Lithium succinate 8% / Zinc sulfate 0.05% ointment

Nanocarriers are transport and encapsulation systems that primarily serve to protect and improve the dispersibility of predominantly hydrophobic active ingredients but also enable their targeted delivery and controlled release at the site of action. Nanocarriers are mainly made of either organic or inorganic materials, but various combinations of materials in complex structures are also under development. Most nanocarriers represent entities that are rationally designed to meet the functional requirements of a specific application. They can therefore be understood as Advanced Materials. Nanocarrier systems are already being used in medicine, cosmetics, agriculture, food, and household products. They are therefore used in a variety of products, ideally designed to be safe and sustainable, and may need to be registered before they can be placed on the market. Inspired by medical research, nanocarriers are also increasingly being used for precision farming (nano-agrochemicals) or products, such as air fresheners or lithium-ion batteries, and could thus be released into the environment in large quantities. To enable the identification of critical nanocarriers in subsequent investigations, a comprehensive literature review of the broad and heterogeneous research field of nanocarriers is provided, as well as an approach for categorization based on the origin and chemical composition of their constituent materials. A definition of nanocarriers based on size (1-1000 nm) and function is also proposed for their risk assessment.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

Aquatic animals have unique physiological mechanisms to absorb and retain minerals from their diets and water. Research and development in the area of mineral nutrition of farmed fish and crustaceans have been relatively slow and major gaps exist in the knowledge of trace element requirements, physiological functions and bioavailability from feed ingredients. Quantitative dietary requirements have been reported for three macroelements (calcium, phosphorus and magnesium) and six trace minerals (zinc, iron, copper, manganese, iodine and selenium) for selected fish species. Mineral deficiency signs in fish include reduced bone mineralization, anorexia, lens cataracts (zinc), skeletal deformities (phosphorus, magnesium, zinc), fin erosion (copper, zinc), nephrocalcinosis (magnesium deficiency, selenium toxicity), thyroid hyperplasia (iodine), muscular dystrophy (selenium) and hypochromic microcytic anemia (iron). An excessive intake of minerals from either diet or gill uptake causes toxicity and therefore a fine balance between mineral deficiency and toxicity is vital for aquatic organisms to maintain their homeostasis, either through increased absorption or excretion. Release of minerals from uneaten or undigested feed and from urinary excretion can cause eutrophication of natural waters, which requires additional consideration in feed formulation. The current knowledge in mineral nutrition of fish is briefly reviewed.

Abstract licence: CC BY

As essential micronutrients, metal ions such as iron, manganese, copper, and zinc, are required for a wide range of physiological processes in the brain. However, an imbalance in metal ions, whether excessive or insufficient, is detrimental and can contribute to neuronal death through oxidative stress, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, cell senescence, or neuroinflammation. These processes have been found to be involved in the pathological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, the research history and milestone events of studying metal ions, including iron, manganese, copper, and zinc in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington's disease (HD), will be introduced. Then, the upstream regulators, downstream effector, and crosstalk of mental ions under both physiologic and pathologic conditions will be summarized. Finally, the therapeutic effects of metal ion chelators, such as clioquinol, quercetin, curcumin, coumarin, and their derivatives for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases will be discussed. Additionally, the promising results and limitations observed in clinical trials of these metal ion chelators will also be addressed. This review will not only provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of metal ions in disease development but also offer perspectives on their modulation for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Green synthesis (GS) is a vital method for producing metal nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties. Unlike traditional methods, green synthesis utilizes natural substances, such as plant extracts, microorganisms, etc., to create nanoparticles. This eco-friendly approach results in non-toxic and biocompatible nanoparticles with superior antimicrobial activity. This paper reviews the prospects of green synthesis of metal nanoparticles of silver (Ag), copper (Cu), gold (Au) and metal oxide nanoparticles of zinc (ZnO), magnesium (MgO), cobalt (Co3O4), and titanium (TiO2) using plant extracts from tissues of leaves, barks, roots, etc., antibacterial mechanisms of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, and obstacles and factors that need to be considered to overcome the limitations of the green synthesis process. The clean surfaces and minimal chemical residues of these nanoparticles contribute to their effectiveness. Certain metals exhibit enhanced antibacterial properties only in GS methods due to the presence of bioactive compounds from natural reducing agents such as Au and MgO. GS improves TiO2 antibacterial properties under visible light, while it would be impossible without UV activation. These nanoparticles have important antimicrobial properties for treating microbial infections and combating antibiotic resistance against bacteria, fungi, and viruses by disrupting microbial membranes, generating ROS, and interfering with DNA and protein synthesis. Nanoscale size and large surface area make them critical for developing advanced antimicrobial treatments. They are effective antibacterial agents for treating infections, suitable in water purification systems, and fostering innovation by creating green, economically viable antibacterial materials. Therefore, green synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles for antibacterial agents supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including health improvement, sustainability, and innovation.

Abstract licence: CC BY