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Due to rapid urbanization, there have been continuous environmental threats from different pollutants, especially from microplastics. Plastic products rapidly proliferate significantly contributing to the occurrence of micro-plastics, which poses a significant environmental risk. These microplastics originated from diverse sources and are characterized by their persistent and widespread occurrence; human health and the entire ecosystem are adversely affected by them. The removal of microplastics not only requires innovative technologies but also efficient materials capable of effectively eliminating them from our environment. The progress made so far has highlighted the advantages of utilizing the dimensional and structural properties of nanomaterials to increase the effectiveness of existing methods for micro-plastic treatment, aiming for a more sustainable approach to their removal. In the current review, we demonstrate a thorough overview of the sources, occurrences, and potential harmful effects of microplastics, followed by a further discussion of promising technologies used for their removal. An in-depth examination of both advantages and a few limitations of all these given technologies, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches, has been discussed. Additionally, the review explores the use of nanomaterials as an effective means to overcome obstacles and improve the efficiency of microplastic elimination methods. n conclusion, this review addresses, current challenges in this field and outlines the future perspectives for further research in this domain., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Fulvic acid, a humic substance often considered as a geopolymer, extracted from different natural resources like Shilajit, Peat, dissolved organic matters, etc. There are several reports of its pharmacological properties and its potential as pharmaceutical excipients. So, we have devised a project to strengthen its claim as a functional excipient. For the given project, lyophilized sample of a dietary supplement product (an aqueous solution of peat derived Fulvic acid) was used. The selected studies were typical for an excipient development like physicochemical properties, flow properties, compatibility with other excipient and stability studies, non-clinical safety studies (acute toxicity in mice whereas sub-acute toxicity in rats) and some functionality tests. We also suggest its ability to form co-crystal with natural phytochemicals. Our group has already reported its ability to enhance solubility and or bioavailability of different BCS class II drugs. Henceforth, we can propose that Fulvic acid appears a good candidate to be further explored as a functional excipient and should be evaluated as per the remaining recommendations of IPEC, USFDA, and USP., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Lignin nanoparticles synthesis is among recent developments in lignin valorization especially for biomedical applications. In this study, a new technique where complete self-assembling of lignin was ensured by simultaneous solvent displacement and flash pH change was used to optimize particle size of blank lignin nanoparticles (BLNPs) for suitability in cell uptake along with maximized yield. To establish BLNPs as drug carrier, safety studies including hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity and elaborate genotoxicity studies on Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism were done. Finally, irinotecan loaded lignin nanoparticles (DLNPs) were synthesized to establish their drug carrying potential and thorough in vitro characterization was performed. BLNPs with controllable size (⁓152 nm), low polydispersity (<0.2), maximized yield (>65%), negative surface charge (-22 to -23 mV), spherical shape and smooth surface were obtained with acceptable %hemolysis (<2%). In vitro cytotoxicity studies revealed that BLNPs were significantly toxic (74.38 ± 4.74%) in human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), slightly toxic (38.8 ± 4.70%) in human alveolar epithelial adenocarcinoma (A-549) and insignificantly toxic (15.89 ± 2.84%) to human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells. BLNPs showed concentration dependent early neuronal defects in Drosophila, but nuclei fragmentation and gut cell damage were absent. Sustained release DLNPs with high drug loading reduced the IC 50 value of irinotecan by almost 3 folds., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors associated with this manuscript have observed no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Amikacin (A), a water soluble aminoglycoside antibiotic is commercially available for intravenous administration only. Present investigation is aimed at the development of poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (A-NPs). 1 for oral permeability enhancement of amikacin. The pharmaceutical attributes of the A-NPs revealed particle size, 260.3 ± 2.05 nm, zeta potential, -12.9 ± 1.12 mV and drug content, 40.10 ± 1.87 μg/mg with spherical shape and smooth surface. In vitro antibacterial studies showed that the A-NPs were active against P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae and E. coli. The permeation study across rat ileum showed 2.6-fold improvement in P app for A-NPs than A-S 2 This increase in permeability is due to the uptake of nanoparticles by Peyer's patches of intestinal epithelium and endocytic uptake via enterocytes. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated 2.2-fold higher uptake of Rh B-NPs 3 than Rh B-S 4 and elucidated the dominance of enterocytes mediated endocytosis of nanoparticles. Furthermore, stability data collected as per ICH guidelines for three months under accelerated conditions had shown that the A-NPs were stable. The purported drug delivery system hence, seems a promising tool to replace successfully the current intravenous therapy and is used to support relevant patient compliance thereby, adding value to the "patient care at home"., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

In the present study, various nanoemulsions were prepared using Labrafac PG+Triacetin as oil, Tween 80 as a surfactant and polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) as a co-surfactant. The developed nanoemulsions (NE1-NE5) were evaluated for physicochemical characterizations and ex-vivo for skin permeation and deposition studies. The highest skin deposition was observed for NE2 with 46.07% deposition amongst all developed nanoemulsions (NE1-NE5). Optimized nanoemulsion (NE2) had vesicle size of 84.032±0.023nm, viscosity 78.23±22.2 cps, refractive index 1.404. Nanoemulsion gel were developed by incorporation of optimized nanoemulsion (NE2) into 1-3% chitosan and characterized by physical evaluation and rheological studies. Chitosan gel (2%) was found to be suitable for gelation of nanoemulsion based on its consistency, feel and ease of spreadability. The flux of nanoemulsion gel was found 68.88μg/cm 2 /h as compared to NE2 (76.05μg/cm 2 /h) is significantly lower suggesting limited skin permeation of curcumin form gel. However, the retained amount of curcumin on skin by gel formulation (980.75±88μg) is significantly higher than NE2 (771.25±67μg). Enhanced skin permeation of NE2 (46.07%) was observed when compared to nanoemulsion gel (31.25%) and plain gel (11.47%). The outcome of this study evidently points out the potential of curcumin entrapped nanoemulsion gel in wound healing., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The present work evaluates the synergistic anticancer efficacy of bioactive Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles (HA NPs) loaded with Bendamustine HCl. Hydroxyapatite is a material with an excellent biological compatibility, a well-known fact which was also supported by the results of the Hemolytic studies and a high IC50 value observed in the MTT assay. HA NPs were prepared by the chemical precipitation method and loaded with the drug via physical adsorption. In-vitro release study was performed, which confirmed the sustained release of the drug from the drug loaded HA NPs. MTT assay, Cell Uptake and FACS studies on JURKAT E6.1 cell line and in-vivo pharmacokinetic studies in Wistar rats revealed that the drug loaded HA NPs could be easily internalized by the cells and release drug in a sustained manner. The drug loaded HA NPs showed cytotoxicity similar to the drug solution at 1/10th of the drug content, which indicates a possible synergism between the activity of the anticancer drug and calcium ions derived from the carrier. An increase in intracellular Ca(2+) ions is reported to induce apoptosis in cells. Tumor regression study in Balb/c mice Ehrlich's ascites model presented a similar synergistic efficacy. The drug solution was able to decrease the tumor volume by half, while the drug loaded HA NPs reduced the tumor size by 6 times., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Rutin, a potent antioxidant, has been reported to reduce the risk of ischemic disease. Our study aims to prepare rutin-encapsulated-chitosan nanoparticles (RUT-CS-NPs) via ionic gelation method and determine its results, based on different parameters i.e. surface morphology characterization, in-vitro or ex-vivo release, dynamic light scattering and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), for treating cerebral ischemia., Methods: UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used to evaluate the optimized RT-CS-NPs1 for brain-drug uptake as well as to follow-up the pharmacokinetics, bio-distrbution, brain-targeting efficiency and potential after intranasal administration (i.n.)., Key Findings: A particle size of <100nm for the formulation, significantly affected by drug:CS ratio, and entrapment efficiency and loading capacity of 84.98%±4.18% and 39.48%±3.16%, respectively were observed for RUT. Pharmacokinetics, bio-distribution, brain-targeting efficiency (1443.48±39.39%) and brain drug-targeting potential (93.00±5.69%) showed enhanced bioavailability for RUT in brain as compared to intravenous administration. In addition; improved neurobehavioral activity, histopathology and reduced infarction volume effects were observed in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) induced cerebral ischemic rats model after i.n. administration of RUT-CS-NPs., Conclusion: A significant role of mucoadhesive-RT-CS-NPs1 as observed after high targeting potential and efficiency of the formulation prove; RUT-CS-NPs are more effectively accessed and target easily the brain., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Stroke is an important cause of deaths worldwide, resulting in an irreversible deterioration of the central nervous system. Finally, production of more free radicals. Therefore, Thymoquinone is having antioxidant property and reported to have a potential role in the amelioration of cerebral ischemia but due to low solubility and poor absorption; they exhibit low serum and tissue levels. Present work aims to prepare nanoemulsions in order enhance the bioavailability of drug and hence evaluate the drug targeting in brain via non-invasive nasal route administration. Thymoquinone Mucoadhesive Nanoemulsion (TMNE) was prepared by ionic gelation method; characterized for particles size, entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, and ex vivo permeation study. Optimized TMNE ended up with a mean globule size 94.8±6.61nm; zeta potential -13.5±1.01mV; drug content 99.86±0.35% and viscosity 110±12cp. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photodiode Array (UPLC-PDA) based bioanalytical method was developed and validated for pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, brain-targeting efficiency (628.5786±44.79%) and brain drug-targeting potential (89.97±2.94%) studies via post intranasal administration which revealed enhanced bioavailability of TQ in brain as compared to intravenous administration. Improved neurobehavioural activity (locomotor and grip strength) was observed in middle cerebral artery occlusion induced cerebral ischemic rats after i.n. administration of TMNE., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Epirubicin (EPI) is an anthracycline antineoplastic agent, commercially available for intravenous administration only and its oral ingestion continues to remain a challenge. Present investigation is aimed at the development of poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) for oral bioavailability enhancement of epirubicin. Developed formulation revealed particle size, 235.3±15.12 nm, zeta potential, -27.5±0.7 mV and drug content (39.12±2.13 μg/mg), with spherical shape and smooth surface. Cytotoxicity studies conducted on human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines (MCF-7) confirmed the superiority of epirubicin loaded poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles (EPI-NPs) over free epirubicin solution (EPI-S). Further, flow cytometric analysis demonstrated improved drug uptake through EPI-NPs and elucidated the dominance of caveolae mediated endocytosis for nanoparticles uptake. Transport study accomplished on human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2) showed 2.76 fold improvement in permeability for EPI-NPs as compared to EPI-S (p<0.001) whereas a 4.49 fold higher transport was observed on rat ileum; a 1.8 fold higher (p<0.01) in comparison to Caco-2 cell lines which confirms the significant role of Peyer's patches in absorption enhancement. Furthermore, in vivo pharmacokinetic studies also revealed 3.9 fold improvement in oral bioavailability of EPI through EPI-NPs. Henceforth, EPI-NPs is a promising approach to replace pre-existing intravenous therapy thus providing "patient care at home"., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The singular aim of the proposed work is the development of a synergistic thermosensitive gel for vaginal application in subjects prone to recurrent vaginal candidiasis and other microbial infections. The dual loading of Itraconazole and tea tree oil in a single formulation seems promising as it would elaborate the microbial coverage. Despite being low solubility of Itraconazole in tea tree oil, a homogeneous, transparent and stable solution of both was created by co-solvency using chloroform. Complete removal of chloroform was authenticated by GC-MS and the oil solution was used in the development of nanoemulsion which was further translated into a gel bearing thermosensitive properties. In vitro analyses (MTT assay, viscosity measurement, mucoadhesion, ex vivo permeation, etc.) and in vivo studies (bioadhesion, irritation potential and fungal clearance kinetics in rat model) of final formulation were carried out to establish its potential for further clinical evaluation., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This research aims to formulate and characterize solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of Thymoquinone (THQ-SLNs) for the effective treatment of liver cirrhosis. Formulations were prepared using solvent injection method and optimized by the Box-Behnken experimental design to get the desired particle size having maximized entrapment efficiency as well as percentage release. Optimized THQ-SLNs (ST-1) with appropriate characteristics (particle size=166.1±10.96 nm; zeta potential=-11.34±3.54 mV; entrapment efficiency=71.60±3.85%; maximum % release=70.95±2.47%) were fabricated. DSC and XRD studies were carried out which collectively proved the reduced crystallinity and stability enhancing effect of the SLNs. Improved drug stability was further established by the subjection of the THQ-SLNs to accelerated stability studies (as per ICH guidelines) in contrast to the THQ-suspension. In vivo studies revealed a nearly 5 fold increase in the bioavailability of ST-1 (AUC(0→∞)=2998.91±260.503 μg/mL/h) as compared to THQ suspension (AUC(0→∞)=484.23±21.755 μg/mL/h). Pharmacodynamic data exhibited a significant decrease in the serum biomarker enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) after oral administration of THQ-SLNs as compared to control and marketed (SILYBON(®)) formulations against paracetamol (PCM)-induced liver cirrhosis. The effect of the treatment was confirmed by the histopathology of the liver microtome sections., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the work was to develop, characterize, and carry out a clinical trial with nano-atropine sulfate (nano-AS) dry powder inhaler (DPI), because this route may offer several advantages over the conventional intramuscular route as an emergency treatment, including ease of administration and more rapid bioavailability. Different batches of nanoparticles of AS were produced using variants of nanoprecipitation method. The influence of the process parameters, such as the types and quantity of solvent and nonsolvent, the stirring speed, the solvent-to-nonsolvent volume ratio, and the drug concentration, was investigated. The methodology resulted in optimally sized particles. Bulk properties of the particles made by the chosen methodology were evaluated. A clinical trial was conducted in six healthy individuals using a single DPI capsule containing 6 mg nano-AS DPI in lactose. Early blood bioavailability and atropinization pattern confirmed its value as a potential replacement to parenteral atropine in field conditions. The formulation seems to have the advantage of early therapeutic drug concentration in blood due to absorption through the lungs as well as sustained action due to absorption from the gut of the remaining portion of the drug.

A new, simple, sensitive, selective, precise and robust high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method for analysis of trigonelline was developed and validated for the determination of trigonelline in herbal extracts and in pharmaceutical dosage forms. Analysis of trigonelline was performed on TLC aluminium plates pre-coated with silica gel 60F-254 as the stationary phase. Linear ascending development was carried out in twin trough glass chamber saturated with mobile phase consisting of n-propanol-methanol-water (4:1:4, v/v/v) at room temperature (25+/-2 degrees C). Camag TLC scanner III was used for spectrodensitometric scanning and analysis in absorbance mode at 269 nm. The system was found to give compact spots for trigonelline (R(f) value of 0.46+/-0.02). The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationship with r2=0.9991+/-0.0002 in the concentration range 100-1200 ng spot(-1) with respect to peak area. According to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines the method was validated for precision, recovery, robustness and ruggedness. The limits of detection and quantification were determined. The trigonelline content of herbal extracts quantified and estimated from the formulation was found to be well within limits (+/-5% of the labeled content of the formulations). Statistical analysis of the data showed that the method is reproducible and selective for the estimation of trigonelline.

A simple, sensitive, selective, precise and stability indicating high-performance thin-layer chromatographic method for determination of gatifloxacin both as a bulk drug and from polymeric nanoparticles was developed and validated as per the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The method employed thin-layer chromatography (TLC) aluminium plates precoated with silica gel 60F-254 as the stationary phase and the mobile phase consisted of n-propanol-methanol-concentrated ammonia solution (25%) (5:1:0.9, v/v/v). This solvent system was found to give compact spots for gatifloxacin (R(f) value of 0.60+/-0.02). Densitometric analysis of gatifloxacin was carried out in the absorbance mode at 292 nm. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationship with r=0.9953 with respect to peak area in the concentration range of 400-1200 ng spot(-1). The mean value (+/-S.D.) of slope and intercept were 9.66+/-0.05 and 956.33+/-27.67, respectively. The method was validated for precision, accuracy, ruggedness and recovery. The limits of detection and quantitation were 2.73 and 8.27 ng spot(-1), respectively. Gatifloxacin was subjected to acid and alkali hydrolysis, oxidation, photodegradation and dry heat treatment. The drug undergoes degradation under acidic and basic conditions and upon wet and dry heat treatment. The degraded products were well separated from the pure drug. The statistical analysis proves that the developed method for quantification of gatifloxacin as bulk drug and from polymeric nanoparticles is reproducible and selective. As the method could effectively separate the drug from its degradation products, it can be employed as stability-indicating one.