Antioxidant and Antitumor Activities of Novel Quercetin-Loaded Electrospun Cellulose Acetate/Polyethylene Glycol Fibrous Materials

Effects of quercetin- and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-containing bioactive films on physicochemical properties and microbial safety of grass carp

In this study, the electrospinning technique was used to co-encapsulate Quercetin (Qu) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1-24-LJ in PVA-based nanofibers, and the effect of bioactive films on fish preservation was evaluated at the first time. The findings indicated that both Lpb. plantarum 1-24-LJ and Qu were successfully in the fibers, and co-loaded fibers considerably outperformed single-loaded fiber in terms of bacterial survival and antioxidant activity. Following fish preservation using the loaded fibers, significant reductions were observed in TVB-N, TBARS, and microbial complexity compared to the control group. Additionally, the co-loaded fibers more effectively reduced the counts of H2S-producing bacteria and Pseudomonas. In the future, fibers with both active substances and LAB hold promise as a novel approach for fish preservation.

Quercetin encapsulated polycaprolactone-polyvinylpyrrolidone electrospun membranes as a delivery system for wound healing applications

The present work focuses on the production of electrospun membranes based on Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for the topical release of Quercetin (Q). Membranes were prepared at 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, 7.0 and 15 % wt of Quercetin and studied from a morphological, physical, and biological point of view. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evidences micrometric dimensions of the fibres with a good dispersion of the functional molecule. The retention degree of liquids was evaluated by testing four different liquid media while the radical scavenging activity of Quercetin-loaded membranes was evaluated through DPPH analysis. The release kinetics of Quercetin highlights the presence of an initial burst followed by slower release up to attaining an equilibrium state, after roughly 50 h, showing the possibility of a fine-tuning of drug release. Diffusion coefficients were then evaluated by using Fick's law. Finally, to verify the actual biocompatibility of the systems produced and the possible application in the repair of tissue injury, the biological activity of Quercetin released from drug-loaded membranes was analysed in an immortalized human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT by a wound healing assay. So, the reported preliminary data confirm the possibility of applying the electrospun Quercetin-loaded PCL-PVP membranes for wound healing applications.

Catalytic and biomedical applications of nanocelluloses: A review of recent developments

Nanocelluloses exhibit immense potential in catalytic and biomedical applications. Their unique properties, biocompatibility, and versatility make them valuable in various industries, contributing to advancements in environmental sustainability, catalysis, energy conversion, drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensing/imaging, and wound healing/dressings. Nanocellulose-based catalysts can efficiently remove pollutants from contaminated environments, contributing to sustainable and cleaner ecosystems. These materials can also be utilized as drug carriers, enabling targeted and controlled drug release. Their high surface area allows for efficient loading of therapeutic agents, while their biodegradability ensures safer and gradual release within the body. These targeted drug delivery systems enhance the efficacy of treatments and minimizes side effects. Moreover, nanocelluloses can serve as scaffolds in tissue engineering due to their structural integrity and biocompatibility. They provide a three-dimensional framework for cell growth and tissue regeneration, promoting the development of functional and biologically relevant tissues. Nanocellulose-based dressings have shown great promise in wound healing and dressings. Their ability to absorb exudates, maintain a moist environment, and promote cell proliferation and migration accelerates the wound healing process. Herein, the recent advancements pertaining to the catalytic and biomedical applications of nanocelluloses and their composites are deliberated, focusing on important challenges, advantages, limitations, and future prospects.

Electrospun Materials Based on Cellulose Acetate Loaded with Rosmarinic Acid with Antioxidant and Antifungal Properties

Fibrous cellulose acetate (CA) materials loaded with rosmarinic acid (RA) were successfully created by one-pot electrospinning. In order to improve the water solubility of the polyphenolic acid and to facilitate its release from the fibrous materials, the non-ionic water-soluble polyethylene glycol (PEG) was added. Detailed characterization of the fabricated fibrous CA/RA and CA/PEG/RA materials was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy and water contact angle analysis. The optimal ratio between CA, RA and PEG for preparation of defect-free and uniform fibers was accomplished by varying their concentrations. Furthermore, the incorporation of the PEG improved the hydrophilicity and wettability of the fibrous CA materials. Moreover, PEG facilitated the RA release and over 360 min, the amount released from fibrous CA/PEG/RA fibers was 91%, while that released from CA/RA materials was 53%. Both of the RA-containing fibrous materials, with and without PEG, manifested high antioxidant activity as determined by the DPPH free radical-scavenging method. In addition, the electrospun CA/PEG/RA materials displayed good antifungal activity against C. albicans. These features make the fibrous CA/PEG/RA materials promising candidates for treatment of wound infections.

Application of Electrospun Drug-Loaded Nanofibers in Cancer Therapy

In the 21st century, chemotherapy stands as a primary treatment method for prevalent diseases, yet drug resistance remains a pressing challenge. Utilizing electrospinning to support chemotherapy drugs offers sustained and controlled release methods in contrast to oral and implantable drug delivery modes, which enable localized treatment of distinct tumor types. Moreover, the core-sheath structure in electrospinning bears advantages in dual-drug loading: the core and sheath layers can carry different drugs, facilitating collaborative treatment to counter chemotherapy drug resistance. This approach minimizes patient discomfort associated with multiple-drug administration. Electrospun fibers not only transport drugs but can also integrate metal particles and targeted compounds, enabling combinations of chemotherapy with magnetic and heat therapies for comprehensive cancer treatment. This review delves into electrospinning preparation techniques and drug delivery methods tailored to various cancers, foreseeing their promising roles in cancer treatment.

A High-Performance Food Package Material Prepared by the Synergistic Crosslinking of Gelatin with Polyphenol-Titanium Complexes

This study aims to enhance gelatin film performance in the food industry by incorporating polyphenol-titanium complexes (PTCs) as crosslinkers. PTCs introduce multiple linkages with gelatin, including coordination and hydrogen bonds, resulting in synergistic crosslinking effects. This leads to an increased hydrodynamic volume, particle size, and thermal stability of the gelatin films. Compared to films crosslinked solely by polyphenols or titanium, PTC-crosslinked gelatin films exhibit significant improvements. They show enhanced mechanical properties with a tensile strength that is 1.7 to 2.6 times higher than neat gelatin films. Moreover, these films effectively shield UV light (from 82% to 99%), providing better protection for light-sensitive food ingredients and preserving lutein content (from 74.2% to 78.1%) under light exposure. The incorporation of PTCs also improves film hydrophobicity, as indicated by water contact angles ranging from 115.3° to 131.9° and a water solubility ranging from 31.5% to 33.6%. Additionally, PTC-enhanced films demonstrate a superior antioxidant ability, with a prolonged polyphenol release (up to 18 days in immersed water) and a higher free radical scavenging ability (from 22% to 25.2%). Overall, the improved characteristics of gelatin films enabled by PTCs enhance their performance, making them suitable for various food packaging applications.

Nanoformulations of quercetin for controlled delivery: a review of preclinical anticancer studies

One of the well-studied older molecules, quercetin, is found in large quantities in many fruits and vegetables. Natural anti-oxidant quercetin has demonstrated numerous pharmacological properties in preclinical and clinical research, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Due to its ability to control cell signaling pathways, including NF-κB, p53, activated protein-1 (AP-1), STAT3, and epidermal growth response-1 (Egr-1), which is essential in the initiation and proliferation of cancer, it has gained a lot of fame as an anticancer molecule. Recent research suggests that using nanoformulations can help quercetin to overcome its hydrophobicity while also enhancing its stability and cellular bioavailability both in vitro and in vivo. The main aim of this review is to focus on the comprehensive insights of several nanoformulations, including liposomes, nano gels, micelles, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), polymer nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, and cyclodextrin complexes, to transport quercetin for application in cancer.

Potential Therapeutic Targets of Quercetin in the Cutaneous Melanoma Model and Its Cellular Regulation Pathways: A Systematic Review

Melanoma is a skin cancer with a high mortality rate due to its invasive characteristics. Currently, immunotherapy and targeted therapy increase patient survival but are ineffective in the advanced stages of the tumor. Quercetin (Que) is a natural compound that has demonstrated chemopreventive effects against different types of tumors. This review provides evidence for the therapeutic potential of Que in melanoma and identifies its main targets. The Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases were searched, and studies that used free or encapsulated Que in melanoma models were included, excluding associations, analogs, and extracts. As a result, 73 articles were retrieved and their data extracted. Que has multiple cellular targets in melanoma models, and the main regulated pathways are cell death, redox metabolism, metastasis, and melanization. Que was also able to regulate important targets of signaling pathways, such as PKC, RIG-I, STAT, and P53. In murine models, treatment with Que reduced tumor growth and weight, and decreased metastatic nodules and angiogenic vasculature. Several studies have incorporated Que into carriers, demonstrating improved efficacy and delivery to tumors. Thus, Que is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of melanoma; however, further studies are needed to evaluate its effectiveness in clinical trials.

Preparation and Characterization of a Nano-Inclusion Complex of Quercetin with β-Cyclodextrin and Its Potential Activity on Cancer Cells

Quercetin (QRC), a flavonoid found in foods and plants such as red wine, onions, green tea, apples, and berries, possesses remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties make it effective in combating cancer cells, reducing inflammation, protecting against heart disease, and regulating blood sugar levels. To enhance the potential of inclusion complexes (ICs) containing β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) in cancer therapy, they were transformed into nano-inclusion complexes (NICs). In this research, NICs were synthesized using ethanol as a reducing agent in the nanoprecipitation process. By employing FT-IR analysis, it was observed that hydrogen bonds were formed between QRC and β-CD. Moreover, the IC molecules formed NICs through the aggregation facilitated by intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Proton NMR results further confirmed the occurrence of proton shielding and deshielding subsequent to the formation of NICs. The introduction of β-CDs led to the development of a distinctive feather-like structure within the NICs. The particle sizes were consistently measured around 200 nm, and both SAED and XRD patterns indicated the absence of crystalline NICs, providing supporting evidence. Through cytotoxicity and fluorescence-assisted cell-sorting analysis, the synthesized NICs showed no significant damage in the cell line of MCF-7. In comparison to QRC alone, the presence of high concentrations of NICs exhibited a lesser degree of toxicity in normal human lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells. Moreover, the individual and combined administration of both low and high concentrations of NICs effectively suppressed the growth of cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). The solubility improvement resulting from the formation of QRC-NICs with β-CD enhanced the percentage of cell survival for MCF-7 cell types.

Application of Citrus and Apple Fibers for Formulation of Quercetin/Fiber Aggregates: Impact of Quercetin Concentration

Among flavonoids, quercetin has gained special attention due to its positive biological activities. Quercetin's disadvantages, such as its hydrophobic nature, poor solubility, and permeability, could be overcome by complexation with different polymers. Dietary fibers are known as carriers of polyphenols, which can protect them from environmental conditions and thus allow them to be absorbed. In this study, apple and citrus fibers (as applicable food by-products) were used as carriers of quercetin. A constant amount of fibers (1%) and different concentrations of quercetin solution (5 mM, 10 mM, and 20 mM) were complexed. Obtained fiber aggregates were subjected to HPLC to determine the quercetin concentration and antioxidant activity of aggregates (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays). IR spectra were recorded to confirm complexation of quercetin with selected fibers, and an additional DSC study was performed to evaluate the thermal stability of fiber aggregates. The results of HPLC analysis showed that quercetin had higher affinity towards apple fiber than citrus fiber, without proportional trends of adsorption. Consequently, apple fiber aggregates had higher antioxidant potential than citrus fiber aggregates. FTIR-ATR analysis showed the formation of new bands and the loss of existing bands when quercetin was present. Adsorption of quercetin also had an impact on the thermal stability of formulated fiber aggregates. For apple fiber, this impact was negative, while for citrus fiber, the impact was positive. These results could contribute to greater understanding of quercetin's behavior during the preparation of food additives based on polyphenols and fibers.

Quercetin- and Rutin-Containing Electrospun Cellulose Acetate and Polyethylene Glycol Fibers with Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties

Innovative fibrous materials from cellulose derivative, cellulose acetate (CA) and water-soluble polyether, polyethylene glycol (PEG) loaded with natural biologically active compounds (BAC), quercetin (QUE) and rutin (RUT), have been successfully fabricated by blend electrospinning and dual electrospinning. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the mean fiber diameters of all the obtained fibers were in the nanometer range. QUE and RUT incorporated in the fibrous mats were in the amorphous state, as evidenced by the performed differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The presence of the polyether in the developed fibrous material assisted the in vitro release of the biologically active compounds by improving the hydrophilicity and wettability of the mats. Rutin-containing fibrous materials manifest the highest antioxidative activity, as determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate free radical method. The cytotoxicity of the fabricated novel materials was evaluated using a tumor cell line and normal mouse fibroblast cells. The mats containing QUE and QUE/RUT independent of the applied spinning method show a higher cytotoxic effect against cancer cells and 3 to 4.5 times lower cytotoxicity to a noncancer cell line. These features make the quercetin- and rutin-containing fibrous materials promising candidates for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biomedical use.

A Bioengineered Quercetin-Loaded 3D Bio-Polymeric Graft for Tissue Regeneration and Repair

Phytochemicals extracted from plant sources have potential remedial effects to cure a broad range of acute to severe illnesses and ailments. Quercetin is a flavonoid isolated from different dietary sources such as vegetables and fruits, exhibiting strong anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and non-toxic effects on the biological system. However, the direct uptake or administration of quercetin results in loss of functionality, poor activity, and reduced shelf-life of the bioactive component. In this regard, to improve the uptake, potential, and efficiency of natural components with prolonged storage in the host's body after administration, numerous polymer drug delivery systems have been created. In the current study, three-dimensional (3D) porous (porosity: 92%; pore size: 81 µm) bio-polymeric foaming gelatin-alginate (GA) beads were fabricated for the entrapment of quercetin as therapeutic drug molecules-gelatin-alginate-quercetin (GAQ). The GAQ beads showed a significant uptake of quercetin molecules resulting in a reduction of reduced porosity up to 64% and pore size 63 µm with a controlled release profile in the PBS medium, showing ~80% release within 24 h. Subsequently, the GAQ beads showed remarkable antioxidant effects, and 95% anti-inflammatory activities along with remarkable in vitro cell culture growth and the observed proliferation of seeded fibroblast cells. Thus, we can conclude that the consistent release of quercetin showed non-toxic effects on normal cell lines and the bioactive surface of the GAQ beads enhances cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation more effectively than control GA polymeric beads and tissue culture plates (TCP). In summary, these findings show that these GAQ beads act as a biocompatible 3D construct with enormous potential in medicinal administration and tissue regeneration for accelerated healing.

Quercetin-Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle-Based Lyophilized Tablets for Enhanced Physicochemical Features and Dissolution Rate: Formulation, Optimization, and In Vitro Evaluation

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) have been proposed as a potential approach for stabilizing the amorphous state of poorly water-soluble actives. This study aimed to improve the physiochemical characteristics of poorly water-soluble quercetin (QT) through a novel lyophilized formulation. Various parameters, including solvent polarity, QT-carrier mass ratio, and adsorption time, were studied to improve the loading of QT into MSNPs. The optimized loaded MSNPs were formulated into lyophilized tablets through a freeze-drying process using hydrophilic polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-K30) as a polymeric stabilizer and water-soluble sucrose as a cryoprotectant. The effect of PVP-K30 and sucrose on the particle size, disintegration time, friability, and time required to release 90% of QT were studied using 3² full factorial design. The optimized formula was characterized using different evaluating techniques; for instance, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, drug content, moisture content, and saturation solubility. The analysis proved that QT was consistently kept in the nanosize range with a narrow size distribution. The loaded silica nanoparticles and the optimized formulation are in an amorphous state devoid of any chemical interaction with the silica matrix or the lyophilization excipients. The optimized formula also featured low friability (less than 1%), fast disintegration (< 30 s), and a pronounced enhancement in saturation solubility and dissolution rate. Briefly, we established that the lyophilized MSNPs-based tablet would be a potential strategy for improving the rate of dissolution and, ultimately, the bioavailability of the poorly water-soluble QT.

Micro-Volume Blood Separation Membrane for In-Situ Biosensing

In this paper, we report a point-of-care (POCT) testing strip based on a porous membrane structure for whole blood separation and colorimetric analysis without external supporting equipment. Conventional blood tests rely on large instruments for blood pretreatment and separation to improve measurement accuracy. Cellulose acetate (CA) membranes with different pore diameters and structures were prepared via a non-solvent method for the separation of whole blood. Among them, CA@PEG-2000 membranes with nano-pores on the surface and micro-pores in the interior facilitated the capture of blood cells on the surface, as well as the free diffusion of plasma through the porous interior structure. The fluid flow of blood in the asymmetric porous structure can be theoretically estimated using the Lucas-Washburn equation. Compared with the conventional paper strips and other porous membranes, the CA@PEG-2000 membrane with an immobilized sensing layer exhibited efficient blood separation, a short response time (less than 2 min), an ultralow dosage volume (5 μL), and high sensitivity. The fabricated blood separation membranes can be further used for the detection of various biomarkers in whole blood, providing additional options for rapid quantitative POCT tests.

Fabrication and In Vitro/Vivo Evaluation of Drug Nanocrystals Self-Stabilized Pickering Emulsion for Oral Delivery of Quercetin

The aim of this study was to develop a new drug nanocrystals self-stabilized Pickering emulsion (NSSPE) for improving oral bioavailability of quercetin (QT). Quercetin nanocrystal (QT–NC) was fabricated by high pressure homogenization method, and QT–NSSPE was then prepared by ultrasound method with QT–NC as solid particle stabilizer and optimized by Box-Behnken design. The optimized QT–NSSPE was characterized by fluorescence microscope (FM), scanning electron micrograph (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The stability, in vitro release, and in vivo oral bioavailability of QT–NSSPE were also investigated. Results showed that the droplets of QT–NSSPE with the size of 10.29 ± 0.44 μm exhibited a core-shell structure consisting of a core of oil and a shell of QT–NC. QT–NSSPE has shown a great stability in droplets shape, size, creaming index, zeta potential, and QT content during 30 days storage at 4, 25, and 40 °C. In vitro release studies showed that QT–NSSPE performed a better dissolution behavior (65.88% within 24 h) as compared to QT–NC (50.71%) and QT coarse powder (20.15%). After oral administration, the AUC_0–t of QT–NSSPE was increased by 2.76-times and 1.38 times compared with QT coarse powder and QT–NC. It could be concluded that NSSPE is a promising oral delivery system for improving the oral bioavailability of QT.

PLA Nanofibers for Microenvironmental-Responsive Quercetin Release in Local Periodontal Treatment

The management of periodontitis remains a vital clinical challenge due to the interplay between the microorganisms of the dental biofilm and the host inflammatory response leading to a degenerative process in the surrounding tissues. Quercetin (QUE), a natural flavonol found in many foods, including apples, onions and tea, has exhibited prolonged and strong antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo. However, its clinical application is limited by its poor stability and water solubility, as well as its low bioavailability. Thus, in the present study, electrospun polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers loaded with different amounts (5−10% w/w) of QUE were produced to rapidly respond to the acidic microenvironment typical of periodontal pockets during periodontal disease. This strategy demonstrated that PLA-QUE membranes can act as a drug reservoir releasing high QUE concentrations in the presence of oral bacterial infection (pH < 5.5), and thus limiting Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and Streptococcus mutans biofilm maturation. In addition, released QUE exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on P. gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human gingival fibroblast (HGFs). The reported results confirmed that PLA-QUE membranes could inhibit subgingival biofilm maturation while reducing interleukin release, thereby limiting host inflammatory response. Overall, this study provided an effective pH-sensitive drug delivery system as a promising strategy for treating periodontitis.

Electrospinning: New Strategies for the Treatment of Skin Melanoma

Recent studies have shown a significant growth of skin cancer cases in northern regions of the world, in which its presence was not common. Skin cancer is one of the cancers that mostly affects the world's population, ranking fifth in studies conducted in the United States (USA). Melanoma is cancer that has the highest number of deaths worldwide since it is the most resistant skin cancer to current treatments. This is why alternatives for its treatment has been investigated considering nanomedicine concepts. This study approaches the role of this field in the creation of promising electrospun devices, composed of nanoparticles and nanofibers, among other structures, capable of directing and/or loading active drugs and/or materials with the objective of inhibiting the growth of melanoma cells or even eliminating those cells.

Electrospun Polymer-Fungicide Nanocomposites for Grapevine Protection

Nowadays, diseases in plants are a worldwide problem. Fungi represent the largest number of plant pathogens and are responsible for a range of serious plant diseases. Esca is a grapevine disease caused mainly by fungal pathogens Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (P. chlamydospora) and Phaeoacremonium aleophilum (P. aleophilum). The currently proposed methods to fight esca are not curative. In this study, polymer composites based on biodegradable polymer containing chemical fungicides with antifungal activity were successfully prepared by electrospinning. The obtained materials were hydrophobic with good mechanical properties. In vitro studies demonstrated that the fungicide release was higher from PLLA/K5N8Q fibrous mats (ca. 72% for 50 h) compared to the released drug amount from PLLA/5-Cl8Q materials (ca. 52% for 50 h), which is due to the better water-solubility of the salt. The antifungal activity of the fibrous materials against P. chlamydospora and P. aleophilum was studied as well. The incorporation of the fungicide in the biodegradable fibers resulted in the inhibition of fungal growth. The obtained materials are perspective candidates for the protection of vines from the penetration and growth of fungal pathogens.

Recent advances in polymer scaffolds for biomedical applications

The review provides insights into current advancements in electrospinning-assisted manufacturing for optimally designing biomedical devices for their prospective applications in tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, sensing, and enzyme immobilization, and others. Further, the evolution of electrospinning-based hybrid biomedical devices using a combined approach of 3 D printing and/or film casting/molding, to design dimensionally stable membranes/micro-nanofibrous assemblies/patches/porous surfaces, etc. is reported. The influence of various electrospinning parameters, polymeric material, testing environment, and other allied factors on the morphological and physico-mechanical properties of electrospun (nano-/micro-fibrous) mats (EMs) and fibrous assemblies have been compiled and critically discussed. The spectrum of operational research and statistical approaches that are now being adopted for efficient optimization of electrospinning process parameters so as to obtain the desired response (physical and structural attributes) has prospectively been looked into. Further, the present review summarizes some current limitations and future perspectives for modeling architecturally novel hybrid 3 D/selectively textured structural assemblies, such as biocompatible, non-toxic, and bioresorbable mats/scaffolds/membranes/patches with apt mechanical stability, as biological substrates for various regenerative and non-regenerative therapeutic devices.

A review on allopathic and herbal nanofibrous drug delivery vehicles for cancer treatments

Drug delivery empowered with nanotechnology manifests to be a superior therapy to cancer. Electrospun nanofibers cocooning anti-cancerous drugs have shown tremendous cytotoxicity towards various tumor cells, including breast, brain, liver, and lung cancer cells. This pristine drug delivery system, according to literature, desists showing any undesirable effects on other parts of the body and bestows several other benefits. From nature-derived Curcumin to laboratory-made Doxorubicin, literature proclaims many such drugs used in nanofibrous drug delivery. Also, multi-drug delivery has been reported to exhibit enhanced properties. The present review exhibits the unrealized potential of nanofibrous drug delivery in chemotherapy.

Designing active mats based on cellulose acetate/polycaprolactone core/shell structures with different release kinetics

Core/shell electrospun mats based on cellulose acetate (CA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) were developed as novel active materials for releasing quercetin (Quer) and curcumin (Cur). The effect of polymeric uniaxial and coaxial electrospun systems and the chemical structures of Quer and Cur on the structural, thermal, and mass transfer properties of the developed mats were investigated. Release modelling indicated that the diffusion of the active agents from the uniaxial PCL fibers was highly dependent on the type of food simulant. Higher diffusion coefficients were obtained for both active agents in acid food simulant due to the higher swelling of the electrospun mats. In addition, CA/PCL coaxial structures slowed down the diffusion of both active agents into both food simulants. CA increased the retention of the active compounds in the polymer structure, resulting in partition coefficients values higher than the values obtained for uniaxial active PCL mats.

Amorphous systems for delivery of nutraceuticals: challenges opportunities

Amorphous solid products have recently gained a lot of attention as key solutions to improve the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble nutraceuticals. A pure amorphous drug is a high-energy form; physically/chemically unstable and so easily gets recrystallized into the less soluble crystalline form limiting solubility and bioavailability issues. Amorphous solid dispersion and co-amorphous are new formulation approach that stabilized unstable amorphous form through different mechanisms such as preventing mobility, high glass transition temperature and molecular interaction. Nutraceuticals have been received the utmost importance due to their health benefits. However, most of these compounds have been associated with poor oral bioavailability due to poor solubility, high lipophilicity, high melting point, poor permeability, degradability and rapid metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) which limits its health benefits. This review provides us a systematic application of amorphous systems to the delivery of poorly soluble nutraceuticals, with the aim of overcoming their pharmacokinetic limitations and improved pharmacological potential. In particular, it describes the challenges associated with delivery of oral nutraceuticals, various methods involved in the preparation and characterization of amorphous systems and permeability enhancement of nutraceuticals are in detail.