Development of Liposomal and Liquid Crystalline Lipidic Nanoparticles with Non-Ionic Surfactants for Quercetin Incorporation.

The aim of the present study is the development, physicochemical characterization, and in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of both empty and quercetin-loaded HSPC (hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine) liposomes, GMO (glyceryl monooleate) liquid crystalline nanoparticles, and PHYT (phytantriol) liquid crystalline nanoparticles. Specifically, HSPC phospholipids were mixed with different non-ionic surfactant molecules (Tween 80 and/or Span 80) for liposomal formulations, whereas both GMO and PHYT lipids were mixed with Span 80 and Tween 80 as alternative stabilizers, as well as with Poloxamer P407 in different ratios for liquid crystalline formulations. Subsequently, their physicochemical properties, such as size, size distribution, and ζ-potential were assessed by the dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering (DLS/ELS) techniques in both aqueous and biological medium with serum proteins.

a-Synuclein and lipids in erythrocytes of Gaucher disease carriers and patients before and after enzyme replacement therapy.

It is well established that patients with Gaucher disease, as well as carriers of the disease have an increased risk for developing Parkinson's disease. A plethora of evidence suggests that disturbed α-Synuclein homeostasis is the link between Gaucher disease and Parkinson's disease. The pathogenic mechanism linking these entities is still a topic of debate and both gain- and loss-of-function theories have been put forward, which however are not mutually exclusive.

Encapsulation of cannabidiol in oil-in-water nanoemulsions and nanoemulsion-filled hydrogels: A structure and biological assessment study.

Hypothesis: Lipophilic cannabidiol can be solubilized in oil-in water nanoemulsions, which can then be impregnated into chitosan hydrogels forming another colloidal system that will facilitate cannabidiol's release. The delivery from both systems was compared, alongside structural and biological studies, to clarify the effect of the two carriers' structure on the release and toxicity of the systems.

Experiments: Oil-in-water nanoemulsions (NEs) and the respective nanoemulsion-filled chitosan hydrogels (NE/HGs) were formulated as carriers of cannabidiol (CBD).

(Hydroxypropyl)methyl Cellulose-Chitosan Film as a Matrix for Lipase Immobilization-Part ΙΙ: Structural Studies.

The present work reports on the structural study of a film made of a hybrid blend of biopolymers used as an enzyme carrier. A cellulose derivative (HPMC) and chitosan (CS) were combined in order to formulate a film on which lipase was immobilized. The film was successfully used as a biocatalyst; however, little is known about the structure of the system.

The Impact of the Oil Phase Selection on Physicochemical Properties, Long-Term Stability, In Vitro Performance and Injectability of Curcumin-Loaded PEGylated Nanoemulsions.

A nanotechnology-based approach to drug delivery presents one of the biggest trends in biomedical science that can provide increased active concentration, bioavailability, and safety compared to conventional drug-delivery systems. Nanoemulsions stand out amongst other nanocarriers for being biodegradable, biocompatible, and relatively easy to manufacture. For improved drug-delivery properties, longer circulation for the nanoemulsion droplets should be provided, to allow the active to reach the target site.

Short-wave and near infrared π-conjugated polymers hosted in a biocompatible microemulsion: a pioneering approach for photoacoustic contrast agents.

In the present study a biocompatible oil-in-water (O/W) microemulsion was developed carrying short-wave infrared (SWIR) π-conjugated polymers and possessing photoacoustic properties for the first time. SWIR and NIR absorbing conjugated polymers were accomplished to be dissolved in a Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved natural oil limonene, to formulate an O/W microemulsion using biocompatible surfactants (Span80, Labrasol®). Detailed structural characterization in the absence and presence of the polymers was performed by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.

In Vitro Evaluation of Curcumin- and Quercetin-Loaded Nanoemulsions for Intranasal Administration: Effect of Surface Charge and Viscosity.

The nose-to-brain delivery of neuroprotective natural compounds is an appealing approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Nanoemulsions containing curcumin (CUR) and quercetin (QU) were prepared by high-pressure homogenization and characterized physicochemically and structurally. A negative (CQ_NE-), a positive (CQ_NE+), and a gel (CQ_NEgel) formulation were developed.

Biological Evaluation of Oil-in-Water Microemulsions as Carriers of Benzothiophene Analogues for Dermal Applications.

During the last decade, many studies have been reported on the design and formulation of novel drug delivery systems proposed for dermal or transdermal administration. The efforts focus on the development of biocompatible nanodispersions that can be delivered to the skin and treat severe skin disorders, including cancer. In this context, oil-in-water (O/W) microemulsions have been developed to encapsulate and deliver lipophilic bioactive molecules for dermal application.

Development and Study of Nanoemulsions and Nanoemulsion-Based Hydrogels for the Encapsulation of Lipophilic Compounds.

Biocompatible nanoemulsions and nanoemulsion-based hydrogels were formulated for the encapsulation and delivery of vitamin D and curcumin. The aforementioned systems were structurally studied applying dynamic light scattering (DLS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and viscometry. In vitro studies were conducted using Franz diffusion cells to investigate the release of the bioactive compounds from the nanocarriers.

Structural Study of (Hydroxypropyl)Methyl Cellulose Microemulsion-Based Gels Used for Biocompatible Encapsulations.

(Hydroxypropyl)methyl cellulose (HPMC) can be used to form gels integrating a w/o microemulsion. The formulation in which a microemulsion is mixed with a hydrated HPMC matrix has been successfully used as a carrier of biocompatible ingredients. However, little is known about the structure of these systems.

Development of a microemulsion for encapsulation and delivery of gallic acid. The role of chitosan.

A novel water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion based on natural oils, namely extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and sunflower oil (SO), in the presence of non-ionic surfactants was successfully formulated. The novel microemulsion was used as a carrier for gallic acid (GA) to assure its protection and efficacy upon nasal administration. The work presents evidence that this microemulsion can be used as a nasal formulation for the delivery of polar antioxidants, especially, after incorporation of chitosan (CH) in its aqueous phase.

Microstructure and biopharmaceutical performances of curcumin-loaded low-energy nanoemulsions containing eucalyptol and pinene: Terpenes' role overcome penetration enhancement effect?

The objective of this work was to develop low-energy nanoemulsions for enhanced dermal delivery of curcumin, using monoterpene compounds eucalyptol (EUC) and pinene (PIN) as chemical penetration enhancers. Spontaneous emulsification was the preparation method. All formulations contained 10% of the oil phase (medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), or their mixture with EUC or PIN).

Hydroxytyrosol encapsulated in biocompatible water-in-oil microemulsions: How the structure affects in vitro absorption.

Over the last years, the incorporation of natural antioxidants in food and pharmaceutical formulations has gained attention, delaying or preventing oxidation phenomena in the final products. In order to take full advantage of their properties, protection in special microenvironments is of great importance. The unique features of the natural phenolic compound hydroxytyrosol (HT) - including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and cardioprotective properties - have been studied to clarify its mechanism of action.

Oil-In-Water Microemulsions as Hosts for Benzothiophene-Based Cytotoxic Compounds: An Effective Combination.

Targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics in order to overcome side effects and enhance chemosensitivity remains a major issue in cancer research. In this context, biocompatible oil-in-water (O/W) microemulsions were developed as matrices for the encapsulation of DPS-2 a benzothiophene analogue, exhibiting high cytotoxicity in various cancer cell lines, among them the MW 164 skin melanoma and Caco-2 human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines. The microemulsion delivery system was structurally characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.

Reverse micelles as nano-carriers of nisin against foodborne pathogens. Part II: The case of essential oils.

During the last years, the food industry is working on the replacement of high energy methodologies with more sustainable techniques for the encapsulation of natural preservatives, in order to enhance their effectiveness as food additives. In the present study, nisin, an antimicrobial agent, was encapsulated in essential oil-containing microemulsions. More specifically, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and dittany essential oil-containing microemulsions were formulated to encapsulate nisin enhancing the system's overall antimicrobial activity.

Formulation and Structural Study of a Biocompatible Water-in-Oil Microemulsion as an Appropriate Enzyme Carrier: The Model Case of Horseradish Peroxidase.

A novel biocompatible water-in-oil microemulsion was developed using nonionic surfactants and was investigated as a potential enzyme delivery system for pharmaceutical applications. The system was composed of isopropyl myristate/polysorbate 80 (Tween 80)/distilled monoglycerides/water/propylene glycol (PG), had a low total surfactant concentration (8.3% w/w), and was able to incorporate approximately 3% w/w aqueous phase containing horseradish peroxidase (HRP).

Reverse micelles as nanocarriers of nisin against foodborne pathogens.

Reverse micelles (RMs) as nanocarriers of nisin were optimized for the highest water and bacteriocin content. RMs formulated with either refined olive oil or sunflower oil, distilled monoglycerides, ethanol, and water were effectively designed. Structural characterization of the RMs was assessed using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Small Angle X-ray Scattering in the presence and absence of nisin.

Encapsulation of carotenoids extracted from halophilic Archaea in oil-in-water (O/W) micro- and nano-emulsions.

Carotenoids extracted from halophilc Archaea have potential health benefits. Their poor water-solubility and low bioavailability is a challenge to their incorporation into foods. The aim of this work was the carotenoids encapsulation into two oil-in-water (O/W) dispersions, to increase their use as functional food applications.

Reverse Micelles As Antioxidant Carriers: An Experimental and Molecular Dynamics Study.

Water-in-oil microemulsions with biocompatible components were formulated to be used as carriers of natural antioxidants, such as hydroxytyrosol (HT) and gallic acid (GA). The system was composed of a mixture of natural surfactants, lecithin and monoglycerides, medium chain triglycerides, and aqueous phase. A dual approach was undertaken to study the structure and dynamics of these complicated systems.

Drug nanocarriers for cancer chemotherapy based on microemulsions: The case of Vemurafenib analog PLX4720.

Oil-in-water (O/W) microemulsions based on Tween 80 as the emulsifier and triacetin as the dispersed oil phase were formulated to be used as delivery vehicles of Vemurafenib analog PLX4720. PLX4720 is a lipophilic antitumor drug against various cancer types correlated with the BRAF mutation. The limits of the single-phase region corresponding to O/W microemulsions as described by ternary phase diagrams were examined.

Nanoencapsulated Lecitase Ultra and Thermomyces lanuginosus Lipase, a Comparative Structural Study.

Two commercially available and widely used enzymes, the parent Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL) and the shuffled phospholipase A1 Lecitase (Lecitase Ultra), were encapsulated in AOT/isooctane reverse micelles and evaluated regarding their structure and activity. Preparations were also tested as effective biocatalysts. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and fluorescence spectroscopy were the techniques applied to assess the effects of enzyme incorporation to a reverse micellar nanostructure.

Water-in-oil microemulsions versus emulsions as carriers of hydroxytyrosol: an in vitro gastrointestinal lipolysis study using the pHstat technique.

Water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsions and emulsions based on medium chain triglycerides (MCT) were successfully formulated with the addition of emulsifiers and used as encapsulation matrices for hydroxytyrosol (HT), an antioxidant naturally found in extra virgin olive oil. The digestibility of these edible W/O dispersions by recombinant dog gastric lipase (rDGL) and porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL) was then tested at different pH values using a pHstat device. rDGL and PPL displayed a much lower activity on the W/O microemulsion than that on the W/O emulsion and MCT alone.

Microemulsion versus emulsion as effective carrier of hydroxytyrosol.

Two edible Water-in-Oil (W/O) dispersions, an emulsion that remains kinetically stable and a microemulsion which is spontaneously formed, transparent and thermodynamically stable, were developed for potential use as functional foods, due to their ability to be considered as matrices to encapsulate biologically active hydrophilic molecules. Both systems contained Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) as the continuous phase and were used as carriers of Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a hydrophilic antioxidant of olive oil. A low energy input fabrication process of the emulsion was implemented.

Biocompatible colloidal dispersions as potential formulations of natural pyrethrins: a structural and efficacy study.

Biocompatible colloidal dispersions of the micro- and nanoemulsion type based on lemon oil terpenes, polysorbates, water, and glycerol were used for the formulation of pyrethrins, botanical insecticides derived from the white pyrethrum daisy, Tanacetum cinerariifolium. The proposed formulation is based on pyrethrin-containing water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsions that could be diluted in one step with an aqueous phase to obtain kinetically stable oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions. Structural characteristics of the micro- and nanoemulsions were evaluated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and electrical conductivity.