The synthesis of broccoli sprout extract-loaded silk fibroin nanoparticles as efficient drug delivery vehicles: development and characterization.

Targeted drug delivery of biological molecules using the development of biocompatible, non-toxic and biodegradable nanocarriers can be a promising method for cancer therapy. In this study, silk fibroin protein nanoparticles (SFPNPs) were synthesized as a targeted delivery system for sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extract (BSE). The BSE-loaded SFPNPs were conjugated with polyethylene glycol and folic acid, and then their physicochemical properties were characterized via UV-Vis, XRD, FTIR, DLS, FE-SEM and EDX analyses. In vitro, the release profile, antioxidant and anticancer activities of NPs were also studied. The FE-SEM and DLS analyses indicated stable NPs with an average size of 88.5 nm and high zeta potential (-32 mV). The sulforaphane release profile from NPs was pH-dependent, with the maximum release value (70%) observed in simulated intestinal fluid (pH = 7.4). Encapsulation of BSE also decreased the release rate of sulforaphane from the capsules compared to free BSE. In vitro cytotoxicity of BSE and NPs on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) was concentration-dependent, and the IC50 for BSE and NPs were 54 and 210 µg ml-1, respectively. Moreover, the NPs demonstrated no appreciable cytotoxicity in normal mouse fibroblast (L929) cell lines. These results indicated that biocompatible NPs synthesized as controlled and long-term targeted drug delivery systems can be a potential candidate for breast cancer therapy.

Physicochemical and thermal characterization, and evaluation of a bacterial cellulose/Barhang gum-based dressing for wound healing.

The gram-negative bacterium of Gluconacetobacter xylinum is widely used to produce high-quality cellulose in the form of complex strips in microfiber bundles on a commercial scale. In this study, the film-forming potential of bacterial cellulose in combination with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, 5 % w/v) and Barhang seed gum (BSG, 0.5 % w/v) loaded with summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) essential oil (SSEO) to prepare a new wound dressing was investigated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, in-vitro antibacterial, and in-vivo wound healing activities were performed to assess the structure, morphology, stability, and bioactivity of biocomposite films. Results showed that the SSEO incorporation into the polymeric matrix yielded smooth and transparent composite film with excellent thermal resistance. A significantly robust antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria by the bio-film was found. The healing process on mice models revealed that the SSEO-loaded composite film had a promising potential for wound healing associated with improved collagen deposition and reduced inflammatory response.

Antioxidant activity of nanoencapsulated chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed extract and its application to manufacture a functional cheese.

The study aimed to produce a functional ricotta cheese with chia seed extract (CSE) nanocapsules. First, the CSE was encapsulated using lecithin and basil seed gum, and its characteristics and antioxidant activity (AA) were evaluated. The free CSE (F-CSE) and encapsulated CSE (E-CSE) were then added to ricotta cheese formulation (1.5 and 3.0% w/w). The samples were kept for 15 days in a refrigerator and their physicochemical, sensory properties, AA, and oxidative stability were examined. The particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency of CSE nanocapsules were 59.23 nm, 0.328, -44.47 mV, and 80.06%, respectively. The CSE showed remarkable AA in vitro. The AA of F-CSE was higher than E-CSE. The moisture, dry matter, fat, and protein content of cheese samples were in the range of 52.64%-53.31%, 46.69%-47.36%, 19.02%-19.28%, and 16.88%-17.02%, respectively. The color of F-CSE cheeses was slightly yellower than control; however, they did not have clear color differences. During storage, the acidity, hardness, chewiness, and peroxide value of cheeses increased, while the pH, total phenol content, and AA decreased (p < .05). The addition of CSE reduced the rate of pH and acidity changes during storage and significantly increase the AA and oxidative stability. Initially, F-CSE cheeses had higher functional activity, but on other storage days, due to the protective effect of coating materials, the functional activity of E-CSE samples was higher. The CSE, especially E-CSE, did not have an adverse effect on the sensory properties of cheese. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that it is possible to manufacture a functional cheese using E-CSE.

Investigation of the physicochemical, antioxidant, rheological, and sensory properties of ricotta cheese enriched with free and nano-encapsulated broccoli sprout extract.

This study aimed to produce the functional ricotta cheese using broccoli sprouts extract (BSE) and to evaluate its physicochemical, antioxidant, rheological, and sensory properties. The BSE nano-liposome was nano-encapsulated into basil seed gum (BSG) and was incorporated into the ricotta cheese formulation in two forms of free and nano-capsules in two levels of 3% and 5% w/w. The measurements were conducted during a 15-day storage period at 4-6°C. The results showed that the titratable acidity, hardness, and chewiness of cheeses were increased and the pH, moisture, total phenol content (TPC), and antioxidant activity were decreased (p < .05). With the addition of BSE concentration, the TPC and antioxidant activity increased significantly (p < .05) and applying the nano-encapsulation method for BSE led to better preservation of bioactive compounds. Based on the rheological results, viscoelastic solid behavior and a weak gel were observed in all cheese samples. The results of sensory evaluation demonstrated that cheeses containing free extract had lower flavor and overall acceptability scores than other samples, which indicates that the nano-encapsulation covered the undesirable flavor of the BSE. Generally, during the 15-day cold storage period, the highest sensory acceptance and functional activity were related to the samples containing nano-encapsulated BSE, especially at the 5% level.

Efficient biogenesis of ZnO nanoparticles using extracellular extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae : Evaluation of photocatalytic, cytotoxic and other biological activities.

This research aimed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using an extracellular extract of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The physical characteristics of the biosynthesized NPs were studied using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, and EDS. Microscopic study and spectroscopic examination depicted spherical ZnO NPs < 30 nm diameter in size, relatively stable, and bearing a hexagonal phase. Antibacterial study of these NPs against food pathogens showed enhanced higher antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus in a dose-dependent manner. Concentration-dependent antioxidant activity was also observed for ZnO NPs in both DPPH and FRAP assay. Also, the anticancer study of these NPs against MCF-7 cancer cell line demonstrated a considerable cytotoxic effect in a concentration-dependent manner. Evaluation of photocatalytic activity indicated that the highest removal of MB was achieved to be 67% with an initial ZnO NP concentration of 12 mg/mL under UV light. The results suggested the biosynthesis of ZnO NPs in a cost-less approach which can be lead to sustainable development for its use as photocatalyst and anti-cancer therapeutic agents.

Application of nano/microencapsulated phenolic compounds against cancer.

Nowadays, polyphenols as bioactive compounds are being used in producing anti-cancer drugs. Low stability against harsh environmental conditions, untargeted release, low solubility, and low absorption of pure phenolic molecules are significant barriers, which decrease the functions of polyphenols. Recently, the nanoencapsulation processes have been applied to overcome these restrictions, in which the anti-cancer activity of polyphenols has been noticeably increased. This review will focus on the anti-cancer activity of polyphenols, and the effect of loading polyphenolics into various micro/nanoencapsulation systems on their anti-cancer activity. Different encapsulation systems such as lipid and polymer based nanoparticles, and solid form of encapsulated phenolic molecules by nano-spray dryer and electrospinnig have been used for loading of polyphenols. Incorporation of phenolic molecules into various carriers inevitably increases their anti-cancer activity. Because, in this way, encapsulated cargos can provide a targeted release, which will increase the bioavailability of phenolic molecules and their functions such as absorption into cancer cell.

Investigation of VASA Gene and Protein Expression in Neonate and Adult Testicular Germ Cells in Mice In Vivo and In Vitro.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the expression levels of the VASA gene and protein in testis sections of neonate and adult mice as well as testicular cell cultures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, in order to investigate the expression of this germ cell marker gene in more detail, we analyzed the expression of VASA by immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry and fluidigm reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The immunohistochemical assays showed that the VASA protein was exclusively expressed in germ cells in the seminiferous tubules of the neonate and adult testis and not in somatic cells. VASA was not detectable in PLZF positive spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), was weakly expressed in proliferating spermatogonia, and became abundant in spermatocytes and round spermatozoa. Counting VASA-positive cells in the seminiferous tubules of the neonate and adult testis depicted significant higher expression (P<0.05) of VASA in the adult testis in comparison to its neonate counterpart. SSC colonies were established in vitro after digestion of the testis and characterized by immunocytochemistry for CD90 and stage-specific embryonic antigens 3 (SSEA3). Immunocytochemistry confirmed that in contrast to the not detectable signal in vivo, VASA protein was strongly localized in the cytoplasm of both neonate and adult mouse SSCs under in vitro conditions. The results of Fluidigm RT-PCR revealed a significant higher expression of the germ cell gene VASA in adult SSCs in comparison to neonate SSCs in cell culture (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The VASA protein is, therefore, an extremely specific marker of testicular germ cell differentiation in vivo and mostly expressed in the adult testis in spermatocytes and round spermatids. The immunohistochemical signal in spermatogonia is very low. So, PLZF positive SSCs are negative for VASA in vivo, while in contrast, once isolated from the testicular niche VASA is also strongly expressed in SSCs under in vitro conditions.

Nanoparticles based on crocin loaded chitosan-alginate biopolymers: Antioxidant activities, bioavailability and anticancer properties.

Crocin, a water-soluble carotenoid in saffron, is a highly bioactive compound with limited use due to instability to pH variations, heat and oxidative stress, rapid absorption and low bioavailability. In this study, chitosan-alginate nanoparticles, considered as a new vehicle for crocin to improve properties in terms of antioxidant activity, bioavailability and anticancer activity. The swelling of crocin loaded nanoparticles was pH-dependent so that the highest swelling ratio (16g/g) was observed in acidic condition (pH=1.2) after 24h. The antioxidant activity of the crocin loaded nanoparticles was the same effective as pure crocin on DPPH free radical scavenging and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). In vitro crocin release profile from composite nanoparticles was investigated under simulated physiological conditions during incubation time. The experimental reports collected in this study strongly indicate that nanoparticles loaded with crocin could be the prospective candidates for the future anti-cancer therapeutics that deserve additional investigations.

Improvement of crocin stability by biodegradeble nanoparticles of chitosan-alginate.

This study aimed to improve the stability of crocin, a saffron carotenoid, encapsulating into chitosan (Cs)-sodium alginate (Alg) nanoparticles prepared by a modified ionic gelation method were investigated as a new carrier to improve the stability of crocin. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the important variables, namely the concentrations of Cs and Alg, and pH influencing the particle size, zeta-potential, and encapsulation efficiency to find the optimum formulation for production of crocin nanoparticles (CNPs). Microscopic analysis and dynamic light scattering examination indicated non-smooth and spherical nanoparticles with the size range of 165-230 nm in weight ratio of Cs:Alg (1:1.25) and pH 4.7. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy displayed an extensive hydrogen bonding interaction between the crocin and biopolymers. Encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity and yield of CNPs were 38.16, 30.96 and 48.33%, respectively. The zeta-potential of NPs was about -33.52 mV which resulted in the better stability of NPs during manipulation and storage. Stability studies showed that nanoencapsulation provided enhanced crocin stability with biopolymers compared to the standard crocin under unfavorable environmental conditions.

Evaluation of antioxidant activities of bioactive compounds and various extracts obtained from saffron (Crocus sativus L.): a review.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L. stigma), the most valuable medicinal food product, belongs to the Iridaceae family which has been widely used as a coloring and flavoring agent. These properties are basically related to its crocins, picrocrocin and safranal contents which have all demonstrated health promoting properties. The present review article highlights the phytochemical constituents (phenolic and flavonoid compounds, degraded carotenoid compounds crocins and crocetin) that are important in antioxidant activity of saffron extracts. However, the synergistic effect of all the bioactive components presence in saffron gave a significant antioxidant activity similar to vegetables rich in carotenoids. Our study provides an updated overview focused on the antioxidant activity of saffron related to its bioactive compounds to design the different functional products in food, medicine and cosmetic industries.