Drug delivery and therapeutic challenges of gliclazide, a BCS class II drug used in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can be overcome by exploring smarter carriers of second-generation nanocrystals (SGNCs). A combined method of emulsion diffusion, high-pressure homogenization and solvent evaporation method were employed in the preparation of gliclazide loaded poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) SGNCs. Taguchi experimental design was adopted in fabrication of Gliclazide SGNc using Gliclazide -PLGA ratio at 1:0.5, 1:0.75, 1:1 with stabilizer (Poloxamer-188, PEG 4000, HPMC E15 at 0.5, 0.75, 1% w/v). The formulated gliclazide of SGNCs were investigated for physicochemical properties, in vitro drug release, and in vivo performance studies using type-2 diabetes rat model. The formulation (SGNCF1) with Drug: PLGA 1: 0.5 ratio with 0.5% w/v Poloxamer-188 produced optimized gliclazide SGNCs. SGNCF1 showed spherical shape, small particle size (106.3 ± 2.69 nm), good zeta potential (−18.2 ± 1.30 mV), small PDI (0.222 ± 0.104) and high entrapment efficiency (86.27 ± 0.222%). The solubility, dissolution rate and bioavailability of gliclazide SGNCs were significantly improved compared to pure gliclazide. The findings emphasize gliclazide SGNCs produce faster release initially, followed by delayed release with improved bioavailability, facilitate efficient delivery of gliclazide in T2DM with better therapeutic effect.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a worldwide outbreak. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus can be transmitted human-to-human through droplets and close contact where personal protective equipment (PPE) is imperative to protect the individuals. The advancement of nanotechnology with significant nanosized properties can confer a higher form of protection. Incorporation of nanotechnology into facemasks can exhibit antiviral properties. Nanocoating on surfaces can achieve self-disinfecting purposes and be applied in highly populated places. Moreover, nano-based hand sanitizers can confer better sterilizing efficacies with low skin irritation as compared to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The present review discusses the incorporation of nanotechnology into nano-based materials and coatings in facemasks, self-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers, in the hope to contribute to the current understanding of PPE to combat COVID-19.

Poor solubility, erratic bioavailability and delivery challenges associated with gliclazide, which is commonly used in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment, are overcome by exploring electrospun nanofibers technology. Employing emulsion electrospinning method with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) alone and in combination with poly(d/l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), nanofibers were fabricated. Different concentrations of PLGA at 0.05%, 0.10% and 0.15% w/v were added to PVA to achieve a modified drug release profile to meet the typical physiological needs of T2DM, such as a faster drug release at meals followed by prolonged release to maintain constant plasma glucose level, which is highly desirable in T2DM management. Fabricated gliclazide-nanofibers were characterized by various studies, such as solubility, in-vitro drug release, drug release kinetic, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. GLZNF2, formulation of Drug:PVA:PLGA 0.1:10:0.05% w/v produced optimized gliclazide nanofibers. The optimized GLZNF2 nanofibers were incorporated into gelatin capsule for oral administration. SEM image of optimized formulation (GLZNF2) shows cylindrical shaped fiber, indicating gliclazide incorporated homogeneously in polymers with average fiber diameter 4.357 ± 0.83 µm. The solubility and dissolution rate of gliclazide nanofibers significantly improved compared to pure gliclazide. The gliclazide nanofibers produce a biphasic drug release profile, initial fast release, followed by prolonged release. Oral fabricated gliclazide fibers have tremendous potential as a drug carrier, and alternative technology for the improvement of solubility, dissolution rate, reduction in the dosing frequency and better blood glucose control could be explored in T2DM management.

Justicia adhatoda L. (J. adhatoda L.) belongs to the family of Acanthaceae and is a well-known medicinal plant in the South and Southeast Asia. The phytochemicals isolated from the plant include alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids, steroids and glycoside derivatives that are responsible for its diverse medicinal properties. The information was obtained from literature, sources including books, research papers, review papers and reports available online in accepted scientific databases such as Science Direct, Taylor and Francis, Frontiers, Scopus, Springer, MDPI, MEDLINE, Pubmed, Wiley. This review presents the up-to-date data information available on J. adhatoda L. After careful consideration, a total of 98 articles were used for this review. Herbal medicine is a form of healthcare that has been used for years in many countries. Justicia adhatoda L. is one such multipurpose plant with many uses, health benefits, and bioactivities. Several studies revealed the presence of approximately 233 phytochemical constituents. Abundance of these bioactive phytochemicals confer various pharmacological activities such as anti-microbial activity, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, antipyretic activity, insecticidal properties, hepatoprotective activity, anti-diabetic activity, anti-tubercular activity, anti-cancer and radioprotective activity, anti-ulcer activity and activity against respiratory ailments. The review provides an overview of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity and toxicology of J. adhatoda L. For future drug design and discovery from J. adhatoda L. more activity screening and structure–activity relationship studies are required to explore further. This present review brings forth the current findings on the pharmacological activities of J. adhatoda L. but there are still certain aspects of the plant that are limited, not reliable, or lacking in data. Also there need to be development of methods to isolate active compounds from other parts of the plant other than the leaves and to study their phytochemical potential.