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Objectives: To assess the antibacterial effect of Pistacia atlantica (P. atlantica) subsp. (Kurdica) extract encapsulated in niosomes on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Materials and methods: In this in vitro experimental study, different concentrations of span and tween were used to synthesize different formulations of P. atlantica extract encapsulated in niosomes. The physical and chemical properties of the synthesized niosomes were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and digital light scattering Zetasizer. The efficiency and release profile were also evaluated. The antibacterial effects of the synthesized niosomes with 7.8 to 1000 µg/mL concentrations were evaluated by the microtiter plate method. Results and discussion: The optimally synthesized niosomes measured 129.7 nm in size, and showed 90.62% containment. Nano-niosomes had a unilayer spherical structure. Niosomes containing P. atlantica extract showed more significant antibacterial effects against S. mutans than the free extract. Conclusions: Niosomes containing P. atlantica extract may serve as a suitable nanocarrier for antibacterial activity against S. mutans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study is to assess the effect of photodynamic therapy(PDT) with curcumin and nanocurcumin photosensitizers on collagen-crosslinking and mineral content of human dentine. Materials and methods: In this in vitro, experimental study, 14 extracted human third molars were mesiodistally sectioned and underwent Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX). Groups: treatment with 5% glutaraldehyde, PDT with curcumin+light emitting diode (LED), PDT with nanocurcumin+LED, and distilled water. FTIR and EDX were repeated after acid etching. Data was analyzed by repeated measures, one-way ANOVA, Tukey test and t-test(alpha=0.05). Results and discussion: Surface treatment of specimens with glutaraldehyde, and PDT with curcumin and nano-curcumin increased the CH2/amide3 ratio but not significantly (P>0.05). These treatments equally decreased the loss of calcium and phosphorous content after acid etching, the three experimental groups showing a significant difference with the negative control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: PDT with curcumin and nano-curcumin increased dentine collagen-crosslinking, and enhanced dentine resistance to demineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): An efficient vaccine against TB is an urgent need. TB peptides are safe candidate but they are weak immunogens and needs to be potentiated by adjuvant/delivery systems. The main purpose of the present study was to determine the potential of CHT based NPs containing ESAT-6 antigen of M. tuberculosis for inducing mucosal and systemic immune responses after intranasal and subcutaneous injection in mice model. Materials and Methods: CHT and TMC based NPs were prepared by coating of cationic polymer on the anionic peptide by ionic gelation method and their characteristics were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Physical stability of NPs was studied within 30 days. Finally, the ability of formulated NPs to elicit immune responses in BALB/c mice were evaluated following nasal and subcutaneous immunization. Results: The best weight ratio of antigen to polymer (CHT or TMC) was 1:2. CHT and TMC NPs had a mean size of 356.3 ± 42.20, and 470.3 ± 48.21 nm, respectively. NPs were stable up to 15 days. CHT:ESAT-6 NPs gave higher serum IgG1 and IgG total responses and TMC:ESAT-6 NPs induced high titers of IgG2a and IFN-γ. Conclusion: Regards to the importance of cellular immune responses in effective protection against TB, and also the solubility in physiological pH, TMC NPs are more efficient adjuvant/antigen delivery system for immunization against TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]