Nanoscience & Nanotechnology-Asia - Current Issue

Asian spices are globally recognized for their rich phytochemical composition. The bioactive compounds of Asian spices have significant potential to extend the biological applications of metal nanomaterials by increasing their surface area, stability, dispersion, and eco-friendliness.

The present study is designed to prepare novel iron oxide (Fe2O3) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of Illicium verum (star anise), a traditional Asian spice as a reducing, capping & stabilizing agent. The synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized to study their molecular environment using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Elemental composition was examined through the Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed the size, shape, and other morphological characteristics of nanoparticles. The optical properties have been tested through Ultraviolet-Visible (UV) spectroscopy and the band gap energies of both Fe2O3 and CuO nanoparticles have been calculated by using the Tauc plot method, which explores its semiconductor applications. The catalytic applications of obtained nanoparticles have shown significant potential in the degradation of aqueous methyl orange dye (MO).

Results revealed that Fe2O3 and CuO nanoparticles significantly increased the rate of reaction by decreasing the reaction time to 45 mins and 40 mins, respectively in comparison to the NaBH4 (60 mins). This shows that CuO has a larger surface area and more absorption capacity than Fe2O3 NPs. To examine the cause of value healthcare, the obtained materials have also been applied against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The bactericidal activity was compared with gentamicin, which showed both nanometals are moderate to strongly active against tested microbes.

The successful eco-friendly synthesis of metallic nanoparticles by using Asian spices and their applications in physical and biological sciences opens the door for the scientific community to develop and apply more novel and green nanomaterials in industrial and commercial areas.

Poor solubility and low oral bioavailability are major challenges associated with the oral delivery of the antidiabetic drug Vigna radiata (VR). Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations and improve the therapeutic efficacy of VR. This study investigated the potential of NLCs for VR delivery and explored the influence of formulation parameters on NLC properties and drug release behavior.

NLCs loaded with VR were prepared using the melt emulsion ultrafiltration technique. The effect of two key formulation variables – the ratio of liquid lipid to solid lipid and the concentration of the surfactant were investigated in terms of particle size, zeta potential, and drug encapsulation efficiency. The in-vitro release profiles of the VR-NLC formulations were evaluated, and the optimal formulation was subjected to further analysis to investigate its release kinetics.

The NLCs exhibited particle sizes ranging from 108.9 to 192.3 nm and all formulations possessed a negative zeta potential (-3.68 to -10.9 mV), indicating good stability and potential for resisting aggregation. Interestingly, the lowest solid lipid to liquid lipid ratio and the lowest surfactant concentration yielded the highest drug encapsulation efficiency, highlighting the complex interplay between these factors. All VR-NLC formulations exhibited a biphasic, time-dependent in-vitro release pattern, suggesting an initial burst release followed by a sustained release phase. This biphasic profile is promising for achieving both rapid onset of action and long-lasting glycemic control, which are crucial aspects of effective diabetes management.

The optimized NLC formulation showed an in-vitro release pattern that adhered to the Higuchi diffusion model, suggesting a controlled release mechanism where the drug diffuses steadily out of the NLC matrix. This finding indicates potentially predictable and consistent drug delivery in-vivo.

This study demonstrates the potential of NLCs as a promising platform for the controlled oral delivery of VR. NLCs can overcome the inherent limitations of VR and provide a convenient and effective oral antidiabetic option for patients. Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of NLC-encapsulated VR in-vivo using relevant animal models. This will pave the way for the development of a novel and potentially transformative treatment option for diabetes.