Formulation and in vitro evaluation of topical nanoemulsion and nanoemulsion-based gels containing daidzein

Fabrication and characterization of transdermal delivery of ribociclib nanoemulgel in breast cancer treatment

The objective of this study is to create a nanoemulgel formulation of Ribociclib (RIBO), a highly selective inhibitor of CDK4/6 through the utilization of spontaneous emulsification method. An experimental investigation was conducted to construct pseudo-ternary phase diagram for the most favourable formulation utilizing rice bran oil, which is known for its diverse anticancer properties. The formulation consisted of varying combination of the surfactant and as the co-surfactant (Tween 80 and Transcutol, respectively) referred to as Smix and the trials were optimized to get the desired outcome. The nanoemulsion (NE) formulations that were developed exhibited a droplet size of 179.39 nm, accompanied with a PDI of 0.211. According to the data released by Opt-RIBO-NE, it can be inferred that the Higuchi model had the most favourable fit among many kinetics models considered. The results indicate that the use of nanogel preparations for the topical delivery of RIBO in breast cancer therapy, specifically RIBO-NE-G, is viable. This is supported by the extended release of the RIBO, and the appropriate level of drug permeation observed in Opt-RIBO-NE-G. Due to RIBO and Rice Bran oil, RIBO-NE-G had greater antioxidant activity, indicating its effectiveness as antioxidants. The stability of the RIBO-NE-G was observed over a period of three months, indicating a favourable shelf life. Therefore, this study proposes the utilization of an optimized formulation of RIBO-NE-G may enhance the efficacy of anticancer treatment and mitigate the occurrence of systemic side effects in breast cancer patients, as compared to the use of suspension preparation of RIBO.

Development of nanoemulgel of 5-Fluorouracil for skin melanoma using glycyrrhizin as a penetration enhancer

The purpose of this study was to enhance the topical delivery of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a cancer treatment, by developing a nanoemulgel formulation. Glycyrrhizin (GLY), a natural penetration enhancer has been investigated to exhibit synergistic effects with 5-FU in inhibiting melanoma cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis, Hence, GLY, along with suitable lipids was utilized to create an optimized nanoemulsion (NE) based gel. Solubility studies and ternary phase diagram revealed isopropyl myristate (IPM), Span 80, Tween 80 as Smix and Transcutol P as co-surfactant. IPM demonstrates excellent solubilizing properties facilitates higher drug loading, ensuring efficient delivery to the target site.,The optimized formulation consisting of 40 % IPM, 30 % of mixture of Tween80: Span80 (Smix) and 15 % Transcutol P provides with a nanometric size of 64.1 ± 5.13 nm and drug loading of 97.3 ± 5.83 %. The optimized formulation observed with no creaming and breakeing of NE and found thermodynamically stable during different stress conditions (temperatures of 4.0 °C and 45.0 °C) and physical thawing (-21.0 ± 0.50 °C to 20.0 ± 0.50 °C). The NE was then transformed into a nanoemulgel (NEG) using 1.5 % w/w Carbopol base and 0.1 % w/w glycyrrhizin. The ex vivo permeability studies showed significant enhancements in drug permeability with the GLY-based 5-FU-NEG formulation compared to pure 5-FU gel in excised pig skin upto1440 min in PBS 7.4 as receptor media. The IC50 values for Plain 5-FU gel, 5-FU-NEG, and GLY-based 5-FU-NEG were found to be 20 µg/mL, 1.1 µg/mL, and 0.1 µg/mL, respectively in B16F10 cell lines. The percentage intracellular uptake of GLY-5-FU-NEG and 5-FU-NEG was found to be 44.3 % and 53.6 %, respectively. GLY-based 5-FU-NEG formulation showed alterations in cell cycle distribution, in compared to 5-FU-NE gel. The overall findings suggest that the GLY-based 5-FU-NEG holds promise for improving anti-melanoma activity.

Preparation, Physicochemical Characterization, and Stability Study of Lippia origanoides Essential Oil-based Nanoemulsion as a Topical Delivery System

INTRODUCTION

Fungal diseases are a priority in research, development, and health care, according to the WHO, mainly due to Candida spp. Essential oils (EOs) of the genus Lippia have demonstrated broad antimicrobial biological activity. Previous studies identified the anti-Candida potential of a thymol/p-cymene chemotype EO from Lippia origanoides H.B.K coded "0018". Nanoemulsions favor the biological activity of EOs and overcome limitations such as low solubility, instability against oxidizing agents, pH, light, and low permeability. To develop, characterize, and adjust a prototype of an O/W nanoemulsion containing the "0018" EO from Lippia origanoides for its evaluation in an in vitro permeability study.

METHODS

Nanoemulsions were obtained using a high energy high shear method. Their particle size distribution, Z potential, viscosity, pH, encapsulation efficiency (EE), thermodynamic stability and the Turbiscan Stability Index (TSI) were evaluated. The nanoemulsion prototype was adjusted to improve performance characteristics and microbiological efficacy. Thymol was used as an analyte in the EO quantification using UHPLC-DAD.

RESULTS

An O/W nanoemulsion with hydrodynamic diameter <200 nm and polydispersity index <0.3, EE >95%, with TSI < 1.5, anti-Candida albicans efficiency >95% was obtained; permeable with a flow of 6.0264 μg/cm2/h and permeability coefficient of 1.3170x10-3 cm/h.

CONCLUSION

A pharmaceutical formulation prototype is obtained that maintains the physical and physicochemical characteristics over time. Permeability is verified in an in-vitro model. It is proposed to evaluate its antifungal activity in preclinical or clinical studies as a contribution to the treatment of topical fungal diseases caused by Candida spp., through the use of biological resources and Colombian biodiversity.

Innovative Topical Patches for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Current Challenges and Key Formulation Considerations

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most prevalent malignancy worldwide, with approximately 6.3 million new cases worldwide in 2019. One of the key management strategies for NMSC is a topical treatment usually utilised for localised and early-stage disease owing to its non-invasive nature. However, the efficacy of topical agents is often hindered by poor drug penetration and patient adherence. Therefore, various research groups have employed advanced drug delivery systems, including topical patches to overcome the problem of conventional topical treatments. This review begins with an overview of NMSC as well as the current landscape of topical treatments for NMSC, specifically focusing on the emerging technology of topical patches. A detailed discussion of their potential to overcome the limitations of existing therapies will then follow. Most importantly, to the best of our knowledge, this work unprecedentedly combines and discusses all the current advancements in innovative topical patches for the treatment of NMSC. In addition to this, the authors present our insights into the key considerations and emerging trends in the construction of these advanced topical patches. This review is meant for researchers and clinicians to consider utilising advanced topical patch systems in research and clinical trials toward localised interventions of NMSC.

Drug permeation enhancement, efficacy, and safety assessment of azelaic acid loaded SNEDDS hydrogel to overcome the treatment barriers of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most widespread chronic inflammatory skin conditions that can occur at any age, though the prevalence is highest in children. The purpose of the current study was to prepare and optimize the azelaic acid (AzA) loaded SNEDDS using Pseudo ternary phase diagram, which was subsequently incorporated into the Carbopol 940 hydrogel for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. The composition was evaluated for size, entrapment efficiency, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies. The polydispersity index of the optimized preparation was found to be less than 0.5, and the size of the distributed globules was found to be 151.20 ± 3.67 nm. The SNEDDS hydrogel was characterized for pH, viscosity, spreadability, and texture analysis. When compared to the marketed formulation, SNEDDS hydrogel was found to have a higher rate of permeation through the rat skin. In addition, a skin irritation test carried out on experimental animals showed that the SNEDDS formulation did not exhibit any erythematous symptoms after a 24-h exposure. In conclusion, the topical delivery of AzA through the skin using SNEDDS hydrogel could prove to be an effective approach for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Lipid Nanoparticles: An Effective Tool to Improve the Bioavailability of Nutraceuticals

Nano-range bioactive colloidal carrier systems are envisaged to overcome the challenges associated with treatments of numerous diseases. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), one of the extensively investigated drug delivery systems, not only improve pharmacokinetic parameters, transportation, and chemical stability of encapsulated compounds but also provide efficient targeting and reduce the risk of toxicity. Over the last decades, nature-derived polyphenols, vitamins, antioxidants, dietary supplements, and herbs have received more attention due to their remarkable biological and pharmacological health and medical benefits. However, their poor aqueous solubility, compromised stability, insufficient absorption, and accelerated elimination impede research in the nutraceutical sector. Owing to the possibilities offered by various LNPs, their ability to accommodate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules and the availability of various preparation methods suitable for sensitive molecules, loading natural fragile molecules into LNPs offers a promising solution. The primary objective of this work is to explore the synergy between nature and nanotechnology, encompassing a wide range of research aimed at encapsulating natural therapeutic molecules within LNPs.

Skin cancer: understanding the journey of transformation from conventional to advanced treatment approaches

Skin cancer is a global threat to the healthcare system and is estimated to incline tremendously in the next 20 years, if not diagnosed at an early stage. Even though it is curable at an early stage, novel drug identification, clinical success, and drug resistance is another major challenge. To bridge the gap and bring effective treatment, it is important to understand the etiology of skin carcinoma, the mechanism of cell proliferation, factors affecting cell growth, and the mechanism of drug resistance. The current article focusses on understanding the structural diversity of skin cancers, treatments available till date including phytocompounds, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photothermal therapy, surgery, combination therapy, molecular targets associated with cancer growth and metastasis, and special emphasis on nanotechnology-based approaches for downregulating the deleterious disease. A detailed analysis with respect to types of nanoparticles and their scope in overcoming multidrug resistance as well as associated clinical trials has been discussed.

Daidzein from Dietary Supplement to a Drug Candidate: An Evaluation of Potential

Daidzein (DDZ) is a well-known nutraceutical supplement belonging to the class of isoflavones. It is isolated from various sources such as alfalfa, soybean, and red clover. It demonstrates a broad array of pharmacological/beneficial properties such as cardiovascular exercise, cholesterol reduction, and anticancer, antifibrotic, and antidiabetic effects, which make it effective in treating a wide range of diseases. Its structure and operation are the same as those of human estrogens, which are important in preventing osteoporosis, cancer, and postmenopausal diseases. It is thus a promising candidate for development as a phytopharmaceutical. Addressing safety, efficacy, and physicochemical properties are the primary prerequisites. DDZ is already ingested every day in varying amounts, so there should not be a significant safety risk; however, each indication requires a different dose to be determined. Some clinical trials are already being conducted globally to confirm its safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential. Furthermore, as a result of its therapeutic influence on health, in order to establish intellectual property, patents are utilized. In light of the vast potential of eugenol, this review presents a detailed data collection on DDZ to substantiate the claim to develop it in the therapeutic category.

Lipid-Based Delivery Systems for Flavonoids and Flavonolignans: Liposomes, Nanoemulsions, and Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

Herbal chemicals with a long history in medicine have attracted a lot of attention. Flavonolignans and flavonoids are considered as two classes of the above-mentioned compounds with different functional groups which exhibit several therapeutic capabilities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities. Based on the studies, high hydrophobic properties of the aforementioned compounds limit their bioavailability inside the human body and restrict their wide application. Nanoscale formulations such as solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, and other types of lipid-based delivery systems have been introduced to overcome the above-mentioned challenges. This approach allows the aforementioned hydrophobic therapeutic compounds to be encapsulated between hydrophobic structures, resulting in improving their bioavailability. The above-mentioned enhanced delivery system improves delivery to the targeted sites and reduces the daily required dosage. Lowering the required daily dose improves the performance of the drug by diminishing its side effects on non-targeted tissues. The present study aims to highlight the recent improvements in implementing lipid-based nanocarriers to deliver flavonolignans and flavonoids.

Gel Formulations for Topical Treatment of Skin Cancer: A Review

Skin cancer, with all its variations, is the most common type of cancer worldwide. Chemotherapy by topical application is an attractive strategy because of the ease of application and non-invasiveness. At the same time, the delivery of antineoplastic agents through the skin is difficult because of their challenging physicochemical properties (solubility, ionization, molecular weight, melting point) and the barrier function of the stratum corneum. Various approaches have been applied in order to improve drug penetration, retention, and efficacy. This systematic review aims at identifying the most commonly used techniques for topical drug delivery by means of gel-based topical formulations in skin cancer treatment. The excipients used, the preparation approaches, and the methods characterizing gels are discussed in brief. The safety aspects are also highlighted. The combinatorial formulation of nanocarrier-loaded gels is also reviewed from the perspective of improving drug delivery characteristics. Some limitations and drawbacks in the identified strategies are also outlined and considered within the future scope of topical chemotherapy.

Cellulose derivatives and natural gums as gelling agents for preparation of emulgel-based dosage forms: A brief review

Incorporation of an emulsion onto a gel base develops a drug delivery system with improved characteristics, known as emulgel, that can envelop both hydrophilic and lipophilic molecules, and therefore increase stability and penetration of topical formulations. Such a drug delivery system provides controlled drug release that has more patient compliance and higher therapeutic efficacy. Emulgel is prepared in three main stages, preparation of water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsion, providing the gel base, and incorporation of prepared emulsion onto gel base with continuous stirring. Various materials such as different oils (e.g. sesame oil, balsam oil, and mineral oil), emulsifiers (e.g. Tween® and Span® as the non-ionic surfactant, polyvinyl alcohol), and gelling agents including cellulose derivatives such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in different concentrations are used in emulgel preparation. The physical properties, particle size distribution, spreadability, permeation, and drug release rate are evaluated in their development and characterization. They are used in skin disorders and other diseases such as chronic anal fisher. Also, anti-acne, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory drugs have been formulated as emulgel delivery system and their effects have been studied. In this article, the subject is to review the characteristics, preparation methods, and therapeutic efficacy as well as the potential clinical use of emulgels.

Unveiling the Pharmacological and Nanotechnological Facets of Daidzein: Present State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives

Herbal drugs have been attracting much scientific interest in the last few decades and nowadays, phytoconstituents-based research is in progress to disclose their unidentified medicinal potential. Daidzein (DAI) is the natural phytoestrogen isoflavone derived primarily from leguminous plants, such as the soybean and mung bean, and its IUPAC name is 4',7-dihydroxyisoflavone. This compound has received great attention as a fascinating pharmacophore with remarkable potential for the therapeutic management of several diseases. Certain pharmacokinetic properties of DAI such as less aqueous solubility, low permeability, and poor bioavailability are major obstacles restricting the therapeutic applications. In this review, distinctive physicochemical characteristics and pharmacokinetics of DAI has been elucidated. The pharmacological applications in treatment of several disorders like oxidative stress, cancer, obesity, cardiovascular, neuroprotective, diabetes, ovariectomy, anxiety, and inflammation with their mechanism of action are explained. Furthermore, this review article comprehensively focuses to provide up-to-date information about nanotechnology-based formulations which have been investigated for DAI in preceding years which includes polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carrier, polymer-lipid nanoparticles, nanocomplexes, polymeric micelles, nanoemulsion, nanosuspension, liposomes, and self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems.

In Vivo Evaluation of Nanoemulsion Formulations for Metformin and Repaglinide Alone and Combination

Repaglinide and Metformin are used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Repaglinide with poor water solubility has relatively low oral bioavailability (56%) and undergoes hepatic first-pass metabolism. The oral bioavailability of metformin HCl is also low (about 50-60%). The purpose of this study was to prepare nanoemulsion formulations containing metformin HCl or repaglinide alone or in combination and characterize them in vitro and in vivo. Nanoemulsion formulations containing metformin HCl and/or repaglinide were successfully prepared and in vitro characterized. In addition, in vivo efficacy of nanoemulsion formulations was evaluated in a streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rat model. Biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical evaluations were also performed. The mean droplet size and zeta potential values of nanoemulsion formulations were in the range of 110.15±2.64-120.23±2.16 nm and -21.95 - -24.33 mV, respectively. The percent entrapment efficiency values of nanoemulsion formulations were in the range of 93.600%-96.152%. All nanoemulsion formulations had a PDI of ≤0.223. A statistically significant decrease was observed in the blood glucose values of the diabetic rats treated with nanoemulsion formulations containing active substance/substances, compared to diabetic rats (control) (p<0.05). Nanoemulsion formulations (especially nanoemulsion containing metformin HCl and repaglinide combination) have a better antidiabetic activity and are more effective in reducing oxidative stress caused by diabetes.

In vitro evaluation of nebulized eucalyptol nano-emulsion formulation as a potential COVID-19 treatment

Coronavirus is a type of acute atypical respiratory disease representing the leading cause of death worldwide. Eucalyptol (EUC) known also as 1,8-cineole is a potential inhibitor candidate for COVID-19 (main protease-M^pro) with effective antiviral properties but undergoes physico-chemical instability and poor water solubility. Nano-emulsion (NE) is a promising drug delivery system to improve the stability and efficacy of drugs. This work focuses on studying the anti- COVID-19 activity of EUC by developing nebulized eucalyptol nano-emulsion (EUC-NE) as a potentially effective treatment for COVID-19. The EUC -NE formulation was prepared using Tween 80 as a surfactant. In vitro evaluation of the EUC-NE formulation displayed an entrapment efficiency of 77.49 %, a droplet size of 122.37 nm, and an EUC % release of 84.7 %. The aerodynamic characterization and cytotoxicity of EUC-NE formulation were assessed, and results showed high lung deposition and low inhibitory concentration. The antiviral mechanism of the EUC-NE formulation was performed, and it was found that it exerts its action by virucidal, viral replication, and viral adsorption. Our results confirmed the antiviral activity of the EUC-NE formulation against COVID-19 and the efficacy of nano-emulsion as a delivery system, which can improve the cytotoxicity and inhibitory activity of EUC.

Design-of-Experiments (DoE)-Assisted Fabrication of Quercetin-Loaded Nanoemulgel and Its Evaluation against Human Skin Cancer Cell Lines

Background: Quercetin (QCT) is a natural polyphenolic flavonoid showing great potential in the treatment of skin cancer. However, its use is limited owing to its poor water solubility, poor absorption, quick metabolism and excretion, as well as low stability. Preparation of nanoemulgel has been proven to be an effective approach to deliver the drugs topically due to various advantages associated with it. Objectives: This study aimed to prepare stable nanoemulgel of QCT using a Design-of-Experiments (DoE) tool for optimization, to characterize and to assess its in vivo toxicity and efficacy against human cancer cell lines in vitro. Methods: An ultrasonication emulsification method was used for the preparation of QCT-loaded nanoemulsion (QCT@NE). Box-Behnken design was used for the optimization of developed nanoemulgel. Then, in vitro characterization of prepared nanoemulsion was performed using Fourier Transform-Infra Red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), particle size analysis, determination of zeta potential and entrapment efficiency (%EE). Further, the developed QCT-loaded nanoemulgel (QCT@NG) was characterized in vitro using texture profile analysis, viscosity and pH determination. Eventually, the cell cytotoxicity studies of the prepared nanoemulgel were performed on the skin cancer cell lines A431 followed by an acute toxicity and skin irritation study on male wistar rats in vivo. Results: The developed QCT@NE was found to be nanometric in size (173.1 ± 1.2 nm) with low polydispersity index (0.353 ± 0.13), zeta potential (-36.1 ± 5.9 mV), and showed good %EE (90.26%). The QCT@NG was found to be substantially more effective against the human skin carcinoma (A431) cell lines as compared to plain QCT with IC₅₀ values of 108.5 and 579.0 µM, respectively. Skin irritation study showed no sign of toxicity and ensured safety for topical application. Hematological analysis revealed no significant differences between the treatment and control group in any biochemical parameter. In the nanoemulgel treatment group, there were no discernible differences in the liver enzymes, bilirubin, hemoglobin, total leukocyte and platelet counts as compared to the control group. Conclusions: The optimized QCT@NG was found to be an ideal and promising formulation for the treatment of skin cancer without showing skin irritation and organ toxicity.

Localized topical drug delivery systems for skin cancer: Current approaches and future prospects

Topical drug delivery presents a novel substitute to the conventional drug-distribution routes of oral delivery and injection. Apart from the simplicity and non-invasiveness, the skin also serves as a “reservoir” that sustains administration over a period of days. Nanocarriers provide new potential for the treatment of skin disease. The skin’s barrier function offers a considerable obstacle for the potential nanocarriers to infiltrate into the tissue. However, the barrier is partially weakened in case of damage or inflammation, as in the case of skin cancer. Nanoparticles may promote the penetration of the skin. Extensive research has been done into producing nanoparticles for topical distribution; nevertheless, relatively little progress has been achieved in transferring them to the clinic for treating skin malignancies. The prior art features the critical concepts of skin malignancies and techniques in current clinical care. The present review gives a complete viewpoint of the numerous nanoparticle technologies studied for the topical treatment of skin malignancies and outlines the hurdles that hamper its advancement from the bench to the bedside. The review also intends to give knowledge of the routes that control nanoparticle penetration into the skin and their interactions inside the tissue.

Assessment of Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Daidzein-Containing Nanosuspension and Nanoemulsion Formulations After Oral Administration to Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Daidzein has several biological effects such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, chemoprevention, and anticancer effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of nano-formulations (nanoemulsion-NE and nanosuspension-NS) prepared to increase the oral bioavailability of daidzein, a poorly water-soluble isoflavone, on the pharmacokinetic parameters of daidzein in rats.

METHODS

A high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) method was successfully developed for daidzein analysis in rat plasma. The pharmacokinetics studies of the nano-sized formulations, compared to coarse daidzein suspension, were carried out in the rats by a single oral dose at 10 mg/kg (n = 6/group). Area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to extrapolation to time infinity (AUC_0-∞), maximum plasma concentration (C_max), time to reach maximum plasma concentration (t_max), and elimination half life (t_1/2) values for coarse daidzein suspension, daidzein-NS, and daidzein-NE were estimated by a non-compartmental analysis.

RESULTS

The AUC values of daidzein-NE and daidzein-NS were approximately 2.62 and 2.65 times higher than that of coarse daidzein suspension, respectively (p < 0.05). Relative bioavailability (F_rel) (%) values of daidzein following oral administration of nanosuspension or nanoemulsion formulations were about 265.6% and 262.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

It revealed that nanoscale size is an important factor to overcome any dissolution rate barriers to oral bioavailability of the low water-soluble compound. Nanoemulsion and nanosuspension formulations are beneficial dosage forms to increase the oral bioavailability of Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) Class II and Class IV compounds.

Interactions between puerarin/daidzein and micellar casein

Puerarin (PUE) and daidzein (DAI) are polyphenols with extensive biological activities. In the present study, the interactions between PUE/DAI and micellar casein (MC) were investigated, and the physicochemical properties of their complexes were analyzed. The results of fluorescence spectrum analysis and molecular docking revealed that the main interactions between DAI and MC were hydrophobic forces, while that between PUE and MC was hydrogen bonding. The FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the formation of complexes between MC and PUE/DAI. After binding to PUE/DAI, the size of MC increased. The weight loss rate of MC decreased after complexing with PUE/DAI, but its morphology was not extensively modified. The DPPH radical scavenging capacities of PUE-MC and DAI-MC complexes were higher than those of free PUE/DAI in both water and ethanol. In vitro release experiments showed that the release rate of PUE/DAI was inhibited by MC under simulated intestinal conditions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The low water solubility and poor bioavailability of PUE and DAI limit their application. Micellar casein has high affinity for PUE and DAI. After encapsulated by micellar casein, the release rates of PUE and DAI were prolonged during simulated intestinal digestion. The results would provide useful information for improving the solubility and bioavailability of PUE and DAI, and broadening the use of them in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Dermal Drug Delivery of Phytochemicals with Phenolic Structure via Lipid-Based Nanotechnologies

Phenolic compounds are a large, heterogeneous group of secondary metabolites found in various plants and herbal substances. From the perspective of dermatology, the most important benefits for human health are their pharmacological effects on oxidation processes, inflammation, vascular pathology, immune response, precancerous and oncological lesions or formations, and microbial growth. Because the nature of phenolic compounds is designed to fit the phytochemical needs of plants and not the biopharmaceutical requirements for a specific route of delivery (dermal or other), their utilization in cutaneous formulations sets challenges to drug development. These are encountered often due to insufficient water solubility, high molecular weight and low permeation and/or high reactivity (inherent for the set of representatives) and subsequent chemical/photochemical instability and ionizability. The inclusion of phenolic phytochemicals in lipid-based nanocarriers (such as nanoemulsions, liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles) is so far recognized as a strategic physico-chemical approach to improve their in situ stability and introduction to the skin barriers, with a view to enhance bioavailability and therapeutic potency. This current review is focused on recent advances and achievements in this area.

Cadmium sulfide-induced toxicity in the cortex and cerebellum: In vitro and in vivo studies

•

CdS NPs were synthesized using living organisms Viridibacillus arenosi K64.

•

Morphology and size of NP were evaluated by XRD and SEM.

•

In vitro studies revealed that CdS toxicity in cerebellum neuron is concentration dependent.

•

In vivo study showed that CdS easily crosses blood brain barrier.

•

CdS in high doses induces toxicity in both neuron and purkinje cells in rats.

Living organisms have an innate ability to regulate the synthesis of inorganic materials, such as bones and teeth in humans. Cadmium sulfide (CdS) can be utilized as a quantum dot that functions as a unique light-emitting semiconductor nanocrystal. The increased use in CdS has led to an increased inhalation and ingestion rate of CdS by humans which requires a broader appreciation for the acute and chronic toxicity of CdS. We investigated the toxic effects of CdS on cerebellar cell cultures and rat brain. We employed a ‘green synthesis’ biosynthesis process to obtain biocompatible material that can be used in living organisms, such as Viridibacillus arenosi K64. Nanocrystal formation was initiated by adding CdCl₂ (1 mM) to the cell cultures. Our in vitro results established that increased concentrations of CdS (0.1 μg/mL) lead to decreased cell viability as assessed using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS). The in vivo studies showed that exposure to CdS (1 mg/kg) glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and 8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were increased. Collectively, we describe a model system that addresses the process from the synthesis to the neurotoxicity assessment for CdS both in vitro and in vivo. These data will be beneficial in establishing a more comprehensive pathway for the understanding of quantum dot-induced neurotoxicity.

Development and Characterization of Nano-emulsions Based on Oil Extracted from Black Soldier Fly Larvae

Insect-based biorefinery is seen as a potential alternative approach to manufacturing foods, feeds, and fuel because of the increasing demand for renewable and sustainable products. Insect oil and protein are the two major components that can be quantitatively obtained from insect farming. However, very few attempts have been conducted to utilize insect oil for the production of value-added products. In this study, the oil extracted from the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) was used as a novel feedstock for preparing nano-emulsions. The nano-emulsions were prepared with BSFL oil, hydrogenated lecithin (HL), and d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) in water using pre-homogenization followed by ultrasonication. The morphology and the particle size of nano-emulsions were affected by ratios of HL to TPGS. Moreover, the nano-emulsions showed a nearly Newtonian liquid behavior and the presence of TPGS was able to improve the storage stability of HL nano-emulsions. The addition of TPGS could eliminate the phase transition region of HL nano-emulsions but did not provide a significant change for the molecular mobility in the HL nano-emulsions. In summary, the BSFL oil could be used as a renewable feedstock for formulating nano-emulsions from the aspect of high value-added applications and physicochemical characteristics of the nano-emulsions could be adjusted by the mixed surfactant ratio, surfactant to oil ratio, and oil content. Graphical Abstract The physicochemical characteristics and optimization of nano-emulsions based on black soldier fly larvae oil were investigated.