This study is focused on the encapsulation of polyphenols from Lycium barbarum leaves into liposomes as a strategy to improve their delivery. Liposomes loaded with Lycium barbarum leaves extract were obtained and characterized for particle size, polydispersity, entrapment efficiency, and stability. Liposomes presented entrapment efficiency higher than 75%, nanometric particle size, narrow polydispersity, and good stability over three months at 4 °C. The liposomes containing Lycium barbarum offered a slower release of polyphenols with attenuated burst effect compared with the dissolution of free Lycium barbarum extract in phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.4. Moreover, an in vitro pretreatment of 24 h with loaded liposomes showed a cytoprotective effect against H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity on L-929 mouse fibroblasts cells. These preliminary findings imply that liposomes could be successfully employed as carriers for polyphenols in pharmaceutical applications.

This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of polymeric nanoparticles based on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) loaded with curcumin for biomedical applications. PHAs, biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, were synthesized via bacterial fermentation and used to encapsulate curcumin using the nanoprecipitation method. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized for their particle size, polydispersity index, and encapsulation efficiency, achieving high entrapment rates (above 80%) and nanometric size distribution. Stability assessments demonstrated prolonged structural integrity under storage conditions. In vitro release studies conducted in phosphate-buffered saline at pH 5 and 7.4 revealed sustained drug release profiles. Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity assays using human astrocytes and fibroblasts confirmed the nanoparticles’ safety, while antiproliferative tests on glioblastoma and colon cancer cell lines indicated potential therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, skin irritation and corrosion tests using the EpiDerm™ model classified the formulations as non-irritant and non-corrosive. These findings suggest that PHA-based nanoparticles offer a promising nanocarrier system for curcumin delivery, with potential applications in cancer treatment and regenerative medicine. Future research should focus on optimizing the formulation and evaluating in vivo therapeutic effects.

The use of antioxidants in the dermatocosmetic industry has become increasingly popular to help protect and stabilize other sensitive active ingredients, prolonging the effectiveness and durability of the cosmetic product. Grape pomace, as the main by-product generated through winemaking, and Polygonum cuspidatum, concentrate bioactive metabolites with high antioxidant activity. Hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from grape pomace (Merlot and Feteasca Neagra varieties) and the root and flower of Japanese knotweed, respectively, alone and in mixtures, were characterized, and preliminary assays were conducted for their incorporation in two gel-based cosmetic formulations. The characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of catechin, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, resveratrol, and kaempferol. The hydroalcoholic extract of P. cuspidatum flower and root was found to have the highest content of total phenolic compounds (10.920 ± 0.268 mg GAE/mL, respectively, 4.751 ± 0.072 mg GAE/mL), and the highest antioxidant activity (expressed as DPPH Radical Scavenging Capacity, IC₅₀) by 28.04 ± 1.12 µg GAE/mL and 83.91 ± 1.13 µg GAE/mL, respectively. Catechin was the most abundant polyphenol found in pomace extract (687.87 mg/kg). The type and the concentration of the plant extract used in dermatocosmetic gel formulations influenced their antioxidant activity. Encapsulation of P. cuspidatum flower extract in liposomes prior to their incorporation into the gel formulation demonstrated the role of liposomes in enhancing the stability and modulation of phenolic compound delivery. It is worth noting that this dermatocosmetic formulation, which contains the flower extract of P. cuspidatum, was the subject of a pending patent application.

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CSLM) is a powerful microscopic tool that gives valuable morphological and functional information within cells and tissues. CLSM is non-invasive, with high-contrast scanning, a simple and fast sample preparation procedure as well as easy operation. This paper aimed to study the intracellular uptake of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with cardiovascular drugs using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Polymeric nanoparticles were prepared via nanoprecipitation method using poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) as a biodegradable polymeric matrix and Pluronic F127 as a stabilizer. A mixture of two cardiovascular drugs—valsartan (an angiotensin II receptor antagonist drug) and amlodipine besylate (a calcium channel blocker)—was loaded in polymeric nanoparticles. The prepared polymeric nanoparticles had sizes lower than 300 nm and narrow dispersity. The cellular uptake of polymeric nanoparticles was investigated by incubating adherent mouse embryo fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) with a suspension of nanoparticles (stained previously with phthalocyanine) at three different time points. Targeted cell compartments were labeled with two fluorophores: Rhodamine B (membrane stain) and Hoechst (nucleic acid stain). Live cell imaging was performed using a confocal microscope Zeiss LSM710 with Zeiss PALM microdissection system. The intracellular uptake of polymeric nanoparticles was revealed by confocal laser scanning microscopy for each incubation time. The results suggest a possible mechanism of endocytosis and clearly a vesicular-based accumulation of the nanoparticles in the cytoplasmatic compartments.

Liposomal nano-systems and hydrogels are two types of nano-technological systems that have promising applications in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases (diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemias, and metabolic syndrome), which are a major public health concern worldwide. Advances in nanotechnology and biomaterials have enabled the development of new platforms for the controlled delivery of nutrients or bioactive compounds in order to solve these issues. This review compares the characteristics, advantages, and limitations of these two systems, with a focus on their applicability in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.

This study explores an innovative delivery strategy for the management of skin conditions: lipid nanosystems incorporated into a gel matrix. Echinacea purpurea extract, known for its antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, was encapsulated into lipid-based nanosystems and subsequently incorporated into a Carbopol-based gel. The extract, rich in chicoric and caftaric acids, exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC50 = 56.89 µg/mL). The resulting nanosystems showed nanometric size (about 200 nm), high entrapment efficiency (63.10% –75.15%), and excellent short-term stability. Superior biocompatibility of the nanosystems, compared to the free extract, was demonstrated using an MTS assay on L-929 fibroblasts. Moreover, the cytoprotective potential of the lipid carriers was evident, as pre-treatment significantly increased cell viability under H2O2-induced oxidative stress. These findings suggest that lipid-based encapsulation enhances the therapeutic profile of Echinacea purpurea. The optimal lipid formulation was incorporated into a Carbopol-based gel, which demonstrated an appropriate pH (5.15 ± 0.75), favorable textural properties, sustained polyphenol release, and overall good stability. This research highlights the potential of plant-derived bioactives in the development of dermatocosmetic products, aligning with current trends in eco-conscious and sustainable skincare.