The aim of this work was to obtain pH-dependent nanofibers with an electrospinning technique as a novel controlled release system for the treatment of periodontal disease (PD). Cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) was selected as a pH-sensitive and antimicrobial polymer. The NF was optimized according to polymeric dispersion variables, polymer, and drug concentration, and characterized considering morphology, diameter, entrapment efficiency (EE), process efficiency (PE), thermal properties, and release profiles. Two solvent mixtures were tested, and CHX-CAP-NF prepared with acetone/ethanol at 12% w/v of the polymer showed a diameter size of 934 nm, a uniform morphology with 42% of EE, and 55% of PE. Meanwhile, CHX-CAP-NF prepared with acetone/methanol at 11% w/v of polymer had a diameter of 257 nm, discontinuous nanofiber morphology with 32% of EE, and 40% of PE. EE and PE were dependent on the polymer concentration and the drug used in the formulation. Studies of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the drug was dispersed in the NF matrix. The release profiles of CHX from CHX-CAP-NF followed Fickian diffusion dependent on time (t^0.43−0.45), suggesting a diffusion–erosion process and a matrix behavior. The NF developed could be employed as a novel drug delivery system in PD.

Papaya is one of the most consumed fruits in the world; however, tissue damage caused by cuts quickly leads to its decay. Therefore, this study aimed to prepare and characterize lemon oil and curcumin nanocapsules to evaluate their capacity for preserving fresh-cut papaya. Lemon essential oil and curcumin nanocapsules were prepared using ethyl cellulose (EC) and poly-(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) by the emulsification–diffusion method coupled with ultrasound. The particles had sizes smaller than 120 nm, with polydispersity indices below 0.25 and zeta potentials exceeding −12 mV, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The nanoparticles remained stable for 27 days, with sedimentation being the instability mechanism observed. These nanoparticles were employed to coat fresh-cut papaya, which was stored for 17 days. The results demonstrated their remarkable efficacy in reducing the respiration rate. Furthermore, nanocapsules maintained the pH and acidity levels of the papayas for an extended period. The lemon oil/EC nanocapsule treatment retained the color better. Additionally, all systems exhibited the ability to minimize texture loss associated with reduced pectin methylesterase activity. Finally, the nanocapsules showed a notable reduction in polyphenol oxidase activity correlating with preserving total phenolic compounds in the fruit. Therefore, the lemon oil and curcumin nanoparticles formed using EC and PCL demonstrated their effectiveness in preserving fresh-cut ‘Maradol’ papaya.

The improvement of biogas production from organic waste is a key objective in sustainable waste management and renewable energy generation. In this study, cobalt ferrite nanoparticles [CoFe₂O₄-NPs] were synthesized via a hydrothermal method and evaluated as catalytic additives in a laboratory-scale anaerobic bioreactor. The effect of nanoparticle incorporation was assessed using 50 g of organic fruit waste in a 2.46 L prototype reactor. Biogas production was monitored over 48 h under natural solar irradiation. The control system generated 12 cm³ of biogas, whereas the addition of 0.5 mL and 1 mL of a 0.1 M nanoparticle dispersion increased production to 126.25 cm³ and 157.81 cm³, respectively. These values correspond to a 10.5–13.2-fold enhancement relative to the non-catalyzed condition. The results demonstrate a clear dose dependent catalytic effect and suggest that cobalt ferrite nanoparticles promote accelerated degradation of organic matter during anaerobic fermentation.

The aim of this study was to develop and characterize C-phycocyanin/whey protein isolate-zein nanoparticles (NPs C-PC/WPI-zein) using the pH-shifting method. Additionally, molecular interactions and changes in the secondary structure of proteins were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results showed that the pH-shifting method promotes interactions between proteins, leading to the formation of stable submicrometric systems with an encapsulation efficiency of C-phycocyanin (C-PC) of approximately 70% and a spherical morphology. FTIR analysis revealed that hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions engage in nanoparticle formation. Moreover, modifications in the secondary structure of the proteins were observed, characterized by an increase in intramolecular β-sheets content and a decrease in α-helices, suggesting effective integration of C-PC into the nanoparticles. These findings support the potential of C-PC/WPI-zein NPs for applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.

This study evaluates the physicochemical compatibility and biological activity of Neem oil (Azadirachta indica) and curcumin (Curcuma longa) for future pharmaceutical applications. Analytical techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared (FTIR), and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used. The results indicated that the Neem: Curcumin mixture retains the structural characteristics of both compounds without shifts or individual signal loss, suggesting good stability and compatibility. In antioxidant activity assays using the DPPH method, curcumin demonstrated a high inhibitory capacity (70 %), while dd was less active (10 %). The mixture showed an additive effect, reaching 80 % inhibition, indicating a synergistic effect. The IC₅₀ values were consistent with these findings. In antimicrobial tests using the agar diffusion method, the combination showed no effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli; however, curcumin maintained its activity against S. aureus. These findings support the potential combined use of these compounds in natural formulations with antioxidant properties.