on-site spraying were performed to quantify the effects of the water/cement ratio (W/C) and VE-ES dosage on workability, strength, and durability. VE-ES had little influence on pumpability but substantially enhanced sprayability, reducing rebound rate to below 8%. Compressive and splitting tensile strengths peaked at W/C = 0.43–0.44 and a sand rate of 55%, whereas sand rates of 50% or 60% caused noticeable reductions. Durability (water permeability, freeze–thaw resistance, wet–dry sulfate attack, and carbonation resistance) of VE-ESWS was superior to that of the reference wet-mix shotcrete. Water penetration height could be controlled to about 5 cm when W/C was 0.42–0.43. During freeze–thaw cycling, mass loss rate increased initially and then decreased; slight apparent mass gains at later cycles were attributed to moisture uptake. VE-ES effectively reduced the compressive strength loss of VE-ESWS after sulfate attack, although the mass loss rate increased rather than decreased after 100 wet–dry sulfate attack cycles. The carbonation rate of VE-ESWS decreased with increasing VE-ES dosage. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results corroborated accelerated hydration and pore-structure refinement. Based on combined indices, the recommended values are W/C = 0.42–0.44, and the VE-ES dosage = 7.5 kg/m³ within the studied ranges. This study could provide theoretical and technical support for the application of VE-ESWS in engineering practices. Full article

This study systematically compared spray drying (SD) and freeze drying (FD) for microencapsulating Idesia polycarpa oil using a soy protein isolate/maltodextrin (SPI/MD) wall system. SD produced predominantly spherical and compact microcapsules with higher solubility (51.33%), encapsulation efficiency (81.9%), and superior oxidative stability (oxidation induction period, 6.05 h), together with improved thermal resistance, indicating its suitability for applications requiring enhanced stability and aroma retention. In contrast, FD yielded irregular and porous microcapsules with significantly higher emulsifying activity (29.12 m² g⁻¹, p < 0.05) but lower solubility and encapsulation efficiency. Integrated physicochemical characterization-including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), particle size and polydispersity index (PDI), ζ-potential, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), oxidative stability index (OSI) measurements, and volatile profiling via odor activity value (OAV) analysis—revealed clear process-dependent structure–function relationships. The denser SPI/MD matrix formed during SD restricted lipid molecular mobility and oxygen diffusion, thereby suppressing lipid oxidation and promoting the retention of key lipid-derived odorants. Conversely, the porous structure generated by FD facilitated interfacial functionality but increased molecular diffusion pathways. Overall, this work demonstrates that SPI/MD-based microencapsulation functions as a molecular stabilization platform for highly unsaturated plant oils and provides mechanistic guidance for selecting drying strategies to tailor Idesia polycarpa oil microcapsules for specific food applications. Full article

Although probiotics are widely used in the food industry due to their health-promoting effects, their application is often limited by low stability and poor viability under processing, storage, and gastrointestinal conditions. Encapsulation has emerged as a promising strategy to address these issues, offering enhanced protection and controlled release of probiotic strains. This review summarizes recent advances in encapsulation techniques relevant to food applications, including spray drying, freeze drying, coacervation, and liposome formation, as well as novel approaches such as multilayer nanocoatings and dual-core systems. The use of natural biopolymers such as alginate, chitosan, and pectin, along with food-grade synthetic materials, has greatly improved the stability of probiotics in complex food matrices. Furthermore, emerging technologies such as cell-mediated coatings offer improved resistance to gastric acid and oxygen, enhancing probiotic survival through the gastrointestinal tract. These advances contribute to the development of functional foods with better health benefits. However, challenges remain regarding scalability, strain-specific encapsulation efficiency, and regulatory approval. Future research should focus on optimizing food-grade materials, exploring synergistic effects with bioactive compounds, and ensuring consistent performance across food systems. Full article

Cheese whey, the major by-product of the dairy industry, poses an environmental challenge due to its high organic load but simultaneously represents a nutrient-dense matrix suitable for biotechnological valorization. This review synthesizes recent advances positioning whey as (i) a fermentation substrate for lactic acid bacteria, yeasts/fungi, and microalgae, enabling the production of functional biomass, organic acids, bioethanol, exopolysaccharides, enzymes, and wastewater bioremediation; (ii) a platform for postbiotic generation, supporting cell-free preparations with functional activities; and (iii) a food-grade encapsulating material, particularly through whey proteins (β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin), which can form emulsions, gels, and films that protect biotics and bioactive compounds during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal transit. We analyze key operational variables (whey type and pretreatment, supplementation strategies, batch and continuous cultivation modes), encapsulation routes (spray drying, freeze-drying, and hybrid protein–polysaccharide systems), and performance trade-offs relevant to industrial scale-up. Finally, we outline future directions, including precision fermentation, mixed-culture processes with in situ lactase activity, microfluidics-enabled encapsulation, and life-cycle assessment, to integrate product yields with environmental performance. Collectively, these strategies reframe whey from a high-impact waste into a circular bioeconomy resource for the food, nutraceutical, and environmental sectors. Full article

Spray freeze-drying (SFD) is a novel technique for formulating dry powders, particularly for pulmonary drug delivery via dry powder inhalers (DPIs). Despite their low density and excellent aerodynamic properties, such powders are affected by high cohesiveness due to their surface properties. Sugars such as mannitol (MAN), trehalose, raffinose, and sucrose are commonly used in SFD. MAN is widely employed due to its high MAN—ice eutectic temperature—at which MAN and water (ice) form a stable eutectic mixture—and its crystallinity. However, crystallinity can impact the microparticles’ (MPs) cohesiveness, since MAN exhibits distinct polymorphs (α, β, δ) with peculiar properties. This study provides valuable insights for the development of DPI formulations by ensuring precise control over MAN polymorphism, ultimately enhancing formulation stability and performance. We introduced, for the first time, an intermediate freezing (IF) step within the SFD process to modulate MAN polymorphism, demonstrating its synergy with optimised storage temperature conditions. Furthermore, polyvinylpyrrolidone, 2-hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin, dextran, and polysorbate 80 were employed as polymorphism-controlling agents for MAN, contributing to the development of stable formulations with reduced particle cohesion and improved storage stability at room temperature. For the first time, this study shows that MAN polymorphism in SFD can be controlled to drive dry powder inhaler performance. Full article

Strawberries and blueberries are globally recognized for their dense nutritional profile, bioactive compounds, and health-promoting properties. Yet, their perishability and seasonality limit their availability, stability, and functionality in food and nutraceutical formulations. Drying technologies, particularly spray drying and freeze drying, are effective preservation strategies that convert fresh berries into stable, shelf-ready powders. However, the high sugar content, low glass transition temperature (Tg), and hygroscopic nature of berry matrices pose significant challenges in maintaining powder flowability, preventing caking, and ensuring structural integrity during processing, storage, and transportation. This review examines the physicochemical and surface properties of strawberry and blueberry powders as influenced by the drying method, environmental conditions, and carrier selection (e.g., maltodextrin, gum arabic, and whey proteins). Emphasis is placed on glass transition phenomena, moisture sorption behavior, and surface composition as determinants of physical stability and shelf life. The roles of water activity (aw), particle morphology, and interparticle interactions are analyzed in the context of formulation design and powder performance. Analytical techniques in characterizing bulk properties for the amorphous structure and sorption kinetics and probing surface properties of powders are crucial for understanding interactions with water, assessing flow, caking, sintering, and dissolution. By integrating insights from food physical chemistry and materials surface properties, this review provides a framework for the rational design of berry-based powders with improved handling, stability, and bio-functionality. The findings have direct implications for scalable production, global distribution, and the development of functional ingredients aligned with health and wellness priorities worldwide. Full article

Modified tuber starches have gained relevance as innovative and versatile materials for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds, distinguishing themselves from synthetic polymers due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunable functionality. This review analyzes the effects of physical, chemical, and biochemical modifications on the composition and morphological, rheological, thermal, and techno-functional properties of tuber starches, as well as their development prospects as coating materials in encapsulation techniques such as spray drying, freeze-drying, electrospinning, and emulsification. The evidence reviewed indicates that modified tuber starches exhibit reduced retrogradation, higher thermal resistance, improved solubility, and better digestibility, facilitating their application as protective agents. The main challenges for their industrial implementation are identified and analyzed, including the standardization of processes, scalability, and the ambiguous regulatory framework. In the future, research in this area should be directed toward the optimization of “clean-label” methodologies and the valorization of non-conventional tuber sources, thereby consolidating the development of safer, more effective, and more sustainable encapsulation systems for the food industry. Full article

This study evaluated the impact of the drying and carrier type on the physicochemical and functional properties of Ginkgo biloba L. and Clitoria ternatea L. extracts and their blends, at ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 (w/w). Extracts were obtained using water as a green solvent and dried by freeze− or spray drying with maltodextrin or inulin. Powders were characterized for moisture content, water activity, color, polyphenol composition (HPLC–MS/MS), and antioxidant capacity (Folin–Ciocalteu, TEAC ABTS, FRAP). Spray−dried samples exhibited lower moisture content and water activity, while freeze-drying ensured higher polyphenol levels. The 1:1 (w/w) blend with inulin showed the most favorable balance between stability and antioxidant capacity, indicating synergistic effects. This formulation was selected for pilot-scale processing and encapsulated into hard gelatin capsules, which demonstrated rapid polyphenols release under simulated gastric conditions. The findings highlight the potential of spray-dried polyphenol-rich powders as standardized ingredients for immediate-release dietary supplements. Full article

The incorporation of bioactive compounds into food products represents a promising approach to enhance their functional and health-promoting properties. However, many bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, essential oils, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids, are highly sensitive to environmental factors, including temperature, oxygen, and light, which limits their direct application in the food industry. Microencapsulation has emerged as an innovative strategy to overcome these challenges by protecting bioactive compounds, improving their stability, controlling their release, and masking undesirable flavors or odors. This article reviews recent advances in microencapsulation techniques, including spray-drying, freeze-drying, coacervation, and innovative methods such as nanoencapsulation and electrospinning. Particular attention is given to the influence of encapsulated bioactive compounds on the physicochemical characteristics, texture, color, and sensory attributes of various food matrices. Furthermore, the paper highlights industrial perspectives, emphasizing the scalability of these techniques, regulatory considerations, and their role in the development of clean-label, functional, and sustainable food products. The findings underline the potential of microencapsulation as a key technology for the next generation of functional foods, bridging consumer expectations with industrial feasibility. Full article

The stability of spore-forming soil bacteria is crucial for their effective use in agricultural biopreparations. This study evaluated the long-term survivability of selected strains (Paenibacillus amylolyticus, Priestia megaterium, Bacillus velezensis, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus licheniformis) with potential applications in biopreparations for crop residue decomposition. The effects of different storage and preservation conditions on vegetative cells and bacterial spores were studied over 12 months. Bacteria were stored at different temperatures (15 °C, 21 °C, 30 °C), pH levels (5, 9, and post-cultivation liquid pH), and osmotic pressures (2%, 5%, and 10% of carbamide, calcium chloride, and multicomponent fertilizer). Additionally, freeze-drying, spray-drying and freezing were performed using cryoprotectants (skimmed milk, trehalose, and glycerol). The results showed that bacterial stability depended on both the strain and storage conditions. Vegetative cells of P. amylolyticus and B. velezensis were most sensitive to temperatures of 30 °C, whereas the spores of most strains demonstrated high temperature resistance. The tested strains exhibited better survivability at pH 5 than pH 9. The addition of calcium chloride, carbamide, or multicomponent fertilizer proved beneficial for maintaining viability, especially increasing spore numbers. Trehalose and skimmed milk were the most effective cryoprotectants overall, though efficacy varied by strain and cell form. These findings provide insight into the optimal conditions for preserving the bacterial viability of spore-producing bacteria in bioformulations, which is crucial for maintaining their effectiveness in agricultural applications. Full article

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) has been shown to enhance perceived saltiness in food products; however, it is also associated with a pungent and spicy flavour. The objective of this study was to assess the encapsulation of AITC with maltodextrin (MD) and gum Arabic (GA) using spray-drying (SD) and freeze-drying (FD) techniques, with and without the addition of a surfactant. Furthermore, the different encapsulated formulations were evaluated for their impact on sensory properties when added to soups. In total, twelve different treatments were investigated. The physicochemical characteristics (i.e., encapsulation efficiency, surface oil content, capsule morphology, and moisture content) and sensory properties (i.e., hedonic scales and rate-all-that-apply) of the encapsulated AITC particles were analyzed. Gas chromatography revealed low AITC retention in all FD formulations, while SD formulations with surfactants achieved up to 136.71 mg AITC/g powder. Sensory trials were conducted on eight formulations added to tomato soup (0.500 mg AITC/100 mL) (SD trial: n = 79, and FD trial: n = 93). FD resulted in relatively low AITC retention (with and without surfactants), while SD with surfactants led to higher AITC retention. None of the formulations significantly impacted the saltiness perception of the soups. FD soups significantly enhanced thickness, creaminess, and tomato flavour, increasing overall liking. This is the first study to evaluate the sensory properties and cross-modal interactions of encapsulated AITC. Further studies are needed to continue exploring the sensory properties, its release behaviour, overall stability, and shelf life of encapsulated AITC. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral insulin continues to constitute a challenge due to its low uptake by the gut wall and degradation by gastrointestinal proteolytic enzymes. Such concerns might be surmounted by means of nanoparticle delivery. Methods: In this study, glargine insulin has been loaded into solid lipid nanoparticles prepared via coacervation from Shea and Mango soaps, due to hydrophobic ion pairing. Subsequently, ex vivo tied-up-gut experiments were performed with fluorescently labeled peptide. Additionally, re-dispersible oral solid dosage forms (powders and tablets) were obtained from nanoparticle suspensions via freeze-drying and spray-drying. Results: Solid lipid nanoparticles are capable of enhancing peptide permeation into different gut sections. Furthermore, spray-drying permits the preparation, which can be scaled up, of a re-dispersible powder from the nanoparticle suspension. Conclusions: This engineered process is suitable for the formulation of solid oral dosage forms, such as granulates and tablets, and presents promising potential for oral insulin delivery, paving the way for the assessment of its pharmacological efficacy in further in vivo studies. Full article