Resveratrol (tran-3,5,4′-trihydroxystibene, RSV) is a kind of polyphenol which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergy, and anti-cancer properties, as well as being a scavenger of free radicals and preventing cardiovascular diseases. However, it is quite unstable in light, heat, and other conditions, and decays easily due to environmental factors. For these reasons, this study used a new type of carrier, transfersome, to encapsulate RSV. Transfersome consists of phosphatidyl choline (PC) from a liposomal system and non-ionic edge activators (EA). EA are an important ingredient in the formulation of transfersome; they can enhance the flexibility of the lipid bimolecular membrane of transfersome. Due to its ultradeformability, it also allows drugs to penetrate the skin, even through the stratum corneum. We hope that this new encapsulation technique will improve the stability and enhance the permeability of RSV. Concluding all the tested parameters, the best production condition was 5% PC/EA (3:1) and 5% ethanol in distilled water, with an ultrasonic bath and stirring at 500 rpm, followed by high pressure homogenization. The optimal particle size was 40.13 ± 0.51 nm and the entrapment efficiency (EE) was 59.93 ± 0.99%. The results of antioxidant activity analysis showed that transfersomes were comparable to the RSV group (unencapsulated). During in vitro transdermal delivery analysis, after 6 h, D1-20(W) increased 27.59% by accumulation. Cell viability assay showed that the cytotoxicity of D3-80(W) was reduced by 34.45% compared with the same concentration of RSV. Therefore, we successfully prepared RSV transfersomes and also improved the stability, solubility, and safety of RSV.

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Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) was prepared by homogenization emulsification method and improved with modified surfactants. The properties of nanoparticles were investigated using the NLC system for hydroquinone (HQ) as a model drug and by increasing the light stability of hydroquinone. The optimized condition of NLC in stirring was 1200 rpm, the homogenized speed was 8000 rpm, solid oil to liquid oil ratio was 3 : 7, and lecithin to surfactant ratio was 3 : 1. The particle size was 393.30 ± 28.23 nm and the encapsulation efficiency was 22.13 ± 2.66%. The zeta-potential of HQ-NLC was better than −30 mV. In the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) studies, adding of PLANTACARE 2000 UP for HQ-NLC has better heat resisting property than the HQ-NLC only. The addition of PLANTACARE 2000 UP to NLC shows better permeability (125.10%) than that of Blank. In the stability studies, the HQ-NLC after UVA/UVB irradiation has better inhibition rate (34.25%) than that of the Blank. In the present study, NLC system has successfully improved the light stability and the skin permeability of active compound. Therefore, the NLC might be a potential delivery vehicle for transdermal products in the future.

The present study illustrated the potential of various supplemental culture medium fermented black soybean broths in the application of functional ingredient for nutritional drinks and health foods.

Although octyl methoxy cinnamates (OMC) is the most used Ultraviolet B (UVB) filter in sunscreen, it has poor light stability in emulsion system. In this study, OMC/SiO2 nanoparticles were prepared via sol-gel emulsion method. Tetraethoxy silane (TEOS) was used as the silica source to encapsulate OMC. Modification of experimental parameters such as stirring speed of condensation reaction and emulsion condition, pH value of acid-catalyzed, surfactant and different percentage of TEOS and OMC, adding of OMC and surfactant to different phase may affect the particle size, and yield and entrapment efficiency in preparation process of OMC/SiO2 nanoparticles. Concluding all the parameter, we found that when condensation reaction and emulsion conditions are at 1000 rpm, pH 1.5, Span 80/Tween 20, TEOS/OMC ratios 1:1, OMC and surfactants added in oil phase, resulting in smaller particle sizes 476.5 nm, higher yield 95.8%, and higher entrapment efficiency 61.09%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis demonstrated that OMC/SiO2 nanoparticles were successfully prepared. In vitro release profile supposed that OMC/SiO2 nanoparticles can delay OMC releasing and had 60.83% decreasing of cumulative amount. Therefore, the OMC/SiO2 nanoparticles have the potential to develop as new sunscreen materials in the use for cosmetics field in the future.

Curcumin is the major component of the yellow extract derived from the rhizome of the Curcuma longa, which is also a main bioactive polyphenol and has been generally used as a spice, food additive, and herbal medicine. In this presented study, we found that curcumin can enhance the production of major structural components of elastic fibers, elastin, and fibrillin-1, in normal human fibroblast cells via increasing ELN and FBN1 promoters’ activities. With 2 μM curcumin treatment, the enhanced tropoelastin and fibrillin-1 protein amounts in Detroit 551 cells were approximately 134 and 130% of control, respectively. Therefore, our results demonstrated that curcumin may be used as a functional compound and applied to drugs, foods, and cosmetics in the future.

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Cataracts, a prevalent age-related eye condition, pose a significant global health concern, with rising rates due to an aging population and increased digital device usage. In Taiwan, cataract prevalence is particularly high, reaching up to 90% among individuals aged 70 and above. The lens of the eye absorbs short-wave light, which can lead to oxidative stress in lens epithelial cells and contribute to cataract formation. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light further exacerbates the risk of cataracts by generating reactive oxygen species. Heat-shock proteins (HSPs), involved in protein maintenance and repair, have been linked to cataract development. Cordyceps cicadae (C. cicadae), a traditional Chinese medicine, has a long history of use and is known for its pharmacological effects. N6-(2-hydroxyethyl) adenosine (HEA), a bioactive compound found in C. cicadae, exhibits anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties. Previous studies have shown that C. cicadae mycelial extracts improve dry eye disease and reduce intraocular pressure in animal models. Additionally, C. cicadae possesses antioxidant properties, which are beneficial for combating cataract formation. In this study, we aim to evaluate the preventive efficacy of C. cicadae mycelial extracts in UV-induced cataract development. By investigating the ameliorative effects of C. cicadae on eye diseases and its potential role in ocular health improvement, we hope to uncover new options for cataract prevention and provide insights into the mechanisms of action. The findings of this research could provide a novel approach for nutritional supplements targeting cataract prevention, offering potential benefits in the field of ocular health.