Clinical data suggest that gut dysbiosis induced by high-fat diets is associated with skin diseases, but animal and clinical studies have limited mechanistic resolution of these interactions. In vitro multi-organ models offer an experimental platform for dissecting these interactions, yet existing gut-skin models lack sebaceous glands, a key regulator of skin lipid metabolism and lipid-related inflammation. Here, we report a gut-skin multi-organ-on-a-chip model (MOOC) with three-dimensional sebocyte-containing collagen microbeads. The gut-skin MOOC supports co-cultures of a skin compartment (dermal fibroblasts together with sebocyte-loaded collagen beads) and a gut compartment (intestinal epithelium), each differentiated on a cell culture insert. Application of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) lowered the TEER of the intestinal epithelium while preserving tight junction architecture, whereas lipid treatment produced focal disruption of junctional ZO-1, indicating distinct modes of barrier remodeling. Compared to the skin-only model, the gut-skin MOOC exhibited lower TNF-α secretion across all conditions. LPS-induced TNF-α elevation was observed in the skin-only model but not in the gut-skin MOOC. In contrast, lipid treatment increased IL-6 secretion in the gut-skin MOOC but not in the skin-only model. Our study demonstrates that the gut-skin MOOC captures both barrier function and interorgan crosstalk, providing an in vitro platform for testing dermatological interventions that act on the gut-skin axis.
Biodiesel was produced from waste cooking oil (WCO) using magnetic alkaline solid catalysts (MASC) to facilitate catalyst recovery and reuse, and the process was statistically optimized to maximize biodiesel conversion. A magnetic spinel ferrite (MgFe₂O₄) support was synthesized via a mechanochemical method and subsequently impregnated with an alkaline solid catalyst derived from waste oyster shells to prepare the MASC. After each batch reaction, the MASC was easily separated from the reaction mixture using an external permanent magnet, allowing product decantation and direct replenishment with fresh feedstock for subsequent cycles. Statistical optimization identified the optimal reaction conditions as a catalyst concentration of 7.93 wt
The green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) has emerged as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional approaches that often rely on hazardous reagents. This review examines the multifaceted roles of ginsenosides derived from Panax ginseng as bioreductants and stabilizing agents in the one-pot synthesis and functionalization of MNPs, including gold and silver nanoparticles. Particular attention is given to the processing-associated transformation of major ginsenosides into bioactive minor ginsenosides, such as Rg3, Rh1, and Rh2, and their potential contribution to nanoparticle stabilization and biological functionality. We further discuss the physicochemical and biological properties of ginsenoside-mediated MNPs, with emphasis on their applications in anticancer therapy, antimicrobial activity, drug delivery, and environmental remediation. In addition, this review highlights key challenges associated with synthesis yield, precursor variability, batch-to-batch reproducibility, process standardization, scalability, and long-term safety. By integrating the relationships among ginsenoside composition, nanoparticle formation, physicochemical properties, and biological activity, this review provides a focused perspective on the development of multifunctional ginsenoside-mediated MNPs and their potential for future biomedical and translational applications.
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and there is an urgent need for therapeutic strategies that are both effective and safe. Plant-derived nanovesicles have emerged as promising bioactive platforms due to their natural origin, biocompatibility, and intrinsic therapeutic potential. In this study, we demonstrate that ginger-derived nanovesicles (GNVs) suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human breast cancer cells, while simultaneously promoting apoptosis. Mechanistically, GNVs downregulated invasion-associated proteins such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and activated the Bax/caspase-3 apoptotic pathway. These findings highlight the dual role of GNVs in inhibiting metastatic potential and inducing cell death, underscoring their potential as a safe and multifunctional therapeutic platform. Collectively, this work provides new insight into the utility of naturally derived nanovesicles as an alternative strategy for breast cancer treatment.
Staphylococcus aureus biofilm infections are difficult to treat due to the limited penetration and antibiotic resistance. In this study, an ion-pair self-assembled nanogel was constructed via electrostatic interactions between poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and the azo-containing anionic compound Lithol Rubin BCA. The PDADMAC/BCA (3/7) nanogel exhibited an average diameter of 19.1 nm, which increased to 30.06 nm after loading natural polyphenol pentagalloyl glucose (PGG). Spectroscopic and surface tension analyses confirmed electrostatic interactions and enhanced surface activity of the nanogel. The critical micelle concentration was as low as 2.3 µg/mL, indicating that synergistic electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions drove the self-assembly process. The nanogel exhibited responsiveness to hypoxic stimuli, achieving 99.8
