In vivo Biocompatibility and Toxicity Assessment of a Gentamicin-Loaded Monoolein Gel Intended to Treat Chronic Osteomyelitis

Recent Advances in the Use of Cubosomes as Drug Carriers with Special Emphasis on Topical Applications

Topical drug delivery employing drug nanocarriers has shown prominent results in treating topical ailments, especially those confined to the skin and eyes. Conventional topical formulations persist with drug and disease-related challenges during treatment. Various nanotechnology-driven approaches have been adopted to mitigate the issues associated with conventional formulations. Among these, cubosomes have shown potential applications owing to their liquid crystalline structure, which aids in bioadhesion, retention, sustained release, and loading hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties. The phase transition behavior of glyceryl monooleate, the concentration of stabilizers, and critical packing parameters are crucial parameters that affect the formation of cubosomes. Microfluidics-based approaches constitute a recent advance in technologies for generating stable cubosomes. This review covers the recent topical applications of cubosomes for treating skin (psoriasis, skin cancer, cutaneous candidiasis, acne, and alopecia) and eye (fungal keratitis, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, and uveitis) diseases. The article summarizes the manufacturing and biological challenges (skin and ocular barriers) that must be considered and encountered for successful clinical outcomes. The patented products are successful examples of technological advancements within cosmeceuticals that support various topical applications with cubosomes in the pharmaceutical field.

Nanostructure and cytotoxicity of self-assembled monoolein–capric acid lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles

Monoolein–capric acid combinations form into particles with internal nanostructures, including inverse hexagonal and bicontinuous cubic mesophases, with differing cytotoxicity.

Comparison of skin test reactivity of two endodontic biomaterials in rabbits

In this in vivo study, the skin reactivity of rabbits to Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Calcium Enriched Mixture (CEM) was compared. Sixteen albino rabbits were used. The dorsal skin in three areas (2 x 2 cm) of the rabbits was shaved 24 h prior to the test. The areas were randomly covered with freshly mixed biomaterials [MTA (n = 16), CEM (n = 16) and normal saline (control; n = 16)], sterile gauze and bandages were placed for 4 h and the biomaterials were washed. The surface areas of the reactive skin sections were examined by naked eye and measured in 1, 24, 48 and 72 h using the Cavalier technique. The animals were then sacrificed and histological sections were prepared for blind examination. Results of macroscopic examination revealed a significant difference (p = 0.003) between the average erythematous surface areas induced by MTA (1.61 +/- 0.32) and CEM (0.5 +/- 0.16). Results of histological examination showed that the highest inflammation was observed in MTA, followed by CEM and control groups. Comparison of the difference in inflammatory cell count between each group revealed statistically significant differences in all cases (p < 0.001). The results demonstrated that the biocompatibility of CEM cement is higher than MTA; CEM can be considered as a suitable endodontic biomaterial.