Twelve derivatives of biguanide-derived 1,3,5-triazines, a promising class of anticancer agent, were synthesised and evaluated for their anticancer activity against two colorectal cancer cell lines—HCT116 and SW620. 2c and 3c which are the derivatives containing o-hydroxyphenyl substituents exhibited the highest activity with IC₅₀ against both cell lines in the range of 20–27 µM, which is comparable to the IC₅₀ of cisplatin reference. Moreover, the potential use of the calcium citrate nanoparticles (CaCit NPs) as a platform for drug delivery system was studied on a selected 1,3,5-triazine derivative 2a. Condition optimisation revealed that the source of citrate ions and reaction time significantly influence the morphology, size and %drug loading of the particles. With the optimised conditions, “CaCit-2a NPs” were successfully synthesised with the size of 148 ± 23 nm and %drug loading of up to 16.3%. Furthermore, it was found that the release of 2a from the synthesised CaCit-2a NPs is pH-responsive, and 2a could be control released under the acidic cancer environment. The knowledge from this study is perceptive for further development of the 1,3,5-triazine-based anticancer drugs and provide the platform for the incorporation of other drugs in the CaCit NPs in the future.

Silk sericin (SS) and curcumin (Cur) possess significant antioxidant properties, making them highly beneficial for wound healing applications. This study aimed to develop SS–Cur-loaded sodium alginate/polyvinyl alcohol (SA/PVA) films crosslinked with calcium chloride, creating a biomaterial with enhanced stability and antioxidant properties. Wound dressings containing SS-Cur were fabricated by mixing SA and PVA at different ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, and 1:6. The resulting films were then crosslinked with calcium chloride in an ethanol solution to enhance film integrity. These films were characterized using several techniques, revealing that the presence of ethanol in calcium chloride affected film properties, including the gel fraction, swelling, film thickness, and FTIR analysis. The presence of ethanol in calcium chloride revealed the highest drug content in the SA/PVA films. In vitro release studies demonstrated sustained release of SS-Cur from all formulations. Cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity tests showed that SS–Cur-loaded SA/PVA films with ethanol in calcium chloride increased cell viability and enhanced antioxidant effects in L929 cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the presence of ethanol in the crosslinking solution improved the functionality of SS–Cur-loaded SA/PVA films, making them promising candidates for wound healing and soft tissue regeneration.

Liposomes, nanoscale vesicles with distinct structural and functional properties, are widely utilized in drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and ability to encapsulate diverse therapeutic agents. Effective sterilization is essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of liposomal formulations in biomedical applications, yet its impact on liposome integrity and functionality remains inadequately studied. This work systematically evaluates the effects of three sterilization methods: autoclaving, UV radiation, and filtration—on liposomes composed of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), two phospholipids differing in lipid chain length. Sterilization altered liposome properties in a lipid chain length-dependent manner, affecting particle size, zeta potential, and phospholipid content. Filtration caused significant hydrocarbon loss, confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, and led to a higher reduction in phospholipid content in DPPC liposomes compared to DSPC liposomes. Biological evaluations showed that autoclaved and UV-irradiated DPPC liposomes exhibited higher cytotoxic and lower stability than their DSPC counterparts. While autoclaving and UV irradiation resulted in minimal chemical alterations, both methods significantly influenced biological properties. Filtration, although less disruptive to biocompatibility, also reduced key liposomal integrity and efficacy. This study underscores the critical importance of post-sterilization evaluation to optimize liposomal formulations for clinical and biomedical use.

Background: Combating obesity is challenging, as anti-obesity compounds lose effectiveness or cause severe side effects when delivered via conventional routes. Thus, there is a need for new, effective treatment routes that are home-based and safe for long-term use. This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to investigate the efficacy of a biocellulose transdermal patch containing alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), an anti-obesity compound, in reducing subcutaneous fat accumulation. Methods: One hundred and sixteen overweight participants (average age 37.96 +/- 7.80 years) were recruited for the study. They were randomly assigned to apply either the calcium citrate nanoparticle-encapsulated ALA transdermal patch or a placebo on their arm. The participants' body weight, height, blood lipid profile (cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein), arm circumference, triceps skin fold, and subcutaneous fat thickness were recorded at baseline and at the 2-week follow-up. Results: The mean arm circumference did not show any significant difference from baseline, whereas the triceps skinfold and subcutaneous fat thickness showed a significant reduction. The 2-week treatment did not significantly alter the plasma LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels of the participants, but it significantly reduced the total cholesterol level. Conclusion: This study reports the successful reduction of subcutaneous fat of the calcium citrate nanoparticleencapsulated ALA transdermal patches. The transdermal patches could be used as a safe and effective homebased solution for combating obesity.

Background In a pilot study using both cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as single agents in advanced cancer patients undergoing palliative care in Thailand, the doses were generally well tolerated, and the outcome measure of total symptom distress scores showed overall symptom benefit. The current study aims to determine the intensity of the symptoms experienced by breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, to explore the microbiome profile, cytokines, and bacterial metabolites before and after the treatment with cannabis oil or no cannabis oil, and to study the pharmacokinetics parameters and pharmacogenetics profile of the doses. Methods A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial will be conducted on the metastatic breast cancer cases currently receiving chemotherapy at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (KCMH), Bangkok, Thailand. Block randomization will be used to allocate the patients into three groups: Ganja Oil (THC 2 mg/ml; THC 0.08 mg/drop, and CBD 0.02 mg/drop) group), Metta Osot (THC 81 mg/ml; THC 3 mg/drop), and placebo oil. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), microbiome profile, cytokines, and bacterial metabolites will be assessed before and after the interventions. Thai Clinical Trial Registration TCTR20220809001