Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology - Volume 13, Issue 5, 2025

The assessment of the hard and soft tissue conditions is part of the overall dental treatments.

In this study, we investigated nano curcumin-containing membranes to improve the quality of the hard and soft tissues in the extracted tooth area as a clinical trial study.

After the patient was selected following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the patients who had teeth extracted from both sides of the mouth (split mouth) on the side of the intervention received a membrane containing nanocurcumin, and on the control side, no material was placed in the socket. For data analysis, SPSS software version 24 was used. A significance threshold was deemed to be less than 0.05 in terms of probability.

Two months after tooth extraction, during implant placement, the average gingival thickness on the “intervention side,” was 3.1±0.34 mm, while the average gingival thickness on the “control side” was 2.6±0.42 mm. Then, the membrane could improve the quality of soft tissue (P< 0.0001). As another outcome, the application of this membrane did not significantly affect bone repair in these patients compared to the control group (P = 0.72). However, the histology data revealed that the newly generated bone of the intervention group was seen close to the membrane, demonstrating the osteoconductive ability of the membrane.

Based on the obtained results, the newly developed membrane can be used to improve the quality of hard and soft tissues in the extracted tooth area. Nonetheless , more efforts in nanocurcumin dosage adjustment are needed for hard tissue regeneration in future studies.

IRCT20200919048756N5.

Increased intake of drugs worldwide and the subsequent advent of resistance to existing antibiotics have globally threatened health organizations. To combat the problem of these drug-resistant infections, as an alternative approach, graphene (GN)-related nanomaterials have attracted significant interest because of their effective anti-microbial potential. The present study shows the synthesis and characterization of nanocomposite of GN with carbon nitride viz. g-C3N4, g-C3N4-Cu, and GN@g-C3N4-Cu. Further, we investigated the anti-microbial potential of these nanocomposites against strains of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, viz., a multidrug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPA), a methicillin-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC33593 (MRSA), and an azole-sensitive fungal strain (Candida albicans ATCC14053).

The morphological characterization of GN@g-C3N4-Cu nanocomposite was executed by scanning electron microscopy, whereas the elemental analysis and their distribution were studied by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and elemental mapping methods. Furthermore, the anti-microbial and antibiofilm efficacies of g-C3N4, g-C3N4-Cu, and GN@g-C3N4-Cu nanocomposites were evaluated by disc diffusion, two-fold serial micro broth dilution, and 96 well microtiter plate methods.

The ternary g-C3N4-Cu@GN, apart from the structures of g-C3N4-Cu, showed big sheets of GN. The observance of C, N, O, and Cu in the elemental analysis, as well as their uniform distribution in the mapping, indicated the successful fabrication of g-C3N4-Cu@GN. GN@g-C3N4-Cu followed by g-C3N4-Cu and (g-C3N4) exhibited significantly higher antimicrobial activity (zone of inhibition from 14.33 to 49.33 mm) against both the drug-resistant bacterial strains and azole-sensitive C. albicans. MICs of nanocomposites ranged from 32 -256 µg/ml against the tested strains. Whereas all three nanocomposites at sub-MICs (0.25 A- and 0.5 A- MICs) showed concentration-dependent inhibition of biofilm formation in MDRPA, MRSA, and C. albicans by allowing 11.35% to 32.59% biofilm formation.

Our study highlights the enhanced efficiency of GN@g-C3N4-Cu nanocomposites as potential anti-microbial and antibiofilm agents to overcome the challenges of multi-drug-resistant bacteria and azole-sensitive fungi. Such kind of nanocomposites could be used to prevent nosocomial infections if coated on medical devices and food manufacturing instruments.

Since wounds are a primary source of infection, it is desirable to have a wound dressing that prevents infectious processes during the tissue regeneration phase. In this regard, silver nanoparticles, oregano essential oil, and chitosan have been utilized due to their antimicrobial activity. This work focused on the preparation of a composite containing these three components, intended to provide protection for wounds, especially by exerting antimicrobial effects.

A composite based on chitosan nanoparticles loaded with oregano essential oil (OEO) and silver nanoparticles was fabricated through the casting-solvent evaporation method. The films were prepared from a suspension of chitosan nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized by size and entrapment efficiency. The surface of the films was observed by SEM, and the mechanical resistance, occlusive capacity, and antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa were evaluated. The release of OEO from the films was studied using Franz-type cells.

A composite was successfully prepared from a dispersion of OEO-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (147.8 nm, PDI = 0.35; entrapment efficiency = 80.9%; loading capacity = 38%) and silver nanoparticles (19.6 nm, PDI = 0.4). A film could be formed that made the composite by pouring the chitosan nanoparticle dispersion directly into molds. The composite presented advantageous characteristics, such as being semi-occlusive (occlusion factor ~ 40% and reduction in TEWL of 18%), allowing the sustained release of OEO (about 0.2 mgcm^-2h^-1 during 8 h), and having antimicrobial activity for the three strains evaluated.

The prepared composite can be considered a potential candidate for dressing materials intended to prevent and treat wound infections.

Nanotechnology is considered as one of the fastest-developing areas in the biomedicine field. Hence, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Syzygium cumini seed extract was carried out in this study.

The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR (Fourier transform infrared), FE-SEM (Field Emission scanning electron microscope), AFM (Atomic Force Microscope), XRD (X-ray diffraction), and EDX (Energy dispersive X-Ray). Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity were evaluated by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), PM (Phosphomolybdenum) assay, and albumin denaturation assay. Further, the antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles was studied against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using the agar well diffusion method. In addition, the antidiabetic activity of nanoparticles was studied by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays.

The surface plasmon resonance at 430 nm confirmed the formation of silver nanoparticles. They were stable and spherical in shape, with sizes ranging from 30 to 90 nm. The DPPH inhibition % of silver nanoparticles varied from 7.91±0.39% to 68.35±0.76%. The % inhibition of albumin denaturation was comparable to the diclofenac. Further, the results of antibacterial activity revealed that the zone of inhibition for all the test bacteria varied from 14.33±0.58 to 25.33±0.58 mm, where B. cereus was more susceptible. In addition, the % inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase varied from 19.91±0.15% to 61.43±0.31% and 15.26±0.11% to 55.38±0.20%, respectively.

This study is the first attempt of utilizing the silver nanoparticles synthesized from S. cumini seed extract for antidiabetic activity. The study suggests that these nanoparticles could be well utilized in pharmaceutical industries as an efficient antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antidiabetic drug.

The necessity for extended drug discharge to alleviate pain without adverse effects underscores the importance of innovative drug delivery systems. Achieving sustained pain relief without compromising patient safety is a critical objective in healthcare. By extending the duration of drug action while suppressing side effects, such systems offer enhanced therapeutic outcomes and improved patient quality of life.

This study endeavors to develop and appraise an innovative implantable drug delivery system by integrating NSAID-loaded gelatin microcapsules into a gelatin scaffold designed to augment drug delivery efficiency and sustain drug release.

Piroxicam-loaded microcapsules with a 1:1 ratio of poly lactic acid and poly lacto glycolic acid showed smaller particle size, good yield, entrapment efficiency, and discharge. They were selected to make gelatin scaffolds with Box Behnken Design using Design Expert software for optimization. The better scaffolds were made in the form of rod-shaped sub-dermal implants. The primary focus of the investigation was the evaluation of critical parameters, specifically entrapment efficiency and drug discharge properties as dependent variables.

Microcapsules with a 1:1 ratio of PLA and PLGA showed smaller particle sizes, good yield, entrapment efficiency, and discharge. Notably, the Design Expert-driven optimization yields highly favorable results. Furthermore, the scaffolds loaded with microcapsules exhibited favorable physicochemical assets, including drug discharge, for an extended period, underscoring their versatility for drug delivery.

By employing Design Expert software for optimization, the study demonstrates promising results, particularly in sustained pain management for arthritis, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes and patient quality of life. The study concludes that the prepared implants (holding scaffolds impregnated with piroxicam-loaded microcapsules) can be promising for relieving arthritis all day.

HER2-positive breast cancer is an aggressive subtype characterized by the overexpression of the HER2 receptor, a transmembrane glycoprotein critical for tumor progression. Current therapies often face challenges like drug resistance and systemic toxicity, necessitating the development of advanced drug delivery systems.

This study aimed to fabricate and determine the cytotoxicity of pH-sensitive PLA nanoparticles dual-loaded with docetaxel and each of the small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (STKIs) (tucatinib, neratinib, lapatinib) in HER2-positive breast cancer cells.

Nanoparticles were synthesized by a dispersion polymerization method using an acid-labile crosslinking agent, PEG and lactide macromonomers. They were characterized for structure (TEM), surface morphology (SEM), particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and drug loading capacity. Cytotoxicity was assessed in vitro on SKBR3 and MCF7 breast cancer cell lines, with IC50 values compared across formulations.

The nanoparticles were spherical with nanoscale sizes and negative zeta potential values. In vitro studies demonstrated enhanced antiproliferative effects of the drug-loaded nanoparticles, with synergistic activity observed between docetaxel and the STKIs. The drug concentrations were halved in combination formulations and resulted in better cytotoxicity compared to single-drug treatments, particularly against SKBR3 cells. The IC50 values were lower in SKBR3 cells than in MCF7 cells, highlighting the role of HER2 expression in the activity of TKIs.

The pH-sensitive PLA nanoparticles effectively co-delivered docetaxel and STKIs and demonstrated enhanced efficacy and reduced drug dosages in HER2-positive breast cancer models. This study provides a foundation for further exploration of nanoparticle-based combination therapies with potential applications in treating other aggressive cancer types.

Different variables have been used for the preparation of elastic nanovesicles. In this work, the ethanol injection method has been used to prepare flunarizine spanlastic nanovesicles and study the potential of these variables on vesicle size, encapsulation efficiency, and vesicle elasticity.

The objective of this study was to encapsulate flunarizine dihydrochloride (FHC), a medication with low solubility in water, within nano-elastic vesicles made from Span 60. These vesicles, known as nano-spanlastics, were developed to provide non-invasive trans-nasal delivery and offer a potential therapeutic option for migraines. The ideal formula for flunarizine spanlastic nanovesicles should have the lowest possible particle size and PdI, highest possible zeta potential, vesicle elasticity, drug entrapment, and dissolving efficiency.

An experimental design was followed during the preparation of flunarizine-loaded nanospanlastics utilizing the ethanol injection method and a number of edge activators (EAs). To investigate how the independent parameters affected the features of elastic vesicles and choose the best formula, Design-Expert^®, software was used. The screening of 18 formulation and process aspects affecting vesicle size, polydispersity index, deformability index, zeta potential, drug entrapment, and in-vitro release was made easier by the experimental design.

The selected Flunarizine spanlastic nanovesicles exhibited a vesicle size of 135 ± 2.81 nm, PdI 0.2462 ± 0.01, ZP -28 ± 0.92 mV, relative deformability of 13.96 ± 0.76 g, EE% of 78.37 ± 1.42, and dissolution efficiency of about 90%.

The successful preparation of Flunarizine-loaded spanlastic nanovesicles using ethanol injection method significantly improved the drug's solubility. Flunarizine spanlastic formulations made up of Span 60 and EAs (Tween 40 and SDC) were prepared using various weight ratios of Span 60: EA. The study presented a viable and successful method for nasal delivery of the medication for migraine treatment.