Search Results (371)

The transformation of Andean grains and tubers through fermentation and bioencapsulation has emerged as a key strategy to enhance their nutritional, functional, and biotechnological value, driven by advances in proteomic and metabolomic techniques. This study aimed to systematize recent evidence on the biochemical and functional modifications induced by these processes and their potential application in the development of functional foods. The methodology integrated 67 studies analyzed using tools such as R 4.5.1 with the JupyterLab interface 4.5.2, SCImago Graphica Beta 1.0.53, and VOSviewer 1.6.20, incorporating data generated through LC-MS/MS, UHPLC-QTOF, Orbitrap platforms, transcriptomics, and combined omics approaches, considering original studies published between 2020 and 2025. The main findings indicate substantial increases in free amino acids (up to 64.8%), phenolic compounds (2.9–5.2%), and antioxidant activity (up to 45%), along with the identification of 430 polyphenols, 90 flavonoids, 14 novel oxindole acetates, and bioactive peptides with IC50 values ranging from 0.51 to 0.78 mg/mL. Bioencapsulation showed controlled release of bioactive compounds, highlighting nanocapsules of 133–165 nm with a maximum release of 9.86 mg GAE/g. In conclusion, the combination of fermentation and encapsulation enhances the stability, bioavailability, and functionality of Andean crops, supporting their industrial adoption for the development of sustainable nutraceutical foods that improve health and promote the valorization of traditional resources. Full article

This is the first investigation that attempts to synthesize chitosan-loaded vanillin nanoformulation (vanillin-Nf) as a novel edible coating agent to prolong the storage life of Indian gooseberry (amla). Different concentrations of vanillin were encapsulated into chitosan via ionic gelation approach using sodium tripolyphosphate as a cross-linker. Vanillin-Nf 1:1 (w/v) exhibited maximum loading capacity (2.502 ± 0.008%) and encapsulation efficiency (54.483 ± 1.165%). The physico-chemical characterization of vanillin-Nf through SEM, DLS, FT-IR, and XRD techniques confirmed effective incorporation of vanillin into the chitosan biomatrix and formation of spherical nanocapsules, with a mean particle size of 232.83 nm, zeta potential +69.66 mV, and polydispersity index 0.296. The in vitro release profile of vanillin exhibited a biphasic and regulated release pattern. The application of vanillin-Nf as an edible coating solution on amla (Phyllanthus emblica L.) fruits was highly effective in reducing decay incidence up to 42.84% and extended their shelf-life to 15 days at 25 ± 2 °C. The vanillin-Nf coating significantly reduced weight loss in amla fruits (24.39 ± 1.02%) in comparison to control. In addition, vanillin-Nf coating also helped in preserving the key quality parameters, including pH, chlorophyll content, total soluble solids, total phenols, and antioxidant capacity of Indian gooseberries to a substantial extent at the end of storage. Collectively, our findings indicate that vanillin-Nf coating is an effective post-harvest approach for controlling decay, prolonging shelf-life, and maintaining the nutritional attributes of Indian gooseberries, highlighting its potential for commercial application in the food and agriculture industry. Full article

The threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the need for sustainable disinfectants have spurred interest in natural antimicrobials such as essential oils (EOs). However, their application is limited by volatility, poor water solubility, and cytotoxicity. Herein, we present the development of bio-based core–shell sub-micro-/nanocapsules (NCs) with encapsulated oregano (OO), thyme (TO), eucalyptus (EuO), and tea tree (TTO) oils to enhance antimicrobial (AM) performance and reduce cytotoxicity. NCs were synthesized via a nanoencapsulation method using chemically modified zein or poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride) (GZA) as shell polymers, with selected EOs encapsulated in their core (encapsulation efficacy > 98%). Chemical modification of zein with vanillin (VA) and GZA with either dodecyl amine (DDA) or 3-(glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (EPTMS) resulted in improvement in particle size distributions, polydispersity indices (PDIs) of synthesized NCs, and in the stability of the NC-dispersions in water. Antibacterial testing against Staphylococcus aureus and cytotoxicity assays showed that encapsulation significantly reduced toxicity while preserving their antibacterial activity. Among the formulations, GZA-based NCs modified with EPTMS provided the best balance between safety and efficacy. Despite this, life cycle assessment revealed that zein-based NCs were more environmentally sustainable due to lower energy use and material impact. Overall, the approach offers a promising strategy for developing sustainable, effective, and safe EO-based antibacterial agents for AM applications. Full article

Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is driven by a tri-component system involving the pinewood nematode, Monochamus spp. beetle vectors, and susceptible pine hosts. Chemical control remains a scenario-dependent option for emergency suppression and high-value protection, but its deployment is constrained by strong regional regulatory and practical differences. In Europe (e.g., Portugal and Spain), field chemical control is generally not practiced; post-harvest phytosanitary treatments for wood and wood packaging rely mainly on heat treatment, and among ISPMs only sulfuryl fluoride is listed for wood treatment with limited use. This review focuses on recent progress in PWD chemical control, summarizing advances in nematicide discovery and modes of action, greener formulations and delivery technologies, and evidence-based, scenario-oriented applications (standing-tree protection, vector suppression, and infested-wood/inoculum management). Recent studies highlight accelerated development of target-oriented nematicides acting on key pathways such as neural transmission and mitochondrial energy metabolism, with structure–activity relationship (SAR) efforts enabling lead optimization. Formulation innovations (water-based and low-solvent products, microemulsions and suspensions) improve stability and operational safety, while controlled-release delivery systems (e.g., micro/nanocapsules) enhance penetration and persistence. Application technologies such as trunk injection, aerial/Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, and fumigation/treatment approaches further strengthen scenario compatibility and operational efficiency. Future research should prioritize robust target–mechanism evidence, resistance risk management and rotation strategies, greener formulations with smart delivery, and scenario-based exposure and compliance evaluation to support precise, green, and sustainable integrated control together with biological and other sustainable approaches. Full article

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small but highly resilient tumor subpopulation responsible for sustained growth, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence. Their survival is supported by aberrant activation of developmental and inflammatory pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, STAT3, and NF-κB, as well as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs and niche-driven cues. Increasing evidence shows that phytochemicals, naturally occurring bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, can disrupt these networks through multi-targeted mechanisms. This review synthesizes current findings on prominent phytochemicals such as curcumin, sulforaphane, resveratrol, EGCG, genistein, quercetin, parthenolide, berberine, and withaferin A. Collectively, these compounds suppress CSC self-renewal, reduce sphere-forming capacity, diminish ALDH⁺ and CD44⁺/CD24⁻ fractions, reverse EMT features, and interfere with key transcriptional regulators that maintain stemness. Many phytochemicals also sensitize CSCs to chemotherapeutic agents by downregulating drug-efflux transporters (e.g., ABCB1, ABCG2) and lowering survival thresholds, resulting in enhanced apoptosis and reduced tumor-initiating potential. This review further highlights the translational challenges associated with poor solubility, rapid metabolism, and limited bioavailability of free phytochemicals. Emerging nanotechnology-based delivery systems, including polymeric nanoparticles, lipid carriers, hybrid nanocapsules, and ligand-targeted formulations, show promise in improving stability, tumor accumulation, and CSC-specific targeting. These nanoformulations consistently enhance intracellular uptake and amplify anti-CSC effects in preclinical models. Overall, the consolidated evidence supports phytochemicals as potent modulators of CSC biology and underscores the need for optimized delivery strategies and evidence-based combination regimens to achieve meaningful clinical benefit. Full article

Nanoparticle-mediated photothermal conversion exploits the unique light-to-heat transduction properties of engineered nanomaterials to address challenges in energy, water, and healthcare. This review first examines fundamental mechanisms—localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in plasmonic metals and broadband interband transitions in semiconductors—demonstrating how tailored nanoparticle compositions can achieve >96% absorption across 250–2500 nm and photothermal efficiencies exceeding 98% under one-sun illumination (1000 W·m⁻², AM 1.5G). Next, we highlight advances in solar steam generation and desalination: floating photothermal receivers on carbonized wood or hydrogels reach >95% efficiency in solar-to-vapor conversion and >2 kg·m⁻²·h⁻¹ evaporation rates; three-dimensional architectures recapture diffuse flux and ambient heat; and full-spectrum nanofluids (LaB₆, Au colloids) extend photothermal harvesting into portable, scalable designs. We then survey photothermal-enhanced thermal energy storage: metal-oxide–paraffin composites, core–shell phase-change material (PCM) nanocapsules, and MXene– polyethylene glycol—PEG—aerogels deliver >85% solar charging efficiencies, reduce supercooling, and improve thermal conductivity. In biomedicine, gold nanoshells, nanorods, and transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) nanosheets enable deep-tissue photothermal therapy (PTT) with imaging guidance, achieving >94% tumor ablation in preclinical and pilot clinical studies. Multifunctional constructs combine PTT with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or gene regulation, yielding synergistic tumor eradication and durable immune responses. Finally, we explore emerging opto-thermal nanobiosystems—light-triggered gene silencing in microalgae and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)–gold nanoparticle (AuNP) membranes for microfluidic photothermal filtration and control—demonstrating how nanoscale heating enables remote, reversible biological and fluidic functions. We conclude by discussing challenges in scalable nanoparticle synthesis, stability, and integration, and outline future directions: multicomponent high-entropy alloys, modular photothermal–PCM devices, and opto-thermal control in synthetic biology. These interdisciplinary innovations promise sustainable solutions for global energy, water, and healthcare demands. Full article

Background/Objectives: GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA-3) is a crucial transcription factor that drives type 2 immune responses, and it is actively involved in allergic conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the molecular mechanisms GATA-3 uses to modulate immune responses and its potential therapeutic targeting are not fully understood. This systematic review aimed to summarize studies on the role of GATA-3 in immune responses, particularly in allergic diseases, and evaluate GATA-3’s potential as a therapeutic target. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Science Direct for studies published before April 2025. Articles were sifted through using predefined criteria, and risk of bias was measured with RoB 2 for clinical trials and SYRCLE for animal models and in vitro studies; evidence was graded using the GRADE system. Results: Twenty-nine eligible studies reported that GATA-3 is a key regulator of Th2 and ILC2 differentiation, promoting the production of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Animal models and in vitro studies demonstrated its role in exacerbating allergic inflammation and highlighted the promise of targeting strategies such as DNAzymes and nanocapsules. Clinical trials showed that targeting GATA-3, particularly with DNAzymes, can reduce allergic responses in asthma. Conclusions: GATA-3’s role in driving allergic inflammation through Th2 and ILC2 pathways suggests it as a promising therapeutic target. Understanding its broader regulatory mechanisms is imperative for designing effective GATA-3 targeting-based therapies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer is a major health concern involving abnormal cell growth. Combining anticancer agents can enhance efficacy and overcome resistance by targeting multiple pathways and creating synergistic effects. Methods: This study used in silico approaches to evaluate the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic profiles of the innovative organoselenium nucleoside analog Di3a, followed by the design of two nanocarriers. Di3a-loaded PLGA nanocapsules and nanostructured lipid carriers based on compritol were prepared and evaluated alone and combined with doxorubicin (DOX) and docetaxel (DTX) for a synergistic effect. Results: Di3a subtly violated some of Lipinski’s rules, but still showed suitable pharmacokinetic properties. Both nanoparticles presented nanometric size, negative zeta potential and polydispersity index values < 0.20. Hemolysis assay suggested a pH-dependent pattern conferred by the surfactant 77KL, and evidenced the biocompatibility of the formulations, aligning with the results observed in the nontumor L929 cell line. The lack of drug release studies under varying pH conditions constitutes a limitation and warrants further investigation to validate the pH-responsive properties of the nanocarriers. MTT assay revealed that both formulations exhibited significant cytotoxic effects in the A549 cell line. However, neither formulation exhibited marked toxicity toward NCI/ADR-RES, a resistant tumor cell line. Conversely, when combined with DOX or DTX, the treatments were able to sensitize these resistant cells, achieving expressive synergistic antitumor activity. Conclusions: Despite the limitations in the in silico studies, the study highlights the potential of combining the proposed nanocarriers with conventional antitumor drugs to sensitize multidrug-resistant cancer cells and emphasizes the safety of the developed nanoformulations. Full article

We attempted the in vitro scaffold-coordinated refolding of denatured major vault protein monomers into assembled vault-like nanoparticles. DNA or hyaluronic acid-binding tags were added to the MVP monomers, allowing MVP to align rotationally and translationally along these linear molecules. This was proposed to mimic the polyribosome assembly in vivo. Tagged MVP variants were expressed in E. coli and purified under denaturing conditions. Dynamic light scattering showed the formation of nanoparticles with a hydrodynamic radius of ~26 nm, consistent with the formation of vault-like nanoparticles. This was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, FRET analysis, and cargo loading of CFP-INT fusion. CFP- and YFP-tagged MVP showed FRET only in the presence of MVP with a DNA-binding tag. This is the first successful instance of bioengineering of homogenous and heterogeneous vault-like nanoparticles, and at a potentially much larger scale than current protocols. Full article

Pomegranate peel, a rich agro-industrial by-product, contains abundant phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, the low stability and bioavailability of these compounds limit their efficacy in animal nutrition. This study investigated the effects of pomegranate peel phenolic extract (PE), either in raw form (PE300) or nano-encapsulated using gum–gelatin nano-capsules (NPE300), on health and growth parameters in newly weaned rabbits. Fifty-four male rabbits (40 days old) were assigned to three treatment groups: PE0 (control), PE300 (300 mg PE/L drinking water), and NPE300 (300 mg nano-encapsulated PE/L drinking water). Over six weeks, growth performance, hematological and immunological profiles, antioxidant status, microbial populations, and carcass traits were evaluated. NPE300 treatment demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity in vitro, with larger inhibition zones against all tested pathogens compared to PE300. In vivo, NPE300 significantly improved body weight gain (945.8 g) and feed efficiency, while also enhancing immune function, evidenced by higher white and red blood cell counts, phagocytic activity, and increased plasma IgG and IgM levels. Antioxidant markers showed that NPE300 significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and tended to improve total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, intestinal Clostridia counts were reduced, and beneficial microflora significantly increased in the NPE300 group. Carcass weight with edible parts, fur weight, kidney weight, and cecum length were also elevated under NPE300 treatment. In conclusion, nanoencapsulation of PE using gum–gelatin carriers enhanced its bio-efficacy, supporting better redox balance, immunity, gut health, and growth performance in rabbits. These findings support the application of nano-encapsulated PE as a promising natural growth promoter in rabbit production. Full article

In this study, the solvent displacement method was used. This is a low-energy technique that generates a spontaneous “oil-in-water” nanoemulsion by diffusing ethanol from the oily phase to the aqueous phase. Subsequently, chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable cationic polymer, was incorporated, applying ionic gelation with sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) to achieve uniform coatings. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterization revealed nanocapsules with defined morphology and regular topography. Analysis with WSxM 4.0 Beta 10 software revealed a partially ordered hexagonal arrangement, which was evidence of controlled synthesis and the potential of chitosan as a polymeric system. Full article

Alginate nanocapsules loaded with Moringa oleifera extract, a plant traditionally used for its hypoglycemic properties, were developed as a therapeutic alternative for type II diabetes mellitus. The nanocapsules were obtained by manually spraying a WO emulsion with an airbrush and were stabilized in 2% calcium chloride. Characterization by atomic force microscopy revealed spherical particles with an average diameter of 10.087 nm, an area of 298.441 nm², and a density of 0.207556/nm², confirming efficient encapsulation and uniform morphology. This low-cost method is promising for the creation of controlled release systems in resource-limited settings. Full article

Plasma cell myeloma (PCM) is classified as a blood cancer and is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow and the excessive production of monoclonal immunoglobulins, which lead to permanent damage to vital organs. Although treatment strategies have improved with the development of proteasome inhibitors (PIs), immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), PCM remains an incurable disease due to its molecular heterogeneity and the development of drug resistance. In this review, we discuss the biochemical and molecular foundations underlying the diagnosis and treatment of PCM, emphasizing both traditional and advanced approaches. Classical methods such as serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE), and serum free light chain (sFLC) determination are highlighted alongside their integration with highly sensitive techniques like mass spectrometry (MS) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Special attention is given to nanotechnology-based systems, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), dendrimers, and hybrid nanocapsules, which enable controlled drug release, targeted delivery, and the minimization of systemic toxicity. Increasingly, nanomaterials are being shown to greatly enhance the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of anticancer drugs, leading to improved therapeutic effects and escaping resistance mechanisms by employing multifunctional strategies that include dual drug co-encapsulation, pH-sensitive release and theranostic applications. Furthermore, the integration of nanotechnology with immunotherapy platforms represents a paradigm shift toward precision and personalized medicine for the treatment of PCM. Overall, this review views nanotechnology as an enabling technology to improve therapeutic effectiveness, minimize toxicity and open new avenues toward next-generation smart and personalized therapeutics for the treatment of PCM. Full article

Background/Objective: Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained increasing interest due to its multifaceted anticancer properties and favourable safety profile. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a highly aggressive brain tumour with limited treatment options, represents a compelling target for CBD-based therapies. In this study, we report the rational design of two distinct formulations of lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) co-encapsulating CBD and a chemotherapeutic agent, tailored for intracranial and systemic administration. Methods: The cytotoxicity of various CBD–chemotherapeutic combinations, including temozolomide, carmustine, doxorubicin, and paclitaxel (PTX), were screened in vitro in U-87 MG and U-373 MG human GBM cell lines and analyzed for chemical compatibility. Moreover, the efficacy and the anti-migratory effect of the selected combination was further assessed in ovo and in vitro, respectively. Lastly, two LNC formulations coloaded with the selected combination were prepared in two different sizes via the phase inversion temperature method. Results: First, CBD in solution exhibited potent cytotoxicity and significantly inhibited cell migration in both GBM cell lines. Among the CBD–chemotherapeutic combinations tested, only CBD + PTX demonstrated both additive/synergistic interaction and favourable chemical compatibility. Second, this enhanced effect was confirmed in ovo. Third, the CBD + PTX combination also exhibited anti-migratory effect. Finally, two co-loaded LNC formulations—51.2 ± 0.9 nm and 25.9 ± 0.3 nm in size—were developed for intracranial and systemic delivery, respectively. Both formulations exhibited high monodispersity, a slightly negative ζ-potential, and consistently maintained a 7.5:1 CBD:PTX mass encapsulation ratio across both particle sizes. Conclusions: CBD + PTX co-loaded LNCs represent a promising and versatile nanomedicine platform for GBM therapy. Full article

Pesticides play key roles in modern agricultural activities. Optimizing pesticide deposition is essential for maximizing utilization efficiency and minimizing unintended environmental impacts. While electrostatic, hydrogen, and covalent interactions have been extensively studied to modulate pesticide adhesion to leaf surfaces, the potential of metal coordination bonding to enhance foliar deposition remains largely unexplored. In our work, abamectin-loaded PLA nanospheres coated in tannic acid (TA) (Abam@PLA) via the metal chelating ability of polyphenols (Abam@PLA-TA) were developed to improve abamectin retention on the surfaces of leaves. The chemical properties and morphological features of Abam@PLA-TA were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and fluorescent imaging. The foliar retention of Abam@PLA-TA demonstrated that the tannic acid coating could significantly improve the adhesion ability and deposition efficiency of pesticides for crop leaves, which was mainly attributed to the hydrogen bonds between the polyphenols of TA and the polar groups of the wax layer. Moreover, Abam@PLA-TA exhibited better photostability capacity compared to the abamectin technical concentrate, which helps to protect light-sensitive pesticides from ultraviolet (UV) decomposition. This strategy opens up a simple but powerful avenue for the design of foliage adhesive systems and a new opportunity for the efficient utilization of pesticides. Full article