A Comparative Study between Onion Peel Extracts, Free and Complexed with ß-Cyclodextrin, as a Natural UV Filter to Cosmetic Formulations.

The growing concern regarding the adverse effects of synthetic UV filters found in sunscreens has spurred significant attention due to their potential harm to aquatic ecosystems and human health. To address this, the present study aimed to extract and microencapsulate sensitive bioactive compounds derived from by-product onion peel (OP) by molecular inclusion using ß-cyclodextrin as the wall material. Identification and quantification of bioactive compounds within the extract were conducted through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) analysis, revealing quercetin and resveratrol as the primary constituents. The photoprotection capacity, evaluated by the sun protection factor (SPF), revealed a protection factor comparable to the value for a synthetic UV filter. The produced microparticles presented high antioxidant capacity, significant photoprotection capacity, encapsulation efficiency of 91.8%, mean diameter of 31 µm, and polydispersity of 2.09. Furthermore, to comprehensively evaluate the performance of OP extract and its potential as a natural UV filter, five O/W emulsions were produced. Results demonstrated that microparticles displayed superior ability in maintaining SPF values over a five-week period. Photoprotection evaluation-skin reactivity tests revealed that both extract and microparticles absorb UV radiation in other regions of UV radiation, revealing their potential to be used as a natural UV filter to produce a sustainable and eco-friendly value-added sunscreen.

Development of ß-cyclodextrin/polyvinypyrrolidone-co-poly (2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid) hybrid nanogels as nano-drug delivery carriers to enhance the solubility of Rosuvastatin: An in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

The present study is aimed at enhancing the solubility of rosuvastatin (RST) by designing betacyclodextrin/polyvinypyrrolidone-co-poly (2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid) crosslinked hydrophilic nanogels in the presence of crosslinker methylene bisacrylamide through free-radical polymerization method. Various formulations were fabricated by blending different amounts of betacyclodextrin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid, and methylene bisacrylamide. The developed chemically crosslinked nanogels were characterized by FTIR, SEM, PXRD, TGA, DSC, sol-gel analysis, zeta size, micromeritics properties, drug loading percentage, swelling, solubility, and release studies. The FTIR spectrum depicts the leading peaks of resultant functional groups of blended constituents while a fluffy and porous structure was observed through SEM images. Remarkable reduction in crystallinity of RST in developed nanogels revealed by PXRD. TGA and DSC demonstrate the good thermal stability of nanogels. The size analysis depicts the particle size of the developed nanogels in the range of 178.5 ±3.14 nm. Drug loading percentage, swelling, solubility, and release studies revealed high drug loading, solubilization, swelling, and drug release patterns at 6.8 pH paralleled to 1.2 pH. In vivo experiments on developed nanogels in comparison to marketed brands were examined and better results regarding pharmacokinetic parameters were observed. The compatibility and non-toxicity of fabricated nanogels to biological systems was supported by a toxicity study that was conducted on rabbits. Efficient fabrication, excellent physicochemical properties, improved dissolution, high solubilization, and nontoxic nanogels might be a capable approach for the oral administration of poorly water-soluble drugs.

ß-Cyclodextrin-Derivative-Functionalized Graphene Oxide/Graphitic Carbon Nitride Composites with a Synergistic Effect for Rapid and Efficient Sterilization.

The nonselectivity of phototherapy and the hydrophobicity of phototherapy agents limit their application in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In this work, ß-cyclodextrin-derivative-functionalized graphene oxide (GO)/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) antibacterial materials (CDM/GO/CN) were designed and synthesized. CN is used as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and GO as a photothermal agent for photothermal therapy (PTT). In addition, the supramolecular host-guest complex on the substrate can not only increase the inherent water solubility of the substrate and reduce the aggregation of the photosensitizer/photothermal agent but also manipulate the interaction between the photosensitizer/photothermal agent and bacteria to capture specific bacteria. The hyperthermia caused by PTT denatures proteins on the cell membrane, allowing reactive oxygen species (ROS) to enter the cell better and kill bacteria. The specific capture of Escherichia coli CICC 20091 by mannose significantly improves the sterilization efficiency and reduces side effects. The synergistic antibacterial agent shows excellent antibacterial efficacy of over 99.25% against E. coli CICC 20091 after 10 min of 635 + 808 nm dual-light irradiation. Moreover, cell proliferation experiments show that the composite material has good biocompatibility, expected to have applications in bacterial infections.

Highly Active, Entirely Biobased Antimicrobial Pickering Emulsions.

We present the development of surfactant-free, silica-free and fully biobased oil-in-water antimicrobial Pickering emulsions, based on the self-assembly of ß-cyclodextrin and phytoantimicrobial oils (terpinen-4-ol or carvacrol). Undecylenic acid (UA), derived from castor oil, can be used as bio-based drug to treat fungal infection, but is less effective than petroleum-based drugs as azole derivatives. To maximize its antifungal potential, we have incorporated UA in fully biobased Pickering emulsions. These emulsions are effective against fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The carvacrol emulsion charged with UA is +390 % and +165 % more potent against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), compared to UA and azole-based commercial formulations. Moreover, this emulsion is up to +480 % more efficient that UA ointment against C. albicans. Finally, remarkable eradication of E. coli and MRSA biofilms was obtained with this environmental-friendly emulsion.

Nerolidol-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex enhances anti-inflammatory activity in arthritis model and improves gastric protection.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease with progressive degradation of cartilage and joints. Additionally, gastric ulcer affects many patients who make prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs widely used in the symptomatic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Nerolidol, a natural sesquiterpene, has several biological activities including anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic action. This study aims to develop and characterize a nerolidol ß-cyclodextrin inclusion complex and to evaluate its activity in an experimental arthritis model. Inclusion complex was prepared by the lyophilization method and characterized by NMR, term analysis, XRD and SEM. Neutrophil migration assays and histopathological analysis were performed on zymosan-induced arthritis model using Swiss mice. And the gastroprotective effect was evaluated in two models of gastric ulcers: induced by ethanol and indomethacin. Inclusion complex showed no cytotoxicity and free nerolidol at a dose of 100 mg/kg (p.o.) in the arthritis model reduced neutrophil migration in 56% in relation to vehicle, and this inhibition was more expressive in the inclusion complex (67%) at the same dose. Histopathological analysis of the joint tissue confirmed the reduction of inflammatory signs. In the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model, free nerolidol reduced the relative ulcer area more expressively (4.64%) than the inclusion complex (21.3%). However, in the indomethacin induction model, the inclusion complex showed better results in gastric protection compared to free nerolidol. The action of nerolidol complexed in beta-cyclodextrin in reducing arthritis inflammation combined with its gastroprotective action make it a potential new drug.

Inclusion Complexes of Concentrated Orange Oils and ß-Cyclodextrin: Physicochemical and Biological Characterizations.

Concentrated orange oils (5x, 10x, 20x) are ingredients used in different industries as components of flavors and aromas due to their great organoleptic qualities. This research focuses on the search for alternative uses for their application through encapsulation in inclusion complexes with ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD). Inclusion complexes of concentrated orange oils (COEO) and ß-CD were developed by the co-precipitated method in ratios of 4:96, 12:88, and 16:84 (w/w, COEO: ß-CD). The best powder recovery was in the ratio 16:84 for the three oils, with values between 82% and 84.8%. The 20x oil in relation 12:88 showed the highest entrapment efficiency (89.5%) with 102.3 mg/g of ß-CD. The FT-IR analysis may suggest an interaction between the oil and the ß-CD. The best antioxidant activity was observed in the ratio 12:88 for the three oils. The antifungal activity was determined for all the inclusion complexes, and the 10x fraction showed the highest inhibition at a concentration of 10 mg/mL in ratios 12:88 and 16:84. Antibacterial activity was determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and was found at a concentration of 1.25 mg/mL in ratios 12:88 and 16:84 for 5x and 20x oils.

The potential use of curcumin-ß-cyclodextrin inclusion complex/chitosan-loaded cellulose sponges for the treatment of chronic wound.

In this research, the cellulose sponges with curcumin-ß-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (CMx) and chitosan (CS) were fabricated for use as wound dressings. 1-Allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AMIMCl) ionic liquid as a green solvent was used for the fabrication of cellulose sponges. Due to the low aqueous solubility and low bioavailability of curcumin, cyclodextrins (CDs) were applied and complexed with curcumin to obtain CMx. In addition, CS was incorporated in the cellulose sponges to improve the antibacterial activity of sponges. Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) analysis, morphological appearances, mechanical properties, water retention and weight loss, release behaviors, antibacterial activity, indirect cytotoxicity, cell attachment, and cell proliferation of the CMx/CS-loaded cellulose sponges were investigated. From the results, the cellulose sponges showed a porous structure. The incorporation of CMx and CS improved the mechanical properties when compared to the neat cellulose sponges. Moreover, the addition of CS into the cellulose sponges exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. Furthermore, the indirect cytotoxicity of the CMx/CS-loaded cellulose sponges was non-toxic and compatible with NCTC L929 and NHDF cells. Consequently, the CMx/CS-loaded cellulose sponges might be good candidates for use as wound dressing materials for the treatment of wound, especially chronic wound.

Development and Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Modulatory Activity of Inclusion Complex of Euterpe oleracea Mart Oil and ß-Cyclodextrin or HP-ß-Cyclodextrin.

The development of inclusion complexes is used to encapsulate nonpolar compounds and improve their physicochemical characteristics. This study aims to develop complexes made up of Euterpe oleracea Mart oil (EOO) and ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) or hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HP-ß-CD) by either kneading (KND) or slurry (SL). Complexes were analyzed by molecular modeling, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The antibacterial activity was expressed as Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and the antibiotic resistance modulatory activity as subinhibitory concentration (MIC/8) against Escherichia coli, Streptomyces aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis. Inclusion complexes with ß-CD and HP-ß-CD were confirmed, and efficiency was proven by an interaction energy between oleic acid and ß-CD of -41.28 ± 0.57 kJ/mol. MIC values revealed higher antibacterial activity of complexes compared to the isolated oil. The modulatory response of EOO and EOO-ß-CD prepared by KND as well as of EOO-ß-CD and EOO-HP-ß-CD prepared by SL showed a synergistic effect with ampicillin against E. coli, whereas it was not significant with the other drugs tested, maintaining the biological response of antibiotics. The antimicrobial response exhibited by the complexes is of great significance because it subsidizes studies for the development of new pharmaceutical forms.

Study of oxyresveratrol complexes with insoluble cyclodextrin based nanosponges: Developing a novel way to obtain their complexation constants and application in an anticancer study.

The complexation of the bioactive compound oxyresveratrol (OXY) with a polymer called cyclodextrin-based nanosponge (CD-NS) and its application was studied.A new methodology is used to calculate, an apparent inclusion complex constant (KFapp) between a ligand and CD-NSs. Moreover, the KFapp of resveratrol was also evaluated and compared. The complex of OXY with the nanosponge ß-CDI 1:4, was studied in vitro using DSC, TGA and FTIR techniques and its drug loading and release behavior were studied. An in vitro digestion showed higher protection of OXY complexed than free OXY. The bioactivity enhancing capacity of OXY was also studied against prostate (PC-3) and colon (HT-29 and HCT-116) cancer cell lines, where it showed stronger cell viability inhibition than the free drug. The findings as a whole represent a new opportunity for studying the complexation of drugs in CD-NSs and the use of oxyresveratrol as an ingredient in nutraceutical products.

Involvement of the PKA pathway and inhibition of voltage gated Ca2+ channels in antihyperalgesic activity of Lippia grata/ß-cyclodextrin.

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a difficult condition to treat because of the modest efficacy of available drugs. New treatments are required. In the study we aimed to investigate the effects of the essential oil from Lippia grata alone or complexed in ß-cyclodextrin (LG or LG-ßCD) on persistent inflammatory and neuropathic pain in a mouse model. We also investigated Ca2+ currents in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Male Swiss mice were treated with LG or LG/ß-CD (24 mg/kg, i.g.) and their effect was evaluated using an acute inflammatory pleurisy model and nociception triggered by intraplantar injection of an agonist of the TRPs channels. We also tested their effect in chronic pain models: injection of Freund's Complete Adjuvant and partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL). In the pleurisy model, LG reduced the number of leukocytes and the levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß. It also inhibited cinnamaldehyde and menthol-induced nociceptive behavior. The pain threshold in mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia was increased and paw edema was decreased in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. PSNL increased inflammatory protein contents and LG and LG-ßCD restored the protein contents of TNF-α, NF-κB, and PKA, but not IL-1ß and IL-10. LG inhibited voltage gated Ca2+ channels from DRG neurons. Our results suggested that LG or LG-ßCD produce anti-hyperalgesic effect in chronic pain models through reductions in TNF-α levels and PKA, and inhibited voltage-gated calcium channels and may be innovative therapeutic agents for the management of NP.

Encapsulation of cinnamon oil in cyclodextrin nanosponges and their potential use for antimicrobial food packaging.

The main goal of this work is the encapsulation of cinnamon essential oil in cyclodextrin nanosponges and the assessment of their antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens. After nanosponge synthesis, a headspace-solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) method was validated to quantify essential oil major compounds. Results showed that essential oil was successfully encapsulated in cyclodextrin nanosponges with α-NS and ß-NS being able to encapsulate higher essential oil amounts. Cinnamon essential oil, alone and encapsulated in nanosponges, proved to have antimicrobial activity against foodborne bacteria. Time-kill assays proved that the essential oil, alone or encapsulated, had a bacteriostatic effect against all bacteria tested, with the exception of Y. enterocolitica where a bactericidal action was observed. Furthermore, the controlled release achieved by its encapsulation, allowed cinnamon essential oil to be effective at a much lower concentration in culture medium than when solely dissolved in culture medium. Thus, the results described herein encourage the use of cyclodextrin nanosponges as encapsulating agents for active food packaging applications.

Molecular mechanism underlying orofacial antinociceptive activity of Vanillosmopsis arborea Baker (Asteraceae) essential oil complexed with ß-cyclodextrin.

BACKGROUND: Vanillosmopsis arborea Baker has recognized economic value owing to the high content of (-)-α-bisabolol (BISA) in the essential oil of its stem (EOVA). The antinociceptive effect of EVOA has already been demonstrated, and ß-cyclodextrin (ßCD) is known to improve the analgesic effect of various substances. PURPOSE: Thus, we aimed to evaluate the orofacial antinociceptive effect of a complex containing EOVA-ßCD in rodents. METHODS: EOVA was obtained by simple hydrodistillation, and the essential oil was complexed with ßCD. The animals (n = 6/group) were treated orally with EOVA-ßCD (10 or 50 mg/kg), or vehicle (control), and subjected to cutaneous orofacial nociception (formalin, capsaicin, acidic saline or glutamate), corneal (hypertonic saline) or temporomandibular (formalin) tests. The expression of FOS protein was analyzed in the spinal cord. Molecular docking was performed using the 5-HT3 and M2 receptors and BISA. RESULTS: The oral administration of EOVA-ßCD reduced nociceptive behaviour. Moreover, EOVA-ßCD decreased FOS expression. The molecular docking study indicates that BISA interacts with 5-HT3 and M2 receptors, indicating the potential mechanism of action of the tested compound. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that EOVA-ßCD possesses orofacial antinociceptive effect, indicating that this complex can be used in analgesic drug development.

Identification of rate-limiting enzymes involved in paclitaxel biosynthesis pathway affected by coronatine and methyl-ß-cyclodextrin in Taxus baccata L. cell suspension cultures.

BACKGROUND: Paclitaxel is a potent antitumor alkaloid widely used for the treatment of several cancer types. This valuable secondary metabolite naturally exists in the inner bark of Taxus species in very low amounts. The small-scale production of paclitaxel in Taxus cell cultures requires utilization of several elicitors. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this work was to identify key genes that encode rate-limiting enzymes in paclitaxel biosynthesis pathway by investigating the possible relationship between paclitaxel production and a set of 13 involved genes' relative expression in Taxus baccata L. cell suspension cultures affected by coronatine and methyl-ß-cyclodextrin. METHODS: In the present research, the most important key genes were identified using gene expression profiling evaluation and paclitaxel production assessment in Taxus baccata L. cell cultures affected by mentioned elicitors. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Gene expression levels were variably increased using methyl-ß-cyclodextrin, and in some cases, a synergistic effect on transcript accumulation was observed when culture medium was supplemented with both elicitors. It was revealed that DBAT, BAPT, and DBTNBT are the most important rate-limiting enzymes in paclitaxel biosynthesis pathway in Taxus baccata L. cell suspension cultures under coronatine and methyl-ß-cyclodextrin elicitation condition. Moreover, PAM was identified as one of the important key genes especially in the absence of ß-phenylalanine. In cell cultures affected by these elicitors, paclitaxel was found largely in the culture media (more than 90%). The secretion of this secondary metabolite suggests a limited feedback inhibition and reduced paclitaxel toxicity for producer cells. It is the result of the ABC gene relative expression level increment under methyl-ß-cyclodextrin elicitation and highly depends on methyl-ß-cyclodextrin's special property (complex formation with hydrophobic compounds). Paclitaxel biosynthesis was obviously increased due to the effect of coronatine and methyl-ß-cyclodextrin elicitation, leading to the production level of 5.62 times higher than that of the untreated cultures. Graphical abstract Rate Limiting Enzymes in Paclitaxel Biosynthesis Pathway: DBAT, BAPT, DBTNBT and PAM.

ß-Cyclodextrin Does not Alter the Bioaccessibility and the Uptake by Caco-2 Cells of Olive By-Product Phenolic Compounds.

Alperujo-a two-phase olive mill waste that is composed of olive vegetation water and solid skin, pulp, and seed fragments - is a highly valuable olive by-product due to its high content in phenolic compounds. In this study, we assessed whether ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD), which is used to extract and protect alpejuro phenolic compounds (hydroxytyrosol-O-glucoside, tyrosol, caffeic, and p-coumaric acids) could impact on their bioaccessibility (i.e., the percentage of molecule found in the aqueous phase of the digesta) and uptake by intestinal cells, by using an in vitro digestion model and Caco-2 TC7 cells in culture, respectively. Our results showed that ß-CD did not change the bioaccessibility of the selected phenols. Hydroxytyrosol-O-glucoside and caffeic did not cross Caco-2 cell monolayers. Conversely ferulic acid, identified as the main caffeic acid intestinal metabolite, was absorbed through intestinal cell monolayers (~20%). Interestingly, ß-CD moderately but significantly improved the local absorption of tyrosol and p-coumaric acid (2.3 + 1.4% and 8.5 ± 4.2%, respectively, p < 0.05), even if their final bioavailability (expressed as bioaccessibility × absorption by Caco-2 cells) was not modified (16.2 ± 0.6% vs. 16.8 ± 0.5% for tyrosol and 32.0 ± 3.2% vs. 37.2 ± 3.2% for p-coumaric acid, from pure alperujo and alperujo complexed with ß-CD, respectively). Overall, our results show that ß-CD is an interesting extraction and storage agent for phenolic compounds that does not alter their in vitro bioavailability.

Methyl-ß-cyclodextrin potentiates the BITC-induced anti-cancer effect through modulation of the Akt phosphorylation in human colorectal cancer cells.

Methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (MßCD) is an effective agent for the removal of plasma membrane cholesterol. In this study, we investigated the modulating effects of MßCD on the antiproliferation induced by benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), an ITC compound mainly derived from papaya seeds. We confirmed that MßCD dose-dependently increased the cholesterol level in the medium, possibly through its removal from the plasma membrane of human colorectal cancer cells. The pretreatment with a non-toxic concentration (2.5 mM) of MßCD significantly enhanced the BITC-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction, which was counteracted by the cholesterol supplementation. Although BITC activated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, MßCD dose-dependently inhibited the phosphorylation level of Akt. On the contrary, the treatment of MßCD enhanced the phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinases, but did not potentiate their BITC-induced phosphorylation. These results suggested that MßCD might potentiate the BITC-induced anti-cancer by cholesterol depletion and thus inhibition of the PI3K/Akt-dependent survival pathway. Abbreviations: CDs: cyclodextrins; MßCD: methyl-ß-cyclodextrin; ITCs: isothiocyanates; BITC: benzyl isothiocyanate; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PDK1: phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1; MAPK: mitogen activated protein kinase; ERK1/2: extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2; JNK: c-Jun N-terminal kinase; PI: propidium iodide; FBS: fatal bovine serum; TLC: thin-layer chromatography; PBS(-): phosphate-buffered saline without calcium and magnesium; MEK: MAPK/ERK kinase; PIP2: phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate; PIP3: phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate.

Construction of a small-caliber tissue-engineered blood vessel using icariin-loaded ß-cyclodextrin sulfate for in situ anticoagulation and endothelialization.

The rapid endothelialization of tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) can effectively prevent thrombosis and inhibit intimal hyperplasia. The traditional Chinese medicine ingredient icariin is highly promising for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. ß-cyclodextrin sulfate is a type of hollow molecule that has good biocompatibility and anticoagulation properties and exhibits a sustained release of icariin. We studied whether icariin-loaded ß-cyclodextrin sulfate can promote the endothelialization of TEBVs. The experimental results showed that icariin could significantly promote the proliferation and migration of endothelial progenitor cells; at the same time, icariin could promote the migration of rat vascular endothelial cells (RAVECs). Subsequently, we used an electrostatic force to modify the surface of the TEBVs with icariin-loaded ß-cyclodextrin sulfate, and these vessels were implanted into the rat common carotid artery. After 3 months, micro-CT results showed that the TEBVs modified using icariin-loaded ß-cyclodextrin sulfate had a greater patency rate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and CD31 immunofluorescence results showed a better degree of endothelialization. Taken together, icariin-loaded ß-cyclodextrin sulfate can achieve anticoagulation and rapid endothelialization of TEBVs to ensure their long-term patency.

Functionalization of Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplement with ß-Cyclodextrin Inclusions of Oregano Essential Oil.

Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the main causes of acute undernutrition in children. Oral consumption of oregano essential oil (OEO) can reduce intestinal parasitic infections, however, its addition to therapeutic and supplementary foods is hampered by its undesirable flavor. The objective of this study was to develop a functional lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) containing OEO, which is stable, acceptable and provides targeted intestinal delivery of bioactive. ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CyD) inclusion complexes of OEO (ß-CyD-OEO), and carvacrol (ß-CyD-CV) (1:1 molar) were prepared using slurry complexation (-20 °C) method and characterized based on encapsulation efficiency, moisture content, morphology, and 2-phase in vitro digestion stability. Carvacrol (CV) content was measured using reverse phase HPLC-UV. LNS containing ß-CyD-OEO (27.2 mg encapsulate/20 g LNS) was formulated using Indian staples and ingredients. Discriminatory sensory tests (triangle) were performed with college students (n = 58) and low-income women (n = 25), with young children at home (1 to 6 years), living in Mehsana, India to evaluate differences between LNS with and without bioactive ingredient (ß-CyD-OEO only). Moisture of dried complexes ranged 9.1% to 9.7% d.b., whereas water activity 0.35 to 0.412. The complex size and encapsulation efficiency of ß-CyD-OEO and ß-CyD-CV were 1.5 to 7 µm and 4 to 20 µm, and 86.04 ± 4.48% and 81.39 ± 3.34%, respectively. The bioactive complexes were stable through the gastric and intestinal phases. Bioaccessibility of encapsulated CV ranged 6.0% to 7.7%. Sensory tests revealed no differences (P > 0.05) in color, aroma, and taste between LNS with and without ß-CyD-OEO complexes. Functionalization of LNS with ß-CyD-OEO is feasible based on in vitro stability and sensory studies. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Despite its antiparasitic activities, the addition of oregano essential oil into foods is limited due to its strong flavor and volatility. In this study, we evaluated the encapsulation of oregano essential oil with ß-cyclodextrin and its addition into lipid-based nutrition supplements. The results revealed that complex encapsulation efficiency was above 80%. Also, the bioactive complexes were stable under in vitro gastrointestinal conditions. Sensory evaluation of LNS with and without encapsulated essential oil showed no difference in terms of color, aroma, and taste. The functional LNS can both address nutrient insufficiency as well as parasitic infection among malnourished populations in low-resource settings.

Microparticle Release from Cell Lines and Its Anti-Influenza Activity.

Microparticles (MPs) are vesicles that are released by budding from plasma membrane of living cells. Recently, the role of MPs in antiviral activity has been proposed. We investigated quantity and anti-influenza activity of MPs from human alveolar epithelial cells A549, human bronchial epithelial cells BEAS-2B, human colon adenocarcinoma cells HT-29, and the human lung fibroblast cells MRC-5. MPs were found from all four cell lines. However, anti-influenza activity against an H1N1 influenza virus was found only from MPs of A549 and BEAS-2B. BEAS-2B cell differentiation did not increase MP release. Methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (MßCD) increased MP release and anti-influenza activity in HT-29 and A549. MP release increased after calcium ionophore A23187 treatment in three cell lines but only in HT-29 after forskolin treatment. These findings provide in vitro data supporting the role of MPs as an innate defense against influenza virus and as an approach to enhance the defense.

Studies on the Anti-Oxidative Function of trans-Cinnamaldehyde-Included ß-Cyclodextrin Complex.

trans-Cinnamaldehyde (tCIN), an active compound found in cinnamon, is well known for its antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. The ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) oligomer has been used for a variety of applications in nanotechnology, including pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Here, we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of tCIN self-included in ß-CD complexes (CIs) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with increasing concentrations of ß-CD, tCIN, or CIs for different times. ß-CD alone did not affect the production of nitric oxide (NO) or reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, both tCIN and CI significantly reduced NO and ROS production. Thus, CIs may have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, similar to those of tCIN when used alone.

Physico-chemical characterization and antibacterial activity of inclusion complexes of Hyptis martiusii Benth essential oil in ß-cyclodextrin.

Cyclodextrins (CDs) have been used as important pharmaceutical excipients for improve the physicochemical properties of the drugs of low solubility as the essential oil of Hyptis martiusii. This oil is important therapeutically, but the low solubility and bioavailability compromises your use. Therein, the aim of this study was to obtain and to characterize physico-chemically the samples obtained by physical mixture (PM), paste complexation (PC) and slurry complexation (SC) of the essential oil Hyptis martiusii (EOHM) in ß-CD, and to compare the antibacterial and modulatory-antibiotic activity of products obtained and oil free. The physicochemical characterization was performed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Karl Fischer titration. Additionally, the antibacterial tests were performed by microdilution technique. Thus, it was observed that the PM method showed low complexing capacity, unlike PC and SC in which it was observed the formation of inclusion complexes. In addition, the second stage of the TG/DTG curves showed that SC was the best method inclusion with mass loss of 6.9% over the PC that was 6.0%. The XRD results corroborate with the results above suggesting the formation of new solid phase and the SEM photomicrographs showed the porous surface of the samples PC and SC. The essential oil alone demonstrated an antibacterial and modulatory effect against the S. aureus and the Gram negative strain, respectively. However, the ß-CD and the inclusion complex did not demonstrate any biological activity in the performed antibacterial assays.