Box-Behnken Response Surface Design Research Articles

Construction of microneedle of Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizoma aqueous extract and effect on mammary gland hyperplasia based on intestinal flora.

A microneedle patch loaded with Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizoma water extract was prepared for the treatment of mammary gland hyperplasia. To explore the relationship between Mammary gland hyperplasia and intestinal flora. Preparation of the microneedle patch by micromolding method, the prescription of the microneedle was optimized by the Box-Behnken Design response surface test, and the micro-morphology, penetration, toughness, and brittleness were investigated. In vitro release of drug-loaded microneedles was measured by diffusion cell method. The rat model of mammary gland hyperplasia was prepared by the combination of estradiol benzoate-progesterone, and the microneedle patch of Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizoma aqueous extract was used for intervention treatment. The change of levels in E2, P, and PRL in rat serum was determined. The intestinal contents of rats were collected and the changes in intestinal flora in MGH rats were analyzed by 16s rRNA high-throughput sequencing. The optimized microneedle formula is a PVA concentration of 6.0%, HA concentration of 15.5%, and PVPK30 concentration of 16.0%. The prepared microneedle tip loaded with Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizoma aqueous extract has complete, sharp, and no bubbles and the needle rate of the microneedle array is in the range of 95%~100%. The bending rate of the microneedle is about 12.7%, and it has good flexibility, and the microneedle can puncture 4 layers of ParafilmⓇ membrane smoothly, and the puncture rate is more than 96%. The in vitro release of the microneedle was characterized by rapid release. The results of animal experiments showed that Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizoma aqueous extract microneedle patch could significantly reduce the E2 level, significantly reduce the PRL level, and significantly increase the P level. At the same time, it can regulate the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora in MGH rats, improve the intestinal flora disorder caused by mammary gland hyperplasia, and balance the community structure. The prepared microneedle containing Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizoma aqueous extract has good toughness and brittle strength, can penetrate the skin and enter the dermis, and effectively deliver drugs to play a role in the treatment of mammary gland hyperplasia.

Optimization of supercritical fluid extraction of polar flavonoids from Robinia pseudoacacia L. heartwood

Optimization of supercritical fluid extraction of polar flavonoids from Robinia pseudoacacia L. heartwood

Utilization of experimental design in the formulation and optimization of hyaluronic acid–based nanoemulgel loaded with a turmeric–curry leaf oil nanoemulsion for gingivitis

Numerous problems affect oral health, and intensive research is focused on essential oil–based nanoemulsions that might treat prevent or these problems. Nanoemulsions are delivery systems that enhance the distribution and solubility of lipid medications to targeted locations. Turmeric (Tur)- and curry leaf oil (CrO)–based nanoemulsions (CrO-Tur-self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems [SNEDDS]) were developed with the goal of improving oral health and preventing or treating gingivitis. They could be valuable because of their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities. CrO-Tur-SNEDDS formulations were produced using the response surface Box-Behnken design with different concentrations of CrO (120, 180, and 250 mg), Tur (20, 35, and 50 mg), and Smix 2:1 (400, 500, and 600 mg). The optimized formulation had a bacterial growth inhibition zone of up to 20 mm, droplet size of less than 140 nm, drug-loading efficiency of 93%, and IL-6 serum levels of between 950 ± 10 and 3000 ± 25 U/ml. The optimal formulation, which contained 240 mg of CrO, 42.5 mg of Tur, and 600 mg of Smix 2:1, was created using the acceptable design. Additionally, the best CrO-Tur-SNEDDS formulation was incorporated into a hyaluronic acid gel, and thereafter it had improved ex-vivo transbuccal permeability, sustained in-vitro release of Tur, and large bacterial growth suppression zones. The optimal formulation loaded into an emulgel had lower levels of IL-6 in the serum than the other formulations evaluated in rats. Therefore, this investigation showed that a CrO-Tur-SNEDDS could provide strong protection against gingivitis caused by microbial infections.

Microstructural and optimization studies on novel one-part geopolymer pastes by Box-Behnken response surface design method

Microstructural and optimization studies on novel one-part geopolymer pastes by Box-Behnken response surface design method

Bioremoval of methylene blue dye using chitosan stabilized Pickering emulsion liquid membrane: optimization by Box–Behnken response surface design

Chitosan, an eco-friendly biopolymer, was employed as a novel emulsifier in the sequestration of methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solution using Pickering emulsion liquid membrane (PELM). In the present study the PELM consists of aliquat 336 as extractant, potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a stripping agent, and coconut oil as the green diluent. Response surface methodology derived from Box–Behnken design (BBD) was applied for optimizing the operational parameters affecting the MB extraction. The results obtained from BBD design showed the maximum extraction of 89.99% at chitosan concentration of 0.10 w/v %, KOH (Internal phase) concentration of 0.8 M, MB concentration of 7.5 ppm, O/A ratio of 1 and stirring speed of 400 rpm. Investigations proved that chitosan biopolymer an eco-friendly emulsifying agent can be successfully used in PELM preparation for the extraction of dye bearing wastewater.

Study on Mechanical Properties and Micro Characterization of Fibre Reinforced Ecological Cementitious Coal Gangue Materials.

Eco-gelled coal gangue materials (EGCGMs) are usually produced using coal gangue, slag, and fly ash in a highly alkaline environment. Herein, to improve the mechanical properties of such materials, polypropylene fibers were uniformly mixed with them. An unconfined compressive strength test and a three-point bending test of the fiber-reinforced EGCGMs under different conditions were conducted. Based on the performance degradation control technology of the fiber structure, the interface mechanism of the composite materials was analyzed from the micro level using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In the mechanical test, the 28 d UCS and flexural properties of the fiber-reinforced EGCGMs were analyzed using the Box-Behnken design response surface design method and orthogonal design method, respectively. The order of significance was as follows: sodium hydroxide, fiber length, and fiber content. Within the scope of the experimental study, when the NaOH content is 3, the fiber content is 5 ‱, and the fiber length is 9 mm, the mechanical properties are the best. Based on the microscopic equipment, it was discovered that the amorphous ecological glue condensation product formed by the reaction of slag and fly ash in the alkaline environment was filled between the coal gangue particles and the fibers, and several polymerization products accumulated to form a honeycomb network topology. The distribution of fibers in the EGCGM matrix could be primarily divided into single embedded and network occurrences. The fiber inhibits the crack initiation and development of the matrix through the crack resistance effect, and improves the brittleness characteristics through the bridging effect during the failure process, which promotes the ductility of the ecological cementitious coal gangue matrix.The results presented herein can provide a theoretical basis for improving the mechanical properties of alkali-activated geopolymers.

BOX-BEHNKEN DESIGN FOR OPTIMIZATION OF FORMULATION VARIABLES FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE GASTRORETENTIVE TABLET OF VERAPAMIL HYDROCHLORIDE

Objective: To develop a Verapamil hydrochloride controlled release gastro-retentive (CRGR) tablet for once-daily dosing using the response surface Box-Behnken Design (BBD) approach for the improvement of bioavailability and reduction in dosing frequency to overcome the issues related to the conventional tablet formulation. Methods: For the optimization, 33Box-Behnken design was used. The independent variables were selected, the amount of Compritol 888 ATO (A), HPMC K15M (B), and Sodium bicarbonate (C). The dependent variables were Cumulative % drug release in 1.5 h (Q1.5), 8 h (Q8), 24 H (Q24) and floating lag time (FLT). Flow properties of pre-compressed powder, physical characteristics, drug content, floating lag time, total floating time and in vitro dissolution study of all formulation were assessed. In vitro dissolution study of optimized formulation that was prepared experimentally was performed and compared with predicted data obtained from the software. Drug release kinetics of the optimized formulation was also assessed to know the mechanism of drug release from the CRGR tablets. Results: Responses of experimental runs were found as Q1.5: 12.78-33.62 (%), Q8: 43.03-64 (%), Q24: 78.77 to 103.57 (%) and floating lag time as 3.01 min to 5.08 min. The predicted optimized formula with the highest desirability value of 0.963 containing amount 126.030 mg, 160.00 mg and 80.955 mg of Compritol 888 ATO, HPMC K15M and Sodium biarbonate respectively was prepared and evaluated. The experimental values from optimized formulation were obtained as Q1.5: 23.397%, Q8; 57.744%, Q24: 97.150% and FLT: 3.12 min. Predicted and experimental results were found comparable for all the responses. The release data from the optimized formulation were best fitted in the Higuchi (r2 = 0.999) and the Korsmeyer-Peppas ((r2 = 0.998, n=0.54) model. The in vitro drug release studies indicated that the Verapamil hydrochloride gastroretentive tablet releases the drug in controlled manner for 24 h. Conclusion: This study found that using Box-Behnken Design with the response and variable relation, it is possible to achieve an optimum formulation with desirable characteristics. This study also established the suitability of Compritol 888 ATO-HPMC K15M combination with Sodium bicarbonate to increase the gastric residence time tablet formulation had once-daily dosing of the Verapamil Hcl with improved bioavailability for effective management of hypertension.

Tuning the electrophoretic separations on a surface-accessible and flexible fibre-based microfluidic devices.

Electrophoresis on textile fiber substrates provides a unique surface-accessible platform for the movement, separation and concentration of charged analytes. The method employs the inherently inbuilt capillary channels existing within textile structures, which can support electroosmotic and electrophoretic transport processes upon applying an electric field. Unlike confined microchannels in classical chip-based electrofluidic devices, the capillaries formed by the roughly oriented fibers within textile substrates can impact the reproducibility of the separation process. Here, we report an approach for precise experimental conditions affecting the electrophoretic separation of two tracer solutes, fluorescein (FL) and rhodamine B (Rh-B) on textile-based substrates. A Box-Behnken response surface design methodology has been used to optimise the experimental conditions and predict the separation resolution of a solute mixture using polyester braided structures. The magnitude of the electric field, sample concentration and sample volume are of primary importance to the separation performance of the electrophoretic devices. Here, we use a statistical approach to optimise these parameters to achieve rapid and efficient separation. While a higher potential was shown to be required to separate solute mixtures of increasing concentration and sample volume, this was counteracted by a reduced separation efficiency due to joule heating, which caused electrolyte evaporation on the unenclosed textile structure at electric fields above 175 V cm-1. Using the approach presented here, optimal experimental conditions can be predicted to limit joule heating and attain effective separation resolution without compromising the analysis time on simple and low-cost textile substrates.

Optimization of the Extraction Process and Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharide Extracted from Centipeda minima.

The purpose of this study is to optimize the extraction process and study antioxidant activity of Polysaccharide extracted from Centipeda minima. The Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology was adopted to optimize the extraction process of polysaccharides from Centipeda minima. We purified the crude polysaccharides from Centipeda minima, as well as determined the purity, monosaccharide composition, and molecular weight of the purified fraction. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the structural features of the polysaccharides. Further, we investigated the antioxidant activities of different fractions of polysaccharides. Consequently, the results showed that the optimum extraction conditions for polysaccharides were: a liquid-solid ratio of 26 mL/g, extraction temperature of 85.5 °C, and extraction time of 2.4 h. Moreover, the yield of polysaccharides measured under these conditions was close to the predicted value. After purification, we obtained four components of Centipeda minima polysaccharides (CMP). The purity, monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, and structural characteristics of CMP were different, but with similar infrared absorption spectra. CMP exhibited a typical infrared absorption characteristic of a polysaccharide. Besides, CMP displayed good antioxidant activity, with potential to scavenge DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide radical. Therefore, this study provides a reference for future research on the structure and biological activity of CMP, and lays a theoretical foundation for food processing and medicinal development of CMP.

Overlapping Features and Microstructures of Coarse Grain Heat-Affected Zones in Swing Arc Narrow Gap GMA Welded EH40 Grade Steels

Swing arc narrow gap GMA welding experiments were carried out with a Box–Behnken response surface design. Weld metal and heat-affected sizes were measured from the joints obtained, and an ANOVA was performed to obtain well-fitting models for definition of the heat-affected length. Overlapping patterns and microstructures were analyzed and observed in zones within the heat-affected length through the thickness direction. In addition, thermal processes in typical zones of HAZs were calculated by FEM and analyzed to explain the patterns in the typical coarse grain heat-affected zones (CG-HAZs) with thermal simulated microstructures attached. It was realized that a single pass could only be confused with an austenitized process by two passes. The coarse grain heat-affected zone of a single pass could be divided into an unaltered coarse grain heat-affected zone (UACG-HAZ), a supercritically reheated coarse grain heat-affected zone (SCRCG-HAZ) and an intercritically reheated heat-affected zone (IRCG-HAZ). It is likely that there would be an intercritically reheated UACG-HAZ upon the UACG-HAZ. The microstructures in the CG-HAZs and the UACG-HAZ were mainly lath bainite and a little acicular ferrite; the microstructures in the SCRCG-HAZ were short lath bainite, granular bainite and acicular ferrite and the microstructures in the IRCG-HAZ were massive textures and secondary austenite decomposition products. The cooling times in the typical bainite transformation procedures were similar to one another in a secondary austenitized process and significantly longer than those in a single austenitized thermal cycle, which caused similar patterns in reheated CG-HAZs and an increase in acicular ferrite compared to CG-HAZs. The prior austenite grain sizes caused differences among the reheated CG-HAZs.

Development and optimization of transethosomal gel of apigenin for topical delivery: In-vitro, ex-vivo and cell line assessment

The main aim of this study was to optimize the transethosomes of apigenin formulated by the thin film hydration method using surfactant Span 80. Response surface Box-Behnken design with three levels of three factors was used to design and optimize the formulations. The prepared transethosomal formulations were characterized for entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, and flux to obtain the optimized formulation batch. The optimized batch was further incorporated into the gel and characterized for the in-vitro, ex-vivo, and cytotoxic studies. The result showed the optimized transethosomes were smooth, nanosized, unilamellar, and spherical with an entrapment efficiency of 78.75±3.14%, a vesicle size of 108.75±2.31nm, and a flux of 4.10±0.63µg/cm2/h. In-vitro cumulative drug release of transethosomal gel of apigenin (TEL gel) and the conventional gel was 92.25±3.5% and 53.40±3.10%, respectively, after 24h study. Ex-vivo permeation of TEL gel and conventional gel showed 86.20±3.60% and 51.20±3.20% permeation of apigenin at 24h, respectively. A cytotoxic study confirmed that TEL gel significantly reduces cell viability compared to conventional gel. The results suggested that topical application of apigenin transethosomal gel may be a better treatment strategy for skin cancer because of the prolonged sustained release of the drug and the better permeability of apigenin through the skin.

Microwave-assisted enzymatic extraction brings a notably high yield of polysaccharides from mountain Zizania latifolia.

Mountain Zizania latifolia is produced at scale in China, and the edible swollen culm is exported to many countries, but little attention has been paid to its functional components. In this work, microwave-assisted enzymatic extraction (MAEE) is used for the first time to extract polysaccharides from mountain Z. latifolia swollen culm (PMZL). MAEE conditions optimized by Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology were as follows: 2.4% cellulase, microwaving for 6.0min at 607W, with a liquid-to-solid ratio of 63:1mlg-1 . Under these conditions, a notably high yield of 60.43%±1.12% for PMZL was achieved, which was significantly higher (p<0.01) than from plain-grown varieties. PMZL are naturally occurring sulfated polysaccharide-protein complexes containing 8.46%±0.18% proteins and 7.86%±0.73% sulfates. PMZL comprises mannose, glucosamine, rhamnose, glucose, galactose, and arabinose at molar ratios of 3.80:2.68:1.00:17.41:5.12:2.91, with a weight-average molecular weight of 1569,219Da and a number-average molecular weight of 364,088Da. The surface morphology of PMZL is composed of tightly packed oval particles, and this kind of promising polysaccharides preferentially scavenges reactive nitrogen species. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Due to global warming, the land available for planting vegetables is likely to expand to higher areas, so greater attention should now be paid to mountain-grown vegetables. This study provides an efficient way to obtain novel polysaccharides from mountain Zizania latifolia using microwave-assisted enzymatic extraction with a remarkably high yield of 60.4%. This promising source of natural carbohydrates has potential uses in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, functional foods, cosmetics, and functional materials industries.

Optimization of Cr(VI) Adsorption on Eugenol-Silica Gel Composites Using Behnken Box Design

This study aims to find the optimum conditions for the adsorption of Cr (VI) ion to the eugenol-silica gel composite as an adsorbent and to determine the adsorption parameters using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm model. The three optimization parameters analyzed were pH, contact time, and weight of the adsorbent of the eugenol-silica gel composite. The optimization experiment was designed using the Box Behnken Design Response Surface Methodology (RSM) on the MINITAB software. Then, the maximum adsorption capacity was evaluated using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equation model. The results showed that the optimum conditions for the adsorption process were the weight of the eugenol-silica gel composite adsorbent of 0.15 grams, contact time of 35 minutes and pH of 5. The adsorption process under these conditions was favorable because the RL obtained was 0.0297. The maximum absorption capacity of Cr (VI) was indicated by the qm value of 1.0328 mg/g, and the KF, KL, and n values ​​observed 0.7961, 1.0885 and 14.0056, respectively. Adsorption of Cr(VI) ion by eugenol-silica gel composite followed the Langmuir isotherm equation.

Design and Working Parameter Optimization of Pneumatic Reciprocating Seedling-Picking Device of Automatic Transplanter

To improve the seedling-picking efficiency of the vegetable transplanter and reduce the damage rate of the seedling pot, a reciprocating seedling-picking device driven by full air pressure was designed. In this paper, the structure and working principle of the pneumatic seedling-picking device are introduced. Through the mechanical analysis between the seedling-picking claw and the seedling pot, working parameters such as the stroke and driving force of the pneumatic seedling-picking claw clamping cylinder were determined. According to the action sequence of the seedling-picking mechanism, which is horizontally dispersed and longitudinally conveyed, the pneumatic control scheme of the seedling-picking and -dropping system was formulated. The simulation model for the control loop of the longitudinal cylinder was created with AMESim simulation software, and the simulation analysis was carried out. The Box–Behnken response surface design optimization method was used to determine the best operating parameters of the cylinder. The optimized peak value of shock vibration at the end of the cylinder was optimized from −65.64 mm·s−2 to 35.41 mm·s−2, proving that the optimization of pneumatic working parameters has a positive effect on the success rate of seedling picking. The bench test of the seedling-picking mechanism was conducted on 72-hole plug seedlings with two picking frequencies of 120 plants·min−1 and 144 plants·min−1, respectively, and the average seedling leakage rate, seedling damage rate, and seedling pot damage rate at different picking frequencies were counted. The experimental results show that under the two seedling-picking frequencies, the average success rate of seedling picking and throwing after optimization is increased from 96.4% and 92.4% to 97.9% and 95.3%, respectively. This is in line with the requirements of high-speed seedling picking and confirms the rationality of the seedling-picking mechanism design.

Polyethyleneimine-modified lobster shell biochar for the efficient removal of copper ions in aqueous solution: Response surface method optimization and adsorption mechanism

In this study, lobster shells were used as the biomass raw material, and were modified by cross-linking with KOH and polyethyleneimine to obtain amine-functionalized biochar (PBC) for the removal of Cu 2+ in polluted water bodies. The biochar was characterized before and after modification. The Box Behnken design response surface methodology was used to optimize the experimental conditions and to investigate the effects of initial concentration, pH and dosage on Cu 2+ removal. Its adsorption performance was evaluated. The results show that PBC has a greater Cu 2+ adsorption capacity than other biochars, and the maximum adsorption capacity reached 491.68 mg·g -1 . This is mainly because the main inorganic component of lobster shell biochar is CaCO 3 . polyethyleneimine modification makes a new active functional group -NH 2 on the surface of the original biochar (BC) and increases the number of nitrogen-containing groups such as C-N and -NH. The initial concentration had the greatest effect on the removal of Cu 2+ , and the interaction of pH and initial concentration was the most significant interaction factor throughout the adsorption process. The adsorption of Cu 2+ by BC and PBC followed the pseudo-second-order, fractal-like pseudo-first-order, fractal-like pseudo-second-order kinetic equation and Langmuir isothermal adsorption model for chemisorption on a single molecular layer. Cu 2+ is mainly removed by complexation, ion exchange, coprecipitation and physical adsorption. Carbonate and nitrogen-containing groups on the surface of PBC are the main adsorption sites for Cu 2+ . Furthermore, the adsorbent has excellent reusability and practical application potential. • Polyethyleneimine (PEI) -modified lobster shell biochar was prepared. • The interaction of pH and initial concentration dominated the removal of Cu 2+ . • PEI loading increased the number and type of nitrogen-containing groups on biochar. • Carbonate and nitrogen-containing groups are the main adsorption sites for Cu 2+ .

Optimization of multiple enzymes production by fermentation using lipid-producing Bacillus sp.

The present study identified the pectinase-producing bacterium isolated from the contaminated broth as Bacillus sp. on 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The bacterium illustrated water-like droplets on the colony grown on the Sabouraud dextrose agar plate. It also exhibited multi-enzymes activities, such as pectinase, polygalacturonase, xylanase, and cellulase by using various agro-wastes as low-cost substrates. The orange peel was observed to be the best substrate among the agro-wastes used for maximum multi-enzymes (pectinase, polygalacturonase, xylanase, and cellulase). However, the bacterium demonstrated its capability to produce different enzymes according to the different substrates/agro-wastes used. The Plackett-Burman design was used to determine the essential influencing factors, while the Box Behnken design response surface methodology was for optimizing cultural conditions. At their optimal conditions (40°C incubation temperature, 24 h of incubation period, 1% w/v orange peel, and 2% v/v inoculum volume), the bacterium exhibited the maximum pectinase (9.49 ± 1.25 U/ml) and xylanase (16.27 ± 0.52 U/ml) activities. Furthermore, the study explored the ability of the bacterium to produce bacterial lipids and observed about 25% bacterial lipid content on a dry weight basis. Therefore, the bacterium is a good candidate for producing important multi-enzymes and subsequent agro-waste degradation controlling the environment, and facilitating waste management. Also, the bacterium can be a potential feedstock in producing renewable biofuel.

Preparation of controlled low-strength materials from alkali-excited red mud-slag-iron tailings sand and a study of the reaction mechanism.

To address the low utilization of fines in iron tailings sand (IOTs), a controlled low-strength material (CLSM) was prepared from a combination of fine IOTs and red mud (RM) slag. The 7-day unconfined compressive strength (7-d UCS), slump and cost were used as evaluation indicators, and 16 sets of tests were designed with the Box-Behnken design (BBD) response surface method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to study the microscopic morphology and reaction mechanism of the CLSM samples made with the optimal ratios. The results show that the best matching ratio for the alkali-activated RM-slag-IOTs CLSM was a sand ratio of 0.797, an NaOH dose of 3.667% and a mass concentration of 80.657%, and the 7d-UCS, slump and cost indicators verified the feasibility of applying the CLSM to the base course of pavement. Alkali activation of the CLSM also showed that the RM-slag cementation system produced new substances. Internal calcium-silicate-hydrogel (C-S-H) and calcium-aluminosilicate-hydrogel (C-A-S-H) agglomerates were the main sources of strength, and hydration products were interwoven to form a dense structure with crystals as the framework and gels as fillers.

Development and characterization of chitosan‐purple yam starch‐based biodegradable films: Physicochemical, mechanical, thermal, and functional properties

AbstractPurple yam is a root vegetable that is a rich source of starch, cost‐effective, readily available, and has promising film‐forming ability but is still an underutilized vegetable. The aim of this study was to utilize the purple yam starch in the chitosan‐based films along with hydrocolloids such as agar and almond gum. These hydrocolloids when incorporated could improve the physicochemical, mechanical, and functional properties of the films. The effect of concentration of starch (0.25% to 0.75%), agar (1.25% to 1.75%), and almond gum (0.25% to 0.75%) on physicochemical (thickness, water activity, moisture content, color, solubility, biodegradability), mechanical (tensile strength and folding endurance), functional (Water vapor transfer rate, FTIR) and thermal (Differential Scanning Calorimeter) properties of the film were studied. The experiments were carried out according to the three factor‐three level Box–Behnken response surface design. The results showed that moisture content, water vapor transfer rate, biodegradability, and folding endurability were significantly affected by all three independent parameters viz. starch, agar, and almond gum concentration. Films made were more hydrophilic as compared to only chitosan films; which increased their solubility. An increase in hydrocolloid content reduced lightness, producing yellow‐colored films. It can be concluded that the chitosan‐purple yam starch‐based films with hydrocolloids can positively affect the film properties and has the potential to be used in food packaging and/or coating applications.Novelty impact statementThe application of purple yam starch (PYS), an underutilized and non‐conventional starch source along with almond gum to increase the strength of chitosan‐based films has been studied. PYS ‐hydrocolloid‐chitosan film with good tensile strength, folding endurance and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) were obtained and can be used for storing food products. Starch, agar and almond gum concentration significantly affected the moisture content, total color difference, WVTR, folding endurability, biodegradability, and water solubility.

Optimization and Evaluation of the Quercus infectoria Galls Thermosensitive In Situ Gel for Rectal Delivery.

Quercus infectoria galls (QIGs) have a long history of treating ulcerative colitis (UC). The aqueous extract of QIG has an anti-UC effect. However, QIG's enema is easy to leak, and the action time and dose of the drug cannot be controlled well. Thus, QIG is inconvenient to use. This study aims to screen and prepare an optimized thermosensitive in situ gel with slow release and retention. Taking the transition sol-gel temperature (Tsol-gel) as the investigation index, the Box-Behnken design response surface method (BBD-RSM) was used to optimize the dosages of Poloxamer 407 (P407), Poloxamer 188 (P188), and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC). Moreover, three formulations were selected, and the in vitro release rates were further optimized. The optimized rates of P407, P188, and HPMC were 24.07%, 1.22%, and 0.60%, respectively, and Tsol-gel was 32.8°C ± 0.4°C. The cumulative release of gallic acid in the gel conformed to the first-order kinetic equation, and gallic acid was released entirely within 24 h. In addition, the morphological and chemical characterization of thermosensitive in situ gel demonstrated that excipients did not affect the characteristic functional groups of QIG and that the surface of the QIG gel had a porous and loose structure. Rheological methods showed that the QIG thermosensitive in situ gel was fluid at low temperature and semisolid at gelation temperature. Therefore, the prepared gel was sensitive to temperature and had slow-release, local retention properties.

Green, simple analytical method for total biogenic amines content determination in wine using spectrophotometry

A simple, green and equitable procedure for total biogenic amines (BAs) content determination was developed. The scientific novelty lies in the use of commercially available S0378 dye, the reaction of which with BAs results in a colour change of the solution. Sample preparation and analysis were simplified to make the method suitable for routine analyses even in resource-scarce settings. The optimization of the method was carried out using a Box-Behnken response surface design. The developed method has satisfactory figures of merit for putrescine equivalent determination with R2 in the range of 0.9906-0.9933 and recovery between 99.7 and 101.2%. The method's greenness was assessed using AGREEprep. Finally, wine samples were analysed to demonstrate the applicability of the developed method.