Effects of different-sized silver nanoparticles on morphological and functional alterations in lung cancer and non-cancer lung cells.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit unique physicochemical properties, making these nanomaterials attractive for various medical applications. Among them, AgNPs have shown great potential in the treatment of cancer by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, inhibiting tumor growth, and enhancing the efficacy of conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Despite the promising therapeutical advantage of AgNPs, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. One of the most important is AgNPs' toxicity, which in case of treatment might be extended to non-cancerous cells and tissues. In our study, we therefore investigated the effects of spherical AgNPs with the silver core size of 10, 30, and 45 nm coated with polyacrylic acid (PAA-AgNPs) in an in vitro model using cancer (A549) and non-cancer (HEL299) cells. We estimated the impact of these nanoparticles on cell viability, cell proliferation, and cell actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Moreover, changes in the expression of TNFA, IL-10, FN1, and SOD1 mRNA induced by PAA-AgNPs were determined. Our results suggest that the smallest (10 nm) PAA-AgNPs are the most effective in apoptosis induction, however, they are also the most toxic from the three AgNPs types to both, cancer and non-cancer cells, while bigger (30 and 45 nm) PAA-AgNPs showed fewer undesirable effects in these pulmonary cells.

Application of Physical-Chemical Approaches for Encapsulation of Active Substances in Pharmaceutical and Food Industries.

BACKGROUND: Encapsulation is a valuable method used to protect active substances and enhance their physico-chemical properties. It can also be used as protection from unpleasant scents and flavors or adverse environmental conditions. METHODS: In this comprehensive review, we highlight the methods commonly utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries, along with recent applications of these methods. RESULTS: Through an analysis of numerous articles published in the last decade, we summarize the key methods and physico-chemical properties that are frequently considered with encapsulation techniques. CONCLUSION: Encapsulation has demonstrated effectiveness and versatility in multiple industries, such as food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, the selection of appropriate encapsulation methods is critical for the effective encapsulation of specific active compounds. Therefore, constant efforts are being made to develop novel encapsulation methods and coating materials for better encapsulation efficiency and to improve properties for specific use.