Urtica pilulifera L. seed extract promotes folliculogenesis and alleviates the diminished ovarian reserve in the Balb/c mice model: An experimental study.

Background: Urtica pilulifera L. seed (UPS) is a Persian traditional medicine prescription that positively affects female infertility. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of UPS on a diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) model induced by cyclophosphamide in Balb/c mice. Materials and Methods: A single intraperitoneal (75 mg/kg) of cyclophosphamide was administered to establish a DOR model. 25 female Balb/c mice (6-8 wk, 25 ± 2 gr) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 5/each), including control (normal saline), model (DOR), DOR+50, DOR+100, and DOR+200 (mg/kg UPS, gavage) groups for 14 days. The levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutases, apoptosis, and histopathological alterations were analyzed. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was performed to identify the phytochemicals of the UPS. Results: It was observed that the UPS extract reduced malondialdehyde concentration and apoptosis in the DOR model as well as enhanced superoxide dismutases activity in the ovaries in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, it exerted a modulatory effect on steroidal hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol. The histopathological analysis revealed the therapeutic potential of the UPS extract. The main chemical components of UPS were linoleic acid (59.25%), n-hexadecanoic acid (10.36%), and oleic acid (8.29%). Conclusion: The results indicated that the UPS extract has therapeutic potential in the DOR model. This potential is attributed to the reduction of oxidative stress, modulation of apoptosis, and regulation of steroidal hormones that may be associated with the observed beneficial effects of fatty acids on fertility improvement.

Microbial cellulosic pad encompassing alpha-arbutin in Tragacanth gum as the controlled delivery system.

This research focuses on preparing a natural-based drug delivery system for α-arbutin (AR) as a skin lightening. Bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BC) pad was used for controlled-AR release through two approaches. First was the dip-drying method (P-BC), in which AR cross-linked to BC pads using citric acid (CA). The second was simultaneously entrapping of AR in Tragacanth gum (AR-TG) and stabilized on BC (BC-T) through the ultrasonic-assisted microemulsion method. UV-Vis spectra revealed better control of AR release in BC-T in the first hour. High cell viability (above 70 %) of the pads containing 1-3 % AR was reported using MTT assay. The in-vitro permeation study indicated the proper AR penetration in the treated pads. The Fickian diffusion model was determined as a fitted model for all pads in the drug release kinetics. FTIR, XRD, and TGA analyses further characterized the pads. FESEM images verified AR-TG and BC structures with average diameters of 410.7 ± 25.4 and 34.5 ± 7.51 nm, respectively. The hydrophilicity and mechanical properties of the pads were also investigated. Finally, the high biocompatibility, initial controlled release, and proper permeation suggested BC-T as a more promising delivery platform for AR.

The effect of dual-frequency sonication in the presence of thalidomide angiogenesis inhibitor and nanomicelles containing doxorubicin on inhibiting the growth and angiogenesis of breast adenocarcinoma in vivo.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dual-frequency sonication in the presence of thalidomide angiogenesis inhibitor and nanomicelles containing doxorubicin on inhibiting the growth and angiogenesis of breast adenocarcinoma in BALB/c female mice. Sixty mice carrying the tumor were divided into 12 groups: (A) control, (B) 28 kHz and 3 MHz sonication, (C) thalidomide, (D) thalidomide and 28 kHz, (E) thalidomide and 3 MHz, (F) thalidomide and dual-frequency sonication, (G) doxorubicin, (H) nanomicelles containing doxorubicin, (I) nanomicelles containing doxorubicin and dual-frequency sonication, (J) thalidomide and doxorubicin, (K) thalidomide and nanomicelles containing doxorubicin, and (L) thalidomide and nanomicelles containing doxorubicin and dual-frequency sonication. The delay in the tumor growth and angiogenesis percent were extracted. Pathological and immunohistochemical studies were performed to confirm the treatment. The findings of tumor growth retardation parameters and animal survival were significantly different in group L from all groups (P < 0.05). The highest rate of inhibition was in group L with a 46% inhibition. In group L, 100% of the animals survived until day 49. In groups F, C, G, B, and A, all the animals survived 45, 42, 39, 32, and 30 days, respectively. Pathological results showed a decrease in tumor grade in groups K and L. Histopathological results demonstrate a decrease in group L angiogenesis compared to group C. These findings were consistent with the results of color Doppler ultrasound imaging. Dual-frequency sonication in the presence of thalidomide and doxorubicin-containing nanomicelles inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis.

Polyherbal combination for wound healing: Matricaria chamomilla L. and Punica granatum L.

BACKGROUND: Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) with astringent activities and Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile) with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are natural remedies used for various skin disorders, including wound healing. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the individual and combined wound healing activity of the methanol extracts of pomegranate and chamomile flowers. METHODS: After preparing the menthol fraction of pomegranate and chamomile flowers, the content of total phenols, total tannins, and total flavonoids of fractions was measured. For standardization of pomegranate and chamomile fractions, Gallic acid and apigenin-7-O-glucoside contents of them were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, their antioxidant activities were examined using DPPH and FRAP tests. The antimicrobial assay was performed against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Three different concentrations of methanol fraction of each plant and one combination dose of fractions were investigated for their wound healing activities in an excision wound model on the rats' dorsum. Finally, histopathological studies were done at the end of the experiment. RESULTS: Phytochemical examinations showed high amounts of phenolic compounds in pomegranate flowers, while chamomile flower fractions contained a high amount of total flavonoids. Both fractions, especially pomegranate, had potent antioxidant activity. The best results for wound closure were observed 7 days after wound induction. All treated groups exhibited superior wound contraction compared to their placebo at all measurement times. The combined form of pomegranate and chamomile had better wound healing properties compared to a single therapy, especially on time earlier to wound induction. CONCLUSION: This study represented high antioxidant and wound healing activities for methanol fraction of pomegranate and chamomile flowers, which could be related to their high content of phytochemicals. In comparison with single herb treatment, the combined form of these two fractions in lower concentrations accelerated wound closure.

Efficacy of a vaginal tablet as a Persian medicine product on vulvovaginal candidiasis: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

Context: In Persian medicine, topical ingredients such as Rosa damascena Mill. (Rosaceae), are usually recommended for the treatment of uterine diseases. Scientific evaluation of these historical documents can be valuable for finding new potential use in conventional medicine.Objective: This clinical trial was performed to determine whether the use of the 'ward' vaginal tablet, which contains Rosa damascena, Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae), Querqus infectoria Oliv. (Fagaceae), Myrtus communis L. (Myrtaceae) and Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC. (Caprifoliaceae) could alleviate the symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis.Materials and methods: A parallel double-blinded placebo-controlled study was done. Eighteen to fifty-year-old women with vulvovaginal candidiasis were divided into the 'ward' and placebo groups, 46 individuals in each group. The 'ward' group received the 'ward' vaginal tablet containing 200 mg of dried extract. Placebo group received a placebo (composed of corn starch and lactose). One tablet was applied through the vagina for 7 consecutive nights.Results: Two weeks after medication administration, the vaginal discharge sample of patients was re-cultured; 29 patients (63.045%) in the 'ward' group and 6 (13.04%) patients in the placebo group had negative culture (p < 0.001). All clinical symptoms including itching, irritation, and vaginal discharge were significantly reduced in the 'ward' group compared with the placebo group following the intervention and the follow up (p < 0.05).Discussion and conclusions: The findings suggest the 'ward' vaginal tablet could ameliorate vulvovaginal candidiasis. Future larger studies are recommended due to compare the therapeutic effect of the 'ward' vaginal tablet with common treatments.

Ketoconazole and Ketoconazole/ß-cyclodextrin performance on cotton wound dressing as fungal skin treatment.

Here, a cotton wound dressing was prepared with control release of Ketoconazole (KZ) to kill skin fungus. KZ alone and KZ/ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) were loaded on cotton through diverse methods. The drug release, antimicrobial activities against C. albicans, A. niger, E. coli and S. aureus and also cell cytotoxicity were studied. 1H NMR ensured the formation of KZ/ß-CD complex, SEM images showed surface morphology and confirmed stability. KZ interestingly reacted with the cotton in the batch treatment possibly due to the two active chlorine groups, high temperature and relatively long treatment time. Good antifungal activities and slow release reported for the KZ treated fabric, however KZ/ß-CD loaded more on the fabric with regular and slow release for longer time. The batch performed better than continuous method indicated good antifungal activities with more KZ loading and slower release. Also a cross-linking agent along with ß-CD/KZ prolonged the release time with excellent washing stability.

Preparation and in vitro release profiling of PLGA microspheres containing BSA as a model protein

Conventional drug formulations are incapable of adequate delivery of proteins and peptides for therapeutic purposes. As these molecules have very short biological half-life, multiple dosing is required to achieve the desirable therapeutic effects. Microspheres are able to encapsulate proteins and peptide in the polymeric matrix while protecting them from enzymatic degradation. In this study Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) matrix type microspheres were fabricated using Polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) by double emulsion solvent evaporation method. The effects of variables such as homogenizer speed, molecular weight of polymer and the effect of pH of the water phases, were investigated against factors such as drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, morphology, size, drug distribution and release profile of the microspheres. Results, suggested that an increase in homogenization speed leads to a decrease in microsphere size. The increase in homogenization speed also caused a significant effect on the release profile only when higher molecular weight of polymer had been used.. The pH change of the internal aqueous phase led to modification of surface morphology of spheres to a porous structure that significantly increased the total amount of released protein. Integrity of protein structure was intact as shown by SDS-PAGE. According to the results, it can be concluded that we achieved a reproducible method regarding controlled protein delivery for different sizes of particles.

Formulation and characterization of alprazolam-loaded nanoliposomes: screening of process variables and optimizing characteristics using RSM.

This research study aimed to develop a novel sustained release formulation of alprazolam that can also be used for transdermal delivery. This was carried out, for the first time, through encapsulation of alprazolam in nanoliposomes using ethanol injection. In order to obtain the best formulation, four process variables, including the solvent/nonsolvent volume ratio, phospholipid concentration, alprazolam concentration, and cholesterol content were considered as key factors. Response surface methodology (RSM) and a central composite design (CCD) model were used to investigate the effect of these factors on vesicle size (VS) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) as the major properties of nanoliposomes. Experimental data were statistically analyzed, and two significant quadratic models were developed to test the VS and EE responses. The findings indicate that alprazolam and phospholipid concentrations have a significant effect on the mean VS. However, EE was significantly affected by both the alprazolam and phospholipid concentrations and the cholesterol content. The optimized formulation for preparation of alprazolam-loaded nanoliposomes with appropriate VS and EE was suggested. Small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs), ranging in size from 50 to 100 nm were clearly observed in the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, which is appropriate for transdermal delivery of alprazolam. The study of the prepared nanoliposomes over 28 days at 4 °C confirmed the stability of the formulations containing cholesterol. The results of an in vitro release study of alprazolam-loaded nanoliposomes in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.4 for 24 h at 37 °C using dialysis, indicated the sustained release of alprazolam due to encapsulation.

Targeted delivery of doxorubicin into tumor cells by nanostructured lipid carriers conjugated to anti-EGFRvIII monoclonal antibody.

Epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) is the most common variant of the EGF receptor in many human tumors. This variant is tumor specific and highly immunogenic, thus, it can be used as a target for targeted drug delivery toward tumor cells. The major aim of this study was to develop an EGFRvIII-mediated drug delivery system by anti-EGFRvIII monoclonal antibody (MAb) conjugated to doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) to enhance the targeting specificity and cytotoxic effect of Dox on EGFRvIII-overexpressing cell line. In our study, Dox was chosen as a hydrophobic cytotoxic drug and drug-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (Dox-NLC) was prepared by solvent emulsification/evaporation method. In order to conjugate anti-EGFRvIII MAb to Dox-NLC, DSPE-PEG2000-NHS (1,2-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine-polyethylene glycol 2000-NHS) was used as a linker. Physicochemical characteristics of antibody conjugated Dox-NLC (MAb-Dox-NLC), including particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and in vitro Dox release were investigated. Cytotoxicity of MAb-Dox-NLC against NIH-3T3 and HC2 20d2/c (EGFRvIII-transfected NIH-3T3) cell lines was evaluated. The MAb-Dox-NLC appeared to enhance the cytotoxic activity of targeted NLC against HC2 20d2/c cells. The cellular uptake percentage of targeted NLC by HC2 20d2/c cells was higher than that of NIH-3T3 cells, indicating that EGFRvIII can specifically target HC2 20d2/c cells. In conclusion, anti-EGFRvIII MAb-targeted NLC may be considered as an effective nanocarrier for targeted drug delivery.

Protective Effect of a Polyherbal Traditional Formula Consisting of Rosa damascena Mill., Glycyrrhiza glabra L. And Nardostachys jatamansi DC., Against Ethanol-induced Gastric Ulcer.

"VARD" formula consisting of Rosa damascena Mill. (Rosaceae) petals, and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Papilionaceae) and Nardostachys jatamansi DC. (Valerianaceae), has been proposed for gastric ulcer in Iranian traditional medicine. We investigated the antiulcer activity of each plant separately and in combination. The biochemical and molecular functions of extracts were also evaluated. Each plant hydroalcoholic extract was standardized via determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, also via some phenolic compounds determination and specially glycyrrhizic acid in G. glabra by using HPLC. Rats received orally extracts of the plants (20, 40 and 80 mg/Kg) and "VARD" (45 mg/Kg) 1 h before ethanol administration. Two h after receiving ethanol, animals were sacrificed; the stomach was removed for macroscopic and microscopic assessment. Also heme-oxygenase-1, glutathione, and catalase were measured in the gastric tissue of the rats pretreated by "VARD" and dose of 20 mg/Kg of extracts. Among three extracts, R. damascena and G. glabra contained more total phenolic and flavonoid content respectively. Gallic acid was prominent compound in R. damascena. The extracts of R. damascena, G. glabra, and N. jatamansi significantly decreased ulcer index. ED50 values were 8.2, 31.86 and 25.08 mg/Kg respectively. "VARD" significantly decreased ulcer index compared to 20 mg/Kg of G. glabra (p < 0.0001) and N. jatamansi (p < 0.001). Pretreatment with "VARD" and each plant extracts (20 mg/Kg) increased glutathione, catalse and heme-oxygenase-1 significantly (p < 0.05) in comparison with control group. Our findings indicate that "VARD" partly via antioxidant activity can be considered as an effective antiulcer formula.

Formulation of an aloe-based product according to Iranian traditional medicine and development of its analysis method.

BACKGROUND: Currently, people are more interested to traditional medicine. The traditional formulations should be converted to modern drug delivery systems to be more acceptable for the patients. In the present investigation, a poly herbal medicine "Ayarij-e-Faiqra" (AF) based on Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) has been formulated and its quality control parameters have been developed. METHODS: The main ingredients of AF including barks of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume and Cinnamomum cassia J. Presl, the rhizomes of Nardostachys jatamansi DC., the fruits of Piper cubeba L.f., the flowers of Rosa damascena Herrm., the oleo gum resin of Pistacia terebinthus L. and Aloe spp. dried juice were powdered and used for preparing seven tablet formulations of the herbal mixture. Flowability of the different formulated powders was examined and the best formulations were selected (F6&F7). The tablets were prepared from the selected formulations compared according to the physical characteristics and finally, F7 was selected and coated. Physicochemical characters of core and coated AF tablets were determined and the HPLC method for quantitation of aloin as a marker of tablets was selected and verified according to selectivity, linearity, precision, recovery, LOD and LOQ. RESULTS: The results showed that core and coated AF tablets were in agreement with USP requirements for herbal drugs. They had acceptable appearance, disintegration time, friability, hardness, dissolution behavior, weight variation and content uniformity. The amount of aloin in tablets was found 123.1 mg/tab. The HPLC method for aloin determination in AF tablets was verified according to selectivity, linearity (5-500 µg/ml, r2:0.9999), precision (RSD: 1.62%), recovery (108.0%), LOD & LOQ (0.0053 & 0.0161 µg/ml). CONCLUSIONS: The formulated tablets could be a good substitute for powder and capsules of AF in ITM clinics with a feasible and precise method for its quality control. Ayarij-e-Faiqra formulation.

Preparation of nano cationic liposome as carrier membrane for polyhexamethylene biguanide chloride through various methods utilizing higher antibacterial activities with low cell toxicity.

This study suggested successful encapsulation of polyhexamethylene biguanide chloride (PHMB) into nano cationic liposome as a biocompatible antibacterial agent with less cytotoxicity and higher activities. Phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and stearylamine were used to prepare nano cationic liposome using thin film hydration method along with sonication or homogeniser. Sonication was more effective in PHMB loaded nano cationic liposome preparation with smaller size (34 nm). FTIR, 1H NMR and XRD analyses were used to confirm the encapsulation of PHMB into nano cationic liposome. PHMB inclusion in nano cationic liposome was beneficial for increased antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. PHMB-loaded cationic liposome enables to deliver high concentrations of the antibacterial agent into the infectious cell. The cytotoxicity of PHMB entrapped in positively charged liposome was prominently reduced showing no significant visible detrimental effect on normal primary human skin fibroblast cell lines morphology confirming the effective role of cationic liposome encapsulation. Comparing with PHMB alone, encapsulation of PHMB in nano cationic liposome resulted in significant increase in cell viability from 2.4 to 63%.

Dual frequency cavitation event sensor with iodide dosimeter.

The inertial cavitation activity depends on the sonication parameters. The purpose of this work is development of dual frequency inertial cavitation meter for therapeutic applications of ultrasound waves. In this study, the chemical effects of sonication parameters in dual frequency sonication (40 kHz and 1 MHz) were investigated in the progressive wave mode using iodide dosimetry. For this purpose, efficacy of different exposure parameters such as intensity, sonication duration, sonication mode, duty factor and net ultrasound energy on the inertial cavitation activity have been studied. To quantify cavitational effects, the KI dosimeter solution was sonicated and its absorbance at a wavelength of 350 nm was measured. The absorbance values in continuous sonication mode was significantly higher than the absorbance corresponding to the pulsed mode having duty factors of 20-80% (p<0.05). Among different combination modes (1 MHz 100%+40 kHz 100%, 1 MHz 100%+40 kHz 80%, 1 MHz 80%+40 kHz 100%, 1 MHz 80%+40 kHz 80%), the continuous mode for dual frequency sonication is more effective than other combinations (p<0.05). The absorbance for this combined dual frequency mode was about 1.8 times higher than that obtained from the algebraic summation of single frequency sonications. It is believed that the optimization of dual frequency sonication parameters at low-level intensity (<3 W/cm(2)) by optically assisted cavitation event sensor can be useful for ultrasonic treatments.

Controlled-release drug delivery system based on fluocinolone acetonide-cyclodextrin inclusion complex incorporated in multivesicular liposomes.

Multivesicular liposomes (MVLs) have been widely studied for encapsulation of hydrophilic drugs due to their structural properties and large aqueous inner cavities. In this study, to investigate MVLs and their potential application for incorporation of hydrophobic drugs, new drug delivery system for fluocinolone acetonide (FA), as a lipophilic model drug, was developed combining the advantages of cyclodextrin inclusion complexes (CD-IC) and multivesicular liposomes. FA was complexed with several CDs to form inclusion complex (FA-CD-IC) and then FA-CD-IC was incorporated into MVLs by reverse-phase evaporation method. Physicochemical characterization of drug-CD-IC, at a molar ratio of 1:1 (drug to CD) was studied using 1HNMR, FT-IR, DSC and UV spectroscopy. The influence of various types of CDs on the aqueous solubility of FA, encapsulation efficiency and release profile in MVLs was studied. The results revealed the formation of inclusion complexes between the drug and CDs. Both the CD's type and proportion played an important role in the physicochemical properties of the systems. The inclusion complex of the drug with hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin exhibited the most appropriate loading and sustained-release profile over prolonged periods. The results reveal the promising potential of MVLs as a stable drug delivery system to release the drug in a sustained manner for the treatment of ocular inflammatory disease.

A new route for synthesis of silver:gold alloy nanoparticles loaded within phosphatidylcholine liposome structure as an effective antibacterial agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Ag:Au alloy nanoparticles were successfully synthesized through the new route using co-reduction method with silver nitrate, chloroauric acid, cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium borohydride at room temperature. The Ag:Au alloy nanoparticles were then loaded within the phosphatidylcholine (97%) liposome structure. Various molar ratios of phosphotidylcholine and CTAB to the total metals were investigated showing its importance on the stability of nanocomposites suspension. The size distribution and morphology of encapsulated nanoparticles within the liposome structure were studied via ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectrum, transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrographs, and dynamic light scattering data. The synthesis of alloy nanoparticles were confirmed with formation of single band at 430, 465 and 500 nm for 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 Ag:Au mole ratios, respectively. The TEM micrographs of different samples indicated formation of three various nanocomposite structures with size of 82-300 nm. The antibacterial activities of Ag:Au nanocomposites were studied against Pseudomonas aeruginosa through well-diffusion agar. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by Broth microdilution method. The results showed that 10 ppm nanocomposite reasonably killed the above bacteria.

Correlation between iodide dosimetry and terephthalic acid dosimetry to evaluate the reactive radical production due to the acoustic cavitation activity.

Acoustic cavitation plays an important role in sonochemical processes and the rate of sonochemical reaction is influenced by sonication parameters. There are several methods to evaluate cavitation activity such as chemical dosimetry. In this study, to comparison between iodide dosimetry and terephthalic acid dosimetry, efficacy of sonication parameters in reactive radical production has been considered by iodide and terephthalic acid dosimetries. For this purpose, efficacy of different exposure parameters on cavitations production by 1 MHz ultrasound has been studied. The absorbance of KI dosimeter was measured by spectrophotometer and the fluorescence of terephthalic acid dosimeter was measured using spectrofluorometer after sonication. The result of experiments related to sonication time and intensity showed that with increasing time of sonication or intensity, the absorbance is increased. It has been shown that the absorbance for continuous mode is remarkably higher than for pulsing mode (p-value < 0.05). Also results show that with increasing the duty cycles of pulsed field, the inertial cavitation activity is increased. With compensation of sonication time or intensity in different duty cycles, no significant absorbance difference were observed unless 20% duty cycle. A significant correlation between the absorbance and fluorescence intensities (count) at different intensity (R = 0.971), different sonication time (R = 0.999) and different duty cycle (R = 0.967) were observed (p-value < 0.05). It is concluded that the sonication parameters having important influences on reactive radical production. These results suggest that there is a correlation between iodide dosimetry and terephthalic acid dosimetry to examine the acoustic cavitation activity in ultrasound field.

In situ synthesis of nano silver/lecithin on wool: enhancing nanoparticles diffusion.

Silver nanoparticles are being used increasingly in various applications because of their antibacterial properties. It is necessary to lower their direct contact with the skin by embedding in a polymer reducing their side effects. In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized inside the wool fibers acted as a polyfunctional ligands. Lecithin as a biological lipid was used to enhance the diffusion of silver ions and nanoparticles into the wool fibers reducing cytotoxicity effects of the nano silver loaded wool. The highest loading efficiency and inhibition zone was observed on the wool with the highest lecithin concentration. Presence of lecithin reduced the rate of nano silver release which results in decreasing the specific coefficient of lethality. Also, the extracted solution of the synthesized silver nanoparticles on the wool has not altered the morphology of L929 fibroblast cells.

Nano silver entrapped in phospholipids membrane: synthesis, characteristics and antibacterial kinetics.

The antimicrobial property of stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with phospholipid membrane was investigated on both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacterial strains. The influence of phospholipid concentrations on antibacterial kinetics actions of AgNPs was studied with two different methodologies in order to understand the bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects. The bacterial inactivation of synthesized AgNPs fitted well to the Chick-Watson model with a high regression coefficient, R(2) > 0.91. The antibacterial properties of AgNPs depend on the particle size, stabilizer and lecithin concentrations. Only the stabilized AgNPs that have the K(lec/Ag) values of 1 and 2 presented the inhabitation zone, while unstabilized AgNPs agglomerated quickly, settled on the wells and did not diffuse in agar. In addition, the specific coefficient of lethality depends on the lecithin concentration. An increase in lecithin concentration caused multilayer creation on the AgNPs' surface and reduced the release of AgNPs which led to low bacterial killing rate.

Synthesis of Ag-liposome nano composites.

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized and stabilized by a simple, environment-friendly method in a liposomes structure. Liposomes were prepared by facing lecithin to the aqueous-phase solutions while stirring vigorously. The ratio of lecithin concentration to silver nitrate (K(Lec/Ag) = [Lecithin]/[AgNO(3)]) is the influencing factor in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The stability, size distribution, and antibacterial properties of synthesized silver nanoparticles were studied by ultraviolet (UV)-visible, dynamic light scattering, and antibacterial assay. The UV spectra indicated a single symmetric extinction peak at 400 nm, confirming the spherical shape of the synthesized silver nanoparticles. A high K(Lec/Ag) value leads to a reduction in the intensity of extinction spectra and increases the size of Ag-liposomes nanocomposites. The large Ag-liposomes nanocomposites are transformed to the smaller Ag-liposomes nanocomposites (from 342 to 190 nm) due to sonication treatment. The stabilized silver nanoparticles with various lecithin concentrations showed a good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium, and Escherichia coli, a Gram-negative bacterium.