Search Results (988)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of matrix type and dose of polyphenolic core from rose petals on the physicochemical and functional properties of microcapsules. Microcapsules were obtained by ionotropic gelation using four carrier systems: sodium alginate (SA), sodium alginate with added starch (SA + S), protein isolate (SA + P), and vegetable gum (SA + G). Polyphenolic compounds isolated from rose petals (E) were used as the core at six concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5%). Differences between microcapsules were assessed based on physicochemical properties, polyphenol and anthocyanin content, antioxidant activity, swelling index, and biocompatibility. The results showed that both the extract dose and the matrix system significantly affected the analyzed parameters. The highest encapsulation efficiency was demonstrated for the lowest dose (0.25%), regardless of the matrix used. Total polyphenol and anthocyanin content significantly increased for all microcapsule versions with increasing extract dose, with the highest concentrations obtained for the SA + G system. These results strongly correlated with antioxidant activity and biocompatibility with human colonocyte membranes. In turn, the swelling index decreased with extract dose, showing the highest values in small intestinal fluid and the lowest in gastric fluid. These findings may have significant implications for the design of functional carriers for use in food and dietary supplement production. Full article

Hydrogel scaffolds have emerged as instructive microenvironments for craniofacial tissue regeneration, moving beyond passive cell carriers toward platforms that regulate cell fate, vascularization, immune remodeling, and tissue-specific architecture. This review synthesizes hydrogel-associated strategies across dental pulp, periodontal ligament, gingival, bone marrow, jawbone, endothelial, oral mucosal, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC), extracellular vesicle (EV), exosome, secretome, and acellular systems. The evidence indicates that craniofacial hydrogel performance is governed by reciprocal interactions among biological source, scaffold composition, matrix mechanics, spatial architecture, mineral or ionic signaling, growth factor delivery, vesicle-mediated communication, and inflammatory niche modulation. Mineralized and ion-releasing hydrogels most consistently supported osteogenesis and bone repair, whereas extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic, peptide, collagen, fibrin, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), alginate, hyaluronic acid (HA), and chitosan-based systems enabled pulp–dentin, periodontal, peri-implant, oral mucosal, and soft-tissue reconstruction. Responsive, antimicrobial, antioxidant, conductive, and immunomodulatory hydrogels further expanded the field by targeting diseased microenvironments rather than regeneration alone. Despite strong preclinical evidence, translation remains limited by heterogeneity in scaffold formulations, biological sources, analytical endpoints, defect models, and long-term functional validation. Future progress will require standardized characterization, tissue-specific design criteria, clinically relevant large-animal models, scalable cell-free technologies, and integrated assessment of regeneration, immunity, vascularization, innervation, mechanics, and safety. Full article

The exon 3 deletion polymorphism in the growth hormone receptor gene (d3GHR) is associated with altered GH signaling and longevity-related phenotypes, yet its relationship with blood-based epigenetic aging remains unclear. We analyzed whole-blood DNA from 21 unrelated adults recruited at Laniado Medical Center to determine whether the d3GHR genotype was associated with differential DNA methylation in skin-aging-related genes and altered age acceleration across established DNA methylation clocks. Genome-wide methylation was profiled using the Infinium MethylationEPIC v2.0 array, focusing on 1098 CpG sites linked to wrinkling, pigmentation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. No significant single-CpG methylation differences were detected within the targeted panel. However, two promoter-proximal differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified near CYP1A1 (FWER = 0.014) and ACAT2 (FWER = 0.026). Notably, only the pan-tissue Horvath clock showed a significant genotype effect, with marked age acceleration in d3/d3 carriers (mean Δ ≈ +14.5 years, p = 0.0179) that persisted after adjustment for chronological age. In contrast, second-generation clocks such as PhenoAge showed a non-significant trend toward deceleration. These findings suggest a preliminary association between d3GHR genotype, clock-specific epigenetic age acceleration and promoter-level methylation signatures near metabolic and stress-response genes. The observed Horvath acceleration may reflect systemic metabolic or immune adaptation rather than direct structural senescence in core skin-aging gene programs in blood. Given the very small d3/d3 subgroup, these findings should be interpreted strictly as exploratory pilot observations and cannot establish reproducible genotype-specific effects without validation in larger independent cohorts. Full article

Background: Overexpression of immune cell populations leads to self-amplifying cytokine loops, contributing to chronic inflammation in both allograft rejection and autoimmune conditions. Tacrolimus (TAC), despite being a potent immunosuppressant, has limitations; its systemic adverse effects include nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and high variability in tissue exposure in patients. Currently available therapeutic options are limited by the lack of targeted and localized drug delivery systems, resulting in ineffective control over drug-release behavior. Moreover, TAC being highly lipophilic poses challenges for formulation development. To address these gaps, this study focuses on developing a thermoresponsive hydrogel platform comprising distinct nanocarriers for localized delivery of TAC. The nanocarriers include nanoemulsion (NE) and micelles as TAC carriers, and their particle sizes are specifically engineered at the nanoscale for differential release behavior and to support immune cell targeting (macrophages and T-cells). Incorporation into a thermoresponsive hydrogel matrix enables it to act as a local depot at the injection site and deliver TAC with a slow, extended-release profile. Methods: TAC was loaded into a coconut-rich lipid-phase-based NE via high-pressure microfluidization. Simultaneously, TAC-loaded micelles were optimized using a full-factorial design of experiments (DoE) and manufactured via the thin-film hydration method. Both nanocarriers were evaluated for long-term colloidal stability assessments. Hydrogels were produced maintaining aseptic conditions for sterile batch production. Rheological characterization was performed to assess sol-gel transition, thermoreversibility, and injectability, and in vitro release studies were conducted to evaluate TAC diffusion from the developed nanoformulations. Results: Developed nanocarriers resulted in distinct particle sizes in NE (80–85 nm) and micelles (15–17 nm) with successful TAC loading maintaining long-term colloidal stability. The developed TAC-loaded dual-nanocarrier hydrogel (Dual-HG) showed thermoresponsive behavior and gelation at 37 °C, forming as a local depot. In vitro release studies showed slow and extended tacrolimus release from hydrogels and demonstrated particle size-dependent release behavior between the NE and micelle. Conclusions: Therefore, our study highlights a novel dual nanocarrier hydrogel platform combining TAC-NE and TAC-micelle for localized delivery. The findings support that nanocarriers can be engineered to modulate drug diffusion behavior. Notably, the dual nanocarrier within a thermoresponsive hydrogel platform can be used to deliver one or multiple drugs locally, minimizing systemic exposure when sustained local immunosuppression is required. The 25 mL scale sterile batch production of hydrogels emphasizes their suitability for future translational applications. Full article

Viruses cause a great number of infectious diseases with medical, veterinary, agricultural, social and economic impact. Their unique mechanisms to spread, overcome and resist the existing countermeasures require innovative and smart antiviral strategies such as the effective disinfection of enclosed environments with ensured broad-spectrum efficacy and minimized risks associated with handling liquid biocides. Formic acid (FA) is a well-established natural acaricide used in beehives with an antiviral potential; however, its application in a liquid form is hindered by severe corrosiveness and rapid, uncontrolled evaporation. This study describes a novel formulation of FA, using a cryogel carrier for achieving a vapor-phase inactivation of viruses, thus eliminating the need for direct contact between the disinfectant and the pathogen. Firstly, a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) cryogel was synthesized by a procedure involving cryogenic treatment, photochemical crosslinking, and freeze-drying, and then the cryogel was swollen with 65% FA or _ddH₂O as a control. After an exposure of a panel of animal and human viruses to FA, evaporated by the polymer carrier for time intervals between 15 min and 12 h, they were neutralized completely as follows: Poliovirus (PV) as a surrogate for major bee viral pathogens for 60 min by 5.1 ∆lg; Feline calicivirus (FCV) for 60 min by 5.3 ∆lg; Adenovirus 5 (AdV5) for 12 h by 4.0 ∆lg; and Influenza virus A (IAV) for 15 min by 5.1 ∆lg. Results were recorded after titration, 48–72 h incubation, cytopathic effect estimation and NR uptake assay. Our results suggest that 65% FA, when delivered via the PNIPAm cryogel matrix, acts as a powerful agent for fumigation-like disinfection. This “dry” delivery strategy offers significant practical advantages: it eliminates the need for open liquid containers, prevents spill-related hazards, and provides an alternative for controlled, long-term release of active vapors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Drug administration by microneedle patch (MNP) offers advantages over conventional dosage forms as a painless, self-administered skin patch for parenteral delivery. Dissolvable MNPs are typically manufactured by casting an aqueous formulation containing dissolved active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and excipients into a mold and allowing it to dry. This process can be detrimental to APIs that are sensitive to dissolution and drying during the casting process. Methods: This study presents a MNP fabrication process in which drug particles are suspended in an organic solvent carrier without being dissolved in the solvent. Results: We started with drug particles either as pure API or formulated with excipients to stabilize them. We then screened nine organic solvents, ranging from high (methanol) to low (toluene) polarity, to identify those that suspend the drug particles without dissolution or damage to the API. To guide formulation of stabilized drug particles, we generated a companion database of 16 common stabilizing excipients and measured their solubility in our panel of organic solvents to identify excipient–solvent combinations that did not lead to excipient dissolution. We generated a second database of 14 water-soluble polymers to serve as the microneedle matrix material and determined their solubility in our panel of solvents to identify solvents that enabled polymer dissolution. Using these data, we designed casting solutions that suspended particles of API (and excipients) in an organic solvent that dissolved a matrix polymer. Casting and drying these solutions on molds produced MNPs for delivery of three model compounds: lyophilized tetanus toxoid (i.e., a vaccine), methotrexate (i.e., a small molecule drug), and insulin (i.e., a biologic). Conclusions: We conclude that this fabrication method, guided by the excipient and polymer solubility databases, offers a novel method to produce MNPs by suspension casting of drugs in organic solvents. Full article

Inadequate surface sanitization represents a significant risk to sterility assurance and regulatory compliance. Therefore, an effective cleaning and disinfection program is a critical component of contamination control strategies in pharmaceutical facilities manufacturing sterile medicinal products. This study aimed to standardize a carrier-based methodology for evaluating the efficacy of disinfectants against in-house environmental isolates recovered from a pharmaceutical industry facility. Nine representative strains were selected from five different groups—Gram-positive non-spore-forming bacteria (Micrococcus luteus and Kocuria spp.), Gram-positive spore-forming bacteria (two Bacillus spp. strains), Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter haemolyticus), yeasts (Candida parapsilosis and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa), and filamentous fungus (Penicillium spp.)—based on historical environmental monitoring data (2012–2022), and were characterized using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and molecular sequencing (16S rRNA or D2 LSU rDNA). Disinfectant efficacy was assessed on stainless-steel and low-density polyethylene surfaces using NF T 72-281:2014 with adaptations, testing alcohol 70%, sodium hypochlorite 0.5%, quaternary ammonium 0.05%, peracetic acid 0.5%, and accelerated hydrogen peroxide wipes. All agents demonstrated ≥5 log₁₀ reductions against vegetative bacteria and fungi on both surfaces. However, variable sporicidal performance was observed, particularly for one Bacillus cereus group strain (B1342/15), which showed limited viability reduction on stainless steel. These findings highlight inter-strain variability and the greater tolerance of surface-associated spores. The study reinforces the importance of carrier-based testing using in-house isolates to ensure realistic validation of disinfectants and to strengthen microbiological risk management within pharmaceutical contamination control strategies. Full article

Bee honey is a valuable natural substance with documented health-promoting effects. Chemical analysis indicates that the oligosaccharides and polyphenols in honey act as prebiotics, stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria in the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). While empirical evidence supporting the innate presence of stable probiotic strains in honey is somewhat scarce, scholarly articles underscore its role as an exceptional protective vehicle (synbiotic matrix) that enhances the viability of probiotic microorganisms in challenging gastrointestinal environments. These mechanisms translate into benefits for metabolic and immune health by inhibiting pathogens and reducing inflammation. Given the dynamic development of the functional food market and its documented role in modulating the intestinal microbiota, bee honey is a valuable ingredient in food technology. The purpose of this article is to present the current state of knowledge on bee honey in the context of the functional properties resulting from the probiotic and prebiotic content. Full article

The long-term application of immobilized quorum quenching (QQ) bacteria requires carrier materials with sufficient mechanical stability and durability across various operating conditions. This study aims to enhance the durability and stability of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) beads and to evaluate their performance for long-term operation. The beads were synthesized using two PVA brands with different molecular weights (MWs), and the effect of cross-linking conditions and reagent purity on bead stability was also investigated. Primarily, their physical strength was evaluated under centrifugal forces. Additionally, polyvinyl alcohol and sodium alginate (PVA-SA) beads were incorporated with cellulose to enhance their strength. The structural and chemical characteristics of the beads were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that PVA 100 kDa beads withstood centrifugal forces up to 11,000 rpm without breakage, whereas lower MW (PVA 85 kDa) beads failed at 5000 rpm. Bead quality was critically sensitive to calcium chloride purity, as impurities and reduced Ca²⁺ availability caused poor crosslinking and structural collapse. The results revealed that PVA 100 kDa increases the number of polymer chain entanglements and intermolecular interactions, which enhance the structural integrity. Bead quality is strongly influenced by the purity of calcium chloride in the crosslinking solution, as well as by the solution pH. SEM analysis showed that cellulose-incorporating beads exhibited a denser and more uniform pore structure, with median equivalent pore diameters reduced from 50 µm (PVA-SA) to 22.4 µm upon cellulose incorporation, while maintaining sufficient porosity for nutrient diffusion. Similarly, FTIR analysis confirmed that cellulose was successfully integrated, with increased hydroxyl interactions and modified C–O vibrational characteristics, indicating strong hydrogen bonding within the composite matrix. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed that hydroxyl interactions and C–O vibrational modes are the main contributors to spectral variation, indicating that cellulose acts as a structural modifier in the PVA-SA network. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of this strategy in designing durable PVA-SA-cellulose based composite beads for long-term QQ applications. Full article

Semiconducting metal oxides are gaining attention in thermoelectric applications, where performance is evaluated by the figure of merit (ZT), which depends on the power factor (S²σ) and thermal conductivity (κ). However, achieving high ZT values in these materials remains challenging. This study introduces a distinct strategy to enhance thermoelectric performance by infiltrating aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films using the vapor-phase infiltration (VPI) technique. The resulting AZO/PMMA hybrid films exhibit a unique composite structure with AZO nanocrystals embedded within an amorphous PMMA matrix. This structure facilitates energy-dependent carrier scattering (the energy filtering effect) at the AZO/PMMA interfaces, thereby enhancing the Seebeck coefficient, while phonon scattering at the interfaces reduces thermal conductivity. By precisely controlling VPI parameters, we achieved a uniform dispersion of AZO nanocrystals within the PMMA matrix. The optimized AZO/PMMA hybrid film demonstrated a power factor of 1306 μW m⁻¹ K⁻² and a thermal conductivity of 1.02 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹, resulting in a ZT value of approximately 0.384 at 300 K, which is one of the highest reported for metal oxide thermoelectric materials near room temperature. The successful integration of AZO into the PMMA matrix via VPI opens new pathways for developing high-performance, flexible thermoelectric materials. Full article

Freeze-drying is a crucial technique for preserving bacterial strains, yet its efficiency depends heavily on the precise selection of protective agents. This study aimed to optimize freeze-drying conditions for the commercially relevant, non-GMO strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum K KKP/593/p. The cryoprotective effects of glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and trehalose were evaluated, alongside various carriers including skim milk powder, maltodextrin, inulin, and starch. Survival rates were determined using the plate count method on MRS agar, complemented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for microstructural analysis. Results indicated that skim milk powder was the superior carrier, significantly outperforming polysaccharides. Among the protective agents, glycerol exhibited the highest efficacy, while trehalose and DMSO were suboptimal. The most effective formulation 20% glycerol without prior incubation combined with skim milk powder at 0.75:1 (w/w, total mass) ratio maintained maximum viability with no statistically significant decrease. SEM observations confirmed that this synergistic combination ensured a stable, porous matrix favorable for rehydration. These findings emphasize that while synergistic multi-component systems are essential for maximizing post-process viability, cryoprotective formulations must be empirically tailored to specific bacterial strains to ensure industrial efficiency. Full article

Dairy whey is an underutilized by-product with potential as a sustainable carrier for bioactive compounds. This study developed and optimized fermented whey-based beverages enriched with Andean blueberry (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) and blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) extracts and evaluated their antioxidant properties and gastrointestinal bioaccessibility. Beverages were formulated with fermented whey and berry extracts and optimized using a 3ᵏ response surface design considering extract concentration and storage time. The optimal formulations contained 50% berry extract. The Andean blueberry beverage showed the highest functional performance, with 2268.97 ± 4.41 µmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/100 mL by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), 1442.46 ± 12.95 µmol TE/100 mL by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay (DPPH), 242.60 ± 6.25 mg GAE/100 mL of total polyphenols, 137.94 ± 2.76 mg QE/100 mL of flavonoids, and 21.50 ± 0.51 mg C3GE/100 mL of anthocyanins. During in vitro digestion, polyphenols and flavonoids showed high bioaccessibility, reaching values above 80% in gastric or intestinal stages, while ORAC antioxidant capacity increased up to 153% in the jejunal phase. Anthocyanins remained more stable under gastric conditions but decreased during intestinal digestion. These findings support fermented whey as a value-added matrix for developing bioactive-rich functional beverages with improved digestive functionality. Full article

Propyl gallate (PG) is an effective food antioxidant, but its performance in food systems may be limited by poor water compatibility and processing instability. In this study, rice starch was used as a carrier matrix to prepare starch–PG complexes by extrusion cooking, and the effects of PG incorporation on starch structure, antioxidant activity, and in vitro digestibility were evaluated. Starch was blended with PG at 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/g and processed by extrusion, and the resulting samples were characterized by complex index analysis, small-angle X-ray scattering, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, pasting and rheological measurements, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay, in vitro digestibility, and density functional theory calculation. Extrusion disrupted the native semi-crystalline structure of starch, while PG incorporation promoted complex formation, with the highest complex index (88.28%) observed at 50 mg/g PG. Structural analyses indicated increased short-range order, higher single-helical content, and the development of V-type crystalline features in the PG-containing extruded starches. These starches also retained DPPH radical-scavenging activity and showed slower in vitro starch hydrolysis, with resistant starch increasing to 25.78%. Overall, extrusion cooking appears to be a feasible approach for preparing starch–PG complexes that preserve antioxidant functionality and reduce in vitro digestibility. Full article

In the present research, a new type of biomimetic material loaded with chlorophyll derivatives (CpDs) for photodynamic therapy based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) was fabricated by the electrospinning method. Such matrices showed great potential for the advanced delivery of photodynamic therapeutic reagents to targeted regions and options for prolonged local application. The key morphological characteristics of fibrous materials were investigated. It was found that incorporation of CpDs leads to a change in the average fiber diameter from 3.5 µm to 2.1 µm, increasing porosity from 80% to 90% and accompanied by an over 3-fold increased proportion of open pores. Moreover, the CpD application facilitated fine hydrophilicity tuning, allowing an increase of this parameter up to 10% under different conditions, neutralizing the hydrophobic nature of the matrix polymer and photosensitizer. Moreover, changes in physical properties, supramolecular structure, photosensitizing effect, and singlet oxygen generation were investigated. The data obtained show that the proposed materials are great examples of convenient and reliable carriers for advanced PDT. The results obtained demonstrate high antimicrobial activity in the presence of irradiation as well as noticeable efficacy against carcinoma, both light and dark. Full article

Emerging contaminants (ECs) and microplastics (MPs) are increasingly detected in surface waters, wastewaters, and drinking water, often as complex mixtures, transformation products, and particle-associated burdens that challenge routine monitoring. This critical review examines current analytical strategies for the detection and characterization of both molecular and particulate emerging contaminants in aquatic systems, with particular emphasis on their relevance to environmental and human health risk assessment. For molecular ECs, targeted LC–MS/MS and GC–MS and GC–MS/MS approaches are evaluated alongside high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)-based suspect and non-target screening, retrospective data mining, and transformation-product elucidation. For MPs, particle-resolved vibrational spectroscopy including µ-FTIR and µ-Raman is critically assessed in comparison with complementary thermal analysis methods, such as pyrolysis–GC–MS and thermal extraction–desorption GC–MS (TED–GC–MS). Particular attention is given to the influence of sampling design, matrix-adapted sample preparation, analytical confidence, and method-dependent size and polymer coverage on data quality and interstudy comparability. The review further highlights the risks of ECs in relation to exposure pathways, mixture effects, and the potential carrier role of MPs for ECs, additives, and microorganisms. Finally, key priorities are identified for next-generation monitoring frameworks, including harmonized workflows, transparent confidence reporting, and stronger integration of analytical evidence with fate, exposure, and risk assessment. Full article