OpenNanoPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2026.100282
Andang Miatmoko , Dzihni Nahdliyyati , Sherly Maidasari , Tristiana Erawati , Dini Retnowati , Khoo Boon Yin , Margaret Ahmad , Djoko Legowo , Noorma Rosita
{"title":"Transfersomal gel loading of amniotic mesenchymal stem cell metabolite product for diabetic wound healing in alloxan-induced diabetic mice","authors":"Andang Miatmoko , Dzihni Nahdliyyati , Sherly Maidasari , Tristiana Erawati , Dini Retnowati , Khoo Boon Yin , Margaret Ahmad , Djoko Legowo , Noorma Rosita","doi":"10.1016/j.onano.2026.100282","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.onano.2026.100282","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Amniotic mesenchymal stem cell metabolite product (AMSC-MP), a metabolite derived from cell cultures, contains cytokines and growth factors that support skin regeneration, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers. However, because of their large molecular size, AMSC-MPs cannot effectively penetrate the skin’s primary barrier, the stratum corneum. To address this issue, transfersomes have been developed as flexible vesicular carriers capable of delivering active compounds through intercellular gaps. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties of AMSC-MP transfersomes and their wound healing efficacy in a mouse model of diabetes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Transfersomes (Ts), composed of <span>l</span>-alpha phosphatidylcholine and sodium cholate, were prepared in different AMSC-MP concentrations, 5% (T-5) and 25% (T-25), using the thin-film hydration method, and hyaluronic acid (HA) was added.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>The results showed that the addition of HA increased particle size, polydispersity index, and pH, while reducing zeta potential, and maintaining high entrapment efficiency. In vivo wound healing evaluation showed that the T-25 HA gel formulation achieved the highest wound contraction percentage, followed by T-5 HA, THA, Blank gel, free AMSC-MPs (25% and 5%), and transfersomes without HA. Histopathological observations and collagen density analyses confirmed that HA improved healing by enhancing tissue regeneration, epithelialization, and collagen deposition.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In conclusion, the AMSC-MP transfersomal gel, particularly the 25% formulation with HA, demonstrated the most effective wound-healing performance and showed strong potential as a therapeutic strategy for chronic diabetic wounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37785,"journal":{"name":"OpenNano","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 100282"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146038370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Investigation of safety and efficacy of ZnO nanoparticle-loaded alginate-hyaluronic acid hydrogel for wound dressings: In vitro and in vivo studies","authors":"Alaa Abuawad , Areen Alshweiat , Tamara Athamneh , Farah Bani Yaseen , Amin Omar , Hiba Alzoubi , Ali Hmedat , Lujain Aljarrah , Bara’a Magableh , Farah Alzoubi , Yamen Bani Younes , Ahmad Bani Younes","doi":"10.1016/j.onano.2026.100284","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.onano.2026.100284","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The integration of nanotechnology and biomaterials is valuable for the future of wound care. However, concerns regarding the biosafety of the nanoparticles remain unresolved. This study aims to evaluate the activity and safety of the alginate-hyaluronic acid (Alg/HA) hydrogel-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) of three different size ranges (10-30, 35-45, 80-200 nm) and concentrations (5, 10, 20 mg/mL). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) Spectroscopy were used to confirm the successful loading and uniform distribution of ZnO-NPs within the hydrogel matrix. Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC™) assay® against <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> and <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> was used to evaluate antibacterial activity. The ZnO-NPs (10–30 nm, 20 mg/mL) loaded hydrogel and pure hydrogel achieved the highest antibacterial efficacy in planktonic states. However, MTT and scratch assays of ZnO-NPs loaded hydrogels indicated a significant reduction in cell viability and migration. The ZnO-NPs loaded hydrogel reduced cell viability up to 85% compared to 100% in the pure Alg/HA hydrogel. In scratch assay, the pure hydrogel showed 68% wound closure within 24 h compared to 55.77% for control group. The pure Alg/HA demonstrated superior <em>in vitro</em> performance. <em>In vivo</em> study showed promising efficacy of the pure Alg/HA hydrogel, promoting complete epithelial regeneration by day 15 (resulting in 95.68% wound closure), while ZnO-NPs hydrogels delayed healing (63.88% of wound closure). Overall, while ZnO-NPs show notable antibacterial properties, their potential cytotoxicity at higher concentrations limits their suitability for wound healing, which urges the reconsideration of using ZnO-NPs for wound dressing applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37785,"journal":{"name":"OpenNano","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 100284"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146189124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OpenNanoPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2026.100285
David Nugroho , Ponrawee Nakbang , A. Asrinawaty , Syamsun Jaya , Aphinya Thinthasit , Choosak Poonsawat , Rachadaporn Benchawattananon
{"title":"Eco-friendly synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon dots from Cochlospermum regium for efficient photocatalytic removal of pharmaceutical contaminants and antibacterial performance","authors":"David Nugroho , Ponrawee Nakbang , A. Asrinawaty , Syamsun Jaya , Aphinya Thinthasit , Choosak Poonsawat , Rachadaporn Benchawattananon","doi":"10.1016/j.onano.2026.100285","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.onano.2026.100285","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) were successfully synthesized from <em>Cochlospermum regium</em> petals via a facile hydrothermal method using L-phenylalanine as a nitrogen source. The structural, morphological, optical, and electrochemical properties of the prepared materials were systematically characterized using XRD, SEM–EDX, TEM, UV–Vis spectroscopy, XPS, BET, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Compared with undoped carbon dots (CDs), the NCDs exhibited enhanced visible-light absorption, improved charge transfer capability, and a larger surface area, which significantly promoted their photocatalytic performance. Under visible light irradiation, the NCDs achieved 82% degradation of amoxicillin and 68% degradation of ciprofloxacin, outperforming CDs under identical conditions. Optimization studies revealed that catalyst dosage, pollutant concentration, and light intensity strongly influenced degradation efficiency, with maximum degradation reaching 99% for amoxicillin and 82% for ciprofloxacin under optimal conditions (45 W visible light). Reactive species trapping experiments confirmed that superoxide radicals (O₂⁻•) played a dominant role in ciprofloxacin degradation, whereas hydroxyl radicals (•OH) were primarily responsible for amoxicillin decomposition. In addition, NCDs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, good biocompatibility in MTT assays, and moderate antioxidant properties. Photodegradation experiments conducted in real water samples demonstrated stable and consistent removal efficiencies, confirming the robustness of the system. These findings highlight NCDs as a promising green nanomaterial for antibiotic removal and sustainable wastewater treatment under visible-light conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37785,"journal":{"name":"OpenNano","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 100285"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146189123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OpenNanoPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2026.100287
Sevval Kurt, Ilgin Kimiz-Gebologlu, Ozge Cinar, Suphi S. Oncel
{"title":"Natural nanocarriers in oncology: The targeting and delivery capabilities of extracellular vesicles","authors":"Sevval Kurt, Ilgin Kimiz-Gebologlu, Ozge Cinar, Suphi S. Oncel","doi":"10.1016/j.onano.2026.100287","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.onano.2026.100287","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale structures naturally released by cells that mediate intercellular communication by transporting bioactive cargo, including nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. Their natural origin provides high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, enhanced stability in circulation, and evades immune clearance. Moreover, the presence of surface integrins, tetraspanins, and adhesion molecules endows EVs with intrinsic targeting capacity, enabling selective interaction with recipient cells. Beyond their role as biological messengers, accumulating evidence points to the active role of EVs in regulating key physiological and pathological processes, including angiogenesis, tumor invasion, metastasis, immune regulation and inflammatory responses within the tumor microenvironment. These unique properties have positioned EVs as promising natural nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy, especially for improving the bioavailability, stability, and therapeutic index of anticancer agents. Here, this review comprehensively discusses EV biogenesis, isolation and characterization methods, cargo diversity, drug loading strategies, and targeting approaches, with particular emphasis on their application as natural nanocarriers in cancer treatment. Current challenges related to scalability, standardization, and clinical translation are also addressed, highlighting future directions for integrating EV-based systems into next-generation oncological treatments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37785,"journal":{"name":"OpenNano","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 100287"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146189125","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OpenNanoPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2025.100265
Mahmood A. Haiss, Shaimaa N. Abd Alhammid
{"title":"Quality by design of ultra deformable nanovesicles loaded with flunarizine for brain targeting utilizing risk assessment and multivariate analytical methods","authors":"Mahmood A. Haiss, Shaimaa N. Abd Alhammid","doi":"10.1016/j.onano.2025.100265","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.onano.2025.100265","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The swiftly changing technological and regulatory environments in the development of pharmaceutical drugs require risk based approach that integrates multivariate analysis utilizing Quality by Design (QbD). Flunarizine, a poorly water-soluble calcium channel blocker utilized for migraine treatment, exhibits low bioavailability. Spanlastics, contemporary nonionic based surfactant nanovesicles, enhance medication penetration due to their fluidic nature. Consequently, we optimized flunarizine spanlastic nanovesicles (FNZ-SNVs) utilizing formulation by design principles and investigated the viability of nose-to-brain delivery for migraine management. Ishikawa diagram was utilized to identify the risk factors that may affect the critical quality attributes of FNZ-SNVs. The use of Plackett–Burman experimental design was employed to test eight distinct formula and process factors affecting vesicle size, zeta potential, vesicle deformability, and encapsulation efficiency. Utilizing Pareto charts, three critical parameters were identified: type of vesicle builder (Span 60), type of EA (Tween 60), and sonication duration. Three levels of these essential factors were tuned by formulation by design to minimize vesicle size and enhance encapsulation efficiency, and vesicle deformability of FNZ-SNVs. The optimized FNZ-SNVs exhibited a vesicle size of 95.5 nm, an encapsulation efficiency of 86%, a relative deformability of 4.8 minutes, and a dissolving efficiency of 90.2%. Consequently, the optimized formula was integrated into an insitu-gel (IG) and investigated for additional in vivo assessment, which demonstrated that the degree of FNZ-SIG intranasal delivered to the brain was significantly greater than that of the intravenous FNZ solution, exhibiting an exceptionally elevated drug targeting index (DTI) of 1.12 and (DTE%) 112.1. This study illustrates the successful implementation of risk management and Quality by Design (QbD) methodologies in the formulation of brain-targeting release of FNZ-SIGs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37785,"journal":{"name":"OpenNano","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 100265"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145580037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OpenNanoPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2025.100277
Karan Vishwakarma , Preha Handa , Wena Shafeeq Tawfeeq , Mohammed Ahmed Hassan
{"title":"Recent advancements in drug nanocrystals: Innovation in formulation and drug delivery","authors":"Karan Vishwakarma , Preha Handa , Wena Shafeeq Tawfeeq , Mohammed Ahmed Hassan","doi":"10.1016/j.onano.2025.100277","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.onano.2025.100277","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Drug nanocrystals typically range in size smaller than 100 nm and have been used to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of various poorly water-soluble drugs, also enabling controlled release and specific drug delivery. They present several advantages, including high drug loading capacity and rapid dissolution, leading to quick absorption. Recent advances in the manufacturing of nanocrystals have emerged beyond traditional bottom-up and top-down methods. However, they have limitations, such as poor stability and safety concerns, that still need to be further explored. This review not only summarizes nanocrystal production and applications but also critically evaluates translational challenges, regulatory complexities, and emerging tools such as AI-enabled formulation design and personalized nanomedicine. Hence, this review will provide a detailed explanation of the various modifications carried out in the process of manufacturing drug nanocrystals, with their characterization and applications in drug delivery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37785,"journal":{"name":"OpenNano","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 100277"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145938370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OpenNanoPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-08DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2025.100275
Cecep Suhandi , Gofarana Wilar , Ahmed Fouad Abdelwahab Mohammed , Muchtaridi Muchtaridi , Shaharum Shamsuddin , Sabreena Safuan , Ronny Lesmana , Nurhasni Hasan , Khaled M. Elamin , Nasrul Wathoni
{"title":"Hydrogel film-forming spray formulation containing propolis-based nanostructured lipid carriers of α-mangostin for diabetic wound repair","authors":"Cecep Suhandi , Gofarana Wilar , Ahmed Fouad Abdelwahab Mohammed , Muchtaridi Muchtaridi , Shaharum Shamsuddin , Sabreena Safuan , Ronny Lesmana , Nurhasni Hasan , Khaled M. Elamin , Nasrul Wathoni","doi":"10.1016/j.onano.2025.100275","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.onano.2025.100275","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Diabetic wounds are difficult to treat due to persistent inflammation, delayed tissue repair, and high susceptibility to infection. α-Mangostin (αM), a xanthone with strong anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, shows improved solubility and therapeutic performance when encapsulated in propolis-based nanostructured lipid carriers (Nanopropolis-αM). Incorporating these nanoparticles into a hydrogel film-forming spray (HFFS) offers uniform application and sustained delivery. This study aimed to formulate, characterize, and evaluate an αM-loaded propolis-based NLC HFFS (HFFS-Nanopropolis-αM). The spray was prepared using chitosan, Carbopol 940, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Physicochemical evaluations included pH, viscosity, spray angle, weight uniformity, particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. The optimized formulation also underwent TEM imaging, in vitro release testing, cytocompatibility assessment using the WST-8 assay in NIH-3T3 cells, and 14-day in vivo wound-healing studies in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The optimal HFFS containing 0.1 % Carbopol 940 exhibited suitable pH (7.30 ± 0.01), viscosity (19.97 ± 2.12 mPa.s), spray angle (62.02 ± 3.83°), film formation time (113.000 ± 11.372 s), particle size (85.17 ± 2.55 nm), zeta potential (−13.90 ± 2.18 mV), and entrapment efficiency (91.31 ± 0.58 %). It showed good 28-day stability and followed Higuchi release kinetics (R² = 0.998). Cytocompatibility was acceptable at experimentally testable concentrations, and the viability value at the intended dose reflects a modeled estimate due to assay dilution limits. In vivo, HFFS-Nanopropolis-αM significantly accelerated wound closure (99.53 ± 1.04 %) compared with silver sulfadiazine (89.24 ± 3.04 %, <em>p</em> < 0.01), supported by improved histological regeneration. Overall, the formulation demonstrates strong promise for diabetic wound management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37785,"journal":{"name":"OpenNano","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 100275"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OpenNanoPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2025.100272
Manu Sharma, Namita Badoniya
{"title":"Dual mechanistic approach utilizing pH- and time- responsive bromelain laden polymeric nanoparticles for colon cancer management","authors":"Manu Sharma, Namita Badoniya","doi":"10.1016/j.onano.2025.100272","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.onano.2025.100272","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Emerging evidences confirming bromelain’s potential to induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor progression highlights its prospective as adjunctive therapeutic in colorectal cancer malignancies. Despite, high oral doses coupled with poor bioavailability remarkably limits bromelain’s clinical utility, underscoring the necessity of use of innovative delivery strategies. Therefore, the current invention was designed to develop dual pH- and time-responsive bromelain-loaded nanoformulation (Br-PNPs) for controlled and precise delivery to colon with high drug loading capacity and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. pH responsive spherical shaped mucoadhesive nanosized (89.02±6.23 nm) Br-PNPs underscores their potential of minimizing gastric exposure while swelling and mucoadhesivity assured sustained release in colon. Lower IC<sub>50</sub> (16.25µg/ml) along with enhanced colon drug concentration attained by Br-PNPs assured their effective colon targeting potential. Br-PNPs significantly reduced disease activity index, tumor burden, aberrant crypt foci and hyperplastic lesions in colon alongside oxidative stress and immunological biomarkers in chemically induced colon cancer model (DMH+DSS) in Wistar rat. The preclinical findings suggested that Br-PNPs have opened up new horizons for establishment of promising contender for colon cancer management in near future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37785,"journal":{"name":"OpenNano","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 100272"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OpenNanoPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-28DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2025.100274
Oktavina Kartika Putri , Dewi Wulansari , Arif Fadlan , Mardi Santoso , Hesti Lina Wiraswati , Yuly Kusumawati
{"title":"Diosgenin-functionalized zinc oxide nanoparticles produced using Hibiscus tiliaceus leaf extract: evaluation of anticancer and antibacterial activities","authors":"Oktavina Kartika Putri , Dewi Wulansari , Arif Fadlan , Mardi Santoso , Hesti Lina Wiraswati , Yuly Kusumawati","doi":"10.1016/j.onano.2025.100274","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.onano.2025.100274","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Diosgenin is a potentially safer treatment for breast cancer. ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO<img>NPs) can overcome their limited water solubility. This study was undertaken to prepare and characterize ZnO<img>NPs and ZnO<img>NP@dios (ZnO<img>NPs loaded with diosgenin), to examine their cytotoxicity against MCF-7 (breast cancer cells), and to test their antimicrobial activity against <em>Escherichia coli</em> and <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>. The research began with the phyto-production of ZnO<img>NPs using <em>Hibiscus tiliaceus</em> leaf extract media, followed by the preparation of ZnO<img>NP@dios. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) were performed for the characterization of the nanoparticles. The cytotoxic response induced by ZnO<img>NPs and ZnO<img>NP@dios was analyzed using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-diazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. The agar well diffusion method was utilized to assess antibacterial activity. The ZnO<img>NPs were highly pure and revealed hexagonal and rod-shaped appearances, with nanoscale sizes (45–125 nm). FTIR analysis confirmed the successful preparation of ZnO<img>NP@dios, as evidenced by the distinct absorption band at 1570 cm⁻¹, while TEM images revealed a thin coating layer surrounding the ZnO<img>NPs. Cytotoxicity assays against MCF-7 cells showed dose-dependent inhibition, with diosgenin-functionalized composites demonstrating greater potency. ZnO<img>NPs<sub>MA</sub>@dios (ZnO<img>NPs derived from <em>H. tiliaceus</em> methanol extract, with zinc acetate precursor and loaded with diosgenin) exhibited the most substantial effect (reducing its IC₅₀ from 48.2 to 37.2 µg/mL). Similarly, diosgenin loading improved the activity of ZnO<img>NPs<sub>1:1</sub> <sub>N</sub> (ZnO<img>NPs derived from <em>H. tiliaceus</em> water:ethanol 1:1 (v/v) extract, zinc nitrate precursor), reducing its IC₅₀ from 98.8 to 46.7 µg/mL. The inhibition zones against <em>E. coli</em> were 13, 14, 16, 14, 12, and 11 mm for ZnO<img>NPs<sub>MA</sub> (ZnO<img>NPs derived from <em>H. tiliaceus</em> methanol extract, zinc acetate precursor), ZnO<img>NP<sub>MA</sub>@dios, ZnO<img>NPs<sub>1:1</sub> <sub>N</sub>, ZnO<img>NP<sub>1:1N</sub>@dios (ZnO<img>NPs derived from <em>H. tiliaceus</em> water: ethanol of 1:1 (v/v) extract, zinc nitrate precursor and loaded with diosgenin), ZnO<sub>com</sub> (commercial ZnO), and ZnO<sub>com</sub>@dios (commercial ZnO loaded with diosgenin), respectively. In the case of <em>S. aureus</em>, no inhibition zone was observed. These findings highlight that diosgenin-functionalized ZnO<img>NPs can enhance anticancer efficacy. All types of ZnO<img>NPs and ZnO<img>NP@dios have potential as antibacterial agents against <em>E. coli,</em> but were ineffective against <em>S. aureus</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37785,"journal":{"name":"OpenNano","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 100274"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
OpenNanoPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-20DOI: 10.1016/j.onano.2025.100270
Salam Shanta Taher, Khalid K. Al-Kinani
{"title":"Formulation and characterization of dolutegravir sodium-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier in situ gel for targeted brain delivery via intranasal route","authors":"Salam Shanta Taher, Khalid K. Al-Kinani","doi":"10.1016/j.onano.2025.100270","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.onano.2025.100270","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Effective delivery of antiretroviral drugs to the brain is a major hurdle in treating central nervous system (CNS) HIV infections. This study developed an intranasal in situ gel containing dolutegravir sodium-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (DTGs-NLCs) for targeted nose-to-brain delivery. DTGs-NLCs were prepared using a modified melt emulsification-ultrasonication method, yielding nanocarriers with a size of 80.8 ± 10.4 nm, zeta potential of –13±1.4 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 80.7 ± 0.48 %. These NLCs were incorporated into a thermosensitive in situ gel matrix composed of poloxamer 407 and carbopol 934P. The in vitro drug release from the gel was significantly enhanced compared to the free drug (<em>p</em> < 0.05). Rheological studies confirmed the formulation’s non-Newtonian behavior, good spreadability (5.9 ± 0.13 cm), and strong mucoadhesiveness (1116.86 ± 20 dyne/cm²). Safety evaluations demonstrated excellent hemocompatibility and biocompatibility. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that intranasal administration achieved higher brain concentrations (C<sub>max</sub>: 35.4 ± 3.6 µg/g; AUC₀–₄₈: 193.22±14.66 µg·h/g) and faster absorption (T<sub>max</sub>: 1 h) than intravenous delivery. These results indicate that the DTGs-NLC in situ gel offers a safe, non-invasive, and efficient approach for enhanced brain targeting, showing great promise for treating CNS complications of HIV, including neuroAIDS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37785,"journal":{"name":"OpenNano","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 100270"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145624891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}