Synthesis and Design of Polymer Nanocarriers for Bioactive Compounds, Nutraceutical and Drug Delivery Systems

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Medicines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 October 2023) | Viewed by 16316

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Research and Postgraduate Studies in Food, University of Sonora, Hermosillo 83000, Mexico
Interests: Food technology; food packaging; food preservation; food nanotechnology and food product nutrition; valorization of agri-food waste
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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Research and Postgraduate Studies in Food, University of Sonora, Hermosillo 83000, Mexico
Interests: food technology; food packaging; food preservation; food nanotechnology and food product nutrition; valorization of agri-food waste
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Nanotechnology is considered a multidisciplinary science. It is defined as the control of matter at the atomic and molecular levels. Some fields where nanotechnology has been applied are the food industry and the health sector. Within nanotechnology, nanoencapsulation is a strategy developed in recent years for the protection of food ingredients, nutraceuticals, bioactive compounds and drugs. For several years now, different nanocarriers have been developed to contain these molecules and are mainly obtained from synthetic or natural polymers. The design of composite nanocarriers has also been developed and is on the rise, with the aim of improving the properties of the protection and release of molecules. Delivery systems for bioactive compounds, nutraceuticals, and drugs in the health area have multiple benefits, such as being more bioavailable and dosed at the site of action. In food, the objective is that the molecules contained in nanocarriers are available to increase its useful life through its antioxidant and antimicrobial potential.

Therefore, the objective of this Special Issue is to publish high-quality articles based on the development of research that focuses on the design of polymer nanocarriers, giving emphasis to new biopolymers as raw materials and that contain bioactive compounds, nutraceuticals or drugs.

Dr. Francisco Rodríguez-Félix
Guest Editors

Dr. José Agustín Tapia Hernández
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • Polymeric nanomaterials
  • Nanocarriers for the release of bioactive compounds
  • Nanocarriers for the release of nutraceuticals
  • Nanocarriers for the release of drugs
  • Synthesis and design of new simple nanocarriers
  • Synthesis and design of new composite nanocarriers
  • Nanofiber, nanoparticles and films as nanocarriers
  • Applications of nanocarriers in food
  • Applications of nanocarriers in health other nanocarrier applications.

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1807 KiB  
Article
Epigallocatechin Gallate Potentiates the Anticancer Effect of AFP-siRNA-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
by Kamonlatth Rodponthukwaji, Ponpawee Pingrajai, Saranrat Jantana, Seri Taya, Kongpop Duangchan, Kytai T. Nguyen, Chatchawan Srisawat and Primana Punnakitikashem
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14010047 - 23 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 979
Abstract
To develop a potential cancer treatment, we formulated a novel drug delivery platform made of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) and used a combination of an emerging siRNA technology and an extracted natural substance called catechins. The synthesized materials were characterized to determine their properties, [...] Read more.
To develop a potential cancer treatment, we formulated a novel drug delivery platform made of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) and used a combination of an emerging siRNA technology and an extracted natural substance called catechins. The synthesized materials were characterized to determine their properties, including morphology, hydrodynamic size, charge, particle stability, and drug release profile. The therapeutic effect of AFP-siRNA and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was revealed to have remarkable cytotoxicity towards HepG2 when in soluble formulation. Notably, the killing effect was enhanced by the co-treatment of AFP-siRNA-loaded PLGA and EGCG. Cell viability significantly dropped to 59.73 ± 6.95% after treatment with 12.50 μg/mL of EGCG and AFP-siRNA-PLGA. Meanwhile, 80% of viable cells were observed after treatment with monotherapy. The reduction in the survival of cells is a clear indication of the complementary action of both active EGCG and AFP-siRNA-loaded PLGA. The corresponding cell death was involved in apoptosis, as evidenced by the increased caspase-3/7 activity. The combined treatment exhibited a 2.5-fold increase in caspase-3/7 activity. Moreover, the nanoparticles were internalized by HepG2 in a time-dependent manner, indicating the appropriate use of PLGA as a carrier. Accordingly, a combined system is an effective therapeutic strategy. Full article
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22 pages, 4441 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional-Printed Vortex Tube Reactor for Continuous Flow Synthesis of Polyglycolic Acid Nanoparticles with High Productivity
by Kittipat Suwanpitak, Pornsak Sriamornsak, Inderbir Singh, Tanikan Sangnim and Kampanart Huanbutta
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(19), 2679; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13192679 - 29 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1412
Abstract
Polyglycolic acid (PGA) nanoparticles show promise in biomedical applications due to their exceptional biocompatibility and biodegradability. These nanoparticles can be readily modified, facilitating targeted drug delivery and promoting specific interactions with diseased tissues or cells, including imaging agents and theranostic approaches. Their potential [...] Read more.
Polyglycolic acid (PGA) nanoparticles show promise in biomedical applications due to their exceptional biocompatibility and biodegradability. These nanoparticles can be readily modified, facilitating targeted drug delivery and promoting specific interactions with diseased tissues or cells, including imaging agents and theranostic approaches. Their potential to advance precision medicine and personalized treatments is evident. However, conventional methods such as emulsification solvent evaporation via batch synthesis or tubular reactors via flow chemistry have limitations in terms of nanoparticle properties, productivity, and scalability. To overcome these limitations, this study focuses on the design and development of a 3D-printed vortex tube reactor for the continuous synthesis of PGA nanoparticles using flow chemistry. Computer-aided design (CAD) and the design of experiments (DoE) optimize the reactor design, and computational fluid dynamics simulations (CFD) evaluate the mixing index (MI) and Reynolds (Re) expression. The optimized reactor design was fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM) with polypropylene (PP) as the polymer. Dispersion experiments validate the optimization process and investigate the impact of input flow parameters. PGA nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized for size and polydispersity index (PDI). The results demonstrate the feasibility of using a 3D-printed vortex tube reactor for the continuous synthesis of PGA nanoparticles through flow chemistry and highlight the importance of reactor design in nanoparticle production. The CFD results of the optimized reactor design showed homogeneous mixing across a wide range of flow rates with increasing Reynolds expression. The residence time distribution (RTD) results confirmed that increasing the flow rate in the 3D-printed vortex tube reactor system reduced the dispersion variance in the tracer. Both experiments demonstrated improved mixing efficiency and productivity compared to traditional tubular reactors. The study also revealed that the total flow rate had a significant impact on the size and polydispersity index of the formulated PGA nanoparticle, with the optimal total flow rate at 104.46 mL/min, leading to smaller nanoparticles and a lower polydispersity index. Additionally, increasing the aqueous-to-organic volumetric ratio had a significant effect on the reduced particle size of the PGA nanoparticles. Overall, this study provides insights into the use of 3D-printed vortex tube reactors for the continuous synthesis of PGA nanoparticles and underscores the importance of reactor design and flow parameters in PGA nanoparticle formulation. Full article
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10 pages, 1237 KiB  
Article
Release and MMP-9 Inhibition Assessment of Dental Adhesive Modified with EGCG-Encapsulated Halloysite Nanotubes
by Saleh Alhijji, Jeffrey A. Platt, Abdulaziz Alhotan, Nawaf Labban, Marco C. Bottino and L. Jack Windsor
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(6), 999; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13060999 - 09 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1354
Abstract
Degradation of the collagen fibrils at the dentin–resin interface by the enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been known to permit some dental restoration complications, such as microleakage, secondary caries, and, ultimately, restoration failures. This study aimed to evaluate a modified adhesive [...] Read more.
Degradation of the collagen fibrils at the dentin–resin interface by the enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been known to permit some dental restoration complications, such as microleakage, secondary caries, and, ultimately, restoration failures. This study aimed to evaluate a modified adhesive by adding an MMP inhibitor from green tea extract with and without nanotube encapsulation to sustain the drug release. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were prepared to produce three variant combinations of modified adhesive (EGCG, EGCG-encapsulated HNT, and EGCG-free HNT). The drug loading efficiency and EGCG release over time were evaluated using UV-vis spectrometry. MMP-mediated β-casein (BCN) cleavage rate assays were used to determine the ability of the EGCG in eluates of the adhesive to inhibit MMP-9 activities. For up to 8 weeks, HNT encapsulation reduced release to a statistically significant level. MMP-mediated β-casein cleavage rate assays showed a significant decrease for the EGCG groups compared to the non-EGCG adhesive groups. Furthermore, the use of HNT for EGCG encapsulation to modify a dental adhesive helped slow down the rate of EGCG release without impacting its MMP inhibitory capabilities, which may help to maintain the dentin–resin interface’s integrity over the long term after dental restoration placement. Full article
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14 pages, 4896 KiB  
Article
Preparation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Cinnamaldehyde and Determination of Sustained Release Capacity
by Jiajia Chen, Shangjian Li, Qinhua Zheng, Xiaolin Feng, Weijian Tan, Kexin Feng, Yuntong Liu and Wenzhong Hu
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(24), 4460; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12244460 - 15 Dec 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1656
Abstract
Natural plant essential oils cannot be applied on a large scale due to their high volatility, easy deactivation, etc. This study provides a new method to prepare a long-lasting, slow-release essential oil product by taking advantage of solid lipid nanoparticles, which will provide [...] Read more.
Natural plant essential oils cannot be applied on a large scale due to their high volatility, easy deactivation, etc. This study provides a new method to prepare a long-lasting, slow-release essential oil product by taking advantage of solid lipid nanoparticles, which will provide a scientific guideline for the future essential oil industry. In this article, solid lipid cinnamaldehyde nanoparticles were prepared using an ultrahigh-pressure homogenization method. SLN-CA with a particle size of 74 ± 5 nm, PDI of 0.153 ± 0.032, and zeta potential of −44.36 ± 2.2 mV was screened using an additional amount of cinnamaldehyde, the ratio of oil phase components, and the homogenization pressure and number of times as factors. Differential thermal analysis and spectroscopy demonstrated that cinnamaldehyde was successfully encapsulated inside the nanoparticles. The change in particle size of nanoparticles under different conditions and times was used as an indicator of stability. The stability of the finished nanoparticles was evaluated. The retention and slow-release ability of cinnamaldehyde were investigated using the concentration of cinnamaldehyde in nanoparticles as an indicator. The results showed that after 15 days, SLN-CA retained 52.36% of the concentration from 15 days prior. The bacterial inhibition test shows that SLN-CA can inhibit bacteria Full article
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14 pages, 4454 KiB  
Article
Eco-Friendly Green Synthesis of Rubropunctatin Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity
by Guibin Lin, Chenhui Zhao, Wenqiang Liao, Jianmin Yang and Yunquan Zheng
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(22), 4052; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12224052 - 17 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1512
Abstract
In order to solve the problems of rubropunctatin insoluble in water and its low bioavailability, and explore the synthesis method of green silver nanoparticles, rubropunctatin was used as reducing agent and blocking agent, rubropunctatin-functionalized silver nanoparticles (R-AgNPs) were successfully synthesized. The distinctive absorption [...] Read more.
In order to solve the problems of rubropunctatin insoluble in water and its low bioavailability, and explore the synthesis method of green silver nanoparticles, rubropunctatin was used as reducing agent and blocking agent, rubropunctatin-functionalized silver nanoparticles (R-AgNPs) were successfully synthesized. The distinctive absorption peak at 410 nm confirmed the formation of R-AgNPs. Zeta potential measurement showed excellent stability of R-AgNPs with negative values of −29.81 ± 0.37 mV. The results of TEM and XRD showed that the prepared R-AgNPs were round, well dispersed and crystallized with average particle size of 13.54 ± 0.42 nm. FT-IR and XPS studies show that functional groups are involved in R-AgNPs synthesis. The antibacterial activity of R-AgNPs was compared with commercial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by microdilution method. The results showed that R-AgNPs (MIC 7.81 μg/mL) has stronger antibacterial activity than commercial AgNPs. The bacteria morphology was observed by the live and dead (SYTO 9/PI) staining assay and SEM showed that the antibacterial effect of R-AgNPs was caused by the destruction of the bacterial cell membrane. Cytotoxicity of rubropunctatin-functionalized silver nanoparticles and commercial silver nanoparticles on mouse fibroblast 3T3 cells was assessed by CCK-8 assay. The results showed that the toxicity of rubropunctatin-functionalized silver nanoparticles to 3T3 cells was lower than that of commercial silver nanoparticles. In summary, synthesis of silver nanoparticles using rubropunctatin is a green synthesis method, and R-AgNPs is a potential antibacterial agent. Full article
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11 pages, 2443 KiB  
Article
Preparation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticle-Ferrous Sulfate by Double Emulsion Method Based on Fat Rich in Monolaurin and Stearic Acid
by Edy Subroto, Robi Andoyo, Rossi Indiarto, Endah Wulandari and Elgi Fadhilah Nadhirah Wadhiah
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(17), 3054; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12173054 - 02 Sep 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1796
Abstract
Ferrous sulfate is one type of iron that is commonly used in iron supplementation and fortification in food products, but it has low stability and an unfavorable flavor, causing its use to be limited. Encapsulation in a solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) system is [...] Read more.
Ferrous sulfate is one type of iron that is commonly used in iron supplementation and fortification in food products, but it has low stability and an unfavorable flavor, causing its use to be limited. Encapsulation in a solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) system is one technology that offers stable active compound protection and a good delivery system; however, a solid lipid matrix should be selected which has good health effects, such as glycerol monolaurate or monolaurin. The purpose of this study was to obtain SLN-ferrous sulfate based on stearic acid and fat rich in monolaurin. SLN-Ferrous sulfate was synthesized at various concentrations of monolaurin-rich fat (20%; 30%; 40% w/w lipid) and various concentrations of ferrous sulfate (5%; 10%; 15% w/w lipid). The results showed that the use of monolaurin-rich fat 40% w/w lipid and 15% w/w ferrous sulfate produced the best characteristics with high entrapment efficiency and loading capacity of 0.06%. The Z-average value of SLN was 292.4 nm with a polydispersity index (PI) of 1.03. SLN-ferrous sulfate showed a spherical morphology, where the Fe trapped in the SLN was evenly dispersed in the lipid matrix to form a nanosphere system. Preparation of SLN-ferrous sulfate by double emulsion method based on stearic acid and fat rich in monolaurin effectively encapsulated ferrous sulfate with high entrapment efficiency and good physicochemical properties. Full article
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13 pages, 1929 KiB  
Article
Effect of Ionic Liquids in the Elaboration of Nanofibers of Cellulose Bagasse from Agave tequilana Weber var. azul by Electrospinning Technique
by Enrique Márquez-Ríos, Miguel Ángel Robles-García, Francisco Rodríguez-Félix, José Antonio Aguilar-López, Francisco Javier Reynoso-Marín, José Agustín Tapia-Hernández, Francisco Javier Cinco-Moroyoqui, Israel Ceja-Andrade, Ricardo Iván González-Vega, Arturo Barrera-Rodríguez, Jacobo Aguilar-Martínez, Edgar Omar-Rueda-Puente and Carmen Lizette Del-Toro-Sánchez
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(16), 2819; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12162819 - 17 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1530
Abstract
The objective of this paper was to report the effect of ionic liquids (ILs) in the elaboration of nanofibers of cellulose bagasse from Agave tequilana Weber var. azul by the electrospinning method. The ILs used were 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl), and DMSO was added [...] Read more.
The objective of this paper was to report the effect of ionic liquids (ILs) in the elaboration of nanofibers of cellulose bagasse from Agave tequilana Weber var. azul by the electrospinning method. The ILs used were 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl), and DMSO was added as co-solvent. To observe the effect of ILs, this solvent was compared with the organic solvent TriFluorAcetic acid (TFA). The nanofibers were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray, Fourier transform-infrared using attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TEM showed different diameters (ranging from 35 to 76 nm) of cellulose nanofibers with ILs (CN ILs). According to X-ray diffraction, a notable decrease of the crystalline structure of cellulose treated with ILs was observed, while FTIR-ATR showed two bands that exhibit the physical interaction between cellulose nanofibers and ILs. TGA revealed that CN ILs exhibit enhanced thermal properties due to low or null cellulose crystallinity. CN ILs showed better characteristics in all analyses than nanofibers elaborated with TFA organic solvent. Therefore, CN ILs provide new alternatives for cellulose bagasse. Due to their small particle size, CN ILs could have several applications, including in food, pharmaceutical, textile, and material areas, among others. Full article
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14 pages, 2322 KiB  
Article
Nanoencapsulation of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Peel Extract in Electrospun Gelatin Nanofiber: Preparation, Characterization, and In Vitro Release
by Danya Elizabeth Estrella-Osuna, José Agustín Tapia-Hernández, Saúl Ruíz-Cruz, Enrique Márquez-Ríos, José de Jesús Ornelas-Paz, Carmen Lizette Del-Toro-Sánchez, Víctor Manuel Ocaño-Higuera, Francisco Rodríguez-Félix, María Isabel Estrada-Alvarado and Luis Alberto Cira-Chávez
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(13), 2303; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12132303 - 04 Jul 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2383
Abstract
This study describes the preparation and characterization of eggplant peel extract-loaded electrospun gelatin nanofiber and study of its in vitro release. Results obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) micrograph revealed that eggplant peel extract-loaded electrospun gelatin nanofiber is [...] Read more.
This study describes the preparation and characterization of eggplant peel extract-loaded electrospun gelatin nanofiber and study of its in vitro release. Results obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) micrograph revealed that eggplant peel extract-loaded electrospun gelatin nanofiber is in nanometric range with an average diameter 606.7 ± 184.5 and 643.6 ± 186.7 nm for 20 and 33.3 mg mL−1 of extract addition, respectively. Moreover, the incorporation of extract improved morphology by being smooth, homogeneous, and without account formation compared to nanofibers without extract (control). Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectra indicated that interaction exists between electrospun gelatin nanofiber and eggplant peel extract by hydrogen bond interactions, mainly. Electrospun gelatin nanofibers showed encapsulation efficiency greater than 90% of extract and a maximum release of 95 and 80% for the medium at pH 1.5 and 7.5, respectively. Therefore, the electrospinning technique is a good alternative for the conservation of bioactive compounds present in the eggplant peel through electrospun gelatin nanofiber. Full article
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18 pages, 3492 KiB  
Article
Liposomal Drug Delivery of Blumea lacera Leaf Extract: In-Vivo Hepatoprotective Effects
by Mohammad Hossain Shariare, Nusrat Jahan Khan Pinky, Joynal Abedin, Mohsin Kazi, Mohammed S. Aldughaim and Mohammad N. Uddin
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(13), 2262; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12132262 - 30 Jun 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2759
Abstract
Background: Blumea lacera (B. lacera) is a herbaceous plant commonly found in south-east Asia. It shows significant therapeutic activities against various diseases. The objectives of this study were to evaluate hepatoprotective effects of Blumea lacera leaf extract and also to investigate [...] Read more.
Background: Blumea lacera (B. lacera) is a herbaceous plant commonly found in south-east Asia. It shows significant therapeutic activities against various diseases. The objectives of this study were to evaluate hepatoprotective effects of Blumea lacera leaf extract and also to investigate the comparative effectiveness between a liposomal preparation and a suspension of B. lacera leaf extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage. Methods: B. lacera leaf extract was characterized using a GC-MS method. A liposomal preparation of B. lacera leaf extract was developed using an ethanol injection method and characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electronic microscopic systems. The hepatoprotective effects of B. lacera leaf extracts and its liposomal preparation were investigated using CCl4-induced liver damage in Long Evan rats. Results: GC-MS data showed the presence of different components (e.g., phytol) in the B. lacera leaf extract. DLS and microscopic data showed that a liposomal preparation of B. lacera leaf extracts was in the nano size range. In vivo study results showed that liposomal preparation and a suspension of B. lacera leaf extract normalized liver biochemical parameters, enzymes and oxidative stress markers which were elevated due to CCl4 administration. However, a liposomal formulation of B. lacera leaf extract showed significantly better hepatoprotective effects compared to a suspension of leaf extract. In addition, histopathological evaluation showed that B. lacera leaf extract and its liposomal preparation treatments decreased the extent of CCl4-induced liver inflammations. Conclusion: Results demonstrated that B. lacera leaf extract was effective against CCl4-induced liver injury possibly due to the presence of components such as phytol. A liposomal preparation exhibited significantly better activity compared to a B. lacera suspension, probably due to improved bioavailability and stability of the leaf extract. Full article
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