Enhanced wound healing activity of nano ZnO and nano Curcuma longa in third-degree burn

Development and efficacy assessment of polyherbal phytosomal gel for accelerated wound healing

Curcuma longa L. and Plumbago zeylanica L. are renowned for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, primarily attributed to their polyphenolic compounds. However, the limited water solubility of these compounds poses challenges to their effective utilization. Encapsulation within phytosomes offers a solution by enhancing bioavailability and permeability. This study aimed to formulate a phytosome-based polyherbal gel incorporating methanolic extracts of P. zeylanica and C. longa to explore its potential in wound healing. Methanolic extracts of P. zeylanica roots and C. longa rhizomes were encapsulated in phytosomes using the lipid film hydration technique. Various phytosome formulations were developed and characterized for encapsulation efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential. The optimized phytosomal dispersion (F7) was integrated into a carbopol-based hydrogel matrix. In vitro release studies demonstrated prolonged release compared to conventional forms. Stability testing confirmed the robustness of the phytosomal gel at 4 °C/60 ± 5% RH. Wound healing activity was assessed using an excision wound model. The phytosomal gel exhibited enhanced wound contraction and reduced epithelization time compared to conventional gel and control groups, signifying its potent wound-healing effect. In conclusion, the polyherbal phytosomal gel, incorporating P. zeylanica and C. longa, holds promise in promoting wound healing, presenting a novel and effective approach in the realm of topical formulations for wound care.

Curcumin-based nanoformulations alleviate wounds and related disorders: A comprehensive review

Despite numerous advantages, curcumin's (CUR) low solubility and low bioavailability limit its employment as a free drug. CUR-incorporated nanoformulation enhances the bioavailability and angiogenesis, collagen deposition, fibroblast proliferation, reepithelization, collagen synthesis, neovascularization, and granulation tissue formation in different wounds. Designing nanoformulations with controlled-release properties ensure the presence of CUR in the defective area during treatment. Different nanoformulations encompassing nanofibers, nanoparticles (NPs), nanospray, nanoemulsion, nanosuspension, nanoliposome, nanovesicle, and nanomicelle were described in the present study comprehensively. Moreover, for some other systems which contain nano-CUR or CUR nanoformulations, including some nanofibers, films, composites, scaffolds, gel, and hydrogels seems the CUR-loaded NPs incorporation has better control of the sustained release, and thereby, the presence of CUR until the final stages of wound healing is more possible. Incorporating CUR-loaded chitosan NPs into nanofiber increased the release time, while 80% of CUR was released during 240 h (10 days). Therefore, this system can guarantee the presence of CUR during the entire healing period. Furthermore, porous structures such as sponges, aerogels, some hydrogels, and scaffolds disclosed promising performance. These architectures with interconnected pores can mimic the native extracellular matrix, thereby facilitating attachment and infiltration of cells at the wound site, besides maintaining a free flow of nutrients and oxygen within the three-dimensional structure essential for rapid and proper wound healing, as well as enhancing mechanical strength.

Influence of the Alcohols on the ZnO Synthesis and Its Properties: The Photocatalytic and Antimicrobial Activities

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials are used in various health-related applications, from antimicrobial textiles to wound dressing composites and from sunscreens to antimicrobial packaging. Purity, surface defects, size, and morphology of the nanoparticles are the main factors that influence the antimicrobial properties. In this study, we are comparing the properties of the ZnO nanoparticles obtained by solvolysis using a series of alcohols: primary from methanol to 1-hexanol, secondary (2-propanol and 2-butanol), and tertiary (tert-butanol). While the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles is successfully accomplished in all primary alcohols, the use of secondary or tertiary alcohols does not lead to ZnO as final product, underlining the importance of the used solvent. The shape of the obtained nanoparticles depends on the alcohol used, from quasi-spherical to rods, and consequently, different properties are reported, including photocatalytic and antimicrobial activities. In the photocatalytic study, the ZnO obtained in 1-butanol exhibited the best performance against methylene blue (MB) dye solution, attaining a degradation efficiency of 98.24%. The comparative study among a series of usual model dyes revealed that triarylmethane dyes are less susceptible to photo-degradation. The obtained ZnO nanoparticles present a strong antimicrobial activity on a broad range of microorganisms (bacterial and fungal strains), the size and shape being the important factors. This permits further tailoring for use in medical applications.

Cassia alata, Coriandrum sativum, Curcuma longa and Azadirachta indica: Food Ingredients as Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Atopic Dermatitis-A Comprehensive Review

Traditional medicine is critical in disease treatment and management. Herbs are gaining popularity for disease management and treatment. Therefore, they can be utilised as complementary and alternative treatment (CAT) ingredients. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the common non-communicable diseases. It is characterised by chronic inflammatory skin disease with intense pruritus and eczematous lesions. AD is associated with oxidative stress, microbial infection, and upregulation of inflammatory cytokines. Both children and adults could be affected by this skin disorder. The prevalence of AD is increasing along with the country’s level of development. This review revisited the literature on four medicinal herbs widely used as complementary medicine to manage AD. These therapeutic herbs are commonly eaten as food and used as spices in Asian cuisine. The four food herbs reviewed are Cassia alata, Coriandrum sativum, Curcuma longa Linn, and Azadirachta indica. Their traditional uses and phytochemical content will be covered. Four relevant pharmacological and biological activities of the plants crucial in AD management have been reviewed and discussed, including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, and wound recovery.

Enhanced Solar Photocatalytic Activity of Thermally Stable I:ZnO/Glass Beads for Reduction of Cr(VI) in Tannery Effluent

Chromium (VI) in tannery effluent is one of the major environmental concerns for the environmentalists due to the hazardous nature of Cr(VI) ions. To reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III) as an innocuous moiety, pure and I-doped ZnO was grafted over the etched surface of glass beads by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR). Powdered, pure, and I-doped ZnO scrapped from the surface of glass beads was characterized for crystallinity, morphology, and elemental composition by XRD, SEM, TEM, and EDX. The optical properties of both photocatalysts revealed that owing to optimized iodine doping of ZnO, reduction in the bandgap was observed from 3.3 to 2.9 eV. The crystalline nano-bricks of I:ZnO adhered to glass beads were investigated to have remarkable capability to harvest sunlight in comparison to intrinsic ZnO nanodiscs. The thermal stability of I:ZnO was also found to be much improved due to doping of ZnO. The photocatalytic activities of ZnO/GB and I:ZnO/GB were compared by extent of reduction of Cr(VI) under direct natural sunlight (600–650 KWh/m2). The disappearance of absorbance peaks associated with Cr(VI) after treatment with I:ZnO/GB confirmed higher photocatalytic activity of I:ZnO/GB. The reaction parameters of solar photocatalytic reduction, i.e., initial pH (5–9), initial concentration of Cr(VI) (10–50 ppm), and solar irradiation time (1–5 h) were optimized using response surface methodology. The solar photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) present in real tannery effluent was examined to be 87 and 98%, respectively, by employing ZnO/GB and I:ZnO/GB as solar photocatalysts. The extent of reduction was also confirmed by complexation of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) present in treated and untreated tannery waste with 1, 5-diphenylcarbazide. The results of AAS and UV/vis spectroscopy for the decrease in concentration of Cr also supported the evidence of higher efficiency of I:ZnO/GB for reduction of Cr(VI) in tannery effluent. Reusability of the fabricated photocatalyst was assessed for eight cycles, and magnificent extent of reduction of Cr(VI) indicated its high efficiency. Conclusively, I:ZnO/GB is a potential and cost-effective candidate for Cr(VI) reduction in tannery effluent under natural sunlight.

Emerging nanotechnology role in the development of innovative solutions against COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 outbreak is creating severe impressions on all facets of the global community. Despite strong measures worldwide to try and re-achieve normalcy, the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to survive sturdy ecological settings may contribute to its rapid spread. Scientists from different aspects of life are working together to develop effective treatment strategies against SARS-CoV-2. Apart from using clinical devices for patient recovery, the key focus is on developing antiviral drugs and vaccines. Given the physical size of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen and with the vaccine delivery platform currently undergoing clinical trials, the link between nanotechnology is clear, and previous antiviral research using nanomaterials confirms this link. Nanotechnology based products can effectively suppress various pathogens, including viruses, regardless of drug resistance, biological structure, or physiology. Thus, nanotechnology is opening up new dimensions for developing new strategies for diagnosing, preventing, treating COVID-19 and other viral ailments. This article describes the application of nanotechnology against the COVID-19 virus in terms of therapeutic purposes and vaccine development through the invention of nanomaterial based substances such as sanitizers (handwashing agents and surface disinfectants), masks and gowns, amongst other personal protective equipment, diagnostic tools, and nanocarrier systems, as well as the drawbacks and challenges of nanotechnology that need to be addressed.

A comprehensive review of the therapeutic potential of curcumin nanoformulations

Today, due to the prevalence of various diseases such as the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), diabetes, central nervous system diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and so on, extensive studies have been conducted on therapeutic properties of natural and synthetic agents. A literature review on herbal medicine and commercial products in the global market showed that curcumin (Cur) has many therapeutic benefits compared to other natural ingredients. Despite the unique properties of Cur, its use in clinical trials is very limited. The poor biopharmaceutical properties of Cur such as short half-life in plasma, low bioavailability, poor absorption, rapid metabolism, very low solubility (at acidic and physiological pH), and the chemical instability in body fluids are major concerns associated with the clinical applications of Cur. Recently, nanoformulations are emerging as approaches to develop and improve the therapeutic efficacy of various drugs. Many studies have shown that Cur nanoformulations have tremendous therapeutic potential against various diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, cancer, inflammatory, osteoporosis, and so on. These nanoformulations can inhibit many diseases through several cellular and molecular mechanisms. However, successful long-term clinical results are required to confirm their safety and clinical efficacy. The present review aims to update and explain the therapeutic potential of Cur nanoformulations.