This study presents a simple and cost-effective approach for synthesizing pyrolytic lignin-based carbon dots (CDPLs) via controlled thermal pyrolysis in water. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that pyrolytic lignin has been used as a precursor for carbon dots. The one-pot method produced blue/green fluorescent CDPLs with an average size of 34 nm and a negative surface charge of -10.4 mV. The characterization techniques revealed the optical properties and chemical composition of CDPLs, with a fluorescence quantum yield of 7.9%, which is comparable to those of lignin-derived carbon dots. The decay lifetime of CDPLs was in the nanosecond range, which is typical for carbon dots. This study demonstrates the potential of using pyrolytic lignin, a lignocellulosic byproduct, to produce carbon dots through a simple and reproducible method, contributing to the development of sustainable carbon-based nanomaterials.

Background: Silibinin (SLB), a flavonoid derived from milk thistle, exhibits promising therapeutic properties but faces significant clinical limitations due to poor solubility and bioavailability. Objectives: This study focuses on the development and characterization of SLB-loaded nanoemulsions designed for mucosal delivery. Methods: Nanoemulsions were prepared using the spontaneous emulsification method, guided by pseudoternary phase diagrams to determine selected component ratios. Comprehensive characterization included particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, rheological properties, and surface tension. Mucoadhesive properties were evaluated using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) to quantify interactions with mucin layers. Results: The combination of Capryol 90, Tween 80, and Transcutol in selected proportions yielded nanoemulsions with excellent stability and solubilization capacity, enhancing the solubility of silibinin by 625 times compared to its intrinsic solubility in water. The ternary phase diagram indicated that achieving nanoemulsions with particle sizes between 100 and 300 nm required higher concentrations of surfactants (60%), relative to oil (20%) and water (20%), with formulations predominantly composed of Smix (surfactant and cosurfactant mixture in a 1:1 ratio). Rheological analysis revealed Newtonian behavior, characterized by constant viscosity across varying shear rates and a linear torque response, ensuring ease of application and mechanical stability. QCM-D analysis confirmed strong mucoadhesive interactions, with significant frequency and dissipation shifts, indicative of prolonged retention and enhanced mucosal drug delivery. Furthermore, contact angle measurements showed a marked reduction in surface tension upon interaction with mucin, with the SLB-loaded nanoemulsion demonstrating superior wettability and strong mucoadhesive potential. Conclusions: These findings underscore the suitability of SLB-loaded nanoemulsions as a robust platform for effective mucosal drug delivery, addressing solubility and bioavailability challenges while enabling prolonged retention and controlled therapeutic release.

The increasing demand for environmentally friendly and biocompatible materials has stimulated growing interest in natural biopolymers, particularly pectin, due to its abundance, safety, low cost, b...