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Currently, hydrogels are considered as ideal biomaterials due to their unique structure and characteristics that facilitates considerable hydrophilicity, swelling, drug loading and release. In this study, we report pH-responsive GG-MAA-AMPS hydrogel delivery system prepared via free radical polymerization technique. Hydrogels were loaded with Metformin HCl as a model drug. Hydrogels were characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR confirmed the successful crosslinking of reactants, hydrogel network formation and drug loading. TGA and DSC proved the higher thermal stability of reactants after crosslinking and drug loading. XRD analysis showed decrease in crystallinity of drug after loading into the hydrogels. SEM revealed smooth and glassy appearance of both loaded and unloaded hydrogels. Gel content was increased with increase in concentration of reactants. Drug entrapment was decreased by increasing concentration of GG and AMPS while MAA acted inversely. Hydrogels displayed pH-dependent swelling and drug release behavior being high at pH 6.8 and 7.4 while low at acidic pH (1.2). Oral tolerability in rabbits showed that hydrogels were safe without causing any hematological or histopathological changes in healthy rabbits. Based on the obtained results, GG-MAA-AMPS can be considered as potential carrier for metformin HCl as well as other hydrophilic drugs.

Conventional formulations of antiviral drug acyclovir have various limitations such as low bioavailability. The current study was aimed at developing polymeric matrices for the controlled delivery of acyclovir using sericin as polymer and acrylic acid (AA) as a monomer. The free radical polymerization technique was used for hydrogel formulation. Briefly, sericin was chemically cross-linked with acrylic acid. N′-N′-methylene bis-acrylamide (MBA) and ammonium persulfate (APS) were used as cross-linker and initiator, respectively. FTIR spectra showed that acyclovir was successfully loaded into sericin hydrogel. SEM micrographs revealed that the outer surface was solid-like and smooth. According to DSC thermograms, the developed polymeric network was thermally stable. Amorphous nature of acyclovir was observed in XRD. The pH of medium and reactants’ concentration affected swelling dynamics and acyclovir release pattern. In addition, drug release occurred through a diffusion-controlled process. Sericin hydrogel suspension was well tolerable up to 3800 mg/kg of rabbits’ body weight. Haematology and serum chemistry results were well within the range signifying normal liver and kidney functions. Similarly, histopathology slides of the rabbit’s vital organs were also in normal condition without causing any histopathological change. It was concluded from the findings that sericin-co-AA polymeric matrices are ideal for the pH-dependent delivery of acyclovir.

The aim of this study was to find the correlation between failure modes and acoustic emission (AE) events in a comprehensive range of thin-ply pseudo-ductile hybrid composite laminates when loaded under uniaxial tension. The investigated hybrid laminates were Unidirectional (UD), Quasi-Isotropic (QI) and open-hole QI configurations composed of S-glass and several thin carbon prepregs. The laminates exhibited stress-strain responses that follow the elastic-yielding-hardening pattern commonly observed in ductile metals. The laminates experienced different sizes of gradual failure modes of carbon ply fragmentation and dispersed delamination. To analyze the correlation between these failure modes and AE signals, a multivariable clustering method was employed using Gaussian mixture model. The clustering results and visual observations were used to determine two AE clusters, corresponding to fragmentation and delamination modes, with high amplitude, energy, and duration signals linked to fragmentation. In contrast to the common belief, there was no correlation between the high frequency signals and the carbon fibre fragmentation. The multivariable AE analysis was able to identify fibre fracture and delamination and their sequence. However, the quantitative assessment of these failure modes was influenced by the nature of failure that depends on various factors, such as stacking sequence, material properties, energy release rate, and geometry.

Naproxen (NAP) is commonly used for pain, inflammation, and stiffness associated with arthritis. However, systemic administration is linked with several gastrointestinal tract (GIT) side effects. The present work aims to prepare and evaluate NAP nanoparticulate shells of chitosan (CS) and carrageenan (CRG) loaded into a Carbopol 940 (Ca-940) gel system with unique features of sustained drug delivery as well as improved permeation through a topical route. Moreover, this study aims to evaluate its ex vivo, histopathological, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in albino Wistar rats. The percentage of ex vivo drug permeation patterns in the optimized formulation (No) was higher (88.66%) than the control gel (36.195%). Oral toxicity studies of developed nanoparticles in albino rabbits showed that the NAP-loaded CS/CRG are non-toxic and, upon histopathological evaluation, no sign of incompatibility was observed compared to the control group. A In Vivo study showed that the optimized gel formulation (No) was more effective than the control gel (Nc) in treating arthritis-associated inflammation. The sustained permeation and the absence of skin irritation make this novel NAP nanoparticle-loaded gel based on CS/CRG a suitable drug delivery system for topical application and has the potential for improved patient compliance and reduced GIT-related side effects in arthritis.

Chitosan-based nano-sized particles increase the penetration of the drug through the narrow junction into the bloodstream and target the specific site. The objective of this study was to prepare chitosan nanoparticles to entrap a hydrophobic drug (tamoxifen citrate), followed by the alginate coating of the developed nanoparticles to decrease their degradation in the acidic pH. Drug-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by the ionic gelation method. Alginate coating was done by dissolving sodium alginate to buffer solution and drug-loaded chitosan nanoparticles drop-wise under mild agitation. The size of alginate coated chitosan nanoparticles, zeta potential, surface morphology, in-vitro drug release, and entrapment efficiency was measured. The optimised formulation of both uncoated (SH3) and coated (SH7) formulation showed the particle size, PDI, and zeta potential with values 221 & 338 nm, 0.161 & 0.230 and 36.5 & −20.7 mV, respectively. The resulted nanoparticle surface was non-porous. The percentage yield of the optimised formulation SH3 was 28% and SH6 was 33%. The entrapment efficiency of the optimised formulation SH3 (uncoated formulation) and SH6 (coated formulation) is 69.5 and 58.51%, respectively. Chitosan nanoparticles were successfully prepared to entrap tamoxifen citrate. The coating of chitosan nanoparticles decreased their degradation in the acidic pH.

Cutaneous wounds pose a significant health burden, affecting millions of individuals annually and placing strain on healthcare systems and society. Nanofilm biomaterials have emerged as promising interfaces between materials and biology, offering potential for various biomedical applications. To explore this potential, our study aimed to assess the wound healing efficacy of amniotic fluid and Moringa olifera-loaded nanoclay films by using in vivo models. Additionally, we investigated the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of these films. Using a burn wound healing model on rabbits, both infected and non-infected wounds were treated with the nanoclay films for a duration of twenty-one days on by following protocols approved by the Animal Ethics Committee. We evaluated wound contraction, proinflammatory mediators, and growth factors levels by analyzing blood samples. Histopathological changes and skin integrity were assessed through H&E staining. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 2; Chicago, IL, USA) with significance set at p < 0.05. Our findings demonstrated a significant dose-dependent increase in wound contraction in the 2%, 4%, and 8% AMF-Me.mo treatment groups throughout the study (p < 0.001). Moreover, macroscopic analysis revealed comparable effects (p > 0.05) between the 8% AMF-Me.mo treatment group and the standard treatment. Histopathological examination confirmed the preservation of skin architecture and complete epidermal closure in both infected and non-infected wounds treated with AMF-Me.mo-loaded nanofilms. RT-PCR analysis revealed elevated concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), along with decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in AMF-Me.mo-loaded nanofilm treatment groups. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of AMF-Me.mo-loaded nanofilms contributed to the decontamination of the wound site, positioning them as potential candidates for effective wound healing. However, further extensive clinical trials-based studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

This study provides insight into therapy for lung cancer, establishing p-C resol ( p-C) as an inhibitor of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 3 (PDK3). PDK3 is critical in cancer metabolism by regulating the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, shifting cellular energy production towards glycolysis, and promoting tumor growth and survival under hypoxic conditions. In this study, we have used computational and experimental approaches. Molecular docking reveals that p-C occupies PDK3’s binding pocket and forms interactions with key residues, especially Asp 287. Molecular dynamic simulation (MD) studies showed that p-C induced minimum alterations in PDK3, suggesting the structural stability of the PDK3- p-C complex. A fluorescence-based binding study demonstrated the binding of p-C to PDK3 with a binding constant of 3.8 × 10 8 M −1 , indicating excellent binding affinity. Cell-based enzyme assay revealed significant inhibition of PDK3 by p-C , establishing it as a PDK3 inhibitor. Moreover, cellular assays also demonstrated significant inhibition of PDK3 activity and tumor progression. This study provides a promising therapeutic avenue for improving lung cancer treatment outcomes by targeting PDK3. 

Muna Barakat, Department of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 11937, Jordan, Email m_barakat@asu.edu.jo Akram Ashames, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates, Email a.ashames@ajman.ac.aeAbstract: Autoimmune diseases are chronic, debilitating conditions caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissues. Conventional treatments mainly involve broad immunosuppression, which is associated with significant side effects, limited specificity, and suboptimal long-term outcomes. For instance, continuing to take corticosteroids can result in a number of serious dose-linked toxicities, such as osteoporosis, hypertension, and a markedly increased susceptibility to infection, whereas methotrexate, even at therapeutic doses, can still cause liver damage and bone marrow suppression. This review aims to explore recent advances in nanotechnology-based therapies for autoimmune diseases, focusing on their mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and potential for clinical translation. A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted to examine various nanotechnology platforms, including drug-loaded nanoparticles, antigen-specific nanomedicines, RNA interference (siRNA), CRISPR-enabled systems, and stimuli-responsive nanocarriers. For instance, methotrexate-loaded polymeric nanoparticles dramatically decreased arthritis severity in preclinical rheumatoid arthritis rodents, whereas PLGA nanoparticles containing gluten protein induced immunological tolerance in a clinical study for celiac disease. Nanomedicine offers several advantages over traditional therapies, including targeted drug delivery, enhanced bioavailability, reduced systemic toxicity, and the potential to induce immune tolerance. Notable innovations include biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, exosome-mimetic nanoparticles, and magnetic nanomaterials. Emerging technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9 and RNAi, delivered via nanoparticles, are advancing immune modulation in autoimmune models. Despite promising outcomes, several barriers remain, including concerns about toxicity, scale-up manufacturing issues, and regulatory challenges. Nanotechnology is redefining autoimmune disease therapy by shifting from non-specific immunosuppression to precision-targeted approaches. Future progress lies in integrating nanomedicine with personalized medicine to tailor treatments based on individual immune profiles. Continued interdisciplinary collaboration and regulatory alignment are essential to translating these innovations into clinical practice.

Fused pyridines are reported to display various pharmacological activities, such as antipyretic, analgesic, antiprotozoal, antibacterial, antitumor, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic. They are widely used in the field of medicinal chemistry. Imidazopyridines (IZPs) are crucial classes of fused heterocycles that are expansively reported on in the literature. Evidence suggests that IZPs, as fused scaffolds, possess more diverse profiles than individual imidazole and pyridine moieties. Bacterial infections and antibacterial resistance are ever-growing risks in the 21st century. Only one IZP, i.e., rifaximin, is available on the market as an antibiotic. In this review, the authors highlight strategies for preparing other IZPs. A particular focus is on the antibacterial profile and structure–activity relationship (SAR) of various synthesized IZP derivatives. This research provides a foundation for the tuning of available compounds to create novel, potent antibacterial agents with fewer side effects.

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a neuroendocrine metabolic disorder characterized by an irregular menstrual cycle. Treatment for PCOS using synthetic drugs is effective. However, PCOS patients are attracted towards natural remedies due to the effective therapeutic outcomes with natural drugs and the limitations of allopathic medicines. In view of the significance of herbal remedies, herein, we discuss the role of different herbs in PCOS. Methods: By referring to the Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Crossref and Hinari databases, a thorough literature search was conducted and data mining was performed pertaining to the effectiveness of herbal remedies against PCOS. Results: In this review, we discuss the significance of herbal remedies in the treatment of PCOS, and the chemical composition, mechanism of action and therapeutic application of selected herbal drugs against PCOS. Conclusions: The present review will be an excellent resource for researchers working on understanding the role of herbal medicine in PCOS.