Proteosomes based on milk phospholipids and proteins to enhance the stability and bioaccessibility of ß-carotene.

Proteosomes (P) based on milk fat globule membrane's phospholipids (MPs), whey protein isolate (WPI) and sodium caseinate (CasNa) were developed by ultrasonication to encapsulate ß-carotene. Entirely milk-ingredients based proteosomes (WPI-MPs-P and CasNa-MPs-P) revealed homogenous distribution with size diameters < 250 nm. WPI-MPs-P depicted positive ζ-potential values (+15.7 ± 0.5 mV), while CasNa-MPs-P demonstrated negative (-32.5 ± 3.4 mV) values of surface charge, respectively and hydrophilic nature of proteosomes was observed by measuring contact-angle (θ). AFM and SEM exhibited spherical to oval and slightly irregular morphology of nanocarriers. For various concentrations of ß-carotene, the highest encapsulation efficiency of ß-carotene was 90 ± 0.2% and 92 ± 0.8% in WPI-MPs-P and CasNa-MPs-P respectively. FTIR analyses confirmed the hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions-based encapsulation of ß-carotene. Beneficial antioxidant-potential of ß-carotene was retained after its encapsulation in the proteosomes. Proteosomes increased the digestive-stability (>50%) and bioaccessibility (>85%) of ß-carotene. Thus, milk-ingredients based proteosomes offer a novel-strategy to develop functional dairy products to overcome widespread vitamin-A-deficiency.

Active Composite Packaging Reinforced with Nisin-Loaded Nano-Vesicles for Extended Shelf Life of Chicken Breast Filets and Cheese Slices.

To meet the demands for more effective and ecofriendly food packaging strategies, the potential of nisin-loaded rhamnolipid functionalized nanofillers (rhamnosomes) has been explored after embedding in hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose (HPMC) and κ-carrageenan (κ-CR)-based packaging films. It was observed that intrinsically active rhamnosomes based nanofillers greatly improved the mechanical and optical properties of nano-active packaging (NAP) films. Incorporation of rhamnosomes resulted in higher tensile strength (5.16 ± 0.06 MPa), Young's modulus (2777 ± 0.77 MPa), and elongation (2.58 ± 0.03%) for NAP than active packaging containing free nisin (2.96 ± 0.03 MPa, 1107 ± 0.67 MPa, 1.48 ± 0.06%, respectively). NAP demonstrated a homogenous distribution of nanofillers in the biopolymer matrix as elucidated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed that NAP prepared with nisin-loaded rhamnosomes was thermally stable even above 200 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses revealed that addition of nisin in nanofillers resulted in a slight increase in Tg (108.40 °C), indicating thermal stability of NAP. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed slight shift in all characteristic bands of nano-active packaging, which indicated the embedding of rhamnosomes inside the polymer network without any chemical interaction. Finally, when tested on chicken breast filets and cheese slices under refrigerated storage conditions, NAP demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity (up to 4.5 log unit reduction) and inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. These results suggest that HPMC and κ-CR-based NAP containing functionalized nanofillers can serve as an innovative packaging material for the food industry to improve the safety, quality, and shelf-life of dairy and meat products. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11947-022-02815-2.

Chitosan-curcumin complexation to develop functionalized nanosystems with enhanced antimicrobial activity against hetero-resistant gastric pathogen.

With the apparent stagnation in the antibiotic discovery and the propagation of multidrug resistance, Helicobacter pylori associated gastric infections are hard to eradicate. In pursuance of alternative medicines, in this study, covalent modification of chitosan (CS) polymer with curcumin (Cur) was accomplished. Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy elucidated the covalent interaction between Cur and CS with characteristic peak of imine functional group (C=N). Scanning Electron Microscopy provided visual proof for surface topology, while size and zeta potential values further affirmed the development of curcumin functionalized chitosan nanosystems (Cur-FCNS). The complexation efficiency of CS with Cur was found as 70 ± 3% at an optimal ratio of 5:1 for CS and Cur, respectively. Cur-FCNS developed with ionic gelation and ultrasonication method demonstrated synergistic anti-H. pylori activity in growth-kinetics and anti-biofilm assays, which was superior to free Cur and even chitosan nanosystems. Under simulated gastric conditions, Cur-FCNS revealed cumulative-release of only 16 ± 0.8% till 40 h, which indicated its improved stability to interact with H. pylori. In silico findings affirmed high binding affinity of Cur-FCNS with multiple bacterial virulence factors. Thus, our results affirmed the exceptional potential of Cur-FCNS as next-generation alternative-medicine to treat resistant H. pylori.

Elucidating the Photoluminescence Quenching in Ensulizole: an Artificial Water Soluble Sunscreen.

Employing natural or artificial sunscreens is essential to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiations that cause premature aging and develop melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. The 2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid, commonly known as ensulizole is a water-soluble artificial sunscreen that absorb UV-B (280 nm - 315 nm) radiations and protects the skin against the harmful effects of these radiations. We have measured steady-state photoluminescence (SSPL) spectra and photoluminescence (PL) kinetics of this compound in various conditions. Steady-state absorption indicates a strong absorption feature at 303 nm and a weak one at 316 nm that have been identified as π → π* and n → π* transitions, respectively. The spectra of PL induced by these absorptions indicate that the PL of ensulizole is less Stokes-shifted in polar solvents and more Stokes-shifted in non-polar solvents. The average PL lifetime of ensulizole is longer in non-polar solvents than in polar solvents and it exhibits the shortest PL lifetime in aqueous medium that maximize its transition efficiency in water. This suggests in non-polar solvents intersystem crossing is the dominant mode of relaxation of the excited ππ* state. Furthermore, an increase of pH of ensulizole solution decreases the PL intensity and the lifetime. Stern-Volmer equation is employed to evaluate bimolecular quenching rate constant kq. The evaluation result suggests the diffusional dynamic mode of PL quenching is operative.

Bioconjugate synthesis, phytochemical analysis, and optical activity of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles for the removal of ciprofloxacin and Congo red from water.

In this paper, Jr.NiFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized first time using the leaves extract of Juglans regia via a straightforward process. The physio and phytochemical analysis of plant confirm the presence of macromolecules which function as bio-reductant and stabilize the nanoparticles. The Jr.NiFe2O4 NPs were characterized by UV-visible, FTIR spectroscopy, PXRD pattern, SEM and TGA/DTA analysis. The nanoparticles proved to be optically active having a value of indirect bandgap of energy in the range of 1.53 eV. The Jr.NiFe2O4 NPs have the ability in scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) free radicals and showed 58.01% ± 1.2% scavenging activity at 100 µg/mL concentrations. The photocatalytic degradation study of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and Congo red (CR) reveals that the highest degradation rate was acquired for CIP using pH = 3, at 254 nm, while 85% of removal rate was analysed for CR. The kinetic studies in case of CR removal followed pseudo-first-order model with thermodynamic parameters (∆G° = - 5.87 kJ mol-1 K, ΔH° = 1393.50 kJ mol-1 and ΔS° = 22.537 kJ mol-1 K) with error analysis. Overall, these data recommend an innovative inspiring application of a plant-mediated synthesis of Jr.NiFe2O4 NPs.

Epidemiology of young breast cancer patients at Gujranwala: A single institution based study.

The objective of this study was to illustrate the statistical and medical characteristics of females younger than 40 years presenting with breast cancer at GINUM. A descriptive case series in which 235 patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. The majority of the patients had advanced disease at presentation. Family history was positive in 59 (25.11%) patients. Patients having grade III and II disease were 142(60.42%) and 89 (37.87%) respectively. Thirteen (5.5%) patients had Right-sided breast cancers in our series. No significant association of null parity with breast cancer was found. Receptor status studies revealed only 2.55% increased oestrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR) positive patients as compared to oestrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR) negative patients. Our population shares slightly different features as compared to Western population because there were slightly increased right-sided tumours and majority of our patients were parous.

Alginate-caseinate based pH-responsive nano-coacervates to combat resistant bacterial biofilms in oral cavity.

Biofilm associated microbial resistance is a major concern in oral health and hygiene. Nano-antimicrobials (NAMs) having natural antibiotic replacers e.g. nisin are the possible solution to treat oral infections. In this study, we have developed pH responsive, mucoadhesive protein-polysaccharide [sodium caseinate (NaC)-sodium alginate (AL)] coacervate based nano-carrier systems (PPC-NCS) to prevent and eradicate oral biofilms associated pathogens e.g. Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis. PPC-NCS were formed at pH 5 with highest encapsulation efficiency of 75.1 ± 1.2%, then at pH 6 (31 ± 1.1%) and 7 (15 ± 2%). SEM of PPC-NCS displayed smooth and round morphology. Particle size of PPC-NCS was observed to be 244 nm by DLS, with negative zeta potential (-47 ± 4.31 mV). In FTIR analysis, merging of OH stretching peak of NaC (2889.53 cm-1) and CH stretching of AL (2920 cm-1) with appearance of a new peak at 2062 cm-1 was observed that confirmed covalent and hydrogen bonding between two compounds. Antimicrobial and antibiofilm assays demonstrated better control of nisin loaded PPC-NCS against selected pathogens, while preventing and eradicating bacterial biofilms successfully without any cytotoxic effect. These results recommend that coacervates based NAMs are suitable carriers for pH-triggered release of antimicrobials in the buccal cavity to control biofilm associated oral infections.

Chitosan-albumin based core shell-corona nano-antimicrobials to eradicate resistant gastric pathogen.

In this study, protein/polysaccharide core-shell-corona (PP-CSC) nano delivery systems (NDS) were prepared by using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and chitosan (CS). The potential of PP-CSC-NDS for increasing the stability and bio-accessibility of ε-poly-l-lysine (ε-PL) as effective therapy for gastric Helicobacter pylori was investigated. The presence of CS-shell increased the size (223 ±â€¯1.7 nm) of BSA-core as compared to BSA-shell on CS-core (191 ±â€¯2.6 nm). Conversely, encapsulation efficiency of ε-PL was reduced for C(B)NDS [CS-shell on BSA-core] to 73 ±â€¯1% than 82 ±â€¯2% for B(C)NDS [BSA-shell on CS-core] due to cationic nature of ε-PL. Scanning electron microscopy of PP-CSC-NDS displayed smooth and non-flocculated morphology. FTIR analyses verified that the electrostatic interactions, H-bonding, and hydrophobic effects were involved in PP-CSC formation. Zeta analyses revealed that the net charge depends on the corona layer and the encapsulated antimicrobials. Moreover, CS corona improved the antimicrobial potential, controlled release, mucoadhesion and stability of ε-PL loaded C(B)NDS in simulated gastric fluid due to inherent antimicrobial and mucoadhesive properties of CS polymer. In contrast, protein corona improved the penetration into bacterial biofilms for better eradiation of H. pylori. Thus, conjugated nano-systems with selected corona can improve the overall efficacy of antimicrobials to develop effective nano-therapeutics against gastric infections.

Primary Mammary Small Cell Carcinoma.

Neuroendocrine breast cancer was defined in 2003 by WHO as a separate and unique breast cancer subtype. Primary small cell carcinoma of the breast, an exceptionally uncommon and aggressive tumor, is frequently characterised by early progression and worse outcome. Moreover, it is essential to distinguish between small cell carcinoma arising primarily in the breast and the metastatic disease to the breast. We had a patient of primary small cell carcinoma of breast. As her initial metastatic workup was negative for disease elsewhere, so she was started on neoadjuvant chemotherapy to which she responded well. Her modified radical mastectomy (MRM) was done followed by completion of chemotherapy up to 6 cycles and local radiotherapy of chest wall. However, the disease behaved aggressively afterwards as she developed recurrence twice at 9 and 19 months interval, respectively, for which she was considered for second and third line chemotherapy. An accurate management of the primary small cell carcinoma of the breast still lacks a consensus. Relevant studies were also reviewed to enhance knowledge and expertise in diagnosis, clinicopathologic features, management, and outcome of this tumor.

Polyelectrolyte Multicomponent Colloidosomes Loaded with Nisin Z for Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity against Foodborne Resistant Pathogens.

Food grade micro- or nano-carrier systems (NCS) are being developed to improve the controlled release of antimicrobial agents. To augment the stability of liposomal NCS and to overcome the limitations associated with the use of free bacteriocin (nisin) in the food system, multi-component colloidosomes (MCCS) were developed by electrostatic interactions between anionic alginate and cationic chitosan (multilayer) around phospholipids based liposomes (core). Zeta-sizer results revealed the average diameter of 145 ± 2 nm, 596 ± 3 nm, and 643 ± 5 nm for nano-liposome (NL), chitosomes (chitosan coated NL) and MCCS, respectively. Zeta potential values of NCS varied from -4.37 ± 0.16 mV to 33.3 ± 6 mV, thus both chitosomes (CS) and MCCS were positively charged. Microstructure analysis by scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed relatively higher size of MCCS with smooth and round morphology. TGA and DSC based experiments revealed that MCCS were thermally more stable than uncoated liposomes. Encapsulation efficiency of nisin in MCCS was observed to be 82.9 ± 4.1%, which was significantly higher than NL (56.5 ± 2.5%). FTIR analyses confirmed the cross-linking between sodium alginate and chitosan layer. Both qualitative (growth kinetics) and quantitative (colony forming unit) antimicrobial assays revealed that nisin loaded MCCS have superior potential to control resistant foodborne pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Enterococcus faecalis, (5.8, 5.4, and 6.1 Log CFUmL-1 reduction, respectively) as compared to free nisin, loaded NL or CS. Controlled release kinetics data fitted with Korsmeyer-Peppas model suggested that nisin release from MCCS followed Fickian diffusion. Cytotoxic studies on human blood cells and HepG2 cell lines revealed hemocompatibility and non-toxicity of MCCS. Thus, due to enhanced controlled release, stability and biocompatibility; these multi-component colloidosomes can be useful for incorporating antimicrobial agents into functional foods, beverages and pharmaceutical products to combat pathogenic and spoilage bacteria.

Polyionic hybrid nano-engineered systems comprising alginate and chitosan for antihypertensive therapeutics.

Hydrophobic nature of virtually all antihypertensive (AHT) drugs is the major hindrance towards their oral administration. Current study focuses on the development of polyionic hybrid nano drug delivery systems comprising sodium alginate and chitosan, loaded with distinct AHT drugs (captopril, amlodipine and valsartan). Encapsulation efficiency of hybrid NCS increased in the order of amlodipine>valsartan>captopril with average value of 42±0.9%, 91±1.5% and 96±1.9%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed hybrid NCS with smooth topography and round appearance in case of captopril. FTIR analysis confirmed the cross-linking between amino and carboxylate group of chitosan and alginate to form polyionic structures at nano-scale. Zeta-sizer experiments revealed that particle size distribution had increased from 197±12nm to 341±15nm for void and captopril loaded NCS. However, highly positive zeta potential of +32±1.6mV was not decreased significantly. In vitro sustained release assays reflected excellent retention of AHT drug in hybrid nanoparticles at 4°C and 37°C in physiological buffer, as less than 8% of the total drug was released in first 24h. Thus, carbohydrate-based hybrid NCS offering high loading capacity, stability and sustained release of hydrophobic drugs can be excellent alternative to current AHT therapeutics.

Antihypertensive nano-ceuticales based on chitosan biopolymer: Physico-chemical evaluation and release kinetics.

Prime risk factor behind cardiovascular associated mortality and morbidity is hypertension. The main challenge with antihypertensive (AHT) drug therapy is their extreme hydrophobic nature and very low oral bio-availability; which result into higher dosage/frequency and associated side effects of drugs. The main objective of this study was to fabricate AHT nano-ceuticals in hydrophilic carriers of natural origin to improve drugs' solubility, protection and sustained release. AHT nano-carrier systems (NCS) encapsulating captopril, amlodipine and valsartan were fabricated using chitosan (CS) polymer by ionic gelation assisted ultra-sonication method. Drug encapsulation efficiencies of 92±1.6%, 91±0.9% and 87±0.5% were observed for captopril, valsartan and amlodipine respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) based analysis had revealed that captopril loaded polymeric NCS were regular, smooth and without any agglomeration. FTIR analyses of drug loaded and empty NCS demonstrated that drugs were molecularly dispersed inside the nanoparticles via week hydrogen bonding. Captopril and valsartan have demonstrated grafting reaction with N-H group of chitosan. Zeta sizer results had confirmed that average size of chitosan nanoparticles was below 100 nm. Encapsulation of captopril had reduced the surface charge value from +52.6±4.8 to +46.5±5.2 mV. Controlled release evaluation of highly encapsulated drug captopril had revealed a slow release in vitro from NCS in physiological buffer. Thus, here reported innovative AHT nano-ceuticals of polymeric origin can improve the oral administration of currently available hydrophobic drugs while providing the extended-release function.

Chronic non puerperal uterine inversion secondary to sub-mucosal fibroid.

Inversion of uterus is a rare clinical condition, if not associated with puerperium or third stage of labour. Non-puerperal uterine inversion usually results secondary to tumour implanted at fundus of the uterus. An unusual case of non-puerperal uterine inversion caused by a large submucosal fundal fibroid is reported where a 39-year-old woman presented with heavy bleeding per vaginum and profuse vaginal discharge. Uterine inversion was corrected abdominally by Haultain's procedure after vaginal myomectomy followed by abdominal hysterectomy. Both the ovaries were conserved.

Synthesis, morphology, and properties of self-assembled nanostructured aramid and polystyrene blends.

Aramid (Ar), produced from the reaction of aromatic diamines and diacid chloride, was reactively compatibilized with amino-functionalized polystyrene (APS) to explore blend morphology and interfacial cohesion. Two blend systems, Ar/PS and Ar/APS, were investigated over a range of pristine polystyrene (PS) or modified APS ratios. Morphology and thermal and mechanical properties were probed to evaluate the effect of amine units of APS on the compatibility with Ar. π-π stacking interactions in tandem with the random distribution of graft attachment locations and polydispersity of graft length in Ar-g-APS copolymer, aided merger of unreacted chains to drive molecular self-assembly process thus fortifying the nanostructured blends. Considerable augmentation of the blend morphology and thermal stability was achieved by incorporation of reactivity into Ar/APS system. A 20 wt % APS-containing blend was found to demonstrate optimum mechanical reinforcement, complemented by the optimal, thermal, and morphological profiles of the same blend. Future prospects are envisaged.