Background: Natural products, such as propolis, are an important source of biologically active compounds with the potential to treat health disorders. Propolis is a well-known waxy resin recognized for its antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and cytotoxic effects. Objective: In this study, we aimed to clarify the formation mechanism of propolis nanoparticles from the perspective of their stability and chemical composition. By evaluating the light absorption behaviour of the nanoparticles formed in different media and quantifying the polyphenols, we show that they are superficially hydrophobic nanoparticles with the capacity to encapsulate some polar compounds. Methods: Biological activity was evaluated by in vitro cell viability performed on NIH/3T3 fibroblasts incubated with 10, 100, and 1000 μg/mL of propolis nanoparticles for 48 hours. Results: The results show that nanoparticles are cytocompatible, with a proliferation effect. In contrast, the results of the viability of metastatic murine B16F10 cells indicate that a dose with a concentration of 5 μg/mL in the cell culture media is sufficient to stop the abnormal cell growth, having an antitumor effect. This effect might be related to the flavonoids present in the propolis nanoparticles. In vivo dermal irritability tests on New Zealand rabbits show that propolis nanoparticles' aqueous dissolution was non-irritant. Conclusion: According to the results obtained from this study, reducing the size of raw propolis down to nanoparticles and dispersing them in water solvents enhance its positive effects. The superficially hydrophobic propolis nanoparticles encapsulate active compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which also confirms their ability to generate selective effects on the cells, depending on their nature.
In this study, silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO), and silicon dioxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using phenolic compound-rich extracts from agro-industrial by-products of blueberries and asparagus. The NPs exhibited average sizes of 3.07 ± 2.38 nm (Ag), 70.42 ± 18 nm (ZnO), and 104.38 ± 11.7 nm (SiO₂) with high colloidal stability (Z potentials: −35.63 mV for Ag, −33.9 mV for ZnO, and −10 mV for SiO₂). Bioplastics functionalized with these NPs showed improved properties: increased rigidity (Young's modulus up to 2690 MPa in B–SiO₂), reduced water absorption (160.64 g/100 g dry matter in B–Ag), high transparency (87.87 % in B-Control, 87.83 % in B–ZnO), and lower wettability (contact angle of 102.4° in B–ZnO). Thermal stability also improved, with B–SiO₂ exhibiting the lowest mass loss (31.12 %) in TGA. Bioplastics with Ag demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity, maintaining low mold and yeast counts (<10 CFU/g). Biodegradation was faster in soil than in marine environments, with NPs modulating rates. As primary and secondary packaging for blueberries, Ag-functionalized bioplastics reduced mass loss and preserved firmness for up to 56 days at 4.3 °C, with no NP migration detected by XRF and FTIR. This research highlights a sustainable approach using agro-industrial by-products to develop functional bioplastics, aligning with circular economy principles and reducing environmental impact in the food packaging sector.
In this study, silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO), and silicon dioxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using phenolic compound-rich extracts from agro-industrial by-products of blueberries and asparagus. The NPs exhibited average sizes of 3.07 ± 2.38 nm (Ag), 70.42 ± 18 nm (ZnO), and 104.38 ± 11.7 nm (SiO₂) with high colloidal stability (Z potentials: −35.63 mV for Ag, −33.9 mV for ZnO, and −10 mV for SiO₂). Bioplastics functionalized with these NPs showed improved properties: increased rigidity (Young's modulus up to 2690 MPa in B–SiO₂), reduced water absorption (160.64 g/100 g dry matter in B–Ag), high transparency (87.87 % in B-Control, 87.83 % in B–ZnO), and lower wettability (contact angle of 102.4° in B–ZnO). Thermal stability also improved, with B–SiO₂ exhibiting the lowest mass loss (31.12 %) in TGA. Bioplastics with Ag demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity, maintaining low mold and yeast counts (<10 CFU/g). Biodegradation was faster in soil than in marine environments, with NPs modulating rates. As primary and secondary packaging for blueberries, Ag-functionalized bioplastics reduced mass loss and preserved firmness for up to 56 days at 4.3 °C, with no NP migration detected by XRF and FTIR. This research highlights a sustainable approach using agro-industrial by-products to develop functional bioplastics, aligning with circular economy principles and reducing environmental impact in the food packaging sector.
Objectives: This study aimed to synthesize polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibrillar scaffolds loaded with ibuprofen (IBU) using electrospinning (ES) and air-jet spinning (AJS). The scaffolds were evaluated for their physicochemical properties, drug release profiles, and biocompatibility to assess their potential for local analgesic applications. Methods: Solutions of 10% (w/v) PLA combined with IBU at concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30% were processed into nanofibrillar membranes using ES and AJS. The scaffolds were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier-transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The drug release profile was assessed by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), and cell adhesion and viability were evaluated using fibroblast culture assays. Statistical analyses included qualitative analyses, t-tests, and Likelihood ratio tests. Results: SEM revealed randomly arranged nanofibers forming reticulated meshes, with more uniform dimensions observed in the AJS group. TGA and DSC analyses confirmed the thermodynamic stability of the scaffolds and enthalpy changes consistent with IBU incorporation, which FT-IR and UV-Vis validated. Drug release was sustained over 384 h, showing no significant differences between ES and AJS scaffolds (p > 0.05). Cytotoxicity and cell viability assays confirmed scaffold biocompatibility, with cellular responses proportional to drug concentration but within safe limits. Conclusions: PLA-IBU nanofibrillar scaffolds were successfully synthesized using ES and AJS. Both methods yielded biocompatible systems with stable properties and controlled drug release. Further, in vivo studies are necessary to confirm their clinical potential.
Trichoderma is an antagonistic fungus used commercially; however, the viability of these formulations is affected by biotic and abiotic factors. In this research, microcapsules of sodium alginate reinforced with nanocellulose and/or chitosan were developed to encapsulate T. longibrachiatum conidia and characterized by SEM, FTIR, and TGA. The viability of the microencapsulated conidia was evaluated through different temperatures (room temperature, 5°C and 37°C), as well as their in vitro antagonistic potential against Fusarium oxysporum. The formulations evaluated had encapsulation efficiencies above 92% and the microcapsules with alginate, chitosan, and nanocellulose maintained 100% viability at 37°C for 2 months. In addition, all formulations evaluated retained antagonistic ability against F. oxysporum. These findings support the use of alginate, nanocellulose and chitosan for the formulation of microcapsules to maintain the viability of T. longibrachiatum conidia over time and at different temperature conditions.
Solid forms transformations and new crystal structures of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) can occur due to various manufacturing process conditions, especially if the drug substance is formulated as a hydrate. The conversion between hydrate and anhydrate forms caused by changes in temperature and humidity must be evaluated because of the risk of dehydration and phase transitions during the manufacturing process. Differences in physicochemical, mechanical, and rheological properties have been observed between solid forms of the same API that can cause manufacturing and product-related issues. Atorvastatin calcium trihydrate (ACT) is a synthetic lipid-lowering agent that was discovered during Lipitor® (its anhydrous form) Phase 3 clinical trials after passing Phase I and II. This case highlights the importance of routinely performing solid form screenings because of the probability of finding new solid forms during the development and scale-up process. Therefore, in this contribution, ACT tablet formulation was performed and evaluated starting from the compatibility of 1:1 proportions of drug and the excipients microcrystalline cellulose 101 (MCC 101), calcium carbonate, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, and polysorbate 80. Then, 40 mg ACT tablets were prepared on a small pilot scale, and manufacturing process assessment was conducted by sampling process stages selected as critically prone to solid forms formation or phase transition. Final product quality was evaluated regarding weight variation, hardness, disintegration, dissolution, and assay tests. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were applied to solid state evaluation. The starting raw material was confirmed to be ACT Form I. From the preformulation studies, PXRD, FT-IR and TGA analyses showed no interactions between ACT and
Spent coffee grounds constitute a waste product that has attracted potential interest as a rich source of secondary metabolites such as polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. In this work, aqueous extracts from samples of different spent coffee grounds from Costa Rica were prepared and analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry using a quadrupole time-of-flight analyzer (UPLC-QTOF-ESI MS). This allowed for the identification of twenty-one compounds, including fourteen phenolic acids, three caffeoylquinic lactones, and four atractyligenin diterpenes. In addition, using UPLC coupled with a diode array detector (UPLC-DAD), we quantified the levels of caffeine (0.55–3.42 mg/g dry weight [DW]) and six caffeoylquinic and feruloylquinic acids (0.47–5.34 mg/g DW). The highest value was found for the fine-grind sample (EXP), both for phenolic acids and for total polyphenols (9.59 mg gallic acid equivalents [GAE]/g DW), compared to 2.13 and 1.70 mg GAE/g DW for the medium-grind (GR) and coarse-grind samples (PCR), respectively. The results obtained from the antioxidant evaluations using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (IC50 0.0964–6.005 g DW/L), the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (PFRAP) analysis (0.0215–0.1385 mmol FeSO4/g DW), the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assessment (45.7–309.7 μmol Trolox/g DW), and the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay (3.94–23.47 mg Trolox/g DW) also showed the best values for the fine-grind sample, with results similar to or higher than those reported in the literature. Statistical Pearson correlation analysis (p < 0.05) indicated a high correlation (R ≥ 0.842) between all antioxidant analyses, the total polyphenols, and the phenolic acid quantification using UPLC-DAD. These results show the potential for further studies aiming to exploit this waste product’s bioactive properties, constituting the first detailed study of spent coffee gro
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have become ubiquitous worldwide, posing complex challenges for marine organisms, ecosystems, and human health. In Costa Rica alone, approximately 4000 tons of solid waste are generated daily, of which about 11 % is plastic. Nearly 600 million single-use plastic bottles are produced yearly, with ∼90 % not being collected. Consequently, reports of MPs in beaches, crustaceans, fishes, and bivalves are increasing on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Evidence suggests these plastic fragments can induce oxidative stress and inflammation in organisms, affect fundamental physiological processes (e.g., feeding, reproduction), and may even cross the blood–brain barrier. Recent policies in Costa Rica, including Law N°9786 (single-use plastics) and a proposed ban on MPs in cosmetics (Bill No. 23,694), mark progress. However, enforcement challenges remain—particularly given the country’s limited wastewater treatment coverage. This review discusses key sources of MPs (e.g., wastewater, synthetic fibers, tire wear), current sampling and characterization protocols, and ecotoxicological consequences for marine life and humans. We further analyze existing legislation, highlighting gaps and prospective solutions, and propose an integrated approach involving technological upgrades, biodegradable polymers, and microbial degradation strategies to mitigate plastic pollution.
Natural nanostructures on the skin and wings of selected fauna have been reported to confer mechano-bactericidal activity without the use of chemical antibiotics. It would be desirable to manufacture similar structures on man-made surfaces for medical and domestic use. In this paper, we show that aluminum anodization and wet etching can generate scalable, low-cost, and periodic nanostructures with high tunability. We present a comprehensive study of four types of nanopillars that produce bacteriostatic action in 1 h contact time against Escherichia coli, likely due to mechanical stress. Nanopillars with different dimensions were generated by modulation of temperature and voltage during the anodization of aluminum alloy AA6063. The surfaces with different aluminum oxide nanostructures decreased E. coli viability by ∼47% on average vs smooth aluminum controls, demonstrating a robust and scalable approach to antibacterial nanostructured surfaces.
A series of 12 sampling localities in the Central America/central Mexico areas were surveyed for myxomycetes. From these surveys we report 761 records that corresponded to 68 morphospecies within 26 genera. Myxomycetes were recorded in both rural and urban settings and the majority of morphospecies correspond to commonly found taxa. Results pointed that the topics of urban ecology and island biogeography are interesting for myxomycete research. The island of Utila seems an interesting location for future myxomycete research. The importance of communicating the results contained herein resides in the fact that the Central American region has had few dedicated studies on myxomycetes and any piece of information is highly valuable at the moment.
Nanochitin is a nanoscale form of chitin—a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans, insects, and some fungal cell walls—that is newly garnering significant attention in the pharmaceutical space. Its good properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and an easily adjustable surface, render it attractive for various medical and pharmaceutical applications. Nanochitin, from drug delivery systems and wound-care formulations to vaccine adjuvants and antimicrobial strategies, has demonstrated its strong potential in meeting diverse therapeutic needs. This review covers the background of nanochitin, including methods for its extraction and refining and its principal physicochemical and biological properties. It further discusses various hydrolysis and enzymatic approaches for the structural and functional characterization of nanochitin and highlights some pharmaceutical applications where this biopolymer has been studied. The review also addresses toxicity issues, regulatory matters, and challenges in large-scale industrial production. Finally, it underscores novel avenues of investigation and future opportunities, emphasizing the urgent requirement for standardized production methods, rigorous safety assessment, and interdisciplinary partnerships to maximize nanochitin’s potential in pharmaceutical research, demonstrating the importance of chitin in drug delivery.
El documento aborda la integración de la biorrefinería, nanotecnología y energía limpia como una solución sinérgica para promover la sostenibilidad. Se explora el uso de catalizadores nanométricos, sistemas de nanofiltración y nanosensores en biorrefinerías para mejorar la eficiencia y calidad de productos como biocombustibles y bioplásticos. Además, se destacan los beneficios ambientales y económicos de valorizar residuos agroindustriales y marinos, promoviendo la economía circular y reduciendo emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. Finalmente, se discuten los desafíos de implementación, incluyendo la escalabilidad, regulación y aceptación pública, proponiendo la inversión en I+D y políticas públicas claras como estrategias clave para maximizar los beneficios de estas tecnologías en la transición hacia una economía sostenible y baja en carbono.
El documento aborda la integración de la biorrefinería, nanotecnología y energía limpia como una solución sinérgica para promover la sostenibilidad. Se explora el uso de catalizadores nanométricos, sistemas de nanofiltración y nanosensores en biorrefinerías para mejorar la eficiencia y calidad de productos como biocombustibles y bioplásticos. Además, se destacan los beneficios ambientales y económicos de valorizar residuos agroindustriales y marinos, promoviendo la economía circular y reduciendo emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. Finalmente, se discuten los desafíos de implementación, incluyendo la escalabilidad, regulación y aceptación pública, proponiendo la inversión en I+D y políticas públicas claras como estrategias clave para maximizar los beneficios de estas tecnologías en la transición hacia una economía sostenible y baja en carbono.
Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are produced in large quantities during coffee brewing, contributing to environmental concerns. Additionally, cationic dyes from textile, paper, and leather wastewater pose a major pollution issue. This study explores SCG as an adsorbent for methylene blue (MB) dye. A novel comparison of SCG cleaning methods with warm water, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and ultrasound-induced cavitation (US) is presented. In addition, the chemical modifications of SCG using acetylation, acid (HNO3), and base (KOH) treatment that have not been reported before are presented. ATR-FTIR confirmed the inclusion of functional groups, for example, the nitro group in SCG treated with HNO3, and an increase in carboxylic groups in the samples treated with KOH and HNO3. SEM analysis revealed a consistent porous texture across samples, with SCG-SFE, SCG-US, and SCG-HNO3 showing smaller pores, and SCG-ASE displaying elongated cavities. Adsorption isotherm tests followed the Freundlich and Langmuir models, indicating favorable adsorption. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) varied among cleaning methods from 65.69 mg/g (warm water) to 93.32 mg/g (SFE). In contrast, in base- and acid-treated SCG, a three- to four-fold increase in adsorption capacity was observed, with qmax values of 171.60 mg/g and 270.64 mg/g, respectively. These findings demonstrate that SCG washed with warm water and chemically treated achieves adsorption capacities comparable to other biosorbents reported in the literature. Therefore, SCG represents a promising, low-cost, and sustainable material for removing cationic dyes from wastewater, contributing to waste valorization and environmental protection.