Zein-iodine complex studied by FTIR spectroscopy and dielectric and dynamic rheometry in films and precipitates

Synthesis and degradation mechanism of renally excretable gold core-shell nanoparticles for combined photothermal and photodynamic therapy

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has emerged as a very potent therapeutic approach in the treatment of tumors. Gold nanoparticles have gained considerable scientific interest as a photosensitizer due to their absorbance in the near-infrared regions. However, their biodegradation and excretion from the body is a challenge. Various biodegradable systems consisting of liposomes and polymers have been synthesized, but their precise manufacturing and decomposition mechanisms have not yet been explored. Using zein nanoparticles as a template, we have fabricated a glutathione-functionalized gold core shell type of formulation. The scalability of the one-step seedless gold coating process is also reported. The synthesis procedure of these tunable nanoparticles is understood with TEM. The thermal degradation of the material under the physiological conditions is thoroughly examined using UV and TEM. In vitro PTT effectiveness on breast cancer cells is assessed after an extensive in vitro toxicity research. The mechanism of cell death is studied using ROS and cell cycle analysis. The material exhibited good efficacy as a PTT agent in mice and showed non-toxicity up to 14 days. The renal clearance study of the material in mice shows its disintegration into renal clearable minute gold seeds. All the findings suggest biodegradable glutathione-functionalized gold core-shell nanoparticles as potential photothermal cancer treatment agents.

Development of Verapamil Hydrochloride-loaded Biopolymer-based Composite Electrospun Nanofibrous Mats: In vivo Evaluation of Enhanced Burn Wound Healing without Scar Formation

Introduction

Researchers aim for new heights in wound healing to produce wound dressings with unique features. Natural, synthetic, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymers especially in the nanoscale are being employed to support and provide efficient wound management. Economical and environmentally friendly sustainable wound management alternatives are becoming an urgent issue to meet future needs. Nanofibrous mats possess unique properties for ideal wound healing. They mimic the physical structure of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), promote hemostasis, and gas permeation. Their interconnected nanoporosity prevents wound dehydration and microbial infiltration.

Purpose

To prepare and evaluate a novel verapamil HCl-loaded environmentally friendly composite, with biopolymer-based electrospun nanofibers suitable for application as wound dressings providing adequate wound healing with no scar formation.

Methods

Composite nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning of a blend of the natural biocompatible polymers, sodium alginate (SA) or zein (Z) together with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Composite nanofibers were characterized in terms of morphology, diameter, drug entrapment efficiency, and release. In vivo study of the therapeutic efficacy of verapamil HCl-loaded nanofibers on a Sprague Dawley rat model with dermal burn wound was investigated in terms of percent wound closure, and presence of scars.

Results

Combining PVA with SA or Z improved the electrospinnability and properties of the developed nanofibers. Verapamil HCl-loaded composite nanofibers showed good pharmaceutical attributes favorable for wound healing including, fiber diameter ∼150 nm, high entrapment efficiency (∼80-100%) and biphasic controlled drug release for 24 h. In vivo study demonstrated promising potentials for wound healing without scaring.

Conclusion

The developed nanofibrous mats combined the beneficial properties of the biopolymers and verapamil HCl to provide an increased functionality by exploiting the unique advantages of nanofibers in wound healing at a small dose proved to be insufficient in case of the conventional dosage form.

An In-Vitro Evaluation of the Characteristics of Zein-Based Films for the Release of Lactobionic Acid and the Effects of Oleic Acid

Lactobionic acid (LBA) is widely used in different industrial sectors owing to its biocompatibility characteristics as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In this study, mixtures of the protein zein with LBA and with the addition of oleic acid (OA) as a ternary system were investigated as drug delivery films for the release of LBA. The chosen combinations exploit the vast difference in water solubility between LBA and the other two components (zein and OA). DSC thermograms and dynamic mechanical spectra, alongside electron microscopy images, were used to describe the microstructural features of the films and were found to provide insights for the release of LBA from the two examined zein-based films immersed in an aqueous physiological solution. For both film systems, a burst release behavior was observed, followed by a rapid and total extraction of LBA. The required immersion time for the total extraction of LBA was greatly reduced when oleic acid was added to the precursor solution mixture for producing the films. The LBA released from the zein-based films was found to exhibit both the expected antioxidant properties as well as exerting bacteriostatic effects towards Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Electrospinning Proteins for Wound Healing Purposes: Opportunities and Challenges

With the growth of the aging population worldwide, chronic wounds represent an increasing burden to healthcare systems. Wound healing is complex and not only affected by the patient's physiological conditions, but also by bacterial infections and inflammation, which delay wound closure and re-epithelialization. In recent years, there has been a growing interest for electrospun polymeric wound dressings with fiber diameters in the nano- and micrometer range. Such wound dressings display a number of properties, which support and accelerate wound healing. For instance, they provide physical and mechanical protection, exhibit a high surface area, allow gas exchange, are cytocompatible and biodegradable, resemble the structure of the native extracellular matrix, and deliver antibacterial agents locally into the wound. This review paper gives an overview on cytocompatible and biodegradable fibrous wound dressings obtained by electrospinning proteins and peptides of animal and plant origin in recent years. Focus is placed on the requirements for the fabrication of such drug delivery systems by electrospinning as well as their wound healing properties and therapeutic potential. Moreover, the incorporation of antimicrobial agents into the fibers or their attachment onto the fiber surface as well as their antimicrobial activity are discussed.

Improving gelatin-based emulsion films with cold plasma using different gases

In this research, the effects of cold plasma treatment on the properties of gelatin-based emulsion films (GEFs) using different gases were investigated. The gases used include O2, N2, air, Ar, and ethanol-argon (EtOH-Ar). Surface hydrophobicity, morphology, water vapor permeability (WVP), and mechanical, thermal, and antifungal properties after plasma application on the film were analyzed. The results revealed that surface hydrophilicity significantly increased after cold plasma, while the contact angle significantly decreased (p < .05). Furthermore, atomic force microscopy results showed that the argon gas plasma significantly increased roughness of the GEFs surface. Besides, plasma did not decrease WVP. Different gases had no significant effect on the mechanical properties of the GEFs (p > .05). Oxygen permeability after plasma application was significantly different from the control sample; consequently, the permeability after plasma application decreased and the lowest level 55.7 (cm3μm m-2 day-1 Pa-1) was seen for oxygen gas. Plasma treatment caused etching effects and lessened the surface moisture of the polymer film. Antimicrobial activity was observed in the cold plasma-treated samples, especially under air and nitrogen atmosphere. Cold plasma treatment is an effective method for surface modification, expanding the application of emulsion films in the packing industry with improved performance properties.

Synthesis, characterization and application of gelatin-carboxymethyl cellulose blend films for preservation of cherry tomatoes and grapes

In the present study, gelatin-carboxymethyl cellulose blend film was synthesized, characterized and applied for the first time to preserve cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) and grapes (Vitis vinifera). Gelatin (Gel) film forming solution was incorporated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) at three volume per volume (Gel:CMC) ratios, namely 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75. CMC treatment has improved the transparency, tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EAB), water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability of gelatin films. A pronounced effect was obtained for 25Gel:75CMC film. The TS and EAB values were increased from 25.98 MPa and 2.34% (100Gel:0CMC) to 37.54 MPa and 4.41% (25Gel:75CMC), respectively. A significant improvement in antimicrobial property of gelatin films against two food pathogens, namely Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was obtained in the presence of CMC. The effectiveness of gelatin-CMC blend films to extend the shelf life of agricultural products was evaluated in a 14-day preservation study. The gelatin-CMC films were successfully controlled the weight loss and browning index of the fruits up to 50.41% and 31.34%, respectively. Overall, gelatin-CMC film is an environmental friendly film for food preservation.

Composite edible films and coatings from food-grade biopolymers

The development of edible films and coatings from food-grade biopolymers has advanced significantly during the past decade. The current state-of-the-art lies in the formulation of composite edible films and coatings from such biomolecules. Composite films and coatings refer to systems where multiple biopolymers have been combined to achieve beneficial properties. Carbohydrate, protein, and lipids have been preferred for developing such systems. Binary films and coatings have been prepared from multiple combinations including protein-protein, carbohydrate-carbohydrate and protein-carbohydrate. Similarly, ternary films and coatings have been prepared from protein-protein-carbohydrate combinations. In addition, several active ingredients including antimicrobial compounds have been loaded to these systems for the preparation of functional films and coatings. Therefore, the goal of this manuscript is to review the multitude of composite systems that are currently available for food packaging purposes. In addition, we discuss the application of composite coatings to fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat and seafood as model food systems.

A simple, efficient and economic method for obtaining iodate-rich chili pepper based chitosan edible thin film

The present study was aimed at designing an iodine supplement in form of edible film made of iodate-coated chitosan (CS-IO₃). Inclusion of so obtained films in diet can help in preventing thyroid cancer, leading to improved public health. Chili pepper was coated with iodate thin film (1.5 µm). The iodate-rich film is ready-to-eat serving valuable nutrients. Stability studies of CS-IO₃ film using water dipping revealed that there was no leaching of iodate ion, due to the strong interactions between cationic amino group of chitosan and iodate ion. The film showed no change in its antioxidant activity. Iodate concentration in the film was determined at 620 nm selectively, based on the decolorization of malachite green economic method. Iodate content in fruits coated with 1.5% (w/v) CS-IO₃ was 11.5 mg g^-1 of dry film sample. The iodate-rich samples could be stored without much effect on its freshness, indicating a good shelf life.

Effects of plasticizers on the properties of fish myofibrillar protein film

This study investigated the effects of various plasticizer types [glycerol (GLY), sorbitol (SOR), and polyethylene glycol (PEG)] on the properties of fish myofibrillar protein (FMP) film. FMP films plasticized with GLY showed the greatest elongation at break (116.53%). It also showed the greatest water vapor permeability (1.43 × 10-10 g m-1 s-1 Pa-1). The film plasticized with SOR exhibited the highest tensile strength (12.56 MPa) and film solubility (62.59%). PEG plasticized film showed to have yellowish colour as indicated by the high b* value and low light transmission at 280 nm. Furthermore, FMP films containing PEG and SOR possessed lower moisture content than films with GLY. FT-IR and electrophoretic properties were not affected by any types of plasticizer. The appearance of the FMP film was similar to that of the PVC film. It was concluded that plasticizers had major effects on FMP films. They not only plasticize the protein film, but also affected other major film properties.

Development of chitosan based optimized edible coating for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and its characterization

In the present work experiments were carried out to optimize coating formulation in central composite rotatable design varying chitosan and glycerol concentration from 0.5 to 3% (w/w) and 0 to 3% (w/w) respectively as two independent factors. Total color difference and respiration rate was selected for tomato parameters and water vapor permeability and percentage solubility was selected for coating parameters as response. Quadratic polynomial models generated was adequate to explain the effects of the chitosan and glycerol concentrations on response variables. Experimental validation confirmed the adequacy of the coating formulation for tomato optimized by response surface methodology with 2.15% chitosan and 0.50% glycerol. Characterization of the optimized coating was undertaken in scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. Microstructure image revealed proper continuity, integrity and surface micro structure of the developed coating. XRD and FTIR spectra revealed the pattern of ideal chitosan based coatings and also unfolded various crystallographic, structural and molecular involvement and couplings in coating properties. XRD pattern reflected semicrystalline structure of chitosan based developed edible coating having crystal form-1 and crystal form-II. In addition to other expected ideal peaks, FTIR also confirmed the presence of water in the coating. Residual acetic acid (solvent for coating formulation) is also evident at around 1700 cm^-1 of FTIR spectra, corresponding to carbonyl vibration of the carboxylic acid.

Edible films developed from carboxylic acid cross-linked sesame protein isolate: barrier, mechanical, thermal, crystalline and morphological properties

Films were developed from sesame protein crosslinked with three different carboxylic acids (malic acid, citric acid and succinic acid) at 1, 3 and 5% (w/w, on protein isolate basis). The effect of crosslinking on physical, mechanical, thermal and morphological properties was studied. Succinic acid crosslinked films exhibited least water vapor permeability the highest tensile strength and overall showed superlative properties among other films. X-ray diffraction showed single main crystalline reflection at 20° indicating amorphous structure of films. DSC curves of films indicated single melting peak in the range of 103-161 °C. All films exhibited weight loss in three stages. FTIR exhibited peak at 1700 cm^-1 confirming crosslinking reaction between carboxylic acids and protein. Crosslinked films were compact, nonporous and smooth as compared to film from native sesame protein isolate.

Characteristics of normal and waxy corn: physicochemical, protein secondary structure, dough rheology and chapatti making properties

The physicochemical, protein secondary structure, dough rheological and chapatti making properties of normal and waxy corn types were evaluated. Waxy corn grains showed the highest L* and b* value, while red-pigmented corn grains had the highest a* value. Higher accumulation of K, Mg, Na and Ca minerals in corn was recorded, while Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn were present in trace. Meal prepared from waxy corn had higher L*, a* and b* values as well as ash, protein and fat content. A significant decrease in various mixograph parameters was observed with increase in water level during dough development. A decrease in dynamic rheological parameters (G', G'' and tan δ) of dough from all corn types was recorded with increase in water level. Dough developed from waxy corn meal had lower G' and G'' as compared to that from normal corn types. FTIR spectra of dough from different corn types at different water levels showed various peaks in amide-I region with most prominent peak at about 1650 cm-1 followed by 1640-1645 and 1610-1620 cm-1 regions. The peak intensities increased with increase in water level which was an indicative of the increase in intermolecular and antiparallel (IM + AP) β-sheet as well as α-helix and β-sheet structures. Dough developed from waxy corn showed change in peak intensities at high moisture level only. The chapatti made from normal (yellow) corn showed higher consumers' acceptability score, while that from waxy corn was poor.

Influence of palm oil and glycerol on properties of fish skin gelatin-based films

Properties of fish skin gelatin film incorporated with palm oil at 50 and 75 % (w/w) as affected by glycerol at 0-30 % (w/w) were investigated. Increases in water vapour permeability and elongation at break along with decrease in tensile strength were noticed when levels of glycerol were increased (p < 0.05). Decrease in L*- and a*-values with coincidental increase in b*- and ΔE*-values were observed in emulsified films when amount of palm oil incorporated increased (p < 0.05). Light transmittance of all films increased as glycerol levels were increased (p < 0.05). FTIR results suggested that the protein-protein interaction in film matrix decreased when palm oil was incorporated. Films added with palm oil had lower glass transition and degradation temperatures than control films. The addition of 75 % palm oil and 10 % glycerol improved water vapour barrier property of fish skin gelatin films without drastic alteration of mechanical properties.

Structure, morphology, and assembly behavior of kafirin

Prolamins from grains have attracted intensive attention in recent years due to their potential in satisfying the demand for environmentally friendly (biodegradable), abundantly available (sustainable), and cost-effective biomaterials. However, for kafirin, the prolamin from sorghum, its composition, structure, morphology, and self-assembly behaviors have not been fully characterized. In this paper, kafirin was extracted from the whole sorghum grain and found to contain 68, 14, 6, and 12% of α-, β-, and γ-fractions and cross-linked kafirin, respectively. Freeze-dried kafirin contained ∼49% α-helix in the solid state. When dissolved in 65% (v/v) isopropanol, 60% (v/v) tert-butanol, and 85% (v/v) ethanol aqueous solvents, the relative α-helix content in kafirin increased with the decrease of solvent polarity. Structural analysis using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) indicated that kafirin (2 mg/mL) took stretched and extended conformations with dimensions of 118 × 15 × 15 and 100 × 11 × 11 Å in 60% tert-butanol and 65% isopropanol, respectively. More elongated conformation of individual kafirin with high-order assembly was observed in 85% ethanol. Protein aggregation occurred as protein concentration increased in its good solvent. The morphology of kafirin assemblies captured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that kafirin protein took uniform particle morphology at low concentration, and disk-like or rod-like structures resulting from solvent evaporation induced particle interactions emerged at high concentrations. These results suggest that both protein concentration and solvent polarity can effectively regulate kafirin assemblies from thick rod-like to slim rod-like structures, a convenient way to tune the fibrillation of prolamin-based biomaterials.