Aim: The moisturizing properties of glycerol, the penetration enhancing capability of propylene glycol and the bioadhesive properties of mucin were combined to improve the carrier capabilities of t...

Citrus species extracts are well known sources of bio-functional compounds with health-promoting effects. In particular, essential oils are known for their antibacterial activity due to the high content of terpenes. In this work, the steam-distilled essential oil from the leaves of Citrus limon var. pompia was loaded in phospholipid vesicles. The physico-chemical characteristics of the essential oil loaded vesicles were compared with those of vesicles that were loaded with citral, which is one of the most abundant terpenes of Citrus essential oils. The biocompatibility of the vesicles was assessed in vitro in human keratinocytes. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of the vesicles was tested while using different bacterial strains and a yeast: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, respectively. The vesicles were small in size (~140 nm), slightly polydispersed (PI ~ 0.31), highly negatively charged (~ −73 mV), and able to incorporate high amounts of essential oil or citral (E% ~ 86%). Pompia essential oil and citral exhibited antimicrobial activity against all of the assayed microorganisms, with P. aeruginosa being the least sensitive. Citral was slightly more effective than pompia essential oil against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans. The incorporation of citral in vesicles improved its antifungal activity against C. albicans.

This work aimed at developing a mouthwash based on liposomes loading Citrus limon var. pompia essential oil or citral to treat oropharyngeal diseases. Vesicles were prepared by dispersing phosphatidylcholine and pompia essential oil or citral at increasing amounts (12, 25 and 50 mg/mL) in water. Transparent vesicle dispersions were obtained by direct sonication avoiding the use of organic solvents. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) confirmed the formation of unilamellar, spherical and regularly shaped vesicles. Essential oil and citral loaded liposomes were small in size (~110 and ~100 nm, respectively) and negatively charged. Liposomes, especially those loading citral, were highly stable as their physico-chemical properties did not change during storage. The formulations were highly biocompatible against keratinocytes, were able to counteract the damages induced in cells by using hydrogen peroxide, and able to increase the rate of skin repair. In addition, liposomes loading citral at higher concentrations inhibited the proliferation of cariogenic bacterium.

An extract of Hypericum scruglii, an endangered endemic plant of Sardinia (Italy), was prepared and characterized. It was loaded in special phospholipid vesicles, glycerosomes, which were modified by adding maltodextrin (glucidex) and a polymer (gelatin or hyaluronan). The corresponding liposomes were also prepared and used as reference. The vesicles disclosed suitable physicochemical features for skin delivery. Indeed, their mean diameter ranged from 120 to 160 nm, they were homogeneously dispersed (polydispersity index ≤ 0.30), and their zeta potential was highly negative (~−45 mV). The vesicle dispersions maintained unchanged characteristics during 60 days of storage, were highly biocompatible, and were able to protect keratinocytes against damages due to oxidative stress induced by treating them with hydrogen peroxide. Vesicles were also capable of promoting cell proliferation and migration in vitro by means of a scratch wound assay. The results confirmed the fruitful delivery of the extract of H. scruglii in glycerosomes modified with glucidex and gelatin and their promising ability for skin protection and treatment.

Grape pomace is the main by-product generated during the winemaking process; since it is still rich in bioactive molecules, especially phenolic compounds with high antioxidant power, its transformation in beneficial and health-promoting foods is an innovative challenge to extend the grape life cycle. Hence, in this work, the phytochemicals still contained in the grape pomace were recovered by an enhanced ultrasound assisted extraction. The extract was incorporated in liposomes prepared with soy lecithin and in nutriosomes obtained combining soy lecithin and Nutriose FM06^®, which were further enriched with gelatin (gelatin-liposomes and gelatin-nutriosomes) to increase the samples’ stability in modulated pH values, as they were designed for yogurt fortification. The vesicles were sized ~100 nm, homogeneously dispersed (polydispersity index < 0.2) and maintained their characteristics when dispersed in fluids at different pH values (6.75, 1.20 and 7.00), simulating salivary, gastric and intestinal environments. The extract loaded vesicles were biocompatible and effectively protected Caco-2 cells against oxidative stress caused by hydrogen peroxide, to a better extent than the free extract in dispersion. The structural integrity of gelatin-nutriosomes, after dilution with milk whey was confirmed, and the addition of vesicles to the yogurt did not modify its appearance. The results pointed out the promising suitability of vesicles loading the phytocomplex obtained from the grape by-product to enrich the yogurt, offering a new and easy strategy for healthy and nutritional food development.

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death globally, driving the need for innovative therapies. Among natural compounds, maytansinoids have shown significant promise, contributing to nearly 25% of recently approved anticancer drugs. Despite their potential, early clinical trials faced challenges due to severe side effects, prompting advancements in delivery systems such as antibody-maytansinoid conjugates (AMCs). This review highlights the anticancer activity of maytansinoids, with a focus on AMCs designed to target cancer cells specifically. Preclinical and clinical studies show that AMCs, including FDA-approved drugs like Kadcyla and Elahere, effectively inhibit tumor growth while reducing systemic toxicity. Key developments include improved synthesis methods, linker chemistry and payload design. Ongoing research aims to enhance the safety and efficacy of AMCs, integrate nanotechnology for drug delivery, and identify novel therapeutic targets. These advancements hold potential to transform maytansinoid-based cancer treatments in the future.