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18 pages, 1637 KiB  
Article
Red Algae Alters Expression of Inflammatory Pathways in an Osteoarthritis In Vitro Co-Culture
by Shane M. Heffernan, Mark Waldron, Kirsty Meldrum, Stephen J. Evans and Gillian E. Conway
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(3), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18030315 - 24 Feb 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions and significantly contributes to local and global disease burden. Common pharmaceuticals that are used to treat OA cause significant side effects, thus non-pharmaceutical bioactive alternatives have been developed that can impact OA [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions and significantly contributes to local and global disease burden. Common pharmaceuticals that are used to treat OA cause significant side effects, thus non-pharmaceutical bioactive alternatives have been developed that can impact OA symptoms without severe side-effects. One such alternative is the Red Algae Lithothamnion species (Litho). However, there is little mechanistic knowledge of its potential to effect OA gene expression, and a human in vitro model using commercially available cell lines to test its effectiveness has yet to be developed. Methods: Human osteoblast (hFOB 1.19. CRL-11372) and chondrocyte (C28/I2) cell lines were co-cultured indirectly using transwells. IL1-β was used to induce an inflammatory state and gene expression profiles following treatment were the primary outcome. Conclusion: Results indicated that the model was physiologically relevant, remained viable over at least seven days, untreated or following induction of an inflammatory state while maintaining hFOB 1.19. and C28/I2 cell phenotypic characteristics. Following treatment, Litho reduced the expression of inflammatory and pain associated genes, most notably IL-1β, IL-6, PTGS2 (COX-2) and C1qTNF2 (CTRP2). Confirmatory analysis with droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) revealed that Il-1β induced a significant reduction in C1qTNF2 at 7 days which was ameliorated with Litho treatment. These data present a novel and replicable co-culture model of inflammatory OA that can be used to investigate bioactive nutraceuticals. For the first time, this model demonstrated a reduction in C1qTNF2 expression that was mitigated by Red Algae Lithothamnion species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products)
16 pages, 3196 KiB  
Article
Ibuprofen-Loaded, Nanocellulose-Based Buccal Films: The Development and Evaluation of Promising Drug Delivery Systems for Special Populations
by Katarina Bolko Seljak, Blaž Grilc, Mirjana Gašperlin and Mirjam Gosenca Matjaž
Gels 2025, 11(3), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11030163 - 24 Feb 2025
Abstract
The objective of this work was to investigate the use of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) as a drug-delivery excipient for buccal films. Gel-like dispersions were created by blending either gel or powder NCC (gNCC or pNCC) with natural polymers (alginate, pectin, or chitosan) in [...] Read more.
The objective of this work was to investigate the use of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) as a drug-delivery excipient for buccal films. Gel-like dispersions were created by blending either gel or powder NCC (gNCC or pNCC) with natural polymers (alginate, pectin, or chitosan) in water, with glycerol serving as a plasticiser. Ibuprofen (IBU) as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) was dissolved in a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) to improve its solubility prior to its addition to gel-like dispersions. Dispersions were dried, and resulting films were cut to 3 cm × 1.5 cm size, appropriate for buccal delivery. Rheological measurements revealed that shorter, thinner, and less crystalline nanocellulose fibres are more favourable for stronger gel properties. While overall, weaker gel structure prior to film casting also resulted in shorter disintegration time, this was not the case for NCC–chitosan films; here, the low solubility of chitosan in neutral media proved to be the main obstacle. Nevertheless, the prolonged disintegration of NCC–chitosan films did not impact the dissolution of IBU, as these films exhibited the fastest dissolution rate, followed by NCC–pectin and NCC–alginate. Furthermore, NCC properties significantly influenced the dissolution behaviour of the chitosan formulations, with gNCC favouring faster IBU release due to weaker gel formation prior to film casting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose-Based Gels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)
15 pages, 2387 KiB  
Article
Development and Validation of Two Cell-Based Reporter-Gene Assays for Determining the Bioactivity of Recombinant Human Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Pharmaceutical Products
by Lyuyin Wang, Jing Gao, Kaixin Xu, Jing Li and Chenggang Liang
Molecules 2025, 30(5), 1037; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30051037 - 24 Feb 2025
Abstract
To develop a cell-based in vitro thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) biological activity assay that can simulate in vivo pharmacodynamic mechanisms, we constructed two HEK293-TSHR cell lines based on two main cell signaling pathways (Gαs-cAMP-PKA and Gαq/11-PLC-Ca2+) that TSH depends on for its [...] Read more.
To develop a cell-based in vitro thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) biological activity assay that can simulate in vivo pharmacodynamic mechanisms, we constructed two HEK293-TSHR cell lines based on two main cell signaling pathways (Gαs-cAMP-PKA and Gαq/11-PLC-Ca2+) that TSH depends on for its in vivo physiological function. These cell lines stably expressed the luciferase reporter driven by the cAMP response element (CRE) and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) response element, and two reporter-gene assays (RGAs) were correspondingly established and validated. The two transgenic genes could measure signals produced from the simulation of the in vivo effects of TSH from the Gαs-cAMP and Gαq/11-PLC pathways after TSH activation. TSH showed a good dose–response relationship in these two cell lines and conformed to the four-parameter model. We optimized the critical experimental parameters of these two methods and performed comprehensive methodological validation according to the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) Q2 (R1) guidelines, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and the United States Pharmacopoeia. The two methods showed good specificity, accuracy, precision, and linearity and can be used to aid in assessments of the biological activity of TSH drugs, product characterization, final product release, stability studies, and comparability studies for biosimilar applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pharmaceutical Analytical Technologies)
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21 pages, 1693 KiB  
Article
Process Analytical Technology Obtained Metastable Zone Width, Nucleation Rate and Solubility of Paracetamol in Isopropanol—Theoretical Analysis
by Mahmoud Ranjbar, Mayank Vashishtha, Gavin Walker and K. Vasanth Kumar
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(3), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18030314 - 24 Feb 2025
Abstract
Background: Metastable zone width (MSZW) and solubility are crucial for developing crystallization procedures in the purification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Traditionally, determining these properties involves labor-intensive methods that can take weeks or even months. With advancements in process analytical technologies (PAT) and [...] Read more.
Background: Metastable zone width (MSZW) and solubility are crucial for developing crystallization procedures in the purification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Traditionally, determining these properties involves labor-intensive methods that can take weeks or even months. With advancements in process analytical technologies (PAT) and the increasing focus on quality by design (QbD) in pharmaceutical manufacturing, more efficient and reliable protocols are needed. In this study, we employ in situ Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement (FBRM) to establish protocols for measuring solubility at different temperatures and MSZW at varying cooling rates. Methods: We experimentally determined MSZW and solubility using FTIR spectroscopy and FBRM. IR spectra were analyzed to obtain solubility concentrations, while FBRM counts were used to extract MSZW and supersolubility concentrations. The collected data were assessed using four theoretical models, including a newly developed model based on classical nucleation theory. By fitting experimental MSZW data to these models, we determined nucleation kinetics and thermodynamic parameters. Results: Our novel model exhibited excellent agreement with experimental MSZW data across different cooling rates, demonstrating its robustness. The nucleation rate constant and nucleation rate ranged between 10²¹ and 10²² molecules/m³·s. The Gibbs free energy of nucleation was calculated as 3.6 kJ/mol, with surface energy values between 2.6 and 8.8 mJ/m². The estimated critical nucleus radius was in the order of 10⁻³ m. Conclusions: The protocols we developed for predicting MSZW and solubility of paracetamol using PAT can serve as a guideline for other APIs. Our theoretical model enhances the predictive accuracy of nucleation kinetics and thermodynamics, contributing to optimized crystallization processes. Full article
18 pages, 2614 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Heat Shock Transcription Factors in Camellia sinensis Under Abiotic Stress
by Guimin Li, Xinying Shi, Qinmin Lin, Mengmeng Lv, Jing Chen, Yingxin Wen, Zhiyi Feng, Syed Muhammad Azam, Yan Cheng, Shucai Wang and Shijiang Cao
Plants 2025, 14(5), 697; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050697 (registering DOI) - 24 Feb 2025
Abstract
The tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is an economically important crop that plays an important role not only in the beverage industry but also in the pharmaceutical industry. The environment has a great influence on the quality of the tea plant. Heat [...] Read more.
The tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is an economically important crop that plays an important role not only in the beverage industry but also in the pharmaceutical industry. The environment has a great influence on the quality of the tea plant. Heat shock factors (Hsfs) are transcriptional regulators that control the plant response to adversity. However, only a limited number of studies have reported the Hsf gene in Camellia sinensis, and most of these reports involve high-temperature, drought, and salt stress. Research on light, dark, and cold stress is limited. In this study, 22 CsHsf genes were obtained by whole genome sequencing and found to be located on 11 chromosomes. In addition, the gene structure, protein motif, and phylogeny were studied. We classified the genes into three major subfamilies: CsHsfA, CsHsfB, and CsHsfC. Interestingly, we found that there was more alignment between CsHsf and Hsf genes in dicotyledons, including Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum, than in the monocotyledon Oryza sativa. The expression of many CsHsf genes was affected by low-temperature, light, and dark abiotic stresses. Notably, CsHsf15 and CsHsf16 showed high induction rates under both light and cold stress, and both genes carried cis-acting elements associated with light and low-temperature responses. These results lay a solid groundwork for further investigations into the involvement of CsHsf genes in the response of Camellia sinensis to abiotic stresses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses of Crops to Abiotic Stress)
13 pages, 2105 KiB  
Article
Chemometric Validation of a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method to Detect Ochratoxin A in Green Coffee
by Andrea Mancusi, Serenella Seccia, Alessandra Izzi, Daniele Coppola, Mario Tessieri, Antonello Santini and Irene Dini
Beverages 2025, 11(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages11020032 - 24 Feb 2025
Abstract
Green coffee beans and their derivatives are employed in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic formulations owing to their antioxidant properties and secondary metabolites, which may play a role in preventing metabolic syndrome. Mycotoxins, particularly ochratoxin A (OTA), present a considerable contamination risk and [...] Read more.
Green coffee beans and their derivatives are employed in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic formulations owing to their antioxidant properties and secondary metabolites, which may play a role in preventing metabolic syndrome. Mycotoxins, particularly ochratoxin A (OTA), present a considerable contamination risk and are regulated under strict guidelines established by the European Union and various food safety authorities. This study validates a reverse-phase HPLC method with a fluorimetric detector for quantifying OTA in green coffee beans, following the ISO 17025:2018 standard. The OTA recovery rate (≥70%) met European Union (EU) Regulation No. 2023/2782. The calibration curve showed perfect linearity (r-value = 1). As EU legislation requires, the application field detected OTA levels between 3 µg/kg and 5 µg/kg. Precision (sr = 0.0073) and accuracy (±0.76 µg/kg) were statistically acceptable, with a 95% confidence level indicating reliable results. Full article
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37 pages, 10373 KiB  
Article
A Sustainable Approach in the Removal of Pharmaceuticals: The Effects of Operational Parameters in the Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline with MXene/ZnO Photocatalysts
by Zeynep Karcıoğlu Karakaş and Zeliha Dönmez
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1904; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051904 - 24 Feb 2025
Abstract
Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a vital semiconductor that is widely used for a wide variety of purposes. It is known that this material has a wide bandgap, and this property makes it sensitive to UV radiation. This way, ZnO nanoparticles can be used [...] Read more.
Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a vital semiconductor that is widely used for a wide variety of purposes. It is known that this material has a wide bandgap, and this property makes it sensitive to UV radiation. This way, ZnO nanoparticles can be used as photocatalysts in various processes and exhibit excellent catalytic activity. This study aims to produce a new and effective catalyst by combining ZnO nanoparticles used as photocatalysts with MXene, a two-dimensional material. MXenes have a great potential in terms of environmental sustainability. MXenes offer a wide range of sustainable solutions, from energy storage to water treatment, carbon capture to environmentally friendly electronics. The studies carried out for this purpose were carried out in two stages. In the first part, the composite particle was synthesized. In the second part, the produced composite was used as a photocatalyst in the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline, an endocrine disruptor commonly encountered in wastewater. Optimum conditions were determined for operational parameters such as catalyst dosage, pollutant concentration, pH, irradiation time, light intensity, and temperature, which have the potential to affect the process efficiency significantly. The experiments conducted under optimum conditions determined that the organic pollutant in the solution was removed entirely. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Technologies for Water Purification)
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14 pages, 1728 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Resveratrol Tablets Stored Under Stress Conditions by Total Hemispherical Reflectance and Selected Pharmacopoeial Parameters
by Beata Szulc-Musioł and Beata Sarecka-Hujar
Processes 2025, 13(3), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030638 (registering DOI) - 24 Feb 2025
Abstract
The introduction of medicine into the pharmaceutical market must be preceded by a stability study. One of the most important reasons for the instability of a drug preparation is improper storage by the patient, which can accelerate the degradation process. In this study, [...] Read more.
The introduction of medicine into the pharmaceutical market must be preceded by a stability study. One of the most important reasons for the instability of a drug preparation is improper storage by the patient, which can accelerate the degradation process. In this study, the novel directional-hemispherical reflectance (THR) and traditional (hardness and friability) methods of drug quality control were used in the characteristics of resveratrol supplemental tablets exposed to light and elevated temperatures. The tablets were stored in an aging chamber at two different temperatures (25 °C, 45 °C) over different time intervals (1 h, 3 h, 1 day, 5 days), yielding seven storage conditions. The 410-Solar Reflectometer allowed us to determine the THR values for seven spectral ranges: 335–380, 400–540, 480–600, 590–720, 700–1100, 1000–1700, and 1700–2500 nm. At each time point, tablets exposed to stress conditions were characterized by lower reflectance values for all spectral ranges, compared to the values on day 0. Compared to day 0, significant differences in THR values were observed at temperatures of 25 °C and 45 °C on day 1 and at a temperature of 25 °C on day 5 across the entire spectrum studied. The change in THR on day 5 of the experiment at 45 °C, compared to 25 °C, was significantly higher only in the UVA 335–380 nm range. In addition, significant changes in the strength parameters of the tablets, i.e., an increase in hardness and a decrease in friability were found on days 1 and 5 of the study, irrespective of temperature. Such significant differences after UV and heat exposure are probably due to changes in the homogeneity of the tablet matrix and may indicate possible physical and chemical changes occurring on the surface or inside the tablet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Processes)
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20 pages, 6234 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Multifaceted Aspects of Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) Forests in Portugal
by Maria Nazaré Coelho Pinheiro, Filomena Gomes, Goreti Botelho, Ivo Rodrigues, Ruslan Mariychuk and Lyudmyla Symochko
Land 2025, 14(3), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14030468 - 24 Feb 2025
Abstract
This article explores the ecological role of strawberry tree forests (Arbutus unedo L.) in the resilience of Portuguese forest ecosystems and their relationship with plant production as a source of food. It discusses the importance of the strawberry tree in fire combat [...] Read more.
This article explores the ecological role of strawberry tree forests (Arbutus unedo L.) in the resilience of Portuguese forest ecosystems and their relationship with plant production as a source of food. It discusses the importance of the strawberry tree in fire combat and the improvement of agroforestry areas by mitigating erosion and augmenting soil organic matter. The multifunctionality of their fruits, emphasizing their utilization in food and beverage production, is also addressed. Moreover, the socio-economic and cultural significance of fruit production, emphasizing its role in sustainable development, is analyzed. The diversity of beverages (spirits, liquors, and gin) and food products (jams, jellies, etc.) effectively contribute to have a positive social and economic impact on the local populations and tradition maintenance. Moreover, the bioactive compounds in different parts of the plants and fruits have applications in pharmacology and cosmetics. Finally, the valorization of strawberry tree spirits mush waste as a source of natural dyes for textiles is discussed as a promising research topic to be explored in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agroforestry Systems for Biodiversity and Landscape Conservation)
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19 pages, 6713 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Enzymatic and Computational Assessments of Pyrazole–Isatin and Pyrazole–Indole Conjugates as Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Arthritic, and Anti-Inflammatory Agents
by Ahmed M. Naglah, Abdulrahman A. Almehizia, Mohammed Ghazwani, Asma S. Al-Wasidi, Abdelrahman A. Naglah, Wael M. Aboulthana and Ashraf S. Hassan
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(3), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17030293 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 57
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Recently, the prevalence of diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and inflammatory diseases, along with their complications, has become a significant health problem. This is in addition to the various biomedical applications of pyrazole, isatin, and indole derivatives. Accordingly, cooperation will continue [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Recently, the prevalence of diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and inflammatory diseases, along with their complications, has become a significant health problem. This is in addition to the various biomedical applications of pyrazole, isatin, and indole derivatives. Accordingly, cooperation will continue between chemistry scientists, pharmaceutical scientists, and human doctors to produce hybrid compounds from pyrazole with isatin or indole possessing biological activities as anti-diabetic, anti-arthritic, and anti-inflammatory agents. Methods: The two series of pyrazole–isatin conjugates 12ah and pyrazole–indole conjugates 14ad were prepared from our previous works via the direct reaction of 5-amino-pyrazoles 10ad with N-alkyl isatin 11a,b, and 1H-indole-3-carbaldehyde (13), respectively, using the previously reported procedure. The potential biological activities of 12ah and 14ad as anti-diabetic, anti-arthritic, and anti-inflammatory agents were assessed through estimated inhibition percentage (%) and the median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) using methods described in the literature. Further, the computational assessments of 12ah and 14ad such as toxic doses (the median lethal dose, LD50), toxicity classes, drug-likeness model scores (DLMS), molecular lipophilicity potential (MLP) maps, polar surface area (PSA) maps, and topological polar surface area (TPSA) values were predicted using available free websites. Results: The in vitro enzymatic assessment results showed that pyrazole–indole conjugate 14b possesses powerful activities against (i) α-amylase (% = 65.74 ± 0.23, IC50 = 4.21 ± 0.03 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (% = 55.49 ± 0.23, IC50 = 2.76 ± 0.01 µg/mL); (ii) the protein denaturation enzyme (% = 49.30 ± 0.17) and against the proteinase enzyme (% = 46.55 ± 0.17) with an IC50 value of 6.77 ± 0.01 µg/mL; (iii) the COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX enzymes with an IC50 of 5.44 ± 0.03, 5.37 ± 0.04, and 7.52 ± 0.04, respectively, which is almost close to the IC50 of the indomethacin and zileuton drugs. Also, the computational assessment results showed (i) the conjugate 14b possesses lipophilic surface properties thus can cross cell membranes, and is effective for treatment; (ii) all the conjugates possess a TPSA value of more than 140 Å2 thus possess good intestinal absorption. Conclusions: The two series of pyrazole–isatin conjugates 12ah and pyrazole–indole conjugates 14ad were synthesized from our previous works. The results of these in vitro enzymatic and computational assessments concluded that the pyrazole–indole conjugate 14b possesses powerful activities against various studied enzymes and possesses good computational results. In the future, our research team will present in vitro, in vivo biological, and computational assessments to hopefully obtain effectual agents such as anti-diabetic, anti-arthritic, and anti-inflammatory. Full article
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36 pages, 10799 KiB  
Review
An In-Depth Review of Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Sensors as an Innovative Analytical Tool in Water Quality Monitoring: Architecture, Principles, Fabrication, and Applications
by Mbuyamba Divin Mukendi, Oluseyi Sikiru Salami and Nomvano Mketo
Micromachines 2025, 16(3), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16030251 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 205
Abstract
Molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensors (MI-ECSs) are a significant advancement in analytical techniques, especially for water quality monitoring (WQM). These sensors utilize molecular imprinting to create polymer matrices that exhibit high specificity and affinity for target analytes. MI-ECSs integrate molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with [...] Read more.
Molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensors (MI-ECSs) are a significant advancement in analytical techniques, especially for water quality monitoring (WQM). These sensors utilize molecular imprinting to create polymer matrices that exhibit high specificity and affinity for target analytes. MI-ECSs integrate molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with electrochemical transducers (ECTs), enabling the selective recognition and quantification of contaminants. Their design features template-shaped cavities in the polymer that mimic the functional groups, shapes, and sizes of target analytes, resulting in enhanced binding interactions and improved sensor performance in complex water environments. The fabrication of MI-ECSs involves selecting suitable monomeric units (monomers) and crosslinkers, using a target analyte as a template, polymerizing, and then removing the template to expose the imprinted sites. Advanced methodologies, such as electropolymerization and surface imprinting, are used to enhance their sensitivity and reproducibility. MI-ECSs offer considerable benefits, including high selectivity, low detection limits, rapid response times, and the potential for miniaturization and portability. They effectively assess and detect contaminants, like (toxic) heavy metals (HMs), pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and pathogens, in water systems. Their ability for real-time monitoring makes them essential for ensuring water safety and adhering to regulations. This paper reviews the architecture, principles, and fabrication processes of MI-ECSs as innovative strategies in WQM and their application in detecting emerging contaminants and toxicants (ECs and Ts) across various matrices. These ECs and Ts include organic, inorganic, and biological contaminants, which are mainly anthropogenic in origin and have the potential to pollute water systems. Regarding this, ongoing advancements in MI-ECS technology are expected to further enhance the analytical capabilities and performances of MI-ECSs to broaden their applications in real-time WQM and environmental monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical Sensors: Design, Fabrication and Applications)
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25 pages, 7455 KiB  
Article
Zinc Acetate as a Cross-Linking Agent in the Development of Enteric Microcapsules for Posaconazole
by Marta Szekalska, Giedrė Kasparavičienė, Jurga Bernatonienė, Eliza Wolska, Paweł Misiak, Karolina Halina Markiewicz, Agnieszka Zofia Wilczewska, Anna Czajkowska-Kośnik and Katarzyna Winnicka
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(3), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17030291 - 22 Feb 2025
Viewed by 171
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Posaconazole is an antifungal agent from triazoles with variable bioavailability. To avoid its irregular absorption caused by gastric conditions and ensure more repeatable pharmacokinetic enabling the maximization of its absorption regardless of food intake without the need to administer multiple doses, can [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Posaconazole is an antifungal agent from triazoles with variable bioavailability. To avoid its irregular absorption caused by gastric conditions and ensure more repeatable pharmacokinetic enabling the maximization of its absorption regardless of food intake without the need to administer multiple doses, can be provided by the technology of enteric drug preparations. The cross-linking of polysaccharide polymers with divalent and trivalent cations enables multi-unit formulations to be obtained that prevent drug absorption in the stomach. Microcapsules, as an example of multi-unit drug dosage forms, provide more predictable gastric emptying, depending on nutritional status, and spread extensively throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Methods: Therefore, the utilization of zinc acetate for the cross-linking of the alginate and pectin mixture was evaluated. The obtained formulations were evaluated for the impact of cross-linking process and pectin’s presence on their pharmaceutical, mucoadhesive, physicochemical and antifungal properties. Results: It was shown that cross-linked microcapsules by zinc acetate provided delayed posaconazole release. Additionally, the cross-linking process with Zn2+ ions significantly enhanced antifungal activity against the analyzed Candida strains. It was observed that pectin content in the formulation enhanced the swelling ability in an intestinal condition and increased the mucoadhesive properties of drug-loaded formulations to the intestinal mucosa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Marine-Derived Polymers in Drug Dosage Forms)
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15 pages, 1319 KiB  
Article
The Effectiveness of Liquid-Phase Microextraction of Beta-Blockers from Aqueous Matrices for Their Analysis by Chromatographic Techniques
by Mihail Simion Beldean-Galea, Mihaela-Cătălina Herghelegiu, Vlad-Alexandru Pănescu, Jérôme Vial, Maria Concetta Bruzzoniti and Maria-Virginia Coman
Molecules 2025, 30(5), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30051016 - 22 Feb 2025
Viewed by 198
Abstract
Beta-blockers are pharmaceuticals used to treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, angina pectoris, and arrhythmia. Due to high consumption, they are continuously released into the environment, being detected in many aqueous matrices. The aim of this research is to test the effectiveness of [...] Read more.
Beta-blockers are pharmaceuticals used to treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, angina pectoris, and arrhythmia. Due to high consumption, they are continuously released into the environment, being detected in many aqueous matrices. The aim of this research is to test the effectiveness of two green liquid-phase microextraction procedures, such as dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) and solidification of floating organic droplet microextraction (SFOME) for the selective extraction of eight beta-blockers (atenolol, nadolol, pindolol, acebutolol, metoprolol, bisoprolol, propranolol, and betaxolol) from aqueous matrices for their analysis by gas chromatography (GC) or liquid chromatography (LC). The influence of extraction parameters, such as the type and volume of extraction and disperser solvents, and ionic strength were studied. The developed extraction procedures provide a good enrichment factor for six compounds (61.22–243.97), good extraction recovery (53.04–92.1%), and good sample cleaning for both extraction procedures. Good limits of detection (0.13 to 0.69 µg/mL for GC and 0.07 to 0.15 µg/mL for HPLC) and limits of quantification (0.39 to 2.10 µg/mL for GC and 0.20 to 0.45 µg/mL for LC) were obtained. The developed procedures were successfully applied to the analysis of selected beta-blockers in wastewater samples, proving their applicability to the real samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Chemistry Approaches to Analysis and Environmental Remediation)
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50 pages, 5449 KiB  
Review
Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things Integration in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: A Smart Synergy
by Reshma Kodumuru, Soumavo Sarkar, Varun Parepally and Jignesh Chandarana
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(3), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17030290 - 22 Feb 2025
Viewed by 182
Abstract
Background: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with the internet of things (IoTs) represents a significant advancement in pharmaceutical manufacturing and effectively bridges the gap between digital and physical worlds. With AI algorithms integrated into IoTs sensors, there is an improvement in the [...] Read more.
Background: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with the internet of things (IoTs) represents a significant advancement in pharmaceutical manufacturing and effectively bridges the gap between digital and physical worlds. With AI algorithms integrated into IoTs sensors, there is an improvement in the production process and quality control for better overall efficiency. This integration facilitates enabling machine learning and deep learning for real-time analysis, predictive maintenance, and automation—continuously monitoring key manufacturing parameters. Objective: This paper reviews the current applications and potential impacts of integrating AI and the IoTs in concert with key enabling technologies like cloud computing and data analytics, within the pharmaceutical sector. Results: Applications discussed herein focus on industrial predictive analytics and quality, underpinned by case studies showing improvements in product quality and reductions in downtime. Yet, many challenges remain, including data integration and the ethical implications of AI-driven decisions, and most of all, regulatory compliance. This review also discusses recent trends, such as AI in drug discovery and blockchain for data traceability, with the intent to outline the future of autonomous pharmaceutical manufacturing. Conclusions: In the end, this review points to basic frameworks and applications that illustrate ways to overcome existing barriers to production with increased efficiency, personalization, and sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Technology, Manufacturing and Devices)
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20 pages, 1673 KiB  
Article
Environmental Impact Assessment of New Sea Fennel-Based Food Products: Spice and Fermented Pickles
by Erica Costantini, Kofi Armah Boakye-Yiadom, Alessio Ilari, Ester Foppa Pedretti and Daniele Duca
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 1869; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17051869 - 22 Feb 2025
Viewed by 146
Abstract
Sea fennel, a halophyte with growing economic importance in the Mediterranean region, offers a rich source of bioactive compounds for diverse applications in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Recognizing the crucial role of eco-design in promoting sustainable food production, this study [...] Read more.
Sea fennel, a halophyte with growing economic importance in the Mediterranean region, offers a rich source of bioactive compounds for diverse applications in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Recognizing the crucial role of eco-design in promoting sustainable food production, this study aimed to assess the environmental impacts of two novel sea fennel products: dried spice and fermented pickles. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method was used to evaluate the environmental burdens of these new products, from raw material acquisition to packaging end-of-life, to fine-tune the innovation process. Primary data were collected from a company in the Marche region, Italy. The Environmental Footprint 3.1 method was applied to analyze the impacts. From the results obtained, the climate change score for the spice was 6.24 kg CO2 eq./kg spice, while the fermented pickle was 0.89 kg CO2 eq./kg product—net weight. The results also revealed that primary packaging emerged as the primary environmental hotspot for both products, accounting for more than 40% of the total impacts in most of the impact categories. Glass packaging significantly contributed to the environmental impact of the spice, while both glass jars and tin-plated steel lids contributed substantially to the impact of the pickled products. Despite the generally low impact of sea fennel cultivation, the processing and packaging stages significantly increased the overall environmental impacts of both products. This study provides valuable insights for manufacturers seeking to develop and commercialize highly sustainable sea fennel-based products. By identifying key environmental hotspots and implementing eco-design principles during the product development phase, manufacturers can significantly reduce the environmental impact of these novel food products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Food)
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