Development and Comparative Evaluation of Ciprofloxacin Nanoemulsion-Loaded Bigels Prepared Using Different Ratios of Oleogel to Hydrogels

Novel approaches in food grade bigels properties and applications: A review

Food-grade bigels represent a highly innovative and versatile gel system within the food industry, characterized by their unique ability to combine the advantages of both oleogels and hydrogels. This dual-phase system can effectively address the limitations of each gel type and offers enhanced functionality. This review classifies food-grade bigels and their properties, highlighting examples of novel methods in bigel preparation. Additionally, the study delves into the use of bigels as fat replacers, bioactive and probiotic capsulation systems, and active packaging materials, as well as their significant potential in emerging 3D/4D food printing and nanotechnologies. Choosing the optimal combination of hydrogels and oleogels along with appropriate preparation technology, helps achieve the desired techno-functional and sensory properties in bigel. Advances in 3D printing and nanotechnology have further enabled precise control over the bigel properties, facilitating customized formulations tailored to specific needs. Therefore, the food industry can significantly benefit from using bigels in various food sectors. The integration of sustainable ingredients such as plant-based and insect proteins in bigel production presents a promising avenue for reducing the ecological footprint of food production and disposal. Ongoing research and development in this area will be essential to optimize these systems for sustainability.

Breaking boundaries: the advancements in transdermal delivery of antibiotics

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) for antibiotics have seen significant advances in recent years that aimed to improve the efficacy and safety of these drugs. TDDS offer many advantages over other conventional delivery systems such as non-invasiveness, controlled-release pattern, avoidance of first-pass metabolism. The objective of this review is to provide an overview on the recent advances in the TDDS of different groups of antibiotics including β-lactams, tetracyclines, macrolides, and lincosamides, utilized for their effective delivery through the skin and to explore the challenges associated with this field. The majority of antibiotics do not have favorable properties for passive transdermal delivery. Thus, novel strategies have been employed to improve the delivery of antibiotics through the skin, such as the use of nanotechnology (nanoparticles, solid-lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, vesicular carriers, and liposomes) or the physical enhancement techniques like microneedles and ultrasound. In conclusion, the transdermal delivery systems could be a promising method for delivering antibiotics that have the potential to improve patient outcomes and enhance the efficacy of drugs. Further research and development are still needed to explore the potential of delivering more antibiotic drugs by using various transdermal drug delivery approaches.

Transdermal Delivery System of Doxycycline-Loaded Niosomal Gels: Toward Enhancing Doxycycline Stability

Doxycycline (DOX) is an antimicrobial agent that is susceptible to photosensitivity and thermal degradation. It addition, it causes gastrointestinal side effects when taken orally. Therefore, the development of alternative formulations is necessary to improve drug stability and promote patient compliance. The aim of the present study was to encapsulate DOX in niosomes as a nanocarrier to deliver DOX transdermally and enhance its stability in the formulation. DOX niosomes were prepared using nonionic surfactants, cholesterol, and dihexadecyl phosphate (DCP). After that, niosomes were characterized in terms of practical size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), morphology, and entrapment efficacy (EE%). DOX niosomal gels were then prepared using Carbopol and penetration enhancers (poly(ethylene glycol) 400 (PEG 400) and propylene glycol (PG)). The flux of DOX from the optimized formula was 322.86 μg/cm2/h over 5 h, which equates to 71.2% of DOX. Furthermore, neither the DOX niosomal gel (D3) nor the comparable blank niosomal gel had a negative influence on human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. The findings of the antimicrobial effectiveness of DOX niosomes indicated that the niosomal formulation improved the antibacterial activity of DOX against E. coli. Permeation studies demonstrated significantly higher DOX permeation when the niosomal gel was applied to rat skin, compared to the conventional gel. Permeability parameters such as flux and the permeability coefficient increased more than 10-fold using the niosomal gels compared with those of conventional gels. In conclusion, a new niosomal gel formulation could serve as an effective alternative for the commercially available form of DOX.

Development and Characterization of a Hand Rub Gel Produced with Artisan Alcohol (Puntas), Silver Nanoparticles, and Saponins from Quinoa

The emergence of the global pandemic (COVID-19) has directed global attention towards the importance of hygiene as the primary defense against various infections. In this sense, one of the frequent recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) is regular hand washing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Ethanol is the most widely used alcohol due to its effectiveness in eliminating pathogens, ease of use, and widespread production. However, artisanal alcohol, generally used as a spirit drink, could be a viable alternative for developing sanitizing gels. In this study, the use of alcohol "Puntas", silver nanoparticles, and saponins from quinoa was evaluated to produce hand sanitizer gels. The rheological, physicochemical, and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. In the previous assays, the formulations were adjusted to be similar in visual viscosity to the control gel. A clear decrease in the apparent viscosity was observed with increasing shear rate, and an inversely proportional relationship was observed with the amount of ethyl alcohol used in the formulations. The flow behavior index (n) values reflected a pseudoplastic behavior. Oscillatory dynamic tests were performed to analyze the viscoelastic behavior of gels. A decrease in storage modulus (G') and an increase in loss modulus (G″) as a function of the angular velocity (ω) was observed. The evaluation of pH showed that the gels complied with the requirements to be in contact with the skin of the people, and the textural parameters showed that the control gel was the hardest. The use of artisan alcohol could be an excellent alternative to produce sanitizer gel and contribute to the requirements of the population.