DSpace Collection: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Development of an Antimicrobial Preparation Using MicroemulsionBased Silver Nanoparticles

2026-02-16T06:16:57Z

Title: Development of an Antimicrobial Preparation Using MicroemulsionBased Silver Nanoparticles Authors: Niratcha Chaisomboon Abstract: Background The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance necessitates the development of alternative therapeutic strategies. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, yet formulation challenges limit their clinical translation. This study aims to develop and evaluate an AgNP microemulsion as a novel localized antimicrobial therapy, focusing on its formulation stability, antimicrobial efficacy, and biocompatibility. Methods A silver nanoparticle microemulsion was formulated using a bottom-up synthesis approach, stabilized with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Tween 80, and characterized for particle size, zeta potential, and UV-visible spectroscopy. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus mutans using disk diffusion and broth dilution assays. Cytotoxicity wasD evaluated in L929 fibroblast cells using the MTT assay to establish a therapeutic window. Results The AgNP microemulsion exhibited a mean particle size of 175.63 ± 0.31 nm, with a zeta potential of -1.03 ± 0.04 mV, indicating moderate colloidal stability. UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed nanoparticle formation, with a plasmon resonance peak at 230 nm. Antimicrobial testing revealed limited efficacy, with inhibition zones of 9.50 mm (S. aureus), 9.53 mm (P. aeruginosa), and 11.89 mm (S. mutans), significantly lower than 0.2% chlorhexidine. MIC and MBC values exceeded 0.7 mg/mL, suggesting suboptimal bactericidal potency. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated >70% cell viability at concentrations ≤16 µg/mL, but significant toxicity at 32 µg/mL, indicating a narrow therapeutic window. Conclusion This study highlights the potential of AgNP microemulsions as a localized antimicrobial alternative but emphasizes the need for formulation optimization to enhance bactericidal efficacy while minimizing cytotoxicity. Future studies should explore surface modifications, synergistic agents, and controlled-release strategies to improve clinical applicability. Description: M.S. Thesis in Pharmacology and Biomolecular Sciences

How can we best support insulin self-titration in type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

2026-02-05T07:12:57Z

Title: How can we best support insulin self-titration in type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis Authors: Panitan Pitak Description: M. Pharm. Thesis in Community Pharmacy

Formulation, physicochemical evaluation and antimicrobial activity of toothpaste tablets containing magnolia bark extract

2026-03-05T07:32:00Z

Title: Formulation, physicochemical evaluation and antimicrobial activity of toothpaste tablets containing magnolia bark extract Authors: Saowalak Phonsri Description: M.S. Thesis in Cosmetic Sciences

Development and evaluation of curcumin delivery systems for oral administration to improved brain health

2025-02-03T02:41:42Z

Title: Development and evaluation of curcumin delivery systems for oral administration to improved brain health; การพัฒนาและประเมินระบบนำส่งที่กักเก็บเคอร์คิวมินสำหรับเป็นสารเสริมอาหารเพื่อบำรุงสมอง Abstract: Curcumin is a multitherapeutic agent with great therapeutic potential in central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, its hydrophobicity and low bioavailability hinder its application. To circumvent these drawbacks, we developed polymer-based and lipid-based curcumin nano-formulations. This study aimed to compare the physicochemical properties, in vitro release studies, permeation studies in Caco-2 cells and antidepressant activity of polymer-based and lipid-based of curcumin nano-formulations (CNF). The curcumin solid dispersions, as a polymer-based, were developed using melting solvent method. Two formulations of curcumin solid dispersion were prepared with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a carrier without (CSD) and with surfactant as a co-carrier (CSD-S). While curcumin loaded solid self- emulsifying drug delivery systems (C-SSEDDS), as a lipid-based, were developed using Neusilin®UFL2 as a solid carrier. All developed CNF significantly showed improvement in curcumin water solubility, > 100-folds as compared to the free curcumin. Spherical droplets of < 200 nm were obtained when CNF were diluted with water. Within 5 min, 100% of the curcumin could be released from CSD and CSD-S, whereas only 60–70% of the curcumin from C-SSEDDS could be released. Moreover, permeation studies in Caco-2 cell monolayer revealed that all formulations provided significantly greater cellular accumulation and absorption compared with the free curcumin. In addition, the physical and chemical stability of CNF was stable for at least 6-month storage at 4 ºC and room temperature. Then, the antidepressant activities of CNF were investigated using a dexamethasone (Dex)-induced depression rat model. Results showed that Dex administration conduct to a range of depression-related behavioral traits, including anhedonia, despair, weight loss and anxiety-like behavior. All CNF given orally for 3 weeks showed an antidepressant-like effect on depressive rat model, as confirmed by the significantly higher rat body weight and sucrose consumption. Both of CSD and C-SSEDDS significantly reduced the immobility duration (p