Application of seed mucilage as functional biopolymer in meat product processing and preservation.

Meat products consumption is rising globally, but concerns about sustainability, fat content, and shelf life. Synthetic additives and preservatives used for extending the shelf life of meat often carry health and environmental drawbacks. Seed mucilage, natural polysaccharides, possesses unique functional properties like water holding, emulsifying, and film forming, offering potential alternatives in meat processing and preservation. This study explores the application of seed mucilage from diverse sources (e.g., flaxseed, psyllium, basil) in various meat and meat products processing and preservation. Mucilage's water-holding and emulsifying properties can potentially bind fat and decrease the overall lipid content in meat and meat-based products. Moreover, antimicrobial and film-forming properties of mucilage can potentially inhibit microbial growth and reduce oxidation, extending the shelf life. This review emphasizes the advantages of incorporating mucilage into processing and coating strategies for meat and seafood products.

Arabinoxylan-based psyllium seed hydrocolloid: Single-step aqueous extraction and use in tissue engineering.

Biomacromolecules derived from natural sources offer superior biocompatibility, biodegradability, and water-holding capacity, which make them promising scaffolds for tissue engineering. Psyllium seed has gained attention in biomedical applications recently due to its gel-forming ability, which is provided by its polysaccharide-rich content consisting mostly of arabinoxylan. This study focuses on the extraction and gelation of Psyllium seed hydrocolloid (PSH) in a single-step water-based protocol, and scaffold fabrication using freeze-drying method. After characterization of the scaffold, including morphological, mechanical, swelling, and protein adsorption analyses, 3D cell culture studies were done using NIH-3 T3 fibroblast cells on PSH scaffold, and cell viability was assessed using Live/Dead and Alamar Blue assays. Starting from day 1, high cell viability was obtained, and it reached 90 % at the end of 15-day culture period. Cellular morphology on PSH scaffold was monitored via SEM analysis; cellular aggregates then spheroid formation were observed throughout the study. Collagen Type-I and F-actin expressions were followed by immunostaining revealing a 9- and 10-fold increase during long-term culture. Overall, a single-step and non-toxic protocol was developed for extraction and gelation of PSH. Obtained results unveiled that PSH scaffold provided a favorable 3D microenvironment for cells, holding promise for further tissue engineering applications.

Development of soy protein isolate gels added with Tremella polysaccharides and psyllium husk powder as 3D printing inks for people with dysphagia.

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of soy protein isolate (SPI) gels added with Tremella polysaccharides (TPs) and psyllium husk powder (PHP) as 3D printing inks for developing dysphagia-friendly food and elucidate the potential mechanism of TPs and PHP in enhancing the printing and swallowing performance of SPI gels. The results indicated that the SPI gels with a TP : PHP ratio of 3 : 7 could be effectively used as printing inks to manufacture dysphagia-friendly food. The addition of TPs increased the free water content, resulting in a decrease in the viscosity of the SPI gels, which, in turn, reduced the line width of the 3D-printed product and structural strength of the gel system. The addition of PHP increased disulfide bond interactions and excluded volume interactions, which determined the mechanical strength of SPI gels and increased the line width of the printed product. The synergistic effects between TPs and PHP improved the printing precision and structural stability. This study presents meaningful insights for the utilization of 3D printing in the creation of dysphagia-friendly food using protein-polysaccharide complexes.

Photo-triggered caffeic acid delivery via psyllium polysaccharide- gellan gum-based injectable bionanogel for epidermoid carcinoma treatment.

Here, the simultaneous effect of chemo- and photothermal therapy against epidermoid carcinoma (EC) was investigated. A novel hydrogel, termed bionanogel (BNG), was designed using psyllium mucilage polysaccharide and bacterial gellan gum, incorporated with nanocomplex carrying caffeic acid (CA) and IR-820, and further characterized. The dual effect of BNG and 808 nm laser (BNG + L) on EC was investigated. Staining and scratch assays were performed to analyze their therapeutic effect on EC. In vivo evaluations of BNG + L in xenograft models were performed. Rapid transition, limited swelling, degradability and high tensile strength indicated BNG stability and sustained drug release. Irradiation with 808 nm laser light at 1.25 W /cm2 for 4 min resulted in a temperature increase of 53 °C and facilitated cell ablation. The in vitro studies showed that BNG + L suppressed cancer progression via a late apoptotic effect. The in vivo study showed that the slow release of CA from BNG + L significantly attenuated EC with low mitotic index and downregulation of proteins involved in cancer proliferation such as EGFR, AKT, PI3K, ERK, mTOR and HIF-1α. Thus, BNG could be a novel medium for targeted and controlled drug delivery for the treatment of epidermoid cancer when triggered by NIR light.

Evaluation of physiochemical and biomedical properties of psyllium-poly(vinyl phosphonic acid-co-acrylamide)-cl-N,N-methylene bis acrylamide based hydrogels.

Present investigation deals with the synthesis of psyllium based copolymeric hydrogels and evaluation of their physiochemical and biomedical properties. These copolymers have been prepared by grafting of poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) (poly (VPA)) and poly(acrylamide) (poly(AAm)) onto psyllium in the presence of crosslinker N,N-methylene bis acrylamide (NNMBA). These copolymers [psyllium-poly(VPA-co-AAm)-cl-NNMBA] were characterized by field emission-scanning electron micrographs (FE-SEM), electron dispersion X-ray analysis (EDAX), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)- differential thermal analysis (DTG). FESEM, AFM and XRD demonstrated heterogeneous morphology with a rough surface and an amorphous nature. Diffusion of ornidazole occurred with a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism, and the release profile data was fitted in the Korsemeyer-Peppas kinetic model. Biochemical analysis of hydrogel properties confirmed the blood-compatible nature during blood-polymer interactions and revealed haemolysis value 3.95 ± 0.05 %. The hydrogels exhibited mucoadhesive character during biomembrane-polymer interactions and demonstrated detachment force = 99.0 ± 0.016 mN. During 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl reagent (DPPH) assay, free radical scavenging was observed 37.83 ± 3.64 % which illustrated antioxidant properties of hydrogels. Physiological and biomedical properties revealed that these hydrogels could be explored for drug delivery uses.

Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forsk) in frozen banana pulp: Influence on rheological, nutritional and sensory characteristics.

A frozen banana pulp with functional properties was developed and characterized in this work. For this, 0 g, 3 g, 5 g and 7 g of psyllium in 100 g of banana pulp were added. The use of this fiber in industrialized products can contribute to the nutritional enrichment of the products and provide functional benefits already acknowledged, such as lowering LDL cholesterol, lowering blood glucose, increasing satiety and relieving constipation. According to the World Health Organization, vegetable consumption should be increased, as it reduces the risk of chronic diseases. The main purpose of this work was to incorporate psyllium in frozen banana pulp to develop a healthy product. The samples were evaluated through chemical analyses, rheological properties and sensory testing with Check-All-That-Apply questions (CATA). The addition of psyllium had a significant effect not only on the viscosity but also on the sensory and nutritional properties of the frozen banana pulp. This study indicated that the production of frozen banana pulp with psyllium is viable, as it has desirable nutritional and sensory characteristics which can contribute to the maintenance of health.

Synthesis and characterization of modified bioactive arabinoxylan-psyllium: Evaluation of molecular interactions, physiochemical and biomedical properties.

Keeping in view the future prospectus of carbohydrate polymers, present research report is an elaboration, exploration and execution of the research expectancy in area of these polymers by researchers like John F. Kennedy. Herein, molecular interactions and physiochemical properties of modified bioactive arabinoxylan-psyllium have been evaluated for drug delivery applications. Arabinoxylan-psyllium was modified with sulphated and amide copolymers and co-polymers were characterized by SEMs, AFM, FTIR, XRD, solid state 13C NMR, TGA-DSC and water absorption studies. The 13C-NMR and FTIR confirmed grafted copolymers. The polymer-blood interactions revealed non-thrombogenic nature with thrombose percentage 63.17 ± 5.61 % and polymer-mucous membrane interactions showed detachment force 0.237 ± 0.078Nwith bio-membrane in mucoadhesion test. The pH responsible gels exhibited 44.49 ± 3.12 % inhibitions of free radicals in DPPH assay. The polymer-drug interactions demonstrated sustained diffusion of methotrexate with non-Fickian diffusion and Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. Overall, co-polymeric network structure was found useful in colon specific drug delivery.

Synthesis of vildagliptin loaded acrylamide-g-psyllium/alginate-based core-shell nanoparticles for diabetes treatment.

Diabetes mellitus has become a major public health concern all over the world. Vildagliptin is one of the antidiabeticdrug that can overcome the existing problem of this prevalent disease. Present study aims to synthesize and investigate the role of vildagliptin-loaded core-shell nanoparticle of grafted psyllium and alginate (VG@P/A-NPs) in anti-diabetes application. FTIR, SEM, XRD, 13CNMR and zeta analyzer were used for characterization of the core-shell nanoparticles (VG@P/A-NPs). The synthesized acrylamide-grafted-psyllium was also optimized through varying grafting parameters such as acrylamide and ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) concentration, time and temperature to obtain the maximum yield of acrylamide-grafted-psyllium. Rheological analysis of pure psyllium, grafted psyllium and alginate were also performed. For biological studies, the first cytotoxicity of grafted psyllium and VG@P/A-NPs were examined on human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 in which it was observed that VG@P/A-NPs did not exhibited any toxicity. The antidiabetic potential of VG@P/A-NPs was investigated by glucose uptake assay, using TNF-α induced insulin resistance skeletal cell model using mouse muscle L6 cell line. The insulin signaling impaired cell line displayed a highly significant (p < 0.0001) dose-dependent increase in glucose uptake after treatment with increasing doses of VG@P/A-NPs.The drug release behavior of VG@P/A-NPs was examined at various pH and the highest drug release (98 %) was obtained at pH (7.4). The drug release kinetic data was following the Higuchi (R2 = 0.9848) kinetic model, suggesting the release of drug from vildagliptin-loaded grafted psyllium-alginate core-shell nanoparticles (VG@P/A-NPs) as a square root of time-dependent process and diffusion controlled. This study provides an economical and environment-friendly approach towards the synthesis of VG@P/A-NPs with antidiabetes applications.

The Short-Term Effects and Tolerability of Low-Viscosity Soluble Fibre on Gastroparesis Patients: A Pilot Clinical Intervention Study.

Gastroparesis is a motility disorder that causes severe gastric symptoms and delayed gastric emptying, where the majority of sufferers are females (80%), with 29% of sufferers also diagnosed with Type-1 or Type-2 diabetes. Current clinical recommendations involve stringent dietary restriction and includes the avoidance and minimization of dietary fibre. Dietary fibre lowers the glycaemic index of food, reduces inflammation and provides laxation. Lack of dietary fibre in the diet can affect long-term gastrointestinal health. Our previously published rheological study demonstrated that "low-viscosity" soluble fibres could be a potentially tolerable source of fibre for the gastroparetic population. A randomised controlled crossover pilot clinical study was designed to compare Partially-hydrolysed guar gum or PHGG (test fibre 1), gum Arabic (test fibre 2), psyllium husk (positive control) and water (negative control) in mild-to-moderate symptomatic gastroparesis patients (requiring no enteral tube feeding). The principal aim of the study was to determine the short-term physiological effects and tolerability of the test fibres. In n = 10 female participants, post-prandial blood glucose, gastroparesis symptoms, and breath test measurements were recorded. Normalized clinical data revealed that test fibres PHGG and gum Arabic were able to regulate blood glucose comparable to psyllium husk, while causing far fewer symptoms, equivalent to negative control. The test fibres did not greatly delay mouth-to-caecum transit, though more data is needed. The study data looks promising, and a longer-term study investigating these test fibres is being planned.

Spiky titanium dioxide nanoparticles-loaded Plantaginis Semen polysaccharide as an adjuvant to enhance immune responses.

The purpose of this study was to prepare spiky titanium dioxide nanoparticles-loaded Plantaginis Semen polysaccharide (SN-TiO2-PSP), and the structural characterization and immune response of infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) vaccine in Hetian chickens were investigated. The structural characterization of SN-TiO2-PSP was analyzed by FT-IR, TEM, and TGA analysis. And the immune organs indexes, lymphocytes proliferation, specific antibody levels, and ratios of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes were studied. Structural characterization results showed that SN-TiO2-PSP has a typical polysaccharide absorption peak and good stability. The SN-TiO2-PSP's shape was similar to sea urchin, and its zeta potential and particle size were 27.56 mV and 976.11 nm, respectively. In vivo results showed that SN-TiO2-PSP could enhance the proliferation of peripheral lymphocytes, specific antibody levels, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes ratios, IL-4 and INF-γ levels in Hetian chickens vaccinated with ILT vaccine on D7, D14, D21, and D28. In addition, SN-TiO2-PSP not only enhanced the indexes of immune organs but also promoted the development of immune organs. Therefore, SN-TiO2-PSP has immune adjuvant activity and may become a new potential immune adjuvant.

Current update on psyllium and alginate incorporate for interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) and their biomedical applications.

Natural polysaccharides and their designed structures are extremely valuable due to their intrinsic pharmacological properties and are also used as pharmaceutical aids. These naturally occurring polysaccharides (e.g., psyllium and alginate) are gaining popularity for their use in the preparation of interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) materials with improved swelling ability, biodegradability, stability, non-cytotoxic, biocompatibility, and cost-effectiveness. IPN is prepared sequentially or simultaneously by microwave irradiation, casting evaporation, emulsification cross-linking, miniemulsion/inverse miniemulsion technique, and radiation polymerization methods. In addition, the prepared IPNs have has been extensively characterized using various analytical and imaging techniques before sustainable deployment for multiple applications. Regardless of these multi-characteristic attributes, the current literature lacks a detailed overview of the biomedical aspects of psyllium, alginate, and their engineered IPN structures. Herein, we highlight the unique synthesis, structural, and biomedical considerations of psyllium, alginate, and engineered IPN structures. In this review, a wide range of biomedical applications, such as role as a drug carrier for sustain delivery, wound dressing, tissue engineering, and related miscellaneous application of psyllium, alginate, and their IPN structures described with appropriate examples. Further research will be carried out for the development of IPN using psyllium and alginate, which will be a smart and active carrier for drugs used in the treatment of life-threatening diseases due to their inherent pharmacological potential such as hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, antineoplastic, and antimicrobial.

Effects of psyllium seed husk powder, methylcellulose, pregelatinised starch, and cold water swelling starch on the production of gluten free crackers.

The production of gluten free crackers is challenging because the formation of a gluten network is required. This study investigated the effects of psyllium seed husk powder (PSY), methylcellulose (MC), pregelatinised starch (PGS), and cold water swelling starch (CWSS) on gluten free crackers made of rice flour. The evaluations of pasting properties, dough rheological properties, textural properties, acoustic emissions, and structures were included in this study. Gluten free cracker doughs were more solid-like compared to wheat doughs based on their frequency dependence shown in the mechanical spectra. However, PGS significantly increased the fluid-like property and shapeability. The addition of MC at a high level significantly modified the pasting profile and a secondary swelling and breakdown might occur. As for the crackers, PSY and PGS crackers had comparable textural properties and sound release to wheat crackers, while CWSS crackers were slightly weaker. However, MC did not improve the textural properties compared to rice crackers because the interaction between the MC molecules was limited at the low water addition level, which limited its functionality in cracker making.

The effects of psyllium husk on gut microbiota composition and function in chronically constipated women of reproductive age using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis.

Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder that occurs in the elderly and in women. Psyllium husk is widely used to treat this condition. Recent studies have shown that psyllium husk can improve the clinical symptoms of constipation by regulating gut microbiota, but its clinical effects and potential mechanisms in constipated women of reproductive age have not been previously investigated. We compared fecal microbiota after treatment with placebo (n = 29) and psyllium husk (n = 25) using 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequencing analysis. Psyllium husk relieved the symptoms of constipated women of reproductive age. Sequencing results showed that the psyllium husk group exhibited a different gut microbiota composition compared to that of the placebo group. Moreover, network analysis indicated more significant correlations and clustering of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the psyllium husk group. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation analysis showed that the relative abundances of metabolism-related KEGG pathways were enriched in the psyllium husk group. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the composition of gut microbiota was altered and that symptoms of constipation were alleviated via psyllium husk intervention. The changes in metabolic function might be related to constipation. Furthermore, these studies are warranted to elucidate the potential metabolic mechanisms contributing to chronic constipation.

Development and characterization of active and pH-sensitive films based on psyllium seed gum incorporated with free and microencapsulated mulberry pomace extracts.

Intelligent packaging with a pH indicator has been a hot research topic due to its extra active role compared with traditional ones. Considering the possible toxicity of synthetic pH sensitive pigments, natural pigments are promising alternative indicators. This work aimed to develop and characterize active and pH sensitive films based on psyllium seed gum (PSG) incorporated with free and microencapsulated mulberry pomace extracts (MPE). Compared with PSG control film, PSG-MPE films showed an increase in total phenolic content and DPPH scavenging activity, and decrease in surface hydrophobicity, lightness, and tensile strength. The molecular interactions between PSG and MPE were confirmed by thermal and microstructure analysis. Moreover, PSG-MPE films displayed wide color differences from red to blue at pH 2.0 - 12.0. PSG-based films containing 10% free and microencapsulated MPE demonstrated better overall performance and economy in packaging applications, which could be used as promising active and pH-sensitive food packaging materials.

Chitin-psyllium based aerogel for the efficient removal of crystal violet from aqueous solutions.

A new alternative aerogel was prepared from low-cost chitin and psyllium biopolymers to adsorb crystal violet (CV) dye from liquid media and possibly treat effluents containing other dyes. The aerogel was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which demonstrated that aerogel has a typical structure of amorphous materials and presented a randomly interconnected porous structure that resembles an open pore network. 2.5 g L-1 of aerogel was able to remove 86.00% of CV from solutions, and the natural pH of the CV solution was considered the more adequate for adsorption. The pseudo-second-order (PSO) model satisfactorily described the adsorption kinetics, and the Freundlich model was suitable to represent the adsorption equilibrium. The maximum experimental capacity achieved was 227.11 mg g-1, which indicates that aerogel is very efficient and competitive with several adsorbents. Tests using a simulated effluent showed that aerogel has excellent potential to treat real colored effluents.

Printability assessment of psyllium husk (isabgol)/gelatin blends using rheological and mechanical properties.

The primary goal of this study is to highlight the rheological and mechanical properties of a new blend composed of naturally-derived hydrogel materials- psyllium husk (PH) and gelatin (G) for its potential use in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. The mixtures were prepared at various weight ratios of 100PH, 75PH + 25G and 50PH + 50G. A suitable selection of the printable ink was made based on the preliminary screening steps of manual filament drop test and layer stacking by 3D printing. Printing of the common features such as hexagon and square grids helped evaluating shape fidelity of the chosen ink. Although 50PH + 50G blend was found meeting most of the criteria for an ideal 3D printable ink, rheological and mechanical characterizations have been performed for all the ratios of polymeric blends. This study documents the correlation between various factors of rheology that should be taken into account while categorizing any biomaterial as a printable ink. Yield stress was measured as 18.59 ± 4.21 Pa, 268.74 ± 13.56 Pa and 109.16 ± 9.85 Pa for 50PH + 50G, 75PH + 25G and 100PH, respectively. Similarly, consistency index (K) and flow index (n) were calculated using the power law equation and found as 49.303 ± 4.17, 530.59 ± 10.92, 291.82 ± 10.53 and 0.275 ± 0.04, 0.05 ± 0.005, 0.284 ± 0.04 for 50PH + 50G, 75PH + 25G and 100PH, respectively. The loss modulus (G″) was observed dominating over storage modulus (G') for 50PH + 50G, that depicts its liquid-like property; whereas storage modulus (G') was found dominating in case of 75PH + 25G and 100PH, indicating their solid-like characteristics. In addition, the loss tangent value (tan δ) of 50PH + 50G was observed exceeding unity (1.05), supporting its plastic behavior, unlike 75PH + 25G (0.5) and 100PH (0.33) whose loss tangent values were estimated less than unity revealing their elastic behavior. Also, 50PH + 50G was found to have the highest mechanical strength amongst the three blends with a Young's modulus of 9.170 ± 0.0881 kPa.

Capsulated essential oil in gel spheres for the protection of cellulosic cultural heritage.

In this paper we present a possible application of cinnamon essential oil to be encapsulated into gel drops of psyllium and of psyllium-alginate mixtures and to be released by the beads. It could act as green biocide for the protection of antique books, old documents and, generally, of any cellulosic material (paper, wood, textiles) object of cultural interest from biological attack. The components of the cinnamon essential oil, released by alginate, psyllium-alginate and purified psyllium-alginate beads, were determined by GC-MS analysis. Moreover, an evaluation of the cinnamon essential oil release during the time was carried out by in time HS-SPME-GS-MS so to obtain in time semi-quantitative information about the emitted gaseous species. Last by, in order to confirm the ability of the beads to perform an antimicrobial action, respirometric tests were carried out on Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells looking at the reduction of their breathing activity, when in presence of the above beads.

Contrasting effects of viscous and particulate fibers on colonic fermentation in vitro and in vivo, and their impact on intestinal water studied by MRI in a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Wheat bran, nopal, and psyllium are examples of particulate, viscous and particulate, and viscous fibers, respectively, with laxative properties yet contrasting fermentability. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the fermentability of these fibers in vitro and their effects on intestinal function relevant to laxation in vivo using MRI. METHODS: Each fiber was predigested prior to measuring gas production in vitro during 48-h anaerobic incubation with healthy fecal samples. We performed a randomized, 3-way crossover trial in 14 healthy volunteers who ingested 7.5 g fiber twice on the day prior to study initiation and once with the study test meal. Serial MRI scans obtained after fasting and hourly for 4 h following meal ingestion were used to assess small bowel water content (SBWC), colonic volumes, and T1 of the ascending colon (T1AC) as measures of colonic water. Breath samples for hydrogen analysis were obtained while patients were in the fasted state and every 30 min for 4 h following meal ingestion. RESULTS: In vitro, the onset of gas production was significantly delayed with psyllium (mean ± SD: 14 ± 5 h) compared with wheat bran (6 ± 2 h, P = 0.003) and was associated with a smaller total gas volume (P = 0.01). Prefeeding all 3 fibers for 24 h was associated with an increased fasting T1AC (>75% of values >90th centile of the normal range). There was a further rise during the 4 h after psyllium (0.3 ± 0.3 s P = 0.009), a fall with wheat bran (-0.2 ± 0.2 s; P = 0.02), but no change with nopal (0.0 ± 0.1 s, P = 0.2). SBWC increased for all fibers; nopal stimulated more water than wheat bran [AUC mean (95% CI) difference: 7.1 (0.6, 13.8) L/min, P = 0.03].Breath hydrogen rose significantly after wheat bran and nopal but not after psyllium (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Both viscous and particulate fibers are equally effective at increasing colonic T1 over a period of 24 h. Mechanisms include water trapping in the small bowel by viscous fibers and delivery of substrates to the colonic microbiota by more fermentable particulate fiber. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03263065.

Localized delivery of active targeting micelles from nanofibers patch for effective breast cancer therapy.

Nanofibers based transdermal drug delivery is a promising platform, and it effectively delivers the drug to tumor sites. The objective of the study was to fabricate stimuli-responsive polymeric nanofibers encapsulated with an active targeting micellar system for in situ drug delivery. Stimuli-responsive core-shell nanofibers release thedrug at target sites with minimum side effects to the other organs, decrease the drug administration concentration. Initially, we prepared CA conjugated PCPP polymeric micelles loaded with PTX. Then, core-shell nanofibers were prepared using PHM with coaxial electrospinning and distinct core-shell nanofibers formation confirm by SEM and TEM. Nanofibers showed a homogenous distribution of micelles inside the fiber mesh, diffusion, and erosion processes lead to a controlled release of PTX.In vitro drug release and swelling, revealed the pH based sustained release of the drug for 180 h from the nanofibers mat. Functional and stimuli-responsive nanofibers highly absorb H+ ions and repulsion of cations promoting maximum swelling to release more drugs in acidic pH. An increased transportation rate of 70% drug release through epidermis for 120 h. Nanofibers effectively internalize to the skin, and it confirmed by confocal microscopy. MCF-7 cells grown and spread over the nanofibers, which show the biocompatibility of nanofibers. Compared to PTX, drug-loaded nanofibers exhibited higher cytotoxicity for 8 days which was confirmed by the flow cytometry. These promising results confirm, the novel stimuli-responsive core-shell nanofibers actively target breast cancer cells and lead the way to safe cancer therapy.

Physicochemical, mechanical and structural properties of composite edible films based on whey protein isolate/psyllium seed gum.

A composite film composed of whey protein isolate (WPI) and psyllium seed gum (PSG) was investigated. Its physicochemical, mechanical and structural properties were determined at different ratios of WPI/PSG (1:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3, 0:1). WPI/PSG composite films had higher water contact angle and water vapor permeability, as well as lower oxygen permeability and light transmittance as compared with single WPI or PSG films. With the increase in PSG concentration, higher film brightness and whiteness index, and smaller total color difference were observed. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of the composite film at WPI/PSG ratio of 1:1 was the highest. Elongation at break of composite films was higher than that of the single films. WPI/PSG composite films were more effective than single films in reducing the surface cracks and degree of cracks. XRD revealed a typical semi-crystalline amorphous structure of the composite films. With the increase of the PSG content, higher diffraction peak strength and crystallinity of the films were observed. The results indicated that the properties of the WPI/PSG composite film were superior to that of PSG or WPI film alone. The composite film at WPI/PSG ratio of 1:1 resulted in the highest comprehensive physicochemical and mechanical performance.