Optimization of Continuous Synthesis of Cross-Linked Chitosan Nanoparticles Using Microreactors

Formulation and optimization of surfactant-modified chitosan nanoparticles loaded with cefdinir for novel topical drug delivery: Elevating wound healing efficacy with enhanced antibacterial properties

Burn wounds remain a significant global health concern, frequently exacerbated by bacterial infections that hinder healing and raise morbidity rates. Cefdinir, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, is used to treat various conditions, but it has limitations such as low water solubility, limited bioavailability, and a short biological half-life. This study aimed to fabricate and optimize novel surfactant-based Cefdinir-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CFD-CSNPs) for enhancing topical CFD delivery and efficacy in burn healing. Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was employed to develop optimized CFD-CSNPs using Design Expert® software, where the independent factors were chitosan concentration, chitosan: sodium tripolyphosphate ratio, pH, and surfactant type. Particle size PS, zeta potential ZP, Polydispersity index PDI, and entrapment efficiency EE% were evaluated as dependent factors. CFD-CSNPs were produced using the ionic gelation method. The optimized formula was determined and then examined for further in vitro and in vivo assessments. The optimized CFD-CSNPs exhibited acceptable PS, PDI, and ZP values. The EE% of CFD from CSNPs reached 57.89 % ± 1.66. TEM analysis revealed spherical morphology. In vitro release studies demonstrated a biphasic release profile up to (75.5 % ± 3.8) over 48 hrs. The optimized CFD-CSNPs showed improved antimicrobial efficacy against the tested microorganisms, exhibiting superior performance for both biofilm prevention and eradication. Enhanced wound healing activity was achieved by the optimized CFD-CSNPs in both in vitro and in vivo studies as confirmed by scratch wound assay and skin burn mice model. The current study advocates the efficacy of the innovative topical application of CFD-CSNPs for wound healing purposes and treatment of wound infections.

Preparation of Spherical Ultrafine Silver Particles Using Y-Type Microjet Reactor

Herein, micron-sized silver particles were prepared using the chemical reduction method by employing a Y-type microjet reactor, silver nitrate as the precursor, ascorbic acid as the reducing agent, and gelatin as the dispersion at room temperature (23 °C ± 2°C). Using a microjet reactor, the two reaction solutions collide and combine outside the reactor, thereby avoiding microchannel obstruction issues and facilitating a quicker and more convenient synthesis process. This study examined the effect of the jet flow rate and dispersion addition on the morphology and size of silver powder particles. Based on the results of this study, spherical and dendritic silver particles with a rough surface can be prepared by adjusting the flow rate of the reaction solution and gelatin concentration. The microjet flow rate of 75 mL/min and the injected gelatin amount of 1% of the silver nitrate mass produced spherical ultrafine silver particles with a size of 4.84 μm and a tap density of 5.22 g/cm³.