Magnesium whitlockite nanoparticles: Hydrothermal synthesis, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential.

This study revealed the potential of magnesium whitlockite [WH: Ca18Mg2(HPO4)2(PO4)12] nanoparticles (WH NPs) for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer therapies. Although magnesium whitlockite possesses promising biological properties, its effects on inflammation and cancer remain unexplored. In this study, we address this gap by synthesizing WH NPs and demonstrating their multifaceted functionalities. Through detailed characterization, we revealed the synthesis pathway involving brushite as a precursor, with magnesium ions incorporated during hydrothermal treatment. WH NPs exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by significantly reducing the production of key inflammatory markers (NO, TNF-α, and IL-6). Furthermore, they display promising anti-cancer activity by inhibiting the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Our findings not only establish a deeper understanding of WH NP synthesis but also highlight their potential for the development of innovative cancer and inflammatory treatments.

Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles for Cardanol-Sustained Delivery System.

Cardanol, principal constituent of the technical cashew nut shell liquid, has applications as antioxidant and antibacterial, and these properties may be enhanced through encapsulation. In the present study, we isolated and purified cardanol, and nanoparticles (NPs) were produced by polyelectrolyte complexation using polysaccharide systems with chitosan, sodium alginate, and non-toxic Arabic gum, because they are biocompatible, biodegradable, and stable. We characterized the NPs for morphological, physicochemical, and antioxidant activity. The micrographs obtained revealed spherical and nanometric morphology, with 70% of the distribution ranging from 34 to 300 nm, presenting a bimodal distribution. The study of the spectra in the infrared region suggested the existence of physicochemical interactions and cross-links between the biopolymers involved in the encapsulated NPs. Furthermore, the NPs showed better antioxidant potential when compared to pure cardanol. Thus, the encapsulation of cardanol may be an effective method to maintain its properties, promote better protection of the active ingredient, minimize side effects, and can target its activities in specific locations, by inhibiting free radicals in various sectors such as pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and biomedical.