Microencapsulation of Vitis vinifera grape pulp phenolic extract using maltodextrin and its application in gummy candy enrichment.

Phenolic extract of Vitis vinifera grape pulp was prepared using ultrasonication at frequencies of 28, 40, and 28-40 kHz with a 1:10, 1:15, and 1:20 ratio of solid (grape pulp) to water. The 1:10 ratio and 40 kHz frequency were considered optimal conditions for the preparation of red grape pulp extract (RGPE). Then, RGPE was encapsulated within maltodextrin using a spray drying technique, and the produced powder was used in the gummy candy production. The results revealed that the phenolic content of the powder was almost constant during the storage time. The solubility of the powder decreased, whereas its moisture content increased during the 45-day storage period. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that the produced microparticles had spherical shapes with a micron size. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction showed that RGPE was encapsulated in the structure of maltodextrin through the formation of hydrogen bonds, considering the amorphous structure of the powder. The antioxidant properties of the microencapsulated RGPE containing gummy candy were preserved. Sensory evaluation and colorimetric values of the enriched gummy candy had acceptable results compared to the control sample. In general, microencapsulation of RGPE within maltodextrin as a carrier using the spray drying technique and its application in gummy candy enrichment could be useful.

A self-healing crosslinked-xanthan gum/soy protein based film containing halloysite nanotube and propolis with antibacterial and antioxidant activity for wound healing.

Traumatic multidrug-resistant bacterial infections are the most threat to wound healing. Lower extremity wounds under diabetic conditions display a significant delay during the healing process. To overcome these challenges, the utilization of protein-based nanocomposite dressings is crucial in implementing a successful regenerative medicine approach. These dressings hold significant potential as polymer scaffolds, allowing them to mimic the properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM). So, the objective of this study was to develop a nanocomposite film using dialdehyde-xanthan gum/soy protein isolate incorporated with propolis (PP) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) (DXG-SPI/PP/HNTs). In this protein-polysaccharide hybrid system, the self-healing capability was demonstrated through Schiff bonds, providing a favorable environment for cell encapsulation in the field of tissue engineering. To improve the properties of the DXG-SPI film, the incorporation of polyphenols found in PP, particularly flavonoids, is proposed. The synthesized films were subjected to investigations regarding degradation, degree of swelling, and mechanical characteristics. Additionally, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were introduced into the DXG-SPI/PP nanocomposite films as a reinforcing filler with varying concentrations of 3 %, 5 %, and 7 % by weight. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis confirmed the proper embedding and dispersion of HNTs onto the DXG-SPI/PP nanocomposite films, leading to functional interfacial interactions. The structure and crystallinity of the synthesized nanocomposite films were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Moreover, the developed DXG-SPI/PP/HNTs nanocomposite films significantly improved cell growth of NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells in the presence of PP and HNTs, indicating their cytocompatibility. The antibacterial activity of the nanocomposite was evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. Coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus), which are commonly associated with wound infections. Overall, our findings suggest that the synthesis of DXG-SPI/PP/HNTs nanocomposite scaffolds holds great promise as a clinically relevant biomaterial and exhibits strong potential for numerous challenging biomedical applications.

Electrospun EU/HPMC nanofibers decorated by ZIF-8 nanoparticle as the advanced electrochemical biosensor modifier for sensitive and selective detection of c-MET cancer biomarker in human plasma sample.

This research presents a selective and sensitive electrochemical biosensor for the detection of the mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET). The biosensing is based on a modification of the SPCE (screen-printed carbon electrode) with the electrospun nanofiber containing eudragit (EU), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and Zeolite imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8) nanoparticles. EU/HPMC/ZIF-8 nanofibers have presented a high capability of electron transfer, and more active surface area than bare SPCE due to synergistic effects between EU, HPMC, and ZIF-8. On the other hand, EU/HPMC nanofibers provided high porosity, flexible structures, high specific surface area, and good mechanical strength. The presence of ZIF-8 nanoparticles improved the immobilization of anti-c-MET on the modified SPCE and also resulted in increasing the conductivity. By c-MET incubation on the modified SPCE, c-MET was connected to anti-c-MET, and consequently the electrochemical signal of [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- as the anion redox probe was reduced. In order to investigate the structural and morphological characteristics and elemental composition of electrospun nanofibers, various characterization methods including FE-SEM, XRD, FTIR, and EDS were used. Under optimum conditions with a working potential range -0.3-0.6 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), linear range (LR), correlation coefficient (R2), sensitivity, and limit of detection (LOD) were acquired at 100 fg/mL-100 ng/mL, 0.9985, 53.28 µA/cm2.dec, and 1.28 fg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the mentioned biosensor was investigated in a human plasma sample to determine c-MET and showed ideal results including reproducibility, stability, and good selectivity against other proteins.

Tuning a green carboxymethyl cellulose-based pre-tanning agent via peroxide oxidation for high chrome exhaustion in leather industry.

The low chrome uptake by collagen in the conventional tanning process leads to the pollution of the wastewater. Due to environmental concerns, leather scientists are already searching for innovative ways to produce pre-tanning agents as a high exhaustion chrome tanning auxiliary. Herein, a novel kind of pre-tanning agent is engineered by converting carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) to oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose (OCMC) via the hydrogen peroxide process. FT-IR and carboxyl content analysis demonstrated the increase in carboxyl content after oxidation. After that, the obtained OCMC was utilized as a pre-tanning agent, resulting in a high exhaustion of chrome (92.76 %) which is 27.76 % more than conventional chrome tanning (65 %), and the amount of chrome in wastewater reduced to 7.24 %. The hydrothermal stability of wet-blue increased by increasing the uptake of chrome (Ts = 118 °C). The obtained crust leather represented excellent mechanical properties (Tensile strength: 305.68 kg/cm2; tear strength: 50 kg/cm) and desirable organoleptic properties. The environmental analysis signifies a significant step towards a cleaner and sustainable tanning process (COD = 1600, BOD5 = 560 mg/L) compared to the conventional chrome tanning process. Consequently, the obtained results offer a green pre-tanning agent to meet the requirements of the sustainable development of the leather industry.

Polycaprolactone/polyacrylic acid/graphene oxide composite nanofibers as a highly efficient sorbent to remove lead toxic metal from drinking water and apple juice.

Due to the characteristics of electrospun nanofibers (NFs), they are considered a suitable substrate for the adsorption and removal of heavy metals. Electrospun nanofibers are prepared based on optimized polycaprolactone (PCL, 12 wt%) and polyacrylic acid (PAA, 1 wt%) polymers loaded with graphene oxide nanoparticles (GO NPs, 1 wt%). The morphological, molecular interactions, crystallinity, thermal, hydrophobicity, and biocompatibility properties of NFs are characterized by spectroscopy (scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis), contact angle, and MTT tests. Finally, the adsorption efficacy of NFs to remove lead (Pb2+) from water and apple juice samples was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The average diameter for PCL, PCL/PAA, and PCL/PAA/GO NFs was 137, 500, and 216 nm, respectively. Additionally, the contact angle for PCL, PCL/PAA, and PCL/PAA/GO NFs was obtained at 74.32º, 91.98º, and 94.59º, respectively. The cytotoxicity test has shown non-toxicity for fabricated NFs against the HUVEC endothelial cell line by more than 80% survival during 72 h. Under optimum conditions including pH (= 6), temperature (25 °C), Pb concentration (25 to 50 mg/L), and time (15 to 30 min), the adsorption efficiency was generally between 80 and 97%. The adsorption isotherm model of PCL/PAA/GO NFs in the adsorption of lead metal follows the Langmuir model, and the reaction kinetics follow the pseudo-second-order. PCL/PA/GO NFs have shown adsorption of over 80% in four consecutive cycles. The adsorption efficacy of NFs to remove Pb in apple juice has reached 76%. It is appropriate and useful to use these nanofibers as a high-efficiency adsorbent in water and food systems based on an analysis of their adsorption properties and how well they work.

Development of an injectable chitosan-based hydrogel containing nano-hydroxy-apatite and alendronate for MSC-based therapy.

BACKGROUND: The combination of cells and biomaterials has become a powerful approach to regenerative medicine in recent years. Understanding the in-vitro interactions between cells and biomaterials is crucial for the success of regenerative medicine. AIM: In this study, we developed an AD-pectin/chitosan/nano-crystalline cellulose scaffold with nano-hydroxy-apatite (n-HAP) and alendronate (ALN). The second step was to evaluate its effect on the immunomodulatory properties and biological behaviors of seeded adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) for bone tissue repair. MATERIAL AND METHOD: After preparing and evaluating the characterization tests of the new combined n-HAP scaffold, we established different culture conditions to evaluate ADSC growth on this scaffold with or without ALN. The main assays were MTT assay, RT-PCR, and ELISA. RESULTS: Our data regarding characterization tests (including SEM, TGA, FTIR, gelation time, swelling ratio, rheology and degradation tests) of ALN-loaded n-HAP scaffold showed the proper stability and good mechanical status of the scaffold. ADSC proliferation and viability increased in the presence of the scaffold compared with other conditions. Moreover, our data demonstrated increased gene expression and protein levels of anti-inflammatory TGF-ß, HGF, and IDO cytokines in the presence of the ALN-loaded n-HAP scaffold, indicating the increased immunosuppressive activity of ADSCs in vitro. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the promising abilities of the ALN-loaded n-HAP scaffold to increase the proliferation, viability, and immunomodulatory capacity of ADSCs, elucidating new aspects of cell-material interactions that can be used for bone tissue regeneration/repair, and paving the path of future research in developing new approaches for MSC- based therapy.

A novel designed nanofibrous mat based on hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose incorporating mango peel extract for potential use in wound care system.

Skin tissue is damaged by factors such as burns, physical injuries and diseases namely diabetes. Infection and non-healing of burn wounds and lack of angiogenesis in diabetic wounds lead to extensive injuries and death. Therefore, the design of wound dressings with antibacterial and restorative capabilities is very important. In this study, nanofibers (NFs) including polyurethane (PU) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) were prepared with different ratios and Mango peel extract (MPE) loaded into NFs by electrospinning method. The morphology, chemical structure, porosity, degradation, water vapor permeability, mechanical properties, wettability, antioxidant activity and some cell studies and evaluation of their antibacterial properties were investigated. The optimal mat (PU90/HPMC10) had a defect-free morphology with homogeneous NFs. Furthermore, it showed improved biodegradability, water vapor permeability and porosity compared to other Mats. All NFs were non-toxic with hydrophilic behavior in the cellular environment and had acceptable hemocompatibility. The PU90/HPMC10/20 % optimal scaffold had significantly higher cell viability and proliferation than other samples and also had a higher antibacterial ability against pathogenic bacteria S. aureus (17 mm) and E. coli (11 mm). All these findings confirm that the produced NF mats, especially those loaded with MPE, have a high potential to be used as an effective wound dressing.

Detection of receptor tyrosine kinase-orphan receptor-2 using an electrochemical immunosensor modified with electrospun nanofibers comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone, soy, and gold nanoparticles.

An electrochemical immunosensing platform was developed for the detection of receptor tyrosine kinase-orphan receptor-2 (ROR2) at a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with the electrospun nanofiber containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), soy, and Au nanoparticles (AuNPs). The PVP/soy/AuNP nanofiber exhibited good electrochemical behavior due to synergistic effects between PVP, soy, and AuNPs. The PVP/soy in the modified film provided good mechanical strength, high porosity, flexible structures, and high specific surface area. On the other hand, the presence of AuNPs effectively improved conductivity, as well as the immobilization of anti-ROR2 on the modified GCE, leading to enhanced sensitivity. Various characterization approaches such as FE-SEM, FTIR, and EDS were used for investigating the morphological and structural features, and the elemental composition. The designed immunosensor performance was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under optimum conditions with a working potential range from -0.2 to 0.6 V (vs. SCE), sensitivity, linear range (LR), limit of detection (LOD), and correlation coefficient (R2) were acquired at 122.26 µA/cm2 dec, 0.01-1000 pg/mL, 3.39 fg/mL, and 0.9974, respectively. Furthermore, the determination of ROR2 in human plasma samples using the designed immunosensing platform was examined and exhibited satisfactory results including good selectivity against other proteins, reproducibility, and cyclic stability.

The effect of κ-carrageenan and ursolic acid on the physicochemical properties of the electrospun nanofibrous mat for biomedical application.

Wound dressing materials such as nanofiber (NF) mats have gained a lot of attention in recent years owing to their wonderful effect on accelerating the healing process and protection of wounds. In this regard, three different types of NF mats were fabricated using pure polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), PVP/κ-carrageenan (KG), and ursolic acid (UA) in the optimal PVP/KG ratio by electrospinning method to apply them as wound dressings. The morphology, chemical structure, degradation, porosity, mechanical properties and antioxidant activity of the produced NFs were investigated. Moreover, cell studies (e.g., cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration) and their antibacterial properties were evaluated. Adding KG and UA reduced the mean diameter size of the PVP-based NFs to ∼98 nm in the optimal sample, with defect-free morphology. The PVP/KG/UA 0.25 % exhibited the highest porosity, hydrophilicity, and degradation rate and a wound closure rate of 60 %, 2.5 times higher than that of the control group. Furthermore, this sample's proliferation and antibacterial ability were significantly higher than the other groups. These findings confirmed that the produced UA-loaded NFs have excellent properties as wound dressing.

Technological, nutritional, and biological properties of apricot kernel protein hydrolyzates affected by various commercial proteases.

The effect of enzymatic hydrolysis of apricot kernel protein with different proteases (Alcalase, pancreatin, pepsin, and trypsin) on the amino acid content, degree of hydrolysis (DH), antioxidant, and antibacterial characteristics of the resulting hydrolyzates was investigated in this study. The composition of amino acids (hydrophobic: ~35%; antioxidant: ~13%), EAA/TAA ratio (~34%), and PER index (~1.85) indicates the ability of the hydrolyzate as a source of nutrients and antioxidants with high digestibility. Enzymatic hydrolysis with increasing DH (from 3.1 to a maximum of 37.9%) led to improved solubility (especially in the isoelectric range) and changes in water- and oil-holding capacity. The highest free radical scavenging activity of DPPH (83.3%), ABTS (88.1%), TEAC (2.38 mM), OH (72.5%), NO (65.7%), antioxidant activity in emulsion and formation of TBARS (0.36 mg MDA/L), total antioxidant (1.61), reducing power (1.17), chelation of iron (87.7%), copper (34.8%) ions, and inhibition of the growth of Escherichia coli (16.3 mm) and Bacillus cereus (15.4 mm) were affected by the type of enzymes (especially Alcalase). This research showed that apricot kernel hydrolyzate could serve as a nutrient source, emulsifier, stabilizer, antioxidant, and natural antibacterial agent in functional food formulations.

Soy protein isolate/kappa-carrageenan/cellulose nanofibrils composite film incorporated with zenian essential oil-loaded MOFs for food packaging.

Edible films applied in food packaging must possess excellent inhibitory and mechanical properties. Protein-based films exhibit a high capacity for film formation and offer good gas barrier properties. However, they have weak mechanical and water barrier characteristics. The objective of this research was to develop active composite films based on reinforced soy protein isolate (SPI)/Kappa-carrageenan (K) with varying concentrations of bacterial cellulose nanofibrils (BCN). Increasing the BCN concentration improved the morphological, structural, mechanical, water vapor barrier, and moisture content properties. In comparison to the pure SPI film (S), the film with a high BCN concentration demonstrated a significant decrease in WS (22.98 ± 0.78 %), MC (21.72 ± 0.68 %), WVP (1.22 ± 0.14 g mm-1 S-1 Pa-1 10-10), and EAB (57.77 ± 5.25 %) properties. It should be emphasized that there was no significant alteration in the physicomechanical properties of the optimal film (SKB0.75) containing Zenian-loaded metal-organic frameworks (ZM). However, it substantially enhanced the thermal stability of this film, which can be attributed to the strong interfacial interactions between polymer chains and ZM. Furthermore, the ZM films inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria and increased the DPPH antioxidant activity. Thus, SKB0.75-ZM2 films can be utilized as practical components in food packaging.

Optimization and characterization of carrageenan/gelatin-based nanogel containing ginger essential oil enriched electrospun ethyl cellulose/casein nanofibers.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nano-gels containing ginger essential oil (GEO) (NGs) made from gelatin and carrageenan gum on ethyl cellulose/casein nano-fibers (NFs). For this purpose, the mechanical, thermal, morphological, antibacterial, antioxidant, hemocompatibility, and biocompatibility properties of the NFs were assessed. It was observed that incorporating NGs into ethyl cellulose/casein NFs improved their morphology, porosity, mechanical properties, and thermal stability. Analysis of the SEM images revealed that adding NGs resulted in NFs with appropriate morphology, devoid of beads, and smaller diameters. The NFs containing NGs exhibited favorable antioxidant properties and inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Cell viability studies demonstrated that none of the NFs were toxic to normal cells (Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC)) and exhibited hemocompatibility. Considering these properties, ethyl cellulose/casein NFs containing NGs and GEO can be utilized as food packaging materials.

Label-free electrochemical immunosensor for detection of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) using a specific monoclonal receptor on electrospun Zein-based nanofibers/rGO-modified electrode.

A novel electrochemical immunosensor was developed for ultrasensitive determination of the hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) based on immobilization of a specific monoclonal antibody on the electrospun nanofibers of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/Zein-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoparticle. The nanofibers deposited on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) showed good electrochemical behaviors with synergistic effects between PAN, Zein, and rGO. PAN/Zein nanofibers were used due to flexibility, high porosity, good mechanical strength, high specific surface area, and flexible structures, while rGO nanoparticles were used to improve the detection sensitivity and anti-IGF-1 immobilizing. Different characterization techniques were applied consisting of FE-SEM, FT-IR, and EDS for the investigation of morphological features and nanofiber size. The redox reactions of [Fe(CN)6]4-/3- on the modified electrode surface were probed for studying the immobilization and determination processes, using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Under optimal conditions, LOD (limit of detection) and LOQ (limit of quantification) were obtained as 55.72 fg/mL and 185.73 fg/mL respectively, and sensitivity was acquired 136.29 µA/cm2.dec. Moreover, a wide linear range was obtained ranging from 1 pg/mL to 10 ng/mL for IGF-1. Furthermore, the proposed method was applied for the analysis of IGF-1 in several human plasma samples with acceptable results, and it also exhibited high selectivity, stability, and reproducibility.

Investigating of the anticancer activity of salen/salophen metal complexes based on graphene quantum dots: Induction of apoptosis as part of biological activity.

This research work is the first report on the synthesis and stabilization of [Fe-Salophen] and [Fe-Salen] complexes by two methods of surface modification and anchoring of synthesized Schiff base ligand on the surface of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). The GQDs contain oxygenated functional groups that can act as non-radiative electron-hole recombination centers. Therefore removing these oxygen functional groups may improve quantum yield by reducing or deactivating the surface. In this work, GQDs with the amine functional group were synthesized with a quantum yield of 37.48%. The physicochemical properties of GQDs were investigated by Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and fluorescence spectroscopies, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Transmission electron microscope (TEM). The synthesis of GQDs-[Fe-Salen] and GQDs-[Fe-Salophen] was evaluated by FT-IR, Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX) analyses. Then, using MTT- assay, annexin V-FITC/PI, DAPI staining and cellular uptake assays, the biochemical activity of these complexes on the MCF7 cell line was investigated. The results shows that GQDs-[Fe-Salen] and GQDs-[Fe-Salophen] affect the survival of MCF7 cancer cells and, by nuclear fragmentation cause 35.77% and 19.41% of early apoptosis in cells, respectively. Also was found cellular uptake of GQDs-[Fe-Salen] is higher than that of GQDs-[Fe-Salophen].

Ultrasound-Triggered Microbubbles: Novel Targeted Core-Shell for the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction Disease.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is known as a main cardiovascular disease that leads to extensive cell death by destroying vasculature in the affected cardiac muscle. The development of ultrasound-mediated microbubble destruction has inspired extensive interest in myocardial infarction therapeutics, targeted delivery of drugs, and biomedical imaging. In this work, we describe a novel therapeutic ultrasound system for the targeted delivery of biocompatible microstructures containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to the MI region. The microspheres were fabricated using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-heparin-polyethylene glycol- cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartate-platelet (PLGA-HP-PEG-cRGD-platelet). The micrometer-sized core-shell particles consisting of a perfluorohexane (PFH)-core and a PLGA-HP-PEG-cRGD-platelet-shell were prepared using microfluidics. These particles responded adequately to ultrasound irradiation by triggering the vaporization and phase transition of PFH from liquid to gas in order to achieve microbubbles. Ultrasound imaging, encapsulation efficiency cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake of bFGF-MSs were evaluated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. In vivo imaging demonstrated effective accumulation of platelet- microspheres injected into the ischemic myocardium region. The results revealed the potential use of bFGF-loaded microbubbles as a noninvasive and effective carrier for MI therapy.

Preparation of MnO2@poly-(DMAEMA-co-IA)-conjugated methotrexate nano-complex for MRI and radiotherapy of breast cancer application.

OBJECTIVE: A novel efficient pH-sensitive targeted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent and innovative radio-sensitizing system were synthesized based on MnO2 NPs coated with biocompatible poly-dimethyl-amino-ethyl methacrylate-Co-itaconic acid, (DMAEMA-Co-IA) and targeted with methotrexate (MTX). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The as-established NPs were fully characterized and evaluated for MRI signal enhancement, relaxivity, in vitro cell targeting, cell toxicity, blood compatibility, and radiotherapy (RT) efficacy. RESULTS: The targeted NPs MnO2@Poly(DMAEMA-Co-IA) and MTX-loaded NPs inhibited MCF-7 cell viability more effectively than free MTX after 24 and 48 h, respectively, with no noticeable toxicity. Additionally, the insignificant hemolytic activity demonstrated their proper hemo-compatibility. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was used to distinguish the differential uptake of the produced MnO2@Poly(DMAEMA-Co-IA)-MTX NPs in malignant cells compared to normal ones in the presence of high and low MTX receptor cells (MCF-7 and MCF-10A, respectively). In MRI, the produced theranostic NPs displayed pH-responsive contrast enhancement. As shown by in vitro assays, treatment of cells with MnO2@Poly(DMAEMA-Co-IA)-MTX NPs prior to radiotherapy in hypoxic conditions significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy. CONCLUSION: We draw the conclusion that using MnO2@Poly(DMAEMA-Co-IA)-MTX NPs in MR imaging and combination radiotherapy may be a successful method for imaging and radiation therapy of hypoxia cells.

Novel electrospun nanofibers based on gelatin/oxidized xanthan gum containing propolis reinforced by Schiff base cross-linking for food packaging.

Gelatin-based electrospun fibers are promising materials for food packaging but suffer from high hydrophilicity and weak mechanical properties. To overcome these limitations, in the current study, gelatin-based nanofibers were reinforced by using oxidized xanthan gum (OXG) as a crosslinking agent. The nanofibers' morphology was investigated through SEM, and the observations showed that the fibers' diameter was decreased by enhancing OXG content. The resultant fibers with more OXG content exhibited high tensile stress so the optimal sample obtained showed a tensile stress of 13.24 ± 0.76 MPa, which is up to 10 times more than neat gelatin fiber. Adding OXG to gelatin fibers reduced water vapor permeability, water solubility, and moisture content properties while increasing thermal stability and porosity. Additionally, the nanofibers containing propolis displayed a homogenous morphology with high antioxidant and antibacterial activities. In general, the findings suggested that the designed fibers could be used as a matrix for active food packaging.

Synthesis and characterization of actively HER-2 Targeted Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles for molecular radiosensitization of breast cancer.

Introduction: The present study was done to assess the effect of molecularly-targeted core/shell of iron oxide/gold nanoparticles (Fe3O4@AuNPs) on tumor radiosensitization of SKBr-3 breast cancer cells. Methods: Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2)-targeted Fe3O4@AuNPs were synthesized by conjugating trastuzumab (TZ, Herceptin) to PEGylated (PEG)-Fe3O4@AuNPs (41.5 nm). First, the Fe3O4@Au core-shell NPs were decorated with PEG-SH to synthesize PEG-Fe3O4@AuNPs. Then, the TZ was reacted to OPSS-PEG-SVA to conjugate with the PEG-Fe3O4@AuNPs. As a result, structure, size and morphology of the developed NPs were assessed using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The SKBr-3 cells were treated with different concentrations of TZ, Fe3O4@Au, and TZ-PEG-Fe3O4@AuNPs for irradiation at doses of 2, 4, and 8 Gy (from X-ray energy of 6 and 18 MV). Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay, BrdU assay, and flow cytometry. Results: Results showed that the targeted TZ-PEG-Fe3O4@AuNPs significantly improved cell uptake. The cytotoxic effects of all the studied groups were increased in a higher concentration, radiation dose and energy-dependent manner. A combination of TZ, Fe3O4@Au, and TZ-PEG-Fe3O4@AuNPs with radiation reduced cell viability by 1.35 (P=0.021), 1.95 (P=0.024), and 1.15 (P=0.013) in comparison with 8 Gy dose of 18 MV radiation alone, respectively. These amounts were obtained as 1.27, 1.58, and 1.10 for 8 Gy dose of 6 MV irradiation, respectively. Conclusion: Radiosensitization of breast cancer to mega-voltage radiation therapy with TZ-PEG-Fe3O4@AuNPs was successfully obtained through an optimized therapeutic approach for molecular targeting of HER-2.

Encapsulation of Vitamins Using Nanoliposome: Recent Advances and Perspectives.

Nowadays the importance of vitamins is clear for everyone. However, many patients are suffering from insufficient intake of vitamins. Incomplete intake of different vitamins from food sources due to their destruction during food processing or decrease in their bioavailability when mixing with other food materials, are factors resulting in vitamin deficiency in the body. Therefore, various lipid based nanocarriers such as nanoliposomes were developed to increase the bioavailability of bioactive compounds. Since the function of nanoliposomes containing vitamins on the body has a direct relationship with the quality of produced nanoliposomes, this review study was planned to investigate the several aspects of liposomal characteristics such as size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency on the quality of synthesized vitamin-loaded nanoliposomes.