Journal of microencapsulation最新文献

Aim: The current study aimed to develop and evaluate Etoricoxib (ETX) loaded polyelectrolyte microparticles (PEMPs) for intra-articular delivery in osteoarthritis management.

Methods: PEMPs were prepared by the electrostatic interactions between hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitosan (CS). The optimum formulation was characterized for encapsulation efficiency, particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), drug release, stability, TEM, FTIR, DSC and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity.

Results: The optimum formulation (ME4/TPP0.25) demonstrated spherical particles with a PS of 1.56 ± 0.04 µm, a PDI value of 0.29 ± 0.05, ZP of +35.26 ± 0.9 mV, and EE% of 94.7 ± 0.24% and loading capacity of 11.7 ± 0.16% (w/w). In vivo studies demonstrated that ME4/TPP0.25 significantly suppressed knee joint swelling, and significantly reduced the levels of catabolic and inflammatory mediators (ALP and IL-6) compared to drug alone.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the optimum ETX-loaded PEMPs could be a promising formulation for knee osteoarthritis management.

Bromocriptine (BCM), a dopaminergic agonist used in Parkinson's disease treatment, has poor oral bioavailability due to extensive first-pass metabolism and limited gastrointestinal absorption. This study aimed to develop a β-cyclodextrin-functionalized bromocriptine nanoemulsion (oil-in-water) to enhance drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability while facilitating direct brain delivery via the intranasal route. The formulation was designed to overcome systemic metabolic barriers, improve drug permeation across the blood-brain barrier, and ensure sustained therapeutic effects with minimal systemic side effects. Nano-emulsions were prepared using high-shear homogenization. Characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphological analysis. Globule size and zeta potential were measured using Malvern Zetasizer. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used for structural analysis, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) assessed crystallinity. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was conducted for thermal analysis. Drug content and in-vitro drug release were evaluated using UV-visible spectroscopy. Stability studies were performed using centrifugation and freeze-thaw methods. Docking studies and Histopathological evaluation were also performed of the prepared formulations. Morphological studies revealed nano-sized globular particles with a mean diameter of 117.2 nm and a low polydispersity index (PDI 0.810), indicating uniformity. The nanoemulsion exhibited a zeta potential of -10.5 mV, ensuring colloidal stability. The encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of the optimized formulation (F4) was 95.36(% w/w,) with a drug load of approximately 9.5(% w/w). In-vitro drug release reached 85.65%, with permeation release of 78.44% and 70.13% ex-vivo. The formulation remained stable under freeze-thaw and centrifugation conditions. Cell toxicity assessments demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, with no significant cytotoxic effects observed in histopathological evaluations. This nanoemulsion presents a promising alternative to oral bromocriptine for Parkinson's treatment.

Hydrogels are three-dimensional structures that replicate natural tissues' extracellular matrix (ECM). They are essential for transporting exudates, gases, and moisture and facilitating cellular interactions in tissue engineering and wound healing. The choice of primary material in designing the scaffold is necessary to be paid more attention rather than common sources, including plant fibres like cotton, bamboo, and algae, as well as bacterial and marine-derived materials. Among them, cellulose-based polymers are especially valued for their biocompatibility and ability to promote wound healing. Chronic diabetic wounds pose unique treatment challenges, such as necrosis and infection risks. Consequently, a growing interest is in incorporating bioactive molecules into cellulose-based hydrogels. This article investigates how these infused hydrogels enhance the healing process in chronic diabetic wounds, examining various loading and crosslinking techniques alongside their clinical applications. It also discusses the benefits and limitations of bioactive molecules and their interactions with hydrogels to improve treatment strategies.

Aim: This study aimed to develop glibenclamide (GLC)-loaded nanosponges (NS) using β-cyclodextrin to improve dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of GLC.

Methods: Blank NS were produced using solvent technique with varying ratios of β-cyclodextrin and carbonyl-diimidazole. The hyper-crosslinked β-cyclodextrin was dispersed in de-ionized water, and then lyophilised. The GLC-loaded-NS were prepared using different ratios of GLC to the previously developed NS_1:4 and evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, TEM, SEM, DSC, PXRD, FTIR, loading efficiency, pharmacokinetically, pharmacodynamically, histologically and effect of storage.

Results: GLC:NS_1:4 showed highest solubility (46.36 ± 2.44%w/v), entrapment efficiency (36.1 ± 0.57%w/v), particle size 352 ± 6.1 nm and Z-potential -25.3 ± 0.3 mV. GLC:NS_1:4 exhibited porous, spherical nanoparticles, with confirmed drug encapsulation. In-vitro and in-vivo evaluations demonstrated an initial burst followed by sustained drug release, reducing blood glucose levels by 79.6 ± 0.43%. The effect of storage revealed no significant changes after 3 months.

Conclusion: GLC-NS complexation improved oral bioavailability and extended drug release, suggesting better patient compliance.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical public health concern that arises when microorganisms evolve mechanisms to evade the effects of antibiotics, thereby rendering conventional treatments ineffective. This growing challenge underscores the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Nanotechnology, particularly when combined with environmentally sustainable practices such as green synthesis, reduces the use of toxic substances and minimises waste, offering a promising solution. This review explores the green synthesis of antimicrobial nanoparticles using flavonoids-natural compounds with substantial biological activity-as reducing and stabilising agents. By systematically analysing articles from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, 10 key studies were identified. The primary nanoparticles examined were metallic, including silver, gold, copper, and metallic, which demonstrated notable efficacy against pathogens such as S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. The results support that green-synthesised nanoparticles represent a viable strategy to combat AMR, offering an effective and eco-friendly alternative for developing antimicrobial agents.

Aims: This study aimed to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of lamotrigine (LMG), an antiepileptic drug with low solubility, by formulating it into a nasal nanoemulsion (NE) for effective epilepsy control.

Methods: LMG was incorporated into a nasal nanoemulsion (LMG-NE) using a 3² factorial design via spontaneous emulsification method. LMG-NEs were characterised for drug loading (DL), entrapment efficiency (EE%), particle size, microscopic examination, rheological profile, phosphatidylcholine liposome uptake, in vitro release, anticonvulsant activity, and in vivo pharmacokinetics.

Results: The optimal formulation exhibited a DL of 79.03 ± 0.5 (w/w), an EE% of 80.2 ± 3.0%, a mean diameter of 182.78 ± 22.76 nm, and a zeta potential of 0.60 ± 0.04 mV. LMG was rapidly released, with 91.87% ± 4.54% of drug was released within 2 hours. The area under the curve (AUC_0-24) showed a 1.84-fold increase compared to standard formulations.

Conclusion: LMG-NE presents a promising alternative for epilepsy treatment, potentially reducing peripheral side effects and improving therapeutic outcomes.

Female reproductive cancers, including ovarian, cervical, breast, gestational trophoblastic and endometrial cancer, present significant challenges in therapy and patient prognosis. Conventional chemotherapy often lacks selectivity, leading to systemic toxicity and reduced treatment efficacy. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to improve drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes. Encapsulation of FDA-approved drugs within nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and lipid nanoparticles enables controlled drug release, reduces off-target effects, and enhances drug accumulation at tumor sites. This targeted delivery minimizes damage to healthy tissues and improves patient survival rates. Additionally, nanoformulations facilitate combination therapy, overcoming drug resistance and maximizing therapeutic efficacy. Despite promising results, challenges like scalability, reproducibility, and regulatory approvals hinder widespread clinical applications. Developing personalized nanoformulations tailored to individual patient profiles offers potential for precision cancer therapy. This study explores the role of nanoformulations in enhancing the therapeutic potential of FDA-approved drugs for treating female reproductive cancers.

In this study, antineoplastic effects of a novel soy lecithin-based phytosome drug delivery system containing Barleria lupulina Lindl. extract (BLSP) was evaluated. BLSP was prepared using the thin-film hydration method and analysed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Zetasizer technique. Phytosomes showed a mean-diameter of 135 ± 0.29 nm, zeta potential of -56 ± 1.16 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 57.24 ± 0.12%. The drug release profiles exhibited a two-phase pattern with a protracted and sustained release after the first release. BLSP had a cytotoxic potential against MCF-7 breast and HeLa cervical cancers and demonstrated a concentration-dependent reduction of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential. BLSP caused upregulation of B-cell lymphoma-2-associated-X protein, caspase-8, caspase-9, and cluster of differentiation-95, and downregulation of B-cell lymphoma-2. The in vivo toxicity study showed the safety of BLSP. Overall, BLSP has demonstrated potential as a promising formulation for delivering B. lupulina phytoconstituents to treat breast and cervical cancer.

Gadolinium (Gd) nanoparticles hold significant promise in medical theranostics due to their unique properties. This review outlines the synthesis, characterisation, and applications of Gd nanostructures in combating microbial threats and advancing cancer theragnostic strategies. Synthesis methods such as co-precipitation, microemulsion, and laser ablation are discussed, alongside TEM, SEM, and magnetic characterisation. The antimicrobial efficacy of Gd nanostructures, their potential in combination therapy, and promising anticancer mechanisms are explored. Biocompatibility, toxicity, and regulatory considerations are also evaluated. Challenges, future perspectives, and emerging trends in Gd nanostructure research are highlighted, emphasising their transformative potential in medical applications.

Aim: The study aims to fabricate and evaluate Nano-ceria encapsulated oleic acid (CeO₂ NPs-OA) to treat gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods: The CeO₂ NPs was synthesised by thermal decomposition. TEM, XRD, and FTIR confirms particles. In vitro studies on STZ-induced NIH 3T3 assessed antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In vivo studies were performed on pregnant mice induced with STZ, examined antidiabetic activity, oxidative stress, and dyslipidemia.

Results: The CeO₂ NPs-OA had a spherical structure and uniform distribution. A PDI of 0.5 with a zeta-potential of - 44 ± 2 mV. The DPPH and ABTS exhibit 40% and 39.21% antioxidant activity. The CeO₂ NPs-OA inhibits diabetes at 500 μg/mL. The in vivo studies confirmed the reduction in oxidative stress by reducing MDA (p < 0.05). The histopathological analysis of the STZ-induced model shows capillary, which CeO₂ NPs-OA reduced.

Conclusion: CeO₂ NPs-OA shows promise for treating GDM and improving maternal and foetal health.