Capping Concentration Research Articles

"Explosive" CaCO3 microcapsules driven by EDTA combined with a "signal booster" semiconductor Zn0.995Ce0.005O SERS substrate for ultra-sensitive SERS detection of chloramphenicol

BackgroundChloramphenicol (CAP) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and its continuous use in human medicine, livestock has resulted disturbances in ecosystem stability. The complex background and low concentration of CAP in aquatic environments present significant scientific challenges for its sensitive detection. Currently detection techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) are hindered by their complex procedures and high costs. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), due to its unique ability for fingerprint recognition, has emerged as a powerful tool for analysis and detection. However, it is often limited by the low kurtosis expression of the target. ResultThe water-soluble explosive polyethylenimide grafted calcium carbonate (PEI@CaCO3) microcapsule was utilized to encapsulate the signal probe Ag@4-NTP and combine it with a semiconductor SERS substrate Zn0.995Ce0.005O, enabling ultra-sensitive detection of CAP through a signal attenuation strategy. Moreover, magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIP) and nucleic acid aptamers were employed as capture probes for achieving rapid and direct magnetic separation, followed by layer-by-layer assembly to construct the sensor probe. In the presence of CAP, the aptamers and rMMIPs selectively recognized the target, forming a PEI@CaCO3@Ag@4-NTP@Apt@CAP@rMMIPs "sandwich" structure (Microcapsule@Apt@rMMIPs). After multiple magnetic separations, the "igniter" EDTA solution was added, causing the CaCO3 capsules to rapidly "explode" and release a significant amount of Ag@4-NTP. This was then applied to the "signal booster" semiconductor SERS substrate. Under optimal conditions, this method exhibited a detection range of 1.0 × 10−5 M to 1.0 × 10−15 M, with a detection limit of 6.84 × 10−16 M. SignificantThe unite of magnetic MIP and nucleic acid aptamer to form a “sandwich” structure, in combination with a semiconductor SERS substrate, not only enhances the sensor's sensitivity but also offers significant economic advantages. Moreover, this innovative technology holds great promise for accurate and highly sensitive detection of pollutants in complex environments.

Valorisation of Blackcurrant Pomace by Extraction of Pectin-Rich Fractions: Structural Characterization and Evaluation as Multifunctional Cosmetic Ingredient

Blackcurrant pomace is a widely available waste stream derived from the industrial production of juice rich in pectin and unextracted polyphenols. Since pectin, an emerging class of gastrointestinal prebiotics, is also a common cosmetic ingredient, the aim of this work was to evaluate blackcurrant pomace as a source of pectin-rich fractions suitable for application in prebiotic cosmetics. Hereby, this raw material was valorised by sequential extraction of acid-soluble (by citric acid, CAP) and Ca-bound (by ammonium oxalate, AOPP) pectic polysaccharides. Both fractions had favourable physicochemical features and a similar degree of methyl-esterification between low- and high-methoxyl pectin (approx. 50%), but CAP had significantly higher galacturonic acid content (72.3%), branching, and purity. Regardless of that, both had very high oil (18.96 mL/g for CAP and 19.32 mL/g for AOPP) and water (9.97 mL/g for CAP and 7.32 mL/g for AOPP)-holding capacities and excellent emulsifying properties, making them promising cosmetic ingredients. The polyphenol content was 10 times higher in CAP, while corresponding antioxidant activity was 3-fold higher. Finally, the influence of varying CAP and AOPP concentrations on common skin pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus, and beneficial skin bacteria, Staphylococcus epidermidis, was examined. The results show significant prebiotic potential of two pectic fractions since they were capable of selectively stimulating S. epidermidis, while S. aureus growth was inhibited, whereas CAP demonstrated a particularly high capacity of up to 2.2, even with methicillin-resistant S. aureus.

Effects of chemical oxygen demand and chloramphenicol on attached microalgae growth: Physicochemical properties and microscopic mass transfer in biofilm

During the wastewater treatment and resource recovery process by attached microalgae, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) can cause biotic contamination in algal culture systems, which can be mitigated by adding an appropriate dosage of antibiotics. The transport of COD and additive antibiotic (chloramphenicol, CAP) in algal biofilms and their influence on algal physiology were studied. The results showed that COD (60 mg/L) affected key metabolic pathways, such as photosystem II and oxidative phosphorylation, improved biofilm autotrophic and heterotrophic metabolic intensities, increased nutrient demand, and promoted biomass accumulation by 55.9 %, which was the most suitable COD concentration for attached microalgae. CAP (5–10 mg/L) effectively stimulated photosynthetic pigment accumulation and nutrient utilization in pelagic microalgal cells. In conclusion, controlling the COD concentration (approximately 60 mg/L) in the medium and adding the appropriate CAP concentration (5–10 mg/L) are conducive to improving attached microalgal biomass production and resource recovery potential from wastewater.

Combining gut microbiota modulation and chemotherapy by capecitabine-loaded prebiotic nanoparticle improves colorectal cancer therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy efficiency can be influenced by the microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract. Compared with traditional intervention, prebiotics delivery into the gut is a more controllable method for gut microbiota modulatory therapy. Capecitabine (Cap), the first-line chemotherapeutic agent for CRC, lacks a carrier that can prolong its half-life. Here, we construct a Cap-loaded nanoparticle using the prebiotic xylan-stearic acid conjugate (SCXN). The oral administration of SCXN delays the drug clearance in the blood and increases the intra-tumoral Cap concentration in the CRC mouse model. SCXN also facilitates the probiotic proliferation and short chain fatty acid production. Compared with free Cap, SCXN enhances the anti-tumor immunity and increases the tumor inhibition rate from 5.29 to 71.78%. SCXN exhibits good biocompatibility and prolongs the median survival time of CRC mice from 14 to 33.5 d. This prebiotics-based nanoparticle provides a promising CRC treatment by combining gut microbiota modulation and chemotherapy.

Effects of experimental bleaching gels containing co-doped titanium dioxide and niobium pentoxide combined with violet light.

The objective of the study is to evaluate the bleaching potential of 6% hydrogen peroxide (6% HP) gels containing NF_TiO2 or Nb2O5 irradiated with a violet LED light and the effects on enamel mineral content and surface morphology. Particles were synthesized, and experimental gels were chemically analyzed by preliminary and accelerated stability tests, pH, and HP decomposition rate. Bovine enamel blocks were treated with 6% HP gels containing (n = 10): 5% NF_TiO2, 5% Nb2O5, 2.5% NF_TiO2 + 2.5% Nb2O5 or without particles (6% HP), irradiated or not with LED, and the control was treated with 35% HP. Color (∆E00) and whitening index (∆WID) variations, surface microhardness (SH), average roughness (∆Ra), Ca-P concentration (EDS), and enamel morphology (SEM) were assessed. Bleaching was performed in 3 sessions of 30min and 7-day intervals. Data were submitted to two- (pH, decomposition rate, ∆E00, and ∆WID) or three-way ANOVA and Bonferroni (SH), Kruskal-Wallis (∆Ra), and Dunnettests (α = 0.05). No changes in the gel's color, odor, or translucency were observed. ThepH (6 to 6.5) remained stable over time, and light irradiation boosted the HP decomposition rate. NF_TiO2 and Nb2O5-containing gels displayed higher ∆E00 and ΔWID when light-irradiated (p < 0.05). Nb2O5 and Nb2O5 + NF_TiO2 decreased enamel SH (p < 0.05), but no SH changes were found among groups (p > 0.05). No differences among groups were noted in ∆Ra, Ca-P content, and enamel morphology after treatments (p > 0.05). Experimental light-irradiated 6% HP gels containing NF_TiO2 or Nb2O5 were chemically stable and exhibited bleaching potential comparable with 35% HP. Low-concentrated HP gelscontaining NF_TiO2 or Nb2O5 and light-irradiatedstand as a possible alternative to in-office bleaching.

Electroless Deposition of Silver onto Silica Nanoparticles to Produce Lipophilic Core-Shell Nanoparticles

HypothesisThe colloidal stability of noble metal nanoparticles can be tuned for solvents of varying hydrophobicity by modifying the surface chemistry of the particles with different capping agent architectures. Challenges arise when attempting to separately control multiple nanoparticle properties due to the interdependence of this adsorption process on the surface chemistry and metal architecture. A surfactant-mediated, templated synthesis strategy should decouple control over size and stability to produce lipophilic nanoparticles from aqueous reagents. ExperimentsA modified electroless plating process that produces oil-dispersible core–shell silver-silica nanoparticles is presented. Amine-terminated alkanes are utilized as the capping agents to generate lipophilic surface coatings and the particles are temporarily stabilized during the synthesis by adding a Pluronic surfactant that enhances dispersibility in the aqueous reaction medium. The evolution of shell morphology, composition, and colloidal stability was analyzed against capping agent architecture and concentration. The role of particle shape was also tested by interchanging the template geometry. FindingsThe capping agents installed on the silver shell surface displayed both colloidal stability enhancements and a minimum effective capping concentration that is a function of molecular weight without influencing the shell composition. Particle geometry can be controlled by interchanging the silica template size and shape.

Effects of Capsicum oleoresin Inclusion on Rumen Fermentation and Lactation Performance in Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) during Summer: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

This research aimed to evaluate the effects of Capsicum oleoresin (CAP) supplementation on rumen fermentation in vivo and In vitro, and lactation performance in buffaloes. In the experiment in vitro, 2 × 5 factorial design was carried out according to two temperatures (normal temperature: 39 °C; hyperthermal temperature: 42 °C) and five CAP concentrations (0 mg/L; 2 mg/L; 20 mg/L; 200 mg/L; 2000 mg/L). In the experiment in vivo, four multiparous mid-lactating Mediterranean buffaloes (body weight: 640.08 ± 17.90 kg) were randomly allocated to four treatments according to 4 × 4 Latin square design for CAP supplementation in four dosages (0 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, or 40 mg/kg of dry matter). The experiment’s results In vitro showed that hyperthermal temperature affected all fermentation characteristics measured in this research. CAP decreased the pH, short-chain fatty acids concentration, and percentages of propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, and caproate, while increasing the percentage of acetate and the ratio of acetate to propionate at normal temperature (p ≤ 0.05). In the experiment in vivo, CAP decreased the percentage of propionate and quadratically affected acetate percentage in rumen fluid (p ≤ 0.05). CAP reduced rectal temperature and respiratory rates (p ≤ 0.05) and tended to increase dry matter intake quadratically (p ≤ 0.10). For lactation performance, CAP increased milk yield and milk lactose yield (p ≤ 0.05), and tended to increase milk protein yield (p ≤ 0.10). In conclusion, CAP modified rumen fermentation characteristics in vivo and In vitro and had beneficial effects on lactation performance in buffaloes during summer.

Epsilon-Caprolactam- and Nylon Oligomer-Degrading Bacterium Brevibacterium epidermidis BS3: Characterization and Potential Use in Bioremediation.

epsilon-Caprolactam (Caprolactam, CAP), a monomer of the synthetic non-degradable polymer nylon-6, is the major wastewater component in the production of caprolactam and nylon-6. Biological treatment of CAP, using microbes could be a potent alternative to the current waste utilization techniques. This work focuses on the characterization and potential use of caprolactam-degrading bacterial strain BS3 isolated from soils polluted by CAP production wastes. The strain was identified as Brevibacterium epidermidis based on the studies of its morphological, physiological, and biochemical properties and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. This study is the first to report the ability of Brevibacterium to utilize CAP. Strain BS3 is an alcalo- and halotolerant organism, that grows within a broad range of CAP concentrations, from 0.5 up to 22.0 g/L, optimally at 1.0-2.0 g/L. A caprolactam biodegradation experiment using gas chromatography showed BS3 to degrade 1.0 g/L CAP over 160 h. In contrast to earlier characterized narrow-specific CAP-degrading bacteria, strain BS3 is also capable of utilizing linear nylon oligomers (oligomers of 6-aminohexanoic acid), CAP polymerization by-products, as sole sources of carbon and energy. The broad range of utilized toxic pollutants, the tolerance for high CAP concentrations, as well as the physiological properties of B. epidermidis BS3, determine the prospects of its use for the biological cleanup of CAP and nylon-6 production wastes that contain CAP, 6-aminohexanoic acid, and low molecular weight oligomer fractions.

Papaya Peel-derived Activated Carbon as Potential Adsorbent for Chloramphenicol Compound

In this study, papaya peel was converted into papaya peel-derived activated carbon (PPAC) and tested for batch adsorption of CAP. During synthesizing of PPAC, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) was carried out followed by chemical activation via potassium hydroxide (KOH) and microwave heating to enhance its surface area, porosity, and functional groups. Microwave power for activation process (364-700 W) and initial CAP concentration (5-100 mg/L) were investigated to study the PPAC adsorption capacity and percentage removal. Based on the experimental data, increased microwave power led to an increase in both adsorption capacity and percentage removal until an optimum value. Adsorption capacity also increased when initial CAP concentration increased owing to the higher driving force generated to overcome mass transfer resistance at higher initial CAP concentration. Maximum adsorption capacity of 22.9958 mg/g and maximum percentage removal of 82.40% was achieved. Moreover, the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model best fitted the data for CAP removal via PPAC. The findings indicated that PPAC was a promising and potential adsorbent in decontaminating CAP from water sources.

Development of chloramphenicol whey protein-based microparticles incorporated into thermoresponsive in situ hydrogels for improved wound healing treatment

This study focused on the incorporation ofchloramphenicol (CAP)intowhey protein (WPI)(CAP-MPs) and was further formulated into a thermoresponsivein situgel for wound healing treatment.CAP microparticleswereproduced by two steps emulsification process.The modification ofthe mixing time and speed, as well as the variation of WPI and CAP concentration, resulted in various particle sizes(0.95 ± 0.07to 8.94 ± 0.32 μm). The optimum formulation was achieved using 15 % WPI in water, and 2 mL CAP in propylene glycol withatotal amount in the mixture was 100 mg, and 5 % oil phase, with homogenization time and speed at 15 min and 7500 rpm, respectively. The characterization of CAP-MP’s showed PDI values at 0.110 ± 0.007, drug entrapment efficiency at70.64 ± 1.12 %,and drug loading at 8.80 ± 0.12 %.SEM analysis of CAP-MPs showedspherical, uniform particlesdispersed across the surface of the emulsion droplets.FTIR analysis showed strong development of hydrogen bonds proving the encapsulation was effective. Pluronic® F127, Pluronic® F68, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)were used for the thermoresponsive hydrogel formulation with desired properties. The gel formulationcouldprovideliquid form at room temperature (25 °C) andformagel at 31 °C.This optimum formula was able to increase the bioadhesivity (28160.92 ± 3902.09 dyne/cm2) as well as the percentage of gels skin occlusivity after 24 h (32.82 ± 0.004),and to be considered, it did not show hemolytic activities. In anex vivoantibacterial activity, this combination approach showed a 99.95 % reduction in theStaphylococcus aureus(SA) population.

The spatial distribution and characterization of phosphorus and nitrogen in a water-carrying lake: a case study of Lake Jiaogang, China.

The sources of P and N in water-carrying lakes include exogenous input and endogenous release. However, the influence of pollution from different sources on the dynamic distribution of N and P at the sediment-water interface in water-carrying lakes remains unclear. The objectives of this study were to investigate the differences in dynamic distribution characteristics of P compounds and N elements in Lake Jiaogang, a major water-carrying lake in eastern China. Four functional regions with different types of pollutant sources and different kinds of aquatic plants were selected to study the distribution of total P (TP), inorganic P, organic P, ammonium (NH4+-N), and nitrate (NO3--N). The results revealed that regions with internal-source pollutants contained the highest concentration of TP, Ca-P, and Fe-P with high concentrations. L-P, Al-P, mostly organic P, and soluble reactive phosphorous (SRP), the region with internal-source pollutants were lower than that with the imported-source pollutant. The concentration of dissolved NH4+-N showed high in regions with imported-source pollutants, however, in regions with internal-source pollutants, the dissolved NO3--N was with the highest concentration. Overall, P from upstream was still dominant in the sediments despite uptake by the aquatic plants. SRP showed high concentration in regions with imported-source pollutants due to the imported pollution and the improved bioavailability by plant root exudates. Feces and feed residues from aquatic livestock breeding resulted in the highest concentration of TN, NH4+-N, and dissolved NO3--N in the sediments of the region with internal-source pollutants. High concentrations of dissolved NH4+-N were due to the input of N from imported source pollutants. This study provides insights into the contributions of P and N to the eutrophication of the water-carrying lake.

Effects of capsicum oleoresin supplementation on rumen fermentation and microbial abundance under different temperature and dietary conditions in vitro.

This study aimed to determine the effect of capsicum oleoresin (CAP) on rumen fermentation and microbial abundance under different temperature and dietary conditions in vitro. The experimental design was arranged in a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial format together with two temperatures (normal: 39°C; hyperthermal: 42°C), two forage/concentrate ratios (30:70; 70:30), and two CAP concentrations in the incubation fluid at 20 and 200 mg/L with a control group. Regarding the fermentation characteristics, high temperature reduced short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) production except for molar percentages of butyrate while increasing acetate-to-propionate ratio and ammonia concentration. The diets increased total SCFA, propionate, and ammonia concentrations while decreasing acetate percentage and acetate-to-propionate ratio. CAP reduced acetate percentage and acetate-to-propionate ratio. Under hyperthermal condition, CAP could reduce acetate percentage and increase acetate-to-propionate ratio, lessening the negative effect of high heat on SCFA. Hyperthermal condition and diet altered the relative abundance of microbial abundance in cellulose-degrading bacteria. CAP showed little effect on the microbial abundance which only increased Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens. Thus, CAP could improve rumen fermentation under different conditions, with plasticity in response to the ramp of different temperature and dietary conditions, although hardly affecting rumen microbial abundance.

Facile synthesis and characterisations of cobalt ferrite-silver-graphene oxide nanocomposite in enhancing electrochemical response capacity

In this report, cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4 NPs) synthesised from the co-precipitation method were strongly connected with graphene oxide nanosheets (GO) via ‘bridge molecules’- polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride (PHMB)’. Silver (Ag) NPs were grown on the surface of CoFe2O4-GO nanocomposites to improve the electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic ability of the proposed functional nanocomposites. Characteristics of the synthesised materials were investigated via x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The obtained results demonstrate that the CoFe2O4-Ag-GO nanocomposites could significantly improve the adsorption ability and electron transfer between electrode and analytes owing to the synergetic effect of Ag NPs, CoFe2O4 NPs, and GO. The prepared CoFe2O4-Ag-GO nanocomposites showed the highest electrochemical response for chloramphenicol antibiotic detection, with current intensity response (∼24.4 μA) being 3.25 and 2.57 times higher than that of CoFe2O4 NPs (7.5 μA) and CoFe2O4-GO (9.5 μA), respectively. The calibration plot is linear in the 1–50 μM CAP concentration range, with a detection limit of 0.1 μM. With excellent electrochemical properties, the CoFe2O4-Ag-GO nanocomposites are expected to be a potential candidate for advanced electrochemical sensing applications.

Superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles for cancer cells treatment via magnetic hyperthermia: effect of natural capping agent, particle size and concentration

Superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles for cancer cells treatment via magnetic hyperthermia: effect of natural capping agent, particle size and concentration

Modeling of micro aluminum particle combustion in multiple oxidizers

Prediction of combustion characteristics of aluminum particle is of great significance for a variety of propulsion and power systems to achieve optimal energy release within a limited residence time. In this study, a diffusion-controlled combustion model for micro aluminum particle was developed and validated to predict the burning time and capture the evolution of particle size during combustion in environments with multiple oxidizers. Thereafter, the key factors influencing particle combustion were evaluated including particle size, ambient temperature, oxidizer concentration and characteristics of oxide cap. The burning time drops as the oxidizer concentration and the ambient temperature increase, and their influences on burning time become weakened gradually. The effect of oxidizer concentration presents more obvious than ambient temperature. As the number of oxide cap increases from 2 to 5, the burning time rises by 6.9%–27.4%. Then a non-linear empirical equation was proposed to describe the effective oxidizer, which is more accurate than the existing linear correlation, especially for H2O. Finally, a formula capable of predicting the burning time was proposed and validated, providing a convenient and accurate method for practical application.

Effect of glutathione capping on the antibacterial activity of tin doped ZnO nanoparticles

In the present study, we first synthesized pristine ZnO and Sn doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) then capped the synthesized NPs by Glutathione at different capping concentrations. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of synthesized NPs was examined by x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible, and energy resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. The XRD analysis confirmed the formation of wurtzite crystal structure of ZnO nano-crystallites while TEM micrographs showed the formation of dendrite nanostructure at higher capping concentration of glutathione in Sn doped ZnO NPS. Strong absorption band around 2525 cm−1 in the IR spectrum indicates the presence of S–H stretching vibration of glutathione which has been disappeared in glutathione capped ZnO NPs. Blue shift in absorption edge was observed in glutathione capped ZnO NPs as compared to uncapped NPs. Moreover, the synthesized NPs showed excellent response against both Gram positive bacteria (Streptococcus sp. & Staphylococcus sp.) and Gram negative (E. coli & Klebsiella sp.) bacteria. Maximum zone of inhibition has been observed with glutathione capped Sn doped ZnO nanostructures. Hence, it can be concluded from the present investigation that the optimization of capping concentration will be very beneficial to exploit Sn doped ZnO semiconductor nanostructures as a coating material for different chemotherapeutic drugs.

Screening of stereoisomeric chloramphenicol residues in honey by ELISA and CHARM ® II test – the potential risk of systematically false-compliant (false negative) results

ABSTRACTChloramphenicol (CAP) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used widely both in human and in veterinary medication but due to adverse health effects is not authorised anymore for use in food-producing animals in many countries. CAP molecule contains two asymmetric centers resulting in four para-CAP stereoisomers, but only the RR-CAP enantiomer is bioactive with significant antimicrobial activity. In this study the detection of the four CAP stereoisomers was tested by five commercial ELISA kits and the Charm® II Chloramphenicol Test. These immunoassay tests are commonly used and widely accepted for screening of CAP residues in foods of animal origin, including honey. The test results definitely show that SS-CAP residues are not detected; even high SS-CAP concentrations are missed due to the lack of any cross reactivity and the high specificity of the CAP antibodies to RR-CAP. In former studies chiral LC-MS/MS analysis indicated clearly that honey samples with raised CAP concentrations often contain the SS-CAP enantiomer in addition to the bioactive RR-CAP. According to this study, the investigated screening tests carry the risk of systematically false-compliant (false negative) results for CAP and a discrepancy between LC-MS/MS and ELISA/Charm® test results. As a consequence of this study, it is recommended that immunoassay manufacturers develop and use CAP antibodies which also bind SS-CAP. The origin of SS-CAP residues in honey samples is discussed and general toxicological and regulatory aspects of CAP stereoisomers are raised.

Tsc1/Tsc2 complex: A molecular target of capsaicin for protection against testicular torsion induced injury in rats

ObjectiveThe detailed knowledge about protective effects of capsaicin (cap) and involved mechanisms against testicular torsion (TT) is still not available completely. MethodsMale Wistar rats were assigned into four major cohorts: (i) sham, (ii) TT, (iii) three subgroups subjected to TT and different doses of cap (100, 500, and 1000 µg/mL), and (iv) three subgroups of healthy animals subjected to various concentrations of cap. The animals were decapitated at 24 h after reperfusion, and the evaluation of protein expression was performed by Western blotting assay. At 72 h after reperfusion, apoptotic cell death and tissue injury were evaluated by TUNEL nuclear and H&E staining, respectively. ResultsThe results showed that cap administration following TT significantly increased the expression of tuberous sclerosis proteins 1 and 2 (Tsc1/Tsc2) in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Cap decreased cell apoptosis at highest dose. Likewise, cap contributed to the preservation of tubular morphology and decreased tissue injury at the highest tested concentration (1000 µg/mL). ConclusionCollectively, our findings demonstrate the validity of cap as a therapeutic agent against TT through targeting Tsc1/Tsc2 in a dose-dependent manner.

Formulation and evaluation of transdermal drug delivery system of verapamil hydrochloride

The aim of this research was to develop and evaluate a matrix type of transdermal drug delivery system containing Verapamil Hydrochloride. The series of formulations containing Verapamil Hydrochloride were formulated by using different polymers like HPMC (hydrophilic), CAP (hydrophobic) and EC (hydrophobic) in different ratios by solvent evaporation technique. Propylene glycol and Dibutyl phthalate were used as plasticizers. The 20% and 40% of DMSO is used as the penetration enhancer. Formulated transdermal patches were physically evaluated for thickness, weight variation, drug content, flatness, tensile strength, folding endurance, and water vapour transmission rate. The in-vitro drug release study was carried out by using Franz diffusion cell. The data obtained from release study shows increased percentage of drug permeated in 20% of DMSO containing formulation than 40% of DMSO containing formulation. Drug permeation is enhanced in the formulation containing high concentration of HPMC (VH1). The VH2 and VH6 helped in maintaining the rate of release at a constant level (20% DMSO). But in case of 40% DMSO is used as the concentration of CAP increases the rate of permeation increases. Skin irritation study does not show any irritation on the skin of rabbit. There is no possible interaction between drug and polymers in FITR as well as DSC. XRD of selected formulation shows that drug present in the formulation is in crystalline form.&#x0D; Keywords: Verapamil HCl, HPMC, EC, CAP, DMSO, TDDS, Solvent evaporation

Photoluminescent coral-like carbon-branched polymers as nanoprobe for fluorometric determination of captopril.

The authors describe the synthesis of fluorescent coral-like carbon nano-branched polymers (PCNBPs) co-doped with nitrogen and phosphorus. Uric acid and phosphoric acid act as nitrogen and phosphorus sources, respectively. The PCNBPs have a coral-like branched structure, are cross-connected, and < 20nm in skeleton diameter. Their bluefluorescence, best measured at excitation/emission wavelengths of 330/425nm, is quenched by mercury (II) ions due to the specifically restricted rigid conformation caused by the interaction of phosphorus, nitrogen, and oxygen groups on the surface of the PCNBPs. Fluorescence is selectivity quenched by Hg(II) but restored in addition of the hypertension drug captopril (CAP) in the range 50nM to 40μM concentration range. Fluorescence recovery is attributed to the effectively specific interactions between the thiol group of CAP and Hg(II). The method was applied to the determination of the concentration of Cap in pharmaceutical samples, and recoveries were between 97.6 and 105.1%. Graphical abstract Fluorescent coral-like carbon nano-branched polymers (PCNBPs) co-doped with nitrogen and phosphorusare described. Their fluorescence is selectivity quenched by Hg(II) but restored in addition of the hypertension drug captopril (Cap) in the range 50nM to 40μM concentration range.