Search Results (544)

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is an agro-industrial byproduct rich in polyphenols and other bioactive compounds with documented antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In this study, purified OMW fractions (RO1 and MD2), previously characterized by high polyphenol content and strong antioxidant activity, were incorporated (10% w/w) into cellulose-based hydrogels intended for topical application. Hydrogels were prepared using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and methylcellulose (MC) at concentrations of 1.5–2.0% (w/w). The formulations were characterized in terms of organoleptic properties, pH, rheological behavior, swelling capacity, weight loss, antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), and microbiological activity against selected skin pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains. Rheological analysis confirmed pseudoplastic behavior suitable for topical administration. OMW-loaded hydrogels exhibited significant radical scavenging activity compared to blank formulations and demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy, supporting the preservation of OMW bioactivity within the polymeric network. The results highlight the potential of cellulose-based hydrogels as sustainable and biocompatible carriers for the valorization of OMW in dermatological applications, particularly for the management of oxidative stress and bacterial skin infections. Full article

Cutter soil mixing (CSM) is a widely adopted construction technique for forming waterproof diaphragm walls in underground engineering. However, cement slurry is prone to dispersion loss and performance degradation in moving water, making it difficult to meet engineering requirements. In this study, based on the characteristics of the CSM method in dynamic water environments, ordinary Portland cement is used as the main material, and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), redispersible latex powder, polypropylene fiber and a polyether defoamer are added to improve it. The influence of each component on the performance of the new material is investigated, and a new CSM material suitable for dynamic water environments is developed. The material has good stability and suitable fluidity, controllable setting time, good anti-dispersion performance in dynamic water. The optimal mix ratio is as follows: water–cement ratio of 1; HPMC 1.4%; redispersible latex powder 3%; polypropylene fiber 0.4%; and polyether defoamer 0.8%. Field tests show that the new grouting material applied to CSM waterproof curtain construction results in a leak-free wall with excellent waterproofing performance, which verifies its engineering feasibility and provides a technical reference for the application of the CSM method in dynamic water environments. Full article

Background: Pantoprazole is a widely used proton pump inhibitor that is highly unstable under acidic conditions. This limits the performance of conventional formulations and typically requires enteric-coated dosage forms or alternative modified-release approaches. This study reports the development of polymeric matrix mini-tablets designed to protect pantoprazole during gastric exposure and to enable pH-dependent release under intestinal conditions. The formulations combine Eudragit^® S 100, a pH-dependent polymer, with HPMC, a hydrophilic matrix former that modulates drug release through hydration and swelling. Methods: Matrix mini-tablets were prepared by blending pantoprazole with selected excipients at optimised proportions and compressing the blends by direct compression using an eccentric tablet press. Powder blends and mini-tablets were characterised according to pharmacopoeial specifications. Analytical techniques—including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-Transform Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)—were employed to evaluate drug content uniformity, thermal behaviour, and potential drug–excipient interactions. In vitro dissolution studies were performed under sequential pH conditions, and the release kinetics were analysed using mathematical models. Results: Dissolution testing identified formulations F2 and F6 as providing the most suitable gastro-resistant performance in the acidic stage, together with sustained release up to 24 h. Kinetic modelling supported formulation-dependent release mechanisms, and multivariate analysis (PCA) highlighted relationships between physico-mechanical attributes and drug-release behaviour. Conclusions: The proposed matrix system shows potential as a robust, coating-free platform for the modified delivery of acid-labile drugs using direct compression, simplifying manufacturing. These findings support the rational design of oral modified-release formulations based on polymeric matrices. Full article

The aim of this review is to analyze current routes for the administration and absorption of vitamin B12 in older adults, with a special focus on the sublingual route using orodispersible films, and evaluate the advances, materials, and challenges associated with this method of administration. Thus, the review aims to provide an updated overview of safe and effective alternatives for preventing and treating vitamin B12 deficiency in this age group. Vitamin B12 deficiency predominantly affects older adults. After the age of 70, absorption decreases, and deficiency occurs most frequently due to age-related gastric atrophy, decreased gastric acid production, reduced intrinsic factor secretion, and inadequate dietary vitamin B12 intake. This narrative review examines traditional and current treatments for vitamin B12 administration in older adults, with a focus on sublingual administration (SL) via orodispersible films (ODFs) to enhance absorption, adherence, and accessibility. SL vitamin B12 bioavailability, advantages versus disadvantages, ODF formulations (polymers such as pregelatinized starch, HPMC, and chitosan), and pharmaceutical process challenges (solvent casting and hot-melt extrusion) were explored in the reviewed in vitro and in vivo studies. According to the collected evidence, the sublingual route appears to offer rapid absorption directly into the bloodstream, with efficacy comparable to/superior to intramuscular (IM)/oral (OP) routes of administration, representing a patient-centered innovation for older adults that overcomes painful treatments and gastrointestinal/swallowing barriers. Future longitudinal clinical trials should validate long-term efficacy, standardize materials, and scale up to viable industrial production, addressing issues related to chemical stability and polypharmacy. Full article

Background/Objectives: For successful wound management, dressings must be maintained in a moist environment to optimally enhance the microenvironment of the wound and efficiently deliver bioactive agents. Sodium humate has demonstrated potential wound-healing activity, although its topical delivery is still a challenge. This study aimed to develop and optimize polysaccharide-based dermal patches incorporating sodium-humate-loaded transferosomes and to assess their physicochemical and wound-healing properties. Methods: Transferosomes were obtained via thin-film hydration and prepared utilizing the Taguchi experimental design based on the impact of lipid content, lipid-to-surfactant ratio, and lipid-to-drug ratio on vesicle size, ζ-potential, and drug entrapment efficiency. The optimized transferosomes were loaded into alginate/HPMC composite dermal patches prepared through solvent evaporation. Results: The optimized transferosome formulation had an average size of 250.9 ± 2.3 nm, a ζ-potential of −3.57 ± 0.25, a high deformability of 93.01 ± 2.41%, and an effective drug-entrapment efficiency of 30.13 ± 1.04%. The use of transferosomes greatly affected patch thickness, moisture content, and surface morphology. A biphasic drug release profile of sodium humate was demonstrated via an in vitro release study, showing an initial burst followed by sustained drug release within 6 h. In vivo evaluation of transferosome-loaded patches showed that the formulations were able to effectively promote wound healing compared with the control. Conclusions: The developed transferosome-embedded alginate/HPMC dermal patches constitute a promising platform for the controlled topical administration of sodium humate and show promising enhancement of wound healing. Full article

To effectively prevent and control coal spontaneous combustion, a novel heat-sensitive hydrogel for mine fire prevention and extinguishment was developed using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and the organic flame-retardant, sodium alginate (SA). The hydrogel was prepared through single-factor variable control and material compounding. First, the optimal formulation of the hydrogel was determined using analytical instruments and techniques, including a viscometer, vacuum drying oven, and the inverted test tube method. Subsequently, its microstructural characteristics were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Finally, a fire suppression test platform was established to perform comparative experiments, verifying the hydrogel’s fire prevention, extinguishing, and cooling performance. Experimental results demonstrated that the optimal hydrogel formulation consists of 2.5 wt% HPMC and 0.3 wt% SA. At this ratio, the hydrogel exhibits excellent fluidity and water retention, ensuring prolonged coverage and wetting of coal surfaces. The gel undergoes a sol–gel phase transition at 58 °C, enabling it to fill voids, bind and reinforce coal particles, and reduce exposed surface area. After drying, the hydrogel forms a uniformly smooth surface capable of both coating the coal body and encapsulating individual coal particles. Following the hydrogel treatment, the coal sample retains its original functional groups, indicating that no chemical reactions occur during mixing. Compared with traditional inhibitors, the hydrogel demonstrates superior fire suppression performance, more effectively covering and encapsulating burning coal. It rapidly reduces the temperature to 28 °C by the cooling effect of water evaporation from the hydrogel, and it maintains thermal stability, achieving outstanding fire-extinguishing efficiency. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to develop and formulation-design curcumin-loaded buccal films using a green deep eutectic solvent (DES) to improve drug solubility and support localized mucosal delivery, with the help of a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach. Methods: Various DESs with different components and molar ratios were prepared, characterized, and the optimal DES was selected. Curcumin-loaded buccal films were prepared by solvent casting, employing the optimal DES as the solvent system. A three-factor and five-level central composite design was applied to systematically investigate the amounts of HPMC K100, Kollicoat^® IR, and DES in buccal films, and mucoadhesive strength, elongation (%), swelling index, swelling time, and thickness were identified as critical responses. Based on these responses, characterization, in vitro release, ex vivo permeation, and in vitro biological activity studies were performed on the model-predicted optimal formulations. Results: Choline chloride: propylene glycol (1:4 molar ratio) was selected as the optimal DES due to its viscosity, pH, organoleptic properties, and the highest curcumin solubility (11.90 ± 0.15 mg/mL). While DES increased curcumin solubility, buccal films were successfully obtained. Six formulations identified through model-based DoE optimization were advanced to detailed experimental evaluation. The drug release exhibited sustained curcumin release profiles over 24 h, and ex vivo studies showed <2% mucosal permeation. The lead formulations demonstrated in vitro cell compatibility, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and enhanced wound-healing-related bioactivity. Conclusions: Curcumin-loaded buccal films containing DES and developed using a DoE-guided formulation strategy successfully demonstrated the acceptable formulation properties and screening-level in vitro biological activities, offering a promising formulation platform for localized buccal delivery applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Keratitis is an ocular disease caused by microbial infection or by non-infectious damage due to UV light exposure, chemical exposure, or eye injuries. Methods: Moxifloxacin-loaded ufasomes (MOX-UFAs) were optimized using a full factorial design (1².2³) after being prepared by the vortex mixing method. The study evaluated the effects of the oleic acid amount, surface active agent (SAA) amount, and SAA type as independent factors on the entrapment efficiency percent (EE%), particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and the amount released after 6 h (Q6h%). Results: The optimized ufasomes (UFAs) formulation was spherical, with an EE% of 78.37 ± 3.91%, PS of 203.13 ± 20.31 nm, PDI of 0.334 ± 0.016, and ZP of −25.42 ± 1.27 mV. The in vitro release of moxifloxacin (MOX) from the UFAs was maintained for more than 6 h in the range of 40.0–75.0%. The optimum MOX-UFAs formulation was incorporated into an in situ gel (Pluronic F-127/HPMC K4M). The ex vivo studies (corneal permeation and confocal laser scanning microscopy) proved the successful retention of the MOX-UFAs-laden in situ gel. Furthermore, the in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial studies revealed their significant antimicrobial effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, the Draize test proved the tolerability of MOX-UFAs-laden in situ gel in animals. Conclusions: The incorporation of MOX-UFAs into Pluronic F-127/HPMC K4M in situ gel could successfully provide sustained ocular delivery and improve the bioavailability of MOX for the management of keratitis. Full article

Buprenorphine (BUP) is widely used in the treatment of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). However, the most compounded formulation contains 30% ethanol, despite regulatory and clinical concerns regarding ethanol exposure in pediatric patients. Thus, this research aimed to develop an ethanol-free sublingual (SL) gel formulation of BUP that would be safe, stable, and suitable for NOWS. Multiple polymers were screened as gelling agents, with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) emerging as the ideal base polymer for the formulation due to its optimal pH, rheological characteristics, and stability. The formulated gels were stored at room temperature and refrigerated conditions for 30 days and evaluated for stability using pH, rheology, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. BUP content was between 90–110% of the labeled amount of the dosage form (75 µg/mL) at all time-points, and the pH remained close to physiological values. Release studies demonstrated a drug release of 23–24% for SL gels without surfactants stored at room temperature and refrigerated conditions, respectively. Incorporation of non-ionic surfactants (Tween 20 and Tween 80) significantly increased drug release to 33% and 40%, respectively, reflecting enhanced solubilization and improved mucosal penetration. The ethanol-free formulation demonstrated physicochemical stability and favorable release characteristics suitable for neonatal administration. These findings represent a meaningful advance in the development of safer pediatric formulations for NOWS. Full article

Background: Synthetic vascular scaffolds often exhibit limited mechanical performance and low hydrophilicity, which compromise early vascular integration and increase susceptibility to bacterial colonization. This study developed 3D-printed scaffolds based on poly(L-co-D,L-lactide)–poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PLDLA–TMC) with polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG) to modulate mechanical and interfacial properties and coated with poly(hexamethylene biguanide) (PHMB) to confer antibacterial activity. Methods: PLDLA–TMC scaffolds modified with PEG 400 and coated with PHMB were prepared and systematically characterized to assess their structural, thermal, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties. PHMB coatings (3%, 6%, and 12% w/w in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, HPMC) were applied and evaluated for drug release, cytotoxicity, and activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Biocompatibility was tested in an endothelial cell and myoblast co-culture. Results: Incorporation of 2% PEG increased the tensile strength from 0.14 ± 0.10 MPa for scaffolds containing 0.5% PEG to 0.79 ± 0.12 MPa and promotes a more elastic scaffold behavior. PHMB at 12% caused cytotoxicity (7.70 ± 0.37% cell viability). The 3% PHMB coating produced a 12.5 ± 0.1 mm inhibition zone but exhibited burst release within 1 h, whereas the 6% coating maintained cell viability (72.95 ± 1.10%), produced a 13.1 ± 0.2 mm inhibition zone, and provided sustained antimicrobial release over 7 days. Scaffolds supported organized adhesion and proliferation of endothelial cells and myoblasts. Conclusions: 3D-printed PLDLA–TMC scaffolds containing 2% PEG and coated with 6% PHMB combined improved mechanical performance, sustained antimicrobial release, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility in an in vitro vascular model. Full article

The functional properties of high-pressure processing (HPP)-assisted protein hydrolysate from tamarind kernel powder (TKP-HD) and the physicochemical characteristics of its foam-mat powder were studied. TKP-HD consisted of more non-polar than polar amino acids, with higher solubility at pH 5 and 7 than soy protein isolate (SPI) but lower than egg white (EW). The water-binding capacity of TKP-HD increased at pH 5 while TKP-HD had a higher foaming capacity than SPI at pH 5, and the highest oil-binding capacity. The physicochemical properties of TKP-HD after foam-mat drying were investigated using 1 and 1.5% (w/w) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), with drying at 60, 70, and 80 °C. Samples with 1.5% HPMC had lower water activity than those with 1% HPMC at all drying temperatures. The sample with 1% HPMC had higher antioxidant capacity at 60 °C than at 70 °C, but this decreased at 1.5% HPMC. Samples with 1.5% HPMC and dried at 60 °C recorded the highest solubility and viscosity, with increased porosity of the powder structure. The most suitable foam-mat drying conditions for TKP-HD were the addition of 1.5% HPMC and drying at 60 °C. Full article

Conventional gelatin capsules deliver a rapid drug release in the stomach, which is suboptimal for therapies requiring controlled and delayed release, emphasizing the need for customizable drug delivery systems for precision medicine. This study’s objective was to optimize 3D-printed capsule shells formulated with pH-responsive polymer blends—hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMC-AS), PEG-4000, and PVA—to achieve controlled and sustained drug release, comparing profiles against a commercial enteric capsule. Capsule shells were produced via fused filament fabrication (FFF) at two ratios (80:15:5 and 70:20:10), filled with acetaminophen (250 mg), and tested using a two-stage dissolution method (simulated gastric fluid (SGF) for 2 h followed by simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) for 4–5 h). Results showed negligible drug release in SGF (≤5%) for both printed and commercial capsules. However, in SIF, the commercial capsule released its payload rapidly (>80% within 15 min), while the 3D-printed capsules achieved a prolonged, gradual release. The higher HPMC-AS content significantly extended the release duration. All capsules met the pharmacopeial weight uniformity criteria. In conclusion, the 3D-printed shells provided a controllable, sustained drug release profile, underscoring 3D printing’s potential to create tunable, patient-specific dosage forms. Full article

Strawberry is a non-climacteric fruit with a short postharvest shelf life. Recently, edible coatings have attracted the attention of the food industry. Cellulose is the most abundant carbohydrate polymer on Earth, and is also a renewable natural material, biocompatible with food. This work aimed to evaluate the postharvest quality of strawberries coated with edible coatings based on hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) and its functionalization, using vegetal extracts with reported antifungal activity. Five treatments were applied on postharvest strawberries: C (control, with no coating); Cel (HPMC:BNC in a 95:5 ratio); EPAC (cellulose + Persicaria acuminata extract); EO (cellulose + Pelargonium graveolens essential oil) and CBZ (cellulose + carbendazim). Weight, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ripe index, respiration rate, ethylene production rate, and natural fungal incidence were measured. Furthermore, the C and Cel fruit surface was observed by SEM. Cel and EPAC treatments proved to be beneficial in maintaining the quality of the treated fruit during storage. Both coatings contributed to a lower weight loss and firmness. They also decreased the respiratory rate and the natural fungal incidence, delaying the senescence of the treated strawberries. These treatments can be alternatives to extend strawberry life postharvest. Full article

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing has been established in pharmaceutical sciences for preparing customized dosage forms with intricate release profiles. However, realizing this potential requires complex design strategies and the careful use of various excipients. This study was designed to evaluate the utility of hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMC-AS) as a singular release-modifying excipient for manufacturing oral solid dosage forms via fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing. Methods: The scope of work encompassed comprehensive material characterization, formulation and production of drug-loaded filaments using hot-melt extrusion (HME), subsequent FDM 3D printing of tablet geometries, and in vitro dissolution studies using mebeverine hydrochloride (MebH) as the model drug. Results: Initial HME processing indicated that the HPMC-AS-based filaments were brittle, presenting technical challenges for direct 3D printing. This issue was successfully overcome by incorporating an additional preheating stage into the FDM printing process, which enabled production of the tablets. Dissolution analysis demonstrated that the 3D-printed mebeverine hydrochloride tablets exhibited delayed and sustained-release characteristics. Conclusions: These results confirm the viability of HPMC-AS as a standalone functional excipient in FDM 3D printing to produce tailored, complex drug delivery systems. Full article

Active packages have become a significant center of attention, and especially those based on biodegradable materials, due to their ability to enhance food preservation and extend shelf life. A suitable base for obtaining such types of packages has turned out to be polymers with natural origin, such as hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and zein. Therefore, the present study is focused on developing films using the casting method based on pure HPMC and blends between HPMC and zein. Three types of polymer matrices were developed: pure HPMC film, HPMC 3:1 zein, and HPMC 1:1 zein. Further, all of them were loaded with curcumin to improve their biological activity, and mainly their antioxidant activity. In order to investigate the potential of these films, some of their most vital properties in terms of potential application as packaging material are established, such as mechanical properties (strain at break, Young’s modulus), barrier properties (water vapor transmission rate), and morphology. A significant change in the Young’s modulus was present after the addition of zein; it went from 276.98 ± 28.48 MPa for pure HPMC to 52.17 ± 10.19 MPa in a 1:1 ratio between the polymers. Meanwhile, strain at break showed a slight drop from 86.74 ± 8.64% to 72.44 ± 9.62%. Barrier properties were also influenced by the formation of composite film and the addition of polyphenol, lowering the water vapor transmission rate from 913.07 ± 74.01 g/m².24 h for pure HPMC to 873.05 ± 9.07 g/m².24 h for 1:1 ratio film and further to 826.35 ± 33.67 g/m².24 h after the addition of rutin to the latter. Additional characterization of radical scavenging ability towards DPPH free radicals showed a similar A-shaped trend to the values of Young’s modulus, due to the presence of hydrogen bonds, which affect both properties of the film structures. Thermal behavior and phase state investigation of the films obtained by differential scanning calorimetry prior to and after polyphenol addition was carried out, indicating full phase transition of rutin from crystalline to amorphous state. Full article