Nanoconfined anti-oxidizing RAFT nitroxide radical polymer for reduction of low-density lipoprotein oxidation and foam cell formation

Zwitterionic, Stimuli-Responsive Liposomes for Curcumin Drug Delivery: Enhancing M2 Macrophage Polarization and Reducing Oxidative Stress through Enzyme-Specific and Hyperthermia-Triggered Release

A zwitterionic, stimuli-responsive liposomal system was meticulously designed for the precise and controlled delivery of curcumin, leveraging enzyme-specific and hyperthermic stimuli to enhance therapeutic outcomes. This platform is specifically engineered to release curcumin in response to phospholipase A2, an enzyme that degrades phospholipids, enabling highly targeted and site-specific drug release. Mild hyperthermia (40 °C) further enhances membrane permeability and activates thermosensitive carriers, optimizing drug delivery. Curcumin encapsulation is facilitated through a combination of zwitterionic and electrostatic interactions, significantly improving both loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency. A design of experiments (DoE) approach was employed to systematically optimize lipid-to-cholesterol ratios and formulation conditions. The liposomal system was thoroughly characterized using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements, and transmission electron microscopy, ensuring stability and structural integrity. Notably, this system effectively encapsulates hydrophobic curcumin while maintaining particle size and bioactivity. In vitro studies revealed robust antioxidant and anti-ROS activities, alongside excellent biocompatibility, with no cytotoxicity observed at concentrations up to 2000 μg/mL. Furthermore, the zwitterionic liposomes enhanced M2 macrophage polarization and reduced oxidative stress. This advanced platform offers a promising, biocompatible solution for targeted curcumin delivery.

Improving the catalytic activity and stability of Bacillus alcalophilus serine protease BAPB92 by rational design

The catalytic activity and stability of proteases are essential for their application in the detergent industry. To enhance the catalytic properties of BAPB92, homologous sequence comparison combined with rational design was employed. Six mutants were generated: BAPB92 (A188P), BAPB92 (V262I), BAPB92 (Q239R), BAPB92 (A188P/V262I), BAPB92 (Q239R/V262I), and BAPB92 (Q239R/A188P). Remarkably, the mutant BAPB92 (A188P/V262I) exhibited the most significant improvement, exhibiting a 4.30-fold increase in kcat/Km compared to the wild type, and a 0.75-fold enhancement in thermal stability at 60 °C. The enzymatic activity of BAPB92 (A188P/V262I) reached 6511.81 U/mg, which was 2.95 times higher than that of the wild type BAPB92. Furthermore, the optimal reaction temperature of this mutant increased from 50 °C to 60 °C. The BAPB92 (A188P/V262I) mutant also showed a marked improvement in detergent stability. In sodium tripolyphosphate liquid detergent, its washing efficacy was 17.84 % higher than that of the wild type, and in methyl glycine diacetate liquid detergent, the improvement was 18.51 %. These findings suggested that BAPB92 (A188P/V262I) holds significant potential as a detergent protease in the washing industry. Structural analysis and molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the enhanced stability of this mutant compared to the wild type. This study provides valuable theoretical insights for the application of the serine protease BAPB92 in detergent formulations.

Assessment of myco-fabricated Al2O3 NPs toxicity on cancer cells and pathogenic microbes by suppression of bacterial metabolic key enzymes

There has been a recent change in global attention towards addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a result of the concerning increase in mortality rates. Nanomaterials have become highly favorable options for a wide range of industrial and biological uses. The objective of this study was to produce aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) using a crude extract from the fungus Aspergillus sp. WAH23, and then analyze the nanoparticles using UV-analysis, electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), and (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results revealed that formed nanoparticles are spherical with an average size of 8.5 nm. XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the synthesized Al2O3 NPs. The Al2O3 nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial properties against a wide range of pathogenic microbes. The antibacterial efficacy of these nanoparticles on the examined bacterial strains was exhibited through their ability to hinder several metabolic processes, including phosphofructokinase (PFK), enolase, and glutamine synthetase. Additionally, the nanoparticles increased the activity of NADH-oxidase, the content of MDA, and the formation of H2O2. The study also examined the anticancer properties of Al2O3 nanoparticles on various types of cancer cells.

Evaluation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Ram12-derived exopolysaccharide in a D-galactose-induced liver injury mouse model

We investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Ram12-derived EPSRam12 in a D-galactose-induced liver injury mouse model. Initially, EPSRam12 was characterized for its composition, molecular weight, and structural features. It was then administered orally to D-galactose-induced mice (which had received an intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose, 100 mg/kg body weight) at doses of 25 mg/kg (low dose) and 50 mg/kg (high dose) for 45 days. After treatment, biochemical markers, antioxidant status, cytokine levels, and liver inflammatory gene expression were evaluated. The results showed that EPSRam12 was a branched chain heteropolysaccharide comprising mannose, rhamnose, and arabinose monosaccharides with molecular weight of 2.6 million Daltons. EPSRam12, with its unique structural features such as hydroxyl and methyl groups, glycosidic bonds, and functional groups like carboxylates and sulfates, demonstrated promising bioactive properties. Administering EPSRam12 to D-galactose-induced mice resulted in a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity and a reduction in oxidative stress indicators. Additionally, it exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine levels, lowering pro-inflammatory markers, and inhibiting key inflammatory pathways in the liver in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings underscore the potential of EPSRam12 as an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, with promising applications in functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

Protective effect of ferulic acid-hyaluronic acid copolymer against UVB irradiation in a human HaCaT cell line

Excessive UVB exposure increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative damage and epidermal inflammation. To enhance UVB protection effect, a strong phenolic antioxidant, ferulic acid (FA) was designed onto HA via a free radical mediated method. Our previous work has confirmed its structural characterization and in vitro antioxidant. The aim of this study was to evaluate its protective effects against UVB-induced damage in human HaCaT cells. We observed a significant reduction in cell viability to 57.43 % following UVB exposure at a dose of 80 mJ/cm2. However, pretreatment with FA-HA (250 to 2000 μg·mL-1) significantly attenuated cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, FA-HA was found to suppress the intracellular generation of ROS and up-regulated the expression of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). The elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) as well as the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1/9 (MMP-1/9) induced by UVB irradiation, were also effectively reduced by FA-HA. Additionally, FA-HA treatment decreases the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), ultimately preventing apoptosis. These findings suggest that FA-HA is a promising candidate for UVB protection in skincare formulations.

Green Synthesis and Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of rGO/ZnO/Fe3O4 Nanocomposites: A Sustainable Approach to Environmental Remediation

The fast industrialization and mounting pollution have necessitated the need for advanced materials in order to degrade pollutants efficiently. Metal oxide-based and graphene-derivative photocatalytic nanocomposites are excellent for harnessing light energy in environmental remediation. Among them, ZnO-based nanocomposites have drawn considerable attention because of their high photocatalytic activity and stability. However, improving the performance of these nanocomposites is still necessary for their wide applications. This study explores the green synthesis, detailed characterization, and enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of reduced graphene oxide rGO/ZnO/Fe3O4 nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were synthesized via a hydrothermal method, utilizing milk thistle extract as a natural reducing agent, representing a novel and sustainable approach to fabricating magnetic rGO/Fe3O4 nanocomposites. These composites were further integrated with zinc oxide to produce a multifunctional material, exhibiting high surface area, superior electrical and thermal conductivity, and robust mechanical strength. The photocatalytic performance was significantly enhanced due to the synergistic interaction between graphene and metal oxide nanoparticles, leading to efficient degradation of environmental pollutants. Electrochemical analysis via cyclic voltammetry revealed distinctive redox peaks, demonstrating efficient electron transfer processes essential for applications in energy conversion and storage. This green synthesis not only provides a sustainable pathway for the development of advanced nanocomposites but also underscores their potential in a wide range of applications, including environmental remediation, sensing, energy storage, and optoelectronics.

Injectable biocompatible RAFT mediated nitroxide nanogels: A robust ROS-reduction antioxidant approach

This work introduces novel nitroxide-based nanogels (NGs) crafted through controlled RAFT (Reversible Addition Fragmentation chain Transfer) polymerization, showcasing over 85% improved shelf-life compared to native superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes. These 30-40 nm NGs hold great promise for injectable delivery, effectively reducing foam cell formation and displaying potent antioxidant behavior against various reactive oxygen species (ROS), revolutionizing antioxidant therapy. Featuring a meticulously designed core-shell structure via precise RAFT polymerization, these NGs mimic SOD enzymatic activity with nitroxide-based antioxidants, providing unprecedented defense against ROS. Combining methacrylated 2,2,6,6-Tetramethyl-4-piperidyl methacrylate (PMA) and Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) monomers with precisely synthesized nitroxyl radicals results in exceptional properties. Validated through comprehensive analytical methods, these NGs exhibit remarkable stability, halting foam cell formation even at high concentrations, and demonstrate notable biocompatibility. Their ability to protect low density lipoprotein (LDL) from oxidation for up to a month positions them at the forefront of combating cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis. This study pioneers injectable antioxidant therapy, offering an innovative approach to cardiovascular ailments. Targeting narrow plaques signifies a promising intervention, reshaping cardiovascular disease treatments. It highlights the potential of advanced drug delivery in biomedicine, promising more effective cardiovascular disease treatments.

Haemodynamic Effects on the Development and Stability of Atherosclerotic Plaques in Arterial Blood Vessel

Studying the formation and stability of atherosclerotic plaques in the hemodynamic field is essential for understanding the growth mechanism and preventive treatment of atherosclerotic plaques. In this paper, based on a multiplayer porous wall model, we established a two-way fluid-solid interaction with time-varying inlet flow. The lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) and stress in atherosclerotic plaque were described for analyzing the stability of atherosclerotic plaques during the plaque growth by solving advection-diffusion-reaction equations with finite-element method. It was found that LRNC appeared when the lipid levels of apoptotic materials (such as macrophages, foam cells) in the plaque reached a specified lower concentration, and increased with the plaque growth. LRNC was positively correlated with the blood pressure and was negatively correlated with the blood flow velocity. The maximum stress was mainly located at the necrotic core and gradually moved toward the left shoulder of the plaque with the plaque growth, which increases the plaque instability and the risk of the plaque shedding. The computational model may contribute to understanding the mechanisms of early atherosclerotic plaque growth and the risk of instability in the plaque growth.