Search Results (5,145)

Background/Objectives: Nanostructured biomaterials based on natural polymers have gained increasing attention in pharmaceutics due to their biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and diverse biomedical applications. This novel study aimed to biofabricate chitosan-doped zinc oxide nanocomposites (CS–ZnONCs) using Leucas aspera leaf extract and to evaluate their physicochemical properties and in vitro biomedical performance. Methods: CS–ZnONCs were synthesized using L. aspera leaf extract through a green precipitation approach, and the resulting nanocomposites were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. The in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated, while wound-healing potential was assessed using L929 fibroblast cell migration assays. Results: UV–visible analysis confirmed the formation of CS–ZnONCs, with a characteristic absorption peak at 362 nm, and FTIR spectra indicated the presence of various important functional groups. XRD results demonstrated the crystalline nature of ZnO within the chitosan matrix. Well-dispersed, quasi-spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 44 ± 3.1 nm were identified by HR-TEM, and a positive zeta potential (+9 mV) suggested considerable colloidal stability. CS–ZnONCs showed a high swelling capacity (88 ± 2.75% for 2%) and significant phytocompound release (65.38 ± 2.79% at pH 7.4). The CS–ZnONCs showed significant antioxidant activity (ABTS of 88.19 ± 1.59%), notable antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus (18.78 ± 0.98 mm) and Escherichia coli (17.14 ± 0.96 mm), and significant anti-inflammatory activity (82.12 ± 1.47% membrane stabilization). In vitro biocompatibility and wound-healing assays revealed significant cytocompatibility in Vero cells, with 98.75 ± 1.17% cell viability observed, whereas the fibroblast migration assay demonstrated near-complete wound closure (96.55 ± 6.46%). Conclusions: The green-synthesized CS–ZnONCs exhibit favorable physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and multifunctional biological activities, supporting their potential as a promising sustainable biomaterial nanomedicine for pharmaceutical formulations, wound healing, and regenerative medicine applications. Full article

Background: The global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has created an urgent need for innovative antibacterial strategies and localized delivery systems. This study aimed to develop and characterize electrospun poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers co-loaded with atorvastatin (ATR) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles for use as a multifunctional topical platform for wound healing and infection control. Methods: ZnO nanoparticles were prepared via ball milling and characterized for size and zeta potential. Four PVA-based nanofiber formulations were fabricated using electrospinning: blank (F1), ZnO-loaded (F2), ATR-loaded (F3), and ATR/ZnO co-loaded (F4). The nanofibers were evaluated for morphology, thermal properties, crystallinity, and drug release. Antibacterial efficacy was tested against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, MRSA, and P. aeruginosa using broth microdilution and checkerboard assays. Biocompatibility and wound healing potential were assessed via MTT and fibroblast scratch assays on human foreskin fibroblasts (hFFs). Results: SEM imaging confirmed the production of uniform, bead-free nanofibers. ATR and ZnO nanoparticles were successfully incorporated in the nanofiber. The co-loaded formulation (F4) demonstrated a sustained release profile, releasing approximately 78.7% of ATR over 24 h. While all treatments showed limited activity against P. aeruginosa, the ATR/ZnO co-loaded nanofibers exhibited significantly enhanced antibacterial activity against Gram-positive strains, achieving the lowest MIC values (1.5–2.0 mg/mL). Synergy analysis confirmed an enhanced effect with ATR and ZnO against MRSA. Furthermore, F4 achieved the highest wound closure rate of 92.41% in 24 h while maintaining acceptable cytocompatibility. Conclusions: The integration of ATR and ZnO into PVA nanofibers provides an enhanced antibacterial effect consistent with the synergistic potential observed between free agents targeting Gram-positive wound pathogens. The platform’s ability to simultaneously inhibit bacterial growth and promote rapid fibroblast migration positions it as a promising localized therapeutic for managing infected wounds. Full article

The incorporation of plant-derived oils into cosmetic formulations has attracted increasing interest due to their natural origin, skin compatibility, and multifunctional formulation roles. Argan and castor oils are widely used in cosmetic products as emollient lipid components with intrinsic antioxidant properties. However, limited studies have systematically evaluated the physicochemical stability and antioxidant performance of emulsions combining these two oils. The aim of this study was to develop and comprehensively characterize a stable oil-in-water (O/W) cosmetic emulsion based on argan and castor oils using a natural non-ionic emulsifier (C14–22 Alcohol (and) C12–20 Alkyl Glucoside). Particular emphasis was placed on formulation stability, as it represents a critical prerequisite for further product evaluation. Stability was investigated through thermal stress testing (4–37 °C), centrifugation assays, droplet size analysis, and zeta potential measurements. Complementary physicochemical and structural characterization was performed using rheological analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The formulated emulsion exhibited good physical stability with no phase separation under the tested conditions, a skin-compatible pH, a uniform droplet size distribution (4.15 ± 0.68 µm), and pseudoplastic, moderately thixotropic rheological behavior. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, yielding an IC₅₀ value of 19.21 ± 1.02 mg/mL. Overall, this study provides a formulation-oriented framework for the development and evaluation of stable natural oil-based O/W emulsions intended for cosmetic applications, supporting future optimization and biological validation. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of the current study was to investigate the mechanistic hepatoprotective efficacy of selenium (SE) and chitosan-coated selenium nanoparticles (CS-SENPs) using a rat model induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: CS-SENP was prepared and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Male albino rats (n = 40) were divided into four groups: control, LPS, SE, and CS-SENP. SE and CS-SENPs (5 mg/kg orally for 14 days) were given before LPS injection. Tissue architecture was assessed using histopathological analysis. HSP-47 and STEAP-3 protein expression levels were measured using ELISA, and oxidative stress markers were quantitatively evaluated. The expression of HO-1, TLR-4, STAT-3, TRAF-6, and IL-17A was measured using immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, HSP-90 expression was evaluated by immunofluorescence labeling. Results: CS-SENP characterization revealed uniform (PDI = 0.125 ± 0.04) nanoparticle size (108.54 ± 2.24 nm), with high zeta potential (+63.92 ± 6.287 mV), attributed to the CS layer, which was confirmed by FTIR and TEM as an electron-lucent halo enveloping the individual SENP cores. CS-SENPs significantly reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA) and restored glutathione (GSH) more effectively than SE. CS-SENPs improved redox (upregulated HO-1) and iron balance (downregulated STEAP-3), and also increased the anti-inflammatory effect (suppressed TLR-4, IL-17A, TRAF-6, and STAT-3). CS-SENPs showed superior antifibrotic efficacy (suppresses stress proteins, HSP-47 and HSP-90). Rats treated with CS-SENPs had nearly normal liver structure. Conclusions: The results concluded that CS-SENPs had superior and multi-targeted hepatoprotection against LPS-induced liver damage. Full article

This study explored the dual chemical modification of starch isolated from red lentils (Lens culinaris) to develop a biodegradable polymer with enhanced functionality for multifaceted applications. Native starch was isolated via combined salt–alkali treatment and sequentially modified through epichlorohydrin-mediated crosslinking, followed by cationization using glycidyl trimethylammonium chloride (GTAC). Utilizing a Quality by Design (QbD) strategy through Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the cationization endured fine-tuning to reach an optimal degree of substitution (DS = 0.572) under foremost conditions (GTAC: 2.1 mol, NaOH: 0.09 mol, reaction time: 18 h). Structural and functional characterization using FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, and zeta potential analysis confirmed the successful modification, indicating enhanced thermal stability, a transition to a more amorphous structure, and a moderately positive surface charge (+7.24 mV). The dual modified cationic lentil starch (CLS) demonstrated effective flocculation of kaolin suspensions, achieving a transmittance of up to 94%. Additionally, CLS showed significantly improved emulsion stability, maintaining over 70% stability after 24 h, compared to native starch, which dropped below 30%. These results emphasize the promising potential of CLS as an eco-friendly and high-performance alternative to synthetic polymers for water treatment and stabilization of emulsion-based formulations. Full article

Background: Co-delivery of two drugs with diverse physicochemical properties and a specific administration sequence holds great importance in cancer theranostics to overcome drug resistance and reduce side effects. Paclitaxel (PTX) and hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) have long been used clinically as chemotherapeutic agents for Nasopharyn-geal carcinoma (NPC). However, their clinical application is severely restricted by low water solubility, poor stability, and systemic adverse reactions. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems provide a promising platform for combination cancer therapy. Methods: In this study, folic acid-modified and dual drug-loaded self-assembled HCPT/PTX@FA@p-PS-SPIONs were successfully fabricated via the emulsification–solvent evaporation method using amphiphilic phosphorylated polystyrene (p-PS). The characterization, cellular uptake, and in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles of the nanoparticles in NPC models were systematically investigated. Result: HCPT/PTX@FA@p-PS-SPIONs were successfully prepared with p-PS as the copolymer backbone. The nanoparticles exhibited a uniform particle size of 196.9 ± 5.5 nm and a zeta potential of −7.3 ± 0.7 mV. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) was 81.4 ± 2.5% for PTX and 67.6 ± 4.1% for HCPT. The drug loading (DL) efficiency was 18.4 ± 1.5% for PTX and 12.2 ± 1.0% for HCPT. HCPT/PTX@FA@p-PS-SPIONs showed favorable biocompatibility. Sustained and sequential release of the two drugs contributed to an enhanced therapeutic effect. Moreover, under magnetic field (MF) guidance, HCPT/PTX@FA@p-PS-SPIONs exhibited stronger inhibitory effects on NPC cells than single-drug, cocktail, or dual-drug groups, demonstrating the superiority of the combined therapy. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats revealed that the half-lives of PTX and HCPT were 3.9 ± 1.2 h and 4.7 ± 1.1 h, respectively, confirming that HCPT/PTX@FA@p-PS-SPIONs could resist rapid metabolism and clearance in vivo. Conclusions: The long-circulating, folic acid-targeted nanoparticles HCPT/PTX@FA@p-PS-SPIONs show great potential for the targeted therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Full article

Effluents from industries, manufacturing companies, textile looms, and floodwater contaminate the surface water reservoirs. This endangers the quality of water for use by humans. Wastewater remediation is one of the ways to recycle the dirty water and make it suitable for use. Photocatalysis is the most common method for wastewater remediation, especially using Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles. However, chemical synthesis and direct addition of nanoparticles may cause toxicity to the flora and fauna present in the water body. To address this limitation, we have green-synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles using a horticulture waste, Calendula officinalis dried flower extract and entrapped them in a natural polymer, chitosan (CTS-TiO₂-CO nanocomposite). The polymer entrapment ensures biocompatibility as well as reduced aggregation of nanoparticles. The synthesized CTS-TiO₂-CO nanocomposite was characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) analysis. The absorption peak was found at 302 nm, and the hydrodynamic diameter at 490 nm. SEM images show flower-like morphology with 326 nm average particle diameter. The non-toxic dose of the nanoparticles was estimated by MTT assay and zebrafish embryo developmental studies. More than 82% fibroblast cells were viable after treatment with 100 μg/mL of CTS-TiO₂-CO nanocomposite. 85% embryos hatched after treatment with 50 μg/mL of CTS-TiO₂-CO nanocomposite. Further, the textile dye remediation assessment was done using the dye crystal violet, exhibiting 69.19% dye degradation after 4 h of sunlight exposure. Altogether, the results demonstrate that the CTS-TiO₂-CO nanocomposite was effective in the remediation of crystal violet without causing any toxicity up to a dose of 100 μg/mL. Full article

Wastewaters from the food industry and domestic sources contain large amounts of ammonium, a major contributor to eutrophication. Recovering this nutrient for fertilizer use offers both environmental and agricultural benefits. Poplar chop-derived biochars were prepared under different pyrolysis temperatures (300–500 °C) and chemical modifications (acidic and alkaline) to optimize ammonium (NH₄⁺) adsorption and fertilizer reuse. The biochars were characterized by zeta potential, SEM–EDX, FTIR, and specific surface area measurements. Batch adsorption tests revealed that the alkaline-modified biochar produced at 300 °C achieved the highest capacity (4.63 mg NH₄⁺/g biochar) and 62% removal efficiency. Adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model (R² = 0.97) but showed only marginal differences among models without independent mechanistic evidence. The Temkin isotherm described the equilibrium data the best (R² > 0.99). Ammonium-enriched biochars enhanced seed germination by up to 54% compared to the control and increased plant biomass up to 12-fold in pot experiments. These results demonstrate that optimized biochars can effectively recover ammonium from wastewater; moreover, the observed plant growth improvement suggests potential slow-release behavior, promoting nutrient recycling and sustainable agriculture. Full article

In this study, we designed a statistical polyampholyte bearing cationic quaternary ammonium salts and anionic phosphate groups as pendant functionalities. In addition, small amounts of o-nitrobenzyl groups, which generate anionic species upon photoirradiation, were introduced into the pendant chains to prepare a photo-responsive polyampholyte via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer radical polymerization. By increasing the feed ratio of the cationic monomer during copolymerization, a polyampholyte with a net positive charge was obtained. Upon photoirradiation of the aqueous solution of this cationic polyampholyte, the fraction of negatively charged groups in the polymer increased, resulting in a decrease in the zeta potential from positive values to around 0 mV. When the photo-responsive cationic polyampholyte was mixed with an anionic polyelectrolyte, poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate) (PAMPS), in water, micrometer-sized coacervate droplets were formed via electrostatic interactions. Photoirradiation of the aqueous coacervate system increased the fraction of negative charges in the polyampholyte, thereby weakening the electrostatic interactions with anionic PAMPS and resulting in the dissociation of the coacervates. Overall, this study presents a design guideline for polymeric materials in which interpolymer electrostatic interactions can be controlled by light to induce the disappearance of coacervates. Full article

Background/Objectives: Curcumin (CUR) has shown promising potential as a wound-healing agent for diabetic wounds; however, its efficacy is hindered by poor aqueous solubility and limited skin permeability. To overcome these limitations, CUR was loaded into myrrh oil-based nanoemulsions (NEs). Methods: The NEs were optimized using a three-factor two-level D-optimal mixture design, and characterized for droplet size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. The optimized NE was subjected to various stability testing and incorporated into a gel base containing insulin (INS) to form CUR-INS nanoemulgel (CUR-INS-NEG). The antibacterial efficacy of CUR-INS-NEG was tested against various bacterial strains, while its wound-healing effects were evaluated in a diabetic rat wound model. Results: The surfactant/co-surfactant concentration had a greater influence on the NE properties than the oil and aqueous phase concentrations. The optimal NE had a droplet size of 155.2 ± 0.8 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.28, and a zeta potential of −31.4 ± 0.8 mV. It demonstrated sustained drug release, with further release control upon incorporation into the gel base. CUR-INS-NEG demonstrated higher in vitro antibacterial efficacy compared with blank NEG, CUR gel, and INS gel. It also showed 2- and 4-fold reduction in the MIC against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively, compared with CUR gel. In a diabetic wound model, CUR-INS-NEG outperformed both CUR gel and INS gel by enhancing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as collagen deposition and endothelial cell proliferation. Conclusions: The CUR-INS-NEG emerges as an effective system for diabetic wound management, delivering complementary anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-regenerative effects of myrrh oil, CUR, and INS. Full article

Bee pollen is a natural product with multifunctional properties, containing abundant bioactive compounds, especially phenolic acids and flavonoids, which are largely responsible for its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In this study, the bioactive composition, antioxidant capacity, encapsulation efficiency, antimicrobial activity, and gastrointestinal stability of bee pollen extract (PE) were investigated. The pollen extract exhibited high total phenolic (2817 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoid contents (5255 mg QE/100 g), along with strong antioxidant activity (DPPH: 4305 mg TE/100 g; CUPRAC: 3685 mg TE/100 g). To improve the stability and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds, PE was encapsulated using β-cyclodextrin (BCD) at different weight ratios. Among the formulations, the PE:BCD ratio of 1:2 showed the highest encapsulation efficiency (64%) and favorable physicochemical properties, including higher particle size and more negative zeta potential values, indicating good colloidal stability. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated for PE, BCD-only, and the selected PE-loaded formulation (1:2, w:w). Encapsulation led to a modest reduction in antimicrobial activity compared to free PE (6.25–50 mg/mL); however, the encapsulated formulation still exhibited considerable antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains (25–50 mg/mL). Furthermore, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion indicated that BCD encapsulation substantially enhanced the bioaccessibility of total phenolics (81%) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH: 48%; CUPRAC: 76%), particularly during the intestinal stage. Phenolic profiling showed that chlorogenic acid and quercetin derivatives remained relatively stable throughout digestion. Overall, encapsulation with BCD effectively safeguarded pollen phenolics, improved their gastrointestinal stability, and increased bioaccessibility, highlighting the potential of encapsulated bee pollen as a functional food ingredient or nutraceutical. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of microfluidization cycles and oil type on the physicochemical characteristics of nanoemulsions and the properties of alginate-based edible films. Two types of oil (1%), coconut oil and coconut testa oil, were used for nanoemulsion preparation with Tween 80 and Span 20 (3:2). The emulsions were processed using different numbers of microfluidization cycles (0, 1, 2, and 3) and subsequently mixed with 2% sodium alginate in a 1:1 ratio to obtain film-forming solutions. The film-forming solution containing testa oil showed a particle size of 135.60 ± 37.87 nm, zeta potential of −22.14 ± 3.09 mV, whiteness index of 79.92 ± 2.20, and a creaming index of 0%. These systems produced flexible edible films with significantly (p < 0.05) higher elongation at break (1.35 ± 0.17%) and puncture force (2.40 ± 0.32 N), as well as lower water vapor permeability (4.7 × 10⁻⁷ ± 0.56 × 10⁻⁷ g m⁻¹ h⁻¹ Pa⁻¹). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses indicated that both the number of microfluidization cycles and the type of oil significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the structural and physicochemical characteristics of the resulting edible films. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gamma-oryzanol (ORZ), a bioactive compound extracted from rice bran oil, has health-promoting properties but limited therapeutic use due to poor stability and bioavailability. This study aimed to synthesize gamma-oryzanol-encapsulated nanoparticles (ORZ-NPs) and investigate their anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Methods: ORZ-NPs were synthesized via nanoprecipitation and characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. ORZ content was assessed using high performance liquid chromatography. In vitro release was determined using a dialysis method. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was assessed by Western blotting, nitric oxide (NO) by Griess assay, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: ORZ-NPs exhibited spherical morphology with a mean particle size of 93.320 ± 2.027 nm, polydispersity index 0.149 ± 0.025, and zeta potential −22.400 ± 0.252 mV. ORZ remained stable for 90 days. In vitro release reached 70% at 24 h in PBS (pH 7.4). At 50 μg mL⁻¹, ORZ-NPs significantly decreased iNOS and NO production (approximately 65% of control, p < 0.01), without affecting TNF-α or IL-6. Conclusions: ORZ-NPs demonstrate selective anti-inflammatory activities by suppressing iNOS and NO production while pro-inflammatory cytokines remain unaffected. These findings suggest a partial modulatory effect on the inflammatory signaling pathway. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aspasomes (ASPs) are composed of ascorbyl palmitate (AP), which has antioxidant activity. The objective of this study was the formulation of aspasomes (ASPs) loaded with metformin hydrochloride (MFC) for the topical treatment of melasma. Methods: MFC-ASPs were prepared using the thin-film method with different amounts of phospholipid and ascorbyl palmitate (AP) in the absence or presence of ethanol surfactant. The prepared formulations were optimized using a D-optimal mixture. The assessed responses included entrapment efficiency (%EE), particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP). Results: The optimum OASPs, composed of 193.121 mg PC and 30 mg AP, exhibited spherical vesicles with an EE% of 87.50 ± 0.33%, PS of 264.47 ± 0.02 nm, PDI of 0.423 ± 0.001, and ZP of −21.67 ± 0.12 mV. The optimum formula represented a spherical morphology using transmission electron microscopy, along with sustained release behavior compared with MFC. Also, it showed good stability for up to 90 days. Furthermore, a clinical appraisal of patients with melasma confirmed the superiority of the cream compared to the other cream in clinical study. Conclusions: The optimum OASPs present a promising approach for the treatment of melasma topically. Full article

Coal gasification fine slag (CGFS), a major solid by-product of coal gasification, contains substantial unburned carbon. However, efficient carbon–ash separation during CGFS flotation is often restricted by its complex surface properties. This study aims to enhance the flotation performance of CGFS by introducing a confined-turbulence pulp conditioning system. To clarify the role of conditioning pretreatment, the coupled effects of conditioning time and hydrodynamic intensity were systematically investigated. Flotation experiments were conducted to compare the separation performance under different conditions. Additionally, collector adsorption tests, wrap-angle measurements, zeta-potential analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were performed to reveal the underlying interfacial modification mechanisms. The results indicate that within an appropriate time window, the intensified turbulence and high shear forces can effectively remove surface impurities and strengthen particle–reagent collision and adhesion, thereby improving flotation selectivity and combustible recovery. Specifically, an optimal conditioning time of 80 s achieves the maximum combustible recovery. Conversely, excessive conditioning induces an over-shearing effect, which leads to reagent desorption and a subsequent deterioration in flotation performance. In conclusion, the confined-turbulence pulp conditioning strategy successfully restructures the surface properties of CGFS and enhances its flotation efficiency. These findings provide fundamental data and a feasible technical approach for intensifying the carbon–ash separation of CGFS. Full article