Comparative Study of Latanoprost Drug Delivery Systems for Glaucoma Treatment and Their Interaction with the Tear Film Lipid Layer Models.

This study investigates the interaction of two approved and one newly developed latanoprost formulation with in vitro and in silico models of the tear film and tear film lipid layer (TFLL). Latanoprost, a prostaglandin analogue used for intraocular elevated pressure treatment, is topically delivered by nanocarriers within aqueous solutions or emulsions. The study focuses on the impact of these carriers on drug interactions with the tear film and their effect on the TFLL. Three different types of latanoprost carriers, micellar, nanoemulsion, and polymer-based, were compared, and each revealed distinct interaction patterns with the TFLL. Surface pressure kinetics demonstrated a rapid increase for the benzalkonium chloride formulation and a slow rise for the preservative-free variants. Visualization of the acellular in vitro TFLL model revealed different patterns of incorporation for each formulation, indicating unique interaction mechanisms. Molecular dynamics simulations further revealed different mechanisms of drug release in the TFLL between micellar and nanoemulsion formulations. In-depth examination highlighted the role of triglyceride molecules in replenishing the nonpolar layer of the TFLL, which suggests potential improvements in ocular surface compatibility by adjusting the quality and concentration of the oily phase. These findings suggest the potential for optimizing latanoprost formulations by tuning the oily phase-to-surfactant ratio and selecting suitable surfactants.

Assessing vitamin E acetate as a proxy for E-cigarette additives in a realistic pulmonary surfactant model.

Additives in vaping products, such as flavors, preservatives, or thickening agents, are commonly used to enhance user experience. Among these, Vitamin E acetate (VEA) was initially thought to be harmless but has been implicated as the primary cause of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury, a serious lung disease. In our study, VEA serves as a proxy for other e-cigarette additives. To explore its harmful effects, we developed an exposure system to subject a pulmonary surfactant (PSurf) model to VEA-rich vapor. Through detailed analysis and atomic-level simulations, we found that VEA tends to cluster into aggregates on the PSurf surface, inducing deformations and weakening its essential elastic properties, critical for respiratory cycle function. Apart from VEA, our experiments also indicate that propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, widely used in e-liquid mixtures, or their thermal decomposition products, alter surfactant properties. This research provides molecular-level insights into the detrimental impacts of vaping product additives on lung health.

Palmitoylation modifies transmembrane adaptor protein PAG for ordered lipid environment: A molecular dynamics simulation study.

We employed all-atom MD simulations to investigate the impact of palmitoylation on the PAG transmembrane peptide within various lipid environments, including the less explored boundary region separating lipid-ordered (Lo) and lipid-disordered (Ld) membrane phases. We found that palmitoylation of the peptide reduces its impact on membrane thickness, particularly within the Lo and boundary environments. Despite their hydrophobic nature, the palmitoyl chains on the peptide did not significantly affect the hydration of the surrounding membrane. Interestingly, the boundary membrane environment was found to be especially compatible with the palmitoylated peptide, suggesting its potential for accumulation in phase boundaries. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding how palmitoylation-modified peptides behave within membranes, with crucial implications for cell signaling and membrane organization. This knowledge may also inform the optimization of lipid membrane-based drug delivery systems, by improving our understanding of how drugs and excipients can be most effectively arranged within these carriers.

Revealing bactericidal events on graphene oxide nano films deposited on metal implant surfaces.

At the time when pathogens are developing robust resistance to antibiotics, the demand for implant surfaces with microbe-killing capabilities has significantly risen. To achieve this goal, profound understanding of the underlying mechanisms is crucial. Our study demonstrates that graphene oxide (GO) nano films deposited on stainless steel (SS316L) exhibit superior antibacterial features. The physicochemical properties of GO itself play a pivotal role in influencing biological events and their diversity may account for the contradictory results reported elsewhere. However, essential properties of GO coatings, such as oxygen content and the resulting electrical conductivity, have been overlooked so far. We hypothesize that the surface potential and electrical resistance of the oxygen content in the GO-nano films may induce bacteria-killing events on conductive metallic substrates. In our study, the GO applied contains 52 wt% of oxygen, and thus exhibits insulating properties. When deposited as a nano film on an electrically conducting steel substrate, GO flakes generate a Schottky barrier at the interface. This barrier, consequently, impedes the transfer of electrons to the underlying conductive substrate. As a result, this creates reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to bacterial death. We confirmed the presence of GO coatings and their hydrolytic stability by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), µRaman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) measurements. The biological evaluation was performed on the MG63 osteoblast-like cell line and two selected bacteria species: S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, demonstrating both the cytocompatibility and antibacterial behavior of GO-coated SS316L substrates. We propose a two-step bactericidal mechanism: electron transfer from the bacteria membrane to the substrate, followed by ROS generation. This mechanism finds support in changes observed in contact angle, surface potential, and work function, identified as decisive factors. By addressing overlooked factors and effectively bridging the gap between understanding and practicality, we present a transformative approach for implant surfaces, combating microbial resistance, and offering new application possibilitie.