Bioactive and biodegradable cotton fabrics produced via synergic effect of plant extracts and essential oils in chitosan coating system.

Functional antibacterial textile materials are in great demand in the medical sector. In this paper, we propose a facile, eco-friendly approach to the design of antibacterial biodegradable cotton fabrics. Cotton fiber fabrics were enhanced with a chitosan coating loaded with plant extracts and essential oils. We employed Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to characterize the color, structure, and thermal properties of the modified fabrics. The fabrics were found to effectively induce growth inhibition of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, especially when a synergic system of aloe vera extract and cinnamon essential oil was applied in the coating formulation. Additionally, we observed significant color and weight changes after 5, 10, and 20 days in soil biodegradability tests. Given the straightforward modification process and the use of non-toxic natural materials, these innovative bio-based and biodegradable cotton fabrics show great promise as protective antimicrobial textiles for healthcare applications.

Enamel changes of bleached teeth following application of an experimental combination of chitosan-bioactive glass.

BACKGROUND: Considering the extensive use of bleaching agents and the occurrence of side effects such as enamel demineralization, this study aimed to assess the enamel changes of bleached teeth following the experimental application of chitosan-bioactive glass (CH-BG). METHODS: In this in vitro study, CH-BG (containing 66% BG) was synthesized and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Thirty sound human premolars were bleached with 40% hydrogen peroxide, and the weight% of calcium and phosphorus elements of the buccal enamel surface was quantified before and after bleaching by scanning electron microscopy/ energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM, EDX). Depending on the surface treatment of the enamel surface, the specimens were divided into three groups (n = 10): control (no treatment), MI Paste (MI), and CH-BG. Then the specimens were stored in artificial saliva for 14 days. The SEM/EDX analyses were performed again on the enamel surface. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In all groups, the weight% of calcium and phosphorus elements of enamel decreased after bleaching; this reduction was significant for phosphorus (p < 0.05) and insignificant for calcium (p > 0.05). After 14 days of remineralization, the weight% of both calcium and phosphorus elements was significantly higher compared to their bleached counterparts in both MI and CH-BG groups (p < 0.05). Following the remineralization process, the difference between MI and CH-BG groups was not significant (p > 0.05) but both had a significant difference with the control group in this regard (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The synthesized CH-BG compound showed an efficacy comparable to that of MI Paste for enamel remineralization of bleached teeth.

Chitosan/Pomegranate Seed Oil Emulgel Composition as a New Strategy for Dermal Delivery of Hydrocortisone.

Multifunctional delivery systems capable of modulating drug release and exerting adjunctive pharmacological activity have attracted particular attention. Chitosan (CS) and pomegranate seed oil (PO) appear to be attractive bioactive components framing the strategy of complex therapy and multifunctional drug carriers. This research is aimed at evaluating the potential of CS in combination with PO in studies on topical emulgels containing hydrocortisone as a model anti-inflammatory agent. Its particular goal was to distinguish alterations in anti-inflammatory action followed with drug dissolution or penetrative behavior between the designed formulations that differ in CS/PO weight ratio. All formulations favored hydrocortisone release with up to a two-fold increase in the drug dissolution rate within first 5 h as compared to conventional topical preparations. The clear effect of CS/PO on the emulgel biological performance was observed, and CS was found to be prerequisite for the modulation of hydrocortisone absorption and accumulation. In turn, a greater amount of PO played the predominant role in the inhibition of hyaluronidase activity and enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of preparation E-3. Emulgels showed a negligible reduction in mouse fibroblasts' L929 cell viability, confirming their non-irritancy with skin cells. Overall, the designed formulation with a CS/PO ratio of 6:4 appeared to be the most promising topical carrier for the effective treatment of inflammatory skin diseases among the tested subjects.

The ameliorative role of Aloe vera-loaded chitosan nanoparticles on Staphylococcus aureus induced acute lung injury: Targeting TLR/NF-κB signaling pathways.

Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe condition distinguished by inflammation and impaired gas exchange in the lungs. Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium, can cause ALI through its virulence factors. Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used to treat a variety of illnesses due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Chitosan nanoparticles are biocompatible and totally biodegradable materials that have shown potential in drug delivery systems. Aim: To explore the antibacterial activity of Aloe vera-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (AV-CS-NPs) against S. aureus in vitro and in vivo with advanced techniques. Methods: The antibacterial efficacy of AV-CS-NPs was evaluated through a broth microdilution assay. In addition, the impact of AV-CS-NPs on S. aureus-induced ALI in rats was examined by analyzing the expression of genes linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Furthermore, rat lung tissue was scanned histologically. The rats were divided into three groups: control, ALI, and treatment with AV-CS-NPs. Results: The AV-CS-NPs that were prepared exhibited clustered semispherical and spherical forms, having an average particle size of approximately 60 nm. These nanoparticles displayed a diverse structure with an uneven distribution of particle sizes. The maximum entrapment efficiency of 95.5% ± 1.25% was achieved. The obtained findings revealed that The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values were determined to be 5 and 10 ug/ml, respectively, indicating the potent bactericidal effect of the NPs. Also, S. aureus infected rats explored upregulation in the mRNA expression of TLR2 and TLR4 compared to healthy control groups. AV-CS-NP treatment reverses the case where there was repression in mRNA expression of TLR2 and TLR4 compared to S. aureus-treated rats. Conclusion: These NPs can serve as potential candidates for the development of alternative antimicrobial agents.

Effects of Shrimp Shell-Derived Chitosan on Growth, Immunity, Intestinal Morphology, and Gene Expression of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Reared in a Biofloc System.

Chitosan (CH) shows great potential as an immunostimulatory feed additive in aquaculture. This study evaluates the effects of varying dietary CH levels on the growth, immunity, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in a biofloc system. Tilapia fingerlings (mean weight 13.54 ± 0.05 g) were fed diets supplemented with 0 (CH0), 5 (CH5), 10 (CH10), 20 (CH20), and 40 (CH40) mL·kg-1 of CH for 8 weeks. Parameters were assessed after 4 and 8 weeks. Their final weight was not affected by CH supplementation, but CH at 10 mL·kg-1 significantly improved weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) compared to the control (p < 0.05) at 8 weeks. Skin mucus lysozyme and peroxidase activities were lower in the chitosan-treated groups at weeks 4 and 8. Intestinal villi length and width were enhanced by 10 and 20 mL·kg-1 CH compared to the control. However, 40 mL·kg-1 CH caused detrimental impacts on the villi and muscular layer. CH supplementation, especially 5-10 mL·kg-1, increased liver and intestinal expressions of interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 8 (IL-8), LPS-binding protein (LBP), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione S-transferase (GST-α) compared to the control group. Overall, dietary CH at 10 mL·kg-1 can effectively promote growth, intestinal morphology, innate immunity, and antioxidant capacity in Nile tilapia fingerlings reared in biofloc systems.

Inhalable FN-binding liposomes or liposome-exosome hybrid bionic vesicles encapsulated microparticles for enhanced pulmonary fibrosis therapy.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic, progressive and irreversible interstitial lung disease that seriously threatens human life and health. Our previous study demonstrated the unique superiority of traditional Chinese medicine cryptotanshinone (CTS) combined with sustained pulmonary drug delivery for treating PF. In this study, we aimed to enhance the selectivity, targeting efficiency and sustained-release capability based on this delivery system. To this end, we developed and evaluated CTS-loaded modified liposomes-chitosan (CS) microspheres SM(CT-lipo) and liposome-exosome hybrid bionic vesicles-CS microspheres SM(LE). The prepared nano-in-micro particles system integrates the advantages of the carriers and complements each other. SM(CT-lipo) and SM(LE) achieved lung myofibroblast-specific targeting through CREKA peptide binding specifically to fibronectin (FN) and the homing effect of exosomes on parent cells, respectively, facilitating efficient delivery of anti-fibrosis drugs to lung lesions. Furthermore, compared with daily administration of conventional microspheres SM(NC) and positive control drug pirfenidone (PFD), inhaled administration of SM(CT-lipo) and SM(LE) every two days still attained similar efficacy, exhibiting excellent sustained drug release ability. In summary, our findings suggest that the developed SM(CT-lipo) and SM(LE) delivery strategies could achieve more accurate, efficient and safe therapy, providing novel insights into the treatment of chronic PF.

Preparation and Evaluation of Chitosan Coated PLGA Nanoparticles Encapsulating Ivosidenib with Enhanced Cytotoxicity Against Human Liver Cancer Cells.

Purpose: Ivosidenib (IVO), an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) used for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and cholangiocarcinoma. However, poor solubility, low bioavailability, high dose and side effects limit clinical application of IVO. Methods: Ivosidenib-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (IVO-PLGA-NPs) and Ivosidenib-loaded chitosan coated PLGA nanoparticles (IVO-CS-PLGA-NPs) were prepared using emulsification and solvent evaporation method for the treatment of liver cancer. Results: The developed IVO-PLGA-NPs were evaluated for their particle size (171.7±4.9 nm), PDI (0.333), ZP (-23.0±5.8 mV), EE (96.3±4.3%), and DL (9.66±1.1%); similarly, the IVO-CS-PLGA-NPs were evaluated for their particle size (177.3±5.2 nm), PDI (0.311), ZP +25.9±5.7 mV, EE (90.8±5.7%), and DL (9.42±0.7%). The chitosan coating of IVO-PLGA-NPs was evidenced by an increase in mean particle size and positive ZP value. Because of the chitosan coating, the IVO-CS-PLGA-NPs showed a more stable and prolonged release of IVO than IVO-PLGA-NPs. In comparison to pure-IVO, the IVO-PLGA-NPs and IVO-CS-PLGA-NPs were found to be more effective against HepG2 cells, with IC50 values for the MTT assay being approximately half of those of pure-IVO. In HepG2 cells, the expressions of caspase-3, caspase-9, and p53 were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated. Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest that chitosan coating of IVO-PLGA-NPs improves the delivery and efficacy of ivosidenib in liver cancer treatment.

Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Althaea officinalis Flower Extract Coated with Chitosan for Potential Healing Effects on Diabetic Wounds by Inhibiting TNF-α and IL-6/IL-1ß Signaling Pathways.

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a multisystem chronic pandemic, wound inflammation, and healing are still major issues for diabetic patients who may suffer from ulcers, gangrene, and other wounds from uncontrolled chronic hyperglycemia. Marshmallows or Althaea officinalis (A.O.) contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolics that support wound healing via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Our study aimed to develop a combination of eco-friendly formulations of green synthesis of ZnO-NPs by Althaea officinalis extract and further incorporate them into 2% chitosan (CS) gel. Method and Results: First, develop eco-friendly green Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and incorporate them into a 2% chitosan (CS) gel. In-vitro study performed by UV-visible spectrum analysis showed a sharp peak at 390 nm, and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry showed a peak of zinc and oxygen. Besides, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) was used to qualitatively validate biosynthesized ZnO-NPs, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed spherical nanoparticles with mean sizes of 76 nm and Zeta potential +30mV. The antibacterial potential of A.O.-ZnO-NPs-Cs was examined by the diffusion agar method against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Based on the zone of inhibition and minimal inhibitory indices (MIC). In addition, an in-silico study investigated the binding affinity of A.O. major components to the expected biological targets that may aid wound healing. Althaea Officinalis, A.O-ZnO-NPs group showed reduced downregulation of IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α and increased IL-10 levels compared to the control group signaling pathway expression levels confirming the improved anti-inflammatory effect of the self-assembly method. In-vivo study and histopathological analysis revealed the superiority of the nanoparticles in reducing signs of inflammation and wound incision in rat models. Conclusion: These biocompatible green zinc oxide nanoparticles, by using Althaea Officinalis chitosan gel ensure an excellent new therapeutic approach for quickening diabetic wound healing.

Enhancing radioprotection: A chitosan-based chelating polymer is a versatile radioprotective agent for prophylactic and therapeutic interventions against radionuclide contamination.

To mitigate the risk of radioactive isotope dissemination, the development of preventative and curative measures is of particular interest. For mass treatment, the developed solution must be easily administered, preferably orally, with effective, nontoxic decorporating properties against a wide range of radioactive isotopes. Currently, most orally administered chelation therapy products are quickly absorbed into the blood circulation, where chelation of the radioactive isotope is a race against time due to the short circulation half-life of the therapeutic. This report presents an alternative therapeutic approach by using a functionalized chitosan (chitosan@DOTAGA) with chelating properties that remains within the gastrointestinal tract and is eliminated in feces, that can protect against ingested radioactive isotopes. The polymer shows important in vitro chelation properties towards different metallic cations of importance, including (Cs(I), Ir(III), Th(IV), Tl(I), Sr(II), U(VI) and Co(II)), at different pH (from 1 to 7) representing the different environments in the gastrointestinal tract. An in vivo proof of concept is presented on a rodent model of uranium contamination following an oral administration of Chitosan@DOTAGA. The polymer partially prevents the accumulation of uranium within the kidneys (providing a protective effect) and completely prevents its uptake by the spleen.

Comparative study on alginate/chitosan microcapsules and Montanide ISA 61 as vaccine adjuvants in mice.

Selection of adjuvant to be combined with the antigen is an extremely important point for formulating effective vaccines. The aim of this study was to evaluate reactogenicity, levels of IgM, IgG and subclasses (IgG1, IgG2b and IgG3), and protection elicited by vaccine formulations with association of chitosan coated alginate or Montanide ISA 61 with γ-irradiated Brucella ovis. The alginate/chitosan biopolymers as well as the Montanide ISA 61 emulsion elicited intense and long-lasting local response, especially when associated with the antigen. However, Montanide ISA 61 induced less intense reactogenicity when compared to alginate/chitosan. Furthermore, γ-irradiated B. ovis with Montanide ISA 61 induced higher levels of IgG2b an important marker of cellular immune response. In conclusion, Montanide ISA 61 resulted in milder reactogenicity when compared to the alginate/chitosan, while it induced a high IgG2b/IgG1 ratio compatible with a Th1 profile response.

PEGylated chitosan-coated nanophotosensitizers for effective cancer treatment by photothermal-photodynamic therapy combined with glutathione depletion.

The combination of photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, the poor photostability and photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic small-molecule photosensitizers, and the intracellular glutathione (GSH)-mediated singlet oxygen scavenging largely decline the antitumor efficacy of PTT and PDT. Herein, a versatile nanophotosensitizer (NPS) system is developed by ingenious incorporation of indocyanine green (ICG) into the PEGylated chitosan (PEG-CS)-coated polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles via multiple π-π stacking, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. The PEG-CS-covered NPS showed prominent colloidal and photothermal stability as well as high PCE (ca 62.8 %). Meanwhile, the Michael addition between NPS and GSH can consume GSH, thus reducing the GSH-induced singlet oxygen scavenging. After being internalized by CT26 cells, the NPS under near-infrared laser irradiation produced massive singlet oxygen with the aid of thermo-enhanced intracellular GSH depletion to elicit mitochondrial damage and lipid peroxide formation, thus leading to ferroptosis and apoptosis. Importantly, the combined PTT and PDT delivered by NPS effectively inhibited CT26 tumor growth in vivo by light-activated intense hyperthermia and redox homeostasis disturbance. Overall, this work presents a new tactic of boosting antitumor potency of ICG-mediated phototherapy by PEG-CS-covered NPS.

Investigating the simultaneous effect of chitosan and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on growth, phenolic compounds, PAL enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation in Salvia nemorosa L.

Considering the importance of Salvia nemorosa L. in the pharmaceutical and food industries, and also beneficial approaches of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbiosis and the use of bioelicitors such as chitosan to improve secondary metabolites, the aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of chitosan on the symbiosis of AMF and the effect of both on the biochemical and phytochemical performance of this plant and finally introduced the best treatment. Two factors were considered for the factorial experiment: AMF with four levels (non-inoculated plants, Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus intraradices and the combination of both), and chitosan with six levels (0, 50, 100, 200, 400 mg L-1 and 1% acetic acid). Four months after treatments, the aerial part and root length, the levels of lipid peroxidation, H2O2, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity, total phenol and flavonoid contents and the main secondary metabolites (rosmarinic acid and quercetin) in the leaves and roots were determined. The flowering stage was observed in R. intraradices treatments and the highest percentage of colonization (78.87%) was observed in the treatment of F. mosseae × 400 mg L-1 chitosan. Furthermore, simultaneous application of chitosan and AMF were more effective than their separate application to induce phenolic compounds accumulation, PAL activity and reduce oxidative compounds. The cluster and principal component analysis based on the measured variables indicated that the treatments could be classified into three clusters. It seems that different treatments in different tissues have different effects. However, in an overview, it can be concluded that 400 mg L-1 chitosan and F. mosseae × R. intraradices showed better results in single and simultaneous applications. The results of this research can be considered in the optimization of this medicinal plant under normal conditions and experiments related to abiotic stresses in the future.

Smart labels based on polyvinyl alcohol incorporated with chitosan nanoparticles loaded with grape extract: Functionality, stability and food application.

Anthocyanins (ACNs) are natural compounds with potential applications due to their colorimetric response to pH. Due to their sensitivity to various environmental factors, nanoencapsulation with biopolymers is a successful strategy for stabilizing ACNs. In this work ACNs were extracted from grape skins and encapsulated into chitosan (CS) nanoparticles by ionic gelation using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a cross-linking agent. CS nanoparticles loaded with ACNs had particle sizes between 291 and 324 nm and polydispersity index around 0.3. The encapsulation efficiency of ACNs was approximately 60 %; and encapsulated anthocyanins (ACN-NPs) exhibited color change properties under different pH conditions. pH-sensitive labels based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were prepared by the casting method. The effect of incorporating ACN-NPs on the physical, structural, and pH-sensitive properties of PVA labels was evaluated, and its application as shrimp freshness indicator was studied. The nanoencapsulation protected ACNs against heat and light treatments, preserving the original purple color. When applying the label, visible changes from red to blue until reaching yellow were observed with the change in the quality of the shrimp at the refrigeration temperature. The results suggest that PVA labels containing ACNs encapsulated in C-NPs can be used as smart packaging labels in the food industry.

Monitoring plant responses in field-grown peanuts exposed to exogenously applied chitosan under full and limited irrigation levels.

In recent decades, numerous studies have examined the effects of climate change on the responses of plants. These studies have primarily examined the effects of solitary stress on plants, neglecting the simultaneous effects of mixed stress, which are anticipated to transpire frequently as a result of the extreme climatic fluctuations. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of applied chitosan on boosting the resistance responses of peanuts to alkali and mixed drought-alkali stresses. Peanuts were grown in mid-alkaline soil and irrigated with full irrigation water requirements (100%IR), represented alkali condition (100% IR × alkali soil) and stress conditions (70% IR × alkali soil-represented mixed drought-alkali conditions). Additionally, the plants were either untreated or treated with foliar chitosan. The study evaluated various plant physio-chemical characteristics, including element contents (leaves and roots), seed yield, and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). Plants that experienced solitary alkali stress were found to be more vulnerable. However, chitosan applications were effective for reducing (soil pH and sodium absorption), alongside promoting examined physio-chemical measurements, yield traits, and IWUE. Importantly, when chitosan was applied under alkali conditions, the accumulations of (phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper) in leaves and roots were maximized. Under mixed drought-alkali stresses, the results revealed a reduction in yield, reaching about 5.1 and 5.8% lower than under (100% IR × alkali), in the first and second seasons, respectively. Interestingly, treated plants under mixed drought-alkali stresses with chitosan recorded highest values of relative water content, proline, yield, IWUE, and nutrient uptake of (nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium) as well as the lowest sodium content in leaves and roots. Enhances the accumulation of (N, K, and Mg) instead of (phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper) was the primary plant response to chitosan applications, which averted severe damage caused by mixed drought-alkali conditions, over time. These findings provide a framework of the nutrient homeostasis changes induced by chitosan under mixed stresses. Based on the findings, it is recommended under mixed drought-alkali conditions to treat plants with chitosan. This approach offers a promising perspective for achieving optimal yield with reduced water usage.

Phytoconstituent analysis, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer effects of nano encapsulated Convolvulus arvensis L. extracts.

BACKGROUND: The Convolvulus genus is distributed all over the world and has a long history in traditional medicine. As nanotechnology expands its reach into areas like drug delivery and biomedicine, this study intends to assess the potential of Convolvulus arvensis L. extracts as anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents, along with chemical profiling of the methanolic (MeOH) extract active ingredients. METHODS: The chemical composition of an 85% MeOH extract was investigated by liquid chromatography with an electrospray source connected to mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). Both the 85% MeOH extract and n-butanol fraction of C. arvensis were loaded for the first time on alginate/chitosan nanoparticles. The 85% MeOH extract, n-butanol fraction and their loaded nanoparticles were tested for their cytotoxicity, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity (against pathogenic bacteria, E. coli and S. aureus). RESULTS: The chemical investigation of 85% MeOH extract of C. arvensis underwent LC-ESI-MS analysis, revealing twenty-six phenolic substances, of which 16 were phenolic acids, 6 were flavonoids, 1 glycolipid, 1 sesquiterpene and 2 unknown compounds. The FT-IR spectra confirmed the encapsulation of the 85% MeOH extract and n-butanol fraction onto alginate/chitosan nanoparticles and small size obtained by TEM maintained them nontoxic and enhanced their anti-inflammatory activity (the IC50 was decreased from 1050 to 175 µg/ml). The anti-cancer activity against HepG2 was increased and the cell viability was decreased from 28.59 ± 0.52 to 20.80 ± 0.27 at a maximum concentration of 1000 µg/ml. In addition, the MIC of encapsulated extracts was decreased from 31.25 to7.78 µg/ml in E. coli (Gm-ve) and from 15.56 to 7.78 µg/ml in S. aureus (Gm + ve) bacteria. CONCLUSION: Both alginate and chitosan are excellent natural polymers for the encapsulation process, which affects positively on the bioactive constituents of C. arvensis extracts and improves their biological properties.

Effects of Exercise Training and L-Arginine Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles on Hippocampus Histopathology, ß-Secretase Enzyme Function, APP, Tau, Iba1and APOE-4 mRNA in Aging Rats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined and independent effects of exercise training and L-Arginine loaded chitosan nanoparticles (LA CNPs) supplementation on hippocampal Tau, App, Iba1, and ApoE gene expression, oxidative stress, ß-secretase enzyme activity, and hippocampus histopathology in aging rats. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 7 in each): Young (8 weeks old), Old (20 months old), old + L-arginine supplementation (Old Sup), old + exercise (Old Exe) and old + L-arginine supplementation + exercise (Old Sup + Exe). LA CNPs were administered to the supplement groups through gavage at a dosage of 500 mg/kg/day for 6-weeks. Exercise groups were subjected to a swimming exercise program five days/week for the same duration. Upon the completion of their interventions, the animals underwent behavioral and open-field task tests and were subsequently sacrificed for hippocampus genetic and histopathological evaluation. For histopathological analysis of brain, Cresyl violet staining was used. Congo Red staining was employed to confirm amyloid plaques in the hippocampus. Expressions of Tau, App, Iba1, and ApoE genes were determined by real-time PCR. In contrast to the Old group, Old Exe and Old Sup + Exe groups spent more time in the central space in the open field task (p < 0.05) and have more live cells in the hippocampus. Old rats (Old, Old Sup and Old Exe groups) exhibited a significant Aß peptide accumulation and increases in APP, Tau, Iba1, APOE-4 mRNA and MDA, along with decreases in SOD compared to the young group (p < 0.05). However, LA CNPs supplementation, exercise, and their combination (Old Sup, Old Exe and Old Sup + Exe) significantly reduced MDA, Aß plaque as well as APP, Tau, Iba1, and APOE-4 mRNA compared to the Old group (p < 0.05). Consequently, the administration of LA CNPs supplements and exercise might regulate the risk factors of hippocampus cell and tissue.

Deep removal of phosphate from electroplating wastewater using novel Fe-MOF loaded chitosan hydrogel beads.

Since the electroplating industry is springing up, effective control of phosphate has attracted global concerns. In this study, a novel biosorbent (MIL-88@CS-HDG) was synthesized by loading a kind of Fe-based metal organic framework called MIL-88 into chitosan hydrogel beads and applied in deep treatment of phosphate removal in electroplating wastewater. The adsorption capacities of H2PO4- on MIL-88@CS-HDG could reach 1.1 mmol/g (corresponding to 34.1 mg P/g and 106.7 mg H2PO4-/g), which was 2.65% higher than that on single MOF powders and chitosan hydrogel beads. The H2PO4- adsorption was well described by the Freundlich isotherm model. Over 90% H2PO4- could be adsorbed at contact time of 3 h. It could keep high adsorption capacity in the pH range from 2 to 7, which had a wider pH range of application compared with pure MIL-88. Only NO3- and SO42- limited the adsorption with the reduction rate of 11.42% and 23.23%, proving it tolerated most common co-existing ions. More than 92% of phosphorus could be recovered using NaOH and NaNO3. Electrostatic attraction between Fe core and phosphorus in MIL-88@CS-HDG and ion exchange played the dominant role. The recovered MIL-88@CS-HDG remained stable and applicable in the treatment process of real electroplating wastewater even after six adsorption-regeneration cycles. Based on the removal properties and superb regenerability, MIL-88@CS-HDG is potentially applicable to practical production.

Preparation of phosphorus-doped chitosan derivative and its applications in polylactic acid: Crystallization, flame retardancy, anti-dripping and mechanical properties.

The topic of biobased flame-retardant PLA has always been of great interest. In our study, we successfully synthesized a phosphorus-containing chitosan derivative (PCS) and combined it with aluminum hypophosphate (AP) to create an effective flame-retardant PLA system. PCS acted as an enhancer, enhancing the thermal performance, crystallinity, and toughness of PLA/AP. Compared to PLA modified with 12 wt% AP achieving UL-94 V-2 level and 24.3 % of limited oxygen index, PLA containing 3 wt% PCS and 9 wt% AP achieved UL-94 V-0 level and limited oxygen index of 28 %. The system testing studies such as CCT, Raman, XPS, and TG-IR results indicated that PLA/AP/PCS exhibited a dual flame-retardant mechanism of condensed and gas phases.

Influence of chitosan and hydroxyethyl cellulose modifications towards the design of cross-linked double networks hydrogel for diabetic wound healing.

The wound dressings' lack of antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and delayed wound healing limit their use in wound treatment and management. Recent advances in dressing materials are aimed at improving the limitations discussed above. Therefore, the aim of this study includes the preparation and characterization of oxidized hydroxyethyl cellulose (OHEC) and ferulic acid-grafted chitosan (CS-FA) hydrogel loaded with green synthesized selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) (OHEC-CS-FA-Se NPs named as nanohydrogel) for diabetic wound healing. The structure and properties of the hydrogel was characterized by FTIR, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, EDAX, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, XRD, DLS, zeta potential and rheological studies. The findings of these experiments demonstrate that nanohydrogel possesses a variety of outstanding qualities, including an optimal gel time, good swelling characteristics, a fair water retention rate, a good degradation rate, and strong mechanical stability. Nanohydrogel has been shown to have a synergistic impact by significantly increasing antioxidant activity by scavenging ABTS and DPPH radicals. The nanohydrogel's strong biocompatibility was confirmed by cytocompatibility testing using L929 mouse fibroblast cells. In addition, the wound healing potential of nanohydrogel was tested on L929 cells by an in vitro scratch assay and the nanohydrogel showed a wound closure rate of 100 % after 12 h. In addition to this study, nanohydrogel has demonstrated significant antimicrobial properties against human and wound infection causing pathogens such as Bacillus subtilis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In the animal model, almost complete diabetic wound healing was achieved on day 14 after application of the nanohydrogel. The results obtained indicate that the multifunctional bioactive nature of OHEC-CS-FA-Se NPs showed exceptional antioxidant and antibacterial potential for the treatment of infected and chronic wounds.

Green synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles using tea extract and its antimicrobial activity against economically important phytopathogens of rice.

The aim of the present work is to biosynthesize Chitosan nanoparticles (CTNp) using tea (Camellia sinensis) extract, with potent antimicrobial properties towards phytopathogens of rice. Preliminary chemical analysis of the extract showed that they contain carbohydrate as major compound and uronic acid indicating the nature of acidic polysaccharide. The structure of the isolated polysaccharide was analyzed through FTIR and 1H NMR. The CTNp was prepared by the addition of isolated tea polysaccharides to chitosan solution. The structure and size of the CTNp was determined through FTIR and DLS analyses. The surface morphology and size of the CTNp was analysed by SEM and HRTEM. The crystalinity nature of the synthesized nanoparticle was identified by XRD analysis. The CTNp exhibited the antimicrobial properties against the most devastating pathogens of rice viz., Pyricularia grisea, Xanthomonas oryzae under in vitro condition. CTNp also suppressed the blast and blight disease of rice under the detached leaf assay. These results suggest that the biosynthesized CTNp can be used to control the most devastating pathogens of rice.