Search Results (1,030)

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to reveal the influence of the natural nanoparticles (Nnps) isolated from Gegen–Qinlian Decoction (GQD), i.e., GQD-Nnps, on the intestinal absorption and pharmacokinetic properties of several representative active GQD constituents. Methods: The morphology of GQD-Nnps was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Protein and polysaccharide contents were measured using the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay and phenol–sulfuric acid method, respectively. Major GQD constituents were quantified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Formation mechanisms were explored using dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC. Results: GQD-Nnps were spherical, with a size of 110.9 ± 8.1 nm and a zeta potential of −13.7 ± 1.5 mV. GQD-Nnps were primarily composed of proteins and polysaccharides. FTIR analysis revealed significant hydrogen bonding interactions between the small molecular and macromolecular constituents of GQD. HRMS analyses indicated complex formation among small molecules, particularly berberine, baicalin, and glycyrrhizic acid. DLS demonstrated good stability of GQD-Nnps in artificial gastric and intestinal fluids. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that, except for puerarin, blood and liver exposure levels of several constituents in the GQD-Nnps group were significantly higher than those in the GQD extract group, suggesting enhanced colonic absorption and hepatic distribution. Conclusions: GQD-Nnps create an oral drug delivery system through complex interactions, significantly enhancing the colonic absorption and hepatic distribution of several active GQD constituents. Full article

Background/Objectives: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by sustained inflammation, leading to diabetic kidney disease (DKD). This study investigated urinary tubular injury biomarkers and metabolomic profiles in relation to albuminuria and renal function across varying durations of T1D. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 247 youth-onset T1D patients categorized by disease duration: short ≤ 5 years (T1D-S, n = 62), medium 6–10 years (T1D-M, n = 67), and long > 10 years (T1D-L, n = 118). Urinary cytokines (MCP-1, KIM-1, NGAL) were measured by ELISA. Metabolomic profiling was performed using ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. Results: Urinary MCP-1/Cr, KIM-1/Cr, and NGAL/Cr levels were significantly elevated in T1D patients compared with non-diabetic controls, but did not correlate with disease duration. Metabolomic profiling identified distinct urinary signatures across T1D duration. Specifically, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and N-delta-acetylornithine (NAO) increased progressively, while N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and pyruvic acid decreased with longer disease duration. These four metabolites remained statistically significant after both based on Mann–Whitney tests with false discovery rate (FDR) correction (q < 0.05) and application of a conservative alpha threshold (p < 0.01), suggesting potential disruptions in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. Conclusions: Urinary biomarkers (MCP-1/Cr, NGAL/Cr, and KIM-1/Cr) are sensitive indicators of subclinical kidney dysfunction in T1D patients, often preceding albuminuria. Alterations in amino acid-related metabolites (NAC, NAA, and NAO) and pyruvate highlight possible metabolic disturbances associated with T1D duration and oxidative stress. However, given the cross-sectional design, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm causality and clarify their predictive value in DKD progression. Full article

Breath analysis is a non-invasive diagnostic method that offers insights into both physiological and pathological conditions. Exhaled breath contains volatile organic compounds, which act as biomarkers for disease detection, allowing for the monitoring of treatments and the tailoring of medicine to individuals. Recent advancements in chemical sensing, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy have improved the ability to identify these biomarkers; however, traditional statistical approaches often struggle to handle the complexities of breath data. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have revolutionized breath analysis by uncovering intricate patterns among volatile breath markers, enhancing diagnostic precision, and facilitating real-time disease identification. Despite significant progress, challenges remain, including issues with data standardization, model interpretability, and the necessity for extensive and varied datasets. This study reviews the applications of ML in analyzing breath volatile organic compounds, highlighting methodological shortcomings and obstacles to clinical validation. A thorough literature review was performed using the PubMed and Scopus databases, which included studies that focused specifically on the role of machine learning in disease diagnosis and incidence prediction via breath analysis. Among the 524 articles reviewed, 97 satisfied the specified inclusion criteria. The selected studies applied ML techniques, fell within the scope of this review, and emphasize the potential of ML models for non-invasive diagnostics. The findings indicate that traditional ML methods dominate, while ensemble methods are on the rise, and deep learning (DL) techniques (especially CNNs and LSTMs) are increasingly used for classifying respiratory diseases. Techniques for feature selection (such as PCA and ML-based methods) were frequently implemented, though challenges related to explainability and data standardization persist. Future studies should focus on enhancing model transparency and developing methods to further integrate AI into the clinical setting to facilitate early disease detection and advance precision medicine. Full article

In this study, molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂)-based water nanofluids were prepared and stabilized using two surfactants with opposite charges: the cationic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and the anionic sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Different MoS₂:surfactant ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 1:3) were examined to identify the optimal formulation ensuring stable dispersion. Stability was evaluated through dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and UV–Vis spectroscopy analyses. The results showed that the MoS₂:SLS (1:3) nanofluid achieved the highest stability, characterized by a zeta potential of −38 mV and a mean particle size of approximately 290 nm. Thermophysical properties were then investigated for nanoparticle concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 wt%. The 0.1 wt% nanofluid exhibited the best performance, showing a thermal conductivity enhancement of about 49% and an increased specific heat capacity compared with pure water. This improvement is attributed to uniform nanoparticle dispersion and enhanced phonon transport. Overall, the results demonstrate that the anionic SLS surfactant at a 1:3 ratio effectively enhances the stability as well as the thermal performance of MoS₂–water nanofluids, making them promising candidates for thermal management and energy systems applications. Full article

Ensuring consistent quality and safety in agri-food processing is a strategic priority for firms seeking compliance with international standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 22000. Traditional inspection practices in Ecuador’s food industry remain largely destructive, labor-intensive, and subjective, limiting real-time decision-making. This study developed a non-destructive, ISO-aligned framework for process-level quality control by integrating digital (RGB) imaging for surface-level inspection, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for internal-quality prediction (e.g., moisture, firmness, and freshness), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for compositional and authenticity analysis, and deep learning (DL) models for automated classification of ripeness, maturity, and defects. Experimental results across four flagship commodities—bananas, cacao, coffee, and shrimp—achieved classification accuracies above 88% and ROC AUC values exceeding 0.90, confirming the robustness of AI-driven, multimodal (RGB–HSI–NIRS) inspection under semi-industrial conveyor conditions. Beyond technological performance, the findings demonstrate that digital inspection reinforces ISO principles of evidence-based decision-making, conformity verification, and traceability, thereby operationalizing the Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle at digital speed. The study contributes theoretically by advancing the conceptualization of Quality 4.0 as a socio-technical transformation that embeds AI-driven sensing and analytics within management standards, and practically by providing a roadmap for Ecuadorian SMEs to strengthen export competitiveness through automated, real-time, and auditable quality assurance. Full article

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using a modified literature method involving aqueous AgNO₃ (3 mM) and plant extract (LCE) at a constant ratio, under alkaline conditions and controlled temperature. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The UV-Vis spectra displayed a broad absorption band around 450 nm, indicative of polydispersity, while DLS revealed a hydrodynamic diameter of 90.3 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.3366. Zeta potential values suggested reduced electrostatic stability compared with previously reported plant-derived AgNPs, although STEM images confirmed predominantly spherical, well-dispersed nanoparticles with sizes between 15 and 20 nm. Functional assays in zebrafish demonstrated the biological relevance of AgNPs. In scopolamine-induced models of cognitive and behavioral deficits, AgNPs treatment significantly improved memory and locomotor activity, as assessed by the Y-Maze, Novel Tank Diving Test and Novel Object Recognition Test. Full article

Liposomal systems are advanced carriers of active substances which, thanks to their ability to encapsulate these substances, significantly improve their pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and selectivity. This article presents the results of spectroscopic studies for a selected compound from the 1,3,4-thiadiazole group, namely 4-[5-(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]benzene-1,3-diol (NTBD, see below in the text), in selected liposomal systems formed from the phospholipid 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC). Detailed spectroscopic analyses were carried out using electronic absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy; resonance light scattering (RLS) spectra measurements; dynamic light scattering (DLS); as well as time-resolved methods—fluorescence lifetime measurements using the TCSPC technique. Subsequently, based on the interpretation of spectra obtained by FTIR infrared spectroscopy, the preliminary molecular organization of the above-mentioned compounds within lipid multilayers was determined. It was found that NTBD preferentially occupies the region of polar lipid headgroups in the lipid multilayer, although it also noticeably interacts with the hydrocarbon chains of the lipids. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to study the effect of NTBD on the molecular organization of DPPC lipid multilayers. Monomeric structures and aggregated forms of the above-mentioned 1,3,4-thiadiazole analogue were characterized using X-ray crystallography. Interesting dual fluorescence effects observed in steady-state fluorescence measurements were linked to the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) effect (based on our earlier studies), which, in the obtained biophysical systems—liposomal systems with strong hydrophobicity—is greatly enhanced by aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effects. In summary, the research presented in this study, concerning the novel 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivative NTBD, is highly relevant to drug delivery systems, such as various model liposomal systems, as it demonstrates that depending on the concentration of the selected fluorophore, different forms may be present, allowing for appropriate modulation of its biological activity. Full article

A major bottleneck in evaluating the environmental health implications of micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) is the inadequacy of analytical techniques for their precise quantification within complex environmental and biological matrices. Additionally, there is a conspicuous paucity of studies addressing environmentally relevant, photo-aged MNPs. In this study, the effects of UV aging on toxicity and bioavailability were investigated utilizing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)-traceable 25 nm gold-core polystyrene shell nanoplastics (AuPS25 NPs) and a triculture small intestinal epithelium (SIE) model coupled with simulated digestions to mimic physiological bio-transformations post-ingestion. Employing dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the physicochemical and morphological alterations of AuPS25 NPs as a function of UV exposure time were investigated, revealing significant photo-oxidation within 14 days. Toxicological evaluations demonstrated that, contrasting with un-aged AuPS25 NPs, the digesta from UV-aged AuPS25 NPs at oral concentrations of 4 and 40 µg/mL weakened barrier integrity by ~15% and ~18% and heightened cytotoxicity by ~4.3% and ~5.4%, respectively. Although the NP translocation rates were similar for both aged and un-aged PS NPs, the uptake by SIE of aged AuPS25 NPs was significantly higher, reaching 72.2% at 4 µg/mL and 59.2% at 40 µg/mL. In contrast, less than 0.5% of the un-aged PS NPs at both 4 µg/mL and 40 µg/mL were taken up by SIE. These findings highlight the imperative to integrate environmentally aged MNPs into toxicological assessments, as they facilitate “real-world” MNPs. Finally, the use of ICP-MS-traceable core–shell MNPs enables the identification and quantification of PS MNPs in cell lysates and biological media via ICP-MS, showcasing the use of such a tracer MNP approach in cellular uptake and in vivo biokinetic studies. Full article

As a chitosan (CTS)-based drug carrier (DC) for doxorubicin (DOX) delivery, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-2-hydroxy-4-N-methacrylamidobenzoic acid) [poly(HEMA-co-2-HMBA)] (PHCH) was successfully grafted onto chitosan to fabricate DOX-loaded microparticles, and their in vitro release behavior was systematicaly investigated. Morphological characteristics were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), while DOX loading was validated through Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), comparing pure and drug-loaded microparticles. The maximum loading capacity (~91%) was attributed to the presence of abundant carboxylic acid groups, which imparted pH responsiveness during in vitro DOX release. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that hydrogen bonding interactions between DOX and the functional groups of the microparticles strongly influenced encapsulation efficiency (EE%), drug loading (DL%), and release behavior. The fabricated microparticles exhibited pH-dependent DOX release, with accelerated and more complete release at tumor microenvironment pH 5.5 compared to physiological pH 7.4. These results demonstrate that PHCH grafted CTS microparticles are promising candidates for controlled and site-specific anticancer drug delivery. Full article

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) has emerged as a significant threat among female malignancies, resulting in approximately 670,000 fatalities. The capacity to identify BC has advanced over the past two decades because of deep learning (DL), machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence. The early detection of BC is crucial; yet, conventional diagnostic techniques, including MRI, mammography, and biopsy, are costly, time-intensive, less sensitive, incorrect, and necessitate skilled physicians. This narrative review will examine six novel imaging approaches for BC diagnosis. Methods: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) surpasses existing approaches by providing non-invasive, high-resolution imaging. Raman Spectroscopy (RS) offers detailed chemical and structural insights into cancer tissue that traditional approaches cannot provide. Photoacoustic Imaging (PAI) provides superior optical contrast, exceptional ultrasonic resolution, and profound penetration and visualization capabilities. Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) acquires spatial and spectral data, facilitating non-invasive tissue classification with superior accuracy compared to grayscale imaging. Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM) utilizes contrast agents and dual energy to improve the visualization of blood vessels, enhance patient comfort, and surpass standard mammography in sensitivity. Multispectral Imaging (MSI) enhances tissue classification by employing many wavelength bands, resulting in high-dimensional images that surpass the ultrasound approach. The imaging techniques studied in this study are very useful for diagnosing tumors, staging them, and guiding surgery. They are not detrimental to morphological or immunohistochemical analysis, which is the gold standard for diagnosing breast cancer and determining molecular characteristics. Results: These imaging modalities provide enhanced sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy. Notwithstanding their considerable potential, the majority of these procedures are not employed in standard clinical practices. Conclusions: Validations, standardization, and large-scale clinical trials are essential for the real-time application of these approaches. The analyzed studies demonstrated that the novel modalities displayed enhanced diagnostic efficacy, with reported sensitivities and specificities often exceeding those of traditional imaging methods. The results indicate that they may assist in early detection and surgical decision-making; however, for widespread adoption, they must be standardized, cost-reduced, and subjected to extensive clinical trials. This study offers a concise summary of each methodology, encompassing the methods and findings, while also addressing the many limits encountered in the imaging techniques and proposing solutions to mitigate these issues for future applications. 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

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are secondary metabolites of interest for the development of natural sunscreens, owing to their antioxidant activity and ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-absorbing properties. MAA-rich aqueous extracts obtained from the Chilean red alga Mazzaella laminarioides (locally known as luga cuchara) were analyzed by HPLC and loaded into chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs), with an encapsulation efficiency of 90.1%. The resulting CS nanoformulations (CSNFs) were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, DLS and TEM microscopy, confirming the presence of nanoparticles with a core diameter of 94 ± 11 nm and FTIR absorption bands accounting for CS functional groups. Pre-treatment of HaCaT keratinocytes with CSNFs conferred complete protection against low-to-moderate UVA doses (5, 10, 15, and 30 J/cm²). Remarkably, cells still retained a protection efficacy of 64.7% under lethal UVA exposure (60 J/cm²), with gene expression evidence suggesting the activation of a compensatory stress response to photo-oxidative damage. CSNFs were also capable of restoring cell viability in post-treatment experiments at UVA doses of 30 J/cm² (100% cell viability) and 60 J/cm² (~43% cell viability). This is the first demonstration that nanoencapsulation of an MAA-rich algal extract yields superior UVA photoprotection in human keratinocytes compared with non-encapsulated MAA-based formulations, contributing to the effort of developing eco-friendly sunscreens. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to develop eco-friendly zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel extract and to evaluate their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and photoprotective potential. Method: ZnO NPs were synthesized via a green chemistry route employing polyphenol- and flavonoid-rich peel extract as reducing and stabilizing agents. The nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR, SEM, XRD, DSC, DLS, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Biological activities were assessed through in vitro assays including antioxidant (DPPH), anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, anti-tyrosinase, antimicrobial activity, and SPF determination. In vivo photoprotective efficacy was further evaluated in UVB-irradiated rat models, with histological analysis to confirm structural skin changes. Results: The optimized ZnO NPs exhibited an average particle size of ~194 nm with a zeta potential of −18.2 mV, indicating good stability. They demonstrated notable antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 52.91 µg/mL), substantial tyrosinase inhibition (72% at 200 µg/mL), and antibacterial activity with inhibition zones up to 19 mm against S. aureus and 17 mm against E. coli. The nanoparticles also showed excellent UV absorption, with an SPF value of 29.8, exceeding the FDA threshold for effective sun protection. In vivo, topical application of ZnO NPs in UVB-exposed rats led to a 69% reduction in epidermal thickness and preservation of collagen fibers compared with UV controls. Conclusions: These findings confirm that P. granatum peel extract–mediated ZnO NPs possess significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and photoprotective activities. Full article

The long-term stability of bulk nanobubbles is crucial for their functional applications; however, understanding the evolution of their size distribution remains a significant challenge. While conventional characterization methods, such as Dynamic Light Scattering and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, provide size information, they are often sample-intensive and expensive, making them ill-suited for high-throughput or long-term dynamic monitoring of size distribution polydispersity. This research validated UV–Vis spectrophotometry as a simple, powerful tool for tracking these dynamic changes. Air nanobubbles generated via pressure oscillation-hydraulic cavitation were systematically monitored over 30 days using correlative DLS, NTA, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. A distinct two-stage evolution was identified: an initial “purification” phase marked by the dissolution of unstable bubbles, followed by a long-term “maturation” phase governed by Ostwald ripening. The Ångström exponent (n), derived from the full extinction spectrum, is a highly sensitive descriptor of this process. The evolution of n traced a unique V-shaped trajectory, which resulted in a pronounced hysteresis loop when plotted against the mean diameter from DLS. This hysteresis reveals that systems with identical mean diameters can possess vastly different distribution morphologies, which are inaccessible through traditional sizing methods alone. This research establishes full-spectrum UV–Vis analysis as a robust methodology, enabling rapid and efficient assessment of nanobubble stability and providing a deeper mechanistic understanding of their complex evolution. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hepatotoxicity remains a major therapeutic challenge driven by oxidative stress and inflammation. This study investigated the hepatoprotective potential of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles derived from ethanolic garlic peel extract (GPE-Ag) against pyrogallol-induced liver injury. Methods: Adult rats were randomly assigned into four groups: a control group, a pyrogallol-treated group, a group receiving GPE-Ag nanoparticles (50 mg/kg, orally) for 28 days, and GPE-Ag + pyrogallol co-treated. Results: The garlic peel extract was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), revealing high levels of phenolic acids (66.83 µg/g) and flavonoids (59.81 µg/g), predominantly ellagic, gallic, and syringic acids, along with kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin. The synthesized GPE-Ag nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), zeta potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). GPE-Ag treatment markedly attenuated pyrogallol-induced hepatic injury by reducing serum liver enzyme levels, lipid peroxidation, and proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), while enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). Histological examination further confirmed the restoration of normal hepatic architecture. Conclusion: This study provides the first evidence that garlic peel–derived silver nanoparticles exert potent hepatoprotective effects through redox homeostasis restoration and modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings highlight GPE-Ag as a promising, sustainable nanotherapeutic candidate for managing chemically induced liver injury. Full article