Characterization of key ingredients of essential oil-loaded biopolymer-based transdermal patches

Rheological insights on Carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogels

Ginger essential oil-based microencapsulation as an efficient delivery system for the improvement of Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) fruit quality

In the present work, mixed structure Zn(S,O) nanoparticles have been synthesized using solution based chemical coprecipitation technique. Two different zinc sources (Zn(CH 3 COO) 2 ·2H 2 O and ZnSO 4 ·7H 2 O) and one sulfur source (CSNH 2 NH 2 ) have been used as primary chemical precursors for the synthesis of the nanoparticles in the presence and absence of a capping agent (EDTA). The structural, morphological, compositional and optical properties of the nanoparticles have been analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transmission infra-red (FT-IR) and UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. XRD revealed the formation of mixed phases of c-ZnS, h-ZnS and h-ZnO in the synthesized nanoparticles. The surface morphology was analyzed from SEM micrographs which showed noticeable changes due to the effect of EDTA. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of zinc, sulfur and oxygen in Zn(S,O) nanoparticles. FT-IR spectra identified the presence of characteristic absorption peaks of ZnS and ZnO along with other functional group elements. The optical band gap values were found to vary from 4.16 eV to 4.40 eV for Zn(S,O) nanoparticles which are higher in comparison to the band gap values of bulk ZnS and ZnO. These higher band gap values may be attributed to the mixed structure of Zn(S,O) nanoparticles.

In addition to environmental concerns, the presence of microorganisms in plastic food packaging can be hazardous to human health. In this work, cinnamon nanoparticles incorporated with red seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) biopolymer films were fabricated using a solvent casting method. Cinnamon was used as a filler to enhance the properties of the films at different concentrations (1, 3, 5, and 7% w/w) by incorporating it into the matrix network. The physico-chemical, thermal, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties of the cinnamon biopolymer films were obtained using dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), water contact angle (WCA) measurement, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mechanical testing, and antimicrobial testing, respectively. The results showed that the addition of cinnamon nanoparticles to the film improved the morphological, mechanical, thermal, wettability, and antibacterial properties of the nanocomposite films. The cinnamon particles were successfully reduced to nano-sized particles with an average diameter between 1 nm and 100 nm. The hydrophobicity of the film increased as the concentration of cinnamon nanoparticles incorporated into the seaweed matrix increased. The tensile and thermal properties of the cinnamon seaweed biopolymer film were significantly improved with the presence of cinnamon nanoparticles. The biopolymer films exhibited good inhibitory activity at 7% cinnamon nanoparticles against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Salmonella bacteria with inhibition zone diameters of 11.39, 10.27, and 12.46 mm, indicating the effective antimicrobial activity of the biopolymer film. The functional properties of the fabricated biopolymer film were enhanced with the addition of cinnamon nanoparticles.

Polypropylene (PP)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) blend films were prepared by changing content of CMC in the range of 0–20 wt%. Different analytical techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mechanical test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to investigate some selected properties such as thermal properties, tensile strength, elongation and morphology. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed to identify the chemical structure of the prepared blend films. The blend film with composition PP/15 wt% CMC was selected due to its modified properties rather than other blends. The properties of original and irradiated PP/15 wt% CMC blend were investigated. It was found that the swelling behaviour is slightly increased with increasing CMC content and does not exceed 7%. It is observed that for PP/15 wt% CMC as irradiation dose increases the mechanical property (tensile strength) is enhanced up to 10 kGy and water resistant increases. The prepared PP/CMC with different concentration blends and the selected irradiated PP/15 wt% CMC blend with different doses 0, 5, 10 and 20 kGy were subjected to biodegradation in soil burial tests for 6 months using two different types of soils, namely, agricultural and desert soils. The properties of original PP/CMC blends and irradiated PP/15 wt% CMC blend that undergo biodegradation were investigated by mechanical test and SEM. From the study it can be concluded that there is a possibility of using PP/15 wt% CMC blend film irradiated to 10 kGy as a potential candidate for packaging purpose. (a) PP/ CMC 15 wt % irradiated by 20 kGy after burial test in Agricultural soil and (b) PP/ CMC 15 wt % irradiated by 20 kGy after burial test in desert soil.

In this study, peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) were applied as natural fibrous fillers to create biocomposites containing substances of plant origin. The purpose of the work was to investigate the activity and effectiveness of selected plants as a material for the modification of natural rubber composites. This research was the first approach to examine the usefulness of peppermint, German chamomile and yarrow in the field of polymer technology. Dried and ground plant particles were subjected to Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), goniometric measurements (contact angle) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The characterization of natural rubber composites filled with bio-additives was performed including rheometric measurements, FTIR, TGA, cross-linking density, mechanical properties and colour change after simulated aging processes. Composites filled with natural fillers showed improved barrier properties and mechanical strength. Moreover, an increase in the cross-linking density of the materials before and after the simulated aging processes, compared to the reference sample, was observed.

Bio-filled polymer composites are gradually replacing plastics to achieve the aim of environmental sustainability. Present study has been carried out to prepare the composites made by reinforcing waste peanut shell powder (PSP) as a natural filler into epoxy resin matrix. The natural filler extracted by manual process was subjected to alkali treatment with the concentrations of 2, 5 and 7 w/v%. The composites fabricated by varying the weight fractions of filler in the range of 5 to 15 wt%. The effects of bio-filler content of the composites on tensile and thermal properties were evaluated by Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), universal testing machine, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The studies reveal that the tensile strength and tensile modulus increased with the increasing of bio-filler content. The highest mechanical properties of 7 % alkali treated PSP loaded Epoxy composite were achieved at biofiller mass content of 15 wt.%. The morphology of the composites shows better bonding between the filler and resin, thus leading to improvement of the mechanical properties. The TGA results revealed that the polymer composites showed thermal resistance on increasing NaOH concentration and filler content.

This study attempted to develop and evaluate controlled-release matrix-type transdermal patches with different ratios of hydrophilic polymers (sodium carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) for the local delivery of methotrexate. Transdermal patches were formulated by employing a solvent casting technique using blends of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-Na) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) polymers as rate-controlling agents. The F1 formulated patch served as the control formulation with a 1:1 polymer concentration. The F9 formulation served as our optimized formulation due to suitable physicochemical properties yielded through the combination of CMC-Na and HPMC (5:1). Drug excipient compatibilities (ATR-FTIR) were performed as a preformulation study. The ATR-FTIR study depicted great compatibility between the drug and the polymers. Physicochemical parameters, kinetic modeling, in vitro drug release, ex vivo drug permeation, skin drug retention, and in vivo studies were also carried out for the formulated patches. The formulated patches exhibited a clear, smooth, elastic nature with good weight uniformity, % moisture uptake, drug content, and thickness. Physicochemical characterization revealed folding endurance ranging from 62 ± 2.21 to 78 ± 1.54, tensile strength from 9.42 ± 0.52 to 12.32 ± 0.72, % swelling index from 37.16 ± 0.17 to 76.24 ± 1.37, and % drug content from 93.57 ± 5.34 to 98.19 ± 1.56. An increase in the concentration of the CMC-Na polymer (F9) resulted in increased drug release from the formulated transdermal patches. Similarly, drug permeation and retention were found to be higher in the F9 formulation compared to the other formulations (F1–F8). A drug retention analysis revealed that the F9 formulation exhibited 13.43% drug retention in the deep layers of the skin compared to other formulations (F1–F8). The stability study indicated that, during the study period of 60 days, no significant changes in the drug content and physical characteristics were found. ATR-FTIR analysis of rabbit skin samples treated with the formulated transdermal patches revealed that hydrophilic polymers mainly affect the skin proteins (ceramide and keratins). A pharmacokinetic profile revealed Cmax was 1.77.38 ng/mL, Tmax was 12 h, and t1/2 was 17.3 ± 2.21. In vivo studies showed that the skin drug retention of F9 was higher compared to the drug solution. These findings reinforce that methotrexate-based patches can possibly be used for the management of psoriasis. This study can reasonably conclude that methotrexate transdermal matrix-type patches with CMC-Na and HPMC polymers at different concentrations effectively sustain drug release with prime permeation profiles and better bioavailability. Therefore, these formulated patches can be employed for the potential management of topical diseases, such as psoriasis.

Chitosan:poly (vinyl) alcohol composite alkaline membrane incorporating organic ionomers and layered silicate materials into a PEM electrochemical reactor

Nanofibers have many promising biomedical applications. They can be used for designing transdermal and dermal drug delivery systems. This project aimed to prepare and characterize polyvinylpyrrolidone-based nanofibers as a dermal and transdermal drug delivery system using pioglitazone. Pioglitazone is an oral antidiabetic drug. In addition, it can act as an inflammatory process modulator, making it a good candidate for managing different skin inflammatory conditions such as atopic dermatitis, skin ulcers, and diabetic foot wound healing. Several nanofiber formulations were prepared using the electrospinning method at different drug loadings, polyvinylpyrrolidone concentrations, and flow rates. A cast film with the exact composition of selected nanofiber formulations was prepared as a control. Nanofibers were characterized using a scanning electron microscope to calculate the diameter. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction were performed for physical and biochemical characterizations. In vitro release, drug loading efficiency, and swelling studies were performed. Ex vivo permeation studies were performed using Franz diffusion cells with or without applying a solid microneedle roller. Round uniform nanofibers with a smooth surface were obtained. The diameter of nanofibers was affected by the drug loading and polymer concentration. Fourier-transform infrared spectra showed a potential physical interaction between the drug and the polymer. According to X-ray diffraction, pioglitazone existed in an amorphous form in prepared nanofibers, with partial crystallinity in the casted film. Nanofibers showed a higher swelling rate compared to the casted film. The drug dissolution rate for nanofibers was 2.3-folds higher than the casted films. The polymer concentration affected the drug dissolution rate for nanofibers; however, drug loading and flow rate did not affect the drug dissolution rate for nanofibers. The application of solid microneedles slightly enhances the total amount of drug permeation. However, it did not affect the flux of the drug through the separated epidermis layer for pioglitazone. The drug permeation flux in nanofibers was approximately five times higher than the flux of the casted film. It was observed that pioglitazone is highly retained in skin layers. Graphical abstract.

Physicochemical/thermal modifications on the organic fibres increase the cellulose exposure, potentially improving the thermo-mechanical properties of the composites. This work aims to investigate the thermo-mechanical properties of hemp fibres and their composites to understand the effect of the proposed novel cryogenic treatment using physicochemical characterization like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The study compares them with conventional dual alkali-anhydrous treatment on the fibres. Dual alkali-anhydrous treatment on the fibres didn’t change its thermal properties, but specific chemical changes were detected. In comparison, investigations of cryogenic treatment on fibres showed improved thermal stability and wettability due to increased cellulose exposure in the primary cell wall. It also reduced the moisture absorption in the fibres. Improvement in mechanical properties was observed in cryogenic treated hemp composite due to increased frictional bond in the composite interface. Hence the proposed cryogenic treatment provides new directions for developing bio-composites for potential engineering applications like automobile interiors and insulation panels in mining applications.

Preparation and characterization of chitosan–polyvinyl alcohol blend hydrogels for the controlled release of nano-insulin

A biocomposite was successfully prepared by blending montmorillonite (MMT)/hemicellulose from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) through solution casting. The composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results displayed good compatibility between the mixtures of the blended MMT/hemicellulose and CMC due to the hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction. There was an improvement in the thermal analysis through their thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), mechanical properties (tensile strength and tensile modulus),and water vapor permeability (WVP). The best values of tensile strength and tensile modulus of 47.5 MPa and 2.62 MPa, respectively, were obtained from 60H-40CMC-MMT nanocomposite films. The results showed that the mixture of the blended MMT/hemicelluloses and CMC produced a robust nanocomposite film with improved physical and mechanical properties, demonstrating that it is a promising candidate for green packaging applications.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE)/hydatid cyst is one of the most important helminthic diseases in the world. The treatment of hydatid cyst ranges from surgical intervention to chemotherapy, although the efficacy of chemotherapy is still unclear. Postoperative complication which results from the spillage of cysts during surgical operation is one of the most important concerns in surgical treatment of hydatid cyst. The aim of the current study was to solidify the hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) with an injectable and thermosensitive chitosan (CS)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/β-glycerol phosphate (BGP) hydrogel for effective control of spillage during the aspiration of hydatid cysts. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water uptake, rheological analysis, and Alamar Blue cytotoxicity assay were employed to characterize the hydrogel. A five level with three times replication at the central point using a central composite design (CCD), which is a response surface methodology (RSM), was used to optimize the experimental conditions. Assessment of the produced hydrogel showed that the intermolecular interactions of amino groups of chitosan and hydrogen groups of CMC were correctively established and appreciable swelling with a good strength was obtained. Hydrogels morphology had a porous structure. Rheological analysis showed that CS/CMC/BGP blends had a phase transition (32–35 °C) of sol–gel close to the body temperature. Alamar Blue cytotoxicity assay showed that CS (1.75%)/CMC (1.4%)/BGP (2.9%) had IC50 values of 0.598, 0.235 and 0.138 (µg/µL) for 24, 48 and 72 h, which indicated that the produced polymer solution had no significant cytotoxic effect for human fibroblast cell line. In vitro injection of the polymer solution of CS/CMC/BGP with CS/CMC ratio of 1.75/1.4 was done on HCF (1 mL polymer solution to 3 mL of HCF) at 37 °C with a final concentration of 2.9% for BGP resulting in solidification of HCF in less than 45 min.

The study focuses on the development of an in situ gelling dexamethasone (DEX) oromucosal formulation designed for the treatment of aphthous stomatitis. Three series of formulations were prepared; a first series containing DEX suspended, a second series containing DEX and, in addition, mint essential oil (EO), and a third series containing EO and DEX solubilized in propylene glycol (PG). In the composition, polymers in the role of mucoadhesive agent were interchanged (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), methyl cellulose (MC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC). Specifically, DEX was incorporated at a concentration of 0.1% (w/w) in each formulation. The influence of mint EO and DEX solubilization on the physical properties (pH measurements, rheological analysis, swelling ability, and texture analysis) and in vitro drug release was studied. Key findings revealed that HPMC-based formulation containing mint EO and PG exhibited best swelling properties (700 ± 46% after 5 h), adequate adhesiveness and in vitro drug release (34.7 ± 5.9%). Furthermore, the irritation potential assessed via the hen's egg test on the chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) demonstrated low irritancy risk. Finally, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) showed no incompatibility between DEX and excipients. Overall, the research highlights the potential of mucoadhesive systems in improving the therapeutic efficacy of oromucosal drug delivery for managing painful oral lesions.