Search Results (90)

The effectiveness of poly(isosorbide carbonate) (PIC)—a bio-based polycarbonate synthesized from isosorbide (ISB)—degradation products in complex soil environments remains unverified. In the present study, the agricultural potential of PIC ammonolysis products—comprising urea and ISB—as a nitrogen (N) fertilizer was evaluated in a soil system. A pot experiment was conducted using komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. perviridis) to compare PIC degradation products with commercial urea, a urea and ISB mixture, and a no-N control. Application of PIC degradation products significantly enhanced plant growth, yielding fresh weight and N uptake comparable to those associated with commercial urea. The calculated N recovery efficiency for the PIC degradation products was 50%, falling within the typical range (30–60%) for inorganic fertilizers. Contrary to previous in vitro study results, ISB exhibited no significant biostimulant effect in the soil environment, likely owing to rapid microbial degradation. These findings serve as a preliminary proof-of-concept that PIC degradation products are a highly effective and bioavailable N source. Overall, the results suggest that if scaled appropriately, PIC ammonolysis products could contribute to circular use pathways for this specific plastic. Nonetheless, further studies across a broader range of crops and soils are required to confirm the generalizability of these results. Full article

Background/Objectives: Topical application of isosorbide diesters (IDEAS) derived from coconut and sunflower seed oil improve atopic dermatitis (AD) and reduce topical steroid use in adults. This randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial evaluates topical IDEAS (isosorbide diesters) with colloidal oatmeal for pediatric AD. Methods: Subjects aged 2–17 with mild to moderate AD applied either colloidal oatmeal cream or colloidal oatmeal cream with IDEAS daily. Hydrocortisone 2.5% was used as needed. AD severity, itch, sleep, steroid use, and microbiome data were collected at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Results: More participants in the IDEAS group compared to the control group achieved EASI 50 (81.0% vs. 56.3%, p = 0.10) and EASI 75 (42.9% vs. 18.8%, p = 0.12) and achieved a 4-point reduction in subjective itch at week 4 (45.5% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.0085) and week 8 (42.9% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.045). Use of topical steroids was lower in the IDEAS group (3.4 g vs. 13.3 g, p = 0.012) and the relative abundance of Staphylococcus aureus was reduced after 8 weeks. Conclusions: The addition of IDEAS to colloidal lotion improved AD, improved itch, reduced the use of topical steroids, and reduced the relative abundance of S. aureus in the skin microbiome. Full article

Isosorbide-based polycarbonate (PIC) shows promising applications in medical devices and food packaging, owing to its excellent thermal stability, biosafety, optical properties, and scratch resistance. However, trace impurities, especially formic acid in isosorbide (ISB), can significantly influence the performance of PIC. Crude ISB was purified via ion exchange resin. Furthermore, the chromatographic parameters and the adsorption kinetics of formic acid were investigated. The results show that adsorption of formic acid follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, suggesting that it is chemisorption. The performance of PIC synthesized from purified ISB has been improved significantly, exhibiting number-average molecular weight (M_n) of 53.9 kg/mol, elongation at break of 10.2%, and Young’s modulus of 1.84 GPa, along with notably enhanced thermal and optical properties. Full article

Isosorbide-based aliphatic polyesters are a promising class of biodegradable polymers for biomedical applications, representing an attractive alternative to poly(α-hydroxy acids). Derived from the bio-based bicyclic diol, they combine structural rigidity, tunable hydrophilicity, and enhanced biocompatibility, making them suitable for drug delivery and sustainable medical devices. In this study, we developed novel in situ forming implant (ISFI) formulations composed of poly(isosorbide sebacate) (PISEB) and dimethyl isosorbide (DMI), and evaluated their applicability for local delivery of doxycycline hyclate (DOXY), minocycline hydrochloride (MIN), and/or eugenol (EUG). Basic characteristics of new ISFI formulations were investigated. Rheological analysis demonstrated that the liquid formulations exhibited shear-thinning behavior, which is advantageous for ISFI systems. However, the MIN-loaded formulation exhibited excessively rapid drug release, with a pronounced initial burst (86.4 ± 5.9%) within 24 h, whereas the DOXY-loaded system showed a lower burst of 41.1 ± 5.9% over the same period. The effect of EUG addition on depot morphology and antibiotic release profiles was also assessed. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated that EUG reduced the release rate of both antibiotics, increasing and prolonging their antibacterial activity. Eugenol co-released with antibiotics also reduced the pro-inflammatory effect of the released antibiotic doses by more than tenfold. Full article

Isosorbide fatty acid diesters constitute a novel class of bioactive compounds with emerging therapeutic applications in inflammatory and barrier-compromised disorders. Among them, isosorbide dicaprylate (IDC) and isosorbide di-linoleate/oleate (IDL) synergistically strengthen epidermal barrier integrity, enhance stratum corneum hydration, regulate keratinocyte differentiation, suppress proinflammatory signaling, and beneficially modulate the skin microbiome. Randomized, double-blind clinical trials in both pediatric and adult populations with atopic dermatitis (AD) demonstrate that topical IDC + IDL formulations significantly reduce pruritus, corticosteroid dependence, and Staphylococcus aureus colonization while improving sleep quality, disease severity scores, and overall quality of life. Extending applications within and even beyond dermatology, isosorbide dimethyl fumarate (IDMF)—a next-generation fumarate derivative designed to mitigate sensitization risk—exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities through NRF2 activation and NF-κB/IRF1 suppression. Preclinical studies in psoriasis and neuroinflammatory models, including multiple sclerosis, reveal robust modulation of oxidative stress and immune pathways with improved safety and mechanistic precision compared to conventional fumarates, although its systemic use remains exploratory and requires clinical validation. Collectively, isosorbide diesters emerge as multifunctional therapeutic agents offering barrier repair, immune modulation, and inflammation control, representing promising alternatives to corticosteroids and systemic immunosuppressants across dermatologic and systemic inflammatory disorders. Full article

The mechanical, thermal, physicochemical and structural properties of a thermoplastic cassava starch obtained by a twin-screw extrusion process were evaluated, using glycerol and isosorbide as plasticizers at different concentrations (30, 35 and 40% by weight) and storage times (1, 15 and 30 days) under controlled conditions of relative humidity of 47 ± 2% and temperature of 25 ± 2 °C. The results obtained show a decrease in tensile strength and modulus of elasticity and an increase in elongation in the initial measurements, suggesting that, in both cases, a plasticization phenomenon via absorption of humidity predominated in short times, while at prolonged times, a rigidification of the material occurred due to the generation of a retrogradation process. Likewise, a higher tensile strength and lower elongation were found in the materials plasticized with isosorbide. Finally, it was observed that the retrogradation phenomenon was more evident in the thermoplastic starch samples made with glycerol, and that the starches plasticized with isosorbide had lower moisture absorption, higher crystallinity and a predominantly Eh-type crystalline pattern, related to greater stability over time. Full article

Background/Objectives: Polysorbate 80 (PS80), a complex surfactant mixture, is widely recognized for its ability to enhance drug permeation across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). While this effect is generally attributed to the combined actions of its components, the specific contribution and potential selectivity of individual minor components remain poorly understood. This study therefore aimed to isolate and compare the primary minor components of PS80 to determine whether they uniformly enhance BBB permeation or exhibit drug-specific functions. Methods: In this research, four primary minor components of PS80—polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (PSM), polyoxyethylene isosorbide monooleate (PIM), polyoxyethylene sorbitan dioleate (PSD), and a polyethylene glycol/polyoxyethylene sorbitan/polyoxyethylene isosorbide mixture (PEG/PS/PI mixture)—were isolated using preparative liquid-phase chromatography. Drug-loaded formulations were then prepared using the solvent evaporation method incorporating five model drugs: 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindotricarbocyanine iodide (DiR, MW = 1013.39 Da), donepezil (MW = 379.49 Da), nimodipine (MW = 418.44 Da), chlorogenic acid (MW = 354.31 Da), and paclitaxel (MW = 853.92 Da). The permeability of these formulations across the BBB was evaluated in BALB/c mice after intravenous administration. Brain distribution of the lipophilic dye DiR was assessed using fluorescence imaging, whereas brain homogenate concentrations of therapeutic drugs were quantified by UPLC-MS/MS. Results: Results revealed that the enhancement of brain delivery was dependent on both the specific minor component and the drug. The PEG/PS/PI mixture specially enhanced the brain homogenate concentration of donepezil to 11.8 ± 1.2 ng/mL, representing a 6.9-fold enhancement, while PIM micelles increased the delivery of DiR, donepezil, and nimodipine. In contrast, PSM and PSD micelles improved transport of only DiR and donepezil. The broad performance of PIM suggests a more flexible formulation—a hypothesis that warrants further validation. Conversely, none of the different minor components enhanced the delivery of chlorogenic acid or paclitaxel, underscoring the critical role of specific drug–component interactions. Conclusions: This component-resolved insight challenges the conventional perception of PS80 and provides a rational framework for engineering precision brain-targeted delivery systems by selecting functional minor components. Full article

Skin hydration is fundamental for maintaining epidermal barrier integrity and overall skin homeostasis. Beyond traditional moisturizing agents, recent research has highlighted the role of aquaporins (AQPs), transmembrane water channels, in regulating epidermal hydration, barrier function, and cellular signalling. Among them, aquaporin-3 (AQP3), predominantly expressed in keratinocytes, has attracted particular attention due to its involvement in water and glycerol transport. Dysregulation of AQP expression has been associated with impaired barrier function, inflammatory skin disorders, and ageing. Growing evidence suggests that specific cosmetic ingredients and bioactive compounds, including glycerol, glyceryl glucoside, isosorbide dicaprylate, urea, retinoids, bakuchiol, peptides, plant extracts, and bacterial ferments, can modulate AQP3 expression, thereby improving skin hydration and resilience. Despite promising in vitro data, clinical evidence remains limited, mainly due to methodological and ethical constraints associated with assessing aquaporin expression in vivo. Nonetheless, aquaporins represent promising molecular targets for innovative cosmetic strategies aimed at enhancing hydration, promoting regeneration, and counteracting photoageing. Furthermore, AQP modulation may improve dermal delivery of active substances, providing new perspectives for advanced skincare formulation design. While the available evidence supports their cosmetic potential, emerging discussions on the safety of long-term AQP upregulation highlight the need for continued research and careful evaluation of such ingredients. Future studies should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying AQP regulation and validating these findings in human clinical models. Full article

This paper presents a study of the thermal and rheological properties of isosorbide, showing that its degradation temperature (around 100 °C) is much lower than values previously proposed in the literature. Furthermore, remarkable calorimetric and viscoelastic behaviors, with features usually observed in semi-crystalline systems are presented. The onset of the melting is measured at 45 °C, while a glass transition occurs at −45 °C, followed by cold crystallization. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction confirmed the coexistence of crystalline domains and an amorphous fraction, which behaves as a molecular glass, with an estimated crystallinity of approximately 70%. Thermogravimetric analyses conducted under both air and nitrogen and at multiple heating rates, in line with ICTAC recommendations, established the robustness of the 100 °C degradation onset. These findings provide new structure–property relationships for isosorbide and open up new avenues for further research and development in this area. Full article

We investigated the practical adhesion of a conventional poly(vinyl alcohol) glue with a glassy isosorbide-based polycarbonate (ISB-PC) comprising isosorbide and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol. The addition of 1 wt.% of a copolymer of vinyl alcohol and butenediol to the ISB-PC greatly improved its lap-shear strength. This improvement may be attributed to the dissolution of the copolymer chains in the ISB-PC, which had a low water droplet contact angle. Furthermore, the blend was transparent because most of the copolymer chains dissolved in the ISB-PC. Microplastics present a serious environmental issue, even for adhesives. Therefore, the present technique to modify ISB-PC to show good lap-shear strength with a biodegradable glue is attractive. Full article

The increasing environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions on toxic conventional solvents have driven the search for sustainable alternatives. Dimethyl isosorbide (DMI), a bio-renewable solvent, has shown potential as a replacement for short-chain glycol ethers, although its use as solvent in liquid chromatography (LC) is underexplored. This study presents a physicochemical characterization of DMI with a particular focus on its application as an innovative solvent in LC analyses. The partition coefficient (log P = −0.44) was determined using the OECD 107 method, and viscosity measurements for DMI and its mixtures with water and ethanol were conducted at 25 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C. Viscosity ranged from 1.28 mPa·s at 60 °C to 2.62 mPa·s at 40 °C. The Central Composite Face 2³ experimental design for studying the chromatographic behavior of DMI confirmed that 50% (v/v) DMI can be effectively utilized in the mobile phases, at a column temperature of 40 °C, with backpressures ranging from 160 to 300 bar and a UV cut-off at 240 nm. Its effectiveness as an eluent in LC was demonstrated for the quantification of methylparaben and propylparaben in pharmaceutical formulations. This study highlights DMI’s promise as a sustainable bio-renewable alternative to conventional organic solvents used as eluents in LC, supporting eco-friendly practices in pharmaceutical analysis. Full article

A molecular dynamics simulation was adopted to investigate the plasticizing effect of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and its mechanism by blending isosorbide heptylate (SDH) with the traditional plasticizer dioctyl phthalate (DOP) and to explore the feasibility of SDH partially replacing DOP in PVC film. The results demonstrated that the difference in the solubility parameter between SDH and PVC was smaller than that between DOP and PVC, indicating the superior compatibility of SDH with PVC. This enhanced compatibility was further supported by the significantly higher interaction energy between SDH and PVC compared to that between DOP and PVC, primarily attributed to the stronger interactions formed between the polar functional groups in the SDH molecules and the PVC’s molecular chains. The analysis of the glass transition temperature demonstrated that the plasticizing effect of the SDH/DOP mixed plasticizer on the PVC exhibited intermediate behavior between that of pure SDH and DOP systems, showing a decreasing trend with an increasing proportion of SDH. An analysis of the radial distribution function further confirmed that the probability of hydrogen bond formation between the SDH and PVC molecules was significantly higher than that between DOP and PVC, contributing to the strong interaction between the SDH and PVC. From the analysis of the plasticizer’s diffusion, it was clearly concluded that the migration resistance of SDH was superior to that of DOP. These research findings can provide fundamental data and guidance for the strategy of partially replacing DOP with SDH. Full article

This study aimed to synthesize and characterize cassava starch-based (S) scaffolds functionalized with decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) and isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) for wound healing. The scaffolds were synthesized via the casting method and evaluated for physicochemical, mechanical, and morphological properties, as well as ISDN release and hemocompatibility. Swelling and degradation tests revealed a biphasic behavior, with high water absorption followed by controlled degradation. The ISDN release followed a biphasic pattern, fitting the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. Hemolysis tests confirmed biocompatibility, with hemolysis levels below 2%. Among the formulations, the scaffold containing 12.5% ECM and 40 mg ISDN exhibited optimal mechanical stability, controlled drug release, and biocompatibility. These findings suggest that starch/ECM/ISDN scaffolds hold potential for wound healing applications. Further studies should focus on in vivo evaluation and cytotoxicity assessments to confirm their clinical applicability. Full article

In this study, isosorbide (ISB), a bio-based compound derived from the dehydration of D-sorbitol, was used as a sustainable resource to produce various types of rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs). Featuring a rigid bicyclic structure and two hydroxyl groups, ISB was solubilized in polyether polyol at concentrations up to 10 wt% for RPUF production. ISB-based RPUFs exhibited smaller and more uniform cell sizes, along with a 4% increase in closed-cell content, resulting in improved thermal insulation with a 4.69% reduction in thermal conductivity. Additionally, the compressive strength increased by up to 31%, enhancing the material’s durability. The compatibility of ISB with conventional raw materials and its unique structure contributed to these improvements. The reversible urethane bond formation of ISB was also observed, influencing cell structure during foaming. These results indicate that ISB can effectively improve both the thermal insulation properties and material durability under compression of RPUFs, making it a promising material for sustainable applications. Full article

Bioactive compounds are important for promoting human health, either by developing functional products that offer complementary health benefits or by incorporating them into nutritional supplements, beverages, fortified foods, and pharmaceutical products. In this context, this work focuses on extracting phenolic compounds from the mesocarp of licuri (Syagrus coronata), with the aim of evaluating different emerging solvents and extraction techniques. Solvents with different polarities, such as acetonitrile, ethanol, dimethyl isosorbide (DMI), and Cyrene^TM, were used in the extraction process (by maceration, ultrasound, and microwaves). A response surface methodology (RSM) with 11 tests was applied, through which it was possible to determine the best extraction condition and method for extracting bioactive compounds, such as total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The results of licuri mesocarp characterization demonstrated the presence of functional groups associated with the presence of bioactive compounds. RSM analysis showed that the extraction process using acetonitrile at 30 wt%, 60 °C, and in a 1:20 (w/v) ratio had better TPC (35.8 mg GAE·g⁻¹) and TFC (331.1 mg Erutin·g⁻¹) values compared to ethanol. A comparative study between solvents was also conducted, in which Cyrene^TM (100 wt%) showed the better TPC extraction capacity (75.1 mg GAE·g⁻¹) and acetonitrile as the best TFC extracting solvent (331.1 mg Erutin.g⁻¹). Regarding the extraction method, when analyzing the optimized conditions found by RSM, ultrasound-assisted extraction showed the highest extraction values for TPC (42.8 mg GAE·g⁻¹) and TFC (347.9 mg Erutin·g⁻¹). Full article