Improving antifungal effect of peppermint essential oil

Nanoencapsulation of essential oils is a promising strategy for extending their antifungal activity and addressing evaporation and decomposition in unfavorable environmental conditions. This research aimed to synthesize and compare the physical properties of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing peppermint essential oil (PE) during 12 months of storage at various temperatures (4°C, 25°C, 27°C with 60% relative humidity, 37°C, and 40°C with 75% relative humidity), and to investigate their antifungal activity compared to free PE. The SLN formulations were prepared using high-shear homogenization and ultrasound techniques and were analyzed using a particle size analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, and microscopic images of fungal mycelium to assess encapsulation efficacy. The results showed that the PE-SLNs had a size of 164.2 ±5.8 nm, a PDI value of 0.176 ±0.01, a zeta potential value of –11.3 mV, and an encapsulation percentage of approximately 75 ±0.5%. Overall, the physical properties of the formulations showed a slight and acceptable increase over the 12-month storage period at all investigated temperatures. Furthermore, the in vitro inhibition percentage of free PE at a concentration of 2000 μL L–1 against Penicillium italicum and P. digitatum was 66.7% ±2.6 and 66.8% ±0.8, respectively, while for PE-SLNs it was 88.8% ±0.9 and 89.9% ±1.4. These results demonstrate the potential of SLNs as an effective carrier for sustained delivery of PE with improved antifungal activity during storage.Nanoencapsulation of essential oils is a promising strategy for extending their antifungal activity and addressing evaporation and decomposition in unfavorable environmental conditions. This research aimed to synthesize and compare the physical properties of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing peppermint essential oil (PE) during 12 months of storage at various temperatures (4°C, 25°C, 27°C with 60% relative humidity, 37°C, and 40°C with 75% relative humidity), and to investigate their antifungal activity compared to free PE. The SLN formulations were prepared using high-shear homogenization and ultrasound techniques and were analyzed using a particle size analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, and microscopic images of fungal mycelium to assess encapsulation efficacy. The results showed that the PE-SLNs had a size of 164.2 ±5.8 nm, a PDI value of 0.176 ±0.01, a zeta potential value of –11.3 mV, and an encapsulation percentage of approximately 75 ±0.5%. Overall, the physical properties of the formulations showed a slight and acceptable increase over the 12-month storage period at all investigated temperatures. Furthermore, the in vitro inhibition percentage of free PE at a concentration of 2000 μL L–1 against Penicillium italicum and P. digitatum was 66.7% ±2.6 and 66.8% ±0.8, respectively, while for PE-SLNs it was 88.8% ±0.9 and 89.9% ±1.4. These results demonstrate the potential of SLNs as an effective carrier for sustained delivery of PE with improved antifungal activity during storage

Preparation and Characterization of Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine Loaded-Nanostructure Lipid Carriers (NLCs) as a New α-MSH Antagonist and Antityrosinase Agent

Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize the undecylenoyl phenylalanine (Sepiwhite (SEPI))-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as a new antimelanogenesis compound. Methods: In this study, an optimized SEPI-NLC formulation was prepared and characterized for particle size, zeta potential, stability, and encapsulation efficiency. Then, in vitro drug loading capacity and the release profile of SEPI, and its cytotoxicity were investigated. The ex vivo skin permeation and the anti-tyrosinase activity of SEPI-NLCs were also evaluated. Results: The optimized SEPI-NLC formulation showed the size of 180.1±5.01 nm, a spherical morphology under TEM, entrapment efficiency of 90.81±3.75%, and stability for 9 months at room temperature. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis exhibited an amorphous state of SEPI in NLCs. In addition, the release study demonstrated that SEPI-NLCs had a biphasic release outline with an initial burst release compared to SEPI-EMULSION. About 65% of SEPI was released from SEPI-NLC within 72 h, while in SEPI-EMULSION, this value was 23%. The ex vivo permeation profiles revealed that the higher SEPI accumulation in the skin following application of SEPI-NLC (up to 88.8%) compared to SEPI-EMULSION (65%) and SEPI-ETHANOL (74.8%) formulations (P<0.01). An inhibition rate of 72% and 65% was obtained for mushroom and cellular tyrosinase activity of SEPI, respectively. Moreover, results of in vitro cytotoxicity assay confirmed SEPI-NLCs to be non-toxic and safe for topical use. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that NLC can efficiently deliver SEPI into the skin, which has a promise for topical treatment of hyperpigmentation

Energy-Based Methods and Nanocarrier-Based Approaches for Melasma Treatment

Purpose: Melasma is a persistent skin condition caused by excessive melanin production, particularly affecting women’s quality of life. It can result from various factors like sun exposure, genetics, hormones, medications, or inflammation. Effective melasma treatment requires products that can deeply penetrate the skin. The outermost skin layer, known as the stratum corneum (SC), plays a crucial role in delivering topical and transdermal drugs. Researchers have developed numerous strategies to enhance skin permeability and drug efficacy. Methods: This review delves into energy-based techniques and nanocarrier systems for treating melasma, specifically focusing on improving drug delivery to the viable epidermis (EP) while overcoming the SC barrier. Results: Physical methods offer benefits such as enhanced skin penetration but come with drawbacks like frequent visits, high costs, and the need for specialized equipment and skilled operators. Microneedle patches are gaining attention as a convenient physical treatment option for delivering multiple medications effectively, offering targeted delivery and minimal side effects. Nanocarrier systems like transferosomes demonstrate promise in enhancing skin penetration for treating melasma and skin hyperpigmentation. While they offer advantages such as high drug entrapment and improved bioavailability, challenges like stability issues and scalability hinder their widespread adoption. Conclusion: Energy-based techniques enhance drug penetration but can lead to scarring and burns, while dissolvable micro-needles offer a convenient and effective alternative. Nano-drug carriers, like nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and transferosomes, show promise for improved skin drug delivery with their flexible structures and enhanced penetration capabilities, yet further clinical research is needed for definitive conclusion

Roadmap for a sustainable circular economy in lithium-ion and future battery technologies

Funding: The authors would like to acknowledge the funding from the UK's Faraday Institution supporting the Recycling of Lithium-ion Batteries (ReLiB: FIRG005, FIRG027 & FIRG057) and Science of Battery Safety (SafeBatt) projects. The authors would like to thank the Faraday Institution ReLiB project (Grant codes FIRG005, FIRG027 and FIRG057) and the UKRI Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Centre for Technology Metals (TechMet) Grant No. EP/V011855/1 for funding. The authors would like to thank the Faraday Institution ReLiB project (Grant Codes FIRG005, FIRG027 and FIRG057) and the UKRI Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Centre for Technology Metals (TechMet) Grant No. EP/V011855/1 for funding. The authors would like to thank the following funding bodies who have supported this work: the Faraday Institution's ReLiB (FIRG005, FIRG027 and FIRG057), and CATMAT (FIRG016) grants. This work was carried out with funding from the Faraday Institution (faraday.acuk; EP/S003053/1), Grant Number FIRG025. Funding TREFCOP/W019167/1 (GH, PAA, JB) ReLiB EK, ED, PAA FIRG005, FIRG027 & FIRG057, EK acknowledges SIMBA, which has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No. 883753. The authors would like to acknowledge the funding from the UKRI Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Centre for Technology Metals (Met4Tech) Grant No. EP/V011855/1.The market dynamics, and their impact on a future circular economy for lithium-ion batteries (LIB), are presented in this roadmap, with safety as an integral consideration throughout the life cycle. At the point of end-of-life (EOL), there is a range of potential options—remanufacturing, reuse and recycling. Diagnostics play a significant role in evaluating the state-of-health and condition of batteries, and improvements to diagnostic techniques are evaluated. At present, manual disassembly dominates EOL disposal, however, given the volumes of future batteries that are to be anticipated, automated approaches to the dismantling of EOL battery packs will be key. The first stage in recycling after the removal of the cells is the initial cell-breaking or opening step. Approaches to this are reviewed, contrasting shredding and cell disassembly as two alternative approaches. Design for recycling is one approach that could assist in easier disassembly of cells, and new approaches to cell design that could enable the circular economy of LIBs are reviewed. After disassembly, subsequent separation of the black mass is performed before further concentration of components. There are a plethora of alternative approaches for recovering materials; this roadmap sets out the future directions for a range of approaches including pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, short-loop, direct, and the biological recovery of LIB materials. Furthermore, anode, lithium, electrolyte, binder and plastics recovery are considered in order to maximise the proportion of materials recovered, minimise waste and point the way towards zero-waste recycling. The life-cycle implications of a circular economy are discussed considering the overall system of LIB recycling, and also directly investigating the different recycling methods. The legal and regulatory perspectives are also considered. Finally, with a view to the future, approaches for next-generation battery chemistries and recycling are evaluated, identifying gaps for research. This review takes the form of a series of short reviews, with each section written independently by a diverse international authorship of experts on the topic. Collectively, these reviews form a comprehensive picture of the current state of the art in LIB recycling, and how these technologies are expected to develop in the future.Peer reviewe

Roadmap for a sustainable circular economy in lithium-ion and future battery technologies

The market dynamics, and their impact on a future circular economy for lithium-ion batteries (LIB), are presented in this roadmap, with safety as an integral consideration throughout the life cycle. At the point of end-of-life (EOL), there is a range of potential options—remanufacturing, reuse and recycling. Diagnostics play a significant role in evaluating the state-of-health and condition of batteries, and improvements to diagnostic techniques are evaluated. At present, manual disassembly dominates EOL disposal, however, given the volumes of future batteries that are to be anticipated, automated approaches to the dismantling of EOL battery packs will be key. The first stage in recycling after the removal of the cells is the initial cell-breaking or opening step. Approaches to this are reviewed, contrasting shredding and cell disassembly as two alternative approaches. Design for recycling is one approach that could assist in easier disassembly of cells, and new approaches to cell design that could enable the circular economy of LIBs are reviewed. After disassembly, subsequent separation of the black mass is performed before further concentration of components. There are a plethora of alternative approaches for recovering materials; this roadmap sets out the future directions for a range of approaches including pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, short-loop, direct, and the biological recovery of LIB materials. Furthermore, anode, lithium, electrolyte, binder and plastics recovery are considered in order to maximise the proportion of materials recovered, minimise waste and point the way towards zero-waste recycling. The life-cycle implications of a circular economy are discussed considering the overall system of LIB recycling, and also directly investigating the different recycling methods. The legal and regulatory perspectives are also considered. Finally, with a view to the future, approaches for next-generation battery chemistries and recycling are evaluated, identifying gaps for research. This review takes the form of a series of short reviews, with each section written independently by a diverse international authorship of experts on the topic. Collectively, these reviews form a comprehensive picture of the current state of the art in LIB recycling, and how these technologies are expected to develop in the future

Preparation and characterization of novel nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) containing coenzyme Q10 as potent antioxidants and antityrosinase agents

We developed novel and optimal Q10-NLC/SLN formulations as antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase agents. The formulations were analyzed for particle size, morphology, entrapment efficiency (EE %), and long-term stability. The in vitro drug release and in vivo skin penetration were evaluated using dialysis bag diffusion and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, respectively. Cytotoxicity and protecting effects were assessed by AlamarBlue® assay, ROS level by DCFH-DA, and tyrosinase activity by l-DOPA assay, measuring the absorbance at 470 nm. The selected formulations had optimal surface characterizations, including Z-average size, PDI, and Zeta potential ranging from 125 to 207 nm, 0.09–0.22, and −7 to −24, respectively. They also exhibited physiochemical stability for up to 6 months and EE% above 80 %. The lipids ratio and co-Q10 amount as variable factors significantly affected particle size and zeta potential but were insignificant on PDI. The in vitro release diagram showed that Q10-NLC/SLN revealed a fast release during the first 8 h and prolonged release afterward. The in vivo skin permeation revealed a higher accumulative uptake of co-Q10 in the skin for Q10-NLC/SLN compared to Q10 emulsions. Both selected Q10-NLC and Q10-SLN could reduce intracellular ROS after exposure to H2O2. The Q10-NLC was found to be more potent for inhibiting the tyrosinase activity compared to O10-SLN. The results suggest that the new formulations are promising carriers for topical delivery of co-Q10 as an anti-aging and skin-whitening agent

Povećana fotostabilnost, smanjena permeacija i iritacija izotretinoina iz kruto-tekućih nanočestica

The aim of this study was to develop new solid lipid nanoparticles of isotretinoin (IT-SLNs) and evaluate the ability of IT-SLNs to improve photostability, reduce skin permeation and irritating effects. IT-SLNs were prepared by the hot high pressure homogenization method. Size, zeta potential and morphological characteristics of the preparations were assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermotropic properties with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). IT-SLNs had a small average diameter of 74.05 ± 8.91 nm and high encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 80.6 ± 1.2 %. The results showed that the entrapment of IT into SLNs reduced significantly its photodegradation. The in vitro permeation data showed that IT-SLNs can accumulate in the different layers of the skin and prevent systemic uptake of IT in mouse skin. IT-SLNs also significantly increased IT accumulation in the different layers of the stratum corneum of human skin. IT-SLN formulation was significantly less irritating compared to commercial IT-GEL, which shows its potential for improving skin tolerability and being a carrier for topical delivery of IT.Cilj rada bio je pripraviti nove kruto-tekuće nanočestice izotretinoina (IT-SLNs) i ispitati povećanje fotostabilnosti, smanjenje permeacije kroz kožu i smanjenje iritacije nakon uklapanja izotretinoina u nanočestice. IT-SLNs pripravljeni su metodom vruće visokotlačne homogenizacije. Veličina čestica, zeta potencijal, morfološka i termotropska svojstva određena su transmisijskom elektronskom mikroskopijom (TEM), odnosno diferencijalnom pretražnom kalorimetrijom (DSC). IT-SLNs imale su prosječni promjer 74,05 ± 8,91 nm i visoku učinkovitost uklapanja (EE) od 80,6 ± 1,2 %. Rezultati pokazuju da uklapanje izotretinoina u SLNs značajno smanjuje njegovu fotodegradaciju. In vitro ispitivanje permeacije pokazuje da se IT-SLNs mogu nakupljati u različitim slojevima kože i spriječiti sistemsku apsorpciju izotretinoina kroz kožu. IT-SLNs također značajno povećavaju IT akumulaciju u površinskim slojevima ljudske kože (stratum corneum). IT-SLN bio je značajno manje iritabilan nego komercijalno dostupni IT-GEL pa je pogodan pripravak za topičku primjenu izotretinoina

Preparation, characterization and evaluation of moisturizing and UV protecting effects of topical solid lipid nanoparticles

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were recently proposed as carriers for various pharmaceutical and cosmetic actives. These lipid nanoparticles can act as moisturizers and physical sunscreens on their own. Therefore, the full potential of these carriers has yet to be determined. The present study was aimed to determine and compare moisturizing and UV-protecting effects of different solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) prepared by different solid lipids including Glyceryl monostearate (GMS), Precirol® (P) and cetyl palmitate (CP) as carrier systems of moisturizers and sunscreens. The influence of the size and matrix crystallinity of the solid lipids on the occlusive factor, skin hydration and UV-protection were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo methods. The SLN were prepared by high-shear homogenization and ultrasound methods. Size, zeta potential and morphological characteristics of the samples were assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermotropic properties with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique. Results of the assessments showed that SLN-CP significantly increases skin hydration and UV-protection, compared to SLN-GMS and SLN-P. It was demonstrated that the size of SLN, crystallinity index of solid lipid in SLN and probably other mechanisms besides the occlusive factor can influence skin hydration and UV-protection indices. Furthermore, findings of the assessments demonstrated significant difference between in vitro and in vivo assessments regarding occlusive factor and moisturizing effects. Findings of the present study indicate that the SLN-CP could be a promising carrier for sunscreens and moisturizers.<br>Nanopartículas lipídicas sólidas (NLS) foram, recentemente, propostas como carreadores de vários ativos cosméticos e farmacêuticos. Essas nanopartículas lipídicas podem atuar como hidratantes e protetores solares físicos por si só. Assim sendo, determinou-se o potencial desses carreadores. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram determinar e comparar os efeitos hidratantes e protetores contra UV das diferentes partículas lipídicas sólidas (NLS) preparadas com diferentes lipídios sólidos, incluindo o monoestearato de gligerila (MSG), Precirol® (P) e palmitato de cetila (PC) como sistemas carreadores de hidratantes e de protetores solares. A influência do tamanho e da cristalinidade da matriz dos lipídios sólidos no fator oclusivo, na hidratação da pele e na proteção ao UV foi avaliada por métodos in vitro e in vivo. As NLS foram preparadas por homogeneização por alto corte e métodos de ultrassom. Tamanho, potencial zeta e características morfológicas das amostras foram determinados por microscopia de transmissão eletrônica (MTE) e as propriedades termotrópicas, com diferentes técnicas de calorimetria diferencial de varredura (CDV). Os resultados mostraram que NLS-PC aumenta significativamente a hidratação da pele e a proteção ao UV, comparativamente à NLS-MSG e à NLS-P. Demonstrou-se que o tamanho da NLS, índice de cristalinidade do lipídio sólido na NLS e, provavelmente, outros mecanismos além do fator oclusivo podem influenciar a hidratação da pele e os índices de proteção ao UV. Além disso, os resultados mostraram diferença significativa entre as avaliações in vitro e in vivo com relação ao fator oclusivo e aos efeitos hidratantes. Os resultados do presente estudo indicam que NLS-PC poderia ser um carreador promissor para protetores solares e hidratantes

Investigating the anti-apoptotic effect of sesame oil and honey in a novel nanostructure form for treatment of heart failure

Objective(s): Sesame oil is a lipophilic compound and has low aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability. It is possible to enhance sesame oil solubility in aqueous media by applying the microemulsion system in the form of oil-in-water. In this study, the anti-cholesterol and anti-Apoptotic effects of a new combination of sesame oil and honey in a microemulsion form for cardiac muscle cells Apoptosis treatment were investigated. Materials and Methods: Two different formulations were prepared. Tween 80 was used as the main surfactant in both formulations. In the first formulation, glycerin was applied as co-surfactant. Span 80 was applied as a mixed surfactant in the second formulation.Results: Characterization results showed that the average size of droplets of microemulsion samples were in the range of 16.6±0.1-64.6±0.2 nm with a poly dispersity index (PDI) value of less than 0.5. No turbidity and phase sedimentation were observed in certain samples in a period of 6 months after the preparation, which confirmed the high stability of samples. The in-vivo results in Wistar male rats with heart failure showed that applying sesame oil and honey in the microemulsion form caused a significant reduction in the Apoptosis level. In addition, favorable therapeutic effects for microemulsion administration was observed in comparison to the Atorvastatin drug consumption. Furthermore, the protective effect of microemulsion dosage was more obvious with increasing the oil percentage and adding honey as a hydrophilic additive. Conclusion: Results confirmed that the new formulation containing sesame oil and honey as natural components with nano particle size could be useful for cardiac muscle cells Apoptosis treatment