ADMET & DMPK (ISSN 1848-7718) is an international, peer reviewed open-access Journal aiming for rapid dissemination of original research articles, review papers and comments in the broad areas of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicology and pharmacokinetics of drugs. The emphasis is on rapid publishing of articles of high scientific quality to make them freely available to researchers worldwide.
Potential of extracellular vesicles from human Wharton’s jelly and golden berries (Physalis peruviana) combined with polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/fibroin hydrogel for wound healing: In vitro approaches on 1BR3 cell line
Background and purpose: The development of biocompatible delivery systems capable of enhancing wound healing remains a major challenge in drug delivery and regenerative medicine. Hydrogels represent promising wound dressings due to their ability to maintain a moist microenvironment, absorb exudates, and enable controlled release of bioactive agents. Recently, plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PDENs) have emerged as a novel, non-toxic, and cross-kingdom therapeutic modality. Experimental approach: In this study, we investigated PVA/chitosan/fibroin-based hydrogels as a delivery platform for PDENs isolated from Physalis peruviana (PENC), with human Wharton’s Jelly mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hWJ-MSC-Exo) used as a biological comparator. Key results: PENC and hWJ-MSC-Exo were isolated and characterized in terms of size, morphology, and protein content. Composite hydrogels containing chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and fibroin (4% and 10%) were fabricated via freeze–thawing and characterized for hydrophilicity, swelling behavior, water content, biodegradability, and protein release profiles. The biological performance of hydrogel-released media incorporating PDENs or hWJ-MSC-Exo was evaluated in vitro using human dermal fibroblast 1BR3 cells through cytotoxicity, proliferation, and scratch migration assays. The fabricated hydrogels exhibited hydrophilic surfaces (contact angle <90°), high swelling capacity (>100%), low water content, and gradual biodegradation over 10 days. Protein release peaked on day 3, indicating favorable release kinetics for bioactive delivery. All hydrogel formulations demonstrated good biocompatibility, with cell viability exceeding 75%. Notably, hydrogels loaded with PENC significantly promoted fibroblast proliferation and migration, with performance comparable to or exceeding that of hWJ-MSC-Exo-loaded hydrogels, particularly in fibroin-containing formulations. Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of Physalis peruviana-derived PDENs as a novel bioactive agent for wound healing and demonstrate that PVA/chitosan/fibroin hydrogels serve as an effective delivery platform to enhance their biological activity. This study supports the translational potential of PDEN-based hydrogel systems for future wound healing applications.
Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles
Copyright (c) 2026 Afrida Rizky Nurfajrin, Indra Wibowo, Anggraini Barlian https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
High-sensitivity electrochemical immunosensor for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG detection using screen-printed carbon/cerium oxide-gold electrode
Background and purpose: Serological assays are essential for evaluating immune responses, including donor screening, vaccine efficacy, and antibody persistence. However, conventional methods are time-consuming and require centralized laboratories. This study aimed to develop a sensitive and rapid electrochemical immunosensor based on a cerium oxide-gold nanocomposite (CeO₂-Au) modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, while elucidating the underlying electrochemical sensing mechanism. Experimental approach: CeO₂-Au nanocomposites were synthesized and characterized using UV-Vis, SEM, TEM-EDX, and FTIR. The immuno­sensor was fabricated by immobilizing SARS-CoV-2 Spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) onto the modified SPCE. Electrochemical responses were evaluated using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with K₃[Fe(CN)₆] as a redox probe. Key results: The CeO₂-Au nanocomposite enhanced electron transfer and provided a high surface area for biomolecule immobilization. The sensing mechanism is governed by modulation of interfacial electron transfer: binding of IgG to immobilized RBD forms an insulating immunocomplex layer, increasing charge transfer resistance and suppressing faradaic current. The sensor exhibited a wide linear range of 0.01 to 103 ng mL-1, a low detection limit of 2.475 pg mL-1, good stability, and reliable 97.3 to 108.56 % recovery in serum samples. Conclusion: This immunosensor proposed as a sensitive and reliable platform for IgG detection. The study advances understanding of signal transduction mechanisms in nanocomposite-based immunosensors and highlights their potential for rapid serological diagnostics. However, broader clinical validation and selectivity against complex interferents remain necessary.
Copyright (c) 2026 Melania Janisha Devi, Ratu Shifa Syafira, Shabarni Gaffar, Irkham Irkham, Yasuaki Einaga, Yeni Wahyuni Hartati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Graphene-supported Pd/Pt nano-catalysts for enhanced colorimetric detection of dopamine and NADH using paper-based microfluidic devices
Background and purpose: Dopamine and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) are key biomarkers associated with neurological and metabolic disorders. Developing rapid, low-cost, and portable detection platforms of these biomarkers is essential for a point-of-care diagnostic kit. In this work, we report a colorimetric sensing approach using paper-based microfluidic devices (µPADs) modified with graphene-supported palladium (G/Pd) and platinum (G/Pt) nanocatalysts to enhance detection performance. Experimental approach: Monolayer G/Pd and G/Pt nanocomposites were synthesized via a hydrothermal method with precursor concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 mM. The catalytic behaviour and metal-graphene interactions were further investigated using spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) calculation (PHASE/0). Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) were laser-printed on commercial filter paper and folded into 3D origami structures. Colorimetric responses were quantified using red, green, blue (RGB) and hue, saturation, value (HSV) analysis, where time-dependent Euclidean distance in RGB colour space was used to assess the reaction kinetics. Key results: DFT results indicate that Pd and Pt clusters preferentially adopt a top-site configuration on graphene, facilitating interfacial charge redistri­bution and enhancing catalytic activity experimentally. Catalyst-modified µPADs significantly improve reaction kinetics, reducing detection time by up to 3.7× for dopamine and 2.5× for NADH compared to unmodified devices. G/Pt (10 mM) exhibits the best overall performance, achieving limits of detection of 0.16 µM for dopamine and 0.195 µM for NADH with good linearity (R2 = 0.91). G/Pd displays competitive sensitivity, particularly at lower precursor concentration. Conclusion: The findings highlight that optimizing catalyst morphology and interfacial electronic structure is more critical than minimizing activation energy for achieving high-performance colorimetric sensing. The resulting platform shows potential as a cost-effective and portable tool for the detection of clinically relevant biomarkers in point-of-care settings.
microfluidic paper-based analytical devices
Copyright (c) 2026 Ruri Wahyuono, Jovin Jovin, Ignacius Gilbert Chano, Arda Fridua Putra, Annisa Septyana Ningrum, Muhammad Yusuf Hakim Widianto, Irkham Irkham, Yeni Wahyuni Hartati, Wulan Tri Wahyuni, Isnaini Rahmawati, Chi-Hsien Huang, Yi-Ting Lai https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring hepatic stellate cell-driven fibrosis: therapeutic advances and future perspectives
Background and purpose: Liver fibrosis, a progressive liver disease arising from viral or metabolic causes, poses a major global health challenge due to its potential progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Due to the complex aetiology and epidemiology of liver fibrosis, most therapies fail in the clinic, and very few drugs have been approved by the US FDA. Approach: This review highlights the patho­physiological features of liver fibrosis, with a focus on novel targets in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), key players in the fibrogenesis process, to develop successful therapeutic approaches using both pharma­cological agents and active targeting strategies. The review also examines current therapeutic strategies targeting liver fibrosis, both in preclinical lab setups and clinical trials. Furthermore, various receptors involved in HSC-mediated liver fibrosis and active drug delivery targeting strategies are reviewed to enhance therapeutic outcomes. This article also integrates existing knowledge to identify research gaps and guide future investigations and clinical translation in liver fibrosis treatment. In addition, novel pathways pertaining to liver fibrosis, such as the RSPO3-LGR4/5-β-catenin cascade, the CD47/YAP/TEAD4 signalling axis, and HAb18G/CD147, are briefly elaborated in the context of therapeutic approaches for arresting HSC activation. Single-cell RNA sequencing of HSCs is presented to provide a clearer picture of liver fibrosis. Conclusion: The review highlights critical research gaps in liver fibrosis therapy and promising active tar­geting strategies and pharmacological interventions to improve therapeutic outcomes. Overall, this review provides a robust foundation for scientists and clinicians to advance active targeting of the disease pathology and to develop new pharmaceutical formulations that are pharmacologically safer and more efficacious.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alka Singh, Ansab Akthar, Prashant Shukla https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Development of a biorelevant dissolution method for inhalation products: Proof of concept using drugs with diverse solubilities
Background and purpose: Due to their unique application and action, inhalation products require specific quality tests, such as Uniformity of Delivered Dose and Aerodynamic Assessment of Fine Particles. While there's no current official requirement for dissolution tests, new draft guidelines are introducing them as a supportive or required measure; however, a universally accepted methodology for such testing remains elusive. The aim of the present study was to explore the discriminatory ability and in vivo predictability of the newly developed dissolution assembly. Experimental approach: The applied experimental approach to biopharmaceutical characterization of inhalation products involved developing a biorelevant method for testing the dissolution rate of the selected active substances. Seven commercially available products, formulated as pressurized metered dose inhalers, containing either salmeterol xinafoate or beclomethasone dipropionate, have been studied. The research strategy combined in vitro testing within silico simulations. Key results: The developed dissolution method did not detect significant differences in the case of products containing highly soluble salmeterol, but it did reveal differences for products containing poorly soluble beclomethasone dipropionate. Moreover, a correlation was identified between the dissolution test results and absorption constants for beclomethasone dipropionate. Conclusion: The obtained results indicated that the investigated products would not be considered bioequivalent based on the aerodynamic particle size distribution. It was demonstrated that a discriminative dissolution method can be developed through a well-established paradigm of dissolution testing, while taking into account the specificities of the inhalation route of administration.
Copyright (c) 2025 Amar Elezović, Sandra Cvijić, Saša Pilipović, Alisa Elezović, Jelena Parojčić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Epithelial-mesenchymal dynamics in cancer: Role of signalling pathways, stromal interactions and natural therapies
Background and purpose: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its reverse process, mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), play crucial roles in embryogenesis, tissue regeneration, and cancer progression. Dys­regulation of EMT/MET pathways in cancer contributes to metastasis and drug resistance. Approach: This review discusses the signalling pathways that are correlated with EMT in cancer and investigates the therapeutic potential of naturally occurring compounds in modulating these processes. The intricate relationship between stromal cells, drug resistance, and EMT is discussed, highlighting the emerging role of MET in stabilizing distant metastasis. Additionally, the impact of p53 on EMT and its implications in cancer metastasis are discussed. The review also provides an overview of therapeutic molecules, both plant- and animal-derived, that regulate EMT, highlighting their potential in cancer treatment. Specifically, plant-based compounds from Atractylodes lancea, Dendrobium officinale, Panax ginseng and Platycodon grandiflorus, as well as animal-derived substances like bee venom and snake venom, are highlighted. Furthermore, marine-based compounds, including caprolactin C, laminaran sulfate, BFP-3, bryostatin 1, sinulariolide, manzamines, halichondrin B, eribulin and biemamides, exhibit significant anti-metastatic effects by targeting EMT-associated pathways. Conclusion: The diverse range of therapeutic molecules discussed in this review provides promising therapeutic avenues for developing targeted strategies against EMT in cancer.
Copyright (c) 2025 Siddharth Singh, Iram Khan, Anindita Behera, Kamesh R Babu, Faisal Rehman, Farah Rehan, Shraddha Manish Gupta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparison of lipophilic and size-exclusion membranes: creating sink conditions with cyclodextrin
Background and purpose: The effective transport of an active pharmaceutical ingredient across various membrane systems is critical for enhancing its bioavailability, especially in formulations involving solubilizing agents. This study aims to investigate the permeability differences of carvedilol between lipophilic (organic solvent) and size-exclusion membranes in the presence of 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin in just the acceptor compartment or both sides of the membrane using in vitro side-by-side diffusion cell assays. Experimental approach: Cyclodextrins (CDs) on the acceptor side significantly improved flux and permeability for the lipophilic membrane. In contrast, with size-exclusion membranes that allow the permeation of CDs and their complexes, the benefits of sink conditions were completely diminished. When the same amount of CD was introduced on both sides, the negative effect of CD on the donor side surpassed the positive sink effects on the acceptor side, resulting in reduced flux and permeability across all membrane types. Key results: A novel aspect of this work is the assessment of the applicability of a previously described general mathematical equation for sink conditions. Findings indicated that the supersaturation ratio between donor and acceptor compartments serves as the primary driving force of the membrane transport. For the lipophilic membrane, CDs on the acceptor side not only influenced the driving force of the transport by enhancing the solubility of carvedilol in the acceptor compartment but also altered the proportionality coefficient, hence modifying the apparent thickness of the unstirred water layer. The impact was not observed with size-exclusion membranes. The applicability of the mathematical model was additionally evaluated for CD placed on both sides of the membrane. Conclusion: The model effectively describes the impact of CD placed on the donor side when the solid membrane permits only the drug’s permeation, as in the case of a lipophilic membrane, where the solubilizing additive cannot pass through. It is also applicable when the solubilizing additive permeates slowly and has minimal influence on transport, such as with a size-exclusion membrane with a 1 kDa molecular weight cut-off. The model remains suitable if the additive is small enough in hydrodynamic size to permeate the membrane, but no concentration gradient exists to drive its transport, for example, with a 6 kDa size-exclusion membrane containing the same CD concentration on both sides of the membrane.
Copyright (c) 2025 Petra Tőzsér, Szabina Kádár, Edina Szabó, Hajnalka Pataki, Péter Sóti, Péter Laczay, György Tibor Balogh, Bálint Sinkó, Eniko Borbas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Lipid functionalized silver-coated carbon dot-capped manganese ferrite as drug-free core-shell nanoparticles for multimodal imaging and therapy
Background and purpose: Multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) are gaining significant interest in biomedical research because of their versatility and potential across various applications, especially in cancer imaging and therapy. These composite systems consist of assorted materials, such as metallic elements, metal oxides, polymers, and carbon-based nanostructures, that are combined to form a single platform featuring improved and synergistic properties. Experimental approach: This study aims to design and synthesize a novel class of silver-coated carbon dot-capped manganese ferrite NPs that were functionalized with lipids (L-Ag@MnFe@C) to improve their cytocompatibility and enable cancer therapy with multimodal imaging functionalities. Carbon-capped manganese ferrite NPs (MnFe@C) were synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal method, followed by the fabrication of nano-silver coated over the surface (Ag@MnFe@C) using a modified Tollens method, and lipid functionalization was done by the rotary evaporation method for the development of low-cost and biodegradable theranostic agents. Key results: The physicochemical characterization reveals that the engineered L-Ag@MnFe@C exhibits a higher stability, with a zeta potential of -50.6 mV, a hydrodynamic diameter of 279.4 nm and a quantum yield of 69.4 %. The engineered NPs exhibit contrast capabilities in longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging, transverse magnetic resonance imaging, fluorescence imaging, and computed tomography imaging. Furthermore, L-Ag@MnFe@C demonstrated excellent anticancer activity on the lung cancer cell line (A549). Conclusion: Based on these studies, it can be concluded that the engineered L-Ag@MnFe@C exhibits multimodal imaging abilities and demonstrates anticancer properties, thereby confirming it as a potential theranostic agent.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anbazhagan Thirumalai, Pazhani Durgadevi, Venkatakrishnan Kiran, Koyeli Girigoswami, Alex Daniel Prabhu, Agnishwar Girigoswami https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Topical composite hydrogel incorporating human amniotic membrane and spidroin for the treatment of chronic wounds in diabetes mellitus
Background and purpose: Traditional diabetic chronic skin wound dressings often lack the bioactivity required to promote regeneration in these complex wounds. The use of human amniotic membrane (hAM) has been identified as a promising natural option for diabetic skin wound regeneration, but hAM is susceptible to rejection and release of growth factors, so cells must be decellularized and supplemented with biomaterials such as spidroin, a hydrogel delivery system. This study aims to analyse and evaluate a composite hydrogel combining hAM and spidroin proteins to enhance the healing of diabetic chronic wounds. Experimental approach: Hydrogels were synthesized and characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, physical tests, gel fraction and swelling ratio. Wound healing studies were performed using alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Full-thickness wounds were created and treated with the hydrogel formulations. Macroscopic progress of wound healing was monitored, and histological analysis was performed to assess reepithelialization, inflammatory response, and collagen deposition. Key results: The functional groups of hAMD components were identified at the characteristic absorption peaks of 1650 cm⁻¹, while spidroin showed a peak at 1530 cm⁻¹. In particular, the 10 % composite (hAMD + spidroin) showed significantly faster wound closure compared to the control group and other treatment groups. Histological findings confirmed that the 10 % composite was able to facilitate cell proliferation, reduce inflammation, enhance epithelial regeneration, angiogenesis, fibroblast formation and regular collagen matrix and decrease transforming growth factor beta in the remodelling phase. Conclusion: Composite (hAMD + spidroin) 10 % showed promising wound healing efficacy in diabetic conditions, indicating its potential as a bioactive wound dressing for chronic diabetes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Suyarta Efrida Pakpahan, Anggraini Barlian, Arie Wibowo, Indra Wibowo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Insight into antistaphylococcal effect of chlorinated 1-hydroxy-naphthalene-2-carboxanilides
Background and purpose: New compounds and innovative therapeutic approaches are trying to prevent antimicrobial resistance, which has become a global health challenge. Experimental approach: This study includes a series of twelve mono-, di- and trichlorinated 1-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxanilides designed as multitarget agents. All compounds were evaluated for their antistaphylococcal activity. Furthermore, MTT assay and chemoproteomic analysis of selected compounds were performed. Cytotoxicity in human cells was also tested. Key results: N-(3,5-Dichlorophenyl)-1-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxamide (10) demon-strated activity comparable to or higher than clinically used drugs, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.37 μM. The compound was equally effective against clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant S. aureus. On the other hand, compound 10 showed 96 % inhibition of S. aureus respiration only at a concentration of 16× MIC. Chemoproteomic analysis revealed that the effect of agent 10 on staphylococci resulted in the downregulation of four proteins. This compound expressed no in vitro cytotoxicity up to a concentration of 30 μM. Conclusion: From the set of tested mono-, di- and trisubstituted derivatives, it is evident that the position of chlorine atoms is decisive for significant antistaphylococcal activity. Inhibition of energy metabolism does not appear to be one of the main mechanisms of action of compound 10; on the contrary, the antibacterial effect may likely be contributed by downregulation of proteins (especially ATP-dependent protease ATPase subunit HslU) involved in processes essential for bacterial survival and growth, such as protein, nucleotide/nucleic acid synthesis and efficient protein repair/degradation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lucia Vrablova, Tomas Gonec, Petra Majerova, Andrej Kovac, Dominika Kos, Peter Kollar, Jiri Kos; Alois Cizek; Tereza Kauerova, Josef Jampilek https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Natural polymer derivative-based pH-responsive nanoformulations with entrapped diketo-tautomers of 5-fluorouracil for enhanced cancer therapy
Background and purpose: Despite significant advancements in cancer therapies, chemotherapeutics continue to be the mainstay for treating cancer patients, with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) being commonly used for various cancers. However, its limited ability to penetrate cell membranes and its short half-life, caused by rapid metabolism, necessitate frequent administration of high doses to maintain effective therapeutic levels. This study aimed to synthesize oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) derivatives to create OSA nanoparticles loaded with 5-FU (OSANP@ 5-FU), promoting diketo tautomers, and evaluate their photophysical properties, release profile, and anticancer activity with minimal toxicity. Experimental approach: The investigation encompassed physicochemical characterization, encapsulation efficiency, 5-FU release kinetics at pH 2.2 and 7.4, cell viability assessment via MTT assay in V79 cells, and in vitro anticancer efficacy in the A375 cell line. Key results: Steady-state absorption and emission confirmed the presence of advantageous diketone tautomers of 5-FU, indicating radiative transitions from the second singlet excited state to the ground state (S2S0) and the drug's encapsulation within the polymeric nanostructure. Dynamic light scattering revealed that OSA nanoparticles, initially 177.8 nm, grew to 226.6 nm after encapsulating 5-FU, retaining high zeta potential for stability. With a 68% encapsulation efficiency, in vitro studies showed 46 to 54 % of 5-FU released across different pH levels within 510 minutes. Conclusion: In acidic conditions, there is a greater release of 5-FU than neutral pH levels, indicating a pH-responsive release profile beneficial for cancer treatment, with the release mechanism of OSANPs following Fickian diffusion as identified by a Korsmeyer-Peppas mathematical model and the formu¬lation showing improved therapeutic efficacy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anbazhagan Thirumalai, Koyeli Girigoswami, Karthick Harini, Venkatakrishnan Kiran, Pazhani Durgadevi, Agnishwar Girigoswami https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Hypotension and antiphlogistic potential of empagliflozin ocular film: swelling and release kinetics
Background and Purpose: Empagliflozin (EMP) is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor used for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The danger of glaucoma in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients is known to be reduced using SGLT2 inhibitors. Empagliflozin is also believed to reduce the level of inflammatory markers. The present work has been undertaken for monitoring intraocular pressure and anti-inflammatory activity using the empagliflozin ocular film formulation. The effect of colloidal silicon dioxide upon the dynamics of swelling and drug release performance was also studied. Experimental Approach: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-based ocular film of empagliflozin was prepared, including silicon dioxide in different ratios as 1:0.00, 1:0.01, 1:0.02, 1:0.04, and 1:0.06 (namely, EMA0, EMA1, EMA2, EMA3 and EMA4, respectively) using casting and solvent evaporation. Swelling and drug release studies of the films were conducted in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4), and the kinetic mechanisms of swelling and drug release were evaluated. Intraocular pressure was measured after application of the film in the normotensive rabbit eye. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effect was assessed using a rabbit ocular carrageenan-induced inflammation model. Key Results: Swelling behaviour followed Fickian mechanism in the order: EMA3<EMA2<EMA0<EMA4<EMA1, and partial relaxation with EMA3. Films containing silicon dioxide showed faster release than those without it (EMA0), following a diffusion pattern. The silicon dioxide-loaded film (EMA3) showed significantly lowered intraocular pressure and promising ocular anti-inflammation with favourable binding affinities of EMP to Interleukin-1β, Interleukin 6 and tumour necrosis factor-α. A good correlation between intraocular pressure and drug release was also established. Conclusion: A hydroxy­pro­pyl methylcellulose-based ocular film containing empagliflozin and silicon dioxide could be used to manage intraocular pressure and inflammation in a controlled manner in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Copyright (c) 2025 Subrata Mallick, Tanisha Das, Sourajit Parida, Mouli Das , Rakesh Swain , Sk Habibullah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Development of a carbon paper-based electrochemical immunosensor for trimethoprim detection in fishery species: monitoring antibiotic contaminants
Background and purpose: Monitoring antibiotic drugs in the environment is particularly relevant given their role in fostering microbial resistance, impacting aquatic species and human health. Therefore, this work addresses the lack of a sustainable and cost-effective analytical approach and reports the development of a competitive electrochemical immunosensor for the rapid analysis of trimethoprim (TMP), an aquatic contaminant of emerging concern, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods that are often costly and time-consuming. Experimental approach: A miniaturized 3-electrode system was developed to support the analyses of a low-volume sample (200 µL), using a low-cost carbon-paper working electrode, pencil graphite lead auxiliary electrode and a stainless-steel needle reference electrode. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the transducer, revealing a network of randomly arranged carbon fibres, significant for efficient antibody immobilization. For the immunoassay construction, an anti-TMP antibody was physically adsorbed to a small-sized transducer (d = 4 mm) for the specific recognition of TMP, followed by incubation with the enzyme-conjugate (horseradish peroxidase) and the enzyme-substrate (tetramethylbenzidine). Key results: The analytical signal was recorded by chronoamperometry (1-minute reaction) and yielded a limit of detection of 34 ng L−1. The 45-minute assay demonstrates accuracy (92.0 to 103.2 % in fishery species including codfish, mackerel, crab, and hake), reproducibility (6.1 and 9.3 % for repeatability and inter-day variation coefficient) and high selectivity (bias less than 5 %) analysis. The sensor's performance was validated against a conventional Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Conclusion: This study introduces a sustainable electrochemical immunosensor, offering a portable and eco-friendly alternative for the rapid detection of TMP in fishery species, addressing the limitations of traditional methods.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Freitas, Vitória Dibo, Rita Ribeiro, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Simone Morais, Álvaro Torrinha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Electrochemical sensing and quantification of theobromine in cocoa products at polyvaline functionalized graphite paste sensor electrode
Background and purpose: Theobromine (THB), an alkaloid present in various plants, is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations and food products. Increased consumption leads to health risks in both humans and animals. Experimental approach: An electrochemically polymerized polyvaline-modified graphite paste sensor (PVMGPS) was developed in this work to investigate the mechanistic and kinetic pathways of the electrooxidation of THB. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used for characterizing the designed sensors. The fabricated PVMGPS under optimal conditions produced enhanced current responses compared to the bare graphite paste sensor (BGPS). Multiple parameters were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. Key results: The electroactive surface areas of the BGPS and PVMGPS were evaluated as 0.025 and 0.252 cm2, respectively. The study of the effect of pH of phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and further analysis revealed that the electro-oxidation involves equivalent numbers of electrons and protons. Scan rate dependence revealed that the oxidation of THB proceeds through diffusion-controlled kinetics. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were evaluated to be 1.22 and 4.08 µM, respectively. Moreover, the voltammetric assay demonstrated a good recovery rate, proving the efficacy of the proposed sensor in detecting THB-containing food samples. Conclusions: The outcome of the analysis substantiated the efficacy, selectivity and sensitivity of the developed novel sensor for THB detection.
Copyright (c) 2025 Battira Madappa , Manjunatha J.G. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Plantain peel extract–mediated synthesis of CuO nanoparticles: comprehensive characterization, bioinertness in vitro and in vivo, and anticancer evaluation
Background and purpose: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, failing to identify a complete cure. Liver cancer is the sixth most frequent cancer worldwide, and its cure is still not assured. Nanoparticles, especially the metal oxide nanoparticles, have been explored as anticancer agents in recent times. In an attempt to make the best use of waste, plantain peel, a byproduct of agriculture, was used to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles. Experimental approach: The plantain peel extract was evaluated for its chemical compo­sition by GC-MS analysis, which revealed a predominant presence of tetratetracontane. The copper oxide nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, zeta poten­tial, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). Bio-inertness was assessed using an MTT assay of fibroblasts, a haemolysis assay, and zebrafish embryo analysis. The anticancer activity against HepG2 cells was estimated. Key results: The absorption peak was found at 402 nm, the hydrodynamic diameter was 323 nm, the zeta potential was +10.74 mV, and a band gap of 1.3 eV. The SEM images showed a size range of 54 to 85 nm with a chrysanthemum-petal-like morphology. EDAX showed the presence of Cu and O, and the XRD and FTIR peaks corroborated with that of CuO. The result showed that up to a dose of 50 μg mL-1, the nanoparticles did not induce any toxicity. Finally, the anticancer activity, evaluated using the HepG2 cell line, showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect with an IC50 of 26.20 μg mL-1. Conclusion: The outcome of this study suggested that the synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles can be used at controlled doses to kill cancer cells. Further studies are needed using other cancer cell lines and in vivo cancer models.
Copyright (c) 2026 Srimathi JaganMoorthy, Pranav Raaj Subbarayan Ravichandar, Harini Ganesan, Balasubramanian Deepika, Pazhani Durgadevi, Arulsamy Arokyapraveen, Agnishwar Girigoswami, Koyeli Girigoswami https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Neuroprotective cellular and molecular mechanisms of physical exercise on neurodegenerative diseases
Background: Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease are characterized by a progressive loss of neuronal function and loss of synaptic capacity. Physical exercise (PE) is one of the non-clinical techniques for the management of brain health and neurodegeneration. Mechanisms: PE enhances the body's metabolic functions through cellular and molecular changes. It trades off metabolic functions, energy expenditure, and signalling processes to ensure physiological homeostasis and defence against disease. Exercise produces cascades, at the molecular level, including neurotrophic signalling, similar to those generated by drugs. It increases the levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These elements favour the growth of new neurons, vascular enlargement, and synaptic plasticity. PE also induces microglial cells to attain a neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory phenotype, reduces detrimental cytokines, promotes cellular clearance through autophagy, restores neurotransmitter homogenisation, and induces hippocampal cell formation. Collectively, it acts as a powerful modulator of health and brain activity. Implications: The aggregate processes enhance neuronal vulnerability to harm, aid cognitive functioning, and ensure the stability of neural networks. Conclusion: PE is an exciting additive therapy for preventing and treating various neurodegenerative disorders by orchestrating a diverse array of cellular and molecular responses.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saswati Swagatika Sahoo, Pratap Kumar Sahu, Nishigandha Sa, Anindita Behera https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ZnO-modified carbon paste electrode for electrochemical sensing of dopamine in the presence of tyrosine
Background and purpose: Dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, functions as a catecholamine neurotransmitter in the brain, sending messages to other neurons to regulate information transmission to other areas of the brain, govern movement, and alter brain activity. Tyrosine undergoes an enzymatic process in the pharmaceutical industry to produce dopamine. Thus, it is crucial to measure both tyrosine and dopamine in bodily fluids simultaneously. Experimental approach: In this work, we demonstrate the production of ZnO nanoparticles using a straightforward solvothermal technique. A straightforward, quick, and sensitive electrochemical sensing platform for dopamine detection was then created using the produced ZnO nanoparticles. Key results: Cyclic voltammetry comparison revealed that the ZnO/carbon paste electrode considerably enhanced the dopamine oxidation process compared to the unmodified carbon paste electrode (CPE). With a low detection limit of 0.003 μM, the ZnO/CPE sensor's linear response for voltammetric dopamine determination was found to be between 0.01 and 480.0 μM. Conclusion: The modified CPE effectively demonstrates its great accuracy in tyrosine-induced dopamine detection.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ali Obaid Imarah, Nada Hasan, Mustafa G. Alabbasi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A simple UiO-66-NH2@MWCNTs based electrochemical sensor for the sensitive detection of metronidazole
Metronidazole (MRNZ) represents a highly efficacious pharmacological agent for the treatment of protozoal infections, encompassing trichomoniasis, giardiasis, as well as disorders instigated by anaerobic bacteria. In the present investigation, a solvothermal approach is employed to synthesize a composite of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH) with UiO-66-NH2, resulting in the formation of UiO-66-NH2@MWCNTs. Given the exceptional electrocatalytic characteristics of the UiO-66-NH2@MWCNTs nanocomposite, it was selected as the sensing material and subsequently integrated onto the surface of a bare screen-printed carbon electrode. Under optimal experimental conditions, the developed electrochemical sensor exhibited outstanding metrics of repeatability, stability, selectivity, and reproducibility for detection across an extensive concentration range, specifically from 0.5 μM to 350.0 μM, while achieving a limit of detection of 0.1 μM. Furthermore, the practical application of the sensor was rigorously assessed using MRNZ tablet samples and urine specimens, resulting in a commendable recovery rate of MRNZ ranging from 97.3% to 104.0%. This research elucidates a straightforward, expedited, and significant methodology for the application of UiO-66-NH2@MWCNTs within the domain of electrochemical sensing.
Copyright (c) 2025 Noor Abd Alkhudhur Salman , Israa A. Jassem , Isam Nghaimesh Taeb https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Efficient electrochemical determination of dopamine in the presence of uric acid in real samples using tungsten disulfide nanostructure modified electrode
Background and purpose: Research on the detection of uric acid (URA) and dopamine (DPA) is ongoing because of the difficulties posed by their closely overlapping oxidation potentials. Tungsten disulfide nanostructures have become attractive electrode materials to address this problem due to their low toxicity, low cost, easy production, and strong catalytic activity. Experimental approach: For voltammetric detection of compounds, we present the creation of an electrochemical sensor based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with tungsten disulfide nanostructures. Key results: According to electrochemical analyses, the manufactured sensor performed exceptionally well, having a broad LDR of 0.03 to 600.0 μM and a low LOD of 10 nM for DPA. Conclusion: The effective detection of compounds in real samples, such as injections and urine, with acceptable recovery rates further confirmed the suggested sensor's practical usefulness. In addition to offering a viable method for creating tungsten disulfide-based modified electrodes, this study holds promise for future applications in bioanalytical sensing and clinical diagnostics.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ibrahim Ayad Jihad, Thekrayat Joodi Jassim, Zainab Naeif Mageed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Electrochemical determination of calcium folinate in the presence of methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil using UiO-66/CdS composite modified screen-printed carbon electrode
Background and purpose: Calcium folinate is frequently co-administered with methotrexate and 5-fluo­ro­uracil in chemotherapeutic treatments to enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce toxicity. Therefore, simple and accurate determination of calcium folinate in the presence of these agents is essential for thera­peutic monitoring and pharmaceutical analysis. Experimental approach: The current work is focused on de­sign­ing and developing a simple and sensitive modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE)-based ele­ctro­chemical sensor for the determination of calcium folinate in the presence of methotrexate and 5-flu­orouracil. For this purpose, a nanostructure of UiO-66/CdS composite was prepared. Then, we used the prepared UiO-66/CdS com­posite to modify SPCE towards the development of an electrochemical sensing platform (UiO-66/ /CdS/SPCE). Key results: The cyclic voltammetry studies revealed that the UiO-66/CdS/SPCE could significantly improve the detection of calcium folinate with a higher response peak current at a lower overpotential compared to other SPCEs. Also, the UiO-66/CdS/SPCE sensor demonstrated a good ability in the quantitative determination of calcium folinate by the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method. Based on DPV measurements, a linearity plot was achieved for the concentration range of 0.1 to 300.0 µM calcium folinate with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.04 µM and a high sensitivity of 0.0503 µA µM-1. Furthermore, the UiO-66/ /CdS/SPCE sensor showed three well-separated oxidation peaks for the simultaneous determination of calcium folinate, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil without interfering with each other. Finally, the UiO-66/CdS/SPCE sensor was used to detect calcium folinate, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil in real samples, and the values of recovery and relative standard deviation (RSD) were satisfactory. Conclusion: The results from this study show that the designed sensor can be used as an efficient and promising platform for the determination of these species.
Copyright (c) 2025 Raed Muslim Muhibes, Fatma A.Khazaal, Qasim Mezban Salih, Raad Radi Karabat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Modelling an alternative lipophilicity scale of bisphenols using biomimetic chromatography: Relevance to membrane-driven baseline toxicity
Background and purpose: Bisphenol A and its structural analogues are ubiquitous environmental contaminants and potential endocrine disruptors, creating a need for mechanistically relevant descriptors that support early hazard assessment. This study asked whether lipophilicity indices derived from biomimetic chromatography better reflect baseline toxicity and membrane-relevant behaviour of bisphenols than commonly used in silico log P / log D descriptors. Experimental approach: A set of 18 bisphenol derivatives was analysed using phosphatidylcholine- and sphingomyelin-functionalised stationary phases and a conventional C18 column to obtain chromatographic hydrophobicity indices, which were then compared with predicted log P / log D values and related to mechanistically diverse toxicity endpoints (in vitro cytotoxicity in mammalian cells, ex vivo cardiotoxicity assessed as vasodilation, and aquatic toxicity towards Daphnids). Key results: Biomimetic chromatographic indices showed consistently stronger and more coherent relationships with biological activity than theoretical descriptors. They also uniquely captured structural effects, such as positional isomerism, which were largely indistinguishable using theoretical lipophilicity indices. Conclusion: These findings support biomimetic chromatography as an early-tier IATA tool, providing membrane-relevant experimental indices linking bisphenol lipophilicity with baseline toxicity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Krzesimir Ciura, Julia Nicman, Szymon Zdybel, Giacomo Russo, Lucia Grumetto, Katarzyna Ewa Greber, Anita Sosnowska, Joanna Dołżonek, Karolina Jagiello https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Precision therapeutics in non-scarring alopecia: a systemic genomic and pathway-based framework for targeted interventions
Background and purpose: Non-scarring alopecia, principally androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata is highly prevalent and psychologically burdensome; androgenetic alopecia is androgen-driven, whereas alopecia areata is autoimmune. This review synthesizes genetic architecture and pathway biology to outline a precision framework for targeted interventions. Experimental approach: We reviewed full-text studies from the past decade across PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar, applying explicit inclusion/ex­clusion criteria; emphasis was placed on Genome wide association studies and Next generation sequencing findings, immune and androgen-axis biology, environmental modifiers, and therapeutic evidence (conven­tional, targeted, and regenerative), alongside artificial Intelligence-enabled diagnostics. Key results: Andro­genetic alopecia risk converges on androgen-receptor signalling and related loci, with perifollicular inflam­mation and oxidative stress as modifiers; finasteride remains a cornerstone therapy. Alopecia areata reflects polygenic immune dysregulation (e.g. Human leukocyte antigen/cytokine axes) with Janus Kinase-pathway inhibition yielding robust regrowth; across phenotypes, wingless-related integration sit/β-catenin and stem-cell programs are central targets. Regenerative options (Protein Rich Plasma, stem-cell/exosome appro­aches) and artificial Intelligence-assisted stratification are emerging adjuncts. Conclusion: A pathway-guided, genotype and phenotype-informed strategy, targeting the androgen axis for androgenetic alopecia, immune circuits for alopecia areata, and adding regenerative or microenvironmental therapies where indicated-promises earlier diagnosis and more durable, individualized outcomes, especially as genome-wide association study/next-generation sequencing and artificial Intelligence tools are integrated into care.
genome-wide association studies and next-generation sequencing
wingless-related integration sit/beta-catenin signalling pathway
Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway
Copyright (c) 2025 Rinky Kapoor, Depti Bellani, Raji Patil, Debalina Bose, Madhuri Pola, Prashant Anilkumar Singh, Mamata Mishra, Debraj Shome https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Liposome-mediated gene delivery: A comprehensive review of biophysical parameters, lipid composition and targeting strategies
Background and purpose: Gene therapy has emerged as a transformative strategy for treating genetic and acquired disorders, but its clinical success relies heavily on the development of safe, efficient, and target-specific delivery vectors. Experimental approach: The paper systematically analysed published evidence on liposome composition, physicochemical behaviour, targeting strategies, and their applications in delivering diverse nucleic acids, with emphasis on the structure-function relationships of lipid components and the impact of biophysical parameters on transfection efficiency. Key results: Current findings demonstrate that the molecular architecture of cationic, neutral, and anionic lipids, particularly variations in head groups, linkers, and hydrophobic tails, strongly dictates liposome stability, cellular uptake, and cargo release. Biophysical attributes such as vesicle size, zeta potential, membrane fluidity, fusion capacity, and PEGylation were identified as major determinants of in vivo fate. Active targeting through ligands, including antibodies, peptides, folate, and aptamers, enhances cell-specific delivery, while combinatorial approaches with physical enhancement techniques such as sonoporation and electroporation further improve nucleic acid transport. Conclusion: By integrating structural, functional, and application-based insights, this review highlights key design principles for optimizing next-generation liposomal vectors, although challenges remain in achieving consistent in vivo performance and clinical translation. The work advances the field by offering a unified framework to guide rational engineering of liposomal platforms for gene therapy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Erfan Jafari Sale, Mohammad Satari, Behnam Hajipour-Verdom https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Intranasal carvacrol nanoemulsion: Stroke imaging and neuroprotective study
Background and purpose: Cerebral ischemia causes neuronal damage due to restricted blood flow and presents significant challenges for brain-targeted drug delivery because of the blood-brain barrier. The purpose of this study is to formulate and evaluate an intranasal oil-in-water nanoemulsion of carvacrol, a neuro­protective agent, for direct nose-to-brain delivery in treating cerebral ischemia. Experimental approach: Nano­emulsions were developed using high-pressure homogenization and optimized by adjusting surfactant mixture ratios and homogenization cycles. Characterization included droplet size (<200 nm), polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug content, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and drug release profiles. Intranasal suitability was assessed through in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies, including pharmacokinetics, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, and evaluation in a middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model. Key results: The optimized nanoemulsion showed sustained release, enhanced nasal permeation, and significantly improved brain bioavailability (Cmax = 67.79 ng mL-1 intranasal vs. 49.71 ng mL-1 intravenous). Lower systemic exposure and high targeting indices (DTE: 1317 %; DTP: 92.40 %) confirmed efficient brain delivery. SPECT imaging validated localized uptake, and the ischemia model demonstrated strong neuroprotective efficacy. Conclusion: Intranasal carvacrol-loaded nanoemulsion is a promising non-invasive strategy for cerebral ischemia treatment, enabling effective brain targeting and significant therapeutic benefit.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hitendra Mahajan, Ghanshyam Girnar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles and microparticles for peptide delivery: release mechanisms and controlling factors
Background and purpose: Therapeutic peptides offer high potency but are limited by rapid degradation, poor bioavailability, and the need for frequent dosing. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles and microparticles are effective carriers capable of protecting peptides and enabling controlled release. This review summarizes the mechanisms governing peptide release from PLGA particles and identifies formulation factors critical for optimizing therapeutic performance. Approach: A comprehensive analysis of polymer charac­teristics, particle design parameters, peptide physicochemical properties, and formulation strategies was conducted using data from recent studies. Release mechanisms, including diffusion, polymer degradation, and erosion, were examined alongside manufacturing methods. The review also evaluates clinical PLGA-based peptide products to highlight translational relevance. Key results: Peptide release profiles are strongly influenced by PLGA molecular weight, lactide:glycolide ratio, particle size, end-group chemistry, drug loading, and excipients. Lower polymer molecular weight, higher glycolide content, and smaller particle dimensions accelerate release, whereas cationic peptides experience electrostatic retention within degrading matrices. Additives such as PEG, magnesium salts, and chitosan coatings effectively modulate burst release and stability. PLGA systems typically display triphasic release profiles governed by diffusion and erosion. Several PLGA microparticle-based peptide depots have achieved clinical success, although no nanoparticle-based products have yet reached the market due to manufacturing and regulatory challenges. Conclusion: PLGA nano- and microparticles provide versatile, tuneable platforms for sustained peptide delivery. Under­stand­ing the interplay between polymer properties, particle architecture, and peptide characteristics is essential for designing next-generation long-acting formulations with improved efficacy and clinical translation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammadmahdi Eshaghi, Marzieh Dehghani, Azam Abedi, Mehrdad Moosazadeh Moghadam , Ramezan Ali Taheri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Potential effect of nanoformulated iota carrageenan in Aβ1-42 disaggregation: an in vitro, in vivo and in silico study
Background and purpose: Alzheimer's disease is the primary contributor to neurodegenerative conditions. These pathologies are identified by the deposition of β-amyloid peptide within brain regions. It develops insoluble fibrils known as senile plaques. These plaques are associated with synaptic dysfunction, neuroin­flammation, and progressive cognitive decline. Hence, the degradation and elimination of β-amyloid peptide fibrils from the body are viable therapeutic approaches for managing Alzheimer’s disease. Experimental approach: In the current study, liposomal nanoformulated iota carrageenan was synthesized and characterized using different photophysical tools. The nanoformulated iota carrageenan effectively degraded β-amyloid peptide 1-42, with 45.5 % reduction confirmed by Thioflavin T fluorescence assay. This activity was further supported by turbidity and dynamic light scattering analysis. Key results: The biocompatibility of nano­form­ulated iota carrageenan and its degraded β-amyloid peptide was determined using an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- -2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), live/dead cell assay on PC12 cells. Structural disintegration of the β-amyloid peptide fibrils was validated through atomic force microscopy, revealing a significant reduction in fibrillar morphology. In silico studies also evidenced the interaction between the β-amyloid peptide and nanoformulated iota carrageenan. In addition, the neuroprotective potential of nanoformulated iota carrageenan, as evidenced by nanoformulated iota carrageenan-treated β-amyloid peptide, was supported by neurite outgrowth studies. These studies showed that differentiated PC12 cells exhibited larger neurite growth with extensive branching, indicating the reversal of β-amyloid peptide-induced neurotoxicity. CAM assay demonstrated enhanced blood vessel formation in chick embryos treated with nanoformulated iota carrageenan and its β-amyloid peptide-degraded group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that nanoformu­lated iota carrageenan holds potential and has nontoxic therapeutic effects for Alzheimer’s disease. Additional in vivo validation is required in future investigations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saranya Udayakumar, Sanjay Kisan Metkar, Koyeli Girigoswami, Agnishwar Girigoswami https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Rosanoid diterpenoids: structural diversity, classification and biological activities
Background and purpose: Rosanoid diterpenoids, including ent-rosane and rosane diterpenoids, are structurally unique and bioactive subclass diterpenes characterized by a tricyclic carbon skeleton. This work aims to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on these diterpenoids from 1975. to September 2025., including their occurrence, structural diversity, and biological activities. Approach: An extensive literature search was conducted through scientific databases (ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) and publishers’ webpages (Elsevier, Wiley, ACS, RSC, Taylor & Francis, Springer, Bentham, Thieme, and MDPI), covering reports from 1975 to September 2025. Key Results: Rosanoid diterpenoids have been isolated from various natural sources, including fungi, liverworts, and higher plant families such as Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae, Alismataceae, Asteraceae, Velloziaceae, and Celastraceae. They are predominantly found in Euphorbia species, revealing their chemotaxonomic relevance to the Euphorbiaceae family. These compounds exhibit extensive structural diversity, encompassing a broad spectrum of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, cytotoxic, enzyme-inhibitory, neuroactive, and anti-adipogenic effects. Conclusion: The reported findings highlight the chemical variability and pharmacological potential of rosanoid diterpenoids, making them promising building blocks for future drug discovery and natural product development. However, further studies are warranted to explore their pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and biosynthetic pathways.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sabrin R. M. Ibrahim, Hani Z. Asfour , Gamal A. Mohamed, Nabil A. Alhakamy , Hossam M. Abdallah, Hagar M. Mohamed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Schiff base metal complexes as emerging therapeutics against antimicrobial-resistant skin pathogens
Background and purpose: The development of antimicrobial resistance reduces the efficacy of antimicrobial agents and poses a significant challenge to treat skin diseases. Many scientists, researchers, and pharma­ceutical companies work diligently to investigate novel antimicrobial agents and discover alternatives to existing ones, aiming to address antimicrobial resistance. Within the broad field of metal complexes, Schiff base complexes occupy a prominent position, with structural versatility and significant biological properties that make them promising candidates for developing alternative drugs to combat the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance. Experimental approach: This paper reviewed the existing literature on how the structural features of some recently studied Schiff base ligands and their complexes influence the antibacterial and antifungal activities of these compounds against common skin pathogens, including Candida albicans sp., dermophytes, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Key results: The structural features, including the azomethine group (C=N), heteroatoms and substituents, in Schiff base compounds have been associated with interference with protein synthesis and the growth of bacterial and fungal cells. Schiff base compounds affect cell wall and cell membrane synthesis and inhibit enzymes essential to cell division and other cellular mechanisms. The chelation theory and the overtone’s concept suggest that Schiff base metal complexes exhibit higher antibacterial and antifungal activities compared to Schiff base ligands. Conclusion: This review focuses on providing an overview of how the structural features of Schiff base compounds influence the antimicrobial properties of these compounds against Candida albicans sp., dermophytes, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Parami Sinhapitiya, Samawansha Tennakoon, Isuri A. D. K. Weeraratne https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Anti-inflammatory potential of plant-derived extracellular vesicles from Solanum nigrum L. integrated in gelatine-dopamine hydrogel on RAW 264.7 and MC3T3 cells
Background and purpose: Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEV) from Solanum nigrum L. fruit show promise as a cell-free regenerative and inflammatory therapy for bone defects due to their anti-inflammatory properties. However, challenges such as storage stability and targeted delivery efficiency remain in PDEV's applications. Strategies such as lyophilization and injectable hydrogel delivery systems offer potential solutions. Experimental approach: In this study, lyophilized PDEVs derived from Solanum nigrum L. berries were incorporated into a thermosensitive injectable gelatine-dopamine (Gel-Dop) hydrogel and evaluated by in vitro for their anti-inflammatory potential using MC3T3 pre-osteoblast cells and RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Key results: The isolated PDEVs show a spherical morphology, an average size of approximately 132.6 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.197, and a protein concentration of 509 μg mL-1. These PDEVs were efficiently internalized by MC3T3 and RAW 264.7 cells after 12 hours of incubation and showed no cytotoxic effects at concentrations up to 10 μg mL-1. The release profile confirmed that the hydrogel effectively released the PDEVs, which remained non-toxic and were internalized by cells after 12 hours of incubation. Subsequently, treatment of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated MC3T3 and RAW 264.7 cells with PDEVs led to a reduction in IL-6 protein expression. Conclusion: These findings suggest that lyophilized PDEVs from Solanum nigrum L. berries, when incorporated into Gel-Dop hydrogel, hold promise for future development as an anti-inflammatory agent in bone therapy. This study is the first to characterize and incorporate lyophilized PDEVs from Solanum nigrum L. into thermosensitive injectable Gel-Dop hydrogel and demonstrate their anti-inflammatory potential through the suppression IL-6 expression in LPS-stimulated MC3T3 and RAW 264.7 cells.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anggraini Barlian, Tasya Fediarisa, Aida Fitri Kamila, Noviana Vanawati, Yung-Hsin Cheng https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bayesian inference for integrated pharmacokinetic modelling of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine
Background and purpose: Mitragynine is an active compound in kratom that is metabolized to the pharmacologically active 7-hydroxymitragynine, requiring an integrated pharmacokinetic approach to maintain plasma concentrations of both within the optimal range. This study aims to develop an integrated pharmacokinetic model of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine using Bayesian inference. Experimental approach: A secondary dataset of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in healthy human plasma was extracted and used to construct a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model upon oral administration. Initial parameter estimation was performed using a deterministic model fit to determine prior parameters. Bayesian inference was performed using Hamiltonian Monte Carlo across four independent chains, each with 2,000 iterations. Key results: The prior distribution estimation indicated that the Markov Chain Monte Carlo chain had converged and attained stationarity, yielding many independent effective samples. In general, no correlation between pharmacokinetic parameters was found due to modelling errors. The posterior predictive check plot confirmed a good fit between the model and the data. Pharmacokinetic simulations of repeated administration have been successfully developed and used to predict essential parameters in repeated administration, such as accumulation factors, maximum plasma concentration, time to maximum concentration, minimum plasma concentration, and area under the curve. Conclusion: The pharmacokinetics of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine were successfully modelled simultaneously with two compartments and proportional residuals using Bayesian inference with high accuracy.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dion Notario, Untung Gunawan, Pretty Falena Atmanda Kambira, Erna Wulandari, Eko Adi Prasetyanto https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0