2022, Sip, Szymon, Szymanowska, Daria, Chanaj-Kaczmarek, Justyna, Skalicka-Woźniak, Krystyna, Budzyńska, Barbara, Wronikowska-Denysiuk, Olga, Słowik, Tymoteusz, Szulc, Piotr, Cielecka-Piontek, Judyta

As a systemic disease, diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by the disruption of many glucose metabolic pathways. Therefore, it seems critical to study new therapies to support treatment to develop therapeutic systems that can operate across a broad metabolic spectrum. The current state of knowledge indicates an essential role of the gut microbiota in the development and course of the disease. Cornus mas fruits have demonstrated a rich biological activity profile and potential for application in the treatment of DM. As part of a preliminary analysis, the activity of four cultivars of Cornus mas fruits was analyzed. The cultivar Wydubieckij was selected as having the highest activity in in vitro conditions for further prebiotic system preparation. The study aimed to develop a unique therapeutic system based, first of all, on the mechanism of α-glucosidase inhibition and the antioxidant effect resulting from the activity of the plant extract used, combined with the prebiotic effect of inulin. The obtained system was characterized in vitro in terms of antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition capacity, and was then tested on diabetic rats. The study was coupled with an analysis of changes in the intestinal microflora. The system of prebiotic stabilized Cornus mas L. lyophilized extract with inulin offers valuable support for the prophylaxis and treatment of DM.

2023, Szczygiełda, Mateusz, Krajewska, Martyna, Andrzejewski, Adam, Zheng, Lei, Nghiem, Long D., Oleskowicz-Popiel, Piotr, Szymanowska, Daria, Prochaska, Krystyna

2017, DARIA SZYMANOWSKA-POWAŁOWSKA, WŁODZIMIERZ Grajek

2024, Dobrzyńska‐Mizera, Monika, Knitter, Monika, Piss, Marlena, Szymanowska, Daria, Mallardo, Salvatore, Santagata, Gabriella, Di Lorenzo, Maria Laura

AbstractLinear low‐density polyethylene (PE) containing an inclusion complex composed of β‐cyclodextrin and d‐limonene (CD‐lim) is proposed as an innovative food wrapping material with antimicrobial features. PE/CD‐lim composites are prepared by conventional, high‐volume processing, and the optical and mechanical properties of the developed formulations appear suitable for their use as food packaging materials. Compared to plain PE, the PE/CD‐lim films have improved haze and UV–vis outcomes, but also decreased gloss values. Addition of CD‐lim slightly increases water uptake, up to levels suitable for the foreseen application. It also allows to improve performance of PE as food packaging material, since the PE/CD‐lim composites provide barrier to ultraviolet light, an added value for packaging of fatty acids‐containing food items, whose shelf life is often limited by oxidation caused by UV light. Most importantly, PE/CD‐lim composites exhibit significant antimicrobial properties against a wide range of microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria. Hence, PE films containing CD‐lim display suitable properties to play a role as active food packaging films.Highlights Development of polyethylene‐based composites containing a natural filler Composite films with enhanced antimicrobial and antifungal efficiency Improved transparency to visible light and barrier to UV of the composites

2022, Dobrzyńska‐Mizera, Monika, Knitter, Monika, Szymanowska, Daria, Mallardo, Salvatore, Santagata, Gabriella, Di Lorenzo, Maria Laura

AbstractComposites made of poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and β‐cyclodextrin/D‐limonene inclusion complex (CD‐Lim) are prepared to develop novel food packaging material with antibacterial properties. The composites are formulated with bio‐based materials that are also biodegradable. The addition of CD‐Lim to PLLA results in enhanced permeability and water uptake. Optical properties of PLLA/CD‐Lim composites also significantly vary compared to plain PLLA, with partial loss of transparency and gloss, but sizably increased barrier to UV light, which imparts protection from oxidation to lipid‐containing food. The mechanical properties of the composite films are also affected by composition. Most notably, PLLA films containing CD‐Lim display significant antibacterial and antifungal properties, proving their potential as active food packaging films.

2024, Perz, Martyna, Szymanowska, Daria, Janeczko, Tomasz, Kostrzewa-Susłow, Edyta

The search for new substances of natural origin, such as flavonoids, is necessary in the fight against the growing number of diseases and bacterial resistance to antibiotics. In our research, we wanted to check the influence of flavonoids with chlorine or bromine atoms and a nitro group on pathogenic and probiotic bacteria. We synthesized flavonoids using Claisen–Schmidt condensation and its modifications, and through biotransformation via entomopathogenic filamentous fungi, we obtained their glycoside derivatives. Biotransformation yielded two new flavonoid glycosides: 8-amino-6-chloroflavone 4′-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside and 6-bromo-8-nitroflavone 4′-O-β-D-(4″-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside. Subsequently, we checked the antimicrobial properties of the aforementioned aglycon flavonoid compounds against pathogenic and probiotic bacteria and yeast. Our studies revealed that flavones have superior inhibitory effects compared to chalcones and flavanones. Notably, 6-chloro-8-nitroflavone showed potent inhibitory activity against pathogenic bacteria. Conversely, flavanones 6-chloro-8-nitroflavanone and 6-bromo-8-nitroflavanone stimulated the growth of probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Pediococcus pentosaceus). Our research has shown that the presence of chlorine, bromine, and nitro groups has a significant effect on their antimicrobial properties.

2023, Matysiak, Joanna, Rzetecka, Natalia, Klimczak, Weronika, Michniak-Kohn, Bożena, Matysiak, Jan, Szymanowska, Daria

Dermocosmetics are products intended for sensitive and problematic skin. They are a good solution for additional care of skin affected by conditions such as atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, or for couperose skin. The compounds of particular importance in the care of atopic skin include ceramides, ectoine, hyaluronic acid, vitamins A and E, as well as natural vegetable oils. The aim of this work was to develop a qualitative and quantitative approach and to investigate the characteristics of formulations such as a face cream, a topical cream, a body lotion, and a cleansing foam, dedicated to patients with atopic dermatitis. The newly developed cosmetic formulations showed good physical and chemical characteristics, typical of this type of product. They were also structurally and microbiologically stable during storage at various temperatures. Dermatological tests did not reveal any irritating or allergenic properties. The best data were obtained for the face cream, namely improvement of skin hydration by 21.88%, reduction of transepidermal water loss by 15.86%, alleviation of erythema by 15.77%, and of skin sensitivity by 17.20%. This work resulted in the preparation of innovative dermocosmetics to be used for atopic skin. The cosmetics have a unique composition and delicate formula, show high biofunctionality, and meet all the requirements for cosmetic products intended for marketing.

2023, Paczkowska-Walendowska, Magdalena, Miklaszewski, Andrzej, Szymanowska, Daria, Skalicka-Woźniak, Krystyna, Cielecka-Piontek, Judyta

Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) technology was developed to obtain blends containing lyophilized Scutellariae baicalensis root extract and chitosan in order to improve the rheological properties of the obtained blends, including tableting and compressibility properties. (Hydroxypropyl)methyl cellulose (HPMC) in 3 different ratios was used as amorphous matrix formers. The systems were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR), and in vitro release, permeability, and microbiological activity studies. Then, the extrudates were used to prepare tablets in order to give them the appropriate pharmaceutical form. HPMC-based systems released baicalin more slowly, resulting in delayed peaks in the acceptor fluid. This behavior can be explained by the fact that HPMC swells significantly, and the dissolved substance must have diffused through the polymer network before being released. The best tabletability properties are provided by the formulation containing the extrudate with lyophilized extract HPMC 50:50 w/w. These tablets offer a valuable baicalin release profile while maintaining good mucoadhesive properties that condition the tablet’s retention in the application site and the effectiveness of therapy.

2023, Paczkowska-Walendowska, Magdalena, Szymanowska, Daria, Cielecka-Piontek, Judyta

This study investigated the ability of PVP/HPβCD-based electrospun nanofibers to enhance the dissolution rate of poorly soluble polydatin and resveratrol, the main active components of Polygoni cuspidati extract. To make a solid unit dosage form that would be easier to administer, extract-loaded nanofibers were ground. SEM examination was used to analyze the nanostructure of the fibers, and the results of the cross-section of the tablets showed that they had maintained their fibrous structure. The release of the active compounds (polydatin and resveratrol) in the mucoadhesive tablets was complete and prolonged in time. Additionally, the possibility of staying on the mucosa for a prolonged time has also been proven for both tablets from PVP/HPβCD-based nanofibers and powder. The appropriate physicochemical properties of the tablets, along with the proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties of P. cuspidati extract, highlight the particular benefits of the mucoadhesive formulation for use as a drug delivery system for periodontal diseases.

2024, Stasiłowicz-Krzemień, Anna, Szymanowska, Daria, Szulc, Piotr, Cielecka-Piontek, Judyta

The compounds present in hemp show multidirectional biological activity. It is related to the presence of secondary metabolites, mainly cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, and the synergy of their biological activity. The aim of this study was to assess the activity of the Henola Cannabis sativae extract and its combinations with selected carriers (polyvinyl caprolactam–polyvinyl acetate–polyethylene glycol graft copolymer, magnesium aluminometasilicate, and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin) in terms of antimicrobial, probiotic, and immunobiological effects. As a result of the conducted research, the antimicrobial activity of the extract was confirmed in relation to the following microorganisms: Clostridium difficile, Listeria monocytogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pyrogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aereuginosa, and Candida albicans (microorganism count was reduced from ~102 CFU mL−1 to <10 CFU mL−1 in most cases). Additionally, for the system with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, a significant probiotic potential against bacterial strains was established for strains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Streptococcus thermophilus (microorganism count was increased from ~102 to 104–107). In terms of immunomodulatory properties, it was determined that the tested extract and the systems caused changes in IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels.

2022, Chanaj-Kaczmarek, Justyna, Rosiak, Natalia, Szymanowska, Daria, Rajewski, Marcin, Wender-Ozegowska, Ewa, Cielecka-Piontek, Judyta

Scutellarie baicalensis radix, as a flavone-rich source, exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. It may be used as a therapeutic agent to treat various diseases, including vaginal infections. In this study, six binary mixtures of chitosan with stable S. baicalensis radix lyophilized extract were obtained and identified by spectral (ATR-FTIR, XRPD) and thermal (TG and DSC) methods. The changes in dissolution rates of active compounds and the significant increase in the biological properties towards metal chelating activity were observed, as well as the inhibition of hyaluronic acid degradation after mixing plant extract with chitosan. Moreover, the combination of S. baicalensis radix lyophilized extract with a carrier allowed us to obtain the binary systems with a higher antifungal activity than the pure extract, which may be effective in developing new strategies in the vaginal infections treatment, particularly vulvovaginal candidiasis.

2026, Targonska, Sara, Charczuk, Natalia, Kabanski, Adam, Marcinkowska, Klaudia, Sulecka‐Zadka, Joanna, Szymanowska, Daria, Śmieszek, Agnieszka, Wiglusz, Rafal J.

ABSTRACT Thermal imaging plays a pivotal role in distinguishing distinct cellular states, assessing dynamic cellular activity in real‐time health monitoring, and advancing the design of biofunctional materials for tissue engineering applications. The investigated photoluminescence characteristics of Dy 3 ⁺ ion‐doped fluorapatite demonstrate that this material offers stable temperature sensitivity. Our findings support the strategic design of next‐generation nanomaterials for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering by elucidating key cellular interactions. Furthermore, our study has begun to address the impact of Dy 3 ⁺ ion‐doped nanomaterials on progenitor cell activity, providing valuable insights into their potential applications. A comprehensive description of photoluminescence characterization, including the LIR and S R parameters, is provided to highlight its high thermal sensing potential. The antimicrobial activity of Dy 3 ⁺ ion‐doped fluorapatite is confirmed using the well‐diffusion method against six commonly encountered microbial species. In vitro assays on hBMSCs included, among others, the determination of apoptosis profiles and metabolic potential through cytometric assays and molecular analyses (RT‐qPCR and Western blot). These findings underscore the potential of Dy 3 ⁺ ion‐doped fluorapatite as a biocompatible material for biomedical applications while emphasizing the importance of further understanding its mechanism of action.

2019, MATEUSZ SZCZYGIEŁDA, KRYSTYNA PROCHASKA, DARIA SZYMANOWSKA-PAWŁOWSKA