A Novel Phytotherapy Application: Preparation, Characterization, Antioxidant Activities and Determination of Anti-inflammatory Effects by In vivo HET-CAM Assay of Chitosan-based DDSs Containing Endemic Helichrysum pamphylicum P.H. Davis & Kupicha Methanolic Extract

Synthesis and multifaceted evaluation of novel AgCZ nanocomposite for targeted anti-angiogenic cancer therapy

Angiogenesis is the formation of blood vessels from the existing vasculature, which is important in the tumor growth where the metastatic spread, of cancer cells depends on an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients and the removal of waste products. Targeting angiogenesis has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. This study presents the synthesis and evaluation of a novel Ag-CeO2-ZnO (AgCZ) nanocomposite designed to specifically inhibit angiogenesis for effective cancer therapy. The nanocomposite was synthesized via a glycine-assisted combustion method, and its physicochemical properties were meticulously characterized using advanced analytical techniques. The anti-angiogenesis potential of the AgCZ nanocomposite was vigorously explored through an assortment of in vitro investigations, with a particular interest in inhibiting agents like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In silico data from molecular docking studies were instrumental in elucidating the nanocomposite's primary reported mechanism of action, i.e., its strong VEGF target bond. Notably, the nanocomposite had selective cytotoxicity with different types of cancer cells and no sign of serious influence onto normal cells, reflecting great promise of the targeted cancer therapy. Not and importantly, nanocomposite was implemented in vitro studies to measure its anti-angiogenic as well as anti-tumor effect in biological models additionally. Our study highlights emerging developments in medicine and draws possible future paths. The use of AgCZ composite nanoparticle is one of the potential anticancer drug and alternative to the conventional medicine which appears to be safer and more effectual, but further research is needed to overcome current limitations in clinical translation.

Synthesis and Evaluation of a ZnO-Chitosan Adduct for Safe and Sustainable Enhanced Ultra-Violet (UV) Sunscreens Protection

Chitosan (Ch), a natural polysaccharide, is known for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and various beneficial properties, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The objective of this study is to investigate the functionalization of zinc oxide (ZnO) with chitosan to develop a novel ZnO@Ch adduct for use in cosmetic formulations, specifically as a sun protection agent. The functionalization was achieved through ionotropic gelation, which enhanced the stability and reduced the photocatalytic activity of ZnO, thereby improving its safety profile for skin applications. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the successful functionalization, while TGA and DSC characterized the thermal properties and stability. The Zeta potential and particle size analyses demonstrated improved stability of ZnO@Ch across various pH levels compared to uncoated ZnO. The structure of the obtained adduct was also confirmed by SEM analysis. The ZnO@Ch adduct exhibited enhanced stability at neutral and slightly alkaline pH values, reduced photocatalytic activity compared to pure ZnO, and had lower cytotoxicity in 3T3 cells compared to pure ZnO, particularly at higher concentrations. The ZnO@Ch adduct provided a higher Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and UVA Protection Factor (UVA-PF) than pure ZnO, indicating enhanced UV protection. The adduct's ability to provide higher SPF at lower ZnO concentrations offers economic and environmental benefits, aligning with sustainable product design principles. Future studies will focus on optimizing the formulation and testing the efficacy and safety at higher concentrations to fully realize its potential as a natural, eco-friendly sunscreen ingredient.

Preparation, Characterization, Antioxidant Activities, and Determination of Anti-Alzheimer Effects of PLGA-Based DDSs Containing Ferulic Acid

Nanoparticle (NP) systems have attracted the attention of researchers in recent years due to their advantages, such as modified release features, increased therapeutic efficacy, and reduced side effects. Ferulic acid (FA) has therapeutic effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer's, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antihyperlipidemic, and antidiabetic. In this study, FA-loaded PLGA-based NPs were prepared by a nanoprecipitation method and the effect of varying concentrations of Poloxamer 188 and Span 60 on NP properties was investigated. FA-loaded A-FA coded formulation was chosen as optimum. High encapsulation efficiency has been achieved due to the low affinity of FA to the water phase and, therefore, its lipophilic nature, which tends to migrate to the organic phase. It was determined that the release of FA from the A-FA was slower than pure FA and prolonged release in 24 h. Antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer's effects of A-FA coded NP formulation were investigated by biological activity studies. A-FA coded NP formulation showed strong DPPH free radical scavenging, ABTS cation decolorizing, and reducing antioxidant activity. Since it has both AChE inhibitor and antioxidant properties according to the results of its anti-Alzheimer activity, it was concluded that the formulation prepared in this study shows promise in the treatment of both oxidative stress-related diseases and Alzheimer's.