Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ahlam Zaid Alkilani, Rania Hamed, Hajer Abdo, Lubna Swellmeen, Haneen A. Basheer, Walaa Wahdan, Amani D. Abu Kwiak
Summary: This study investigates the use of niosomes, a type of nanocarrier, to enhance the transdermal permeability of azithromycin, a BCS class III drug. The results show that niosomal gel can significantly improve the drug release rate compared to conventional gel formulations. These findings suggest that niosomal gel could be a promising alternative route of administration for azithromycin.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kristyna Dvorakova, Petr Stepanek, Jirina Kroupova, Jarmila Zbytovska
Summary: Transdermal drug delivery is a non-invasive method with advantages over conventional routes of administration. However, the skin barrier needs to be modulated with enhancers, and currently there is a lack of enhancers with low toxicity and reversible effects. A study found that a series of new N-alkylmorpholines showed enhanced transdermal and dermal delivery, with the most effective derivatives having 10-14 carbons. The enhancers interacted predominantly with stratum corneum lipids.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Beibei Lu, Tianqi Liu, Hao Wang, Chengyu Wu, Hanjun Chen, Zhe Liu, Jiaheng Zhang
Summary: Transdermal drug delivery system has several advantages, and ionic liquids play an important role in transdermal drug delivery.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xuepeng Lv, Zhenghong Wu, Xiaole Qi
Summary: The study introduced xanthan gum into a vitamin C-containing flexible liposome suspension, resulting in a lotion (Vc-LX) with improved storage stability. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that Vc-LX has enhanced skin penetration and deposition efficiency compared to conventional formulations, showing superior skin whitening activity and good biosafety.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rafaela Said dos Santos, Jessica Bassi da Silva, Camila Felix Vecchi, Katieli da Silva Souza Campanholi, Helen Cassia Rosseto, Mariana Carla de Oliveira, Francielle Pelegrin Garcia, Rodolfo Bento Balbinot, Lidiane Vizioli de Castro Hoshino, Tania Ueda Nakamura, Celso Vataru Nakamura, Mauro Luciano Baesso, Wilker Caetano, Marcos Luciano Bruschi
Summary: The environment has the ability to modify the physiology and protective function of the skin. Combining propolis and curcumin with photodynamic therapy can provide important antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Emulgels, which control drug release, can serve as an effective platform for delivering propolis and curcumin together. This study investigated the effects of different emulgels on stability, antioxidant activity, drug release, antimicrobial activity, and skin permeation and retention of propolis and curcumin. The formulations containing C974P or PC exhibited improved stability, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and modified drug release, making them good candidates for further research on their benefits to skin health.
PHARMACEUTICAL DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mahipal Reddy Donthi, Ranendra Narayan Saha, Gautam Singhvi, Sunil Kumar Dubey
Summary: The study aimed to develop a topical emulgel of dasatinib (DTB) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment to reduce systemic side effects. The emulgel was optimized using the quality by design (QbD) approach and exhibited sustained release profile. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of the optimized emulgel formulation. The designed preparation has the potential to be an alternative treatment for RA.
Article
Biophysics
Mohammed Elmowafy
Summary: The use of nanocarriers in pharmaceutical drug delivery has presented challenges for researchers despite their considerable advantages. This study focuses on the potential of nanocarriers for delivering drugs to the skin, discussing factors influencing skin penetration and highlighting promising constituents to optimize formulations. By addressing these obstacles and optimizing formulations, researchers aim to overcome major challenges in topically applied drug formulations.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Patrycja Szumala, Adam Macierzanka
Summary: This review focuses on recent advancements in topical microemulsion systems related to the transport of active ingredients into the skin, including those with high molecular weight and high polarity. Permeation of therapeutic macromolecules can be increased by the correct design of the microemulsion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xingang Liu, Yukun Duan, Dehong Hu, Min Wu, Chengjian Chen, Pramila Baban Ghode, Gayathiri Magarajah, Nitish Thakor, Xin Liu, Chengbo Liu, Zonghai Sheng, Hairong Zheng, Bin Liu
Summary: The study developed a lipid-decorated molecular photoacoustic contrast agent TFML, which effectively labeled live neutrophils for targeted brain tumor imaging in mice glioblastoma multiforme detection. This approach presents a promising prospect for neutrophil-based nanotherapeutics research.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
S. Escobar, A. Valois, M. Nielsen, B. Closs, D. Kerob
Summary: The combination of anti-aging ingredients in ampoules, including natural vitamin C and biopeptides, showed significant results in improving facial wrinkles and radiance, with faster cell turnover and decreased number of wrinkles after application.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiun-Wen Guo, Shiou-Hwa Jee
Summary: The treatment of inflammatory skin diseases poses challenges, with topical therapy being the first line of management. The key to success lies in the effectiveness and adaptability of the pharmaceutical formulation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Ariane Dimitrov, Martine Zanini, Helene Zucchi, Samia Boudah, Joaquim Lima, Jeremie Soeur, Laurent Marrot
Summary: The study suggests that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons found in ultrafine particles may have a negative impact on skin health, affecting the survival and structure of epidermal cells. Additionally, the use of vitamin C provides significant protection against these harmful effects.
EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wanessa S. C. Quintao, Amandda E. Silva-Carvalho, Leandro A. Hilgert, Tais Gratieri, Marcilio Cunha-Filho, Felipe Saldanha-Araujo, Guilherme M. Gelfuso
Summary: This study aims to develop a chitosan-based film for the transdermal delivery of naringenin, a bioflavonoid with anti-inflammatory activity, for long-term treatment of inflammatory conditions. The study found that naringenin has anti-inflammatory effects and can inhibit T-cell proliferation. A chitosan film was successfully developed, which can continuously release naringenin across the skin over 72 hours.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kalvatala Sudhakar, Vijay Mishra, Sanjay Jain, Narayana Charyulu Rompicherla, Neelesh Malviya, Murtaza M. Tambuwala
Summary: This study prepared vesicular carriers such as ethosomes and transethosomes by the thin-film hydration method and evaluated their performance in non-invasive transdermal drug delivery. The results showed that these carriers exhibited smaller size, improved deformity, changed skin phase for better penetration, and sustained release of drugs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Deepak Kulkarni, Fouad Damiri, Satish Rojekar, Mehrukh Zehravi, Sarker Ramproshad, Dipali Dhoke, Shubham Musale, Ashiya A. Mulani, Pranav Modak, Roshani Paradhi, Jyotsna Vitore, Md Habibur Rahman, Mohammed Berrada, Prabhanjan S. Giram, Simona Cavalu
Summary: Microneedle (MNs) technology is a recent advancement in biomedical science that has gained popularity worldwide due to its multifaceted and broad-spectrum applications in drug delivery. The limitations of conventional drug delivery, such as poor absorption and bioavailability, can be overcome by MN-based drug delivery. Nanotechnology has played a significant role in the fabrication techniques and design of microneedles.
Article
Spectroscopy
Jorge L. G. F. S. Costa Pereira, Alberto A. C. C. Pais, Julio Cesar R. Azevedo, Heloise G. Knapik
Summary: Fluorescence EEM spectra serve as a fingerprint for assessing water contamination and quality, with rich information that requires resolving mixed signals and identifying contamination types. The study demonstrates the capabilities of algorithms such as SVD in processing information in raw EEM datasets.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elodie Melro, Filipe E. Antunes, Artur J. M. Valente, Hugo Duarte, Anabela Romano, Bruno Medronho
Summary: In this study, nanocellulose-based montmorillonite gemstone was prepared and characterized. It exhibited high nanocellulose content, good dispersion and stability in water, as well as excellent optical properties and a large specific surface area, which make it a promising material for various applications.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rafael T. Aroso, Giusi Piccirillo, Lucas D. Dias, Sara M. A. Pinto, Luis G. Arnaut, Mariette M. Pereira
Summary: The combination of photodynamic therapy with antibiotics or antimicrobial peptides for bacteria inactivation has shown a synergistic effect. Tetrapyrrolic macrocycles have been found to be the most promising photosensitizers. While there are review articles on the microbiological results of this dual inactivation, none of them focus on the synthetic processes and chemical versatility of these photosensitizers. Therefore, this review presents an overview on synthetic methodologies of tetrapyrrolic macrocycles and their conjugates with antibiotics or antimicrobial peptides, for use in dual bacteria inactivation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandra R. Freitas, Antonio J. Ribeiro, Alessandra B. Ribeiro, Maria Del Mar Collado-Gonzalez, Luis R. Silva, Luis Alves, Elodie Melro, Filipe E. Antunes, Francisco Veiga, Alan I. S. Morais, Roosevelt D. S. Bezerra, Jose L. Soares-Sobrinho, Josy A. Osajima, Edson C. Silva-Filho
Summary: The present work aimed to modify the exuded gum of Sterculia striata tree through an amination reaction. The viscosity and zero potential of the chicha gum varied with pH. The modification was confirmed by various analytical techniques, and the modified gum showed increased mucoadhesive and inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, as well as antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effect against alpha-glucosidase.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elodie Melro, Alexander Riddell, Diana Bernin, Ana M. Rosa da Costa, Artur J. M. Valente, Filipe E. E. Antunes, Anabela Romano, Magnus Norgren, Bruno Medronho
Summary: Levulinic acid was used as a green solvent to selectively extract high-quality lignin from pine wood sawdust. The addition of catalytic concentrations of inorganic acids significantly reduced the extraction temperature and time without compromising the purity of the lignin. This environmentally friendly procedure shows promise in replacing traditional less sustainable methodologies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amilcar Duque-Prata, Tiago B. Pinto, Carlos Serpa, Pedro J. S. B. Caridade
Summary: The performance of different functionals and basis sets in calculating the redox potentials of small organic compounds in acetonitrile has been evaluated. It was found that the redox potentials should be analyzed separately rather than jointly. The M06-2X functional showed a more consistent and uniform response in both reductions and oxidations.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Otavio A. Chaves, Rui J. S. Loureiro, Andreia Costa-Tuna, Zaida L. Almeida, Joao Pina, Rui M. M. Brito, Carlos Serpa
Summary: Food processing and storage reduce natural food color, leading to the use of synthetic dyes. However, these dyes may have health risks, as they interact with human serum albumin (HSA). This study investigated the interaction between HSA and two synthetic dyes, revealing that they can affect the structure of HSA and potentially impact the pharmacokinetics of certain drugs.
ACS FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tiago B. B. Pinto, Sara M. A. Pinto, Ana P. P. Piedade, Carlos Serpa
Summary: This study involves the production and characterization of materials that can generate a photoacoustic wave suitable for improved sensing or imaging. The influence of the thickness of the titanium dioxide layer and the duration of the laser pulse on the generation of photoacoustic waves is studied. By combining short laser pulses and ultrathin absorbing layers, a wide bandwidth of approximately 170 MHz is achieved.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luis G. Arnaut, Mariette M. Pereira
Summary: This article offers a personal account of the discovery and development of a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy of cancer. It focuses on the chemical aspects of drug discovery and development, including the chemical landscape at the time of discovery, the breakthrough offered by stable bacteriochlorins, challenges in synthesizing high purity products for preclinical studies, the relationship between molecular structure and pharmacology in PDT, and the interpretation of preclinical data and management of unexpected results. Special attention is given to the implications of atropisomerism and immune responses in PDT.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maria Ines P. Mendes, Carlos D. F. Coelho, Fabio A. Schaberle, Maria Joao Moreno, Mario J. F. Calvete, Luis G. Arnaut
Summary: The explosive vaporization of nanodroplets triggered by laser pulses can generate large volume changes and intense photoacoustic waves. Nanodroplets have the potential to be used as contrast agents in photoacoustic tomography, and their performance can be improved with proper design.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Amilcar Duque-Prata, Carlos Serpa, Pedro J. S. B. Caridade
Summary: A user-friendly (time-dependent) density functional theory based algorithm is proposed for designing donor-spacer-acceptor systems for electron transfer reactions. The algorithm can calculate oxidation and reduction potentials, excited-state energy difference, and other structural properties needed for determining electron transfer Gibbs free energy change. Through testing and application, this algorithm can assist synthetic physical-chemists in evaluating the properties of theoretical systems before synthesis and studying various combinations of donor-spacer-acceptor arrangements.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Acoustics
Carlos Serpa, Diogo A. Pereira, Tiago Pinto, Alexandre D. Silva, Luis G. Arnaut
Summary: In this study, it was demonstrated that the interaction between short laser pulses and tailor-made nanostructured materials can generate broadband high-frequency ultrasound. The potential applications of this technology include non-destructive ultrasound interaction with biological membranes and non-invasive material inspection.
PHOTONS PLUS ULTRASOUND: IMAGING AND SENSING 2022
(2022)