Effect of stoichiometry upon the characteristics of quercetin-arginine cocrystals formulated through solution crystallization.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effect of stoichiometry upon characteristics of quercetin-arginine (QCT-Arg) cocrystals. SIGNIFICANCE: Quercetin (QCT) is a most abundant flavonoid in vegetables and fruits and has been widely used as an antioxidant. However, its oral bioavailability remains low due to poor aqueous solubility. We illustrate that QCT-Arg cocrystals formulated through an optimized stoichiometry can be a useful approach for its solubilization. METHOD: Cocrystals were prepared using solvent evaporation method. Characterizations were performed through microscopic, spectroscopic, and thermal techniques. The stoichiometry was confirmed from the binary phase diagram which was prepared using thermograms derived from differential scanning calorimetric experiments. RESULT: Cocrystal formation was accompanied by the conversion of isotropic phase into anisotropic one. Thread-like cocrystals were formed, regardless of QCT-Arg stoichiometry and solvent's polarity. Spectral analyses suggested that cocrystal structure was held together by hydrogen bonding between QCT and Arg. We ruled out the existence of eutectic mixture based on the observation of two eutectic points in the binary phase diagram. CONCLUSION: Morphology of cocrystals remained unaffected by the solvent type, stoichiometry and the presence of surfactant. We noticed that the cocrystals could improve the aqueous solubility of QCT.

Lipidic Nanosystem as State-of-the-Art Nanovehicle for Biomedical Applications.

Lipids have tremendously transformed the biomedical field, especially in the last few decades. Nanosystems, especially Lipid nanocapsules (LNCs), have emerged as the most demanding nanovehicle systems for delivering drugs, genes, and other diagnostic agents. Unique attributes and characteristic features such as higher encapsulation efficiency, stealth effect, ability to solubilize a wide range of drugs, capability to inhibit P-gp efflux pumps, and higher stability play a vital role in engaging this nanosystem. LNCs are a lipid-based nano-drug delivery method that combines the most significant traits of liposomes with polymeric nanoparticles. Structurally, LNCs have an oily core consisting of medium and long triglycerides and an aqueous phase encased in an amphiphilic shell. This manuscript crosstalks LNCs for various biomedical applications. A detailed elaboration of the structural composition, methods of preparation, and quality control aspects has also been attained, with particular emphasis on application approaches, ongoing challenges, and their possible resolution. The manuscript also expounds the preclinical data and discusses the patents atlas of LNCs to assist biomedical scientists working in this area and foster additional research. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-024-01298-3.

Recent Advancements in the Application of Circulating Tumor DNA as Biomarkers for Early Detection of Cancers.

Early detection of cancer is vital for increasing patient survivability chances. The three major techniques used to diagnose cancers are instrumental examination, tissue biopsy, and tumor biomarker detection. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has gained much attention in recent years due to advantages over traditional technology, such as high sensitivity, high specificity, and noninvasive nature. Through the mechanism of apoptosis, necrosis, and circulating exosome release in tumor cells, ctDNA can spread throughout the circulatory system and carry modifications such as methylations, mutations, gene rearrangements, and microsatellite instability. Traditional gene-detection technology struggles to achieve real-time, low-cost, and portable ctDNA measurement, whereas electrochemical biosensors offer low cost, high specificity alongside sensitivity, and portability for the detection of ctDNA. Therefore, this review focuses on describing the recent advancements in ctDNA biomarkers for various cancer types and biosensor developments for real-time, noninvasive, and rapid ctDNA detection. Further in the review, ctDNA sensors are also discussed in regards to their selections of probes for receptors based on the electrode surface recognition elements.