Curcumin loaded chitosan nanoparticles fortify shrimp feed pellets with enhanced antioxidant activity

Breaking barriers in cancer treatment: nanobiohybrids empowered by modified bacteria and vesicles

Cancer, the leading global cause of mortality, poses a formidable challenge for treatment. The effectiveness of cancer therapies, ranging from chemotherapy to immunotherapy, relies on the precise delivery of therapeutic agents to tumor tissues. Nanobiohybrids, resulting from the fusion of bacteria with nanomaterials, constitute a promising delivery system. Nanobiohybrids offer several advantages, including the ability to target tumors, genetic engineering capabilities, programmed product creation, and the potential for multimodal treatment. Recent advances in targeted tumor treatments have leveraged bacteria-based nanobiohybrids. Here, we outline the progress in cancer treatment using nanobiohybrids. Our focus is particularly on various therapeutic approaches within the context of nanobiohybrid systems, where bacteria are integrated with nanomaterials to combat cancer. It has been demonstrated that bacteria-based nanobiohybrids present a robust and effective method for tumor theranostics.

Medicinal and chemosensing applications of chitosan based material: A review

Chitosan (CTS), has emerged as a highly intriguing biopolymer with widespread applications, drawing significant attention in various fields ranging from medicinal to chemosensing. Key characteristics of chitosan include solubility, biocompatibility, biodegradability and reactivity, making it versatile in numerous sectors. Several derivatives have been documented for their diverse therapeutic properties, such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant activities. Furthermore, these compounds serve as highly sensitive and selective chemosensor for the detection of various analytes such as heavy metal ions, anions and various other species in agricultural, environmental and biological matrixes. CTS derivatives interacting with these species and give analytical signals. In this review, we embark on an exploration of the latest advancements in CTS-based materials, emphasizing their noteworthy contributions to medicinal chemistry spanning the years from 2021 to 2023. The intrinsic biological and physiological properties of CTS make it an ideal platform for designing materials that interact seamlessly with biological systems. The review also explores the utilization of chitosan-based materials for the development of colorimetric and fluorimetric chemosensors capable of detecting metal ions, anions and various other species, contributing to advancements in environmental monitoring, healthcare diagnostics, and industrial processes.

Physico-Chemical Characteristics of pH-Driven Active Film Loading with Curcumin Based on the Egg White Protein and Sodium Alginate Matrices

The low solubility and stability of fat-soluble curcumin in water limit its application in active packaging. This study explored the use of a pH-driven method to investigate the preparation and enhancement of the performance of films loaded with curcumin in a matrix of sodium alginate (Alg) and egg white protein (EWP). In this study, the EWP, Alg, and curcumin primarily bind through hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic interactions. Compared to EWP films, the films loaded with curcumin through the pH-driven method exhibited enhanced extensibility and water resistance, with an elongation at break (EB) of 103.56 ± 3.13% and a water vapor permeability (WVP) of 1.67 ± 0.03 × 10-10 g·m/m2·Pa·s. The addition of Alg improved the encapsulation efficiency and thermal stability of curcumin, thereby enhancing the antioxidant activity of the film through the addition of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, which resulted in 106.95 ± 2.61 μg TE/g and 144.44 ± 8.89 μg TE/g, respectively. It is noteworthy that the detrimental effect of Alg on the color responsiveness of films containing curcumin has also been observed. This study provides a potential strategy and consideration for the loading of low water-soluble active substances and the preparation of active packaging.

Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Eucommia ulmoides seed essential oil: Preparation, characterization, antioxidant and antibacterial properties

Eucommia ulmoides seed essential oil (EUSO) is a natural plant oil rich in various nutrients, which has been widely used due to its unique medicinal effects. However, it is prone to oxidation and rancidity under many adverse environmental influences. Nanoencapsulation technology can protect and slow down the loss of its biological activity. In this study, chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) loaded with EUSO were prepared by emulsification and ionic gel technology. EUSO-CSNPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results confirmed the success of EUSO encapsulation and the encapsulation rate ranged from 36.95 % to 67.80 %. Nanoparticle size analyzer, Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that CSNPs were spherical particles with a range of 200.6-276.0 nm. The results of in vitro release study indicated that the release of EUSO was phased, and EUSO-CSNPS had certain sustained-release properties. Furthermore, EUSO-CSNPs had higher antioxidant and antibacterial abilities than pure EUSO and chitosan, which was verified through free radical scavenging experiments and bacteria biofilm experiments, respectively. This technology can enhance the medicinal value of EUSO in biomedical and other fields, and will provide support for in vivo research of EUSO-CSNPs in the future.

Bacteria and Bacterial Components as Natural Bio-Nanocarriers for Drug and Gene Delivery Systems in Cancer Therapy

Bacteria and bacterial components possess multifunctional properties, making them attractive natural bio-nanocarriers for cancer diagnosis and targeted treatment. The inherent tropic and motile nature of bacteria allows them to grow and colonize in hypoxic tumor microenvironments more readily than conventional therapeutic agents and other nanomedicines. However, concerns over biosafety, limited antitumor efficiency, and unclear tumor-targeting mechanisms have restricted the clinical translation and application of natural bio-nanocarriers based on bacteria and bacterial components. Fortunately, bacterial therapies combined with engineering strategies and nanotechnology may be able to reverse a number of challenges for bacterial/bacterial component-based cancer biotherapies. Meanwhile, the combined strategies tend to enhance the versatility of bionanoplasmic nanoplatforms to improve biosafety and inhibit tumorigenesis and metastasis. This review summarizes the advantages and challenges of bacteria and bacterial components in cancer therapy, outlines combinatorial strategies for nanocarriers and bacterial/bacterial components, and discusses their clinical applications.

Chitosan Microspheres Loaded with Curcumin and Gallic Acid: Modified Synthesis, Sustainable Slow Release, and Enhanced Biological Property

Improving the utilization rate of loaded-drugs is of huge importance for generating chitosan-based (CS) micro-carriers. This study aims to fabricate a novel CS microspheres co-delivered curcumin (Cur) and gallic acid (Ga) to assess drug loading and release kinetics, the blood compatibility and anti-osteosarcoma properties. The present study observes the interaction between CS and Cur/Ga molecules and estimates the change in crystallinity and loading and release rate. In addition, blood compatibility and cytotoxicity of such microspheres are also evaluated. Cur-Ga-CS microspheres present high entrapment rate of (55.84 ± 0.34) % for Ga and (42.68 ± 0.11) % for Cur, possibly attributed to surface positive charge (21.76 ± 2.46) mV. Strikingly, Cur-Ga-CS microspheres exhibit slowly sustainable release for almost 7 days in physiological buffer. Importantly, these microspheres possess negligibly toxic to blood and normal BMSC cells, but strong anti-osteosarcoma effect on U2OS cells. Overall, Cur-Ga-CS microspheres are promising to become a novel anti-osteosarcoma agent or sustainable delivery carrier in biomedical applications.

Curcumin-infused xerogel-based nutraceutical development and its 4D shape-shifting behavior

Cereal-based functional foods with shape-changing (four-dimensional [4D]) properties is a novel approach in the current scenario. The main objective of the research is to develop a bioactive compound incorporated in flat two-dimensional xerogel and its hydromorphic three-dimensional shape transformation. The spray-dried curcumin at three different concentrations was incorporated with hydrogel (wheat-barley flour 8%), and flat xerogel was formed by sessile drop drying at 30°C and 78% relative humidity. The top smooth and rough bottom surface of xerogel provided anisotropic swelling properties during the shape transformation. The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of xerogel were examined, and the retention of curcumin during the shape transformation was also examined during the research. The porous structure of barley-wheat xerogel has enhanced the incorporation of water-insoluble bioactive components like curcumin. The diffusion properties of curcumin xerogel provided an antimicrobial effect against gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. The optimum temperature (70°C) during the shape-shifting provides the retention of bioavailability and functional properties of curcumin. The work describes the opportunities for developing xerogel incorporated with more bioactive and functional components and study its stability and hydromorphic 4D shape-changing behavior. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Xerogel is a good carrier for different bioactive components. The development of curcumin-infused biodegrade, non-toxic, and cereal-based xerogel provide an excellent opportunity for the delivery of curcumin in a cost-effective way. The shape-changing easily consumable forms of xerogel will attract more consumers, and it retains the bioavailability of infused compounds during processing.

Synthesis of Hydroxypropyltrimethyl Ammonium Chitosan Derivatives Bearing Thioctate and the Potential for Antioxidant Application

Hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) is one of the most important water-soluble chitosan derivatives; its derivatives have gained growing attention due to their potential biomedical applications. Here, hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chitosan derivatives bearing thioctate (HACTs), with different degrees of substitution of thioctate, were prepared using HACC and α-lipoic acid as the reaction precursors, using an ion exchange method. The structural characteristics of the synthesized derivatives were confirmed by FTIR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. In addition, their antioxidant behaviors were also investigated in vitro by the assays of reducing power, and scavenging activities against hydroxyl radicals and DPPH radicals. The antioxidant assay indicated that HACTs displayed strong antioxidant activity compared with HACC, especially in terms of reducing power. Besides, the antioxidant activities of the prepared products were further enhanced with the increase in the test concentration and the degrees of substitution of thioctate. At the maximum test concentration of 1.60 mg/mL, the absorbance value at 700 nm of HACTs, under the test conditions, was 4.346 ± 0.296, while the absorbance value of HACC was 0.041 ± 0.007. The aforementioned results support the use of HACTs as antioxidant biomaterials in food and the biomedical field.

Formulation and Evaluation of Apigenin-Loaded Hybrid Nanoparticles

Apigenin (AGN) is a potent phytochemical with strong antioxidant and anticancer potential. But its therapeutic efficacy is limited due to its high lipophilic characteristics. Therefore, the present investigation aimed to develop AGN-loaded polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (AGN-PLHNPs). Herein, we successfully developed AGN-PLHNPs and optimized them by a 33-Box-Behnken de-sign. The poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA; coded as F1), phospholipon 90 G (PL-90G; coded as F2), and poloxamer 188 (P-188; coded as F3) were considered as the independent factors while particle size (PS; coded as R1), entrapment efficiency (%EE; R2), and cumulative drug release (%CDR; R3) were selected as dependent responses. The average PS, %EE, and %CDR of the AGN-PLHNPs were observed in the range of 101.93 nm to 175.26 nm, 58.35% to 81.14%, and 71.21% to 93.31%, respectively. The optimized AGN-PLHNPs revealed better homogeneity (poly-dispersity index < 0.2) and colloidal stability with high zeta potential (>25 mV). It also exhibited fast release in the initial 4 h after that sustained release up to 48 h of study. Moreover, the results of both DPPH as well as ABTS assays revealed significant improvement in the antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the optimized AGN-PLHNPs exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity efficacy against MCF-7 as well as MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines.

Dietary supplementation of curcumin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles stimulates immune response in the white leg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei challenged with Vibrio harveyi

Pathogen infections in shrimps trigger the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a part of immune response. The excessive accumulation of ROS causes the production of oxidative stress, which leads to oxidative damage of the biomolecules in the host cells. The inclusion of dietary antioxidants is known to mitigate oxidative stress and stimulate immunity. Curcumin, a potential antioxidant was encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles to surge its bioavailability and was administered orally to Vibrio harveyi challenged and non-challenged Litopenaeus vannamei. The non-challenged shrimps fed with curcumin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Cur-CSNPs) showed a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the specific growth rate, daily growth coefficient and survival rate. A significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the phenoloxidase activity, total hemocyte count and superoxide dismutase activity was observed in both the challenged and non-challenged shrimps fed with Cur-CSNPs. Additionally, a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the relative mRNA expression of lysozyme, cMnSOD and lectin was observed in the Cur-CSNPs fed shrimps. The findings of this research suggest that Cur-CSNPs reinforce the immune system of L. vannamei against V. harveyi infection. Moreover, the non-challenged shrimps showed improvement in the growth parameters in addition to immunostimulation. Thereby a routine inclusion of dietary Cur-CSNPs could mitigate the oxidative damage caused by the incidence of environmental or pathogen-mediated oxidative stress.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Nanoparticles Loading Adriamycin Based on 2-Hydroxypropyltrimethyl Ammonium Chloride Chitosan Grafting Folic Acid

Chitosan nanoparticles have been considered as potential candidates for drug loading/release in drug delivery systems. In this paper, nanoparticles (HACAFNP) loading adriamycin based on 2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan grafting folic acid (HACF) were synthesized. The surface morphology of the novel nanoparticles was spherical or oval, and the nanoparticles exhibited a relatively small hydrodynamic diameter (85.6 ± 2.04 nm) and positive zeta potential (+21.06 ± 0.96 mV). The drug release of nanoparticles was assayed and represented a burst effect followed by a long-term steady release. Afterward, the antioxidant efficiencies of nanoparticles were assayed. In particular, the target nanoparticles exhibited significant enhancement in radical scavenging activities. Cytotoxicities against cancer cells (MCF-7, BGC-823, and HEPG-2) were estimated in vitro, and results showed nanoparticles inhibited the growth of cancer cells. It's worth noting that the inhibition index of HACAFNP against BGC-823 cells was 71.19% with the sample concentration of 25 μg/mL, which was much higher than the inhibitory effect of ADM. It was demonstrated that the novel nanoparticles with dramatically enhanced biological activity, reduced cytotoxicity, and steady release could be used as the practical candidates for drug loading/release in a delivery system.

A comparative study on chitosan nanoparticle synthesis methodologies for application in aquaculture through toxicity studies

Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) have been recently used for various applications in aquaculture, especially as drug carriers. The aim of this study was to synthesise and investigate a superlative method of CSNP synthesis for application in aquaculture through aquaculture-based toxicology screening methods. Two different methods were analysed: the first a direct ionic gelation method (A) and the other involving a low-molecular-weight chitosan microparticle intermediate method (B). Dynamic light scattering characterisation revealed that the CSNP particle sizes were 192.7 ± 11.8 and 22.9 nm from methods A and B, respectively. The LC50 values for brine shrimp toxicity were found to be 1.51 and 0.02 ppt in 24 h for methods A and B, respectively. Acute toxicity studies in Litopenaeus vannamei rendered LC50 values of 3235.94 and 2884.03 ppt in 24 h for methods A and B, respectively. Zebrafish toxicity studies revealed mortality rates of 21.67% and 55% at 20 mg/L concentration for methods A and B, respectively, with an increased expression of intracellular reactive oxygen species in method B. From these findings, it can be concluded that a comparatively reduced toxicity of CSNPs derived from ionic gelation method makes it more appropriate for application in aquaculture.