Anna Angela Barba

@article{Caccavo2026,

title = {Process-guided design of nanoliposomal vitamin D3: formulation, stability and quality by design mapping},

author = {Diego Caccavo and Luca Broegg and Gaetano Lamberti and Raffaella De Piano and Anna Angela Barba},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378517326002735/pdfft?md5=638132f36776e3d30c7e88f84953e514\&pid=1-s2.0-S0378517326002735-main.pdf},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2026.126825},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-05-05},

urldate = {2026-05-05},

journal = {International Journal of Pharmaceutics},

volume = {696},

abstract = {The development of aqueous vitamin D3 supplements remains challenging because the molecule is poorly soluble, chemically fragile, and prone to loss of potency during storage. In this work, we adopted a Quality-by-Design (QbD) strategy to construct a nanoliposomal structure able to protect and deliver vitamin D3 while maintaining technological simplicity and high tolerability. As a first step, drug-free nanoliposomes were produced using a coaxial-jet mixer and systematically investigated through a Box\textendashBehnken Design. This approach allowed us to identify the critical relationships between phosphatidylcholine concentration, solvent/antisolvent flow rates, and the resulting nanoliposomal architecture, thereby defining a robust design space for nano-vesicle formation. Vitamin D3 was then introduced into the optimized system to verify process transferability. Encapsulation proved efficient and compatible with the micromixing-driven assembly of nanoliposomes, and the formulation was subsequently subjected to accelerated and real-time stability studies. These experiments revealed a clear hierarchy of stabilizing effects, highlighting the combined protective role of the liposomal bilayer and a carefully balanced antioxidant environment. Building on these findings, the research formulation was further refined into a commercially viable product, described in a dedicated patent, and benchmarked against leading marketed references. The final dispersion exhibited high structural uniformity, stable vitamin retention and manufacturing features consistent with large-scale implementation. Overall, this work demonstrates how a QbD-guided pathway \textemdash from mechanistic process mapping to stability-driven optimization and product translation \textemdash can yield a high-quality nanoliposomal vitamin D3 with clear technological and practical advantages.},

keywords = {Box\textendashBehnken design, Coaxial-jet mixing, nanoliposomes, Quality-by-Design, Vitamin D3},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Caccavo2026d,

title = {Coaxial Jet Mixing for Pharmaceutical Nanocarrier Production: Experimental Analysis and Mechanistic Modeling},

author = {Diego Caccavo and Raffaella De Piano and Francesca Landi and Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/18/4/507/pdf?version=1776679118},

doi = { 10.3390/pharmaceutics18040507 },

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-04-20},

journal = { Pharmaceutics},

volume = {18},

issue = {4},

abstract = {This study addresses the need for scalable and predictive strategies linking mixing conditions to nanocarrier properties by developing and analyzing a coaxial jet antisolvent process for the continuous production of pharmaceutical nanocarriers. Methods: A single experimental platform was used to generate both curcumin-based nanoparticles and nanoliposomes, enabling direct comparison of how mixing regime and formulation variables influence product characteristics. Results: Fluid-dynamic behavior was first characterized using tracer and micromixing experiments, revealing a strong dependence of mixing time on flow conditions, with characteristic mixing times decreasing from \>1000 ms under laminar conditions to approximately 10\textendash30 ms in turbulent regimes. Nanoparticles and liposomes obtained under optimized conditions exhibited mean sizes in the range of 120\textendash250 nm, with polydispersity indices typically below 0.2 under optimized turbulent conditions. To rationalize these observations, a computational framework was implemented, combining Reynolds-averaged computational fluid dynamics with a population balance formulation solved by the method of moments. The model provided spatially resolved insight into solvent exchange, supersaturation development, and nucleation\textendashgrowth dynamics, showing good agreement with experimental trends and capturing the effect of mixing conditions on particle size across different regimes. Conclusions: Although simplified, the modeling approach establishes the basis for future extensions toward full population-balance distribution simulations capable of predicting complete particle size distributions, highlighting the ability of the coaxial jet mixer to control supersaturation and particle formation through tunable hydrodynamic conditions. This capability makes the system particularly attractive compared to conventional batch or less controllable mixing technologies, enabling a more rational and scalable design of pharmaceutical nanocarriers, with good encapsulation performance as discussed in the main text.},

keywords = {antisolvent precipitation, coaxial jet mixer, computational fluid dynamics, modelling, nanoliposomes, population balance},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Lamberti2026,

title = {Fabrication and Characterization of Nerolidol-Based Invasomes: Loading, Stability and Antimicrobial Applications},

author = {Gaetano Lamberti and Raffaella De Piano and Diego Caccavo and Sara Guarino and Lorenzo Bosio and Dante Greco and Clotilde Silvia Cabassi and Nicol. Mezzasalma and Costanza Spadini and Federico Righi and Marica Simoni and Susanna Bosi and Anna Angela Barba},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/18/4/410/pdf?version=1774869875},

doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics18040410},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-03-27},

urldate = {2026-03-27},

journal = { Pharmaceutics },

volume = {18},

issue = {4},

abstract = {Nerolidol (NER) is a sesquiterpene alcohol with recognized antimicrobial potential, whose applications as a pure substance are limited by hydrophobicity, instability, and cytotoxicity. Invasomes, i.e., liposomes with terpene ingredients, offer a strategy to improve their delivery; however, the NER loading limits compatible with vesicle integrity are still unclear. Here, Nerolidol-loaded invasomes were produced using a controlled simil-microfluidic coaxial injection process. Methods and Results: As a preliminary step, unloaded liposomes were fabricated to consolidate operating conditions and ensure their reproducible colloidal properties. Thereafter, formulations with progressively decreasing nominal NER loads were investigated to evaluate vesicle size, polydispersity, ζ-potential, encapsulation efficiency, effective loading, and stability. High nominal loads promoted turbidity, size increase (by agglomeration coalescence phenomena), and structural instability, whereas formulations containing approximately 1\textendash2% NER achieved nearly complete encapsulation, Z-average ≈ 300 nm, |ζ| \> 30 mV, and satisfactory physical stability. Antimicrobial and cytotoxic profiles of representative formulations, previously evaluated in an independent study are here reported only to contextualize the practical relevance of the optimized systems, while the present work primarily focuses on process\textendashformulation aspects and loading/stability limitations. Conclusions: Overall, the present work identifies a realistic loading window for Nerolidol invasomes and highlights the suitability of the simil-microfluidic approach to obtain scalable, well-controlled formulations, providing a rational basis for their future biological assessment. Nerolidol invasome systems indeed can be considered a promising, versatile platform for antimicrobial applications, including prospective use in animal feed.},

keywords = {antimicrobic activity, Invasomes, nanoliposomes, Nerolidol, simil-microfluidic technology},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Barba2026,

title = {Improving the Microbiological Safety of Raw Meat Through Visible Blue\textendashViolet Light Irradiation},

author = {Anna Angela Barba and Gaetano Lamberti},

editor = {Hao Feng},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/15/4/690/pdf?version=1770978456},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15040690},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-02-13},

urldate = {2026-02-13},

journal = {Foods},

volume = {15},

issue = {4},

abstract = {The interruption of primary conservation procedures during food handling and preparation represents a critical operational phase for food microbiological safety, especially in environments characterized by repeated manipulation and continuous human presence. This study investigates the application of visible blue\textendashviolet light irradiation as a non-thermal process to mitigate microbial proliferation during post-processing handling of raw meat. Raw beef hamburgers, selected as the food model substrate, were subjected to irradiation using a blue\textendashviolet LED system operating in the 405\textendash420 nm range and compared with non-irradiated controls under ambient and refrigerated conditions representative of real handling scenarios. Microbiological dynamics were evaluated through time-resolved enumeration of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae, while concurrent measurements of moisture loss, texture, and color were performed to assess process-related effects on macroscopic product quality. Visible-light irradiation significantly reduced the rate of microbial growth during handling, with irradiated samples consistently exhibiting lower microbial loads than controls, particularly under ambient conditions (e.g., twofold after 24 h). Under refrigeration, irradiation contributed to stabilizing microbial levels over time, indicating a synergistic effect with low-temperature storage. From a process perspective, irradiation induced moderate and progressive changes in physicochemical attributes, primarily associated with surface dehydration and color variation, without abrupt quality degradation. These results demonstrate that visible blue\textendashviolet light irradiation can be integrated as a continuous, non-UV intervention to enhance the microbiological safety of raw meat during post-processing handling, supporting its potential role as an environmental control strategy in food-handling systems.},

keywords = {blue\textendashviolet LED, microbiological safety, non-thermal food preservation processes, post-processing contamination control, raw meat handling, visible-light irradiation},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{nokey,

title = {Design of pH‑sensitive alginate\textendashcarbopol hydrogel patches for wound healing applications},

author = {Raffaella {De Piano} and Francesco Barra and Diego Caccavo and Anna Angela Barba and Gaetano Lamberti},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378517325013067?via%3Dihub},

doi = {10.1016/j.ijpharm.2025.126469},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-01-20},

urldate = {2026-01-20},

journal = {International Journal of Pharmaceutics},

volume = {688},

abstract = {Smart wound dressings capable of responding to environmental stimuli of biological origin offer a promising strategy for infection management and accelerated healing. In this work, pH-sensitive hydrogel patches composed of alginate and Carbopol were developed for controlled release of a model antiseptic ingredient, the methylene blue agent. The systems were designed aiming to remain stable under acidic conditions (pH 5), favorable to wound healing, and to undergo swelling, erosion, and drug release under alkaline conditions (pH 8), which are typically associated with bacterial infection. Experimental characterization included swelling, erosion, and release studies under static (constant pH) and dynamically changing pH conditions. The realized composite patches showed minimal release at pH 5 and a rapid, complete release of methylene blue at pH 8, driven by pHinduced erosion. Then, a mathematical model was developed to describe the system’s behavior and successfully reproduced experimental data using a minimal set of adjustable parameters. The mathematical modeling approach adopted in this study was able to describe the experimental release kinetics with good accuracy when all kinetic rate constants were optimally fitted to the data confirming the erosion controlled release. These results highlight the potential of Carbopol\textendashalginate composites as effective pH-responsive wound dressings demonstrating controlled pH-triggered release behavior.},

keywords = {Hydrogel, Hydrogel Characterization, Hydrogel Modeling},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{nokey,

title = {Raft-forming systems in GERD therapies: Formulation guidelines},

author = {Raffaele Mancino and Diego Caccavo and Anna Angela Barba and Gaetano Lamberti },

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1773224725012110},

doi = {10.1016/j.jddst.2025.107808},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology},

volume = {115},

abstract = {Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects nearly 1 billion people globally and poses major health and economic challenges. While proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the mainstay of treatment, their long-term use raises safety concerns. Alginate-based raft-forming systems offer a non-systemic alternative, creating a floating gel barrier that prevents reflux by displacing the postprandial acid pocket. However, their efficacy varies with formulation, highlighting the need for a quantitative approach to design.

This study tested raft formulations combining two types of sodium alginates with varying amounts of sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, using a factorial experimental design. Four key parameters were measured: raft strength, reflux resistance, pH buffering, and wet mass. Results showed that both alginate type and carbonate/bicarbonate ratios strongly affect raft performance.

Guidelines emerged: use alginates with strong gel-forming ability; optimize calcium carbonate (0.9\textendash1.0 mg/mg alginate) and sodium bicarbonate (0.4\textendash0.5 mg/mg); and maintain a balanced carbonate/bicarbonate ratio. Evaluating both mechanical and chemical properties is essential.

These findings support a rational, data-driven strategy for developing effective, personalized raft-forming therapies for GERD.},

keywords = {Hydrogel, Hydrogel Characterization},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Mezzasalma2025,

title = {Evaluation of the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of nerolidol encapsulated in a nanoliposome system},

author = {Nicol\`{o} Mezzasalma and Costanza Spadini and Federico Righi and Marica Simoni and Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba and Dante Greco and Alessia Merelli and Lorenzo Bosio and Alessandro Cupola and Emiliana Schiano and Simone Taddei and Clotilde Silvia Cabassi },

editor = {James Wabwire Oguttu},

url = {https://public-pages-files-2025.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1641746/pdf},

doi = {10.3389/fvets.2025.1641746},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-10-27},

journal = {Sec. Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology},

volume = {12/2025},

abstract = {Plant-derived compounds have emerged as potential alternatives to traditional antimicrobials in livestock; however, their application may be limited by degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Nanoliposome encapsulation offers a strategy to overcome these limitations. In this study, we investigated the effects of nerolidol encapsulation, by evaluating the antimicrobial activity of free-nerolidol (NER), nerolidol-loaded nanoliposomes (LN), and unloaded nanoliposomes (UN) (Lipobox™) using a Time-Kill assay. The cytotoxicity of these formulations was assessed through MTT assay on swine and bovine cell lines. NER was effective against MRSA, Enterococcus faecium, and Lactobacillus acidophilus at all time points, at concentrations ≥62.5, ≥15.63 and ≥1,000 μg/ml, respectively, but was ineffective against Gram-negative bacteria Conversely, LN and UN were effective against all bacteria, showing the best activity at 2,500 μg/ml. LN showed the greatest activity against MRSA up to 6 h while UN on E. faecium up to 4 h (P \< 0.05). No difference between LN and UN on Salmonella Typhimurium up to 24 h and on E. coli up to 6 h at this concentration (P \> 0.05) was observed. For L. acidophilus, both LN and UN were effective up to 6 h even at the lowest concentration (9.77 μg/ml). NER showed high cytotoxicity on MDBK and IPEC-J2 cells at all doses; while LN and UN were low-toxic at concentrations ≤ 1,250 μg/ml or ≤ 625 μg/ml, respectively. These results suggest that nanoliposomes themselves exhibit dose-dependent antimicrobial and cytotoxicity activity; however, when NER is encapsulated its spectrum of activity its enhanced.},

keywords = {alternative antimicrobials, animal nutrion, liposome, livestock, plantfeedadditives, time-killassay},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Caccavo2025,

title = {Optimization of Nanoliposomes Production using a Coaxial Jet Mixer: a Response Surface Modeling Approach},

author = {Diego Caccavo and Raffaella {De Piano} and Luca Broegg and Anna Angela Barba and Gaetano Lamberti },

url = {https://www.cetjournal.it/cet/25/118/050.pdf},

doi = {10.3303/CET25118050},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-08-11},

urldate = {2025-08-11},

journal = {Chemical Engineering Transaction},

volume = {118},

abstract = {Liposomes are vesicular structures capable of encapsulating and delivering active pharmaceutical ingredients or other compounds. A thorough understanding of their physical properties is essential for optimizing their application potential. In this work, liposomes were produced using ethanol, with phosphatidylcholine from soy lecithin processed via a coaxial jet mixer. The study investigated the effect of key operating parameters\textemdashethanol flow rate, water flow rate, and phosphatidylcholine concentration\textemdashon four experimental responses: Z-Average, Polydispersity Index (PDI), Main Intensity Peak Size, and Zeta Potential. A Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was employed to optimize the experimental plan, minimizing the number of trials compared to a full factorial design. Measurements performed using a Zetasizer enabled the development of predictive models for the selected responses. Modeling results, based on a univariate analysis and a top-down approach, showed that within the explored parameter range, Z-Average was primarily influenced by the inner flow rate and phosphatidylcholine concentration. These parameters also significantly affected the Zeta Potential, while water flow rate had the least impact on the responses. To achieve smaller liposomes, the results indicate the need for low phosphatidylcholine concentrations combined with high inner flow rates.},

keywords = {liposome, liposomes, nanoliposome, nanoliposomes delivery systems},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Caputo2024,

title = {Impact of drying methods on the yield and chemistry of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil},

author = {Lucia Caputo and Giuseppe Amato and Pietro de Bartolomeis and Laura De Martino and Francesco Manna and Filomena Nazzaro and Vincenzo De Feo and Anna Angela Barba },

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85126079508\&doi=10.1038%2fs41598-022-07841-w\&partnerID=40\&md5=6f157481597aad9b9c4665e5f90eeff9},

doi = {10.1038/s41598-022-07841-w},

isbn = {20452322},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-12-01},

journal = {Scientific Reports},

volume = {12},

number = {3845},

abstract = {Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) is mainly cultivated, both as fresh and dried herb, for several purposes, such as ailments, drugs, and spices. To evaluate the influence of some drying methods on the chemical composition of the essential oil of oregano, its aerial parts were dehydrated by convective drying techniques (shade, static oven), microwave-assisted heating (three different treatments) and osmotic treatment. The oils were analyzed by GC-FID and GC\textendashMS. The highest essential oil yield was achieved from microwave and shade drying methods. In total, 39 components were found, with carvacrol (ranging from 56.2 to 81.4%) being the main constituent; other compounds present in lower amounts were p-cymene (1.6\textendash17.7%), γ-terpinene (0.8\textendash14.2%), α-pinene (0.1\textendash2.1%), thymol methyl ether (0.4\textendash1.8%) and thimoquinone (0.5\textendash3.5%). The essential oil yields varied among the different treatments as well as the relative compositions. The percentages of p-cymene, γ-terpinene and α-pinene decreased significantly in the dried sample compared with the fresh sample; on the other hand, carvacrol, isoborneol and linalool increased significantly in the dried materials. The choice of the drying method for obtaining the essential oil therefore appears crucial not only in relation to the higher yield but also and above all in reference to the percentage presence of components that can direct the essential oil toward an appropriate use.},

keywords = {essential oil, thymol, vegetable oil},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Piano}2024,

title = {Drug release from hydrogel-based matrix systems partially coated: experiments and modeling},

author = {Raffaella {De Piano} and Diego Caccavo and Sara Cascone and Caterina Festa and Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba },

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85092403044\&doi=10.1016%2fj.jddst.2020.102146\&partnerID=40\&md5=e519d84642480478a063b4c7b4e2832e},

doi = {10.1016/j.jddst.2020.102146},

isbn = {17732247},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-05-01},

urldate = {2024-05-01},

journal = {Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology},

volume = {61},

number = {102146},

abstract = {Hydrogel-based matrix systems are largely used as controlled drug delivery systems, since it is possible to get the desired drug release profile properly designing the system in term of composition, drug loading and shape. Meanwhile, the mathematical modeling of the phenomena involved in the drug release process is a useful tool to understand and to predict the complex behavior of these systems, in term of water up-take, matrix swelling and erosion, drug diffusion and release. Furthermore, the coating of the matrix is used to provide certain characteristics such as enteric resistance, meanwhile making more complex the mathematical description of the process. In this work cylindrical tablets made of hydroxyl-propyl-methyl-cellulose (HPMC) loaded with theophylline (TP), as obtained or coated by an impermeable painting on the lateral surface were dissolved in a USP II apparatus, and the release of TP, as well as of HPMC and the shape changes were monitored in time, for several rotational speeds of the impeller. The experimental data gathered were used to tune a previously proposed mathematical model. The model was found able to correctly describe all the observed phenomena, confirming its usefulness as a tool in design and production of pharmaceutics.},

keywords = {drug release, Modeling, Tablets, Theophylline},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Caccavo2024,

title = {Analysis and simulation of wet-granulation processes},

author = {Diego Caccavo and Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtice.2024.105455},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-03-22},

journal = {Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers},

volume = {159},

number = {105455},

abstract = {Size enlargement by wet-granulation is one of the most important unit operation in several industrial fields: pharmaceutics, food processing, animal nutrition, agronomics, and so on. A lot of techniques have been used in order to measure the particle size distributions (PSD) and a few different approaches are available to model the PSD evolution during the process, mainly based on population balance equations (PBE). However, difficulties in both the activities (reliable measurement and robust modeling) have hindered their diffusion in industrial practice, keeping the granulation closer to an art than to a science.},

keywords = {Dynamic image analysis, Modeling, Particle size distribution, Population balance equation, Wet-granulation},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Caccavo2024b,

title = {Impact of drug release in USP II and in-vitro stomach on pharmacokinetic: The case study of immediate-release carbamazepine tablets},

author = {Diego Caccavo and Marco Iannone and Anna Angela Barba and Gaetano Lamberti},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85145821046\&doi=10.1016%2fj.ces.2022.118371\&partnerID=40\&md5=d837f63862ad2ca8881845352400e79a},

doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2022.118371},

issn = {92509},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-03-05},

journal = {Chemical Engineering Science},

volume = {267},

number = {118371},

abstract = {The in-vitro reproduction of the real physiological conditions that occur along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract would be the optimum for the dissolution and release testing of pharmaceutical formulations for oral intake. In this study a method for the automated reproduction of the real pH conditions that occurs in the gastric cavity and a device that mimics the same forces exerted by the internal walls of the stomach are presented. Commercial immediate-release carbamazepine tablets were tested in conventional (USP II) and unconventional apparatuses. The gastric pH and the fluid dynamic conditions are factors to be carefully considered since they both affect the drug release profiles. Finally, a PBPK model was used to predict the evolution of plasma drug concentrations knowing the experimental in-vitro GI release behavior. It was found that, for immediate-release carbamazepine tablet, the gastric drug release does not have a major impact on the plasmatic drug concentration.},

keywords = {case study, drug release, in-vitro stomach},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Apicella2023,

title = {Natural Food Resource Valorization by Microwave Technology: Purslane Stabilization by Dielectric Heating},

author = {Marco Apicella and Giuseppe Amato and {de Bartolomeis, Pietro} and Anna Angela Barba and Vincenzo {De Feo}},

url = { https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12234247 },

doi = {10.3390/foods12234247},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-11-24},

journal = {Foods },

volume = {12(23)},

number = {4247},

abstract = {The application of microwave-assisted drying is a promising technique due to the features of process sustainability that are usable for responsible productions. It is largely applied for the stabilization of food products, especially in the agro-food sector. In this study, the weed Portulaca oleracea L. (purslane), with its richness in antioxidant components in addition to its recognized pharmacological properties, has been considered due to its potential to be a natural, well-accepted future food. Attention was focused on the role of the heat and mass transfer rates involved in the drying processes on the nutritional profile of the dried products. For this purpose, different drying protocols (convective, microwave irradiation, microwave-vacuum irradiation) were applied to different parts of purslane herb (apical, twigs, entire structures) and chemical characterizations were performed by a GC/MS analysis of the extracts of the dried products. The results show that microwave treatments can assure a better preservation of fatty acids such as SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs (which constitute over 90% of the total components in the apical part, 65% in twigs, and 85% in microwave-vacuum-dried entire purslane samples) and phytosterols (their highest preservation was found in microwave-dried twigs) compared with convective treatments. The chemical composition variability as well as treatment times depend on the drying rates (in microwave treatments, the times are on a minute scale and the rates are up to three orders of magnitude greater than convective ones), which in turn depend on the heating transport phenomena. This variability can lead towards products that are diversified by properties that transform a weed into a valorized food source.},

keywords = {dielectric heating, fatty acids, food recovery, future food, microwave drying technology, phytosterols, Portulaca oleracea L., valorization},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Mancino2023,

title = {Agarose Cryogels: Production Process Modeling and Structural Characterization },

author = {Raffaele Mancino and Diego Caccavo and Anna Angela Barba and Gaetano Lamberti and Alice Biasin and Angelo Cortesi and Gabriele Grassi and Mario Grassi and Michela Abrami},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85172281028\&doi=10.3390%2fgels9090765\&partnerID=40\&md5=7753d30977c1b97694c4ede138749d57},

doi = {10.3390/gels9090765},

issn = {23102861},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-09-20},

journal = {Gels},

volume = {9},

number = {9},

pages = {765},

abstract = {A cryogel is a cross-linked polymer network with different properties that are determined by its manufacturing technique. The formation of a cryogel occurs at low temperatures and results in a porous structure whose pore size is affected by thermal conditions. The adjustable pore sizes of cryogels make them attractive for diverse applications. In this study, the influence of the external operational temperature, which affects the cooling and freezing rates, on the production of cryogels with 2% w/w agarose is investigated. Moreover, a mathematical model is developed to simulate the cryogel production process and provide an initial estimate of the pore size within the structure. The predictions of the model, supported by qualitative light microscopy images, demonstrate that cryogels produced at higher process temperatures exhibit larger pore sizes. Moreover, the existence of pore size distribution within the gel structure is confirmed. Finally, stress relaxation tests, coupled with an image analysis, validates that cryogels produced at lower temperatures possess a higher stiffness and slower water release rates.},

keywords = {Agarose, cryogels, Equilibrium, Hydrogels, Modeling, Rheology},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Piano}2023b,

title = {Polyelectrolyte hydrogels in biological systems: Modeling of swelling and deswelling behavior},

author = {Raffaella {De Piano} and Diego Caccavo and Anna Angela Barba and Gaetano Lamberti},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85161532217\&doi=10.1016%2fj.ces.2023.118959\&partnerID=40\&md5=a269515dd96617e9242f75711516e847},

doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2023.118959},

issn = {00092509},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-09-05},

journal = {Chemical Engineering Science},

volume = {279},

number = {118959},

abstract = {Polyelectrolyte hydrogels are a particular class of hydrogel whose behavior is connected to the variation of pH in the surrounding solution. Their behavior is influenced by the ionizable groups present on their chain. These groups could be acid or basic and polyelectrolytes could be anionic or cationic. To fully understand their behavior mathematical modeling has been widely used over many years. In this work a model based on a monophasic approach will be used to describe a general behavior of anionic hydrogels in a steady state condition at pH lower (or equal) to seven. Free swelling experiments and constrained swelling experiments have been simulated varying the parameters of the model to highlight the properties of the material. From a comparison with experimental data, it results that the proposed model can describe the general behavior of the system as described in the literature.},

keywords = {Biological systems, Equilibrium, Hydrogels, Modeling, Polyelectrolytes},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Piano}2023,

title = {Hydrogel: pH Role on Polyelectrolyte Behaviour in Aqueous Media},

author = {Raffaella {De Piano} and Diego Caccavo and Anna Angela Barba and Gaetano Lamberti},

doi = {10.3303/CET23100067},

issn = {22839216},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-06-30},

journal = {Chemical Engineering Transactions},

volume = {100},

pages = {397-402},

abstract = {Polyelectrolytes are a class of polymer whose swelling depends on the external condition of pH. The dissociation of the ionizable groups is strongly depended on the concentration of the H+ ions in solution and this leads to different swelling behaviour changing the external pH. Since these materials are versatile and used in various fields, an in-depth knowledge of their behaviour becomes important to use them appropriately. The present work aims to offer an overview of the behaviour of these materials in solution through an experimental and a steady state modelling part. The results serve as a fundamental basis to understand the behaviour of these systems, including transient periods, leading to a comprehensive and predictable description.},

keywords = {Hydrogel, Polyelectrolyte Behaviour},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Caccavo2023b,

title = {Coaxial Injection Mixer for the Continuous Production of Nanoparticles},

author = {Diego Caccavo and Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba},

url = {https://doi.org/10.3303/CET23100051},

doi = {10.3303/CET23100051},

issn = {22839216},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-06-30},

journal = {Chemical Engineering Transactions},

volume = {100},

pages = {Pages 301-306},

abstract = {Nanoparticles (NPs) production in batch reactors is limited in terms of reproducibility and control over physical properties such as particle size. Microfluidic techniques and flow-focusing can improve these limitations, but continuous nanoprecipitation through turbulent mixing can also be achieved. This study evaluates the effect of fluid dynamics on NP production and characteristics in a coaxial jet mixer. The results showed that the vertical and horizontal configurations of the mixer impact mixing performance, with buoyancy in the horizontal configuration causing fluid segregation and altering the coaxiality. The mixing performance was tested using water/water and ethanol/water systems with different flow rates, and results indicated that a turbulent jet develops at high values of both the Flow Momentum Ratio (FMR) and Reynolds number (NRe). The mixing time for the turbulent jet was found to have a clear relationship with the Reynolds number and FMR and was successfully fitted using a power law equation. Finally, the results showed that the NPs produced in turbulence were smaller and more uniform in size, with a Z-average half that of those produced in laminar conditions. The improved size uniformity and reduced dimensions of the particles resulted in a clearer final product. This study suggests that micromixing is a more favourable method for producing liposomes with improved characteristics and higher productivity compared to interdiffusion.},

keywords = {Coaxial Injection, Continuous Production, nanoparticles},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Caccavo2023,

title = {Impact of drug release in USP II and in-vitro stomach on pharmacokinetic: The case study of immediate-release carbamazepine tablets},

author = {Diego Caccavo and Marco Iannone and Anna Angela Barba and Gaetano Lamberti},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009250922009563},

doi = {10.1016/j.ces.2022.118371},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-03-05},

journal = {Chemical Engineering Science},

volume = {267},

abstract = {The in-vitro reproduction of the real physiological conditions that occur along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract would be the optimum for the dissolution and release testing of pharmaceutical formulations for oral intake. In this study a method for the automated reproduction of the real pH conditions that occurs in the gastric cavity and a device that mimics the same forces exerted by the internal walls of the stomach are presented. Commercial immediate-release carbamazepine tablets were tested in conventional (USP II) and unconventional apparatuses. The gastric pH and the fluid dynamic conditions are factors to be carefully considered since they both affect the drug release profiles. Finally, a PBPK model was used to predict the evolution of plasma drug concentrations knowing the experimental in-vitro GI release behavior. It was found that, for immediate-release carbamazepine tablet, the gastric drug release does not have a major impact on the plasmatic drug concentration.},

keywords = {Drug Delivery Systems, Mathematical modeling, Pharmacokinetics},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Iannone2022b,

title = {A low-cost push\textendashpull syringe pump for continuous flow applications},

author = {Marco Iannone and Diego Caccavo and Anna Angela Barba and Gaetano Lamberti},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85126485889\&doi=10.1016%2fj.ohx.2022.e00295\&partnerID=40\&md5=dc11ca55d5dc7a36fb1415ec58406b11},

doi = {10.1016/j.ohx.2022.e00295},

issn = {24680672},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-04-11},

journal = {HardwareX},

volume = {11},

number = {e00295},

abstract = {Syringe pumps are very useful tools to ensure a constant and pulsation-free flow rate, however usability is limited to batch processes. This article shows an open-source method for manufacturing a push pull syringe pump, valid for continuous processes, easy to build, low-cost and programmable. The push-pull syringe pump (PPSP) is driven by an Arduino nano ATmega328P which controls a NEMA 17 in microstepping via the A4988 stepper driver. The Push-Pull Syringe Pump setup is configurable by means of a digital encoder and an oled screen programmed using C ++. A PCB was designed and built to facilitate the assembly of the device. The continuous flow is guaranteed by four non-return valves and a dampener, which has been sized and optimized for use on this device. Finally, tests were carried out to evaluate the flow rates and the linearity of the flow. The device is achievable with a cost of less than 100 €. },

keywords = {3D-printing, Continuous flow, Dual syringe pump, Push\textendashpull},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Iannone2022,

title = {A low-cost push\textendashpull syringe pump for continuous flow applications},

author = {Marco Iannone and Diego Caccavo and Anna Angela Barba and Gaetano Lamberti},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468067222000402},

doi = {10.1016/j.ohx.2022.e00295},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-04-01},

journal = {HardwareX},

volume = {11},

abstract = {Syringe pumps are very useful tools to ensure a constant and pulsation-free flow rate, however usability is limited to batch processes. This article shows an open-source method for manufacturing a push pull syringe pump, valid for continuous processes, easy to build, low-cost and programmable.



The push\textendashpull syringe pump (PPSP) is driven by an Arduino nano ATmega328P which controls a NEMA 17 in microstepping via the A4988 stepper driver. The Push-Pull Syringe Pump setup is configurable by means of a digital encoder and an oled screen programmed using C ++. A PCB was designed and built to facilitate the assembly of the device. The continuous flow is guaranteed by four non-return valves and a dampener, which has been sized and optimized for use on this device. Finally, tests were carried out to evaluate the flow rates and the linearity of the flow. The device is achievable with a cost of less than 100 €.},

keywords = {Instrumentation and control, New devices, Prototyping},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Martino}2022,

title = {Postharvest Microwave Drying of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.): The Influence of Treatments on the Quality of Dried Products},

author = {Laura {De Martino} and Lucia Caputo and Giuseppe Amato and Marco Iannone and Anna Angela Barba and Vincenzo {De Feo}},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85128079847\&doi=10.3390%2ffoods11071029\&origin=inward\&txGid=638d510cd273b4bd45db2f3643c30b49},

doi = {10.3390/foods11071029},

isbn = {23048158},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-04-01},

journal = {Foods},

volume = {11},

number = {1029},

abstract = {Edible herbs are widely used in the human diet due to their pleasant flavors and countless health benefits associated with their components having, mainly, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapeutic functions. Since herbs are highly perishable materials because of their high water content, to guarantee products are safe and stable over time, it is necessary that they undergo stabilization operations. The application of microwave-assisted drying, a promising technique in terms of process sustainability, for the stabilization of the aromatic herb, Ocimum basilicum L., was investigated. The activities were carried out by applying different operating conditions in order to evaluate the impact of the time/temperature combination on the final quality of dried basil. The latter was investigated via the chemical characterization of extracted essential oils and tissue damages. Conventional convective processes were also applied to perform comparisons between dried basil products both under production and the quality preservation points of view. Results showed that microwave heating is suitable as a drying method, as expected, due to the well-known interaction between vegetable tissue (rich in water) and the electromagnetic field; and that drying methods have a different influence on the chemical composition of the essential oils extracted from dried products, in terms of the number (ranging from 41 to 18 components in different dried samples) and percentage (until 67% in linalool and 21% in α-trans-bergamotene in different dried samples) of its’ constituents. },

keywords = {drying methods, essential oil, microwave heating, Ocimum basilicum L, process sustainability},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Caccavo2021,

title = {Dynamometric measurements of hydrogels' mechanical spectra},

author = {Diego Caccavo and Rosario Cavallo and Michela Abrami and Mario Grassi and Anna Angela Barba and Gaetano Lamberti},

url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/app.50702},

doi = {10.1002/app.50702},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-03-12},

journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science},

volume = {138},

number = {50702},

abstract = {Hydrogels' viscoelastic behavior is crucial in several applications and an in‐depth knowledge and characterization of this property is essential to select the most appropriate gel for the specific use. Oscillatory shear measurements are the most commonly used techniques to perform the viscoelastic characterization of hydrogels, among other materials, and it is performed mainly by using plate‐plate shear rheometers. Despite these instruments constitute one of the best options to analyze the mechanical response of materials, they are quite expensive and require well trained operators, which confine their presence exclusively in engineering labs. However, the use of hydrogels brought these materials to be present in countless sectors, and therefore poses the need of reliable characterization with as much simple and common instrumentations. Therefore, aim of this work is to present the possibility to obtain a trustworthy characterization of the viscoelasticity of hydrogel by using a Texture Analyzer set to work with sinusoidal deformations.},

keywords = {Gels, Rheology, Viscosity and Viscoelasticity},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Bochicchio2021,

title = {Polymer\textendashLipid Pharmaceutical Nanocarriers: Innovations by New Formulations and Production Technologies},

author = {Sabrina Bochicchio and Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba},

editor = {Thomas Rades},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/13/2/198/htm},

doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics13020198},

issn = {19994923},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-02-02},

journal = {Pharmaceutics},

volume = {13(2)},

number = {198},

pages = {15},

abstract = {Some issues in pharmaceutical therapies such as instability, poor membrane permeability, and bioavailability of drugs can be solved by the design of suitable delivery systems based on the combination of two pillar classes of ingredients: polymers and lipids. At the same time, modern technologies are required to overcome production limitations (low productivity, high energy consumption, expensive setup, long process times) to pass at the industrial level. In this paper, a summary of applications of polymeric and lipid materials combined as nanostructures (hybrid nanocarriers) is reported. Then, recent techniques adopted in the production of hybrid nanoparticles are discussed, highlighting limitations still present that hold back the industrial implementation. },

keywords = {drug delivery, hybrid nanoparticles, lipids, nanotechnologies, polymers, production technologies},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Piano}2020,

title = {Drug release from hydrogel-based matrix systems partially coated: experiments and modeling},

author = {Raffaella {De Piano} and Diego Caccavo and Sara Cascone and Caterina Festa and Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1773224720314350?via%3Dihub},

doi = {10.1016/j.jddst.2020.102146},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-10-07},

journal = {Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology},

abstract = {Hydrogel-based matrix systems are largely used as controlled drug delivery systems, since it is possible to get the desired drug release profile properly designing the system in term of composition, drug loading and shape. Meanwhile, the mathematical modeling of the phenomena involved in the drug release process is a useful tool to understand and to predict the complex behavior of these systems, in term of water up-take, matrix swelling and erosion, drug diffusion and release. Furthermore, the coating of the matrix is used to provide certain characteristics such as enteric resistance, meanwhile making more complex the mathematical description of the process. In this work cylindrical tablets made of hydroxyl-propyl-methyl-cellulose (HPMC) loaded with theophylline (TP), as obtained or coated by an impermeable painting on the lateral surface were dissolved in a USP II apparatus, and the release of TP, as well as of HPMC and the shape changes were monitored in time, for several rotational speeds of the impeller. The experimental data gathered were used to tune a previously proposed mathematical model. The model was found able to correctly describe all the observed phenomena, confirming its usefulness as a tool in design and production of pharmaceutics.},

keywords = {drug release, Modeling, Tablets, Theophylline},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Simone}2020b,

title = {Nanoliposomes in polymeric granules: Novel process strategy to produce stable and versatile delivery systems},

author = {Veronica {De Simone} and Annalisa Dalmoro and Sabrina Bochicchio and Diego Caccavo and Gaetano Lamberti and Paolo Bertoncin and Anna Angela Barba},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1773224720311679?via%3Dihub},

doi = {10.1016/j.jddst.2020.101878},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-07-09},

journal = {Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology},

volume = {59},

pages = {7},

abstract = {Liposomes, due to their mimetic cellular composition, are gaining great attention as release systems for lipophilic and hydrophilic molecules. However, liposomes can present a high tendency to degrade and aggregate into biological fluids and under storage conditions. To overcome these limitations, in this work, a stabilizing strategy consisting in liposomes incorporation into polymeric granules was studied. Wet granulation was adopted to produce granules of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and liposomal suspensions were used as the binder phase. In particular, in this study, three different percentages of liposome load in HPMC granules were investigated (1%, 5% and 10% w/w) focusing the attention on several relevant technological characteristics of the achieved solid particulates: size, flow index, mechanical strength (granules without liposomal inclusions were used as a control). Morphological observations (by TEM) confirmed the presence of intact liposomes in dry HPMC granules; moreover, it was found that the binder phase with the lower liposome concentrations (1%, 5%) did not significantly affect size, flowability and hardness of the lipid-polymer granules. Instead, the granules containing the highest percentage of liposomes (10% w/w) have larger dimensions, harder structure and reduced flowability. Therefore, the followed process strategy, under liposomal concentration restrictions, allowed to obtain both the liposomes stabilization, a not trivial technological issue, and the production of particulates with good solid state properties, useful as a versatile dosage form (lipid carriers in polymer carriers).},

keywords = {Compressibility index, Lipid-polymeric, Simil-microfluidic method, Texture analyses, Wet granulation},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Milocco2020,

title = {Thermal gelation modeling of a pluronic-alginate blend following coronary angioplasty },

author = {Alessio Milocco and Nicola Scuor and Vanni Lughi and Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba and Rosario Divittorio and Gabriele Grassi and Andrea Perkan and Mario Grassi and Michela Abrami},

url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/app.48539},

doi = {10.1002/app.48539},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-07-05},

journal = {Journal of Applied Polymer Science},

volume = {137},

number = {25},

pages = {10},

abstract = {To overcome the complications connected to the treatment of coronary atherosclerosis by means of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty followed by stent implantation, the in situ release of antiproliferative nucleic acid based drugs (NABD) seems a promising approach. For their fragile nature, NABD cannot be released from drug eluting stents but they need to be embedded in a soft gel coating the coronary wall (endoluminal gel paving). This article deals with the thermal fate, once in the catheter, of a polymer blend composed by pluronic, giving rise to a soft gel in water upon temperature rise, and alginate, a natural polysaccharide giving origin to a strong gel in the presence of divalent cations. Simulations reveal that while the formation of a pregel is rapidly achieved, the formation of a mature gel takes a much longer time with respect to the residence time of the polymer blend inside the catheter. },

keywords = {alginate-pluronic, coronary angioplasty, Mathematical modeling, restenosis},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Barba2020b,

title = {Microwave Treatments of Cereals: Effects on Thermophysical and Parenchymal-Related Properties},

author = {Anna Angela Barba and Carlo Naddeo and Silvestro Caputo and Gaetano Lamberti and Matteo D'Amore and Annalisa Dalmoro},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/9/6/711},

doi = {10.3390/foods9060711 },

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-06-01},

journal = {Foods},

volume = {9},

number = {6},

pages = {14},

abstract = {Dielectric heating is one of the most interesting techniques for pest disinfestation. However, most of the literature works give information about the ability of microwave treatments at different power-time conditions to kill insects; less is given about the analysis of matrices structural properties and heat transport. Accordingly, the aim of this work is to investigate the effect of microwave treatments, applied for pest disinfestation, on heat transport behavior and physical/structural properties, such as water uptake capability, mineral losses, texture change, and germination capability, of most consumed cereals in human diet, such as weak wheat, durum wheat, and corn. Two different radiative treatments were performed: one in time-temperature conditions capable of inactivating the weed fauna, and the other at high temperatures of ~150 °C, simulating uncontrolled treatments. Heat transport properties were measured and showed to keep unvaried during both effective and uncontrolled microwave treatments. Instead, grain physical properties were worsened when exposed to high temperatures (reduction of germination ability and texture degradation). The achieved results, on the one hand, provide new structural and heat transport data of cereals after microwave treatments, actually not present in the literature, and on the other, they confirm the importance of correctly performing microwave treatments for an effective disinfestation without affecting matrices physical properties and nutritional features.},

keywords = {cereals; dielectric properties, food sanitization, microwave heating, pest disinfestation, thermal properties},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Caccavo2020,

title = {Mechanics and drug release from poroviscoelastic hydrogels: Experiments and modeling},

author = {Diego Caccavo and Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpb.2020.05.020},

doi = {10.1016/j.ejpb.2020.05.020},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-05-27},

journal = {European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics},

volume = {152},

pages = {299-306},

abstract = {Hydrogels are peculiar soft materials formed by a 3D polymeric network surrounded by water molecules. In these systems the mechanical and the chemical energy are well balanced and an applied external stimulus (mechanical or chemical) can cause a distinctive response, where the contributions of the mechanics and the mass transport are combined to form a “poroviscoelastic” behavior. In this work the poroviscoelastic behavior of the agarose gels has been investigated, from the experimental and modeling points of view, by applications of external mechanical stimuli. The pure gel, brought in the non-equilibrium condition, showed that the combined effect of mechanical viscoelasticity and water transport were essential to reach the new equilibrium condition. Furthermore, the agarose gel loaded with a model drug, theophylline, showed that the mechanical stimulus can enhance the drug release from the system by stretching the polymeric chains, modifying the mesh size and therefore the drug diffusion coefficient.},

keywords = {Agarose, drug delivery, Hydrogels, Modeling, Poroviscoelasticity},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Bochicchio2020b,

title = {Advances in Nanoliposomes Production for Ferrous Sulfate Delivery},

author = {Sabrina Bochicchio and Annalisa Dalmoro and Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba},

editor = {MDPI},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/12/5/445/pdf},

doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics12050445},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-05-11},

journal = {Pharmaceutics},

volume = {12},

number = {5},

pages = {445},

abstract = {In this study, a continuous bench scale apparatus based on microfluidic fluid dynamic principles was used in the production of ferrous sulfate-nanoliposomes for pharmaceutical/nutraceutical applications, optimizing their formulation with respect to the products already present on the market. After an evaluation of its fluid dynamic nature, the simil-microfluidic (SMF) apparatus was first used to study the effects of the adopted process parameters on vesicles dimensional features by using ultrasonic energy to enhance liposomes homogenization. Subsequently, iron-nanoliposomes were produced at different weight ratios of ferrous sulfate to the total formulation components (0.06, 0.035, 0.02, and 0.01 w/w) achieving, by using the 0.01 w/w, vesicles of about 80 nm, with an encapsulation efficiency higher than 97%, an optimal short- and long-term stability, and an excellent bioavailability in Caco-2 cell line. Moreover, a comparison realized between the SMF method and two more conventional production techniques showed that by using the SMF setup the process time was drastically reduced, and the process yield increased, achieving a massive nanoliposomes production. Finally, duty-cycle sonication was detected to be a scalable technique for vesicles homogenization. },

keywords = {drug delivery, ferrous sulfate, nanoliposome, simil-microfluidic apparatus, sonication},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Bochicchio2020,

title = {Simil-Microfluidic Nanotechnology in Manufacturing of Liposomes as Hydrophobic Antioxidants Skin Release Systems},

author = {Sabrina Bochicchio and Annalisa Dalmoro and Veronica {De Simone} and Paolo Bertoncin and Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/7/2/22/pdf},

doi = {10.3390/cosmetics7020022},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-04-03},

urldate = {2020-04-03},

journal = {Cosmetics},

volume = {7},

number = {22},

pages = {13},

abstract = {Novel nanotechnologies represent the most attractive and innovative tools to date exploited by cosmetic companies to improve the effectiveness of their formulations. In this context, nanoliposomes have had a great impact in topical preparations and dermocosmetics, allowing the transcutaneous penetration and absorption of several active ingredients and improving the stability of sensitive molecules. Despite the recent boom of this class of delivery systems, their industrial production is still limited by the lack of easily scalable production techniques. In this work, nanoliposomes for the topical administration of vitamin D3, K2, E, and curcumin, molecules with high antioxidant and skin curative properties but unstable and poorly absorbable, were produced through a novel simil-microfluidic technique. The developed high-yield semi continuous method is proposed as an alternative to face the problems linked with low productive conventional methods in order to produce antioxidant formulations with improved features. The novel technique has allowed to obtain a massive production of stable antioxidant vesicles of an 84\textendash145 nm size range, negatively charged, and characterized by high loads and encapsulation efficiencies. The obtained products as well as the developed high-performance technology make the achieved formulations very interesting for potential topical applications in the cosmetics/cosmeceutical field. },

keywords = {antioxidants, cosmeceutics, nanoliposomes, simil-microfluidic technology, transdermal delivery},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Barba2020,

title = {Engineering approaches for drug delivery systems production and characterization},

author = {Anna Angela Barba and Annalisa Dalmoro and Sabrina Bochicchio and Veronica {De Simone} and Diego Caccavo and Marco Iannone and Gaetano Lamberti},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378517320302519},

doi = {10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119267},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-03-31},

urldate = {2020-03-31},

journal = {International Journal of Pharmaceutics},

abstract = {To find and to test the therapeutic effectiveness (and the limited adverse effects) of a new drug is a long and expensive process. It has been estimated a period of ten years and an expense of the order of one billion USD are required. Meanwhile, even if a promising molecule has been identified, there is the need for operative methods for its delivery. The extreme case is given by gene therapy, in which molecules with tremendous in-vitro efficacy cannot be used in practice because of the lack in useful vector systems to deliver them. Most of the recent efforts in pharmaceutical sciences are focused on the development of novel drug delivery systems (DDSs).

In this review, the work done recently on the development and testing of novel DDSs, with particular emphasis on the results obtained by European research, is summarized. In the first section of the review the DDSs are analyzed accordingly with their scale-size: starting from nano-scale (liposomes, nanoparticles), up to the micro-scale (microparticles), until the macroscopic world is reached (granules, matrix systems). In the following two sections, non-conventional testing methods (mechanical methods and bio-relevant dissolution methods) are presented; at last, the importance of mathematical modeling to describe drug release and related phenomena is reported.},

keywords = {drug delivery, Hydrogel, Innovation in Europe, Microvectors, Modeling, Nanovectors},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Lamberti2020,

title = {Drug Delivery of siRNA Therapeutics},

author = {Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/12/2/178/pdf},

doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics12020178},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-02-20},

journal = {Pharmaceutics},

volume = {12(2)},

number = {178},

keywords = {aptamers, Drug Delivery Systems, gene therapy, liposomes, nanoparticles, polycations, siRNA},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Barba2019b,

title = {Coating of Nanolipid Structures by a Novel Simil-Microfluidic Technique: Experimental and Theoretical Approaches },

author = {Anna Angela Barba and Sabrina Bochicchio and Paolo Bertoncin and Gaetano Lamberti and Annalisa Dalmoro},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/9/8/491/htm},

doi = {10.3390/coatings9080491},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-08-02},

journal = {Coatings},

volume = {9},

number = {491},

pages = {1-15},

abstract = {Nanolipid vesicular structures are ideal candidates for the controlled release of various ingredients, from vitamins for nutraceutical purposes to chemoterapic drugs. To improve their stability, permeability, and some specific surface properties, such as mucoadhesiveness, these structures can require a process of surface engineering. The interaction of lipid vesicles with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes seems to be an interesting solution, especially when the negatively charged liposomes are complexed with the cationic chitosan. In this work, a novel simil-microfluidic technique was used to produce both chitosan-coated vesicles and a vegan alternative composed of cholesterol-free liposomes coated by Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Guar-HC). The combination between the experimental approach, based on experimental observations in terms of Z-potential, and size evolutions, and the theoretical approach, based on concepts of saturation, was the methodology applied to define the best polycation concentration to fairly cover (vegan or not) liposomes without aggregation. The smart production of coated nanolipid structures was confirmed by characterizations of morphology, mucoadhesiveness, and stability.},

keywords = {Chitosan, Coated nanoliposomes, Guar guam, Liposome bioadhesive, Liposomi bioadesivi, Muchoadesiveness, Simil-microfluidic technique},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Barba2019,

title = {Lipid Delivery Systems for Nucleic-Acid-Based-Drugs: From Production to Clinical Applications},

author = {Anna Angela Barba and Sabrina Bochicchio and Annalisa Dalmoro and Gaetano Lamberti},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/11/8/360},

doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics11080360},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-07-24},

journal = {Pharmaceutics},

volume = {11},

number = {360},

abstract = {In the last years the rapid development of Nucleic Acid Based Drugs (NABDs) to be used in gene therapy has had a great impact in the medical field, holding enormous promise, becoming “the latest generation medicine” with the first ever siRNA-lipid based formulation approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human use, and currently on the market under the trade name Onpattro™. The growth of such powerful biologic therapeutics has gone hand in hand with the progress in delivery systems technology, which is absolutely required to improve their safety and effectiveness. Lipid carrier systems, particularly liposomes, have been proven to be the most suitable vehicles meeting NABDs requirements in the medical healthcare framework, limiting their toxicity, and ensuring their delivery and expression into the target tissues. In this review, after a description of the several kinds of liposomes structures and formulations used for in vitro or in vivo NABDs delivery, the broad range of siRNA-liposomes production techniques are discussed in the light of the latest technological progresses. Then, the current status of siRNA-lipid delivery systems in clinical trials is addressed, offering an updated overview on the clinical goals and the next challenges of this new class of therapeutics which will soon replace traditional drugs},

keywords = {clinical trials, liposomes, Micro and Nano Vectors, NABDs, siRNA},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Dalmoro2019,

title = {Micronutrients encapsulation in enhanced nanoliposomal carriers by a novel preparative technology },

author = {Annalisa Dalmoro and Sabrina Bochicchio and Gaetano Lamberti and Paolo Bertoncin and Barbara Janssens and Anna Angela Barba},

url = {https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2019/ra/c9ra03022k},

doi = {10.1039/C9RA03022K},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-06-25},

journal = {RSC Advances},

volume = {9},

pages = {19800-19812},

abstract = {Micronutrients administration by fortification of staple and complementary foods is a followed strategy to fight malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies and related pathologies. There is a great industrial interest in preparation of formulations for joint administration of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 for providing bone support, promoting heart health and helping boost immunity. To respond to this topic, in this work, uncoated nanoliposomes loaded with vitamin D3 and K2 were successfully prepared, by using a novel, high-yield and semi continuous technique based on simil-microfluidic principles. By the same technique, to promote and to enhance mucoadhesiveness and stability of the produced liposomal structures, chitosan was tested as covering material. By this way polymer\textendashlipid hybrid nanoparticles, encapsulating vitamin D3 and vitamin K2, with improved features in terms of stability, loading and mucoadhesiveness were produced for potential nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.},

keywords = {Drug Delivery Systems, Micro and Nano Vectors},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Simone}2019,

title = {Effect of binder and load solubility properties on HPMC granules produced by wet granulation process},

author = {Veronica {De Simone} and Annalisa Dalmoro and Gaetano Lamberti and Diego Caccavo and Matteo D'Amore and Anna Angela Barba},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1773224718311043},

doi = {10.1016/j.jddst.2018.12.030},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-02-01},

journal = {Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology},

volume = {49},

pages = {513-520},

abstract = {Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is one of the most important hydrophilic ingredients used in hydrogel matrices preparation (tablets or granules). In this work, HPMC was used to produce granules loaded with hydrophilic and hydrophobic active molecules to investigate their possible use as release dosage forms for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Unloaded and vitamins loaded HPMC granules were produced by wet granulation to investigate the effect of molecule solubility and granulation liquid type, on physical, mechanical and release properties. Water-soluble vitamin B12 and water-insoluble vitamin D2 were used as model molecules. Due to their different solubility, two granulation liquid phases were also used: distilled water for granules with B12, and ethanol-water for granules with D2. Results showed that use of ethanol in the liquid phase reduces the granulation yield and produces granules having a less defined shape, a smaller mean size, a less hard structure and a worse flowability. Moreover, ethanol slightly enhances the polymer erosion rate. Results also emphasized that the vitamins solubility does not affect either the physical and the mechanical properties of the produced granules. However, it plays a significant relevant role on the molecule release mechanism, being B12 and D2 were released by diffusion and erosion mechanism, respectively.},

keywords = {Granulation, HPMC},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Simone}2018b,

title = {Wet-granulation process: phenomenological analysis and process parameters optimization},

author = {Veronica {De Simone} and Diego Caccavo and Gaetano Lamberti and Matteo D'Amore and Anna Angela Barba},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032591018307800},

doi = {10.1016/j.powtec.2018.09.053},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-12-01},

journal = {Powder Technology},

volume = {340},

pages = {411-419},

abstract = {Wet granulation is a size-enlargement process applied in many industrial fields, such as pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, zootecnichal, to improve flowability and compressibility properties of powders. In this work analysis of the particle size distribution (PSD) of granules was performed to understand the phenomena involved during the granulation process and to optimize the operating conditions. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) granules were produced spraying distilled water as liquid binder on powders in a low-shear granulator. The experimental campaign was planned using the full factorial design statistical technique varying two factors (impeller rotation speed and binder flow rate), each at three intensities. PSDs of HPMC granules at different granulation times were obtained by an ad hoc dynamic image analysis device based on the free falling particle scheme. PSD measurements showed that wet granules size depends on the simultaneous presence of nucleation, agglomeration and breakage phenomena. The process parameters optimization was carried out using response surface methodology (RSM) and using the granulation yield (% w/w of wet granules within the size range 2000\textendash10,000 μm) as the main variable of interest.},

keywords = {Granulation, HPMC},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Bochicchio2018,

title = {Design and production of hybrid nanoparticles with polymeric-lipid shell\textendashcore structures: conventional and next-generation approaches},

author = {Sabrina Bochicchio and Annalisa Dalmoro and Paolo Bertoncin and Gaetano Lamberti and Rouslan I. Moustafine and Anna Angela Barba },

url = {https://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2018/RA/C8RA07069E#!divAbstract},

doi = {10.1039/c8ra07069e},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-09-27},

journal = {RSC Advances},

volume = {8},

pages = {34614\textendash34624},

abstract = {Liposomes constitute a class of prominent drug delivery systems due their cell-mimetic behaviour. Despite

their high biocompatibility, biodegradability and low intrinsic toxicity, their poor stability in biological fluids

as well as in stock conditions (high tendency to degrade or aggregate) have led to new approaches for

liposome stabilization (e.g., surface covering with polymers). Here, liposomes were enwrapped by the

natural biocompatible polymer chitosan to achieve stable shell\textendashcore nanostructures. Covered

nanoliposomes were produced using an innovative continuous method based on microfluidic principles.

The produced hybrid polymeric-lipid nanoparticles were characterized in terms of structural properties,

size and stability. Moreover, phenomenological aspects in formation of nanoliposomal vesicles and

chitosan layering, product quality (structure, size) and manufacturing yield related to this novel method

were compared with those of the conventional dropwise method and the obtained products. The

proposed simil-microfluidic method led to the production of stable and completely chitosan-covered

liposomes with a shell\textendashcore nanostructure that avoided the disadvantages inherent in the conventional

method (which are time-consuming and/or require bulky and more expensive equipment).},

keywords = {Micro and Nano Vectors},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Dalmoro2018b,

title = {Polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles as enhanced indomethacin delivery systems},

author = {Annalisa Dalmoro and Sabrina Bochicchio and Shamil F. Nasibullin and Paolo Bertoncin and Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba and Rouslan I. Moustafine},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0928098718302331},

doi = {10.1016/j.ejps.2018.05.014},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-08-30},

journal = {European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences},

volume = {121},

pages = {16-28},

abstract = {Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), i.e. indomethacin used for rheumatoid arthritis and non-rheumatoid inflammatory diseases, are known for their injurious actions on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Mucosal damage can be avoided by using nanoscale systems composed by a combination of liposomes and biodegradable natural polymer, i.e. chitosan, for enhancing drug activity.



Aim of this study was to prepare chitosan-lipid hybrid delivery systems for indomethacin dosage through a novel continuous method based on microfluidic principles. The drop-wise conventional method was also applied in order to investigate the effect of the two polymeric coverage processes on the nanostructures features and their interactions with indomethacin. Thermal-physical properties, mucoadhesiveness, drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro release behavior in simulated GI fluids and stability in stocking conditions were assayed and compared, respectively, for the uncoated and chitosan-coated nanoliposomes prepared by the two introduced methods.



The prepared chitosan-lipid hybrid structures, with nanometric size, have shown high indomethacin loading (about 10%) and drug encapsulation efficiency up to 99%. TEM investigation has highlighted that the developed novel simil-microfluidic method is able to put a polymeric layer, surrounding indomethacin loaded nanoliposomes, thicker and smoother than that achievable by the drop-wise method, improving their storage stability. Finally, double pH tests have confirmed that the chitosan-lipid hybrid nanostructures have a gastro retentive behavior in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids thus can be used as delivery systems for the oral-controlled release of indomethacin.



Based on the present results, the simil-microfluidic method, working with large volumes, in a rapid manner, without the use of drastic conditions and with a precise control over the covering process, seems to be the most promising method for the production of suitable indomethacin delivery system, with a great potential in industrial manufacturing.},

keywords = {Micro and Nano Vectors},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Caccavo2018,

title = {Hydrogels: experimental characterization and mathematical modelling of their mechanical and diffusive behaviour},

author = {Diego Caccavo and Sara Cascone and Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba},

url = {http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2018/cs/c7cs00638a#!divAbstract},

doi = {10.1039/C7CS00638A},

issn = {0306-0012},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-04-07},

journal = {Chemical Society Reviews},

volume = {47},

number = {7},

pages = {2357-2373},

abstract = {Hydrogels are materials widely used in countless applications, particularly in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical fields, because of their biocompatibility and their mechanical and transport properties. Several approaches are known to evaluate their properties, but only a few approaches are under development to mathematically describe their behaviour, in terms of how the materials answer to mechanical stimuli and how incorporated active substances are released. In this review, the main properties of hydrogels are summarized and the structure\textendashproperty relationships are investigated (i.e. how the macromolecular structure influences the properties of macroscopic samples made of hydrogels). A selection criterion is proposed based on the comparison of three characteristic times: relaxation time, diffusion time, and process time. Then, the most common experimental methods to investigate the hydrogel properties are summarized, along with the state-of-the-art of mathematical modelling, with reference to the mechanical and transport properties of hydrogels, with particular attention to the viscoelastic and poroelastic behaviours. Last but not least, some case histories which can be classified as viscoelastic, poroelastic, or poroviscoelastic behaviours are presented.},

keywords = {Hydrogel Characterization, Hydrogel Modeling},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Dalmoro2018,

title = {On the relevance of thermophysic characterizations in microwave treatments of legumes},

author = {Annalisa Dalmoro and Carlo Naddeo and Silvestro Caputo and Gaetano Lamberti and Liberata Guadagno and Matteo D'Amore and Anna Angela Barba},

url = {http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2018/FO/C7FO01488K},

doi = {10.1039/C7FO01488K},

issn = {2042-650X},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-03-01},

journal = {Food \& Function},

volume = {9},

number = {3},

pages = {1816-1828},

abstract = {This study is focused on the characterization of thermal behavior and physical properties of most consumed legumes in daily diet such as beans, lentils and chickpeas. Because of a lack of knowledge in literature about the effect of microwave treatments on legumes, characterization protocols have been applied before and after subjecting them to microwave irradiation suitable for pest disinfestation. The effects of two different radiative treatments, one suitable to inactivate the infesting fauna, and one simulating uncontrolled treatments, characterized by very high temperatures, were tested. The impacts of microwave treatments on legumes, in terms of thermal behavior, germination capability, tannin and total polyphenols composition and other physical properties (water uptake capability, texture change, mineral losses), after typical soaking cooking processes, are also performed. Examined legumes thermal properties were found comparable for all samples. Similarly, no significative differences in antinutritional factors, polyphenols and tannins, content among all samples were detected. Under structural point of view, samples exposed to high temperatures have been shown a texture degradation and in turn, losses of mineral nutrient during soaking processes. Moreover, their germinative capability was drastically reduced. These latter results highlighted how is important to correctly perform radiative microwave process in order to both assure an effective and safe disinfestation and avoid nutritional values losses and physical properties worsening.},

keywords = {legumes, microwave, Tecnagri, thermophysic},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{{DeSimone}2018,

title = {HPMC granules by wet granulation process: Effect of vitamin load on physicochemical, mechanical and release properties},

author = {Veronica {De Simone} and Annalisa Dalmoro and Gaetano Lamberti and Diego Caccavo and Matteo D'Amore and Anna Angela Barba },

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0144861717313425},

doi = {10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.11.056},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-02-01},

journal = {Carbohydrate Polymers},

volume = {181},

pages = {939-947},

abstract = {Due to its versatile properties, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is largely used in many applications and deeply studied in the various  elds such as pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, agriculture, food, water puri cation. In this work, vitamin B12 loaded HPMC granules were produced to investigate their potential application as nutraceutical products. To this aim the impact of vitamin load on physico-chemical, mechanical and release properties of granules, achieved by wet granulation process, was investigated. In particular, three different loads of B12 (1%, 2.3% and 5% w/w) were assayed. Unloaded granules (used as control) and loaded granules were dried, sieved, and then the suitable fraction for practical uses, 0.45\textendash2 mm in size, was fully characterized. Re- sults showed that the vitamin incorporation of 5% reduced the granulation performance in the range size of 0.45\textendash2 mm and led granules with higher porosity, more rigid and less elastic structures compared to unloaded granules and those loaded at 1% and 2.3% of B12. Vitamin release kinetics of fresh and aged granules were roughly found the same trends for all the prepared lots; however, the vitamin B12 was released more slowly when added with a load at 1% w/w, suggesting a better incorporation.},

keywords = {Granulation},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Caccavo2017b,

title = {Modeling the modified drug release from curved shape drug delivery systems - Dome Matrix®},

author = {Diego Caccavo and Anna Angela Barba and Matteo D'Amore and Raffaella {De Piano} and Gaetano Lamberti and Alessandra Rossi and Paolo Colombo},

url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0939641117308366},

doi = {10.1016/j.ejpb.2017.08.016},

issn = {0939-6411},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-12-01},

journal = {European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics},

volume = {121},

pages = {24-31},

abstract = {The controlled drug release from hydrogel-based drug delivery systems is a topic of large interest for research in pharmacology. The mathematical modeling of the behavior of these systems is a tool of emerging relevance, since the simulations can be of use in the design of novel systems, in particular for complex shaped tablets. In this work a model, previously developed, was applied to complex-shaped oral drug delivery systems based on hydrogels (Dome Matrix®). Furthermore, the model was successfully adopted in the description of drug release from partially accessible Dome Matrix® systems (systems with some surfaces coated). In these simulations, the erosion rate was used as a fitting parameter, and its dependence upon the surface area/volume ratio and upon the local fluid dynamics was discussed. The model parameters were determined by comparison with the drug release profile from a cylindrical tablet, then the model was successfully used for the prediction of the drug release from a Dome Matrix® system, for simple module configuration and for module assembled (void and piled) configurations. It was also demonstrated that, given the same initial S/V ratio, the drug release is independent upon the shape of the tablets but it is only influenced by the S/V evolution. The model reveals itself able to describe the observed phenomena, and thus it can be of use for the design of oral drug delivery systems, even if complex shaped.},

keywords = {Hydrogel Characterization, Hydrogel Modeling},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Caccavo2017b,

title = {HPMC-Based Granules for Prolonged Release of Phytostrengtheners in Agriculture},

author = {Diego Caccavo and Sara Cascone and Pietro Apicella and Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba},

url = {http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00986445.2017.1362398},

doi = {10.1080/00986445.2017.1362398 },

issn = {0098-6445},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-12-01},

journal = {Chemical Engineering Communications},

volume = {204},

number = {12},

pages = {1333-1340},

abstract = {One of the main aim in agriculture is to guarantee soil wellness, which is a fundamental requirement to produce high quality crops with high yields. Focused on this aim, periodical administrations of nutrients or phytostrengtheners are often necessary. The most relevant disadvantages of these administrations are the high dosage number required and the low availability of the substance within the soil. For these reasons, a crucial goal to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of the cultivation process is to reduce the dosage number, which can be obtained increasing the active substance availability in the soil. A granular HPMC (HydroxyPropyl MethylCellulose) matrix, produced using the wet granulation process, was used to encapsulate a phytostrengthener and to guarantee its controlled release. The granular product was characterized in terms of granules properties and phytostrengtheners leaching within the soil. The results showed good flowability and mechanical properties of the granules as well as the possibility to reduce the product leaching with the phytostrengtheners encapsulation in the HPMC matrices.},

keywords = {Granulation, HPMC},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Bochicchio2017b,

title = {On the design of tailored liposomes for KRX29 peptide delivery },

author = {Sabrina Bochicchio and Marina Sala and Antonia Spensiero and Maria Carmina Scala and Isabel Gomez-Monterrey and Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba },

url = {http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2017/NJ/C7NJ03115G},

doi = { 10.1039/C7NJ03115G},

issn = {1144-0546},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-12-01},

journal = {New Journal of Chemistry},

volume = {41},

number = {19},

pages = {11280-11290},

abstract = {The high interest in therapeutic peptides, due to the specificity of their mechanisms of action, has stimulated the research of new delivery strategies to overcome bioavailability problems concerning the use of peptides in their naked form. In particular, in this study, a novel small cyclic peptide, the KRX29, with a potential therapeutic effect on Heart Failure (HF) pathology, was encapsulated into large and unilamellar small vesicles (LVs, SUVs) by the thin film-hydration method followed by ultrasound assisted size reduction processes, generating loaded liposomes with nanometric sizes. Loaded and unloaded liposomes were produced exploring three different formulations by changing the charge ratio (-/+) between the anionic phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and the cationic KRX29 peptide. LVs and SUVs were designed using a 1:1, 7:1 and 13:1 (-/+) PG/KRX29 charge ratio and, for each formulation, the charge effect on liposomes morphology, size and zeta potential were analyzed together with peptide encapsulation performance, load, recovery efficiencies and stability through an analytical HPLC protocol purposely developed. Best results in terms of encapsulation in nanoliposomal formulation for KRX29 delivery, were achieved using a 13:1 (-/+) charge ratio (99 % in 35 nm SUVs). The influence of PG/KRX29 charge ratio on the recovery efficiencies was also investigated obtaining that the maximal peptide recovery from liposomes (81 \textendash 94 %) was achieved by using a 1:1 (-/+) charge ratio formulation and pure ethanol as solvent for the extraction.},

keywords = {liposome, peptide},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}