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Background: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was initially associated with rapid disease progression and high mortality rates. However, advances in drug delivery systems have aimed to optimize therapeutic outcomes, especially for medications facing challenges such as toxicity, uneven distribution, instability and formulation complexities. Materials and Methods: In this study, we introduce TCS-PEG/MMT composites, a novel formulation designed for antiretroviral activity. This formulation consists of a blend of Medical clay (MMT) and Thiolated Chitosan and Polyethylene Glycol (TCS-PEG), which are biodegradable materials. Using Design Expert software, we optimized the loading procedure of lamivudine onto chitosan (X1), MMT (X2) and PEG (X3) to achieve desired Entrapment Efficacy (EE) and particle size (PS). The desirability technique helped determine an optimal formulation with 3 g of chitosan, 3 g of MMT and 2.5 g of PEG. Results: The optimized formulation exhibited an EE of 79.58% and a PS of 592.32 nm. We conducted comprehensive analyses on the Optimized formulation (O-LMD-NC), including assessments of swelling characteristics, surface morphology, drug loading, entrapment efficiency and particle size. Water absorption of O-LMD-NC samples gradually increased over time, reaching a maximum of 13.5 g/g after 24 hr. In vitro drug release studies confirmed sustained release of lamivudine over a 24 hr period. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that LMD-loaded polymeric nanocomposites offer a promising approach to enhance the efficacy of AIDS treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The topical administration of antifungal drugs by Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) has enormous potential. This study aimed to develop a topical 5-flucytosine-loaded SLNs gel to improve the efficacy of the well-known antifungal drug in the treatment of wound healing. Materials and Methods: In order to create 5-flucytosine SLNs, a five-level, two-factor Central-composite design was used. Stearic acid and Poloxamer 407 concentrations of surfactants were chosen as independent factors, and particle size and %Entrapment Efficiency (%EE) were chosen as dependent variables. The produced 5-Flucytosine-SLNs were examined using SEM analysis, zeta potential, polydispersity index, and particle size measurements. Additionally, Carbopol 934 was used to incorporate the improved 5-Flucytosine-SLN formula into gel. Results: The outcomes demonstrated that 5-Flucytosine-SLNs had colloidal sizes with an essentially spherical shape and no aggregation. 5-Flucytosine-SLNs were discovered to have a particle size of 720.4 nm and an Entrapment Efficiency (EE) of 90.28%. The in vitro release, among other assessment criteria, was evaluated for the improved SLN gels. Conclusion: The study's conclusions imply that the topical gels made with 5-Flucytosine-loaded SLNs must be effective in the management of wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymers are a fundamental part of numerous industries and can be conjugated with many other materials and components to have a vast array of products. Biomaterials have been extensively studied for their application in pharmaceutical formulation development, tissue engineering, and biomedical areas. However, the native form of many polymers has limitations concerning microbial contamination, susceptibility, solubility, and stability. Chemical or physical modifications can overcome these limitations by tailoring the properties of polymers to meet several requirements. The polymer modifications are interdisciplinary, cutting across conventional materials, physics, biology, chemistry, medicine, and engineering limitations. Microwave irradiation has become a well-established technique for a few decades to drive and promote chemical modification reactions. This technique allows ease of temperature and power control to perform the synthesis protocols efficiently. Additionally, microwave irradiation contributes to green and sustainable chemistry. In this contribution, microwave-assisted polymer modifications were described with a special focus on their application in developing several novel dosage forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is a crippling and pervasive illness that can affect a person in many different ways. It can be identified by certain symptoms, such as modifications in behaviour, psychological functioning, and brain physiology. Materials and Methods: One of the animal models for depression has been the Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) paradigm. In this study, spirulina algae, which contains tryptophan, was chosen and tested for its anti-depressant effectiveness in the CUS model using Fluoxetine as the gold standard. Wistar rats were chosen to undergo the CUS process for 28 days, and throughout that time, the test drug was given at doses of 400 mg/kg. Results: Behavioural and biochemical parameters were analysed, and has shown significant changes. Conclusion: When compared to the CUS group, spirulina algae at the tested doses had a substantial impact on behavioural and metabolic testing. These findings demonstrated that Spirulina algae specifically exhibited an in vivo anti-depressant-like effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ethanolic extract of Laurus nobilis possesses an anti-inflammatory effect, which will protect against acetic acid-induced Ulcerative colitis by inhibiting endogenous free radicals. Objectives: The work has been undertaken to explore the efficacy and safety of ethanolic leaf extract of Laurus nobilis in treating acetic acid-induced Ulcerative colitis by estimating the biochemical, physical parameters, and histopathological studies. Materials and Methods: The plant powder of L. nobilis was extracted using 70% ethanol, and a phytochemical investigation was performed. Male and Female Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups and pretreated with saline, saline followed by ulcer induction, two doses of extracts (100mg/kg and 200mg/kg b.w), and sulfasalazine (one day) followed by ulcer induction and one low dose extract treatment without inducing ulcer. Results: The phytochemical investigation of the extract confirms the presence of flavonoids. The biochemical estimations showed increased SOD, CAT, and GSH and decreased levels of TBARS in extract-treated groups compared to the acetic acid-induced group. The physical parameters like Crypt abscesses, gross mucosal inflammation, wet weight of the colon, diarrhea, and activity score have also shown better results in extract-treated groups showing a protective effect. Histopathological results further confirmed the therapeutic effect of the extract. Conclusion: The protective effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Laurus nobilis has been proved. The therapeutic effect was mainly due to flavonoids, and the low-dose extract was more potent than the high-dose extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most concerning conditions, and its chronic consequences are almost always accompanied by infection, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Reducing excessive reactive oxygen species and the wound's inflammatory response is a necessary treatment during the acute inflammatory phase of diabetic wound healing. Malva sylvestris extract (MS) containing nanofibers containing neomycin sulfate (NS) were synthesized for this investigation, and their impact on the healing process of diabetic wounds was assessed. Using Design Expert, the electrospinning process for the fabrication of NS nanofibers (NS-NF) was adjusted for applied voltage (X1), the distance between the needle's tip and the collector (X2), and the feed rate (X3) for attaining desired entrapment efficacy [EE] and average nanofiber diameter (ND). The optimal formulation can be prepared with 19.11 kV of voltage, 20 cm of distance, and a flow rate of 0.502 mL/h utilizing the desirability approach. All the selected parameters and responses have their impact on drug delivery from nanofibers. In addition, M. sylvestris extracts have been added into the optimal formulation [MS-NS-NF] and assessed for their surface morphology, tensile strength, water absorption potential, and in vitro drug release studies. The NS and MS delivery from MS-NS-NF has been extended for more than 60 h. M. sylvestris-loaded nanofibers demonstrated superior antibacterial activity compared to plain NS nanofibers. The scaffolds featured a broad aspect and a highly linked porous fibrous network structure. Histomorphometry study and the in vitro scratch assay demonstrate the formulation's efficacy in treating diabetic wound healing. The cells treated with MS-NS-NF in vivo demonstrated that wound dressings successfully reduced both acute and chronic inflammations. To improve the healing of diabetic wounds, MS-NS-NF may be regarded as an appropriate candidate for wound dressing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are becoming increasingly favored for their robust biocompatibility and their capacity to enhance drug solubility, particularly for drugs with limited water solubility. This study delves into the effectiveness of the hot melt sonication technique in fabricating SLNs with high drug loading capabilities and sustained release characteristics. Griseofulvin (GF), chosen as a representative drug due to its poor water solubility, was encapsulated into SLNs composed of stearic acid. Optimization of chitosan-coated GF-loaded SLNs (CS-GF-SLN) was conducted using a Box-Behnken design. Utilizing the desirability approach, optimal parameters were determined, including a lipid quantity of 450.593 mg, chitosan content of 268.67 mg, and sonication duration of 2.14 h. These parameters resulted in a zeta potential of -34.8 mV and a particle size (PS) of 56.87 nm. Following optimization, the refined formulation underwent comprehensive assessment across various parameters. Notably, the drug encapsulated within SLNs exhibited sustained release over three days, as illustrated by the in-vitro drug release profile. The optimized formulation demonstrated a bioavailability enhancement by approximately 1.7 to 2.0 times compared to the conventional formulation. Furthermore, administration of drug-loaded SLNs to a macrophage cell line demonstrated no cytotoxicity, affirming their suitability as conventional drug delivery platforms for GF., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)