Resveratrol-loaded chitosan–γ-poly(glutamic acid) nanoparticles: Optimization, solubility, UV stability, and cellular antioxidant activity

Interaction between resveratrol and SIRT1: role in neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, pose significant health challenges and economic burdens worldwide. Recent studies have emphasized the potential therapeutic value of activating silent information regulator-1 (SIRT1) in treating these conditions. Resveratrol, a compound known for its ability to potently activate SIRT1, has demonstrated promising neuroprotective effects by targeting the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration. In this review, we delve into the crucial role of resveratrol-mediated SIRT1 upregulation in improving neurodegenerative diseases. The role of the activation of SIRT1 by resveratrol was reviewed. Moreover, network pharmacology was used to elucidate the possible mechanisms of resveratrol in these diseases. Activation of SIRT1 by resveratrol had positive effects on neuronal function and survival and alleviated the hallmark features of these diseases, such as protein aggregation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In terms of network pharmacology, the signaling pathways by which resveratrol protects against different neurodegenerative diseases were slightly different. Although the precise mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol and SIRT1 activation remain under investigation, these findings offer valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Nanoencapsulation of hybrid crude palm oil Unaué HIE OxG with jackfruit by-products as encapsulants: A study of cellular antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cells

Hybrid crude palm oil (HCPO) HIE OxG is notable for its abundance of carotenoids, tocopherols, and tocotrienols. Investigating cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) and the non-cytotoxicity of oil nanoparticles is crucial for understanding the behavior of these phytochemicals in biological systems and ensuring the safety of products. Nanoparticles of HCPO, encapsulated with jackfruit by-products were produced and characterized for CAA and cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cells. The nanoparticles exhibited nanoscale diameters (<250 nm), uniform distribution and stability (polydispersity index < 0.25; zeta potential JSF-NP -12.46 ± 0.15 mV and JAF-NP -13.73 ± 1.28 mV). JSF-NP and JAF-NP demonstrated superior CAA compared to the free HCPO across all concentrations, without inducing cytotoxic effects on differentiated Caco-2 cells. This study underscores the importance of investigating the CAA of edible oil nanoparticles, with non-cytotoxicity indicating biological safety and the potential to safeguard intestinal epithelial cells. Thus, JSF-NP and JAF-NP emerge as promising delivery systems for future HCPO applications.

Computer-aided drug design supporting sunscreen research: a showcase study using previously synthesized hybrid UV filter-antioxidant compounds

CONTEXT

Although quantum mechanical calculations have proven effective in accurately predicting UV absorption and assessing the antioxidant potential of compounds, the utilization of computer-aided drug design (CADD) to support sustainable synthesis research of new sunscreen active ingredients remains an area with limited exploration. Furthermore, there are ongoing concerns about the safety and effectiveness of existing sunscreens. Therefore, it remains crucial to investigate photoprotection mechanisms and develop enhanced strategies for mitigating the harmful effects of UVR exposure, improving both the safety and efficacy of sunscreen products. A previous study conducted synthesis research on eight novel hybrid compounds (I-VIII) for use in sunscreen products by molecular hybridization of trans-resveratrol (RESV), avobenzone (AVO), and octinoxate (OMC). Herein, time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations performed in the gas phase on the isolated hybrid compounds (I-VIII) proved to reproduce the experimental UV absorption. Resveratrol-avobenzone structure-based hybrids (I-IV) present absorption maxima in the UVB range with slight differences between them, while resveratrol-OMC structure-based hybrids (V-VIII) showed main absorption in the UVA range. Among RESV-OMC hybrids, compounds V and VI exhibited higher UV absorption intensity, and compound VIII stood out for its broad-spectrum coverage in our simulations. Furthermore, both in silico and in vitro analyses revealed that compounds VII and VIII exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with compound I emerging as the most reactive antioxidant within RESV-AVO hybrids. The study suggests a preference for the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanism over single-electron transfer followed by proton transfer (SET-PT) in the gas phase. With a strong focus on sustainability, this approach reduces costs and minimizes effluent production in synthesis research, promoting the eco-friendly development of new sunscreen active ingredients.

METHODS

The SPARTAN'20 program was utilized for the geometry optimization and energy calculations of all compounds. Conformer distribution analysis was performed using the Merck molecular force field 94 (MMFF94), and geometry optimization was carried out using the parametric method 6 (PM6) followed by density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP/6-31G(d)). The antioxidant behavior of the hybrid compounds (I-VIII) was determined using the highest occupied molecular orbital (εHOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (εLUMO) energies, as well as the bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE), ionization potential (IP), and proton dissociation enthalpy (PDE) values, all calculated at the same level of structural optimization. TD-DFT study is carried out to calculate the excitation energy using the B3LYP functional with the 6-31G(d) basis set. The calculated transitions were convoluted with a Gaussian profile using the Gabedit program.

Recent advances in oral delivery systems of resveratrol: foreseeing their use in functional foods

Herein, we review the current state-of-the-art on the use of micro- and nano-delivery systems, a possible solution to some of the drawbacks associated with the incorporation of resveratrol in foods. Specifically, we present an overview of a wide range of micro-nanostructures, namely, lipidic and polymeric, used for the delivery of resveratrol. Also, the gastrointestinal fate of resveratrol-loaded micro-nanostructures, as a critical parameter for their use as functional food, is explored in terms of stability, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability. Different micro-nanostructures are of interest for the development of functional foods given that they can provide different advantages and properties to these foods and even be tailor-made to address specific issues (e.g., controlled or targeted release). Therefore, we discuss a wide range of micro-nanostructures, namely, lipidic and polymeric, used to deliver resveratrol and aimed at the development of functional foods. It has been reported that the use of some production methodologies can be of greater interest than others, for example, emulsification, solvent displacement and electrohydrodynamic processing (EHDP) enable a greater increase in bioaccessibility. Additionally, the use of coatings facilitates further improvements in bioaccessibility, which is likely due to the increased gastric stability of the coated micro-nanostructures. Other properties, such as mucoadhesion, can also help improve bioaccessibility due to the increase in gut retention time. Additionally, cytotoxicity (e.g., biocompatibility, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory) and possible sensorial impact of resveratrol-loaded micro- and nano-systems in foods are highlighted.

Resveratrol-Laden Nano-Systems in the Cancer Environment: Views and Reviews

The genesis of cancer is a precisely organized process in which normal cells undergo genetic alterations that cause the cells to multiply abnormally, colonize, and metastasize to other organs such as the liver, lungs, colon, and brain. Potential drugs that could modify these carcinogenic pathways are the ones that will be used in clinical trials as anti-cancer drugs. Resveratrol (RES) is a polyphenolic natural antitoxin that has been utilized for the treatment of several diseases, owing to its ability to scavenge free radicals, control the expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes, and have effects on inflammation, cancer, aging, diabetes, and cardioprotection. Although RES has a variety of pharmacological uses and shows promising applications in natural medicine, its unpredictable pharmacokinetics compromise its therapeutic efficacy and prevent its use in clinical settings. RES has been encapsulated into various nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, lipidic nanocarriers, and inorganic nanoparticles, to address these issues. These nanocarriers can modulate drug release, increase bioavailability, and reach therapeutically relevant plasma concentrations. Studies on resveratrol-rich nano-formulations in various cancer types are compiled in the current article. Studies relating to enhanced drug stability, increased therapeutic potential in terms of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and reduced toxicity to cells and tissues are the main topics of this research. To keep the readers informed about the current state of resveratrol nano-formulations from an industrial perspective, some recent and significant patent literature has also been provided. Here, the prospects for nano-formulations are briefly discussed, along with machine learning and pharmacometrics methods for resolving resveratrol's pharmacokinetic concerns.

Space Station-like Composite Nanoparticles for Co-Delivery of Multiple Natural Compounds from Chinese Medicine and Hydrogen in Combating Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Ototoxic drugs such as aminoglycoside antibiotics and cisplatin (CDDP) can cause sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), which is closely related to oxidative stress and the acidification of the inner ear microenvironment. Effective treatment of SNHL often requires multifaceted approach due to the complex pathology, and drug combination therapy is expected to be at the forefront of modern hearing loss treatment. Here, space-station-like composite nanoparticles (CCC@mPP NPs) with pH/oxidation dual responsiveness and multidrug simultaneous delivery capability were constructed and then loaded with various drugs including panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), tanshinone IIA (TSIIA), and ammonia borane (AB) to provide robust protection against SNHL. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that carboxymethyl chitosan/calcium carbonate-chitosan (CCC) NPs and monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-PLGA (mPP) NPs can rendezvous and dock primarily by hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic forces may be involved. Moreover, CCC@mPP NPs crossed the round window membrane (RWM) and entered the inner ear through endocytosis and paracellular pathway. The docking state was basically maintained during this process, which created favorable conditions for multidrug delivery. This nanosystem was highly sensitive to pH and reactive oxygen species (ROS) changes, as evidenced by the restricted release of payload at alkaline condition (pH 7.4) without ROS, while significantly promoting the release in acidic condition (pH 5.0 and 6.0) with ROS. TSIIA/PNS/AB-loaded CCC@mPP NPs almost completely preserved the hair cells and remained the hearing threshold shift within normal limits in aminoglycoside- or CDDP-treated guinea pigs. Further experiments demonstrated that the protective mechanisms of TSIIA/PNS/AB-loaded CCC@mPP NPs involved direct and indirect scavenging of excessive ROS, and reduced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed the high biocompatibility of the composite NPs, even after long-term administration. Collectively, this work suggests that composite NPs is an ideal multi-drug-delivery vehicle and open new avenues for inner ear disease therapies.

Encapsulation of resveratrol within size-controlled nanoliposomes: Impact on solubility, stability, cellular permeability, and oral bioavailability

This study examined the influence of the nanoliposomes (LPs) particle size on the solubility, antioxidant stability, in vitro release profile, Caco-2 cellular transport activity, cellular antioxidant activity, and in vivo oral bioavailability of resveratrol (RSV). LPs with sizes of 300, 150, and 75 nm were prepared using the thin-lipid film hydration method, followed by ultrasonication for 0, 2, and 10 min, respectively. Formulating small LPs (< 100 nm) was effective to enhance the solubility, in vitro release profile, cellular permeability, and cellular antioxidant activity of RSV. A similar pattern was observed for in vivo oral bioavailability. However, the size reduction of RSV-loaded LPs did not promote the antioxidant stability of RSV, owing to their large surface area used to interact with harsh environments. This study provides the better understanding of the appropriate particle size range of LPs to improve their in vitro and in vivo performances of RSV as an effective carrier for oral administration.

Polymeric Nanoparticles for Delivery of Natural Bioactive Agents: Recent Advances and Challenges

In the last few decades, several natural bioactive agents have been widely utilized in the treatment and prevention of many diseases owing to their unique and versatile therapeutic effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective action. However, their poor aqueous solubility, poor bioavailability, low GIT stability, extensive metabolism as well as short duration of action are the most shortfalls hampering their biomedical/pharmaceutical applications. Different drug delivery platforms have developed in this regard, and a captivating tool of this has been the fabrication of nanocarriers. In particular, polymeric nanoparticles were reported to offer proficient delivery of various natural bioactive agents with good entrapment potential and stability, an efficiently controlled release, improved bioavailability, and fascinating therapeutic efficacy. In addition, surface decoration and polymer functionalization have opened the door to improving the characteristics of polymeric nanoparticles and alleviating the reported toxicity. Herein, a review of the state of knowledge on polymeric nanoparticles loaded with natural bioactive agents is presented. The review focuses on frequently used polymeric materials and their corresponding methods of fabrication, the needs of such systems for natural bioactive agents, polymeric nanoparticles loaded with natural bioactive agents in the literature, and the potential role of polymer functionalization, hybrid systems, and stimuli-responsive systems in overcoming most of the system drawbacks. This exploration may offer a thorough idea of viewing the polymeric nanoparticles as a potential candidate for the delivery of natural bioactive agents as well as the challenges and the combating tools used to overcome any hurdles.

Resveratrol and Its Role in the Management of B-Cell Malignancies-A Recent Update

The growing incidence of B cell malignancies globally has prompted research on the pharmacological properties of phytoconstituents in cancer management. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic stilbenoid widely found in nature, has been explored for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and promising results from different pre-clinical studies have indicated its potential for management of B cell malignancies. However, these claims must be substantiated by a greater number of clinical trials in diverse populations, in order to establish its safety and efficacy profile. In addition to this, there is a need to explore nanodelivery of this agent, owing to its poor solubility, which in turn may impact its bioavailability. This review aims to offer an overview of the occurrence and pathogenesis of B cell malignancies with a special focus on the inflammatory pathways involved, the mechanism of actions of resveratrol and its pharmacokinetic profile, results from pre-clinical and clinical studies, as well as an overview of the marketed formulations. The authors have also presented their opinion on the various challenges associated with the clinical development of resveratrol and future perspectives regarding therapeutic applications of this agent.

Development of a Water-Dispersible Supramolecular Complex of Polyphenol with Polypeptides for Attenuation of the Allergic Response using a Mechanochemical Strategy

The prevalence of allergic disorders has increased worldwide in recent decades. Polyphenols, including resveratrol and curcumin, are posited to have potential as therapeutic agents for allergy; however, their use has been limited by poor water solubility. Accordingly, a highly concentrated, water dispersible, supramolecular complexes of polyphenols with polypeptides (poly-L-lysine, poly-γ-glutamic acid) and gelatin using high-speed vibration milling are developed. The complex exhibited resistance to photobleaching and thermal radiation. Treatment of a rat basophilic leukemia cell line (RBL-2H3) with polypeptide complexes containing resveratrol is suppressed allergic responses in vitro. Moreover, aerosolized administration of polypeptide complexes is demonstrated excellent bioavailability and inhibition of immediate hypersensitivity reactions in ear tissue in vivo. Furthermore, the method avoids the use of organic solvent and therefore reduces undesirable biological responses.

Antioxidant and anti-aging activities of Laminaria japonica polysaccharide in Caenorhabditis elegans based on metabonomic analysis

In this study, Laminaria japonica polysaccharide (LJP) was measured in vitro against three antioxidant indicators: DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl. In vivo, LJP investigated thermal tolerance, H2O2-induced oxidative stress tolerance, and lipofuscin in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Following that, after LJP treatment, the effects and underlying mechanisms were investigated at the mRNA and metabolite levels. We discovered the free radical scavenging activity of LJP. The thermal tolerance of C. elegans improved significantly, lowering levels of malondialdehyde, lipofuscin, and reactive oxygen species. Upregulation of Glp-1, Daf-16, Skn-1, and Sod-3 expression and downregulation of Age-1 and Daf-2 expression increased the ability to resist oxidative stress. Metabolomic analysis revealed that LJP promoted alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, the TCA cycle, butanoate metabolism, and the FOXO signaling pathway expression, resulting in significant changes in (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid, palmitic acid, L-glutamic acid, L-malic acid, and oleic acid. The present study shows that LJP, as a functional food, has the potential to boost antioxidant capacity and delay aging.

Improved water solubility, chemical stability, antioxidant and anticancer activity of resveratrol via nanoencapsulation with pea protein nanofibrils

Fabricated pea protein isolate (PPI) nanofibrils were used as nanocarriers to encapsulate, stabilize and deliver resveratrol (RES). PPI nanofibrils possessed a dramatically higher surface hydrophobicity than PPI (native), and PPI nanofibrils exhibited nanoscale widths of 10 nm and average lengths of 1.0 μm. Fluorescence analyses demonstrated PPI nanofibrils had high binding constant with RES. Compared with RES (free), the aqueous solubility of RES was improved by approximately 1000-fold with PPI nanofibrils complex. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity assays showed that the antioxidant capacity of RES was pronouncedly enhanced through the nanocomplexation with PPI nanofibrils. RES-PPI nanofibrils complexes exhibited higher antiproliferative activities than RES (free), with the cell viabilities of 52.6% and 38.5% for RES (free) and RES-PPI nanofibrils complex at 20 μg/mL. This study demonstrates that PPI nanofibrils can be utilized as novel nanocarriers for improvements of the water solubility, chemical stability and in vitro biological activities of hydrophobic nutraceuticals.

Multispectroscopic and synergistic antioxidant study on the combined binding of caffeic acid and (-)-epicatechin gallate to lysozyme

The binding of caffeic acid (CA) and/or (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) to lysozyme was investigated by multispectroscopic methods and molecular docking. The effects of the single and combined binding on the structure, activity and stability of lysozyme and the synergistic antioxidant activity of CA and ECG were also studied. Fluorescence quenching spectra, time-resolved fluorescence spectra, and UV-vis absorption difference spectra all ascertained the static quenching mechanism of lysozyme by CA/ECG. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that CA and ECG competitively bound to lysozyme, and CA had a stronger binding affinity, which was consistent with the results of molecular docking. Hydrogen bonding, van der Waals' force and electrostatic interaction were the main driving forces for the binding process. Synchronous fluorescence spectra displayed that the interaction of CA/ECG exposed the tryptophan residues of lysozyme to a more hydrophilic environment. Circular dichroism spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering indicated that the binding of CA and/or ECG to lysozyme resulted in the change of the secondary structure and increased the particle size of lysozyme. The binding of CA and/or ECG to lysozyme inhibited the enzyme activity and enhanced the thermal stability of lysozyme. The combined application of CA and ECG showed antioxidant synergy which was influenced by the encapsulation of lysozyme and cellular uptake. In summary, this work provides theoretical guidance for lysozyme as a carrier for the combined application of CA and ECG.

Chitosan-Tripolyphosphate Nanoparticles Prepared by Ionic Gelation Improve the Antioxidant Activities of Astaxanthin in the In Vitro and In Vivo Model

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of chitosan (CS)-tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles (NPs) on the stability, antioxidant activity, and bioavailability of astaxanthin (ASX). ASX-loaded CS-TPP NPs (ACT-NPs) prepared by ionic gelation between CS (0.571 mg/mL) and TPP (0.571 mg/mL) showed 505.2 ± 184.8 nm, 20.4 ± 1.2 mV, 0.348 ± 0.044, and 63.9 ± 3.0% of particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index and encapsulation efficiency, respectively. An in vitro release study confirmed that the release of ASX in simulated gastric (pH 1.2) and intestinal (pH 6.8) fluid was prolonged within ACT-NPs. The in vitro antioxidant activities of ACT-NPs were significantly improved compared with free ASX (FA) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the cellular and in vivo antioxidant analysis verified that ACT-NPs could enhance the cytoprotective effects on the BHK-21 cell line and demonstrate sustained release properties, leading to prolonged residence time in the rat plasma. The results suggest that the stability, antioxidant properties, and bioavailability of ASX can be effectively enhanced through encapsulation within CS-TPP NPs.

CaCO3 nanoparticles incorporated with KAE to enable amplified calcium overload cancer therapy

Calcium overload therapy has attracted widespread attention in oncological field, whereas its efficacy has been limited due to insufficient calcium ions in tumor site and poor efficiency of calcium entering tumor, resulting in dissatisfied therapeutic effect. Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (KAE), a biosafe flavone with excellent anti-cancer ability, can effectively disrupt calcium homeostasis regulation and facilitate calcium influx, while calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) serves as an ideal calcium ions supplier. Inspired by these concepts, KAE loaded into CaCO₃ nanoparticles and incorporated with the cancer cell membrane (M) for synergistic tumor therapy. In this therapeutic platform (M@CaCO₃@KAE), membrane coating ensures targeted delivery of CaCO₃@KAE. Upon reaching tumor, CaCO₃@KAE specifically responds to tumor microenvironment, consequently releases KAE and calcium ions. KAE effectively breaks the calcium balance, while calcium ions remarkably aggravate and magnify KAE-mediated calcium overload. Accordingly, mitochondrial structure and functions are destructed, causing cytoskeleton collapse and oxidative stress, leading to cancerous cellular apoptosis. With the combined and cascaded efficacy, considerable in vitro and in vivo tumor inhibition was achieved by M@CaCO₃@KAE. This study provides an alternative nano-system, acting as a biomimetic calcium bomb, to ensure targeted, synergistic, efficient and biosafe calcium overload tumor therapy.

Resveratrol-Based Nanoformulations as an Emerging Therapeutic Strategy for Cancer

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic stilbene derivative widely present in grapes and red wine. Broadly known for its antioxidant effects, numerous studies have also indicated that it exerts anti-inflammatory and antiaging abilities and a great potential in cancer therapy. Regrettably, the oral administration of resveratrol has pharmacokinetic and physicochemical limitations such as hampering its effects so that effective administration methods are demanding to ensure its efficiency. Thus, the present review explores the published data on the application of resveratrol nanoformulations in cancer therapy, with the use of different types of nanodelivery systems. Mechanisms of action with a potential use in cancer therapy, negative effects, and the influence of resveratrol nanoformulations in different types of cancer are also highlighted. Finally, the toxicological features of nanoresveratrol are also discussed.

Controlled release of resveratrol from a composite nanofibrous scaffold: Effect of resveratrol on antioxidant activity and osteogenic differentiation

Biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and osteogenesis properties of three-dimensional scaffolds are critical for bone tissue engineering. In addition, reactive oxygen species accumulate around bone defects and limit the activities of surrounding cells and bone formation. Therefore, the presence of an antioxidant in a bone tissue scaffold is also essential to address this issue. This study aimed to evaluate a composite nanofibrous scaffold similar to the natural extracellular matrix with antioxidant and osteogenic properties. To this end, polylactic acid (PLA)/organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT)/resveratrol (RSV) nanofibers were fabricated using the electrospinning method and characterized. RSV was used as an antioxidant, which promotes osteogenic differentiation, and OMMT was used as a mineral phase to increase the mechanical strength and control the release of RSV. The scaffolds' antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH assay and found 83.75% for PLA/OMMT/RSV nanofibers. The mechanical strength was increased by adding OMMT to the neat PLA. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was investigated using an MTT assay, and the results did not show any toxic effects on human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs). Moreover, the Live/Dead assay indicated the appropriate distribution of live cells after 5 days. Cell culture results displayed that hASCs could adhere and spread on the surface of composite nanofibers. Meanwhile, the level of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and osteopontin was increased for hASCs cultured on the PLA/OMMT/RSV nanofibrous scaffold. Therefore, this study concludes that the RSV-loaded composite nanofibers with antioxidant and osteogenesis properties and appropriate mechanical strength can be introduced for bone tissue regeneration applications.

A resveratrol-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier hydrogel to enhance the anti-UV irradiation and anti-oxidant efficacy

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage in skin tissue, which can further result in skin cancers. Using sunscreens is one of the most popular and the most effective method to resist UV irradiation. Resveratrol (RES) shows high absorbance in UV region and significant anti-oxidant effects. However, RES is easily degraded by UV irradiation, resulting in the decrease of bioactivity and the limitation of its application in the pharmaceutical preparations of skin. In this paper, a nanostructured lipid carrier gel loaded with RES (RES-NLC-gel) was prepared to improve the stability of RES and the accumulation of RES in the epidermis. Moreover, RES-NLC-gel could scavenge free radical effectively and protect human keratinocyte from UV irradiation by inhibiting the generation of ROS, decreasing the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax and increasing the protein expression of Bcl-2. When mice skin was pretreated with RES-NLC-gel, there were less erythema, wrinkles and scabs on mice skin. The epidermal thickness of mice skins obviously reduced in dose-dependent manner. The activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in mice skin tissue significantly increased. Thus, RES-NLC-gel exhibited an obvious anti-UV irradiation and anti-oxidant activity in vivo. RES-NLC-gel displayed great application potential in protecting skin from UV irradiation.

Nanoparticles improved resveratrol brain delivery and its therapeutic efficacy against intracerebral hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a neurological disorder resulting from the nontraumatic rupture of blood vessels in the brain. Ferroptosis is a newly identified form of programmed cell death, which is an important pathological feature of ICH injury. At present, the therapeutic efficacy of ICH treatment is far from satisfactory, so it is urgent to develop a safer and more effective method to treat ICH injury. Resveratrol (Res), a widely used nonflavonoid polyphenol compound, plays a neuroprotective role in many diseases. However, its poor oral bioavailability limits its clinical application in ICH. Polymer nanoparticles (NPs) are a commonly used drug delivery matrix material with good biocompatibility. To improve its bioavailability and accumulation in the brain, we used NPs to encapsulate Res. These spherical Res nanoparticles (Res-NPs) had a particle size of 297.57 ± 7.07 nm, a PDI of 0.23 ± 0.02 and a zeta potential of -5.45 ± 0.27 mV. They could be taken up by Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells through a variety of nonspecific endocytosis mechanisms, mainly mediated by clathrin and plasma membrane microcapsules. After entering the cell, Res-NPs tend to accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes. In a zebrafish model, we observed that Res-NPs could transport across physiological barriers. In a Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model, we found that Res-NPs had more desirable improvements in Res accumulation within the plasma and brain. Moreover, we demonstrated that Res-NPs were able to inhibit ferroptosis induced by erastin in HT22 mouse hippocampal cells, which are commonly used in in vitro studies to examine neuronal differentiation and neurotoxicity implicated in brain injuries or neurological diseases. Finally, in an ICH mouse model, we confirmed that Res-NPs are a safer and effective treatment for ICH injury. Collectively, Res-NPs are effective to improve Res brain delivery and its therapeutic efficacy in ICH treatment.

Fruits and fruit by-products as sources of bioactive compounds. Benefits and trends of lactic acid fermentation in the development of novel fruit-based functional beverages

Current awareness about the benefits of a balanced diet supports ongoing trends in humans towards a healthier diet. This review provides an overview of fruits and fruit-by products as sources of bioactive compounds and their extraction techniques, and the use of lactic acid fermentation of fruit juices to increase their functionality. Fruit matrices emerge as a technological alternative to be fermented by autochthonous or allochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and other Lactobacillus species), and also as probiotic vehicles. During fermentation, microbial enzymes act on several fruit phytochemicals producing new derived compounds with impact on the aroma and the functionality of the fermented drinks. Moreover, fermentation significantly reduces the sugar content improving their nutritional value and extending the shelf-life of fruit-based beverages. The generation of new probiotic beverages as alternatives to consumers with intolerance to lactose or with vegan or vegetarian diets is promising for the worldwide functional food market. An updated overview on the current knowledge of the use of fruit matrices to be fermented by LAB and the interaction between strains and the fruit phytochemical compounds to generate new functional foods as well as their future perspectives in association with the application of nanotechnology techniques are presented in this review.

N,N,N-trimethylchitosan-poly (n-butylcyanoacrylate) core-shell nanoparticles as a potential oral delivery system for acyclovir

This study investigated the feasibility of polysaccharide-coated poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBCA) nanoparticles for oral delivery of acyclovir (ACV). PBCA nanoparticles were obtained by the emulsion polymerization method. Chitosan was chemically modified to obtain N,N,N-trimethylchitosan (TMC), which was used to coat the nanoparticles (PBCA-TMC). Nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), atomic force microscopy (AFM), cytotoxicity, and the effect on the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of the Caco-2 cells. The size of the coated nanoparticles (296.2 nm) was significantly larger than uncoated (175.0 nm). Furthermore, PBCA nanoparticles had a negative charge (-11.7 mV), which was inverted to highly positive values (+36.5 mV) after coating. DSC analysis suggested the occurrence of the coating, which was confirmed by AFM images. The MTT assay revealed concentration-dependent cytotoxicity for the core-shell nanoparticles. Additionally, PBCA-TMC caused a significant but reversible decrease in the Caco-2 cell monolayer TEER. Entrapped ACV (PBCA-ACV-TMC), a Biopharmaceutical Classification System class III drug substance, increased approximately 3.25 times the Papp of ACV in the Caco-2 permeability assay. The nanoparticles were also able to provide in vitro ACV controlled release using media with different pH values (1.2; 6.8; 7.4). Accordingly, this new core-shell nanoparticle showed the potential to improve the oral delivery of ACV.