Pharmaceutical Applications Research Articles

Optimization through response surface modelling, experimental validation on development of nanocellulose for pharmaceutical applications

Nanocellulose, a promising polymer derived from lignocellulosic sources, is utilized in various applications such as paper production, water purification, wound dressing, scaffolds, biosensors, super-disintegrants, cosmetics, and drug delivery systems. The study investigates the production of optimized nanocellulose size using response surface methodology, examining the impact of factors like sulphuric acid concentration and temperature on the acid hydrolysis process. The central composite design was used to screen and adjust the design matrix with two-factor levels. The optimized size of nanocellulose was found to be 364.1 nm, with a zeta potential of −40.6, which shows long-term stability. Hence, process variables like sulphuric acid of 48.29% v/v and temperature of 39.7 °C were optimized to get the desired particle size from commercial cellulose. An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine the primary parameters that have a significant impact on the particle size of nanocellulose. Thus, the obtained nanocellulose was characterized using FTIR, XRD, DLS and TEM analysis. FTIR confirms that the functional groups of cellulose are similar in nanocellulose. As the XRD illustrates, 67% of the crystallinity index in the developed nanocellulose is semicrystalline. The particle size was found within the nm size by employing the DLS method. Nanocellulose was characterized using TEM for surface morphology. Thus, obtained nanocellulose is widely used in various pharmaceutical applications like tissue engineering, cosmeceuticals, wound healing, scaffolds, aerogels, hydrogels, and controlled release of drugs.

Comparison in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Cheonggukjang Containing Mountain-Cultivated Ginseng Using Two Bacillus Genus.

In this study, the nutrients, phytochemicals (including isoflavone and ginsenoside derivatives), and antioxidant activities of cheonggukjang with different ratios (0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%) of mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) were compared and analyzed using microorganisms isolated from traditional cheonggukjang. The IDCK 30 and IDCK 40 strains were confirmed as Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis, respectively, based on morphological, biological, biochemical, and molecular genetic identification, as well as cell wall fatty acid composition. The contents of amino acids and fatty acids showed no significant difference in relation to the ratio of MCG. After fermentation, isoflavone glycoside (such as daidzin, glycitin, and genistin) contents decreased, while aglycone (daidzein, glycitein, and genistein) contents increased. However, total ginsenoside contents were higher according to the ratio of MCG. After fermentation, ginsenoside Rg2, F2, and protopanaxadiol contents of cheonggukjang decreased. Conversely, ginsenoside Rg3 (2.5%: 56.51 → 89.43 μg/g, 5.0%: 65.56 → 94.71 μg/g, and 10%: 96.05 → 166.90 μg/g) and compound K (2.5%: 28.54 → 69.43 μg/g, 5.0%: 41.63 → 150.72 μg/g, and 10%: 96.23 → 231.33 μg/g) increased. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were higher with increasing ratios of MCG and fermentation (fermented cheonggukjang with 10% MCG: 13.60 GAE and 1.87 RE mg/g). Additionally, radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing/antioxidant power were significantly increased in fermented cheonggukjang. This study demonstrates that the quality of cheonggukjang improved, and cheonggukjang with MCG as natural antioxidants may be useful in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Evaluation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Ram12-derived exopolysaccharide in a D-galactose-induced liver injury mouse model

We investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Ram12-derived EPSRam12 in a D-galactose-induced liver injury mouse model. Initially, EPSRam12 was characterized for its composition, molecular weight, and structural features. It was then administered orally to D-galactose-induced mice (which had received an intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose, 100 mg/kg body weight) at doses of 25 mg/kg (low dose) and 50 mg/kg (high dose) for 45 days. After treatment, biochemical markers, antioxidant status, cytokine levels, and liver inflammatory gene expression were evaluated. The results showed that EPSRam12 was a branched chain heteropolysaccharide comprising mannose, rhamnose, and arabinose monosaccharides with molecular weight of 2.6 million Daltons. EPSRam12, with its unique structural features such as hydroxyl and methyl groups, glycosidic bonds, and functional groups like carboxylates and sulfates, demonstrated promising bioactive properties. Administering EPSRam12 to D-galactose-induced mice resulted in a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity and a reduction in oxidative stress indicators. Additionally, it exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine levels, lowering pro-inflammatory markers, and inhibiting key inflammatory pathways in the liver in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings underscore the potential of EPSRam12 as an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, with promising applications in functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

Ionic liquid catalysed synthesis of benzimidazolone from Ortho-Phenylenediamine in the presence of carbon dioxide as a carbonyl source under solvent free condition

In this study, we report synthesis of benzimidazolones from o-phenylene diamine by utilizing carbon dioxide as a carbonyl source under mild reaction conditions in the presence of ionic liquid as a catalyst. Six bifunctional protonic ionic liquids (PILs) were synthesised by reacting superbases 1,5,7-Triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) and 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) with proton donors such as Trifluoroethanol (TFE), Cyclopropane carboxylic acid (CPCA) and 2,2,2-Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Among them, [TBDH+][TFE−] was the most effective, achieving high conversion rates of o-phenylene diamine to 2-benzimidazolone at 1 bar CO2 pressure and 60° C. This PIL could be reused for up to six cycles. Our method offers a green and efficient approach for producing 2-benzimidazolone derivatives, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals and materials science.

Microwave Irradiation as a Powerful Tool for Isolating Isoflavones from Soybean Flour

The use of microwave irradiation energy for isolating bioactive compounds from plant materials has gained popularity due to its ability to penetrate cells and facilitate extraction of intracellular materials, with the added benefits of minimal or no use of organic solvents. This is particularly significant due to the possibility of using extracts in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of this work is to examine the effect of microwave irradiation on the extraction of three of the most important isoflavones from soybean flour, glycitin, genistin, and daidzin, as well as their aglycones, glycitein, genistein, and daidzein. By varying the extraction time, temperature, and microwave power, we have established the optimal parameters (irradiation power of 75 W for 5 min) for the most efficient extraction of individual isoflavones. Compared to conventional maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction, the total phenol content of the extracts increased from 3.66 to 9.16 mg GAE/g dw and from 4.67 to 9.16 mg GAE/g dw, respectively. The total flavonoid content increased from 0.38 to 0.83 mg CE/g dw and from 0.48 to 0.83 mg CE/g dw, and the antioxidant activity increased from 96.54 to 185.04 µmol TE/g dw and from 158.57 to 185.04 µmol TE/g dw, but also from 21.97 to 37.16 µmol Fe2+/g dw and from 30.13 to 37.16 µmol Fe2+/g dw. The positive correlation between microwave extraction and increased levels of total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity demonstrates the method’s effectiveness in producing bioactive compounds. Considering the growing recognition of glycitein’s potential role in medical and pharmaceutical applications, microwave-assisted extraction under optimized conditions has proven highly efficient.

The complete sequence of chloroplast genome of Baeckea frutescens Linaeus 1753 (Myrtoideae), a traditional folk medicinal plant

Baeckea frutescens Linaeus 1753, as a traditional folk medicine in South East Asia, possesses sesquiterpenes, phloroglucinols, chromones, and essential oil, and is utilized for traditional Chinese medicinal purposes. The genetic diversity of the plant must be better understood, considering its significance. The complete chloroplast (cp) genome of B. frutescens was sequenced and assembled by using Illumina paired-end data, marking a significant advancement toward comprehending its genetic composition. The complete cp genome is 158,939 bp in length and contains 128 genes, consisting of 83 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that B. frutescens and other the 13 were clustered to the family of Myrtaceae. These findings are crucial for the conservation and utilization of this important plant species. Additionally, they underscore the potential for future research on the evolution and preservation of B. frutescens, which could be advantageous in pharmaceutical applications.

Development of new sustainable pyridinium ionic liquids: From reactivity studies to mechanism-based activity predictions.

This study addresses the development of sustainable pyridinium ionic liquids (ILs) because of their potential applications in agriculture and pharmaceuticals. Pyridinium-based ILs are known for their low melting points, high thermal stability, and moderate solvation properties. We synthesized three novel pyridinium-based ILs: 1-(2-(isopentyloxy)-2-oxoethyl)pyridin-1-ium chloride, 1-(2-(hexyloxy)-2-oxoethyl)pyridin-1-ium chloride, and 1-(2-(benzyloxy)-2-oxoethyl)pyridin-1-ium chloride. The biological activities of these compounds were evaluated through plant growth promotion, herbicidal, and insecticidal assays. Our results show that the benzyloxy derivative significantly enhances wheat and cucumber growth, whereas the isopentyloxy compound has potent herbicidal effects. Computational methods, including DFT calculations and molecular docking, were applied to understand the structure‒activity relationships (SARs) and mechanisms of action. The computational techniques involved dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP functional and the 6-311G** basis set. Grimme's D3 corrections were included to account for dispersion interactions. The calculations were performed via GAMESS-US software. Quantum descriptors of reactivity, such as ionization potential, electron affinity, chemical potential, and electrophilicity index, were derived from the HOMO and LUMO energies. Molecular docking studies were conducted via the CB-Dock server via AutoDock Vina software to predict binding affinities to cancer-related proteins. Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration (POM) analysis was used to predict the drug likeness and other pharmaceutical properties of the synthesized ILs.

Exploring Deep Eutectic Solvents as Pharmaceutical Excipients: Enhancing the Solubility of Ibuprofen and Mefenamic Acid.

Objectives: The study explores the potential of various deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to serve as drug delivery systems and pharmaceutical excipients. The research focuses on two primary objectives: evaluating the ability of the selected DES systems to enhance the solubility of two poorly water-soluble model drugs (IBU and MFA), and evaluating their physicochemical properties, including density, viscosity, flow behavior, surface tension, thermal stability, and water dilution effects, to determine their suitability for pharmaceutical applications. Methods: A range of DES systems containing pharmaceutically acceptable constituents was explored, encompassing organic acid-based, sugar- and sugar alcohol-based, and hydrophobic systems, as well as menthol (MNT)-based DES systems with common pharmaceutical excipients. MNT-based DESs exhibited the most significant solubility enhancements. Results: IBU solubility reached 379.69 mg/g in MNT: PEG 400 (1:1) and 356.3 mg/g in MNT:oleic acid (1:1), while MFA solubility peaked at 17.07 mg/g in MNT:Miglyol 812®N (1:1). In contrast, solubility in hydrophilic DES systems was significantly lower, with choline chloride: glycerol (1:2) and arginine: glycolic acid (1:8) showing the best results. While demonstrating lower solubility compared to the MNT-based systems, sugar-based DESs exhibited increased tunability via water and glycerol addition both in terms of solubility and physicochemical properties, such as viscosity and surface tension. Conclusions: Our study introduces novel DES systems, expanding the repertoire of pharmaceutically acceptable DES formulations and opening new avenues for the rational design of tailored solvent systems to overcome solubility challenges and enhance drug delivery.

CAPE derivatives: Multifaceted agents for chronic wound healing.

Chronic wounds significantly impact the patients' quality of life, creating an urgent interdisciplinary clinical challenge. The development of novel agents capable of accelerating the healing process is essential. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) has demonstrated positive effects on skin regeneration. However, its susceptibility to degradation limits its pharmaceutical application. Chemical modification of the structure improves the pharmacokinetics of this bioactive phenol. Hence, two novel series of CAPE hybrids were designed, synthesized, and investigated as potential skin regenerative agents. To enhance the stability and therapeutic efficacy, a caffeic acid frame was combined with quinolines or isoquinolines by an ester (1a-f) or an amide linkage (2a-f). The effects on cell viability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and HaCaT cells were evaluated at different concentrations; they are not cytotoxic, and some proved to stimulate cell proliferation. The most promising compounds underwent a wound-healing assay in HGFs and HaCaT at the lowest concentrations. Antimicrobial antioxidant properties were also explored. The chemical and thermal stabilities of the best compounds were assessed. In silico predictions were employed to anticipate skin penetration capabilities. Our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) derivatives 1a and 1d as skin regenerative agents, being able to stimulate cell proliferation, control bacterial growth, regulate ROS levels, and being thermally and chemically stable. An interesting structure-activity relationship was discussed to suggest a promising multitargeted approach for enhanced wound healing.

A comparative study of pulsed electric field, ultrasound, milling and soaking as pre-treatments for assistance in the extraction of polyphenols from willow bark (Salix alba)

White willow (Salix alba) has a long history of use as an herbal remedy for treating common pain and inflammation. Pre-treatment is a crucial step that assists the subsequent extraction process and may affect the extraction efficiency of polyphenols from plant materials. The objective of this work was to study the impact of pre-treatment methods on the hot water extraction of polyphenols from willow bark. Pulsed electric field (PEF) and ultrasound (US) pre-treatments were compared to commonly used pre-treatment methods, milling and soaking. All pre-treatments significantly increased the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (p < 0.05) in willow extracts. At a similar energy level, PEF with 400 pulses yielded a higher TPC (44.33mg GAE/g d.w.) and antioxidant activity (DPPH of 74.58mg AAE/g and FRAP of 186.41mmol TE/g) than US pre-treated samples, but a small increase in ultrasonic energy resulted in the highest TPC (46.20mg GAE/g d.w.) and antioxidant activity (DPPH of 76.18mg AAE/g and FRAP of 220.20mmol TE/g) of all the pre-treatments. Compared with PEF and US, milling (42.69mg GAE/g d.w.) and soaking (40.29mg GAE/g d.w.) were less effective in recovering polyphenols but they were comparable with PEF and US when employed at low energy levels. Overall results indicate emerging technologies PEF and US can be alternatives to milling to enhance the extractability of polyphenols and to reduce energy consumption. The obtained willow extracts were a rich source of polyphenols that could be used for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Using Reporter Gene Assays to Screen and Identify Chemical Compounds that Modulate Estrogen Receptor Activity.

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a nuclear receptor that is expressed mainly in the breast, uterus, and ovary, among several other organs. ERα plays important roles in reproduction, mammary gland formation, and glucose homeostasis. Disruption of ERα may result in adverse outcomes, such as cancer, impaired fertility, and abnormal fetal growth. Therefore, identifying compounds that modulate ERα is of great interest due to their potential-endocrine disrupting capability and pharmaceutical applications. To rapidly test tens of thousands of compounds, high-throughput screening assays are essential. Here, we describe high-throughput screening methods, including plating and treatment of cells in 384-well and 1536-well plates and analysis of the resulting data. The two cell lines used, MCF7-VM7Luc4E2 and HEK293-ERα-bla, have been described previously. MCF7-VM7Luc4E2 cells are a stable luciferase reporter gene cell line expressing full-length endogenous estrogen receptor in the MCF7 cell line background, and HEK293-ERα-bla cells stably express an ERα ligand-binding domain/GAL4 DNA-binding domain fusion regulating a UAS β-lactamase reporter gene. These cell lines can be used to identify and confirm ERα modulators. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Establishment of a high-throughput ERα reporter gene assay with luminescence readout to identify activators and inhibitors of estrogen receptor α Basic Protocol 2: Use of an orthogonal assay with fluorescence readout to confirm potential estrogen receptor activators or inhibitors.

Seven undescribed compounds from dried flower buds of Ochrocarpus longifolius

Seven unreported compounds were isolated from dried flower buds of Ochrocarpus longifolius in this study, including an alkaloid ochrocaracid A (1), five coumarins ochrocarpins I (2), J (3), K (4), L (5), and M (6), and one styryl-2-pyranone compound iresinoacid (7) and nine known compounds (8–16). All these compounds were found in O. longifolius for the first time. Their structural elucidation was achieved through NMR, HR-ESI-MS, and ECD data. Additionally, a glucose uptake-promoting activity assay revealed that compounds 10 (128.21 μM) and 16 (123.15 μM) increased the glucose uptake capacity of L6 cells by 1.49-fold and 1.48-fold, respectively. These bioactive compounds could be potential candidates for further pharmaceutical applications.

Topical formulations contained an extract from marine alga Cladophora glomerata

The Cladophora glomerata is a green alga abundant in fresh and seawater. The extraction of C. glomerata using glycol-based solvents, including butylene glycol (BG), polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400), and propylene glycol (PG), as the green solvents to obtain antioxidants and nutrients that can be further used in health care and pharmaceutical applications. The extraction of C. glomerata with glycol-base solvents using the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method was optimized. The liquid extraction using 60 % volume by volume of polyethylene glycol yielded the highest total phenolic content (4.00 ± 0.08 mg gallic acid equivalence per g dry weight) and antioxidant activity (IC50 0.14 ± 0.02 mg/mL). The algal extract was stable at pH 6 to 8 and a temperature lower than 25 °C. After incorporating the algal extract in topical formulations including serum and emulgel, we found that the preparations were stable and retained the extract's antioxidant activity. In addition, all algal extracts, extract-loaded serum, and emulgel did not show cytotoxicity effects in normal adult human dermal fibroblasts.

Phytochemical Components, Hindering Abilities on Cell Proliferation, Cell Migration and Three-Dimensional Spheroids’ Formation Capacity of Micromeria fruticosa Infusion

Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the potential anti-cancer effects of Micromeria fruticosa plant infusion on uterine cervix cancer cells, aiming to explore its potential as an alternative or supportive therapeutic approach to conventional treatments. Methods Micromeria fruticosa plant infusion was prepared and administered to uterine cervix cancer cells in vitro. Various assays were conducted to assess its impact on cell migration, proliferation, and tumorigenicity. Additionally, the phytochemical composition of the infusion was analyzed by using LC-MS to identify major functional compounds. Results The study revealed that Micromeria fruticosa plant infusion exhibited significant anti-migratory, anti-proliferative, and anti-tumorigenic effects on uterine cervix cancer cells. Analysis of the infusion identified several major functional phytochemicals, which likely contribute to its anticancer properties. Conclusion This research suggests that Micromeria fruticosa plant infusion possesses promising anti-cancer properties against uterine cervix cancer cells. The identified phytochemicals present in the infusion highlight its potential as a source of functional ingredients with anticancer effects. These findings support further exploration of Micromeria fruticosa as a potential therapeutic agent in both nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications, offering new avenues for the development of alternative or supportive treatments for cervical cancer.

Manganese Oxide-Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride-Based 2D Material as Nanozyme for the Colorimetric Sensing of Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid is a key player in the human body, pharmaceutical industry, and food industry. It is involved in many physiological processes, and its deficiency or excess amount is linked to many pathological conditions, which makes it essential to monitor its concentration. In the current work, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and manganese oxide-doped graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4@MnO2) were synthesized through the pyrolysis process. Various characterization techniques, including spectroscopic, diffraction, thermal, and imaging methods, were employed to analyse the material's structural, compositional, and morphological properties. The surface chemical state of the material through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed that manganese was present in its tetravalent state, anchoring with nitrogen in the two-dimensional g-C3N4. The synthesized g-C3N4@MnO2 demonstrated intrinsic peroxidase-like activity visualized through the naked eye by the transformation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to oxiTMB and confirmed through a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The detection of ascorbic acid was performed through the peroxidase inhibitory action of the analyte through a chromogenic substrate, which reduced the oxiTMB to a colorless form. Under the optimized conditions, the sensor system was able to detect the analyte in the linear range of 1 to 80µM with a 0.16μM LOD, 0.53µM LOQ, and an R2 value of 0.9982. The sensor system, along with its sensitivity and linearity, was very selective in the presence of various potential interfering species. The sensor was successfully employed for the sensing of ascorbic acid in real samples with excellent reproducibility. The proposed sensor can be used in diagnosis, pharmaceutical applications, and the food industry.

Exploring the Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Insights Toward the Horizons Where Technology Meets Tradition.

The technological revolutions in computers and the advancement of high-throughput screening technologies have driven the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for faster discovery of drug molecules with more efficiency, and cost-friendly finding of hit or lead molecules. The ability of software and network frameworks to interpret molecular structures' representations and establish relationships/correlations has enabled various research teams to develop numerous AI platforms for identifying new lead molecules or discovering new targets for already established drug molecules. The prediction of biological activity, ADME properties, and toxicity parameters in early stages have reduced the chances of failure and associated costs in later clinical stages, which was observed at a high rate in the tedious, expensive, and laborious drug discovery process. This review focuses on the different AI and machine learning (ML) techniques with their applications mainly focused on the pharmaceutical industry. The applications of AI frameworks in the identification of molecular target, hit identification/hit-to-lead optimization, analyzing drug-receptor interactions, drug repurposing, polypharmacology, synthetic accessibility, clinical trial design, and pharmaceutical developments are discussed in detail. We have also compiled the details of various startups in AI in this field. This review will provide a comprehensive analysis and outline various state-of-the-art AI/ML techniques to the readers with their framework applications. This review also highlights the challenges in this field, which need to be addressed for further success in pharmaceutical applications.

An Insight into the Promising Therapeutic Potential of Chicoric Acid.

The pharmacological treatments that are now recommended for the therapy of chronic illnesses are examined in a great number of studies to determine whether or not they are both safe and effective. Therefore, it is important to investigate various alternative therapeutic assistance, such as natural remedies derived from medicinal plants. In this context, chicoric acid, classified as a hydroxycinnamic acid, has been documented to exhibit a range of health advantages. These include antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, obesity-preventing, and neuroprotective effects. Due to its considerable pharmacological properties, chicoric acid has found extensive applications in food, pharmaceuticals, animal husbandry, and various other commercial sectors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of in vitro and in vivo investigations on chicoric acid, highlighting its beneficial effects and therapeutic activity when used as a preventative and management aid for public health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hepatic illnesses like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Moreover, further investigation of this compound can lead to its development as a potential phytopharmaceutical candidate.

Dispersion of halloysite nanotube/lipase nanohybrids as nanofillers into polyvinyl alcohol-sodium alginate cryogel: Characterization and bio-catalytic activity analysis

The purpose of this study is to formulate and characterize the cryogels containing halloysite nanotube (HNT)/lipase nanohybrid (NH-cryogel) in comparison to pure cryogels as well as cryogels containing lipase (lipase-cryogel). The cryogels were synthesized using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate (SA). The products are tested to explore the influence of the HNT/lipase nanohybride (NH) as nanofillers on the cryogel properties using methods such as swelling degree, water uptake measurement, TGA, XRD, FESEM and FTIR. Additionally, the effects of cryogels on the stability and biocatalytic activities of lipase and NH, were studied and compared to the free lipase to evaluate their potential applications as enzyme carriers. The addition of nanofillers into the cryogel improved is thermal stability. The results implied that NH-cryogel had better enzyme activity than lipase-cryogel and free lipase at different temperatures and pH values. The NH-cryogel residual activity was 85.5 % after ten cycles of reuse while lipase-cryogel showed lower residual activity (60.3 %). Furthermore, the NH-cryogel retained 81.1 % of its residual activity while this was 51.0 % for lipase-cryogel after thirty days of storage. Therefore, the presented results in this study provide a pathway to show that produced nano-composite cryogels could be useful substances for food and pharmaceutical industries applications.

Synthesis of a novel bismuth molybdite/iron oxide thin film for oxytetracycline degradation in a photoelectrocatalytic system

In this study, heterostructures based on Bismuth molybdite/iron oxide (Bi2MoO6/Fe2O3) thin films were fabricated by a dip-coating technique using precursor solutions. The heterostructures were deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass substrates. From a detailed characterization using X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the formation of the orthorhombic phase for Bi2MoO6 and the co-existence of hematite and maghemite in Fe2O3 was demonstrated. Meanwhile, the field emission scanning electron microscopy cross-section images confirm the formation of well-defined Bi2MoO6 film under the Fe2O3 deposition. The optical band gap energies for the heterostructure obtained were estimated from the diffuse reflectance spectra and ranged from 2.3 to 3.5 eV. Photoluminescence analysis revealed an improved separation and faster transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes for the Bi2MoO6/Fe2O3 (Het) film. The best oxytetracycline (OTC) removal percentage through photoelectrocatalytic treatment was 96.85% using the Het. Besides, were carried out the variation of parameters which affect the OTC photoelectrocatalytic degradation as pH, potential applied, and scavenger assay. The 1O2 was the oxidant predominate, which attack the OTC ring to initiate and accelerate the degradation process. Based on the analysis of degradation intermediates and characteristics of Bi2MoO6/Fe2O3, possible degradation pathways and mechanisms of OTC were displayed. An enhancement of oxytetracycline degradation efficiency of Het fabricated compared to pristine oxides was achieved mainly due to avoid the charge recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs provided by Direct Z-scheme heterostructure. Finally, the Het fabricated represents a promising material for efficient and sustainable pharmaceutical removal applications.

Uses of Heterocyclic compounds for pharmaceutical and industrial applications

Uses of Heterocyclic compounds for pharmaceutical and industrial applications