Chloride Activation Research Articles

Phosphate ion adsorption characteristics of PAN-based activated carbon prepared by zinc chloride activation

Phosphate ion adsorption characteristics of PAN-based activated carbon prepared by zinc chloride activation

Formulation and characterization of the physicochemical, antioxidant activity and sensory attributes of curcuma-based herbal drink

Curcuma-based drinks consist of temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza, CX) and turmeric (Curcuma longa, CL) rhizome extracts are widely consumed in the Asian community for health maintenance and beauty. However, the physicochemical and antioxidative properties of Curcuma-based drinks has not been reported. Thus, this study aims to develop and obtain the best ratio of CX and CL rhizome mixture and to analyze its physicochemical and antioxidant properties. The physicochemical properties including total soluble solids (TSS), viscosity, pH and colour of the drinks were analyzed while total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using standard method Folin-ciocalteu assay, total flavonoid content (TFC) using colorimetric assay of aluminum chloride and antioxidant activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Four formulations of CX:CL ratios (F1 = 4:1, F2 = 3:2, F3 = 2:3, F4 = 1:4) were developed while other ingredient was kept constant. Sensory analysis with 21 panelists was done to determine the sensory acceptability. The results of the physicochemical properties for all formulations were obtained and compared. Formulation F4 has the highest total soluble solid (11.83 %). The pH range of the Curcuma-based drink was between 3.37 and 3.46. F1 has the darkest colour with the Lab value of 0.81 ± 0.1, 1.60 ± 0.30 and 8.15 ± 1.57, respectively. F4 obtained the highest mean score (4.81 ± 0.52) for overall sensory acceptability. The antioxidant properties of F3 had the highest total phenolic content (0.4422 ± 0.01 mg GAE / ml) and percentage of DPPH inhibition (56.61 %) and F4 has the highest flavonoids content (0.82 g GAE / ml). Thus, formulations with a higher content of CL have better sensory acceptability and higher antioxidant activity.

Dermal exposure to cobalt studied in vitro in keratinocytes – effects of cobalt exposure on inflammasome activated cytokines, and mRNA response

Background Cobalt is a dermal sensitizer, and keratinocytes respond to cobalt exposure by releasing proinflammatory mediators, regulating the immune response. Objective To determine the effect of cobalt on the inflammasome associated cytokine- and gene expression in cultured human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Cultivation in low- or high calcium conditions model separate differentiation states of keratinocytes in the skin. Method HaCaT cells in two different states of differentiation were exposed to cobalt chloride and caspase-1 activity as well as the production of IL-1β, IL-18 and gene expression of IL1B, IL18, NLRP3, CASP1, and PYCARD was quantified. Results High cobalt chloride exposure mediated significant increase in caspase-1 activity, cytokine levels, and IL1B and NLRP3 expression with a corresponding regulatory decrease for CASP1 and PYCARD expression. No difference between high- and low calcium culturing conditions modelling differentiation states was detected. Conclusions Our data suggest that HaCaT cells respond with inflammmasome associated activity upon cobalt exposure in a concentration-dependent manner. These mechanisms could be of importance for the understanding of the pathophysiology behind allergic sensitization to dermal cobalt exposure.

Antitumor and Antioxidant Activity of S-Methyl Methionine Sulfonium Chloride against Liver Cancer Induced in Wistar Albino Rats by Diethyl Nitrosamine and Carbon Tertrachloride

Liver disease, especially liver cancer, has become a threat facing the world. Now, antioxidant products are garnering great attention for the treatment and prevention of many diseases. S-Methyl methionine sulfonium chloride (MMSC) is a methionine derivative and is present in many vegetables and has anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidants. This is the first study aiming to investigate the antitumor activity of the MMSC. This study was carried out on 60 male Wistar albino rats (4–6 weeks old age) and divided into four groups, with the first group as normal control, second group as hepatocarcinoma induced by diethyl nitrosamine and carbon tetrachloride (DEN/CCL4) group, third group as normal rats treated with MMSC, and fourth group as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induced rats treated with MMSC. Our findings revealed that MMSC administration after HCC induction significantly improved (p < 0.05) the liver function biomarkers, including AST, GGT, albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin ratio (A/G), in comparison with those in the HCC group. Moreover, the histopathological changes of the liver tissue in the HCC group were improved by MMSC treatment. Likewise, the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), transforming growth factor (TGF-1β), and glypican 3 (GP3) were downregulated by MMSC treatment after HCC induction in comparison with those in the HCC-induced group. In conclusion, MMSC showed antitumor activity against HCC induction by DEN/CCl4 through decreasing lipid peroxide formation, the expression level of an inflammatory cytokines such as (TNF-α), immunoregulatory cytokines such as (TGF-1β), induced nitric oxide synthase, and glypican 3.

Biochemical and histological investigation on the protective effect of poly-herbal extract in high salt diet-fed male Wistar rats

BackgroundThrough different mechanisms, excessive intake of dietary salt has been documented as a risk factor for the development of elevated blood pressure and organ dysfunction. Therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy of combined extracts of four medicinal plants against high salt diet-induced succinate dehydrogenase depletion and alteration in vital organ (kidney, liver, and cardiac) hemostasis. MethodsThirty-five male Wistar rats with an average weight of 130 g were divided into 5 groups of 7 animals each. Group 1 and 2 rats were fed with normal rat chow (NRC) and 16% high salt diet (HSD) only respectively. Rats in groups 3, 4, and 5 were fed with 16% HSD and 800, 400, and 200 mg/kg poly-herbal extract (PHE), respectively, once daily for 4 weeks. The concentration and activities of creatinine, urea, sodium, magnesium, chloride, potassium, albumin, globulin, total protein, and alkaline phosphate (ALP) were estimated in the serum. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST and ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) were estimated in the serum, liver, and aorta. The result revealed that the combined extract significantly (p < 0.05) lowered HSD-induced elevated serum concentration of kidney function markers and electrolytes. More so, a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in serum and tissue activities of liver and cardiac function markers was demonstrated by the poly-herbal extract. No significant changes were observed in serum albumin and globulin level, however total protein and tissue activities of SDH were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated by the PHE. The histopathological examination showed to a large extent, the extract conferred significant protection on the cytoarchitecture of the kidney, liver, and aorta. ConclusionConclusively, combined plants extract protected against high salt diet-induced biochemical and histological derangement in male Wistar rats.

Berberine Shows Proapoptotic Effect and Potentiation of Cytotoxic Drugs Acitivity in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells

Colorectal cancer, despite advances in treatment and diagnosis, is one of the most common causes of death from cancer. Conventional anticancer treatment is associated with serious side effects, therefore, new strategies are needed to reduce its toxicity. Natural compound berberine has shown antiproliferative activity against various cancer cells including colon. To investigate antiproliferative effect of berberine in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells and its ability to potentiate the effect of convenient cytostatics taxol, docetaxel, doxorubicin and cisplatin we used MTT assay and flow cytometry was used to detect its proapoptotic effect and effect on cell cycle. In our experiments we observed significant antiproliferative activity of berberine chloride with IC50= 6.7526 μM. Combination of berberine chloride (1μM) with taxol, docetaxel, doxorubicin and carboplatin significantly increased their antiproliferative activity and decreased their IC50 values. Cell cycle analysis revealed increase in sub-G0 /G1 fraction considered as apoptotic and very mild increase in G0/G1 fraction in berberine chloride (5μM) treated cells. proapoptotic effect of berberine chloride (5μM) was confirmed by Annexin V/PI staining. Based on our results, we can assume that berberine has antiproliferative effect and the combination of berberine with cytostatics could be a promising alternative treatment for cancer. Further studies are necesary to investigate the exact mechanisms of action and drug – drug interactions.

Rice straw-derived highly mesoporous carbon-zinc oxide nanocomposites as high performance photocatalytic adsorbents for toxic dyes

Highly mesoporous carbon-zinc oxide nanocomposites were synthesized from rice straw through a simple pyrolysis method. These carbon-zinc oxide nanocomposites were ideal for adsorption and degradation of toxic dyes from wastewater. Synthetic methodology utilized a 1-step zinc chloride activation process that eliminated the need for acid washing, yielding a graphitic material with specific surface area of 942.7 m2 g−1 and 99% mesoporosity. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy patterns indicated the existence of zinc oxide and turbostratic graphite. Transmission electron microscopy images revealed zinc oxide particles sizes ranging between 20 and 100 nm. Surprisingly, graphene-like-sheets were also observed within the nanocomposite structure. Adsorption capacities for methylene blue and congo red were 399 mg g−1 and 410 mg g−1 respectively. By retaining zinc oxide in the carbon structure, catalytic degradation of dyes was possible in the presence of ultraviolet radiation. The synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation increased the maximum dye removal of methylene blue to 614 mg g−1, while congo red removal was exceptionally high at 2628 mg g−1.

Analysis of Poultice-Based Desalination of a Nineteenth Century Brick and Stone Cathedral after the Event; A Longitudinal Study of Surface Chloride Readings

St George’s Cathedral in Perth was consecrated in 1888 and constructed using hand-made bricks and limestone. After 120 years of exposure to salt-laden winds, rising salty water and leaky roofs significant deterioration due to salt efflorescence and water penetration necessitated an $18 million AUD restoration program in 2002. Before accepting the heritage architect’s proposal to replace all the worst damaged brick and stone elements, surface chloride activity mapping of the affected areas was conducted. The survey found that the worst decay was associated with high chloride ion concentrations, with a maximum value of 10,000 ppm on a brick buttress and 7,600 ppm on a stone colonnade on the west front. After four months of treatment, the Westox Cocoon papier-mâché pulp poultice had lowered the surface chloride readings to 10 ± 5 ppm on the bricks and stone. Ten years after the work, a series of tests were conducted on salt-damaged reference stone and bricks to find formulae for converting surface chloride readings into weight percent extractable chloride concentrations. This data was then retrospectively applied to the treated cathedral fabric to estimate how much chloride had been removed. Without the poultice treatment, large sections of the original fabric would have been lost.

Chemical metallization of ultrathin polymer insulation film for through-silicon via application

Insulating polymers have attracted much attention in the fabrication of through-silicon-vias (TSVs) for their ease processing procedures and stress buffer properties. However, due to the high aspect ratio of TSVs as well as the chemical and physical inertness of polymers, metallization of polymers is hugely challenging. Herein, an aqueous surface functionalization method aided by diazonium chemistry and the activation process with hydrofluoric acid (HF) have been proved efficient concerning the nickel layer deposition on ultrathin polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) film. 4-vinylpyridine functional groups are covalently grafted on the PMAA surface to enhance the palladium catalysts adsorption by forming stable coordination complexes with PdCl42-. Moreover, by adding a small amount of HF into the traditional acidic palladium chloride activation solution, non-agglomerated atomic palladium with larger catalytic specific surface area can be formed. As a result, a uniform and compact nickel film is obtained with excellent adhesion to PMAA both on planar substrates and in 3-dimensional vias. This facile and efficient approach can be finely applied for the metallization of the polymer insulation layer in TSVs with high aspect ratios, which has a promising application prospect in the microelectronic industry.

Adsorption Analysis by Activated Carbon Derived from Nut Shells

Walnut, pistachio and chestnut shells are wonderful precursors for activated carbon. Due to the country’s tremendous output and consumption of the nuts, a huge amount of nut shells are produced in China every year. In this study, activation temperature, activation time, impregnation ratio and zinc chloride activator concentration for high quality activated carbon formation are investigated experimentally by the methylene blue adsorption method. Copper ion adsorption is also analyzed. Chestnut shell is the most suitable material for activated carbon preparation. With 357mg/g methylene blue adsorption value, that is 2.6 times as the China’s national standard. All three types activated carbon show the highest copper ion adsorption when the concentration of copper sulfate is 50ppm, and the maximum adsorption capacity is 1.06mg/g.

Pathway Bifurcations in the Activation of Allylic Halides by Palladium and Their Influence on the Dynamics of η1 and η3 Allyl Intermediates.

Transition-metal-catalyzed allylic substitution often exhibits complex product selectivity patterns, which have been primarily attributed to π ↔ σ ↔ π isomerization of the η1 and η3 allyl intermediates. Product selectivity may be even further complicated if η1- and η3-allyls share a single transition state (TS), leading to their formation resulting in a post-transition-state bifurcation (PTSB). In this work, density functional theory calculations using ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) have been carried out that support the presence of a PTSB in Pd-catalyzed allylic halide activation directly influencing product selectivity. The AIMD results initiated from the TS predict the η1-allyl to be favored in the gas phase and a low dielectric (ε < 2.5) for trialkylphosphines, while the selectivity shifts toward the η3-allyl in higher dielectrics. The minimum energy path is also predicted to shift in product preference, consistent with the dynamics predictions. The bifurcation in allylic chloride activation is predicted to largely favor the η3-allyl at any solvent polarity. A PTSB was also discovered to be present in Ni and Pt allylic activation but with less bifurcation. These results offer a unique view into the mechanism of metal-catalyzed allylic substitution.

In Vitro Activity of Disinfectants against Mold Fungi Isolated from Different Environments of the Children’s Medical Center Hospital, Tehran, Iran

Introduction: Fungal aerosols cause life-threatening infections in patients hospitalized in critical wards. Antiseptics and disinfectants have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against the living tissue and inert surfaces microorganisms; hence, they have an essential role in controlling and preventing nosocomial infections. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro antifungal activity of benzalkonium chloride (BAC), chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), and sodium hypochlorite (SH) against isolated fungal aerosols from the hospital environment. Materials and Methods: The susceptibility tests were performed on fungal aerosols isolated from various wards of Children’s Medical Center, based on broth microdilution antifungal susceptibility testing of filamentous fungi approved by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M38-A2 document. The isolates included Aspergillus (Aspergillus flavus (n = 14), Aspergillus niger complex (n = 12), Penicillium spp. (n = 14), and Cladosporium spp. (n = 14). Results: The geometric means (GM) of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of the biocides across all isolates were as follows: BAC, 3.56 µg/ml, CHX, 9.45 µg/ml, and SH, 810.35 µg/ml. The highest range of MICs was found for SH (50-12800 µg/ml), while the lowest range was for BAC (1-16 µg/ml) against all fungal isolates. Generally, BAC showed the highest in vitro activity among disinfectants tested. The lowest MIC50 and MIC90 values were 4 and 8 µg/ml for BAC, followed by 16 and 32 µg/ml for CHX, and 800 and 6400 µg/ml for SH, respectively. Conclusion: The findings showed that BAC was an effective disinfectant, which can prevent resistant species and fungal pathogens and be used an alternative to other disinfectants and antiseptics.

Removal of elemental mercury using magnetic Fe-containing carbon prepared from sludge flocculated with ferrous sulfate by zinc chloride activation

In this work, sewage sludge flocculated with ferrous sulfate (SFS) was treated by one-step pyrolysis and ZnCl2 activation to obtain magnetic Fe-containing carbon, which was used to remove elemental mercury (Hg0) from flue gas. When 30% ZnCl2 was added to SFS (names as SFS-30), sulfides, chloride, magnetic FexOy, as well as a suitable BET surface area were produced during pyrolysis. SFS-30 showed a maximum mercury removal efficiency of 96.1%. The presence of O2 and a low SO2 concentration enhanced Hg0 removal, while H2O vapor and a high concentration of SO2 inhibited it. The addition of ZnCl2 increased the BET surface area as well as the conversion of sulfate to sulfide, which were both beneficial for Hg0 removal. In addition, the generated magnetism during the pyrolysis process assisted in the recovery and utilization of SFS-30 in flue gas. After being magnetically separated from a mixture with fly ash, spent SFS-30 was thermally regenerated and recycled. After 8 Hg0 capture and regeneration cycles, the removal efficiency was not notably degraded, demonstrating that SFS-30 prepared by one-step pyrolysis with ZnCl2 activation can be used for Hg0 removal. The results of this study have guiding significance for practical engineering applications of this material.

Evaluation of characteristics and microbial community of anaerobic granular sludge under microplastics and aromatic carboxylic acids exposure

The influences of polyether sulfone (PES) microplastics and different structures aromatic carboxylic acids such as benzoic acid (BA), phthalic acid (PA), hemimellitic acid (HA), and 1-naphthoic acid (1-NA) on the performances and characteristics of anaerobic granular sludge as well as the microbial community were investigated. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency was the highest in the experimental group with 40 mg/L BA, reaching 90.1%. The inhibitory effect of aromatic carboxylic acids addition on the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) activity was more obvious than that on 2-para (iodo-phenyl)-3(nitrophenyl)-5(phenyl) tetrazolium chloride (INT) activity. Compared with the control group (only 0.5 g/L PES microplastics, 60.6 mg TF·g TSS·h−1), the inhibition effect of TTC activity was 32.5 mg TF·g TSS·h−1 and 44.3 mg TF·g TSS·h−1 in the 40 mg/L HA and 40 mg/L 1-NA experimental groups, respectively. When aromatic carboxylic acids were added, the activities of acetate kinase and coenzyme F420 in the anaerobic granular sludge decreased. The excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectra indicated that loosely bound extracellular polymeric substances (LB-EPS) began to decay. After the addition of different aromatic carboxylic acids, the CC and CH functional groups of the anaerobic granular sludge increased, suggesting that aromatic carboxylic acids migrated to the surface of anaerobic granular sludge, such a transfer would lead to changes in anaerobic granular sludge performance. High-throughput sequencing technology showed that the dominant microbial communities in the anaerobic granular sludge were Proteobacteria, Methanothrix, and Methanomicrobia. After the addition of aromatic carboxylic acids, the relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Methanobacterium, and Methanospirillum increased. In the presence of PES, 1-NA had the most serious toxicity to the anaerobic granular sludge.

Structural Effectiveness of AgCl-decorated Ag Nanowires Enhancing Oxygen Reduction

In anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) for green energy, silver (Ag)-based compounds are promising non-Pt electrocatalysts with high catalytic activity and a low cost for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Although silver chloride (AgCl) shows high catalytic activity due to the ligand effect originating from the electronegativity difference between the two elements, its low electroconductivity remains a significant issue. Here, we report Ag-AgCl core–shell nanowires decorated with AgCl (AgCl-Ag@AgCl NWs) that have a structure capable of simultaneously exhibiting the good conductivity of a long silver (Ag) core and the high ORR catalytic activity of silver chloride (AgCl). In addition, by decorating AgCl nanoclusters on the AgCl shell, AgCl-Ag@AgCl NWs have an enlarged active surface. As a result, AgCl-Ag@AgCl NWs show highly improved catalytic performance (half-wave potential = 0.78 V vs a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), limiting current density = 4.51 mA/cm2). Accelerated durability tests (ADTs) confirm the high stability of AgCl-Ag@AgCl NWs after 4000 cycles of potential sweep and rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) analysis shows remarkable efficiency with the high electron transfer number (n) (3.97). We also use density functional theory (DFT) calculation to confirm charge transfer, which improves the activity of our catalysts.

Plasma Renin Activity after Diuretic Treatment in Patients with Stable Heart Failure: With Special Reference to its Association with Electrolyte Chloride

A recent study reported an intimate association between urinary chloride (Cl) and plasma renin activity (PRA) in acute heart failure (HF) status, reflecting normal functioning of the ‘tubulo-glomerular feedback’ mechanism. Whether the ‘tubuloglomerular feedback’ mechanism functions normally in stable HF status, however, is unclear. This study examined whether the ‘tubulo-glomerular feedback’ mechanism functions normally under resolution of worsening HF after decongestive therapy. Data from 26 patients with acute HF and its recovery after decongestive therapy were analyzed. Clinical tests included measurement of peripheral blood tests, serum and spot urinary electrolytes, plasma neurohormones, and fractional urinary excretions of electrolytes. In a total of 26 patients, PRA increased after acute HF treatment (from 1.64±2.0 to 5.48±6.1 ng/ mL/h, p=0.002). Changes in the serum logPRA and urinary Cl concentration from worsening to its recovery tended to be inversely correlated (R2 =0.12, p=0.085) and logPRA and the serum Cl concentration at recovery were inversely correlated (R2 =0.23, p=0.01). When divided into 2 groups (n=13 in each) according to the median PRA, the group with greater PRA changes showed a larger decrease in the urinary Cl concentration (from 110±44 to 72.8±38, p=0.03). The group with higher PRA at recovery showed a lower serum Cl concentration than the group with lower PRA at recovery (102±6.5 vs 107±4.2 mEq/L, p=0.04). In conclusion, the association between PRA and the serum/urinary Cl concentration is blunted in stable HF under-decongestive therapy, possibly due to the physiologic status under full cardiovascular medication compared with that in acute HF status.

A mild method to prepare nitrogen-rich interlaced porous carbon nanosheets for high-performance supercapacitors

In this work, a non-toxic and mild strategy was presented to efficiently fabricate porous and nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets. Silkworm cocoon (SCs) acted as carbon source and original nitrogen source. Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) could facilitate the SCs to expose silk protein and played a catalytic role in the subsequent activation of calcium chloride (CaCl2). Calcium chloride served as pore-making agent. The as-obtained carbon materials with protuberant porous nanosheets exhibit high specific surface area of 731 m2 g−1, rich native nitrogen-doped of 7.91 atomic %, wide pore size distribution from 0.5 to 65 nm, and thus possessing high areal specific capacitances of 34 μF cm−2 as well as excellent retention rate of 97% after 20 000 cycles at a current density of 20 A g−1 in 6 M KOH electrolyte. The assembled carbon nanosheet-based supercapacitor displays a maximum energy density of 21.06 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 225 W kg−1 in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. Experimental results show that a mild and non-toxic treatment of biomass can be an effective and extensible method for preparing optimal porous carbon for electrochemical energy storage.

Dual-role of ZnO as a templating and activating agent to derive porous carbon from polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) resin

Activated carbon, with its porous morphology and extremely high surface area, maintains the exclusive position as an electrode material in supercapacitors owing to its low manufacturing cost. Although its surface area can be boosted using a chemical etchant to create nanoscale pores, the use of chemicals requires a post-washing of the material to eliminate impurities. Herein, the activation of polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) resin using ZnO chemical is described to prepare porous activated carbon materials for use as supercapacitor electrodes. During heat-treatment of a 1:1 mass ratio of PVDC resin:ZnO at 950 °C, activation and templating processes consecutively take place to produce porous carbon. Between 140 °C and 600 °C, ZnCl2 formed from the conversion of ZnO chemically activates the carbon with creating micropores. Above 800 °C, unreacted ZnO from the initial activation is reduced to Zn upon oxidation of the carbon with the additional micropore creation. Above 907 °C the Zn evaporates to leave activated carbon with no impurities. Through this process, the sites initially occupied by ZnO would turn to the pores by templating. With a rationally-designed ZnO ratio, porous carbon can be produced without washing. The activated carbon exhibits a high quinone content that reacts with H+ ions, with a high specific capacitance of 219 F g−1 in 1 M H2SO4 based on pseudocapacitance. However, the rate performance of this material is 55% due to the slow kinetics of the charge transfer reaction. On the contrary, a high quaternary-N content increases the rate capability of the material in 6 M KOH, where the double-layer mostly contributes toward charge storage.

Nanoemulsified Butenafine for Enhanced Performance against Experimental Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

The production of ergosterol lipid involves the activity of different enzymes and is a crucial event for the Leishmania membrane homeostasis. Such enzymes can be blocked by azoles and allylamines drugs, such as the antifungal butenafine chloride. This drug was active on parasites that cause cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. Based on the leishmanicidal activity of butenafine chloride and considering the absence of reports about the therapeutic potential of this drug in cutaneous leishmaniasis, the present work is aimed at analyzing the efficacy of butenafine formulated in two different topical delivery systems, the self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (BUT-SNEDDS) and in a SNEDDS-based nanogel (BUT-SNEDDS gel) as well as in the free form in experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis. Physical studies showed that both formulations were below 300 nm with low polydispersity (<0.5) and good colloidal stability (around -25 mV). Increased steady-state flux was reported for nanoenabled butenafine formulations with reduced lag time in Franz cell diffusion assays across Strat-M membranes. No toxic or inflammatory reactions were detected in animals treated with BUT-SNEDDS, BUT-SNEDDS gel, or butenafine. Animals topically treated with butenafine (free or nanoformulated) showed small dermal lesions and low tissue parasitism. Furthermore, BUT-SNEDD gel and butenafine presented similar efficacy than the standard drug Glucantime given by the intralesional route. Increased levels of IFN-γ were observed in animals treated with BUT-SNEDDS gel or butenafine. Based on these data, the antifungal drug butenafine chloride can be considered an interesting repurposed drug for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Controllable hydrogen generation behavior by hydrolysis of MgH2-based materials

Hydrogen supply via the hydrolysis of light-weight metal-based materials is a promising technology for the development of portable hydrogen fuel cells. The hydrolysis reaction of MgH2 with water has been significantly activated through changing the aqueous solution. Special difficulty encountered with these experimental attempts, however, is the lack of satisfactory method to adjust the hydrogen generation rate. In this work, the catalytic activity of typical oxides, hydroxides and chlorides on the MgH2 hydrolyzed in water is systematically investigated, thereby tuning the hydrolysis reaction kinetics of MgH2. It is found that the hydrogen generation rate of the system can be improved dramatically when hydrolyzed in a slightly acidic solution of chloride salts. A mechanism called solution ion effect with consideration both of the anions and cations in the solution is proposed. Such an effect is also found to be strongly correlated to other factors such as the particle size, ion concentration. As consequence, both the hydrogen generation rate and capacity can be well-controlled by tailoring the milling time, concentration of aqueous solutions and the way of introducing solute. Our findings provide new strategies in tailoring the hydrolysis kinetics of light-weight metal hydrides.