Enzyme-Catalyzed Polymerization Process: A Novel Approach to the Preparation of Polyaniline Colloidal Dispersions with an Immunomodulatory Effect.

A green, nature-friendly synthesis of polyaniline colloidal particles based on enzyme-assisted oxidation of aniline with horseradish peroxidase and chitosan or poly(vinyl alcohol) as steric stabilizers was successfully employed. Physicochemical characterization revealed formation of particles containing the polyaniline emeraldine salt and demonstrated only a minor effect of polymer stabilizers on particle morphology. All tested colloidal particles showed in vitro antioxidation activity determined via scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. In vitro, they were able to reduce oxidative stress and inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils and inflammatory cytokines by macrophages. The anti-inflammatory effect observed was related to their antioxidant activity, especially in the case of neutrophils. The particles can thus be especially advantageous as active components of biomaterials modulating the early stages of inflammation. In addition to the immunomodulatory effect, the presence of intrinsically conducting polyaniline can impart cell-instructive properties to the particles. The approach to particle synthesis that we employed─an original one using environmentally friendly and biocompatible horseradish peroxidase─represents a smart way of preparing conducting particles with unique properties, which can be further modified by the stabilizers used.

Formation of oleogels based on emulsions stabilized with cellulose nanocrystals and sodium caseinate.

HYPOTHESIS: In the preparation of oleogels based on Pickering-emulsions, the choice of the preparation route is critical to withstand drying under ambient conditions, as it conditions the composition of the interfacial layer at the oil-water interface. EXPERIMENTS: Hexadecane and olive oil oleogels were prepared using an emulsion-template approach from oil-in-water emulsions formulated with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and sodium caseinate (CAS) added in different orders (CNC/CAS together; first CAS then CNC; first CNC then CAS). The oleogels were formed from preconcentrated emulsions by drying at ambient temperature. The structure of the gels was characterised by confocal laser scanning microscopy, and the gels were assessed in terms of viscoelastic properties and redispersibility. FINDINGS: The properties of oleogels were controlled by 1) the composition of the surface layer at oil-water interface; 2) the amount and type of non-adsorbed stabilizer; and 3) the composition and viscosity of oils (hexadecane vs. olive oil). For the oleogels prepared from starting emulsions stabilized with CNC with subsequent addition of CAS, and free CAS present in aqueous phase, the elastic component was prevalent. Overall, the dominating species at the oil-water interface controlled the emulsion behaviour and stability, as well as viscoelastic behaviour of the resulting oleogels and their redispersibility.

Caseinate-Stabilized Emulsions of Black Cumin and Tamanu Oils: Preparation, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity.

Caseinate-stabilized emulsions of black cumin (Nigella sativa) and tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) oils were studied in terms of preparation, characterization, and antibacterial properties. The oils were described while using their basic characteristics, including fatty acid composition and scavenging activity. The oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions containing the studied oils were formulated, and the influence of protein stabilizer (sodium caseinate (CAS), 1-12 wt%), oil contents (5-30 wt%), and emulsification methods (high-shear homogenization vs sonication) on the emulsion properties were investigated. It was observed that, under both preparation methods, emulsions of small, initial droplet sizes were predominantly formed with CAS content that was higher than 7.5 wt%. Sonication was a more efficient emulsification procedure and was afforded emulsions with smaller droplet size throughout the entire used concentration ranges of oils and CAS when compared to high-shear homogenization. At native pH of ~ 6.5, all of the emulsions exhibited negative zeta potential that originated from the presence of caseinate. The antibacterial activities of both oils and their emulsions were investigated with respect to the growth suppression of common spoilage bacteria while using the disk diffusion method. The oils and selected emulsions were proven to act against gram positive strains, mainly against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Bacillus cereus (B. cereus); regrettably, the gram negative species were fully resistant against their action.