Preparation and characterization of brain-targeted polymeric nanocarriers (Frankincense-PMBN-lactoferrin) and in-vivo evaluation on an Alzheimer's disease-like rat model induced by scopolamine.

Experiments have demonstrated that frankincense may offer protection against scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's disease by mitigating cholinergic dysfunction and inhibiting inflammatory mediators. Nevertheless, its instability and limited water solubility lead to diminished medicinal efficacy. In this study, we utilized PMBN (poly [MPC-co-(BMA)-co-(MEONP)]) as a nanocarrier for targeted brain drug delivery of frankincense, employing lactoferrin as a ligand for precise targeting. Characterization of nanoparticle properties was conducted through FTIR and FESEM analysis, and the in-vitro drug release percentage from the nanoparticles was quantified. To induce Alzheimer's-like dementia in rats, scopolamine was intraperitoneally administered at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day for 14 days. Subsequently, behavioral assessments (Y-maze, passive avoidance test, tail suspension test) were performed, followed by evaluations of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and brain histopathology at the conclusion of the treatment period. The results revealed that the nanoparticles had a size of 106.6 nm and a zeta potential of -3.8 mV. The maximum release of frankincense in the PBS environment from PMBN nanoparticles was 18.2 %, in accordance with the Peppas model. Behavioral tests indicated that targeted drug nanoparticles (F-PMBN-Lf) exhibited the capability to alleviate stress and depression while enhancing short-term memory in scopolamine-induced animals. Additionally, F-PMBN-Lf counteracted the scopolamine-induced elevation of AChE activity and GSH levels. However, it resulted in decreased activity of the antioxidant enzyme CAT compared to the scopolamine group. Histological analysis of brain tissue suggested that F-PMBN-Lf exerted a notable neuroprotective effect, preserving neuronal cells in contrast to the scopolamine-induced group. It appears that the polymer nanoparticles containing this plant extract have introduced a novel neuroprotective approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Design, optimization and characterization of a novel antibacterial chitosan-based hydrogel dressing for promoting blood coagulation and full-thickness wound healing: A biochemical and biophysical study.

The use of hydrogel dressings has become increasingly popular as a scaffold for skin tissue engineering. Herein, we have developed an innovative wound dressing using chitosan, fibrinogen, nisin, and EDTA as an effective antibacterial scaffold for wound treatment. The structural and functional characteristics of the hydrogel, including morphology, mechanical strength, drug encapsulation and release, swelling behaviors, blood coagulation, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial activity, were studied. Spectroscopic studies indicated that the attachment of chitosan to fibrinogen is associated with minimal change in its secondary structure; subsequently, at higher temperatures, it is expected to preserve fibrinogen's conformational stability. Mechanical and blood coagulation analyses indicated that the incorporation of fibrinogen into the hydrogel resulted in accelerated clotting and enhanced mechanical properties. Our cell studies showed biocompatibility and non-toxicity of the hydrogel along with the promotion of cell migration. In addition, the prepared hydrogel indicated an antibacterial behavior against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Interestingly, the in vivo data revealed enhanced tissue regeneration and recovery within 17 days in the studied animals. Taken together, the results obtained from in vitro and histological assessments indicate that this innovatively designed hydrogel shows good potential as a candidate for wound healing.