A novel, efficient delivery system for iron (Fe2+) was developed using the alginate biopolymer. Iron loaded alginate nanoparticles were synthesized by a controlled ionic gelation method and was characterized with respect to particle size, zeta potential, morphology and encapsulation efficiency. Successful loading was confirmed with Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric Analysis. Electron energy loss spectroscopy study corroborated the loading of ferrous into the alginate nanoparticles. Iron encapsulation (70%) was optimized at 0.06% Fe (w/v) leading to the formation of iron loaded alginate nanoparticles with a size range of 15-30nm and with a negative zeta potential (-38mV). The in vitro release studies showed a prolonged release profile for 96h. Release of iron was around 65-70% at pH of 6 and 7.4 whereas it was less than 20% at pH 2.The initial burst release upto 8h followed zero order kinetics at all three pH values. All the release profiles beyond 8h best fitted the Korsmeyer-Peppas model of diffusion. Non Fickian diffusion was observed at pH 6 and 7.4 while at pH 2 Fickian diffusion was observed.

A chitosan-alginate nanoparticle system encapsulating doxorubicin (DOX) was prepared by a novel ionic gelation method using alginate as the crosslinker. These nanoparticles were around 100 nm in size and more stable with higher positive zeta potential and had higher % encapsulation efficiency (95%) than DOX loaded chitosan nanoparticles (DOX Csn NP) crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). FTIR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis revealed successful loading of DOX.In vitrodrug release showed an initial release phase followed by slow release phase with higher cumulative release obtained with DOX loaded chitosan-alginate nanoparticles (DOX Csn-Alg NP). Thein vitrocytotoxicity of DOX released from the two nanoparticle systems showed a notable difference on comparison with that of free DOX on the MCF-7 cell line. The SRB assay, AO/EB staining, and fluorescence uptake study indicated that free DOX only showed dose dependent cytotoxicity, whereas both dose and time dependency were exhibited by the two sets of NPs. While both systems show sustained release of DOX, from the cell viability plots, DOX Csn-Alg NPs showed their superiority over DOX Csn NPs. The results obtained are useful for developing DOX Csn-Alg NPs as a sustained release carrier system for DOX.

Photoageing resulting from long term exposure of the skin to UV light can be minimized by scavenging the reactive photochemical intermediates with antioxidants. For effective photoprotection, the antioxidant must overcome the barrier properties of the skin and reach the target site in significant amounts. The present study aims to improve the skin penetration of caffeic acid, a very effective free radical scavenger, by encapsulating in liposomes. Caffeic acid loaded liposomes prepared using the reverse phase evaporation technique showed 70% encapsulation efficiency and size around 100 nm with zeta potential of −55 mV.In vitrodiffusion through a dialysis membrane enabled 70% release of encapsulated caffeic acid within 7 h, whereas 95% of free caffeic acid diffused within 4 h in PBS solution (pH 7.4). Liposomal caffeic acid permeation through pig skin epidermis in a Franz cell apparatus was 45 % during 7 h. In contrast, free caffeic acid was almost nonpermeable (<5%) to pig skin during this time. The DPPH assay indicated that skin penetration did not destroy the antioxidant activity of liposomal caffeic acid or free caffeic acid. In conclusion, we confirm that liposomal caffeic acid may be successfully employed as an effective photoprotective agent against UV mediated skin damage.

The accumulation of non-biodegradable food packaging waste causes huge pollution to the environment, has become a major issue. Currently, the use of edible and biodegradable packaging for food applications to avoid the generation of waste is a fast-emerging eco-friendly technology with increased attention. The edible packaging; films and coatings synthesized from biodegradable sources like polysaccharides, lipids, proteins and composites can be consumed without disposing them to the environment. These can be used on different foods by functioning as barriers to moisture, vapours and other solutes, also by reducing lipid oxidation and discolouration. They perform multiple functions as carriers for active compounds and have the ability to release them at a controlled rate to the packed food, which significantly extends the shelf-life and hence, improves the quality of food. This review focuses on the recent researches on the innovative biopolymer-based edible packaging, an alternative to synthetic nonedible packaging.

Cancer is a complex disease characterized by the unrestrained proliferation and dissemination of abnormal cells. The issue continues to be a notable public health concern on a global scale, with millions of new cases and fatalities being reported annually. Despite significant advances in cancer treatment, it remains a major challenge due to the high cost and toxicity of current therapies. Phytochemicals naturally found in plants are crucial resources for developing novel drugs and potential cancer therapies. The clinical efficacy of these anti-cancer agents has been demonstrated against diverse neoplastic cell lines. Additional investigation in this field can result in improved cancer therapies. Among many other plants effective against cancer, this literature review explores the anti-cancer properties of Annona muricata, a plant commonly known as soursop, which is a tropical plant species native to Central and South America, the Caribbean, and West Africa known for its edible fruit which has some medicinal merits, but also some toxicological effects. Annona muricata has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, including cancer treatment. Acetogenins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and other active compounds are only a few of the phytochemicals that this review cites as being present in A. muricata. The review also looks into A. muricata’s biological abilities to fight lung, liver, prostate, colon, pancreas, and breast cancers. The toxicity of A. muricata and possible adverse effects are also covered in the review. The review also looks at the usage of nanoparticles with A. muricata as a cancer treatment. Overall, this literature review provides valuable insights into the potential anti-cancer properties of A. muricata and its potential as a therapeutic agent in cancer treatment.