Pharmaceutical Science, General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Drug Discovery
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Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
SOLID DISPERSION AS A POTENT STRATEGY FOR ENHANCING DISSOLUTION OF POORLY SOLUBLE DRUGS: A FORMULATION AND EVALUATION STUDY HOANG LONG TRUONG NGUYEN, LINH HO THUY NGUYEN, BAC-VU GIANG NGUYEN, DU-THIEN NGUYEN, PHUOC VINH NGUYEN International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics, 2026 Objective: Ibuprofen is hindered in therapeutic application by its poor aqueous solubility. Among various strategies, solid dispersion (SD) emerges as a promising approach. Methods: SD of ibuprofen were formulated using hydroxypropyl cellulose, poloxamer 407, poloxamer 188, PEG 4000, and PEG 6000 with solvent evaporation and fusion method. The water solubility of SDs was compared with non-formulated ibuprofen to identify the most appropriate formulation, which was finally assessed for its saturated solubility, dissolution rate, and physiochemical properties. Results: The results showed that Poloxamer 407 is the most potential carrier for enhancing ibuprofen solubility profile. At 600 mg dose, the saturation solubility of finalized SD showed 85 times higher than raw ibuprofen. At 400 mg dose, the SD achieved over 90% dissolution within 30 min, which was at least 20% higher than both raw ibuprofen and PM. Infrared spectroscopy indicated no incompatibility within the SD after 3 mo of storage at stressed conditions (40 °C, 75% RH). X-Ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope revealed a partial conversion of ibuprofen from crystal state into amorphous state, which was reconfirmed through differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis results. Conclusion: These results highlighted the potential of the SD technique in enhancing the solubility of poorly soluble drugs, which also can be widely applied in pharmaceutical field.
Endophytic Fungi Associated with Plantago major L.: A Source of Bioactive Metabolites with Anti-MRSA Activity Phuoc-Vinh Nguyen, Gia Phong Vu, Luyen Tien Vu, Luong Hieu Ngan, Minh-Tri Le, Thu-Hoai Le, Nhat-Thong Le, Linh X. T. Tran, Bac V. G. Nguyen Applied Microbiology Switzerland, 2026 The rapid emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria has become a major health concern, driving the need to identify new antimicrobial resources. Recently, endophytes, inhabiting in internal tissues of medicinal plants, have drew important interest from the scientific community, as reservoirs of bioactive metabolites. Numerous studies highlight the symbiotic relationship between plants and their endophytes, in which these microorganisms produce antimicrobial compounds, helping the host plant’s defense against pathogens. Plantago major (commonly known as plantain) is widely recognized for its therapeutic properties, especially for its antimicrobial properties. In this study, endophytic fungi were isolated from Plantago major, morphologically characterized and identified using ITS sequencing. Their antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar diffusion assay. In total, 21 endophytic fungal isolates were obtained from different plant tissues, including leaves, stems, roots, and flowers. Antibacterial assays against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were investigated on PDA, SDA, and CDA media. Amongst the isolates, nine strains (MD-H1, MD-L1, MD-L2, MD-L3, MD-L4, MD-L5, MD-R1, MD-T1, MD-T2, and MD-T10) showed medium to strong antibacterial effects, with inhibition zones exceeding 15 mm. The result suggests that endophytic fungi associated with Plantago is a valuable source of anti-MRSA compounds. Further work will focus on identifying the secondary metabolites responsible for this activity and elucidating their chemical structures, providing a basis for the development of new potent antibiotic agents.
Optimization and in vitro anticancer evaluation of propolis-loaded niosomes: a nanotechnological strategy for enhanced cancer therapy Du-Thien Nguyen, Thanh-Ngan Nguyen, Long-Binh Vong, Minh-Tri Le, Bac Vu-Giang Nguyen, Gia-Phong Vu, Phuoc-Vinh Nguyen Biomedical Materials Bristol, 2026 Cancer remains a global health challenge, with conventional treatments limited by toxicity and drug resistance. Propolis, a natural resin with promising anticancer properties but restricted in clinical applications due to low bioavailability and poor solubility. Nanotechnology, offers a potential approach to enhance propolis’ therapeutic efficacy through more efficient delivery and improved pharmacokinetics. Propolis-loaded niosomes (PLNs) were prepared using the ethanol injection method, optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) for surfactant type (Tween 80), cholesterol-to-surfactant ratio, and propolis content. Physicochemical properties, including particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were characterized. Stability was assessed under various storage conditions, and total polyphenol content (TPC) and entrapment efficiency (EE%) were determined. Anticancer activity was in vitro assessed against MCF7 breast cancer and L929 fibroblast cell lines. The optimized PLN formulation (at a mass ratio 4:1:8 of propolis: cholesterol: Tween 80, respectively) achieved a particle size of 193.5 nm, PDI of 0.123, and zeta potential of −19.6 mV, with a TPC of 21.83 mg GAE g −1 and EE% of 57.82%. Stability studies confirmed optimized formulation’s robustness at 4 °C, with minimal changes over 42 d, though higher temperatures induced aggregation. PLNs exhibited superior cytotoxicity against MCF7 cells inhibitory concentration (IC 50 equivalent to 106.85 µg ml −1 ) compared to L929 cells (IC 50 equivalent to 127.14 µg ml −1 ). The formulation’s uniformity and moderate stability support its potential for targeted drug delivery. PLNs effectively enhance propolis’ anticancer efficacy and bioavailability, offering a promising delivery system for cancer therapy. Future studies should focus on improving zeta potential, in vivo validation, and encapsulation efficiency to advance clinical translation.
Biosynthesis and Biological Properties of Nano-Silver from Aspergillus terreus Towards Antibacterial and Antitumor Applications Diem My Vu, Bac V. G. Nguyen, Hoai Thu Le, Bao-Quoc Vu, Phuong Anh Huynh, Khanh-Duong Truong, Gia Phong Vu, Thuy Linh Ho Nguyen, Minh-Tri Le, Phuoc-Vinh Nguyen Pharmaceutics, 2026 Background: Nanomaterials have emerged as a transformative approach in modern pharmaceutical applications, offering advanced benefits compared to conventional therapies. Among available pharmaceutical nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been reported with broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential and drug delivery potency. Nevertheless, some studies suggested that chemical synthesis of AgNPs might result in redundant chemicals, posing environmental and health risks. To minimize undesired products, a promising approach is to biologically synthesize this potent nanomaterial. Methods: This study ultilized an eco-friendly system for AgNPs synthesis using Aspergillus terreus isolated from the air. Physical properties of biosynthesized AgNPs were evaluated by UV–visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Antibacterial activity of biosynthesized AgNPs was examined by well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration, while in vitro cytotoxicity was used to determine the antitumor activity of AgNPs. Results: The biosynthesized AgNPs had a size of around 60 nm, a PDI inferior to 0.2, and a zeta potential of −30 mV. They exhibited potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Additionally, these nanoparticles also exerted a selective antiproliferative effect on MCF-7, A549, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Conclusions: Our research presented the potential of biosynthesized AgNPs using Aspergillus terreus for antimicrobial and anticancer applications, offering an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional chemical methods.
Pomelo essential oil Hoai Thu Le, Thanh-Hoa Vo, Phuoc-Vinh Nguyen, Gia Phong Vu, Bac V.G. Nguyen Jada Foundational Science, 2026 Background: Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans are key contributors to oral diseases because of their strong ability to form resilient biofilms on dental material surfaces. These biofilms pose significant challenges for infection control and treatment. Natural essential oils, known for their antimicrobial properties, have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional chemical agents. Methods: This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of pomelo essential oil on 3 types of dental materials: acrylic, composite resin, and the bis-acrylic compound Tempofit (DETAX GmbH & Co KG). The essential oil was applied at various concentrations to both preformed biofilms and as a pretreatment before microbial exposure. Cytotoxicity was assessed using HEK293T cells to determine safety. Results: Pomelo essential oil exhibited dose- and time-dependent biofilm eradication across all tested materials. It significantly reduced microbial viability in established biofilms and effectively inhibited biofilm formation when applied as a pretreatment. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed a median lethal dose of 0.03658%, indicating low toxicity to human cells. Conclusions: The findings showed that pomelo essential oil is a safe and effective natural agent for disrupting and preventing biofilm formation on dental materials. Its potential application in commercial oral care products may offer a safer alternative for managing biofilm-associated infections in clinical settings.
Endophytic fungi isolated from Vietnamese nut grass (Cyperus rotundus L. Cyperaceae) – A promising solution to mitigate the prime phenomenon of antibiotic resistance Bac V.G. Nguyen, Linh X.T. Tran, Anh-Tu Ha-Nguyen, Minh-Tri Le, Thanh-Hoa Vo, Gia Phong Vu, Phuoc-Vinh Nguyen Heliyon, 2025 Multidrug resistance in bacteria poses a significant threat to global health, creating an urgent need for new sources of antibiotics. Nut grass or Cyperus rotundus L., a common Asian medicinal herbal remedy, is gaining increasing attention in the scientific community as a potential source of antimicrobial agents. In this study, endophytic fungi living in this plant were isolated, macro- and micrologically identified, and assessed for their antibacterial properties on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. As a result, seven types of endophytic fungi with potential antibacterial activities were obtained from Vietnamese Cyperus rotundus L. These endophytic strains could inhibit Gram-positive bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis , Methicilin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus ( MSSA) , and Methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA) . In particular, the most potent fungus could effectively inhibit not only MRSA but also Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Furthermore, a significant impact of the culture medium on the biomass' antibacterial activity was observed and the Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Czapek-Dox (Cz) media were shown to be the most appropriate culture medium. Altogether, endophytic fungi isolated from Cyperus rotundus L. were shown to be a promising source for antibiotics to tackle the problem of antibiotic resistance.
Investigation of the optimal condition for the growth and biofilm development of Candida albicans on three dental materials Hoai Thu Le, Truong Thi Luc Phuong, Giang Hoang Huy, Phuoc-Vinh Nguyen, Bac Vu Giang Nguyen Iranian Journal of Microbiology, 2025 Background and Objectives: Candida albicans as pathogenic fungi cause conditions like oral candidiasis and dental caries. The critical role of biofilms in the pathogenicity of C. albicans necessitates the exploration of conditions that promote their growth and development. Our study aimed to delineate the optimal conditions conducive to the proliferation and biofilm production of C. albicans on prevalent dental materials.Materials and Methods: To approximate oral cavity conditions, culture media were enhanced with various glucose concen- trations to assess the growth and biofilm-forming capability of the fungus through growth curve analysis and crystal violet assays.Results: The findings suggest that YPG medium augmented with 4% glucose presents as an optimal environment for C. albicans growth. Biofilm formation was most effectively promoted in RPMI medium supplemented with the same concen- tration of glucose. Composite resin was identified as the substrate most susceptible to biofilm development by C. albicans under these conditions.Conclusion: This investigation highlights the necessity of accounting for microbial activity and material characteristics in the prevention and management of dental biofilm formation. Our research advances the understanding of in vitro cultivation of C. albicans, simulating the oral milieu more accurately and contributing to enhanced oral health management for individ- uals utilizing temporary dental fixtures.
Formulation and characterization of sunscreen from vietnamese herbal extracts Duyen Thi My Huynh, Le Minh-Ngoc Thi, Minh Hau Nguyen, Chi Cong Bui, Quan Dinh Tran, Kim Lan Huynh, Hoang Long Trong Mai, Thanh Ngan Nguyen, Nhan Ho Trung Nguyen, Kim Tham Le, Tuong-Phung Kim Nguyen, Phuoc-Vinh Nguyen Medicinal Plants, 2024