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This study evaluated albendazole (ABZ) nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. ABZ-NLCs were prepared using emulsification-ultrasonication and optimised using a Box-Behnken design. Independent variables-lipids concentration (X 1 ), surfactant concentration (X 2 ), and sonication duration (X 3 )-were assessed for their effect on mean diameter (Y 1 ), PDI (Y 2 ), and entrapment efficiency (Y 3 ). The optimised formulation exhibited a mean diameter of 166.13 ± 3.72 nm, a PDI of 0.17 ± 0.01, a zeta potential of -39.86 ± 1.84 mV, an entrapment efficiency of 94.25 ± 6.12%, and a loading capacity of 99.93 ± 7.15 mg/g. Following chitosan coating (ABZ-CS-NLCs), all parameters were maintained, and the zeta potential developed to +24.61 ± 1.32 mV, improving cellular interaction. The cytotoxicity assays revealed that ABZ-CS-NLCs were more effective than uncoated NLCs and free ABZ, with an IC50 value of 8.89 μM in HepG2 cells. Overall, ABZ-CS-NLCs demonstrate a promising and effective delivery platform for targeted hepatic cancer therapy.

Introduction: Bacterial infections caused by different strains of bacteria still one of the most important disorders affecting humans worldwide. Polymers nanocomposite systems could be considered as an alternative to conventional antibiotics to eradicate bacterial infections., Significance: In an attempt to enhance the antibacterial performance of silver and iron oxide nanoparticles, decrease their aggregation and toxicity, a polymeric hybrid nanocomposite system combining both nanoparticles is produced., Methods: Magnetic Ag-Fe 3 O 4 @polymer hybrid nanocomposites prepared using different polymers, namely polyethylene glycol 4000, ethyl cellulose, and chitosan were synthesized via wet impregnation and ball-milling techniques. The produced nanocomposites were tested for their physical properties and antibacterial activities., Results: XRD, FT-IR, VSM, and TEM results confirmed the successful preparation of hybrid nanocomposites. Hybrid nanocomposites have average crystallite sizes in the following order Ag-Fe 3 O 4 @CS (8.9 nm) < Ag-Fe 3 O 4 @EC (9.0 nm) < Ag-Fe 3 O 4 @PEG4000 (9.4 nm) and active surface area of this trend Ag-Fe 3 O 4 @CS (130.4 m 2 g -1 ) > Ag-Fe 3 O 4 @EC (128.9 m 2 g -1 ) > Ag-Fe 3 O 4 @PEG4000 (123.4 m 2 g -1 ). In addition, they have a saturation magnetization in this order: Ag-Fe 3 O 4 @PEG4000 (44.82 emu/g) > Ag-Fe 3 O 4 @EC (40.14 emu/g) > Ag-Fe 3 O 4 @CS (22.90 emu/g). Hybrid nanocomposites have a pronounced antibacterial action against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Staphylococcus intermedius compared to iron oxide nanoparticles and positive antibacterial drug. In addition, both Ag-Fe 3 O 4 @EC and Ag-Fe 3 O 4 @CS have a lower MIC values compared to Ag-Fe 3 O 4 @PEG and positive control., Conclusion: Magnetic Ag-Fe 3 O 4 hybrid nanocomposites could be promising antibacterial nanomaterials and could pave the way for the development of new materials with even more unique properties and applications.