Tailored Sticky Solutions: 3D-Printed Miconazole Buccal Films for Pediatric Oral Candidiasis.

In this research, 3D-printed antifungal buccal films (BFs) were manufactured as a potential alternative to commercially available antifungal oral gels addressing key considerations such as ease of manufacturing, convenience of administration, enhanced drug efficacy and suitability of paediatric patients. The fabrication process involved the use of a semi-solid extrusion method to create BFs from zein-Poly-Vinyl-Pyrrolidone (zein-PVP) polymer blend, which served as a carrier for drug (miconazole) and taste enhancers. After manufacturing, it was determined that the disintegration time for all films was less than 10 min. However, these films are designed to adhere to buccal tissue, ensuring sustained drug release. Approximately 80% of the miconazole was released gradually over 2 h from the zein/PVP matrix of the 3D printed films. Moreover, a detailed physicochemical characterization including spectroscopic and thermal methods was conducted to assess solid state and thermal stability of film constituents. Mucoadhesive properties and mechanical evaluation were also studied, while permeability studies revealed the extent to which film-loaded miconazole permeates through buccal tissue compared to commercially available oral gel formulation. Histological evaluation of the treated tissues was followed. Furthermore, in vitro antifungal activity was assessed for the developed films and the commercial oral gel. Finally, films underwent a two-month drug stability test to ascertain the suitability of the BFs for clinical application. The results demonstrate that 3D-printed films are a promising alternative for local administration of miconazole in the oral cavity.

Enhancement of lemongrass essential oil physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity by encapsulation in zein-caseinate nanocomposite.

Essential oils (EOs) represent a pivotal source for developing potent antimicrobial drugs. However, EOs have seldom found their way to the pharmaceutical market due to their instability and low bioavailability. Nanoencapsulation is an auspicious strategy that may circumvent these limitations. In the current study, lemongrass essential oil (LGO) was encapsulated in zein-sodium caseinate nanoparticles (Z-NaCAS NPs). The fabricated nanocomposite was characterized using dynamic light scattering, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and transmission electron microscopy. The antimicrobial activity of LGO loaded NPs was assessed in comparison to free LGO against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Furthermore, their antibacterial mechanism was examined by alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, bacterial DNA and protein assays, and scanning electron microscopy. Results confirmed the successful encapsulation of LGO with particle size of 243 nm, zeta potential of - 32 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 84.7%. Additionally, the encapsulated LGO showed an enhanced thermal stability and a sustained release pattern. Furthermore, LGO loaded NPs exhibited substantial antibacterial activity, with a significant 2 to 4 fold increase in cell wall permeability and intracellular enzymes leakage versus free LGO. Accordingly, nanoencapsulation in Z-NaCAS NPs improved LGO physicochemical and antimicrobial properties, expanding their scope of pharmaceutical applications.

A curcumin-loaded biopolymeric nanocomposite alleviates dextran sulfate sodium induced ulcerative colitis via suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Functional drugs nano delivery systems manufactured from natural active products are promising for the field of biomedicines. In this study, an anti-ulcerative colitis (UC) curcumin loaded biopolymeric nanocomposite (CZNH) was fabricated and investigated. CZNH nanocomposite was obtained using the anti-solvent precipitation method, wherein curcumin-loaded zein colloidal particles served as the core, while sodium casein (NaCas) and hyaluronic acid (HA) formed the outermost layer of CZNH nanocomposite. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) findings demonstrated that CZNH nanocomposite was a double-layer spherical micelle (250 nm) resulting from the hydrogen bond interactions and electrostatic adsorptions between zein, NaCas, and HA. Furthermore, CZNH nanocomposite exhibited prominent resuspension and storage stability in aqueous solution, which can be stored at 4 °C for approximately 30 days. In vivo anti-UC studies showed that CZNH nanocomposite could effectively alleviate UC symptoms via mediating inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and IL-6], myeloperoxidase (MPO), and oxidative stress factor [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)]. This study suggested that the CZNH nanocomposite showed great promise as an efficient curcumin nanocarrier for UC therapy.

Evaluating the osteogenic properties of polyhydroxybutyrate-zein/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) electrospun composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications.

In this investigation, the electrospun nanocomposite scaffolds were developed utilizing poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), zein, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at varying concentrations of MWCNTs including 0.5 and 1 wt%. Based on the SEM evaluations, the scaffold containing 1 wt% MWCNTs (PZ-1C) exhibited the lowest fiber diameter (384 ± 99 nm) alongside a suitable porosity percentage. The presence of zein and MWCNT in the chemical structure of the scaffold was evaluated by FTIR. Furthermore, TEM images revealed the alignment of MWCNTs with the fibers. Adding 1 % MWCNTs to the PHB-zein scaffold significantly enhanced tensile strength by about 69 % and reduced elongation by about 31 %. Hydrophilicity, surface roughness, crystallinity, and biomineralization were increased by incorporating 1 wt% MWCNTs, while weight loss after in vitro degradation was decreased. The MG-63 cells exhibited enhanced attachment, viability, ALP secretion, calcium deposition, and gene expression (COLI, RUNX2, and OCN) when cultivated on the scaffold containing MWCNTs compared to the scaffolds lacking MWCNTs. Moreover, the study found that MWCNTs significantly reduced platelet adhesion and hemolysis rates below 4 %, indicating their favorable anti-hemolysis properties. Regarding the aforementioned results, the PZ-1C electrospun composite scaffold is a promising scaffold with osteogenic properties for bone tissue engineering applications.

Batch preparation and characterization of zein-based beaded nanofiber membranes for active food packaging.

Active packaging can efficiently enhance the shelf life of food, realizing the encapsulation and effective release of antibacterial agents and antioxidants. Zein is a natural protein derived from corn, widely used in food packaging. In this work, zein-based nanofiber membranes (NFMs) with beaded structures for food packaging were fabricated in batch using a self-made free surface electrospinning. The characteristics of NFMs were investigated in terms of their morphologies, structures and properties. The results illustrated that the antioxidant activity of NFMs was significantly improved after adding licorice extracts. Moreover, after adding the eugenol to the zein/licorice extract NFMs, zein/licorice extract/eugenol (ZLE) NFM had outstanding antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which effectively prolonged the shelf-life of the grapes when it was used to package grapes. It proved that ZLE NFM had great potential in food packaging applications.

Molecular regulation of rapeseed protein for improving its techno-functional properties.

To improve the techno-functional properties of rapeseed protein (RP), this work tried to regulate the molecular structure of RP via inducing the co-assembly of RP with zein and whey protein (WP). The results showed that WP and zein mainly regulate the folding process of RP through hydrophobic and disulfide bonds, thereby altering the structural conformation and forming stable complex RP (CRP). WP addition not only increased the number of surface charges and hydrophilicity of proteins, but also decreased their sizes, improved the water solubility, as well as the availability of active groups. These changes significantly increased the foaming capacity (from 60 % to 147 %) and in vitro gastric digestion rate (from 10 % to 60 %) of CRP. Besides, WP also contributed to the formation of gels and the regulation of their textural profiles. Comparatively, zein improved the hydrophobicity of CRP and balanced degree of intermolecular forces, which effectively increased the emulsifying activity index of CRP from 22 m2/g to 90 m2/g. Zein decreased the hardness, springiness and water-holding capacity of gel, but increased its gumminess and chewiness. Overall, both WP and zein effectively changed the structural conformation of RP, and improved its techno-functional properties, which provides an effective strategy to modify protein.

Preparation of nanoparticle and nanoemulsion formulations containing repaglinide and determination of pharmacokinetic parameters in rats.

Repaglinide (RPG) belongs to the class of drugs known as meglitinides and is used for improving and maintaining glycemic control in the treatment of patients with Type 2 diabetes. RPG is a Class II drug (BCS) because of its high permeability and low water solubility. It also undergoes hepatic first-pass metabolism. The oral bioavailability of RPG is low (about 56 %) due to these drawbacks. Our aim in this study is to prepare two different nano-sized drug carrier systems containing RPG (nanoparticle: RPG-PLGA-Zein-NPs or nanoemulsion: RPG-NE) and to carry out a pharmacokinetic study for these formulations. We prepared NPs using PLGA and Zein. In addition, a single NE formulation was developed using Tween 80 and Pluronic F68 as surfactants and Labrasol as co-surfactant. The droplet size values of the blank-NE and RPG-NE formulations were found to be less than 120 nm. The mean particle sizes of blank-Zein-PLGA-NPs and RPG-Zein-PLGA-NPs were less than 260 nm. The Cmax and tmax values of RPG-Zein-PLGA-NPs and RPG-NE (523 ± 65 ng/mL and 770 ± 91 ng/mL; 1.41 ± 0.46 h and 1.61 ± 0.37 h, respectively) were meaningfully higher than those of free RPG (280 ± 33 ng/mL; 0.72 ± 0.28 h) (p < 0.05). The AUC0-∞ values calculated for RPG-Zein-PLGA-NPs and RPG-NE were approximately 4.04 and 5.05 times higher than that calculated for free RPG. These nanosized drug delivery systems were useful in increasing the oral bioavailability of RPG. Moreover, the NE formulation was more effective than the NP formulation in improving the oral bioavailability of RPG (p < 0.05).

Novel PEI/Zein core-shell composite as mixed-mode stationary phase for high performance liquid chromatography.

Based on the adhesion of polyethyleneimine (PEI), a novel PEI/zein co-modified core-shell stationary phase (PEI/Zein@SiO2) was prepared by doping zein to form a composite modification layer. The stationary phase achieved effective separation of nucleosides, bases and antibiotics in hydrophilic interaction mode on account of the hydrophilic groups of composite coating. With the hydrophobicity of zein, the flavones could be separated in reversed-phase mode. In short, the separation and analysis of hydrophilic/hydrophobic compounds were accomplished excellently by the PEI/Zein@SiO2 column with mixed double mode. The prepared chromatographic stationary phase not only avoided the dissolution of zein, but also covered the strong adsorption of some analytes caused by silica hydroxyl groups on the surface of silica spheres. The morphological structure and specific surface area of the material were reflected by various characterization techniques. Hydrophilic/hydrophobic compounds were used as tested analytes to research separation performance and retention mechanisms of PEI/Zein@SiO2 column. The stability and reproducibility of the PEI/Zein@SiO2 stationary phase were satisfied. Therefore, the modification of zein could improve the separation selectivity of stationary phase effectively for complex samples, which had the potential to be one of the significant potential application materials in stationary phase packing.

The smart nanocarrier containing zein/starch co-biopolymers enhanced by graphitic carbon nitride; exploring opportunities in brain cancer treatment.

In this investigation, we present an innovative pH-responsive nanocomposite designed to address challenges associated with using 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in cancer therapy. The nanocomposite containing zein (Z), starch (S), and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) macromolecules is synthesized by a water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsion technique, serving as a carrier for 5-FU. The S/Z hydrogel matrix's entrapment and loading efficiency are greatly improved by adding g-C3N4 nanosheets, reaching noteworthy values of 45.25 % and 86.5 %, respectively, for drug loading efficiency and entrapment efficiency. Characterization through FTIR and XRD validates the successful loading of 5-FU, elucidating the chemical bonding within the nanocomposite and crystalline characteristics. Structural analysis using FESEM, along with DLS and zeta potential measurements, reveals an average nanocomposite size of 193.48 nm, indicating a controlled structure, and a zeta potential of -42.32 mV, signifying a negatively charged surface. Studies on the in vitro release of drugs reveal that 5-FU is delivered more effectively and sustainably in acidic environments than in physiological circumstances. This highlights the fact that the created nanocarrier is pH-sensitive. Modeling release kinetics involves finding the right mathematical conditions representing underlying physicochemical processes. Employing curve-fitting techniques, predominant release mechanisms are identified, and optimal-fitting kinetic models are determined. The Baker kinetic model performed best at pH 7.4, indicating that the leading cause of the drug release was polymer swelling. In contrast, the Higuchi model was most accurate for drug release at pH 5.4, illuminating the diffusion and dissolution mechanisms involved in diffusion. To be more precise, the mechanism of release at pH 7.4 and 5.4 was anomalous transport (dissolution-controlled), according to the Korsmeyer-Peppas mathematical model. The pH-dependent swelling and degradation behavior of S/Z/g-C3N4@5-FU nanocomposite showed higher swelling and faster degradation in acidic environments compared to neutral conditions. Crucially, outcomes from the MTT test affirm the significant cytotoxicity of the 5-FU-loaded nanocomposite against U-87 MG brain cancer cells, while simultaneously indicating non-toxicity towards L929 fibroblast cells. These cumulative findings underscore the potential of the engineered S/Z/g-C3N4@5-FU as a productive and targeted therapeutic approach for cancer cells.

Fabrication of zein-coated brush-like silica nanocarriers for high foliage deposition and responsive release of pesticide.

Responsive release systems have received extensive attention to enhance pesticide utilization efficiency and reduce environmental pollution. In this study, pH/GSH dual responsive release system based on brush-like silica (bSiO2) carriers was constructed to enhance the utilization of pesticides. The bSiO2 carriers present core-shell structure, length of 550 nm, diameter of 350 nm and shell thickness of 100 nm. The carrier had a high pesticide loading (20.0 %, w/w) for dinotefuran (Din). After loading Din, zein was covalently linked with cysteine-bridge to seal the loaded pesticides (namely Din@bSiO2@Zein). The Din@bSiO2@Zein exhibited superior foliar affinity, retention and photostability, and retention rate still remain above 95 % with 220 min UV irradiation. Din@bSiO2@Zein displayed pH/GSH responsive release and the cumulative release within 92 h was up to 81 % under pH=9/CGSH=6 mM, mimicking the microenvironment of lepidopteran. The Din@bSiO2@Zein possessed good control efficacy against Plutella xylostella. Appreciably, Din@bSiO2@Zein could be transported bi-directionally to various regions of tobacco plants within 24 h, which had potential to promote pesticide efficacy. This work offers a strategy to minimize the pesticide dosage and encourage sustainable agricultural development.

Construction of quaternary ammonium chitosan-coated protein nanoparticles as novel delivery system for curcumin: Characterization, stability, antioxidant activity and bio-accessibility.

This research aimed to develop a novel, effective, and stable delivery system based on zein (ZE), sodium caseinate (SC), and quaternary ammonium chitosan (HACC) for curcumin (CUR). The pH-driven self-assembly combined with electrostatic deposition methods were employed to construct CUR-loaded ZE-SC nanoparticles with HACC coating (ZE-SC@HACC). The optimized nanocomposite was prepared at ZE:SC:HACC:CUR mass ratios of 1:1:2:0.1, and it had encapsulation efficiency of 89.3%, average diameter of 218.2 nm, and ζ-potential of 40.7 mV. The assembly of composites and encapsulation of CUR were facilitated primarily by hydrophobic, hydrogen-bonding, and electrostatic interactions. Physicochemical stability analysis revealed that HACC coating dramatically enhanced ZE-SC nanoparticles' colloidal stability and CUR's resistance to chemical degradation. Additionally, antioxidant activity and simulated digestion results indicated that CUR-ZE-SC@HACC nanoparticles showed higher free radical scavenging capacity and bio-accessibility of CUR than CUR-ZE-SC nanoparticles and free CUR. Therefore, the ZE-SC@HACC nanocomposite is an effective and viable delivery system for CUR.

Caseinate-coated zein nanoparticles as potential delivery vehicles for guavinoside B from guava: Molecular interactions and encapsulation properties.

Guavinoside B (GUB) is a characteristic constituent from guava with strong antioxidant activity; however, its low water solubility limits its utilization. Herein, we investigated the interaction between GUB and zein, a prolamin with self-assembling property, using multiple spectroscopic methods and fabricated GUB-zein-NaCas nanoparticles (GUB-Z-N NPs) via the antisolvent coprecipitation approach. GUB caused fluorescence quenching to zein via the static quenching mechanism. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and computational analysis revealed that GUB bound to zein via van der Waals interaction, hydrogen bond, and hydrophobic forces. The GUB-Z-N NPs were in the nanometric size range (< 200 nm) and exhibited promising encapsulation efficiency and redispersibility after freeze-drying. These particles remained stable for up to 31 days at 4 °C and great resistance to salt and pH variation, and displayed superior antioxidant activity to native GUB. The current study highlights the potential of zein-based nanoparticles as delivery vehicles for GUB in the food industry.

New Zein Protein Composites with High Performance in Phosphate Removal, Intrinsic Antibacterial, and Drug Delivery Capabilities.

Herein, poly(N-(4-aminophenyl)methacrylamide)-carbon nano-onions [abbreviated as PAPMA-CNOs (f-CNOs)] integrated gallic acid cross-linked zein composite fibers (ZG/f-CNOs) were developed for the removal/recovery of phosphate from wastewater along with controlled drug delivery and intrinsic antibacterial characteristics. The composite fibers were produced by Forcespinning followed by a heat-pressure technique. The obtained ZG/f-CNOs composite fibers presented several favorable characteristics of nanoadsorbents and drug carriers. The composite fibers exhibited excellent adsorption capabilities for phosphate ions. The adsorption assessment demonstrated that composite fibers process highly selective sequestration of phosphate ions from polluted water, even in the presence of competing anions. The ZG/f-CNOs composite fibers presented a maximum phosphate adsorption capacity (qmax) of 2500 mg/g at pH 7.0. This represents the most efficient phosphate adsorption system among all of the reported nanocomposites to date. The isotherm studies and adsorption kinetics of the adsorbent showed that the adsorption experiments followed the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.9999). After 13 adsorption/desorption cycles, the adsorbent could still maintain its adsorption efficiency of 96-98% at pH 7.0 while maintaining stability under thermal and chemical conditions. The results mark significant progress in the design of composite fibers for removing phosphates from wastewater, potentially aiding in alleviating eutrophication effects. Owing to the f-CNOs incorporation, ZG/f-CNOs composite fibers exhibited controlled drug delivery. An antibiotic azithromycin drug-encapsulated composite fibers presented a pH-mediated drug release in a controlled manner over 18 days. Furthermore, the composite fibers displayed excellent antibacterial efficiency against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria without causing resistance. In addition, zein composite fibers showed augmented mechanical properties due to the presence of f-CNOs within the zein matrix. Nonetheless, the robust zein composite fibers with inherent stimuli-responsive drug delivery, antibacterial properties, and phosphate adsorption properties can be considered promising multifunctional composites for biomedical applications and environmental remediation.

The silibinin-loaded Zein-ß cyclodextrin nano-carriers (SZBC-NCs) as a novel selective cancer cell drug delivery system in HT-29 cell line.

Entrapping phytochemical bioactive compounds into nano-structured biocompatible polymers has been successfully utilized for improving cancer treatment efficiency. Silibinin is a potent compound that shows promising anticancer properties. In the present study, the Zein-ß-cyclodextrin complex was used to encapsulate silibinin and evaluate the induced cell death type and cytotoxic impacts on human cancer cells. The silibinin-loaded Zein-ß cyclodextrin nano-carriers (SZBC-NCs) were synthesized utilizing a gradual ultrasound-mediated homogenization technique and characterized by Zeta potential, DLS, FESEM, and FTIR analysis. The SZBC-NCs' antioxidant activity was studied by conducting ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays. Finally, the SZBC-NCs selective toxicity and cellular death induction mechanism were studied on the HT-29 and AGS cancer cells by measuring the cell survival and apoptotic gene (Caspase 3, 9), respectively, which were verified by conducting the DAPI staining analysis. The negatively charged (- 27.47 mV) nanoparticles (286.55 nm) showed significant ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Moreover, the remarkable decrease in the IC50 concentrations of the SZBC-NCs among the HT-29 and AGS cancer cell lines exhibited their selective cytotoxic potential. Also, the overexpressed apoptotic (Caspases 3 and 9) and down-regulated necrotic (NFKB) gene expressions following the SZBC-NCs treatment doses indicated the apoptotic activity of SZBC-NCs, which were verified by the increased apoptotic morphology of the DAPI-stained HT-29 cancer cells. The antioxidant and colon cancer cell-related apoptotic activity of the SZBC-NCs make it an appropriate anti-colon cancer nano delivery system. Therefore, they can potentially be used as a safe efficient colon cancer treatment strategy. However, further in vivo experiments including animal cancer models have to be studied.

Synergistic stabilization of a menthol Pickering emulsion by zein nanoparticles and starch nanocrystals: Preparation, structural characterization, and functional properties.

A Pickering emulsion was synergistically stabilised with zein nanoparticles (ZNPs) and starch nanocrystals (SNCs) to prepare it for menthol loading. After response surface optimisation of the emulsion preparation conditions, a Pickering emulsion prepared with a ZNPs:SNCs ratio of 1:1, a particle concentration of 2 wt% and a water:oil ratio of 1:1 provided the highest menthol encapsulation rate of the emulsions tested (83%) with good storage stability within 30 days. We examined the bilayer interface structure of the emulsion by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results of simulated digestion experiments showed that the release rate of free fatty acid was 75.06 ± 1.23%, which ensured bioavailability. At the same time, the emulsions facilitated the slow release of menthol. Bacteriostatic studies revealed that the Pickering emulsion had a protective effect on menthol, with the most significant inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus under the same conditions. Overall, this study proposes a novel approach for the application and development of l-menthol by combining it with Pickering emulsion.

Shellac-based delivery systems for food bioactive compounds.

Shellac is a natural resin featuring some attractive properties such as amphiphilicity, pH responsiveness, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. There has been increasing interest in employing shellac for controlled delivery of food bioactive compounds. This review outlines the recent advances in different types of shellac-based delivery systems, including nanoparticles, zein-shellac particles, hydrogels, nanofibers, and nanomicelles. The preparation method, formation mechanism, structure, and delivery performance are investigated. These systems could improve the stability and shelf-life of bioactive compounds, allow for targeted release at the small intestine or colon site, and increase bioavailability. The deficiencies and challenges of each of the systems are also discussed. The promising results in this review could guide future trends in more efficient shellac-based delivery platforms for functional food applications.

Fabrication and functional application of zein-based core-shell structures: A review.

Core-shell structures exhibit a number of distinct absorptive properties that make them attractive tools for use in a range of industrial contexts including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cosmetics, and food/agriculture. Several recent studies have focused on the development and fabrication of zein-based core-shell structures for a range of functional material deliveries. However, no recent review article has evaluated the fabrication of such core-shell structures for food-based applications. In this paper, we therefore survey current approaches to fabricating different zein-based platforms including particles, fibers, films, and hydrogels that have appeared in a variety of functionally relevant applications. In addition, we highlight certain challenges and future research directions in this field, thereby providing a novel perspective on zein-based core-shell structures.

Stabilization of zein nanoparticles with tween-80 and fucoidan for encapsulation of eugenol via a nozzle simulation chip.

Eugenol (EU), a natural bioactive compound found in various plants, offers numerous health benefits, but its application in the food and pharmaceutical industry is limited by its high volatility, instability, and low water solubility. Therefore, this study aimed to utilize the surface coating technique to develop zein-tween-80-fucoidan (Z-T-FD) composite nanoparticles for encapsulating eugenol using a nozzle simulation chip. The physicochemical characteristics of the composite nanoparticles were examined by varying the weight ratios of Z, T, and FD. Results showed that the Z-T-FD weight ratio of 5:1:15 exhibited excellent colloidal stability under a range of conditions, including pH (2-8), salt concentrations (10-500 mmol/L), heating (80 °C), and storage (30 days). Encapsulation of EU into Z-T-FD nanoparticles (0.5:5:1:15) resulted in an encapsulation efficiency of 49.29 ± 1.00%, loading capacity of 0.46 ± 0.05%, particle size of 205.01 ± 3.25 nm, PDI of 0.179 ± 0.006, and zeta-potential of 37.12 ± 1.87 mV. Spherical structures were formed through hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and molecular docking. Furthermore, the EU-Z-T-FD (0.5:5:1:15) nanoparticles displayed higher in vitro antioxidant properties (with DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging properties at 75.28 ± 0.16% and 39.13 ± 1.22%, respectively), in vitro bioaccessibility (64.78 ± 1.37%), and retention rates under thermal and storage conditions for EU compared to other formulations. These findings demonstrate that the Z-T-FD nanoparticle system can effectively encapsulate, protect, and deliver eugenol, making it a promising option for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Zein/fucoidan-coated phytol nanoliposome: preparation, characterization, physicochemical stability, in vitro release, and antioxidant activity.

BACKGROUND: To improve phytol bioavailability, a novel method of magnetic stirring and high-pressure homogenization (HPH) combination was used to prepare zein/fucoidan-coated phytol nanoliposomes (P-NL-ZF). The characterization, the simulated in vitro digestion, and the antioxidant activity of these phytol nanoliposomes from the different processes have been studied. RESULTS: Based on the results of dynamic light scattering (DLS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis, P-NL-ZF prepared through the combination of magnetic stirring and HPH exhibited superior encapsulation efficiency at 76.19% and demonstrated exceptional physicochemical stability under a series of conditions, including storage, pH, and ionic in comparison to single method. It was further confirmed that P-NL-ZF by magnetic stirring and HPH displayed a uniform distribution and regular shape through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed that electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding were the primary driving forces for the formation of composite nanoliposomes. Additionally, an in vitro digestion study revealed that multilayer composite nanoliposomes displayed significant and favorable slow-release properties (58.21%) under gastrointestinal conditions compared with traditional nanoliposomes (82.36%) and free phytol (89.73%). The assessments of chemical and cell-based antioxidant activities demonstrated that the coating of zein/fucoidan on phytol nanoliposomes resulted in enhanced effectiveness in scavenging activity of ABTS free radical and hydroxyl radical and mitigating oxidative damage to HepG2 cells. CONCLUSION: Based on our studies, the promising delivery carrier of zein/fucoidan-coated nanoliposomes is contributed to the encapsulation of hydrophobic natural products and enhancement of their biological activity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Cryoprotective isoliquiritigenin-zein phosphatidylcholine nanoparticles inhibits breast cancer-bone metastasis by targeting JAK-STAT signaling pathways.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women and is known for its tendency to spread to the bones, causing significant health issues and mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether cryoprotective isoliquiritigenin-zein phosphatidylcholine nanoparticles (ISL@ZLH NPs) could inhibit BC-induced bone destruction and tumor metastasis in both in vitro and animal models. To evaluate the potential of ISL@ZLH NPs, we conducted various experiments. First, we assessed cell viability, colony formation, transwell migration, and wound healing assays to determine the impact of ISL@ZLH NPs on BC cell behavior. Western blotting, TRAP staining and ALP activity were performed to examine the effects of ISL@ZLH NPs on osteoclast formation induced by MDA-MB-231 cell-conditioned medium and RANKL treated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, we assessed the therapeutic impact of ISL@ZLH NPs on tumor-induced bone destruction using a mouse model of BC bone metastasis. Treatment with ISL@ZLH NPs effectively suppressed BC cell proliferation, colony formation, and motility, reducing their ability to metastasize. ISL@ZLH NPs significantly inhibited osteoclast formation and the expression of factors associated with bone destruction in BC cells. Additionally, ISL@ZLH NPs suppressed JAK-STAT signaling in RAW264.7 cells. In the BCBM mouse model, ISL@ZLH NPs led to a significant reduction in osteolytic bone lesions compared to the control group. Histological analysis and TRAP staining confirmed that ISL@ZLH NPs preserved the integrity of bone structure, preventing invasive metastasis by confining tumor growth to the bone marrow cavity. Furthermore, ISL@ZLH NPs effectively suppressed tumor-induced osteoclastogenesis, a key process in BC-related bone destruction. Our findings demonstrate that ISL@ZLH NPs have the potential to inhibit BC-induced bone destruction and tumor metastasis by targeting JAK-STAT signaling pathways and suppressing tumor-induced osteoclastogenesis. These results underscore the therapeutic promise of ISL@ZLH NPs in managing BC metastasis to the bones.