Preparation and characterization of a curcumin nanoemulsion gel for the effective treatment of mycoses

Developing sustainable approach for controlling foodborne pathogens, based on chlorella vulgaris extract/alginate nanoemulsion, and enhanced via the dispersed zinc oxide nanoparticles

A promising antibacterial strategy was developed in this study to effectively eradicate foodborne pathogens via the synergism of Chlorella vulgaris extract (CVE) with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNPs) combined into a single nanoform. CVE-alginate nanoemulsion with enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant properties via the dispersed ZNPs, were prepared and characterized using UV-Vis spectra, FE-SEM-EDX, TEM, DLS, FTIR. The CVE methanol extract was analyzed to record total phenolic and total flavonoid contents. Drug release pattern, encapsulation efficiency, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hemolysis and cytotoxicity were demonstrated. According to TEM and SEM imaging, produced NEs appeared spherical in nanoscale with the range of 17-23.6 nm. The results showed that when the active CVE-NE I dispersed with 1 % or 2 % ZNPs, was applied, exhibited more potent antibacterial properties against the tested foodborne pathogens, including S. aureus, E. coli, S. typhimurium, and B. subtilis, compared to CVE-NE I. CVE was released in slow and sustained manner by addition of ZNPs. All NE samples showed no obvious hemolysis or cytotoxicity when applied on fibroblast cells. These encouraging results offer a fresh approach to the efficient removal of foodborne pathogens, which may be used in food industry.

Environment friendly pesticide formulation by adding certain adjuvants and their biological performance against Sitophilus oryzae (L.)

Formulation and adjuvant technologies can facilitate the use of insecticides that have higher biological efficiency application features. Safety, physicochemical properties by increasing consumer demand for safe food and enhancing operator safety. The aim of this current work was to develop a green efficient, and stable pesticide formulation. Therefore, certain nano emulsions with and without Adjuvants Calcium Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate (Atlox 4838B), and non-ionic surfactant based on trisiloxane ethoxylate (ARGAL), were testing against Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Certain analytical techniques were used for determining the characterization of the nano emulsions (Sesame, Clove, and Cinnamon). Results showed that all formulations were penal, achieving nanometric size for all compounds. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed spherical or quasi-spherical morphologies for the tested nanoemulsion formulation nanodroplets. Furthermore, dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed that the particle size of the formulation with the adjuvants showed a slight increase in the droplet size compared to the formulations without adjuvants. In comparison to the tested nanoemulsions with adjuvants, the viscosity of the nanoemulsions without adjuvants was lower. All studied formulations, both with and without adjuvant, showed an acidic to slightly acidic pH, except for sesame (NE) with AtloxTM 4838B, which showed a neutral pH, and they were kinetically stable with no phase separation, creaming, or crystallization. Furthermore, supporting the stability of these nanoemulsion particles was the absence of a separation phase following centrifugation, freeze-thaw cycles, and heating-cooling cycles. Findings proved that ARGAL and Atlox 4838B adjuvant stabilized NE by increasing Brownian motion, weakening the attractive forces with smaller droplets, increasing the value of zeta potential and polydispersive index (< 0.6), and decreasing surface tension. The bioassay technique using film residue to estimate LC50 values on S. oryzae adults indicate that Clove, Sesame, and Cinnamon nano emulsions with Atolx adjuvants were the most effective against S. oryzae adults under laboratory conditions, where the LC50 Values are 0.022, 0.032 and 0.035 µL/cm2 respectively after 27 h, or exposure time. Clove, Cinnamon, and Sesame nanoemulsion (NE) with 0.01% (w/w) adjuvant exhibited remarkable insecticidal activity against S. oryzae L., of 100, 100 and 97.5% respectively by in vitro assay.

Optimizing ultrasonic parameters for development of vitamin D3-loaded gum arabic nanoemulsions - An approach for vitamin D3 fortification

Vitamin D encapsulation can significantly improve its bioavailability, stability, and solubility. Various biopolymers viz. whey protein isolate, carboxymethyl cellulose, alginate and gum arabic were studied for their potential to be used as wall material and gum arabic was selected for encapsulating vitamin D3 as it possesses lesser particle size, apparent viscosity and better stability in terms of zeta potential. Box Behnken design was employed for optimizing the process conditions for developing vitamin D3 nanoemulsion. Box Behnken design was constructed using ultrasonic amplitude, sonication time and vitamin D3/wall material percent as independent factors. The optimum conditions obtained were ultrasonic amplitude (80 %), sonication time (12 min) and vitamin D3/wall material percent (5). The designed nanoemulsion showed a particle size of 20.04 nm, zeta potential of -28.2 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 71.9 %. Chemical interactions were observed in the developed nanoemulsion as demonstrated by Differential scanning calorimeter thermograms and Fourier transform infrared spectra of the nanoemulsion. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model was the most suitable for describing the release of vitamin D3 from the nanoemulsion. Fabricated nanoemulsion has the potential to be used in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Advances in Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes for Dermatological Applications: A Review

In recent years, a wide variety of high-performance and versatile nanofiber membranes have been successfully created using different electrospinning methods. As vehicles for medication, they have been receiving more attention because of their exceptional antibacterial characteristics and ability to heal wounds, resulting in improved drug delivery and release. This quality makes them an appealing choice for treating various skin conditions like wounds, fungal infections, skin discoloration disorders, dermatitis, and skin cancer. This article offers comprehensive information on the electrospinning procedure, the categorization of nanofiber membranes, and their use in dermatology. Additionally, it delves into successful case studies, showcasing the utilization of nanofiber membranes in the field of skin diseases to promote their substantial advancement.

Advances in Nanocarrier Systems for Overcoming Formulation Challenges of Curcumin: Current Insights

Curcumin, an organic phenolic molecule that is extracted from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa Linn, has undergone extensive evaluation for its diverse biological activities in both animals and humans. Despite its favorable characteristics, curcumin encounters various formulation challenges and stability issues that can be effectively addressed through the application of nanotechnology. Nano-based techniques specifically focused on enhancing solubility, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy while mitigating toxicity, have been explored for curcumin. This review systematically presents information on the improvement of curcumin's beneficial properties when incorporated, either individually or in conjunction with other drugs, into diverse nanosystems such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, solid-lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers. Additionally, the review examines ongoing clinical trials and recently granted patents, offering a thorough overview of the dynamic landscape in curcumin delivery. Researchers are currently exploring nanocarriers with crucial features such as surface modification, substantial loading capacity, biodegradability, compatibility, and autonomous targeting specificity and selectivity. Nevertheless, the utilization of nanocarriers for curcumin delivery is still in its initial phases, with regulatory approval pending and persistent safety concerns surrounding their use.

Potential of Curcumin in the Management of Skin Diseases

Curcumin is a polyphenolic molecule derived from the rhizoma of Curcuma longa L. This compound has been used for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. These make it ideal for preventing and treating skin inflammation, premature skin ageing, psoriasis, and acne. Additionally, it exhibits antiviral, antimutagenic, and antifungal effects. Curcumin provides protection against skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to UVB radiation. It reduces wound healing times and improves collagen deposition. Moreover, it increases fibroblast and vascular density in wounds. This review summarizes the available information on the therapeutic effect of curcumin in treating skin diseases. The results suggest that curcumin may be an inexpensive, well-tolerated, and effective agent for treating skin diseases. However, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these observations due to limitations in its in vivo use, such as low bioavailability after oral administration and metabolism.

Application of 32 factorial design for loratadine-loaded nanosponge in topical gel formulation: comprehensive in-vitro and ex vivo evaluations

Loratadine (LoR) is a highly lipophilic and practically insoluble in water, hence having a low oral bioavailability. As it is formulated as topical gel, it competitively binds with the receptors, thus reducing the side-effects. The objective of this study was to prepare LoR loaded nanosponge (LoR-NS) in gel for topical delivery. Nine different formulations of emulsion were prepared by solvent evaporation method with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ethyl cellulose (EC), and dichloromethane (DCM). Based on 32 Full Factorial Design (FFD), optimization was carried out by varying the concentration of LOR:EC ratio and stirring rate. The preparations were subjected for the evaluation of particle size (PS), in vitro release, zeta potential (ZP) and entrapment efficiency (EE). The results revealed that the NS dispersion was nanosized with sustained release profiles and significant PS. The optimised formulation was formulated and incorporated into carbopol 934P hydrogel. The formulation was then examined to surface morphological characterizations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which depicted spherical NS. Stability studies, undertaken for 2 months at 40 ± 2 °C/75 ± 5% RH, concluded to the stability of the formulation. The formulation did not cause skin irritation. Therefore, the prepared NS hydrogel proved to be a promising applicant for LoR as a novel drug delivery system (NDDS) for safe, sustained and controlled topical application.