Quercetin and β-sitosterol were successfully co-encapsulated in a transethosomal nanovesicular system to improve drug delivery and produce an enhanced anticancer effect for the treatment of skin cancer. This study aimed to develop and optimise a quercetin and β-sitosterol co-loaded transethosomal and evaluate its physicochemical characteristics and in vitro anticancer potential against melanoma. Box-Behnken design was used for optimisation, with vesicle size and zeta potential chosen as important response parameters and Tween 80, Soy Lecithin, and Ethanol used as independent variables. Franz diffusion cells were used to confirm the improved formulation experimentally and assess its in vitro drug release and skin retention. The optimised formulation showed a vesicle size of 92.84 nm, PDI of 0.198, and zeta potential of -16.5 mV. Significant skin retention and sustained 24-hour release were observed, reaching 68.02% for quercetin and 72.09% for β-sitosterol. Non-irritancy and isotonicity were verified by HET-CAM analysis.
BACKGROUND:Diabetic burn wounds are challenging comorbid conditions to heal, hence shikonin, a traditional phytoconstituent was nanofabricated in the present study. This study is the continuation of our previously published work including shikonin-loaded nanoemulsion against wound pathogens. OBJECTIVE:Current work aims to further prepare electrospun scaffolds to promote wounded skin regeneration. METHODS:Studies including DLS, ATR, XRD, SEM were used to assess pharmaceutical stability of system. In vivo model, western blotting (protein expression of MMP-9), soluble collagen and MMP-9 ELISA kit assays, molecular docking and simulations studies were used to evaluate pharmacodynamic stability. RESULTS:The developed scaffolds exhibited chemical stability, improved aqueous solubility with average diameter of 235 ± 23 nm. The wound area got remarkably decreased (4.923 ± 0.935%) with high collagen content (88.515 ± 2.23%) and lower MMP-9 content (6.726 ± 0.820%) than the comparable groups. CONCLUSION:The present study displayed the developed system with remarkable wound healing potential.
Across industries, the demand for high-performance and environmentally responsible products is reshaping the design of functional materials. Microencapsulation, a technique that entrains active agents within microscopic shells, has emerged as an effective strategy to protect, stabilise, and control the release of sensitive compounds. Initially developed for specialised applications, it is now widely used in pharmaceuticals, food technology, cosmetics, agriculture, textiles, and advanced materials. This review presents an overview of microencapsulation technologies, covering core-shell structures, material selection, and major fabrication methods such as coacervation, solvent evaporation, spray drying, layer-by-layer assembly, and co-extrusion. The influence of processing conditions, capsule morphology, and release mechanisms on encapsulation efficiency and performance is critically discussed. In addition, current challenges including durability, scalability, and environmental concerns are highlighted. The review also outlines emerging research directions, particularly the development of biodegradable polymers, solvent-free processes, and stimuli-responsive systems for sustainable and advanced functional applications.
Lurasidone hydrochloride is a promising antipsychotic agent. The currently marketed formulation (Latuda®) of lurasidone hydrochloride exhibits extremely poor bioavailability and requires daily dosing. Current research focuses on the development and optimisation of a lurasidone hydrochloride-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticle-based long-acting depot formulation. The optimised batch of microparticles showed 32.81 ± 1.46 µm particle size, 95.74 ± 3.19% an entrapment efficiency, and a drug loading of 27.68 ± 0.95%. The morphological examination showed the buckling effect on the surface of microparticles, resembling the appearance of a golf ball, and DSC revealed amorphisation and successful encapsulation of lurasidone hydrochloride. The in vitro release study was performed for real-time and accelerated conditions, which showed the triphasic drug release pattern and followed the Hixon-Crowell release kinetic model. The real-time study showed 80.26 ± 3.84% drug release within 90 days. Overall, the results of this research work furnished a strong basis for further development of lurasidone hydrochloride microparticle-based long-acting injectables at a large scale.
This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the electrospinning process involving polymer solutions incorporating essential oils (EOs). Different electrospinning methods, as a versatile and efficient technique for producing nanofibers and different EOs, are discussed. It explores various electrospinning techniques to produce nanofibers containing EO. Furthermore, it reviews the applications of EO-incorporated electrospun nanofibers in biomedical fields, food packaging, and cosmetics. The review also highlights the types of polymers employed in conjunction with EOs and identifies commonly used essential oils. Additionally, it discusses the encapsulation of EOs and the role of supporting materials in the electrospinning process. While the findings from laboratory research are promising, translating these results into commercial applications requires time and strategic engineering efforts to address potential challenges across various sectors.
AIM:This study aimed to develop and optimise Levofloxacin-Encapsulated Engineered Elastosomes (LEEE) as a non-invasive nanocarrier to improve trans-tympanic drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy in acute otitis media (AOM). METHODS:LEEE were formulated using cholesterol, surfactant, edge activator, and terpene via thin-film hydration and optimised with a 2³ factorial design. Vesicles were characterised for particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, rheology, morphology, ex-vivo permeation, confocal laser scanning microscopy, antibacterial activity, biofilm inhibition, and in-vivo histopathology. RESULTS:The optimised LEEE (desirability = 0.980) exhibited a mean particle size of 100.41 ± 3.39 nm, entrapment efficiency of 86.11 ± 3.41%w/w, and zeta potential of -24.75 ± 5.02 mV. Morphology revealed uniform spherical vesicles, and rheological studies confirmed pseudoplastic behaviour. The formulation showed biphasic sustained release, enhanced tympanic membrane penetration, strong antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity, and excellent biocompatibility. CONCLUSIONS:LEEE represent a safe and effective non-invasive nanoplatform with potential to enhance drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes in AOM.
Spirulina's valuable properties are often overshadowed by its off-flavour. This study demonstrates that microencapsulation using maltodextrin as wall material effectively addresses these challenges. The encapsulated spirulina (ES1) exhibited good encapsulation efficiency (49.70%) and yield (40.55%), with low wettability (0.08 ± 0.03gmin-1) and hygroscopicity (6.16 ± 0.18%). Significant composition changes were observed in ES1, including total lipids (6.22 ± 0.50g 100 g-1), carbohydrates (51.97 ± 0.75g 100 g-1), moisture (6.42 ± 0.24g 100 g-1), protein (31.59 ± 0.11g 100 g-1), ash (3.78 ± 0.85g 100 g-1) and water activity (0.23 ± 0.01Aw). Phytopigments, such as chlorophyll a (32.02 ± 0.15 mg/g), chlorophyll b (23.12 ± 0.30 mg/g), total carotenoids (3.13 ± 0.00 mg/g), c-phycocyanin (17.78 ± 0.26 mg/g), as well as vitamin B9 (0.5937 ± 0.52 µg/g) and antioxidant activity (25.21 ± 3.29%), were well retained. The microcapsules displayed a mean particle size of 2.18 ± 2.91 µm with a PDI of 0.795 ± 0.03. Morphological and structural analyses (SEM-EDS, FTIR, XRD, UV-Vis) confirmed electrostatic interactions within the wall matrix, promoting amorphization and stability. Overall, spray-drying microencapsulation of spirulina with maltodextrin effectively improved storage stability by lowering water activity.
AIM:We aim to formulate highly stabilised nanocarriers for the downregulation of oncogenes in IDC cells. METHODS:A microfluidic system was operated for the synthesis of silver-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles (AgTPP-NPs) functionalised with polyethylene-glycol (PEG). They were characterised by UV-Vis spectroscopy, DLS, SEM, FTIR, and EDX. Biological evaluation included DPPH, MTT, clonogenesis, qRT-PCR, and western blot against MCF and MDA-MB-231. RESULTS:AgTPP-NPs remained stable for 24 months, and particle size increased slightly from 78 ± 22nm to 88 ± 18nm over this period. PEGylation resulted in tuned (64 ± 15 nm) PEGylated ascorbic acid-conjugated-AgTPP (PAAT) nanocarriers, which have a significant (p < 0.0001) antioxidant property of 74.4% at 160 µg/mL (IC50=11.3 µg/mL). PAAT nanocarriers exhibited cytotoxicity of 81%. PAAT demonstrated a significant (p < 0.0001) downregulation of MYC and CCNE1 in IDC cells, validated by western blot analysis. CONCLUSION:Our study highlights the long-term stability of AgTPP-NPs, and PEGylation enhances the efficacy of AgTPP-NPs in terms of cytotoxicity and downregulation of oncogenes in IDC cells.
Fucoxanthin, a marine carotenoid, suffers from poor stability under light and heat, limiting its use in functional foods. To address this, we developed a multilayer emulsion-based gel microsphere system for enhanced protection and controlled intestinal delivery. Microspheres were fabricated using whey protein, corn oil with 5% fucoxanthin, and chitosan-sodium alginate shells, followed by Ca2+ cross-linking. Using Box-Behnken design, optimal conditions were determined: whey protein 2.3%, oil/water ratio 4:16, chitosan 2.0%, alginate 2.6%, and Ca2+ 4%, achieving 77.37% encapsulation efficiency. The system achieved targeted release: only 38.9% fucoxanthin was released during 12-h simulated intestinal digestion, versus 13.25% passive degradation of free fucoxanthin. Microspheres also improved photostability (73.89% vs. 46.55% retention) and preserved antioxidant activity (75.84% scavenging retention). These findings demonstrate that the multilayer microsphere system effectively overcomes fucoxanthin's stability limitations, offering a platform for site-specific delivery of hydrophobic bioactives.
COVID-19 crisis highlighted the importance of safe and efficient drug delivery approaches that enhances targeted therapy while minimising side effects. In the present study, bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles were prepared using desolvation method and explored as carriers for antiviral drugs like remdesivir, molnupiravir, hydroxychloroquine, and daclatasvir. Particle size measurements and electron microscopy confirmed formation of uniformly dispersed spherical nanoparticles, diameters ranging between 39 and 100 nm. Drug incorporation into BSA nanoparticles induced changes in the polydispersity index, indicating drug-specific differences in particle distribution and system uniformity. Both blank and drug-loaded formulations exhibited negative zeta potentials with irregular shifts as protein concentration increased. Encapsulation efficiency remained nearly constant across formulations F-1 to F-4, suggesting early saturation of drug-protein interaction sites and efficient loading at lower BSA levels. Results from formulation F-2 indicated that drug release patterns were influenced more by the intrinsic physicochemical characteristics of the drug than by nanoparticle characteristics.
BACKGROUND:Baclofen is widely used for neuropathic pain but has limited therapeutic efficacy due to poor brain bioavailability and restricted penetration across the blood-brain barrier. OBJECTIVE:To develop and evaluate polysorbate 80-coated PLGA nanoparticles for enhanced brain delivery of baclofen. METHODS:Baclofen-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared using the double emulsification solvent evaporation method and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading. In vitro drug release, cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and in vivo biodistribution studies were performed. RESULTS:The optimized nanoparticles showed a mean particle size of 141.2 nm, entrapment efficiency of 90.2%, and drug loading of 10.4%. Sustained drug release (79.42% over 48 h), minimal neuronal cytotoxicity, and enhanced cellular uptake were observed. In vivo biodistribution studies demonstrated significantly higher brain accumulation of baclofen compared with conventional delivery. CONCLUSION:Polysorbate 80-coated PLGA nanoparticles effectively enhanced baclofen brain delivery, providing sustained release, good biocompatibility, and improved brain targeting, indicating their potential for more effective neuropathic pain management.
BACKGROUND:Acne vulgaris is a prevalent inflammatory dermatosis in which Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and, to a lesser extent, Staphylococcus aureus play central pathogenic roles. Conventional therapies (retinoids, antibiotics, corticosteroids) are limited by resistance, irritation, and suboptimal long-term efficacy. OBJECTIVE AND METHODOLOGY:Essential oils (EOs) exhibit diverse biological activities, yet their clinical translation is constrained by volatility, physicochemical instability and poor follicular penetration. This review systematically examines EO-loaded nano-delivery systems including nanogels, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers as strategies to enhance overall release. Special emphasis is placed on multiscale in silico tools and statistical optimisation approaches for rational formulation engineering. Representative case studies and current insights into nano-toxicity and safety assessment are critically appraised to guide future clinical translation. CONCLUSION:Advancing priorities including personalised dermatology frameworks, microbiome-responsive, folliculotropic EO nanocarriers and integrated computational approaches will accelerate the development of scalable, and patient-centered EO based nanoformulations for acne.
Nanotechnology is widely explored in biomedical fields, especially for cancer therapy and antioxidant applications. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesised using plant extracts offer a green and eco-friendly alternative to chemical methods. While AgNPs have been synthesised from many medicinal plants, there are no prior reports on the biosynthesis of AgNPs from the critically endangered Himalayan herb Swertia chirayita, a phytochemical-rich plant containing unique xanthones, iridoids, and secoiridoid glycosides and their application against lung cancer cells. This study reports, for the first time, the biosynthesis of AgNPs using S. chirayita aqueous extract and evaluates their antioxidant and anticancer potential. AgNPs were characterised by UV-Vis, XRD, FESEM, and EDAX. Antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH assay, while cytotoxicity against A549 lung cancer cells was assessed using MTT assay and AO/EtBr staining to observe apoptosis. AgNPs exhibited an IC50 of 40.61 µg/mL, demonstrating strong antioxidant and apoptosis-inducing anticancer effects.
BACKGROUND:Simvastatin (SMT) offers protection against diabetes mellitus related to coronary artery disease (DM-CAD) because of its cardioprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its low bioavailability and poor solubility limit its effectiveness. OBJECTIVE:This research aimed to develop and evaluate a nasal simvastatin-loaded novasomes (S-NOV) to enhance the drug's bioavailability, solubility, and effectiveness in treating DM-CAD. METHODS:The efficacy and bioavailability of the nasal S-NOV formulation were tested in a DM-CAD-induced rat model. RESULTS:The optimal S-NOV formulation demonstrated an 8.31-fold increase in bioavailability, a 4.64-fold enhancement in permeability, and a 4.71-fold increase in drug release. The nasal S-NOV formulation showed superior cardioprotective and antioxidant effects compared to oral SMT in various biomarkers, including lactate dehydrogenase, glutathione, and catalase. Histopathological and toxicology studies confirmed that the nasal S-NOV formulation was effective and safe. CONCLUSION:These findings suggest that nasal S-NOV formulation could be a viable and safe therapy for DM-CAD.
AIMS:To profile the phytochemicals of gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis and evaluate its potential for the synthesis of CuO nanoparticles (NPs). METHODS:Gum constituents were identified by GC-MS. The CuO NPs were synthesised and characterised using UV-Vis, DLS, TEM, FTIR, EDX, and XRD. Antibacterial, photocatalytic, and molecular docking analyses were performed. RESULTS:GC-MS revealed 21 phytochemicals. NPs showed UV-Vis absorption at 260-270 nm, an average hydrodynamic diameter of 135.2 ± 3 nm, and a TEM size of 83 ± 2 nm. FTIR confirmed phytochemical involvement in NPs formation, while XRD verified a monoclinic crystalline structure. NPs exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli (25 ± 1 mm) and B. subtilis (16.5 ± 1 mm) and degraded crystal violet dye. Oleic acid showed favourable docking scores with bacterial targets. CONCLUSION:Gum E. camaldulensis is an effective phytochemical resource for producing bioactive CuO NPs with antibacterial and photocatalytic potential.
AIM:To develop gallic acid loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (GA-NLCs) using sea buckthorn oil (SBO) for topical delivery to manage adjuvant induced rheumatic inflammation in rats. METHODS:Designed GA-NLCs were optimised by the Box-Behnken model and characterised by dynamic light scattering, DSC, XRD, and evaluated for drug permeation, hemocompatibility, cytocompatibility, and in vivo anti-arthritic potential. RESULTS:GA-NLCs exhibited particle size 188.4 ± 35nm, zeta potential -19.13 + 0.5 mV, entrapment efficiency 89.35 ± 2.46%, drug content 14.00 ± 1.36 mg/gm, and 87.74 ± 3.4% of drug permeation across skin. GA-NLCs showed significantly improved (p ≤ 0.05) skin enhancement ratios in comparison to gallic acid dispersion in aqueous medium (4.53 fold) and SBO (3.40 fold). GA-NLCs showed hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility. Topical application of GA-NLC gel significantly (p < 0.05) reduced arthritic score and paw edoema, comparable to diclofenac gel. CONCLUSION:GA-NLCs exhibited enhanced skin permeation, reduced arthritic score, and synergistic anti-inflammatory effects, offering a promising intervention for the effective management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Porous starch is a modified form of starch, distinguished by numerous pores extending towards central cavities. The article delineates various methods for producing porous starch, including physical, chemical, enzymatic, and synergistic approaches. The paper further explores the encapsulation potential of porous starch, discussing its applications in various fields. It addresses the encapsulation of curcumin, anthocyanins, probiotics, flavours, essential oils, and pharmaceuticals. A comparison between modified starch and porous starch as encapsulation matrices in spray drying is also provided, emphasising the advantages of porous starch in terms of encapsulation efficiency and yield through combining porous starch with other materials, such as whey protein or gum arabica. The article also underscores the need for further exploration of alternative starch sources, such as lotus stem, water chestnut, and foxnuts, for porous starch production, thereby opening new avenues for research and application in this field.
This study aimed to enhance the stability and achieve controlled release of Pistacia lentiscus essential oil (PLEOs) via microencapsulation using a sodium alginate-gelatine complex coacervation system. Chemical composition of PLEOs was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Microcapsules were characterised using Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Optimised PLEOs microcapsules exhibited a zeta potential of -28.33 ± 0.90 mV, encapsulation efficiency (93.28 ± 0.31% w/w), retention efficiency (95.30 ± 0.11% w/w), and particle diameters from 10 to 40 µm. Thermal stability was significantly improved, with the degradation stage shifting from 110-340 ± 5 °C for PLEOs to 200-370 ± 5 °C after encapsulation. Antioxidant activity of PLEOs microcapsules increased to 56.0 ± 3.1%. In vitro digestion showed pH-dependent sustained release (15-60% w/w over 200 min; R2 ≥ 0.95). These findings demonstrate that complex coacervation effectively protects PLEOs and ensures controlled release.
Tuberculosis (TB) persists as a global threat, worsened by MDR/XDR strains. Conventional therapies suffer from poor compliance, toxicity, and targeting. Nanotechnology-driven systems enhance bioavailability, targeting, and treatment efficacy. This review explores recent advances in novel drug delivery carriers for TB, emphasising clinical trial progress and global patent trends. It highlights key innovations, emerging patterns, and existing translational gaps in the field. A thorough literature search (March 1, 2020-March 1, 2025) across major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Patents) is conducted to compile recent data on nano-formulations for TB treatment. The review highlights key Novel drug delivery carriers (NDCs) and others-as promising TB treatments. Patent trends show growing global interest, particularly from countries such as India, the United States, and China. NDCs offer transformative potential for TB treatment, addressing traditional therapy limits. Advancing research and patents show growing adoption, clinical success studies and scalable production.
