Mechanochemical preparation of kaempferol intermolecular complexes for enhancing the solubility and bioavailability

PVA-Stabilized and Coassembled Nano/Microparticles with High Payload of Dual Phytochemicals for Enhanced Antibacterial and Targeting Effect

The codelivery of multiple bioactive phytochemicals via nano/microparticles (NPs/MPs) represents a promising strategy for enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This study presents the development of novel poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-stabilized hybrid particles designed for codelivery of palmatine hydrochloride (PAL) and glycyrrhizic acid (GL). Employing a straightforward coassembly method, we synthesized dual-drug particles achieving a high payload capacity of over 70%. The particles were characterized as uniform in size, within the nano/micron range, and exhibited a ζ-potential of -5.0 mV. The incorporation of PVA not only stabilized the particles but also refined the aggregation process, resulting in more uniform and finer particles approximately 1 μm in size. Spectral analysis and molecular dynamics simulations verified the presence of π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding between PAL and GL within the particles. In vitro antibacterial assays indicated that the hybrid particles had a lower minimum inhibitory concentration against Escherichia coli and Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus than those of the pure drugs. In vivo biodistribution study in rats revealed that the PVA-stabilized particles revealed enhanced targeting to the liver, lung, and heart, demonstrating improved tissue selectivity compared with the solution group. In summary, the PVA-stabilized hybrid NPs/MPs represent an innovative and efficient platform for codelivery of multidrugs. These findings highlight the promise of coassembled particles for high loading, enhanced bioactivity, and targeted delivery, making them a strong candidate for future clinical applications.

Enhancing the Solubility, Stability, and Bioavailability of Retinol Acetate through Mechanochemistry

This study utilizes mechanochemistry to prepare retinol acetate (RA) solid dispersion (RA-sodium starch octenyl succinate (SSOS)), resulting in improved solubility, stability, and bioavailability compared with raw RA and commercial RA microcapsules. RA, poloxamer 188, SSOS, and milling beads (8 mm) were mixed in a ratio of 2:1:8:220 (w/w) and ball-milled at 100 rpm for 3 h. RA-SSOS exhibited a solubility of 1020.35 μL/mL and a 98.09% retention rate after aging at 30 °C. Rats fed with RA-SSOS showed an ∼30% increase in organ RA content. Characterization analysis attributed the solubility and stabilization of RA-SSOS to hydrogen bonding between RA and SSOS, along with an amorphous state. RA-SSOS offers significant advantages for the pharmaceutical and food industries, leveraging mechanochemistry to enhance solid dispersions for hydrophobic compounds and optimize drug delivery.

Kaempferol from Moringa oleifera demonstrated potent antivenom activities via inhibition of metalloproteinase and attenuation of Bitis arietans venom-induced toxicities

Bitis arietans venom (BAV) can induce severe pathophysiological disorders after envenoming. However, studies have shown that the Moringa oleifera fraction is effective against BAV toxicities and contains bioactive compounds with significant antivenom potency. This research aimed to identify the main active antivenom compound in the M. oleifera fraction responsible for neutralizing the toxicities induced by BAV. The compounds identified from M. oleifera fraction were docked in silico against the catalytic site of the Snake Venom Metalloproteinase (SVMP) to determine the lead inhibitor compound. The antivenom potency of the lead inhibitor compound was tested against BAV toxicities and metalloproteinase isolated from BAV using in vitro and in vivo methods, while EchiTab-Plus polyvalent antivenom served as a standard drug. The in silico prediction revealed kaempferol as the lead inhibitor compound with a docking score of -7.0 kcal/mol. Kaempferol effectively inhibited metalloproteinase activity at 0.2 mg/ml, compared to antivenom (0.4 mg/ml) and demonstrated significant antihaemorrhagic, antihaemolytic and coagulant effects against BAV activities. Furthermore, kaempferol showed a significant dose-dependent effect on altered haematological indices observed in rats challenged with LD50 of BAV. Envenomed rats also showed an increase in oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant enzyme activity in the heart and kidney. However, treatment with kaempferol significantly (P < 0.05) decreased malondialdehyde levels and SOD activity with concomitant enhancement of glutathione levels. Severe histopathological defects noticed in the organ tissues of envenomed rats were ameliorated after kaempferol treatment. Kaempferol is identified as the main active antivenom compound in M. oleifera, and this research highlights the potential of the compound as an effective alternative to snakebite treatment.

Mechanochemical Transformations of Polysaccharides: A Systematic Review

Taking into consideration the items of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), this study reviews application of mechanochemical approaches to the modification of polysaccharides. The ability to avoid toxic solvents, initiators, or catalysts during processes is an important characteristic of the considered approach and is in line with current trends in the world. The mechanisms of chemical transformations in solid reactive systems during mechanical activation, the structure and physicochemical properties of the obtained products, their ability to dissolve and swell in different media, to form films and fibers, to self-organize in solution and stabilize nanodispersed inorganic particles and biologically active substances are considered using a number of polysaccharides and their derivatives as examples.

Mechanochemical preparation of triptolide-loaded self-micelle solid dispersion with enhanced oral bioavailability and improved anti-tumor activity

Triptolide (TP), a compound isolated from a Chinese medicinal herb, possesses potent anti-tumor, immunosuppressive, and anti-inflammatory properties, but was clinically limited due to its poor solubility, bioavailability, and toxicity. Considering the environment-friendly, low-cost mechanochemical techniques and potential dissolution enhancement ability of Na₂GA, an amorphous solid dispersion (Na₂GA&TP-BM) consisting of TP and Na₂GA were well-prepared to address these issues. The performance of Na₂GA&TP-BM was improved through ball milling, such as from crystalline state to an amorphous solid dispersion, suitable nano micelle size and surface potential, and increased solubility. This change had a significant improvement of pharmacokinetic behavior in mice and could be able to extend the blood circulation time of the antitumor drug. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor study showed that Na₂GA&TP-BM displayed more potent cytotoxicity to tumor cells. The work illustrated an environment-friendly and safe preparation of the TP formulation, which was promising to enhance the oral bioavailability and antitumor ability of TP, might be considered for efficient anticancer therapy.

Biotechnological Applications and Health-Promoting Properties of Flavonols: An Updated View

Flavonols are a subclass of natural flavonoids characterized by a remarkable number of biotechnological applications and health-promoting properties. They attract researchers' attention due to many epidemiological studies supporting their usage. They are phytochemicals commonly present in our diet, being ubiquitous in the plant kingdom and, in particular, relatively very abundant in fruits and vegetables. All these aspects make flavonols candidates of choice for the valorization of products, based on the presence of a remarkable number of different chemical structures, each one characterized by specific chemical features capable of influencing biological targets inside the living organisms in very different manners. In this review, we analyzed the biochemical and physiological characteristics of flavonols focalizing our attention on the most promising compounds to shed some light on their increasing utilization in biotechnological applications in processing industries, as well as their suitable employment to improve the overall wellness of the humankind.

Biomedical Effects of the Phytonutrients Turmeric, Garlic, Cinnamon, Graviola, and Oregano: A Comprehensive Review

Phytonutrients are plant foods that contain many natural bioactive compounds, called phytochemicals, which show specific biological activities. These phytonutrients and their phytochemicals may play an important role in health care maintaining normal organism functions (as preventives) and fighting against diseases (as therapeutics). Phytonutrients’ components are the primary metabolites (i.e., proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) and phytochemicals or secondary metabolites (i.e., phenolics, alkaloids, organosulfides, and terpenes). For years, several phytonutrients and their phytochemicals have demonstrated specific pharmacological and therapeutic effects in human health such as anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and immune response. This review summarizes the effects of the most studied or the most popular phytonutrients (i.e., turmeric, garlic, cinnamon, graviola, and oregano) and any reported contraindications. This article also presents the calculated physicochemical properties of the main phytochemicals in the selected phytonutrients using Lipinski’s, Veber’s, and Ghose’s rules. Based on our revisions for this article, all these phytonutrients have consistently shown great potential as preventives and therapeutics on many diseases in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies.

Hydrophobic Modification of Chitosan via Reactive Solvent-Free Extrusion

Hydrophobic derivatives of polysaccharides possess an amphiphilic behavior and are widely used as rheological modifiers, selective sorbents, and stabilizers for compositions intended for various applications. In this work, we studied the mechanochemical reactions of chitosan alkylation when interacting with docosylglycidyl and hexadecylglycidyl ethers in the absence of solvents at shear deformation in a pilot twin-screw extruder. The chemical structure and physical properties of the obtained derivatives were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical tests. According to calculations for products soluble in aqueous media, it was possible to introduce about 5-12 hydrophobic fragments per chitosan macromolecule with a degree of polymerization of 500-2000. The length of the carbon chain of the alkyl substituent significantly affects its reactivity under the chosen conditions of mechanochemical synthesis. It was shown that modification disturbs the packing ability of the macromolecules, resulting in an increase of plasticity and drop in the elastic modulus of the film made from the hydrophobically modified chitosan samples.

Mechanochemical preparation of chrysomycin A self-micelle solid dispersion with improved solubility and enhanced oral bioavailability

BACKGROUND

Chrysomycin A (CA) has been reported as numerous excellent biological activities, such as antineoplastic and antibacterial. Though, poor solubility of CA limited its application in medical field. Due to good amphiphilicity and potential anticancer effect of disodium glycyrrhizin (Na2GA) as an excipient, an amorphous solid dispersion (Na2GA/CA-BM) consisting of CA and Na2GA was prepared in the present study by mechanochemical technology (roll mill ML-007, zirconium balls, 30 rpm, 2.5 h) to improve the solubility and oral bioavailability of CA. Then, Na2GA/CA-BM was self-assembled to micelles in water. The interaction of CA and Na2GA in solid state were investigated by X-ray diffraction studies, polarized light microscopy, and scanning electron microscope. Meanwhile, the properties of the sample solution were analyzed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron. Furthermore, the oral bioavailability and antitumor ability of Na2GA/CA-BM in vivo were tested, providing a theoretical basis for future application of CA on cancer therapy.

RESULTS

CA encapsulated by Na2GA was self-assembled to nano-micelles in water. The average diameter of nano-micelle was 131.6 nm, and zeta potential was - 11.7 mV. Three physicochemical detections showed that CA was transformed from crystal into amorphous form after treated with ball milling and the solubility increased by 50 times. Na2GA/CA-BM showed a significant increase of the bioavailability about two time that of free CA. Compared with free CA, the in-vivo antitumor studies also exhibited that Na2GA/CA-BM had an excellent inhibition of tumor growth.

CONCLUSIONS

Na2GA/CA-BM nanoparticles (131.6 nm, - 11.7 mV) prepared by simple and low-cost mechanochemical technology can improve oral bioavailability and antitumor efficacy of CA in vivo, suggesting a potential formulation for efficient anticancer treatment.

Mechanochemical and Size Reduction Machines for Biorefining

In recent years, we have witnessed an increasing interest in the application of mechanochemical methods for processing materials in biomass refining techniques. Grinding and mechanical pretreatment are very popular methods utilized to enhance the reactivity of polymers and plant raw materials; however, the choice of devices and their modes of action is often performed through trial and error. An inadequate choice of equipment often results in inefficient grinding, low reactivity of the product, excess energy expenditure, and significant wear of the equipment. In the present review, modern equipment employing various types of mechanical impacts, which show the highest promise for mechanochemical pretreatment of plant raw materials, is examined and compared—disc mills, attritors and bead mills, ball mills, planetary mills, vibration and vibrocentrifugal mills, roller and centrifugal roller mills, extruders, hammer mills, knife mills, pin mills, disintegrators, and jet mills. The properly chosen type of mechanochemical activation (and equipment) allows an energetically and economically sound enhancement of the reactivity of solid-phase polymers by increasing the effective surface area accessible to reagents, reducing the amount of crystalline regions and the diffusion coefficient, disordering the supramolecular structure of the material, and mechanochemically reacting with the target substances.

Amorphous systems for delivery of nutraceuticals: challenges opportunities

Amorphous solid products have recently gained a lot of attention as key solutions to improve the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble nutraceuticals. A pure amorphous drug is a high-energy form; physically/chemically unstable and so easily gets recrystallized into the less soluble crystalline form limiting solubility and bioavailability issues. Amorphous solid dispersion and co-amorphous are new formulation approach that stabilized unstable amorphous form through different mechanisms such as preventing mobility, high glass transition temperature and molecular interaction. Nutraceuticals have been received the utmost importance due to their health benefits. However, most of these compounds have been associated with poor oral bioavailability due to poor solubility, high lipophilicity, high melting point, poor permeability, degradability and rapid metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) which limits its health benefits. This review provides us a systematic application of amorphous systems to the delivery of poorly soluble nutraceuticals, with the aim of overcoming their pharmacokinetic limitations and improved pharmacological potential. In particular, it describes the challenges associated with delivery of oral nutraceuticals, various methods involved in the preparation and characterization of amorphous systems and permeability enhancement of nutraceuticals are in detail.

Glycyrrhizin-induced changes in phospholipid dynamics studied by 1H NMR and MD simulation

Phospholipid bilayer constitutes the basis of the cell membrane. Any changes in its structure and dynamics could significantly affect the properties and functions of the cell membrane and associated proteins. It could, in its turn, affect the mechanism and strength of drug-membrane interaction. Phase transitions in lipid bilayer play an important role in cell life and in transmembrane transport of ions and drug molecules. In the present study we have tried to clarify the mechanism of glycyrrhizin bioactivity by the study of its influence on the lipid dynamics and phase transition of the lipid bilayer. For this purpose, a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations was used. Glycyrrhizin is the saponin extracted from licorice root. It displays a wide spectrum of biological activity and is frequently used in traditional medicine since ancient times. Now glycyrrhizin attracts additional attention as a novel multifunctional drug delivery system. We have established that glycyrrhizin interaction with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine lipid bilayers leads to changes in lipid mobility and phase transition temperature. NMR and MD results demonstrated that a glycyrrhizin molecule is able to integrate into a lipid bilayer and form stable aggregates inside. We hypothesize that surface curvatures caused by local changes in the lipid composition and the presence of phase boundaries might affect the permeability of the cell membrane.

Recent progress regarding kaempferol for the treatment of various diseases

Kaempferol, also known as kaempferol-3 or kaempferide, is a flavonoid compound that naturally occurs in tea, as well as numerous common vegetables and fruits, including beans, broccoli, cabbage, gooseberries, grapes, kale, strawberries, tomatoes, citrus fruits, brussel sprouts, apples and grapefruit. The present review mainly summarizes the application of kaempferol in treating diseases and the underlying mechanisms that are currently being studied. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it may be used to treat numerous acute and chronic inflammation-induced diseases, including intervertebral disc degeneration and colitis, as well as post-menopausal bone loss and acute lung injury. In addition, it has beneficial effects against cancer, liver injury, obesity and diabetes, inhibits vascular endothelial inflammation, protects the cranial nerve and heart function, and may be used for treating fibroproliferative disorders, including hypertrophic scar.

Solvent-free synthesis and characterization of allyl chitosan derivatives

The solvent-free synthesis of allyl-substituted chitosan derivatives through reactive co-extrusion of chitosan powder with allyl bromide at shear deformation was performed. For the structural characterization, FTIR and NMR methods were employed. The results were confirmed by chemical analysis. The total content of allyl substituents from 5 to 50 per 100 chitosan units as a function of the component ratio in the reactive mixtures was revealed. Carrying out the reaction without any additives leads to the selective formation of N-alkylated derivatives, whereas in the presence of alkali the ethers of chitosan were preferentially formed. The results suggest that the proposed approach allows significantly higher yield of products to be obtained at high process speeds and significantly lower reagent consumption as compared with the liquid-phase synthesis in organic medium. The synthesized unsaturated derivatives are promising photosensitive components for use in laser stereolithography for fabrication of three-dimensional biocompatible structures with well-defined architectonics.

The mechanism of anticancer action and potential clinical use of kaempferol in the treatment of breast cancer

In the last century, natural compounds have achieved remarkable achievements in the treatment of tumors through chemotherapy. This inspired scientists to continuously explore anticancer agents from natural compounds. Kaempferol is an ordinary natural compound, the most common flavonoid, which is widely existed in vegetables and fruits. It has been reported to have various anticancer activities, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, leukemia, etc. Meanwhile, we found that there were more reports on breast cancer among these cancers although there are limited clinical studies that have addressed the benefits of kaempferol as an anti-cancer agent for breast cancer treatment. Then we realize that although kaempferol has been reported to have anti-breast cancer effect many times, it is still far from becoming a real anti-breast cancer agent. Therefore, in this review, we talk about the options for improving the anti-breast cancer effect of kaempferol, including various techniques and methods to improve the bioavailability of kaempferol, the idea of combining other compounds to produce synergistic effects, and the possibility of developing kaempferol into a targeted drug delivery system.