Nanoparticulation of enzymatically cross-linked whey proteins to encapsulate caffeine via microemulsification/heat gelation procedure

Newly synthesized chitosan nanoparticles loaded with caffeine/moringa leaf extracts Halt Her2, BRCA1, and BRCA2 expressions

Breast cancer is among the highest morbidity and mortality rates in women around the world. In the present investigation we aimed to synthesis novel nanosystem combining two naturally important anticancer agents with different mechanism of action namely Moringa oleifera and caffeine. Firstly, chemical analysis of Moringa oleifera extract and caffeine was done by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) in order to assess the main chemical compounds present and correlate between them and the possible anticancer effect. The novel nanosystem was characterized through dynamic light scattering techniques which revealed the stability and homogeneity of the prepared M. oleifera leaves extract/Caffeine loaded chitosan nanoparticles, while FTIR and transmission electron microscope (TEM) proved the shape and the successful incorporation of M. oleifera leaves extract/Caffeine onto the nanochitosan carrier. Our initial step was to assess the anticancer effect in vitro in cancer cell line MCF-7 which proved the significant enhanced effect of M. oleifera leaves extract/Caffeine nanosystem compared to M. oleifera leaves extract or caffeine loaded nanoparticles. Further studies were conducted in vivo namely tumor biomarkers, tumor volume, bioluminescence imaging, molecular and histopathological investigations. The present study proved the potent anticancer effect of the synthesized M. oleifera leaves extract/Caffeine loaded chitosan nanoparticles. Mo/Caf/CsNPs exhibited a large number of apoptotic cells within the tumor mass while the adipose tissue regeneration was higher compared to the positive control. The prepared nanoparticles downregulated the expression of Her2, BRCA1 and BRCA2 while mTOR expression was upregulated. The aforementioned data demonstrated the successful synergistic impact of Moringa and caffeine in decreasing the carcinoma grade.

Caffeine-loaded nano/micro-carriers: Techniques, bioavailability, and applications

Caffeine, as one of the most consumed bioactive compounds globally, has gained considerable attention during the last years. Considering the bitter taste and adverse effects of high levels of caffeine consumption, it is crucial to apply a strategy for masking the caffeine's bitter taste and facilitating its programmable deliverance within a long time. Other operational parameters such as food processing parameters, exposure to sunlight and oxygen, and gastrointestinal digestion could also degrade the phenolic compounds in general and caffeine in special. To overcome these challenges, various nano/micro-platforms have been fabricated, including lipid-based (e.g., nanoliposomal vehicles; nanoemulsions, double emulsions, Pickering emulsions; microemulsions; niosomal vehicles; solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers), as well as biopolymeric (e.g., nanoparticles; hydrogels, organogels, oleogels; nanofibers and nanotubes; protein-polysaccharide nanocomplexes, conjugates; cyclodextrin inclusion complexes) and inorganic (e.g., gold and silica nanoparticles) nano/micro-structures. In this review, the findings on various caffeine-loaded nano/micro-carriers and their potential applications in functional food products/supplements will be discussed. Also, the controlled release and bioavailability of encapsulated caffeine will be given, and finally, the toxicity and safety of encapsulated caffeine will be presented.

Advances in Protein-Based Nanocarriers of Bioactive Compounds: From Microscopic Molecular Principles to Macroscopical Structural and Functional Attributes

Many proteins can be used to fabricate nanocarriers for encapsulation, protection, and controlled release of nutraceuticals. This review examined the protein-based nanocarriers from microscopic molecular characteristics to the macroscopical structural and functional attributes. Structural, physical, and chemical properties of protein-based nanocarriers were introduced in detail. The spatial size, shape, water dispersibility, colloidal stability, etc. of protein-based nanocarriers were largely determined by the molecular physicochemical principles of protein. Different preparative techniques, including antisolvent precipitation, pH-driven, electrospray, and gelation methods, among others, can be used to fabricate different protein-based nanocarriers. Various modifications based on physical, chemical, and enzymatic approaches can be used to improve the functional performance of these nanocarriers. Protein is a natural resource with a wide range of sources, including plant, animal, and microbial, which are usually used to fabricate the nanocarriers. Protein-based nanocarriers have many advantages in aid of the application of bioactive ingredients to the medical, food, and cosmetic industries.

Advances in preparation, interaction and stimulus responsiveness of protein-based nanodelivery systems

The improved understanding of the connection between diet and health has led to growing interest in the development of functional foods designed to improve health and wellbeing. Many of the potentially health-promoting bioactive ingredients that food manufacturers would like to incorporate into these products are difficult to utilize because of their chemical instability, poor solubility, or low bioavailability. For this reason, nano-based delivery systems are being developed to overcome these problems. Food proteins possess many functional attributes that make them suitable for formulating various kinds of nanocarriers, including their surface activity, water binding, structuring, emulsification, gelation, and foaming, as well as their nutritional aspects. Proteins-based nanocarriers are therefore useful for introducing bioactive ingredients into functional foods, especially for their targeted delivery in specific applications.This review focusses on the preparation, properties, and applications of protein-based nanocarriers, such as nanoparticles, micelles, nanocages, nanoemulsions, and nanogels. In particular, we focus on the development and application of stimulus-responsive protein-based nanocarriers, which can be used to release bioactive ingredients in response to specific environmental triggers. Finally, we discuss the potential and future challenges in the design and application of these protein-based nanocarriers in the food industry.

Improved delivery system for celastrol-loaded magnetic Fe3O4/α-Fe2O3 heterogeneous nanorods: HIF-1α-related apoptotic effects on SMMC-7721 cell

Fe₃O₄/α-Fe₂O₃ heterogeneous nanorods were prepared by a rapid combustion method with α-FeOOH nanorods as precursors. Fe₃O₄/α-Fe₂O₃ heterogeneous nanorods with a saturation magnetization of 33.2 emu·g^-1 were obtained using 30 mL of absolute ethanol at a calcination temperature of 300 °C. Their average length was around 140 nm, and average diameter was about 20 nm. To improve the dispersion characteristics of the Fe₃O₄/α-Fe₂O₃ heterogeneous nanorods in aqueous solution, citric acid and PEG were applied to modify the nanorod surface via the Mitsunobu reaction. The results showed that the hydrodynamic size range of Fe₃O₄/α-Fe₂O₃/CA-PEG-celastrol was 250-500 nm, the surface potential was -15 mV, and the saturation magnetization was approximately 23 emu·g^-1. The drug loading capacity of Fe₃O₄/α-Fe₂O₃/CA-PEG was larger than the non-PEG modified version. Fe₃O₄/α-Fe₂O₃/CA-PEG-celastrol had slow-release characteristics and was sensitive to changes in pH. Application of a magnetic field significantly promoted the inhibition of SMMC-7721 human liver cancer cell growth after treatment with Fe₃O₄/α-Fe₂O₃/CA-PEG-celastrol. Celastrol and Fe₃O₄/α-Fe₂O₃/CA-PEG-celastrol increased the production of reactive oxygen species in SMMC-7721 cells and promoted apoptosis and apoptosis-related proteins (p53, Bax, Bcl-2) were also changed. In addition, the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) was enhanced. We may conclude that celastrol-loaded magnetic Fe₃O₄/α-Fe₂O₃ heterogeneous nanorods may be applied in the chemotherapy of human cancer with good biocompatibility and delivery.

Protein-Based Delivery Systems for the Nanoencapsulation of Food Ingredients

Many proteins possess functional attributes that make them suitable for the encapsulation of bioactive agents, such as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. This article reviews the state of the art of protein-based nanoencapsulation approaches. The physicochemical principles underlying the major techniques for the fabrication of nanoparticles, nanogels, and nanofibers from animal, botanical, and recombinant proteins are described. Protein modification approaches that can be used to extend their functionality in these nanocarrier systems are also described, including chemical, physical, and enzymatic treatments. The encapsulation, retention, protection, and release of bioactive agents in different protein-based nanocarriers are discussed. Finally, some of the major challenges in the design and fabrication of protein-based delivery systems are highlighted.

Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications: Cellulose, Chitosan, and Protein/Peptide Derivatives

Hydrogels based on polysaccharide and protein natural polymers are of great interest in biomedical applications and more specifically for tissue regeneration and drug delivery. Cellulose, chitosan (a chitin derivative), and collagen are probably the most important components since they are the most abundant natural polymers on earth (cellulose and chitin) and in the human body (collagen). Peptides also merit attention because their self-assembling properties mimic the proteins that are present in the extracellular matrix. The present review is mainly focused on explaining the recent advances on hydrogels derived from the indicated polymers or their combinations. Attention has also been paid to the development of hydrogels for innovative biomedical uses. Therefore, smart materials displaying stimuli responsiveness and having shape memory properties are considered. The use of micro- and nanogels for drug delivery applications is also discussed, as well as the high potential of protein-based hydrogels in the production of bioactive matrices with recognition ability (molecular imprinting). Finally, mention is also given to the development of 3D bioprinting technologies.