Integrating Epoxidation, High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Ultraviolet Spectroscopy to Unravel the Complex Profile of Boswellic Acids and Related Compounds in the Gum Resin Extract.

The chemical characterization of natural products is often a complex task that demands powerful analytical techniques. Liquid chromatography with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS) is often employed, yet it can face hard challenges when isomeric species are present, and reference standards are lacking. In such cases, the confidence level in compound identification can be significantly improved by the collection of orthogonal information on target analytes.

Comparative analysis of classic network vs. nanogel junction network in konjac glucomannan/kappa carrageenan hybrid hydrogels.

The three-dimensional network architecture of hydrogels significantly influences their mechanical and physical properties; therefore, understanding them is essential for designing optimized hydrogel-based biomaterials. This study presents a comparative analysis of two hybrid hydrogels composed of konjac glucomannan (KGM) and kappa carrageenan (KCAR) with the same stiffness (5.2-5.

Analytical and Antimicrobial Characterization of Zn-Modified Clays Embedding Thymol or Carvacrol.

Carvacrol and thymol are broad-spectrum natural antimicrobial agents. To reduce their volatility and improve their antimicrobial performance, synergistic systems were prepared loading the active molecules in zinc-modified clays. Montmorillonite (MMT) and zeolite (ZEO) were modified with zinc ions (ZnMMT and ZnZEO), with well-known antimicrobial properties, and then with carvacrol or thymol, reaching the 26 ± 3% and 33 ± 2% / of loading, respectively.

Effectiveness of gellan gum scaffolds loaded with Boswellia serrata extract for in-situ modulation of pro-inflammatory pathways affecting cartilage healing.

In this study, we developed a composite hydrogel based on Gellan gum containing Boswellia serrata extract (BSE). BSE was either incorporated directly or loaded into an MgAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) clay to create a multifunctional cartilage substitute. This composite was designed to provide anti-inflammatory properties while enhancing chondrogenesis.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Dopamine and Grape Seed Extract: Freeze-Drying with Cryoprotection as a Formulation Strategy to Achieve Nasal Powders.

(1) Background: DA-Gelucire 50/13-based solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) administering the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) and the antioxidant grape-seed-derived proanthocyanidins (grape seed extract, GSE) have been prepared by us in view of a possible application for Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment. To develop powders constituted by such SLNs for nasal administration, herein, two different agents, namely sucrose and methyl-β-cyclodextrin (Me-β-CD), were evaluated as cryoprotectants. (2) Methods: SLNs were prepared following the melt homogenization method, and their physicochemical features were investigated by Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).