Search Results (495)

Background/Objectives: The integration of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry by improving drug discovery, development and manufacturing processes. Based on literature data, an ML model was developed by our group to predict the formation of binary co-amorphous systems (COAMSs) for inhalation therapy. The model’s ability to develop a dry powder formulation with the necessary properties for a predicted co-amorphous combination was evaluated. Methods: An extended experimental validation of the ML model by co-milling and X-ray diffraction analysis for 18 API-API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) combinations is presented. Additionally, one COAMS of rifampicin (RIF) and ethambutol (ETH), two first-line tuberculosis (TB) drugs are developed further for inhalation therapy. Results: The ML model has shown an accuracy of 79% in predicting suitable combinations for 35 APIs used in inhalation therapy; experimental accuracy was demonstrated to be 72%. The study confirmed the successful development of stable COAMSs of RIF-ETH either via spray-drying or co-milling. In particular, the milled COAMSs showed better aerosolization properties (higher ED and FPF with lower standard deviation). Further, RIF-ETH COAMSs show much more reproducible results in terms of drug quantity dissolved over time. Conclusions: ML has been shown to be a suitable tool to predict COAMSs that can be developed for TB treatment by inhalation to save time and cost during the experimental screening phase. Full article

This study investigates the effect of accelerated aging on the microstructure and surface properties of synthetic sports surfaces, with the goal of developing a more representative laboratory simulation method. Three common types of polyurethane-based sports surfaces were examined: (1) a dual-layer SBR base with a thin EPDM spray topcoat; (2) a single-layer EPDM surface with a smooth finish; and (3) a dual-layer “sandwich” structure with a rough EPDM upper layer. Samples were tested for slip resistance (PTV), abrasion resistance, and surface morphology using SEM, as well as surface roughness and tensile properties before and after aging. Method combining UV radiation and water spray was introduced and evaluated. Microstructural analysis with roughness measurements revealed surface degradation in all materials, with more extensive damage observed in the UV + spray cycle. Slip resistance results showed reduced performance in dry conditions and improved values in wet conditions post-aging. The single-layer EPDM surface demonstrated the highest initial dry PTV, while the dual-layer with spray had the lowest. After aging, all surfaces exhibited smaller differences between dry and wet performance but no longer met dry condition standards. These results may guide future revisions of performance testing standards and contribute to the development of safer, longer-lasting synthetic sports surfaces. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although technology has progressed and novel dosage forms have been developed, tablets are still the most used form of medication. However, the present manufacturing methods of these oral solid dosage forms offer limited capacity for personalized treatment and adaptable dosing. Personalized therapy, with a few exceptions, is not yet a part of routine clinical practice. Drug printing could be a possible approach to increase the use of personalized therapy. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of surface tension and the viscosity of inks in the formation of the printing pattern and to investigate how the porosity of substrate tablets influences the behavior of inks on the surface. Methods: Spray-dried mannitol served as a binder and filler, while magnesium stearate functioned as a lubricant in the preparation of substrate tablets. Brilliant Blue dye was a model “drug”. The ink formulation was applied to the substrates in three varying quantities. Results: Increasing the viscosity enhanced the drug content, potentially improving printing speed and pattern accuracy. However, it negatively impacted the dosing accuracy due to nozzle clogging and prolonged drying time. Viscosity had a significantly higher impact on the ink behavior than surface tension. Lowering the surface tension improved the dosing accuracy and reduced the drying time but resulted in smaller drop sizes and decreases in pattern accuracy. Reducing the substrate porosity led to longer drying times and diminished pattern accuracy. Conclusions: A target surface tension of around 30 mN/m is suggested for inkjet printing. It is necessary to further investigate the applicability of the technology with solutions of inks with high viscosity and low surface tension, including the API. Full article

Background/Objectives: The formulation of microspheres for lipophilic drugs using aqueous methods, such as spray drying, faces significant challenges. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the process parameters and polymer selection on the production of microspheres by spray drying for a lipophilic drug. Methods: Lipophilic drug-loaded microspheres were developed using various polymers via the aqueous spray drying method. The effects of the factors on the yield percentage and encapsulation efficiency were analyzed. Microspheres preparation included Agave inulin, guar gum, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and Eudragit^® S100. A 2³ factorial design was performed, and the parameters were optimized. Results: Inlet temperature, feed flow, and polymer percentage showed a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the yield percentage of guar gum microspheres and encapsulation efficiency of the inulin microspheres. Inulin and guar gum microspheres showed the best yield percentage (75.41%) and encapsulation efficiency (100%), respectively. In addition, guar gum microspheres had the best morphology, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose microspheres were smaller and had an irregular surface. Eudragit did not maintain its delayed release property due to limitations of the aqueous method; inulin released the drug immediately, and guar gum and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose microspheres prolonged release only by a few additional hours. Conclusions: The experimental design showed that optimizing the parameters (inlet temperature, feed flow, and the type and percentage of polymer) can regulate the microsphere development process to obtain improved product yield and encapsulation efficiency results. Full article

Different techniques that require specific conditions are used to increase long-term stability and facilitate the transportation of products. Solid microbial formulation gained significant attention in the scientific world for several applications due to its benefits, mainly for agriculture. The extensive applications in the agricultural area, especially in the protection as a biopesticide and in the nutrition as a biofertilizer, have expanded knowledge on the production of solid bioproducts to keep up with developments in the community. Recent scientific works have disclosed different techniques, increased yields, and optimized parameters and other related procedures to produce solid microbial formulations with quality. However, the optimal protocol for solid microbial preparations differs between species and strains. The mechanisms underlying the protection and damage during drying methods and storage are, unfortunately, not clearly understood. Therefore, the current review highlights the state of the art of freeze and spray drying, both physical methods that are applied in microorganism formulations. Additionally, the study highlights the stresses these systems are exposed to during the drying process, as well as the strategies employed to ensure their stability throughout processing and storage. In summary, the information in this review provides a theoretical basis for the selection of these relevant technologies, according to the requirements demanded to obtain a sustainable bioinput. Full article

Quercetin (Que) is widely recognized for its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties; however, its clinical potential remains limited due to poor solubility and low oral bioavailability. Nasal powders have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations, taking advantage of nose-to-brain delivery, offering a direct, non-invasive route to the central nervous system while bypassing first-pass metabolism. This study aims to extend previous work by systematically investigating the impact of different preparation methods (spray drying vs. lyophilization) and the incorporation of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and mannitol/lecithin microparticles (MLMPs) on the physicochemical characteristics, structural properties, and in vitro diffusion behavior of HPβCD-based nasal powder formulations of Que. Thermal behavior and stability were analyzed using TGA, while morphology and particle distribution were assessed via Scanning Electron Microscopy. In vitro diffusion studies using Franz cells and regenerated cellulose membranes were conducted under simulated nasal conditions. Among all tested formulations, the spray-dried HPβCD/Que powder (F4) showed the highest permeation (0.11 ± 0.01 mg/cm² at 120 min). The inclusion of HPMC improved thermal stability but reduced Que diffusion, likely due to increased viscosity and matrix formation. Blending with MLMPs enhanced powder flow and dose placement, although it modestly reduced diffusion efficiency. Overall, this study highlights the potential of HPβCD-based spray-dried powders for nasal Que delivery and demonstrates how HPMC and MLMPs can be strategically employed to tailor performance characteristics. Full article

Widespread drought conditions have increasingly affected agricultural productivity, requiring the exploration of alternative approaches for improving crop tolerance, yield and quality, since plants adopt many physiological strategies to cope with challenging environments. This study evaluated the effects of a vegetal-derived protein hydrolysate (PH), applied via foliar spray or root drench at a concentration of 3 mL L⁻¹, on tomato plants (n = 96) under well-watered and drought-stressed conditions over a 136-day greenhouse experiment. Overall, sub-optimal irrigation significantly decreased plant dry biomass (−55.3%) and fruit production (−68.8% marketable yield), and enhanced fruit quality in terms of sugar concentration and antioxidant levels. PH treatments, regardless of the application method, did not notably influence above-ground dry biomass, yield, or fruit quality, suggesting that the intensity of drought might have limited PH effectiveness. Metabolomic analysis showed higher concentrations of stress- and quality-related metabolites in tomato fruits from plants under stress, with PH not exerting significant metabolic changes in the fruits. These findings revealed the diminished effectiveness of PHs under severe drought conditions, suggesting that drought stress level needs to be taken into consideration for optimizing biostimulant efficacy. Full article

Background/Objectives: In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the stabilization of natural biologically active compounds in order to expand their application in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Such compounds, such as polyphenols, essential fatty acids, or vitamins, are extremely sensitive to environmental factors. This study aims to review the spray-drying-based microencapsulation technology and its application for stabilizing sensitive biologically active substances. Methods: This article systematically analyzes the main steps of the spray-drying microencapsulation process and discusses traditional and innovative wall materials, including natural polymers (polysaccharides and proteins), as well as new raw material sources (e.g., yeast cells, canola and pea protein isolates, and hemicelluloses). It also examines the potential of these systems for the stimulated release of active ingredients. Results: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the main stages of the spray-drying process and critically examines both conventional (e.g., maltodextrin and gum Arabic) and innovative wall materials (e.g., plant-based proteins and food industry by-products). Studies show that using different wall materials can achieve high encapsulation efficiency, improve the stability of biologically active substances, and control their release. Various compounds have been successfully microencapsulated—polyphenols, essential oils, carotenoids, fatty acids, and vitamins—protecting them from oxidation, light, and temperature. The review identifies key factors that can enhance product quality, increase encapsulation yield, and reduce processing costs and energy input—offering meaningful insights for optimizing the microencapsulation process. Conclusions: Spray-drying-based microencapsulation is an advanced technology that effectively protects sensitive active ingredients and allows for wider industrial food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. In the future, more attention is expected to be paid to personalized formulations, stimulated release systems, and sustainable wall materials from by-products. Full article

Background/Objectives: In this study, we present a green, scalable platform for the production of water-dispersible powders co-encapsulating the lipophilic bioactives curcumin (Cur) and eugenol (Eug) within the amphiphilic polymer Soluplus^® (SP) via low-temperature spray drying. Methods: The amount of Cur (1%, 5%, and 10%) and Eug (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) was varied to achieve single- and double-loaded water-soluble powders with the maximum amount of active substances. The powders containing a higher loading of Cur, 5% and 10% (and Eug), were obtained from water/ethanol mixtures (2:1 and 5:1 v/v ratio), while the formulation with 1% of Cur was spray-dried by using water as a solvent. Results: By leveraging aqueous or aqueous–ethanolic feed systems, we achieved high loading of the bioactive substances—up to 10% Cur and 20% Eug (w/w)—while minimizing organic solvent use. Myo-inositol was incorporated as a stabilizing excipient to modulate particle morphology, improve powder flowability, and enhance redispersibility. Physicochemical characterization revealed nanoscale micellization (53–127 nm), amorphization of both actives as confirmed by XRD and DSC, and the absence of crystalline residue. Encapsulation efficiencies exceeded 95% for Cur and 93% for Eug. Dissolution tests demonstrated a rapid release from the 5% Cur/5% Eug formulation (>85% in 5 min), while higher-loaded single-formulations showed progressively slower release (up to 45 min). Conclusions: This work demonstrates a robust and environmentally responsible encapsulation strategy, suitable for delivering poorly water-soluble phytochemicals with potential applications in oral nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical dosage forms. Full article

The present work introduces a sustainable, low-carbon method to fabricate durable, non-toxic superhydrophobic surfaces using bamboo-derived cellulose. Uniform TEMPO-carboxylated cellulose particles (TOC-Ps), approximately 2 μm in diameter, were synthesized through thermal polymerization and spray drying. These particles, featuring a nano-scale convex structure formed by intertwined TOC nanofibers, were applied to substrates and modified with low-surface-energy materials to achieve superhydrophobicity. At an optimal TOC-P mass ratio of 6%, the surface displayed a water contact angle of 156.2° and a sliding angle of 7°. The coating maintained superhydrophobicity after extensive mechanical testing—120 cm of abrasion, 100 bending cycles, and continuous trampling—and exhibited robust chemical stability across harsh conditions, including subjection to high temperatures, UV irradiation, and corrosive solutions (pH 2–12). The hierarchical micro–nano structure was found to enhance both hydrophobicity and durability, offering an environmentally friendly alternative for self-cleaning surfaces, textiles, and building applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic lung diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide. In the treatment of these diseases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be effective. We have previously developed an excipient formulation alongside a modern manufacturing protocol, which we aim to further investigate. We have chosen two new model drugs, meloxicam (MX) and its water-soluble salt, meloxicam-potassium (MXP). The particles in dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulation were expected to have a spherical shape, fast drug release, and good aerodynamic properties. Methods: The excipients were poloxamer-188, mannitol, and leucine. The samples were prepared by spray drying, preceded by solution preparation and wet grinding. Particle size was determined by laser diffraction, shape by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), crystallinity by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), interactions by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), in vitro drug dissolution by paddle apparatus, and in vitro aerodynamic properties by Andersen cascade impactor and Spraytec^® device. Results: We achieved the proper particle size (<5 μm) and spherical shape according to laser diffraction and SEM. The XRPD showed partial amorphization. FT-IR revealed no interaction between the materials. During the in vitro dissolution tests, more than 90% of MX and MXP were released within the first 5 min. The best products exhibited an aerodynamic diameter of around 4 µm, a fine particle fraction around 50%, and an emitted fraction over 95%. The analysis by Spraytec^® supported the suitability for lung targeting. Conclusions: The developed preparation process and excipient system can be applied in the development of different drugs containing DPIs. Full article

Green soybeans, or edamame (Glycine max L. Merril), serve as a superior source of phytochemicals and other nutritive substances and are commonly used as ingredients and additives in food products due to their polyphenols’ functional properties and antioxidant activity. Hence, it is very important to use a process to extract compounds with functional roles from plants as efficiently as possible. In this study, we sought to identify the optimal conditions for extracting genistein, belonging to the aglycone subgroup of isoflavones, from edamame using the cold plasma (CP) and enzyme method. Additionally, the impact of various drying techniques (spray-drying and freeze-drying) and storage conditions on the crude genistein extract powder was evaluated. The findings showed that the maximum values for the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and genistein (22.5 ± 0.23 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g; 15.3 ± 0.13 mg of catechin equivalents (CAE)/100 g; and 12.6 ± 0.10 mg/100 g, respectively) were achieved under optimal pretreatment conditions using a CP gas flow rate of 5 L/min for 30 min, followed by enzymatic treatment at a specific enzyme concentration of 2.0% (v/v) for 240 min of incubation. Moreover, a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated that the CP and enzyme treatment induced significant structural changes, as evidenced by the presence of deeper pores on the surface of the powder granules. Spray-drying demonstrated a superior efficacy compared to freeze-drying for encapsulating the crude isoflavone extract. This study’s results also demonstrated that storage at 4 °C significantly stabilized the TPC, TFC, and genistein content and the antioxidant activity while preserving the physical properties (solubility and color) of the crude extract powder for up to 45 days. In summary, cold plasma pretreatment and enzymatic treatments offer practical solutions by enhancing the efficiency of non-thermal extraction processes, thereby increasing the yield of bioactive compounds, maintaining quality, and diminishing reliance on traditional, harsh methods. The elevated genistein content in the crude extract powder indicates its prospective application as a functional ingredient in various food and nutraceutical contexts. Full article

Seafood waste is often landfilled and/or discarded into water, raising microbiological pollution and environment policy concerns. Repurposing this low-cost biomass collected at point-source processing centers can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support industrial progress in developing economies. Safe alternative methods to utilize seafood waste were investigated. Hydrothermal carbonization-enriched shrimp shell waste was converted into higher-value products, such as sprayable fertilizer and dry biochar fertilizer pellets. Environment friendly sprayable fertilizer from shrimp and crab shell waste as an inexpensive carbon fixer is a potential solution. An average spray coverage area of 0.12 m² from only 300 mL of 1:10 shrimp shell waste to water mixture is reported. Characterization using N:P:K ratios from elemental analysis showed crustacean shell waste to comprise long-term organic carbon fixers in the soil with minor mineral enrichment, demonstrating potential for long-term soil care. Additionally, hydrothermally carbonized mineral rich shrimp shell and untreated crab shell waste were pelletized to test their friability and feasibility in transportation. Such a bio-investigation to promote economic goals for sustainability can improve biomass waste handling locally. Full article

Integrated foliar spraying has been proposed as an effective measure to mitigate the increasingly severe impacts of hot–dry–windy (HDW) events on winter wheat yield under ongoing climate change, and its physiological effectiveness has been mechanistically validated. However, there are still few quantitative assessments of the application of this technology at the regional scale. First, hourly meteorological data from the ERA5-Land reanalysis (1981–2020) were matched to the centroids of 599 counties within China’s major winter wheat-producing regions, allowing precise alignment with county-level yield data. Subsequently, spatial and temporal trends of sub-daily HDW events were analyzed. These HDW events were classified according to daily duration into three categories: short-duration (HDW_sd1, 1 h d⁻¹), moderate-duration (HDW_sd2, 2–3 h d⁻¹), and prolonged-duration (HDW_sd3, 4–8 h d⁻¹). Finally, a difference-in-differences (DiD) approach combined with panel matching methods was employed to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of integrated foliar spraying technology—comprising plant growth regulators, essential nutrients, fungicides, and insecticides—on wheat yield improvements under varying irrigation conditions. The results indicate that HDW is a major compound event threatening high-yield and stable-yield regions within the main winter wheat production areas of China, and in the study area, the annual average number of HDW days ranges from 3 to 13 days, increasing by 1–4 days dec⁻¹. While HDW events continue to intensify, the integrated foliar spraying technology effectively mitigates yield losses due to HDW stress. Specifically, yield increases of up to 18–20% were observed in counties with sufficient irrigation infrastructure since the large-scale implementation began in 2012, particularly in regions exposed to more than 2 days of HDW stresses annually. However, the effectiveness of integrated foliar spraying was notably compromised in areas lacking adequate irrigation infrastructure, highlighting the necessity of reliable irrigation conditions. In these poorly irrigated areas, yield improvements remained limited and inconsistent, typically fluctuating around negligible levels. These findings underscore that robust irrigation infrastructure is pivotal to unlock the yield benefits of integrated foliar spraying technology, while also highlighting its transformative potential in advancing climate-smart agriculture globally—particularly in regions grappling with intensifying compound stress events driven by climate change, where this innovation could foster resilient and adaptive food systems to counter escalating environmental extremes. Full article

Background/Objectives: In vitro, vancomycin (VAN) and tetrahydrolipstatin (THL) together have been shown to synergistically inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the world’s most infectious killer. The poor oral bioavailability of VAN and THL and predominant tropism of Mtb infection to the lungs and alveolar macrophages make pulmonary administration highly attractive. This study aimed to develop and assess the efficacy of dry powders for inhalation of VAN microparticles embedded with THL. Methods: The dry powders produced by spray-drying, with or without hydrogenated castor oil (HCO), were characterized for their physicochemical properties among others by HPLC-DAD. The fast-screening impactor was used to determine powder aerodynamic properties, and VAN and THL releases were established from the paddle over disk method. Biological activities were assessed in a new M. bovis-infected macrophage model and in Mtb-infected mice. Results and Discussion: The addition of 25% HCO enables co-deposition (fine particle dose) at the desired weight ratio and co-releasing of VAN and THL in aqueous media. Microparticles with 0% to 50% HCO drastically reduced cytoplasmic Mycobacterium bovis survival (99.9% to 62.5%, respectively), with higher efficacy at low HCO concentration. Consequently, VAN/THL with or without 25% HCO was evaluated in Mtb-infected mice. Although no decrease in Mtb lung burden was observed after two weeks of administration, the endotracheal administration of VAN 500 mg/kg and THL 50 mg/kg with 25% HCO administrated three times during five days concomitantly with daily oral rifampicin (10 mg/kg) demonstrated 2-fold bacterial burden reduction compared to the group treated with RIF alone. Conclusions: HCO was crucial for obtaining a fine particle dose at the synergistic weight ratio (VAN/THL 10:1) and for releasing both drugs in aqueous media. With oral administration of the first-line rifampicin, the dry powder VAN/THL/25% HCO was able to exert a potential anti-tubercular effect in vivo in Mtb-infected mice after five days. Full article