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To be or not to be manipulated by our bacteria?
Views:264The gut microbiota has become a central focus of research since its intricate connection with the brain was identified. Notably, the gut microbiota can influence mental health, opening new prospects for improving the management of psychiatric disorders. Understanding the bidirectional interactions between the brain, gut, and microbiome is crucial for evaluating the true impact of gut microbiota on mental health and its subsequent implications for psychiatry. Currently, the brain-gut-microbiome axis communicates through five interconnected pathways: the immune system, the vagus nerve, the enteric nervous system, the neuroendocrine system, and the circulatory system. The development of microbiota-based therapeutics signals significant changes in current clinical practices. Furthermore, microbiome-based therapeutics are expected to undergo substantial regulatory transformations in Europe in the coming years. This mini-review aims to explore these aspects to evaluate the potential of gut bacteria to shape mental health interventions.
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From toxic materials to food-grade materials: A major challenge for battery design – A mini review
Views:226The use of batteries, found in telephones, remote controls, and medical devices, is an integral part of our daily lives. Unfortunately, the routine use of these electronic devices has harmful effects on the environment, primarily due to the pollution generated by heavy metals. This article traces the history of batteries, starting with the birth of the voltaic battery in 1799, invented by Alessandro Volta. This discovery, based on the principle of redox reactions between zinc and copper, was subsequently taken up and improved on numerous times. In 1836, John Frederic Daniell designed a two-compartment cell, stabilized by depolarizers and connected by a salt bridge. To meet today's climate challenges, researchers continue to design batteries, but this time they are biodegradable, edible, rechargeable, and therefore sustainable. In recent years, we have seen the emergence of highly innovative concepts. Some scientists, for example, are using cuttlefish ink to extract melanin. In a sodium-ion battery, this molecule acts as a natural anode, enabling sodium ions to be stored and thus contributing to the device's eco-friendliness. Other innovative research has also emerged, using other natural ingredients such as quercetin and riboflavin. These technological advances are of particular interest to the healthcare sector for the development of implantable medical devices.
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Comparative Evaluation of Solubilization Strategies for an ABCG2 Transporter Inhibitor
Views:66Poor aqueous solubility remains one of the major challenges in the development of orally administered drugs, particularly for lipophilic molecules such as ABCG2 transporter inhibitors. These compounds possess high molecular weight, significant lipophilicity, and limited water solubility, which restrict their bioavailability and therapeutic application. This study aimed to enhance the solubility of a model ABCG2 inhibitor using different solubilization techniques, including co-grinding with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and micellar solubilization using nonionic surfactants. Each formulation was optimized and characterized for drug loading, equilibrium solubility and dissolution behavior under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The micellar formulation exhibited the highest solubilization efficiency, The HP-β-CD complex and PVP co-grinding dispersions also resulted in notable enhancement compared to the pure drug. These findings highlight the potential of simple formulation strategies to overcome solubility limitations of ABCG2 inhibitors and improve their oral bioavailability.
