Alginate-Based Composite Sponges as Gastroretentive Carriers for Curcumin-Loaded Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems

Alginate-based composite sponges were developed as carriers to prolong the gastric retention time and controlled release of curcumin-loaded self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (Cur-SMEDDS). Liquid Cur-SMEDDS was incorporated into a solution made up of a mixture of polymers and converted into a solid form by freeze-drying. The ratio of alginate as the main polymer, adsorbent (colloidal silicon dioxide), and additional polymers—sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)—was varied systematically to adjust the drug loading and entrapment efficiency, sponge buoyancy, and the release profile of Cur-SMEDDS. The optimum composite sponge was fabricated from a 4% alginate and 2% HPMC mixed solution. It immediately floated on simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2) and remained buoyant over an 8 h period. The formulation exhibited an emulsion droplet size of approximately 30 nm and provided sustained release of Cur-SMEDDS in SGF, reaching 71% within 8 h compared with only 10% release from curcumin powder. This study demonstrates the potential of alginate-based composite sponges combined with self-microemulsifying formulations for gastroretention applications involving poorly soluble compounds

Antioxidant in cosmeceutical products containing

Every part of Calophyllum inophyllum L. has been used in various traditional remedies, especially the oil from its nut was mostly used to treat skin diseases. This study aimed to investigate the composition and antioxidant activity of C. inophyllum nut oil and formulate the oil as a cosmeceutical product. The chemical composition and the amount of total phenolic compounds (TPC) were demonstrated by Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) and Folin–Ciocalteu method, respectively. Additionally, the antioxidant activity was tested using the DPPH method. Calophyllolide (4.35%) was a major component. Additional components were calanolide A, inophyllum D, and inophyllum B. We found that the TPC contained 25.9 ± 1.2 mg GE/g oil and a free radical scavenging activity approximate to that of the synthetic Trolox. Emulgel formulation consisted of tween 80, span 80, and isopropyl alcohol as a surfactant, and carbopol 940 as a gelling agent. The microemulsion was formulated using distilled water, oil, tween 80 with span 80, as a surfactant, and isopropyl alcohol as a cosurfactant. The mean droplet size for optimized microemulsion formulations was 34.37 ± 1.06 nm. Furthermore, the results of thermodynamic stability tests (freeze-thaw cycle) and long-term stability tests indicated that emulsions and microemulsions remained stable. In conclusion, this nut oil could potentially be used as a cosmeceutical product, and the obtained emulgels and microemulsions exhibited good characteristics in terms of being a potential agent for skin antioxidant

Watermelon seeds and peels: fatty acid composition and cosmeceutical potential

Watermelon consumption results in generation of organic waste in the form of seeds and peels. We have evaluated the fatty acid profiles and antioxidant content of watermelon (Kinnaree cultivar) seed oil and peel wax. In addition, we assessed the potential use of these watermelon industry byproducts in the development of cosmeceuticals. The most abundant fatty acids in seed oil and peel wax were linoleic acid and arachidic acid, respectively. Fatty acids form an essential component in the cell membranes and have seen increased recognition in the cosmeceutical industry. Antioxidants also play a beneficial role in skincare in combating free-radicals resulting from sun damage and pollutants. The seed oil showed stronger antioxidant activity than the peel wax, as indicated by the DPPH radical scavenging ability of 0.894 mg α-tocopherol equivalent/g dried seeds versus 0.036 mg α-tocopherol equivalent/g dried peels. Therefore, the seed oil was formulated into skincare products, in the form of emulsions and nanoemulsions. The most effective formulae were stable at room temperature for seven days, or following repeated cycles of heating and cooling. This work demonstrates the potential for watermelon seed oil to be employed in skincare product formulations, which could maximize agricultural profit and minimize environmental waste

The development of an in-situ biopolymer-based floating gel for the oral delivery of metformin hydrochloride

Diabetes remains a global public health threat because of its increasing prevalence and mortality, especially in people under the age of 25. Metformin hydrochloride (HCl), as recommended by American Diabetes Association in 2022, is the first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes in adults. Metformin has low oral bioavailability due to poor permeability. Therefore, by developing metformin HCl oral in situ gel, sustained delivery of metformin can be achieved, thus enhancing the absorption of the drug. Sodium alginate and pectin were used for formulating the system. Different adjuvant polymers, including HPMC K4M, HPMC K100 LV, PEG 4000, and SCMC were used as released-pattern-modifying agents. All formulations could afloat in 0.1 N HCl at the pH of 1.2 within a minute and stay afloat for over 8 h. The optimized formulation could be made from either sodium alginate (2%) and HPMC K4M (0.5%) or pectin (2%) and HPMC K4M (2%). The optimized formulations gradually released metformin HCl with a cumulative release of 80% within 8 h. We successfully developed floating in situ gels that can release metformin HCl sustainedly