Search Results (1,767)

The global demand for food has been increasing, presenting new challenges in meeting this demand. To address this growing need, the use of coating technology through nanoemulsions shows great potential. The use of thyme essential oil stabilized by chitosan nanoparticles offers a promising and sustainable approach for the development of edible coatings. Chitosan was extracted from shrimp shell waste and used to produce nanoparticles via the ionotropic gelation method, using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a crosslinking agent. To prepare the nanoemulsions, thyme essential oil was used as the dispersed phase, combined with an aqueous phase containing chitosan nanoparticles and Tween 80 as the emulsifier. Two techniques were employed to produce nanoemulsions: high-pressure homogenization and ultrasonication. Nanoemulsion formulations with different concentrations were prepared and characterized in terms of droplet size (Z-Average) and stability using dynamic light scattering (DLS). The average droplet sizes obtained were above 100 nanometers for samples produced via high-pressure homogenization and below 100 nanometers for those prepared using ultrasonication. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed that both the method (p = 0.002) and the oil phase concentration (p < 0.001) had statistically significant effects on droplet size. Regression analysis showed that oil concentrations below 2.0 g (w/w) increased droplet size, while concentrations above 4.0 g (w/w) significantly reduced it (p < 0.05). However, physical stability tests conducted at 5 °C for 30 days showed consistent values across both formulations, with only minor fluctuations, suggesting overall good stability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Beta amyloid (Aβ) aggregates play a central role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and their detection and modulation remain major challenges in developing effective therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. Previously, gold nanoparticles with plasmonic and optical properties in the near-infrared (NIR) region and photothermal capabilities have been designed for detecting and disaggregating Aβ aggregates. However, these systems often face limitations related to biodegradability, long-term accumulation, and safety. In this work, a degradable NIR-responsive nanosystem based on small gold nanoparticles (sAuNPs), potentially excretable due to their small size, encapsulated within bovine serum albumin (BSA) and functionalized with the all-D peptide D3, was developed to inhibit Aβ aggregation. Methods: sAuNPs (~5–6 nm), functionalized with HS-PEG-NH₂, were encapsulated into BSA nanoparticles using a desolvation method and subsequently conjugated to D3, resulting in the nanosystem f-sAuNPs-BSANPs-D3. The nanosystem was characterized by UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The effects of the nanosystem on Aβ_1–42 aggregation were evaluated using a thioflavin T assay and electron microscopy. Additionally, the effects of f-sAuNPs-BSANPs-D3 on cell viability and its stability against trypsin digestion were assessed. Results: The nanosystem exhibited a measurable photothermal response under NIR irradiation and significantly reduced fibril formation. It did not affect the viability of SH-SY5Y neuronal cells at the tested concentrations. Trypsin incubation experiments demonstrated that the nanosystem remained stable at low enzyme concentrations mimicking plasma conditions, whereas higher enzyme concentrations induced degradation of the albumin matrix and subsequent disaggregation of sAuNPs. Conclusions: Overall, this study presents a degradable, albumin-based sAuNP nanosystem with NIR-responsive properties and potential for nanomedicine applications to inhibit Aβ aggregation in AD. Full article

Background and Objectives: While nisin exhibits promising antitumor properties, its clinical utility is hindered by pharmacokinetic instability and rapid enzymatic degradation. This systematic review evaluates the critical role of advanced pharmaceutical formulations and targeted nanosystems in overcoming these limitations to enhance nisin’s cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic efficacy in vitro. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across six electronic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, SpringerLink, and DOAJ). In vitro studies comparing free nisin against polymeric, metallic, and cyclodextrin-based nanocarriers across diverse neoplastic lineages were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the SciRAP 2.1 tool, and a within-line comparative analysis was performed for MDA-MB-231 and HT-29 models. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. A definitive technological inflection point was identified: nisin-loaded nanosystems reduced effective concentrations by up to 2706-fold relative to the free peptide in MDA-MB-231 cells, and 71-fold in A549 lung cancer cells. Mechanistically, nanosystems facilitated membrane pore formation, mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis via Bax/Bcl-2 modulation, caspase 3/7/9 activation, and p53 reactivation. Three previously underreported mechanistic dimensions were identified: TWIST1 downregulation and FZD7 binding in hepatocellular carcinoma, and downregulation of CEA, CEAM6, MMP2F, and MMP9F in colorectal cancer lines. Conclusions: The therapeutic viability of nisin in oncology is strictly dependent on pharmaceutical engineering. Future research must prioritize in vivo pharmacokinetic validation, experimental confirmation of novel mechanistic targets, and standardized nisin purity reporting to consolidate its clinical translation. Full article

Heavy oil and extra-heavy oil represent mobility-limited petroleum resources because supramolecular associations of asphaltenes and resins, together with strong interfacial resistance, generate extremely high apparent viscosity. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach for viscosity management and enhanced oil recovery (EOR). This review critically examines recent advances in nano-assisted viscosity reduction from a reservoir-operational perspective and organizes the literature into two field-relevant categories: metal-based and non-metal nano-systems. Metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) mainly promote catalytic aquathermolysis and related bond-cleavage and hydrogen-transfer reactions under hydrothermal conditions, enabling partial upgrading and persistent viscosity reduction during thermal recovery. In contrast, non-metal nano-systems—particularly silica- and graphene-oxide-derived materials—primarily operate through interfacial and structural regulation mechanisms at low or moderate temperatures. These effects include wettability alteration, interfacial-film stabilization, modification of asphaltene aggregation behavior, and the formation of dispersed-flow regimes such as Pickering-type emulsions that reduce apparent flow resistance in multiphase systems. Beyond summarizing nanomaterial types, this review emphasizes reservoir-scale considerations governing field applicability, including brine stability, NPs transport and retention in porous media, and formulation compatibility. Comparative analysis highlights the distinct operational windows of thermal catalytic nano-systems and cold-production nano-systems, providing a reservoir-oriented framework for designing nano-assisted viscosity-reduction technologies. Full article

Hair serves essential functions, including mechanical sensing, head protection, and body temperature regulation, while also playing a significant role in human aesthetics. However, factors such as hormonal imbalances, autoimmune disorders, infections, and psychological stress contribute to the widespread issue of hair loss, particularly among the elderly, adversely affecting self-confidence and self-esteem. Although treatments such as minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride have received regulatory approval, their associated side effects, such as sexual dysfunction, neuropsychiatric issues, and cardiovascular symptoms, can impede patient recovery. While follicular unit transplantation and stem cell therapy show promising outcomes, they are not suitable for all types of hair disorders. Short peptides that mimic intracellular signals and exhibit diverse biological effects have emerged as a promising approach for stimulating hair regrowth. By combining different formulations and nanosystems, the limitations of short peptides can be effectively addressed. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in peptide-based treatments for hair loss, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral diseases remain among the most prevalent noncommunicable conditions worldwide, with biofilm-driven dysbiosis playing a central role in dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral candidiasis. Curcumin has attracted considerable interest because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and regenerative properties. However, its clinical use remains limited by poor water solubility, chemical instability, rapid metabolism, and low bioavailability. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of curcumin-based nanoformulations for oral health applications, with emphasis on their mechanistic actions, antibiofilm activity, and translational relevance. Methods: This review examined representative nanocarrier systems developed for curcumin delivery in oral health. These included polymeric nanoparticles, nanomicelles and nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers, nanogels, hydrogels, mucoadhesive films, and metallic or hybrid nanosystems. The analysis focused on molecular mechanisms of action, antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects against major oral pathogens, and key translational challenges. Results/Findings: Across the reviewed studies, nanoformulations consistently improved curcumin solubility, stability, tissue penetration, mucosal retention, and controlled release. Mechanistically, they enhanced anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), strengthened antioxidant defenses via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) axis, supported tissue repair and osteogenic responses, disrupted oral biofilms, and modulated local immune responses. Antimicrobial activity was reported against Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Candida albicans, with reduced exopolysaccharide production, impaired adhesion, and improved biofilm penetration. Conclusions: Curcumin-based nanoformulations represent promising adjunctive platforms for oral healthcare. However, their clinical translation still requires improved stability in the oral-environment standardized manufacturing and characterization, rigorous safety evaluation, and well-designed controlled clinical studies. Full article

Graphene oxide (GO) is a promising nanocarrier for the delivery of oligonucleotides. It offers a high loading capacity, efficient cellular uptake, and surface functionalization. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is a well-characterized oncomiR commonly overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In HCC, miR-21 contributes to tumor progression, inflammation, and angiogenesis. In a previous in vitro study, we showed that GO alone induces the upregulation of pro-inflammatory and tumor-related genes in HepG2 cells. However, conjugation with an antisense miR-21 (GO-antisense miRNA 21) reverses this effect, suggesting a potential therapeutic application. This study aims to evaluate the antitumor and anti-angiogenic efficacy of the GO-antisense miR-21 nanosystem in ovo using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Fertilized chicken eggs (n = 4 per group) were randomized into untreated, GO-treated, and GO–antisense miR-21-treated cohorts. A dose of 200 μL (GO 10.0 µg/mL: antisense miR-21 5.0 pmol/mL) was administered intratumorally. Tumor size, volume, and vascularization were monitored through stereomicroscopy and histological analysis. The expression of inflammatory and tumor-associated genes (IL-8, MCP-1, TIMP-2, ICAM-1 and NF-kB) was assessed by quantitative PCR. Given its prominent response, IL-8 protein expression was further analyzed via immunofluorescence. To evaluate tumor-specific delivery, FITC-labeled GO was tracked by confocal microscopy. Our data revealed that treatment with unfunctionalized graphene oxide (GO) unexpectedly promoted tumor vascularization and led to a significant increase in tumor weight. This was accompanied by upregulation of inflammatory markers. In contrast, GO-antisense miR-21 significantly reduced the tumor volume and vessel density. It also successfully downregulated all target genes. Confocal imaging demonstrated preferential accumulation of the nanosystem within the tumor mass. Our results highlight the dual anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects of GO-antisense miRNA 21 in ovo and support its potential as a targeted nanoplatform for HCC treatment. Full article

Spiral inertial microfluidic devices provide a simple, high-throughput approach for size-based particle separation; however, translating PDMS-optimized designs into monolithic, fully enclosed 3D-printed channels is often limited by printability and post-print channel clearing. In our previous PDMS study, a $400\times 120\mu \mathrm{m}$ spiral achieved high separation performance after computational optimization and experimental validation. To translate this high-performing PDMS concept into a faster and more cost-effective manufacturing approach, the same separation principle is transferred to a fully 3D-printed, closed-channel spiral device, and the geometry is re-optimized around manufacturability constraints. Printing trials showed that enclosed channels at $400\times 120\mu \mathrm{m}$ and $600\times 180\mu \mathrm{m}$ could not be cleared reliably due to trapped resin and frequent blockage, most often near the inner-outlet region. In contrast, $800\times 240\mu \mathrm{m}$ and $1200\times 360\mu \mathrm{m}$ channels were printed and flushed successfully, and $800\times 240\mu \mathrm{m}$ was selected as the smallest reproducibly functional cross-section. Particle-tracking simulations were then used to re-optimize spiral development length, showing that a 4-turn device provides limited collection for $12\mu \mathrm{m}$ targets (10%), intermediate lengths (5–7 turns) improve collection to 50%, and an 8-turn spiral achieves complete large-particle collection (100%) across tested target sizes (12–$24\mu \mathrm{m}$) while reducing small-particle crossover. Experimental validation of the 8-turn $800\times 240\mu \mathrm{m}$ device at $Q=6\mathrm{m}\mathrm{L} {\min }^{-1}$ using fluorescent polystyrene particles ($18\mu \mathrm{m}$ target; $6\mu \mathrm{m}$ background) yielded an average collection efficiency of 84% and an inner-outlet purity of 92%. Overall, these results demonstrate that spiral inertial separation can be retained in a monolithic 3D-printed format when the design is re-optimized around the smallest reliably clearable enclosed cross-section and sufficient spiral development length. Full article

Hydrophobicity has limited the efficiency of many drugs. To improve this, gold–silver alloy nanocomposites covered with carbon-based quantum dots were synthesized as a platform to reduce the drugs’ hydrophobicity. Using the hydrophobic drug Andrographolide as a model, it was demonstrated that these nanocomposites can decrease Andrographolide’s hydrophobicity (Log P from 2.632 to 0.56) without encapsulating the drug. Entry within prostate cancer (PC-3) cells and in vitro localization of the nanocomposites and Andrographolide was observed qualitatively via confocal microscopy and their identity confirmed by SERS inside the PC-3 cells. MTS assays demonstrated the carbon-based quantum dot layer covering the metal core of the nanocomposites stabilizes the oxidation rate of the nanocomposite’s core metals. This was observed by a decrease in cytotoxicity in PC-3 cells when compared to other gold or silver nanosystems for similar timeframes published in the literature. Full article

Wind energy harvesting based on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) is a promising solution for powering distributed Internet of Things (IoT) nodes, yet its practical efficiency and stability are often hindered by the fluctuating and unpredictable nature of wind. Here, we propose a self-regulating TENG (SR-TENG) that leverages the synergistic effects of centrifugal, elastic, and frictional forces to automatically switch between non-contact and contact modes based on wind speed. This configuration achieves an ultra-low start-up wind speed of 0.86 m/s, ensures sustainable high-performance output across a broad wind speed range, and exhibits excellent durability with no observable performance degradation during 23,000 s of continuous operation at 375 rpm. Systematic structural optimization enables the SR-TENG to reach a peak open-circuit voltage of 140 V, a short-circuit current of 12.5 μA, and a transferred charge of 300 nC at 375 rpm. When integrated with a customized power management circuit, the system delivers a 30.39-fold increase in effective output power at a 1 MΩ load and a 4-fold faster charging rate for a 10 μF capacitor. For practical validation, the harvested ambient wind energy successfully powers a wireless temperature-humidity sensor for real-time cloud data transmission. These results highlight that the SR-TENG holds great potential for advanced wind energy harvesting and self-powered sensing applications in distributed IoT systems. Full article

Precise drug delivery remains a critical challenge in nanomedicine, with conventional nanocarriers suffering from significant drug leakage during circulation, limited control over release kinetics, and a lack of temporal control. This study presents a computational design and multiphysics simulation of a Smart Biodegradable Nanosystem. Through COMSOL Multiphysics simulations encompassing heat transfer, mass diffusion, and fluid dynamics, we validated the theoretical feasibility of a seven-layer architecture. The computational model predicts that mapping a re-entrant auxetic metamaterial topology onto a spherical scaffold enables geometric locking under fluidic stress, theoretically minimizing drug leakage. Furthermore, modeled thermosensitive dynamic covalent bonds demonstrate highly controlled release kinetics. All performance metrics presented herein are derived from predictive mathematical modeling. Theoretical degradation profiles indicate complete breakdown within 90–180 days into endogenous substances. This simulation-based study establishes a rigorous theoretical blueprint to guide future empirical fabrication in precision nanomedicine. Full article

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections present a major global health burden due to their high morbidity. Conventional therapies offer limited efficacy due to poor bioavailability, the need for frequent administration and potential drug resistance. Recent advances in nanotechnology provide opportunities to overcome these limitations. This review summarizes the latest advances in nanocarrier-based formulations, highlighting their role in improving bioavailability, sustained release, mucosal penetration and antiviral activity. An integrative search was conducted from January 2010 to December 2025. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select the articles. After analyzing the articles, 34 were included in this review with in vitro studies and 14 with in vivo assays. These articles were evaluated in relation to physicochemical characterization studies and in vitro and in vivo assays. Studies were found involving polymeric nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, niosomes, nanoemulsions and nanofibers. Regarding in vitro assays, it was observed that the nanosystems showed increased antiviral activity in cell cultures infected with the herpes simplex virus. In addition, developed nanosystems showed prolonged antiviral activity and lowered toxicity in animal models. Thus, these systems prove to be effective when compared to conventional therapy and can be considered an advance in HSV infection therapy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Meloxicam (MLX) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) recommended for treating acute and chronic pain in dogs, frequently administered prophylactically to mitigate postoperative pain; however, its utility is limited by characteristic NSAID-associated adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal side effects. Nanosystems offer the potential to minimize adverse effects by sustaining drug release. Therefore, this study assessed the pharmacokinetics of MLX nanoencapsulation in female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy using a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) modeling approach. Methods: MLX-loaded polymeric nanocapsules (NC-MLX) were prepared using the nanoprecipitation method and characterized by zeta potential, pH, mean diameter, particle size distribution, and drug content. Dogs received 0.2 mg/kg of either NC-MLX or free MLX orally, 4 h before surgery, and plasma samples were analyzed using an HPLC-PDA method. Pharmacokinetics were characterized by non-compartmental analysis and PopPK modeling. Several compartmental structures, variability models, and residual error models were explored, and relevant covariates were investigated. Results: NC-MLX had an average diameter of 326 ± 13 nm, a zeta potential of −26.2 ± 6.4 mV, and drug loading of 99.47% ± 0.01%. NC-MLX showed a significant increase in the t_1/2 (36.99 ± 17.26 h) of MLX compared to the free drug (15.22 ± 4.4 h). The best-fitting PopPK model was a two-compartment model with double extravascular first-order absorption rate constants (Ka₁ and Ka₂), including a lag time for Ka₂ and linear elimination, describing the second peak observed in several animals. The nanoformulation was a significant covariate for Tlag₂, delaying the time for absorption (1.22 and 2.55 h for free MLX and NC-MLX, respectively) and increasing V₂ (0.134 and 0.402 L/kg for free MLX and NC-MLX, respectively). External model validation showed that the final PopPK model accurately predicted plasma concentrations, with MPE% and RMSE values below 15%. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that NC-MLX alters MLX absorption and distribution profiles, supporting its potential as an alternative for postoperative pain management in dogs. Full article

Regrettably, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains the deadliest form of brain cancer, with a very unfavorable prognosis for life expectancy for the patient. We report, for the first time, the green colloidal synthesis of cobalt-doped magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Co-MNPs) as aqueous ferrofluids, using two anionic polysaccharide biopolymers, hyaluronic acid (HA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), as surfactants. These ferrofluids based on magnetite nanoparticles (HA@Co-MNP and CMC@Co-MNP) demonstrated superparamagnetic properties and magnetic-to-thermal conversion upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF), with the extent of conversion dependent on surfactant type. In addition, the ferrophase acted as a nanozyme, mimicking peroxidase-like activity in response to hydrogen peroxide, which is present at higher levels in tumor cells. The coupling of magnetic-heat capabilities with biocatalytic behavior enhances glioblastoma cell elimination and suppresses 3D neurospheroid growth. The results also showed that active targeting based on the HA biopolymer shell, due to its affinity for CD44 membrane receptors overexpressed in GBM, outperformed CMC-coated ferrofluid analogs. These magnetocatalytic-responsive nanoplatforms offer a broad avenue for the diagnosis and therapy of numerous cancers, potentially improving patients’ quality of life and prognoses. Full article