Search Results (936)

Background/Objectives: The inherent low aqueous solubility of lipophilic drugs, belonging to Class II based on Biopharmaceutical classification system, negatively impacts their oral bioavailability. However, the manufacturing of pharmaceutical dosage forms for these drugs faces challenges related to environmental impact and production complexity. Herein, the surfactant-enriched cross-linked scaffold addresses the limitations of conventional approaches, such as the use of organic solvents, energy-intensive processing, and the demand for sophisticated equipment. Methods: Scaffold former (Pluronic F68) and scaffold trigger agent (propylene glycol) were used to prepare cross-linked scaffold loaded with candesartan cilexetil as a model for lipophilic drugs. Moreover, surfactants were selected based on the measured solubility to enhance formulation loading capacity. Design-Expert was used to study the impact of Tween 80, propylene glycol, and Pluronic F68 concentrations on the measured responses. In addition, in vitro dissolution study was implemented to investigate the drug release profile. The current approach was assessed against the limitations of conventional approach in terms of environmental and manufacturing feasibility. Results: The optimized formulation (59.27% Tween 80, 30% propylene glycol, 10.73% Pluronic F68) demonstrated a superior drug loading capacity (19.3 mg/g) and exhibited a solid-to-liquid phase transition at 35.5 °C. Moreover, it exhibited a rapid duration of solid-to-liquid transition within about 3 min. In vitro dissolution study revealed a remarkable enhancement in dissolution with 92.87% dissolution efficiency compared to 1.78% for the raw drug. Conclusions: Surfactant-enriched cross-linked scaffold reduced environmental impact by eliminating organic solvents usage and reducing energy consumption. Moreover, it offers significant manufacturing advantages through simplified production processing. Full article

This study investigated the relationships between emulsion droplet triacylglycerol (TAG) crystallinity and colloidal acid stability on in vitro digestion microstructure, lipolysis, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) bioaccessibility. Oil-in-water (o/w) nanoemulsions (20 wt%) composed of 50/50 DHA-rich algal oil with either palm stearin (PS) or olein (PO), and either acid-stable Tween 80 (2.0 wt%; AS) or acid-unstable soy lecithin (2.2 wt%; AU) were fast or slow cooled to 37 °C after microfluidization. Similar particle size distributions and D_3,2 (~131–142 nm) and D_4,3 (~208–239 nm) values were achieved. All emulsions were highly electronegative (~−45–70 mV) and differences (p < 0.05) were due to emulsifier type, as expected, and cooling rate. Next, emulsions were subjected to INFOGEST in vitro digestion for analysis of intestinal lipolysis by free fatty acid titration and DHA bioaccessibility. As expected, AU emulsions flocculated, forming larger aggregates during the gastric phase. Slower lipolysis was observed for the AU emulsions (p < 0.05), attributed to gastric phase aggregation, and lower 2 h lipolysis was observed for the PS emulsions (~74–77%) based on the presence of crystallinity. DHA bioaccessibility was high (~57–88%), especially for the AS emulsions (p < 0.05). Therefore, emulsion colloidal acid stability and TAG physical state significantly impacted emulsion gastric microstructure, digestion, and bioaccessibility. Full article

Background: Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with negligible potential for resistance development, excellent biocompatibility, and therefore, could be promising alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. However, their industrial-scale production relies on chemical synthesis that involves toxic reagents, imposing potential environmental hazards. In contrast, green synthesis offers an eco-friendly alternative, but our previous study found that green-synthesized IONPs (IONPs-G) exhibited a lower antibacterial activity and a higher cytotoxicity compared to chemically synthesized counterparts, likely due to nanoparticle aggregation. Objectives: To address this challenge, the current study presents a simple, effective, economic, scalable, and eco-friendly strategy to optimize the physicochemical properties of IONPs-G post-production without requiring extensive modifications to synthesis parameters. Methods: IONPs-G were dispersed in a solvent mixture containing Tween 80 (Tw80). Subsequently, in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo cytotoxicity studies on rabbits’ skin and eye were conducted. Results: The formed nanoparticles’ dispersion (IONPs-GTw80) had a particle size of 9.7 ± 2.1 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.111 ± 0.02, and a zeta potential of −11.4 ± 2.4 mV. MIC of IONPs-GTw80 values against S. aureus and E. coli were reduced by more than ten-fold compared to IONPs-G. MBC was twice MIC, confirming the bactericidal activity of IONPs-GTw80. In vivo studies of IONPs-GTw80 confirmed their biocompatibility with intact/abraded skin and eyes; this was further confirmed by histopathological and biochemical analyses. Conclusions: IONPs-GTw80 might be recommended as a disinfectant in healthcare settings or a topical antimicrobial agent for treatment of infected wounds. Nevertheless, further studies are required for their clinical translation. Full article

The gut microbiota of social bees is vital for host health, yet pesticide exposure can disrupt these communities. Because most active ingredients are poorly soluble, toxicological tests often use cosolvents, but their effects remain unclear. We assessed four common cosolvents (DMSO, DMF, acetone, and Tween 80) at laboratory-relevant concentrations on honeybee survival, pollen consumption, body weight, and gut microbiota. In parallel, in vitro assays tested their impact on five dominant gut symbionts. The results showed no significant changes in survival, feeding, body weight, bacterial load, community composition, or core taxa abundance. Similarly, cosolvents did not inhibit bacterial growth in vitro. These findings demonstrate that commonly used cosolvents exert no detectable influence on honeybee physiology or gut microbiota. Although negative, this evidence is critical: it rules out cosolvents as hidden confounders, improving confidence in pesticide toxicology studies and providing essential reference data for pollinator risk assessment. Full article

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumor with a high recurrence rate and mortality. A major obstacle to the effective treatment of GBM is the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which hinders the transfer of therapeutic cargo to the tumor lesion. Polysorbate-coated drug carriers are known to efficiently cross the BBB via apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-mediated transcytosis. In this study, we developed cancer-targeted nanocarriers using folic acid (FA)-conjugated polysorbate (Tween 80, T80) for safe and efficient chemo-sonodynamic combination therapy against GBM. T80-based nanocarriers effectively co-encapsulated doxorubicin (DOX, chemotherapeutic agent) and oxygen-deficient MnWOx nanoparticles (sonosensitizer). FA-conjugated T80 nanocarriers encapsulating DOX and MnWOx (FA-T-DOX@MnWOx) boosted the cellular uptake of DOX in human glioblastoma U87MG cells. The efficient ability of the T80-based drug carriers to cross the BBB was demonstrated using an in vitro transwell BBB model. In addition, sonosensitizer MnWOx nanoparticles in the T80-based carriers triggered GSH depletion, synergistically enhancing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in U87MG cells upon US irradiation. As a result, FA-T-DOX@MnWOx combined with US triggered significant apoptosis in U87MG cells. This study demonstrated that FA-conjugated, MnWOx-loaded, T80-based nanocarriers capable of crossing the BBB hold significant potential for treating GBM through a combined chemo-sonodynamic therapy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lidocaine hydrochloride (LD-HCl) is the most commonly used local anesthetic in dentistry, often administered with epinephrine to extend its duration and reduce systemic absorption. However, its relatively short duration of action, the need for repeated injections, and the unpleasant taste may limit patient compliance and procedural efficiency. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel injectable nanoemulsion-based in situ gel depot system of LD to provide prolonged anesthetic activity. Methods: LD-loaded nanoemulsions were formulated by high-shear homogenization followed by probe sonication, employing Miglyol 812 N (oil phase), a combination of Tween 80 and soy lecithin (surfactant–co-surfactant), glycerin, and deionized water (aqueous phase). The selected nanoemulsion (S1) was dispersed in a thermoreversible poloxamer solution to form a nanoemulgel. The preparation was evaluated for globule diameter and uniformity, zeta potential, surface morphology, pH, drug content, stability, rheological behavior, injectability, and in vitro drug release. Analgesic efficacy was assessed via tail-flick and thermal paw withdrawal latency tests in Wistar rats. Cardiovascular safety was monitored using non-invasive electrocardiography and blood pressure measurements. Results: The developed nanoemulsions demonstrated a spherical shape, nanometer size (206 nm), high zeta-potential (−66.67 mV) and uniform size distribution, with a polydispersity index of approximately 0.40, while the nanoemulgel demonstrated appropriate thixotropic properties for parenteral administration. In vitro release profiles showed steady LD release (5 h), following the Higuchi model. In vivo studies showed significantly prolonged analgesic effects lasting up to 150 min (2.5 h) compared to standard LD-HCl injection (p < 0.001), with no adverse cardiovascular effects observed. Conclusions: The developed injectable LD in situ nanoemulgel offers a promising, patient-friendly alternative for prolonged anesthetic delivery in dental and operative procedures, potentially reducing the need for repeated injections and enhancing procedural comfort. Full article

Edible coatings enriched with antioxidants offer a promising approach to prolong the shelf life of oxidation-sensitive foods such as nuts. Nonetheless, not all formulations provide the expected protection, and understanding why is equally important. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an Arabic gum/gelatin/ascorbyl palmitate (GAR/GEL/AP) coating on the quality of hazelnut kernels during storage at 23 °C and ~40% relative humidity. The coating was applied by dipping hazelnuts in a 20% ethanolic solution containing GAR/GEL 75/25 blend (10% w/w), glycerol (1% w/w), Tween 80 (0.25% w/w), and AP (2% w/w), followed by drying. Control (uncoated) and coated hazelnuts were stored in plastic containers and evaluated at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks for weight loss, moisture content, hardness, color, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH*) scavenging activity, acid and peroxide values, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level. Coated hazelnuts showed higher initial moisture content (8.17%), stabilizing at 4.80% after one week, compared to 3.35% in uncoated samples. This increased moisture led to greater storage-related weight loss. The coating darkened the nuts and reduced their yellow hue. It had no significant effect on hardness, peroxide value, or TBARS index, but notably enhanced the antiradical potential. After 16 weeks, coated nuts had an acid value ~10 mg KOH/g lower than the control. In conclusion, the coating improved antioxidant capacity and reduced hydrolytic, but not oxidative, rancidity in hazelnuts. Therefore, further optimization of the coating formulation or application method is necessary to more effectively improve the shelf life of hazelnuts. Full article

Lavandin essential oil (LEO) (Lavandula × intermedia) is a high-yielding aromatic product with broad bioactive potential, but its direct application is hindered by its volatility, rapid oxidation, and environmental sensitivity. In this study, the microencapsulation of LEO by spray drying using different wall materials was investigated: Maltodextrin (MD), Gum Arabic (GA), Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC), Inulin (IN), and Modified Starch (Hi-Cap). The resulting formulations exhibited encapsulation efficiencies (EEs) of 55.35–83.29%, oil retention (RE) of 49.07–76.65%, and yields of 41.39–71.47%. The MD/GA blend with Tween 80 performed best, as it offered high EE and RE, low residual moisture, fast reconstitution, and strong protection of the encapsulated oil against thermal and moisture stress. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) identified 38 volatile components, with linalyl acetate (30.38%) and linalool (24.65%) being the major components. Biological tests confirmed that the antimicrobial and antifungal activity of lavandin against some pathogens was maintained even when a much lower concentration of the oil (1–5%) was used in encapsulated form. Antioxidant activity decreased after encapsulation, while tyrosinase inhibition increased, indicating cosmetic potential. These results show that spray drying is an effective strategy for stabilizing LEO and expanding its applications in various industries. Full article

Simultaneous extraction of multiple clinically relevant, specific allergens from complex, processed foods for immunoassay quantification remains challenging. Moreover, shared extraction buffers remain elusive, which limits the effectiveness of multiplex (multi-target) technology. This study aimed to optimise extraction of specific allergens from challenging food samples and identify shared methods of extraction for multiplex analysis. Incurred processed food matrices (chocolate dessert, raw and baked biscuit) were prepared and extracted with 10 different buffers varying in base, pH, and additive content. Extracts were analysed by allergen-specific multiplex array and ELISA. Optimised recovery of 14 food allergens was obtained from complex incurred matrices using two extraction buffers: 50 mM carbonate bicarbonate with 10% fish gelatine, and PBS with 2%-Tween, 1 M NaCl with 10% fish gelatine and 1% PVP. In most cases, optimised buffers provided 50–150% recovery from incurred foods. Matrices that contained chocolate or were subject to thermal processing had lower recoveries. Optimised allergen extraction methods can be used to analyse foods associated with treatment and prevention of allergy and reference materials for clinically relevant allergen content and identify allergen contamination. Identification of shared, optimised extraction buffers will result in increased sample throughput in multiplex immunoassay techniques. Full article

Cefuroxime sodium (CEF) is a second-generation cephalosporin that remains unstable in an aqueous environment. The answer to this low stability may be self-emulsifying oils, which are isotropic mixtures of oil and surfactants, in which the stability of CEF has already been proven. Self-emulsifying oils are well known for their ability to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of lipophilic drugs. This research presents a preliminary in vivo study of an innovative approach to develop eye drops in the form of a self-emulsifying oil (SEO) containing suspended water-labile antibiotic cefuroxime sodium. Such a concept has never been explored before. Upon contact with tear fluid, the preparation rapidly forms an emulsion, allowing for the rapid dissolution of the antibiotic. The aim of the study was to assess the tolerability of such eye drops. CEF (5% w/w) was suspended in SEO carriers, prepared by dissolving surfactants (Tween 20; 5% w/w) in Miglyol. The in vivo evaluation was conducted on rabbits after two once-a-day applications of the eye drops. The study demonstrated the safety of both the SEO-placebo and the SEO containing suspended CEF. The formulations did not affect the appearance of the cornea and iris. During the observations, only changes in the conjunctiva of the eye were noted, which manifested as conjunctival hyperemia. The result of the Draize test was an average of 3.3 points out of 110 possible points, which classifies the CEF-SEO suspension as minimally irritating. Full article

Additives such as surfactants (Tween-20) and cryoprotectants (glycerol and trehalose) are often used in enzymatic assays to improve the quality and long-term stabilization of proteins. However, these additives can affect the enzymatic activity and the enzyme’s affinity for active compounds, such as inhibitors, and must be considered during assay design since a slight shift in enzyme behavior may compromise the reliability of the results. In this study, the effects of Tween-20, glycerol, and trehalose on hyaluronidase (Hyal) were systematically evaluated by assessing their influence both directly—through microscale thermophoresis (MST) signals of the labeled enzyme (Hyal*)—and indirectly, by monitoring the formation of the final product of the degradation of hyaluronic acid, tetrasaccharide (Tet), using capillary electrophoresis (CE/UV). Hyal was labeled for the first time with ATTO-647 NHS ester, a commercial dye compatible with MST. Efficient labeling was achieved in a phosphate-based buffer without loss of catalytic activity. Tween-20 showed no impact on MST signals nor on enzymatic performance when used between 0.005 and 0.05% (v/v). Glycerol also did not interfere with MST measurements; however, it significantly reduced catalytic activity at concentrations above 2% (v/v). Trehalose affected Hyal* fluorescence in a concentration-dependent manner and enhanced catalytic activity even at 0.02% (v/v). Full article

Essential oils play important roles in the modern food industry as additives and spices. At the same time, most essential oils have broad-spectrum bacteriostatic properties and can be used as natural antimicrobial materials. However, the application of essential oils is limited due to their strong volatility and insolubility in aqueous substrates. In this study, we used ultrasonic emulsification, carboxymethyl chitosan, and Tween 80 to formulate tea tree essential oil (TTO) nanoemulsions with high stability. With a minimum diameter of about 51 nm (PDI = 0.236 ± 0.021) post-emulsification, the TTO nanoemulsions disperse effectively in the drainage system and exhibit good stability after 14 days of storage. In addition, the bioactivity (antibacterial and antioxidant) of TTO nanoemulsions was significantly enhanced following emulsification, as evidenced by MIC and DPPH assays, indicating that nano-emulsification is beneficial to the development of various essential oils. TTO nanoemulsions can be used as a new food preservative to control the growth of bacteria and prevent the deterioration of food via oxidation. Full article

In order to develop a new environmentally friendly microbial herbicide for the field of weed control, this study used the metabolite butyl hydroxybenzoate (BP) of the HY-02 strain of Alternaria as the research object. The BP emulsion formula was determined to be a mixture of BP, methanol, and Tween-20 in a ratio of 1:1:2 g/mL. The seed germination inhibition effect, the phytotoxicity of living plants, crop safety, and the field effect of the emulsion were studied. Research has found that adding 0.75% BP emulsion to the seed culture medium inhibits the germination of weed seeds such as Amaranthus retroflexus L., Malva verticillata L. var., and Chenopodium album L. While Brassica campestris L. seeds were unaffected, Triticum aestivum L and Hordeum vulgare L. stem and leaf growth were inhibited. Cucumis sativus L., Lactuca sativa L. var. asparagina, Spinacia oleracea L., and Capsicum annuum L. seeds are significantly inhibited, with germination rates below 20%. We sprayed 0.75% BP emulsion onto live potted plants; among the weeds, the incidence of Amaranthus retroflexus L., Lepyrodiclis holosteoides, Thlaspi arvense L, Galium spurium L., Malva verticillata L. var. Crispa, Chenopodium album L., and Avena fatua L reached 100%. The Pisum sativum L. and Triticum aestivum L. crops were not affected (NS), and they had slight plant height inhibition and slight susceptibility (LS) to highland Hordeum vulgare L. and peppers. They were highly phytotoxicity to Cucumis sativus L. and Spinacia oleracea L. Some plant leaves became infected and died, with incidences of 85% and 82%, respectively. The field experiment showed that after diluting the BP emulsifiable concentrate, the seedling stage spray was inoculated into the Triticum aestivum L. field, and it was found that the BP emulsifiable concentrate at the concentration of 1.00%~0.75% had a herbicidal effect on weeds such as Chenopodium album L., Elsholtzia densa Benth, and Amaranthus retroflexus L. in the Triticum aestivum L. field, and it was safe for Triticum aestivum L. crops in the field. These results indicate that BP emulsion could be developed into a new environmentally friendly microbial herbicide for field application in grass (Triticum aestivum L. and Hordeum vulgare L.) crops. At the same time, BP’s excellent antibacterial, low-toxicity, hydrolysis, and other effects can promote diversification in herbicide development. Full article

The fermentation performance of Lactobacillus acidophilus is constrained by factors such as low cell density and fastidious nutritional and environmental requirements, which greatly limit its industrial-scale applications. This study aimed to develop an efficient fermentation condition for L. acidophilus CCFM137 through systematic optimization of both culture medium and environmental parameters, thereby enabling high-yield industrial-scale production of this strain. An optimized medium was developed, consisting of glucose (30 g/L), YEP FM503 (35 g/L), sodium acetate (5 g/L), ammonium citrate (2 g/L), K₂HPO₄ (2 g/L), MgSO₄·7H₂O (0.1 g/L), MnSO₄·H₂O (0.05 g/L), L-cysteine hydrochloride (0.5 g/L), and Tween 80 (1 mL/L), to achieve a viable cell count of 1.95 × 10⁹ CFU/mL, representing a 9.42-fold increase over that of standard MRS broth. Subsequent pH-stat fermentation trials in a 100 L fermenter using the optimized medium revealed morphological and growth characteristics of the strain in variable pH-stat environments. Optimal performance was observed under pH-stat 4.5 rather than the more commonly used 5.7, achieving maximum viable cell counts of 3.37 × 10⁹ CFU/mL, accompanied by a transformation of cell morphology toward shorter rod-shaped structures, as well as an increase in substrate utilization rate, cell recovery rate and lyophilization survival rate. The fermentation performance and cellular morphology of L. acidophilus CCFM137 were enhanced by both nutrient composition and pH environment. These results showed that this strategy has potential for application in high cell density fermentation of L. acidophilus CCFM137. Full article

Postharvest blue mold in apples, caused by Penicillium expansum, leads to fruit decay and patulin (PAT) contamination, incurring major economic and health risks. This study developed a composite biocontrol agent (BCA) by co-cultivating three antagonistic yeasts (Meyerozyma caribbica, Metschnikowia zizyphicola, and Pichia rarassimilans). Mixed-culture conditions and protective additives formulation were optimized via response surface methodology. Optimal biomass production was achieved with a 1:2:3 (v/v/v) yeast ratio in medium containing sucrose (12.49 g/L), yeast extract powder (13.3 g/L), K₂HPO₄ (0.88 g/L), and NaCl (0.95 g/L) under pH 7.0, 1% total inoculum concentration, 24 °C, and a 60 h incubation. The liquid BCA formulation, stabilized with 0.27% gum arabic, 0.49% Tween-80, and 0.079% ascorbic acid, maintained high viability (9.15 log10 CFU/mL after 7 days). In vivo/in vitro trials all demonstrated that the composite BCA rapidly colonized, suppressed P. expansum infection, and significantly delayed pathogen spore germination and hyphal growth. Furthermore, the BCA effectively degraded 10 μg/mL PAT within 24–42 h in various fruit juices with minimal adverse effects on juice quality parameters. Storage at −20 °C preserved the highest bioactivity (7.93 × 10⁸ CFU/mL after 5 months). This optimized composite yeast formulation provides an efficient, eco-friendly strategy for integrated apple postharvest blue mold and PAT detoxification. Full article