Protection and Controlled Gastrointestinal Release of Bromelain by Encapsulating in Pectin-Resistant Starch Based Hydrogel Beads

Natural Food Components as Biocompatible Carriers: A Novel Approach to Glioblastoma Drug Delivery

Efficient drug delivery methods are crucial in modern pharmacotherapy to enhance treatment efficacy, minimize adverse effects, and improve patient compliance. Particularly in the context of glioblastoma treatment, there has been a recent surge in interest in using natural dietary components as innovative carriers for drug delivery. These food-derived carriers, known for their safety, biocompatibility, and multifunctional properties, offer significant potential in overcoming the limitations of conventional drug delivery systems. This article thoroughly overviews numerous natural dietary components, such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, used as drug carriers. Their mechanisms of action, applications in different drug delivery systems, and specific benefits in targeting glioblastoma are examined. Additionally, the safety, biocompatibility, and regulatory considerations of employing food components in drug formulations are discussed, highlighting their viability and future prospects in the pharmaceutical field.

A Comprehensive Review on Starch-Based Hydrogels: From Tradition to Innovation, Opportunities, and Drawbacks

Natural hydrogels based on renewable and inexpensive sources, such as starch, represent an interesting group of biopolymeric materials with a growing range of applications in the biomedical, cosmeceutical, and food sectors. Starch-based hydrogels have traditionally been produced using different processes based on chemical or physical methods. However, the long processing times, high energy consumption, and safety issues related to the synthesis of these materials, mostly causing severe environmental damage, have been identified as the main limitations for their further exploitation. Therefore, the main scientific challenge for research groups is the development of reliable and sustainable processing methods to reduce the environmental footprint, as well as investigating new low-cost sources of starches and individuating appropriate formulations to produce stable hydrogel-based products. In the last decade, the possibility of physically modifying natural polysaccharides, such as starches, using green or sustainable processing methods has mostly been based on nonthermal technologies including high-pressure processing (HPP). It has been demonstrated that the latter exerts an important role in improving the physicochemical and techno-functional properties of starches. However, as for surveys in the literature, research activities have been devoted to understanding the effects of physical pre-treatments via high-pressure processing (HPP) on starch structural modifications, more so than elucidating its role and capacity for the rapid formation of stable and highly structured starch-based hydrogels with promising functionality and stability, utilizing more sustainable and eco-friendly processing conditions. Therefore, the present review addresses the recent advancements in knowledge on the production of sustainable starch-based hydrogels utilizing HPP as an innovative and clean-label preparation method. Additionally, this manuscript has the ambition to give an updated overview of starch-based hydrogels considering the different types of structures available, and the recent applications are proposed as well to critically analyze the main perspectives and technological challenges for the future exploitation of these novel structures.

Mixed κ/ι-carrageenan - LM pectin gels: Relating the rheological and mechanical properties with the capacity for probiotic encapsulation

The rheological and mechanical properties of mixed κ/ι-carrageenan - LM pectin gels were determined, and the potential of these gels for the formation of beads using the extrusion method and for the encapsulation of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 (LGG) was evaluated. Self-standing gels were obtained with all formulations evaluated. Carrageenan-rich gels, with carrageenan fraction (XC) ≥ 0.75, exhibited the highest storage modulus, but they were also brittle, while pectin-rich gels (XC ≤ 0.25) presented the highest hardness and cohesiveness. Pectin-rich formulations formed beads with the smallest initial diameter (2.40-2.45 mm), and the addition of carrageenan produced significantly more spherical beads compared to pure-pectin ones. As pectin-rich beads were the formulations that resisted simulated gastrointestinal conditions, these were selected for the encapsulation of LGG. These beads showed high encapsulation yields (87-96 %), and the percentage reduction of CFU/g during storage and simulated gastrointestinal conditions was not significantly different among formulations, the latter being significantly lower for encapsulated cells (8.64-15.03 %) compared to free cells (71.20 %). These results indicate that carrageenan-pectin gel beads with XC ≤ 0.25 were successful in encapsulating probiotic bacteria, and this capacity was related to the rheological and mechanical properties of the gels.

Pectin hydrogels for controlled drug release: Recent developments and future prospects

Pectin hydrogels have emerged as a highly promising medium for the controlled release of pharmaceuticals in the dynamic field of drug delivery. The present review sheds light on the broad range of applications and potential of pectin-based hydrogels in pharmaceutical formulations. Pectin, as a biopolymer, is a versatile candidate for various drug delivery systems because of its wide range of properties and characteristics. The information provided on formulation strategies and crosslinking techniques provides researchers with tools to improve drug entrapment and controlled release. Furthermore, this review provides a more in-depth understanding of the complex factors influencing drug release from pectin hydrogels, such as the impact of environmental conditions and drug-specific characteristics. Pectin hydrogels demonstrate adaptability across diverse domains, ranging from applications in oral and transdermal drug delivery to contributions in wound healing, tissue engineering, and ongoing clinical trials. While standardization and regulatory compliance remain significant challenges, the future of pectin hydrogels appears to be bright, opening up new possibilities for advanced drug delivery systems.

Bifunctional lignocellulose nanofiber hydrogel possessing intriguing pH-responsiveness and self-healing capability towards wound healing applications

Lignocellulose nanofibers (LCNF) obtained from agricultural waste are potential candidates for enhancing composite materials because of their excellent mechanical properties, abundant groups and high biocompatibility. However, the application of LCNF has received limited attention to date from researchers in the healthcare field. Herein, based on the bifunctional group (carboxyl and aldehyde groups) modified LCNF (DCLCNF) and chitosan (CS), we developed a multifunctional bio-based hydrogel (CS-DCLCNF). The addition of lignin-containing DCLCNF strengthened the internal crosslinking and the intermolecular interaction of hydrogels, and the presence of lignin and carboxyl groups increased the mechanical strength of the hydrogel and the adsorption of aromatic drugs. Results revealed that the hydrogels exhibited self-healing, injectable, and high swelling rates. The hydrogels had favorable mechanical strength (G'max of ~16.60 kPa), and the maximum compressive stress was 24 kPa. Moreover, the entire tetracycline hydrochloride (TH) release process was slow and pH-responsive, because of the rich noncovalent and π-π interactions between DCLCNF and TH. The hydrogels also exhibited excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial properties. Notably, the wound healing experiment showed that the hydrogels were beneficial in accelerating wounds healing, which could heal completely in 13 days. Therefore, CS-DCLCNF hydrogels may have promising applications in drug delivery for wound healing.

Bromelain: a review of its mechanisms, pharmacological effects and potential applications

The utilization of plant-derived supplements for disease prevention and treatment has long been recognized because of their remarkable potential. Ananas comosus, commonly known as pineapple, produces a group of enzymes called bromelain, which contains sulfhydryl moieties. Recent studies have shown that bromelain exhibits a wide range of activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-rheumatic properties. These properties make bromelain a promising drug candidate for the treatment of various diseases. The anti-inflammatory activity of bromelain has been shown to be useful in treating inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma, whereas the anti-cancer activity of bromelain is via induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, and enhancement of the body's immune response. The anti-diabetic property of bromelain is owing to the improvement in glucose metabolism and reduction in insulin resistance. The therapeutic potential of bromelain has been investigated in numerous preclinical and clinical studies and a number of patents have been granted to date. Various formulations and delivery systems are being developed in order to improve the efficacy and safety of this molecule, including the microencapsulated form to treat oral inflammatory conditions and liposomal formulations to treat cancer. The development of novel drug delivery systems and formulations has further ameliorated the therapeutic potential of bromelain by improving its bioavailability and stability, while reducing the side effects. This review intends to discuss various properties and therapeutic applications of bromelain, along with its possible mechanism of action in treating various diseases. Recent patents and clinical trials concerning bromelain have also been covered.

Hybrid biodegradable materials from starch and hydrocolloid: fabrication, properties and applications of starch-hydrocolloid film, gel and bead

The potential for utilizing starch and hydrocolloids as sustainable biomaterials has garnered significant attention among researchers. The biodegradability and functional properties of composite films, gels, and beads, as well as their environmental friendliness, make them attractive options for a variety of applications. However, the hydrophilicity, brittleness, and regeneration limitations of starch materials can be addressed through the incorporation of non-starch hydrocolloids. This article summarizes the formation mechanisms and interactions of starch-hydrocolloid films, gels, and gel beads, evaluates the factors that affect their structural and functional properties, and presents an overview of the progress made in their physicochemical and functional applications. The structure of starch-hydrocolloid composites is primarily formed through hydrogen bond interactions, and the source, proportion, and preparation conditions of the components are critical factors that affect the properties of the biomaterials. Starch-hydrocolloid films are primarily used for extending the shelf life of food products and detecting food freshness. Starch-hydrocolloid gels are utilized as adsorption materials, wound dressings, and flexible sensors, and starch-hydrocolloid beads are primarily employed for the controlled release of bioactive substances. It is clear that starch-hydrocolloid composites have the potential to develop novel advanced materials for various applications in the food, biological, and materials industries.

The research advance of resistant starch: structural characteristics, modification method, immunomodulatory function, and its delivery systems application

Resistant starch, also known as anti-digestion enzymatic starch, which cannot be digested or absorbed in the human small intestine. It can be fermented in the large intestine into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and metabolites, which are advantageous to the human body. Starches can classify as rapidly digestible starch (RDS), slowly digestible starch (SDS), and resistant starch (RS), which possess high thermal stability, low water holding capacity, and emulsification characteristics. Resistant starch has excellent physiological functions such as stabilizing postprandial blood glucose levels, preventing type II diabetes, preventing intestinal inflammation, and regulating gut microbiota phenotype. It is extensively utilized in food processing, delivery system construction, and Pickering emulsion due to its processing properties. The resistant starches, with their higher resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis, support their suitability as a potential drug carrier. Therefore, this review focuses on resistant starch with structural features, modification characteristics, immunomodulatory functions, and delivery system applications. The objective was to provide theoretical guidance for applying of resistant starch to food health related industries.

Effects of free and encapsulated Siah-e-Samarghandi grape seed extract on the physicochemical, textural, microbial, and sensorial properties of UF-Feta cheese

The current study was conducted to elucidate the impact of grape seed extract (SE) and microencapsulated seed extract (MSE) addition to UF-Feta cheese. The SE was encapsulated in maize starch, alginate, and canola oil using the emulsion technique. The SE and MSE characteristics were evaluated. The products were subjected to physicochemical (pH, titrable acidity, color, texture, and sensory properties), microbiological analysis (starter count), and lipid oxidation test (proxide, acid degree, and ansidine value) during 60 days of storage. The main phenol component in the SE was catechin (419.04 mg/L), gallic acid (319.63 mg/L), and chlorogenic acid (4.19 ± 0.002 mg/L). The antioxidant value was 157.80 mg/L. The MSE was elliptical in shape with a 24.29 μm diameter. The efficiency of microencapsulation was 53.86%. The addition of SE and MSE had no significant effect on pH and acidity, but lipolysis decreased based on acid degree value (0.7%; p > .05). The increasing trend of peroxide values was 172.54%, 145.68%, and 118.75% for C, SE, and MSE samples, respectively, and 35.68%, 32.28%, and 17.24% for the P-anisidine values during the storage time. Therefore, fat oxidation was reduced in the supplemented cheese. Nevertheless, the supplemented cheese had limited color alterations. The MSE and SE did not affect the survival rates of the starter count. The SE and MSE had a less rigid structure. The hardness (2748.0 g) and chewiness (57.45 mJ) values in SE cheese had the greatest value among the samples. All sensory parameters were lowest in MSE cheese. In short, encapsulation showed suitable properties for SE to apply in UF-Feta cheese.

Effect of Hogweed Pectin on Rheological, Mechanical, and Sensory Properties of Apple Pectin Hydrogel

This study aims to develop hydrogels from apple pectin (AP) and hogweed pectin (HP) in multiple ratios (4:0; 3:1; 2:2; 1:3; and 0:4) using ionotropic gelling with calcium gluconate. Rheological and textural analyses, electromyography, a sensory analysis, and the digestibility of the hydrogels were determined. Increasing the HP content in the mixed hydrogel increased its strength. The Young’s modulus and tangent after flow point values were higher for mixed hydrogels than for pure AP and HP hydrogels, suggesting a synergistic effect. The HP hydrogel increased the chewing duration, number of chews, and masticatory muscle activity. Pectin hydrogels received the same likeness scores and differed only in regard to perceived hardness and brittleness. The galacturonic acid was found predominantly in the incubation medium after the digestion of the pure AP hydrogel in simulated intestinal (SIF) and colonic (SCF) fluids. Galacturonic acid was slightly released from HP-containing hydrogels during chewing and treatment with simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and SIF, as well as in significant amounts during SCF treatment. Thus, new food hydrogels with new rheological, textural, and sensory properties can be obtained from a mixture of two low-methyl-esterified pectins (LMPs) with different structures.

Ultrasound in cellulose-based hydrogel for biomedical use: From extraction to preparation

As the most abundant natural polymer on the pl anet, cellulose has a wide range of applications in the biomedical field. Cellulose-based hydrogels further expand the applications of this class of biomaterials. However, a number of publications and technical reports are mainly about traditional preparation methods. Sonochemistry offers a simple and green route to material synthesis with the biomedical application of ultrasound. The tiny acoustic bubbles, produced by the propagating sound wave, enclose an incredible facility where matter interact among at energy as high as 13 eV to spark extraordinary chemical reactions. Ultrasonication not only improves the efficiency of cellulose extraction from raw materials, but also influences the hydrogel preparation process. The primary objective of this article is to review the literature concerning the biomedical cellulose-based hydrogel prepared via sonochemistry and application of ultrasound for hydrogel. An innovated category of recent generations of hydrogel materials prepared via ultrasound was also presented in some details.