Carr's Index Research Articles

Formulation Development and Characterization of Floating Drug Delivery System of Rosiglitazone Maleate

In the current study, wet granulation with various concentrations and combinations of excipients like magnesium stearate as a lubricant, talc as glident, DCP as diluent, and PVP K 30 as a binder successfully produced floating tablets of rosiglitazone maleate. These excipients included HPMC K15M, xanthan gum, sodium bicarbonate, and tartaric acid as gas-generating agents. We investigated every pre-compressional parameter, including angle of repose, bulk density, and Carr's index. Drug content, hardness, friability, weight fluctuation, in-vitro dissolving experiments, floating qualities, and stability investigations were performed on the compressed tablets. According to in-vitro experiments, the release time increases up to 6, 8, and 10 hours, respectively, as the content of HPMC K15M in formulations F1, F2, and F3 is raised. For formulations F4, F5, and F6, adding xanthan gum raised the release to 7, 9, and 11 hours, respectively. In formulations F7, F8, and F9, the release was found to be increased up to 8, 10, and 12 hours, respectively, with the addition of HPMC K 15 M and Xanthan gum. F9 was discovered to be the finest formulation since it could maintain release for up to 12 hours. All formulations displayed "n" value for Peppa's plot in the range of 0.45 to 0.89, demonstrating anomalous transport (non-Fickian diffusion) as the method of drug release. The improved formulation (F9) was demonstrated to be stable and intact without any contact over the course of 90 days.

In vivo Evaluation for the Anticoagulant Activity of Dipyridamole Matrix Tablets

Dipyridamole (DYP) is potent drug that prevents the thromboembolic risk. It has been clinically used for chronic treatment of angina pectoris treatment and during the valve replacement. heart valve replacement and long-term angina pectoris treatment and is well absorbed in the stomach with BCS class II drug and low oral bioavailability. The present research investigation was focused on the formulation of matrix tablets of Dipyridamole cocrystals and the evaluation of In vivo anticoagulant activity. The results of the study showed that the formulated matrix tablets of dipyridamole cocrystals showed improved efficacy in comparison with the plain drug by enhancing the pre-compression parameters such as bulk density, tap density, Carr's index, angle of repose and Hausner's ratio and post-compression parameters like thickness and weight variation, hardness and friability, In vitro dissolution parameters. The improved efficacy was confirmed by improvement in the pharmacodynamic parameters such as cutaneous bleeding time and clotting time indicative of enhanced bioavailability of dipyridamole. Thus, it can be concluded that the dipyridamole matrix tablets prove to be more effective in producing the anticoagulant effect in clinical practice as compared to the plain drug resulting in more patient compliance.

Quality by design (QbD) approach to develop fast-dissolving tablets using melt-dispersion paired with surface-adsorption method: formulation and pharmacokinetics of flurbiprofen melt-dispersion granules.

Developing amorphous solid dispersions with good flow properties is always challenging for formulation scientists to convert into tablets. Hence, the present study investigates the impact of the combination of melt-dispersion and surface-adsorption methods to prepare melt-dispersion granules with enhanced dissolution rate and flow properties. This study covers the formulation and pharmacokinetic study of fast-dissolving flurbiprofen tablets using PEG 6000 (hydrophilic carrier) and lactose (adsorbent). Response surface methodology (RSM) using the central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize independent variables like carrier concentrations and adsorbent concentrations, and their interactions with the dependent variables (responses), including solubility, angle of repose, Carr's index, and cumulative % drug release, were investigated. The optimized formulation was selected based on the numerical optimization method and further investigated for FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffractometry. Then, the optimized formulation was compressed into tablets and evaluated for both in vitro dissolution and in vivo pharmacokinetics parameters. In vitro dissolution studies revealed that the prepared fast-dissolving tablets released the drug entirely within 15min (Q15 of F4 tablets: 99.34 ± 1.24%), whereas conventional tablets took around 60min for complete dissolution. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats revealed that fast-dissolving tablets showed 1.38-fold higher peak-plasma concentration (Cmax) and 1.39-fold higher bioavailability than conventional tablets. Overall, this study revealed the successful fabrication of fast-dissolving tablets via melt-dispersion paired with the surface-adsorption method to enhance the flow properties and the dissolution rate.

Inulin-whey protein as efficient vehicle carrier system for chlorophyll: Optimization, characterization, and functional food application.

Natural chlorophylls mostly found in vegetables such as spinach (Spinacia oleracea) could be employed as a possible substitute for synthetic colorants because of their intense green properties. However, the stability of natural chlorophyll is a major challenge to its utilization in the food industry. In this study, spray drying as an encapsulation technique was used to improve the stability of natural chlorophyll. Box-Behnken design was utilized to optimize the spray drying conditions for chlorophyll. Optimum conditions were given as inlet temperature, 132°C; inulin-to-whey protein isolate ratio, 61%:39%; pump rate, 25%, resulting in 92.3% encapsulation efficiency, 69.4% solubility, and -13.5mV zeta potential at a desirability level of 0.901. The particle size, Carr index, bulk and tapped density, polydispersity index, and color showed satisfactory results. Crystallinity, endothermic peak melting temperature, and the enthalpy of chlorophyll-loaded microcapsules increased when compared to the blank microcapsules suggesting decreased hygroscopicity and enhanced thermal stability. In addition, the suitability of fabricated microcapsules using yogurt as a food model was assessed. Yogurt incorporated with chlorophyll-loaded microcapsules showed no significant pH modification with better apparent viscosity than control and sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC) yogurt after 9 days of refrigerated storage. Based on the studied responses, the spray drying process could be optimized to achieve optimal output and product quality. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Spray drying is a cheap and convenient approach for microencapsulating bioactive compounds such as chlorophyll. However, the physico-chemical and functional properties of the spray-dried microcapsules are influenced by operating conditions, such as inlet temperature, type and concentration of wall materials, and feed flow rate. Therefore, to maximize and obtain a superior quality of the final product, there is a need to optimize the spray drying process. The Box-Behnken design employed in this study could be utilized as an appropriate technique to design, enhance, and develop process parameters for the fabrication and better retention of the physico-chemical properties of spray-dried chlorophyll microcapsules.

Microencapsulation of enzymatically destabilized virgin coconut oil by spray drying technique: Optimization of process parameters, quality assessment and studies on physico-chemical characteristics of microcapsule

Microencapsulation has gained importance in the recent decade due to its barrier properties and effective release of biochemicals. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) was obtained by enzymatic destabilization with the combination of enzymes papain (0.05 % (w/w)) and cellulase with an efficiency in oil extraction of 72.36 %. The aim of the investigation was microencapsulation of medium-chain fatty acids from coconut milk by spray drying and study the physico-chemical properties of the extracted VCO with morphological studies on the obtained microcapsules. The physicochemical properties (Iodine value = 4.24; Free Fatty Acid= 0.3 ±0.007 %; saponification value = 254 ± 4.16 (KOH/g of oil); peroxide value = 0.71 ±0.014 (meqO2/kg)) of the extracted VCO were analyzed. Medium chain fatty acids (C12: lauric acid, C10: capric acid, C8: caprylic acid) constituted 66 % of the extracted VCO, and Lauric acid (C12:0) was the most abundant medium chain fatty acid (52.7 ± 1.27 %). A five-levelled central composite rotatable design was employed with 20 runs to study the effect of inlet temperature, VCO concentration, and wall material concentration on encapsulation efficiency, oil loading %, moisture content, bulk density, water activity, and total color difference. The optimum process parameters for spray drying of VCO with best encapsulation efficiency (77.77 %), oil loading % (35.12 %), moisture content (4.69 %), bulk density (522.22 kg m-3), water activity (0.37), and total color difference (12.42) were found to be 75:25 (% w/w), proportions of GA (Gum arabic) and MD (Maltodextrin) in the wall material solution concentration, 25 (% w/w), VCO concentration and inlet air temperature of 160℃. The obtained VCO microparticle was analyzed for its powder characteristics with Carr index (2.27-11.50) and Hausner ratio (1.02-1.13), indicating good flowability. The spherical shape and smooth exterior surface of the microparticles, revealed by SEM pictures, ensured the protection and retention of VCO inside the microcapsules.

Development of probiotic-loaded calcium alginate-maltodextrin microparticles based on electrohydrodynamic technique

Maintaining the viability of probiotic bacteria in food products for intestinal delivery remains a challenge. Consequently, the objective of this study was to encapsulate Lactobacillus rhamnosus (NCDC 18) in calcium alginate–maltodextrin hydrogel systems by combining electrospraying and freeze-drying techniques. The microparticles were produced using varying concentrations of sodium alginate (SA) (2, 3, and 4%) in conjunction with maltodextrin (MD) (0, 2, and 4%). A definitive screening design (DSD) was used to design experiments and explain the effect of independent variables (concentrations of SA, calcium chloride, and MD and electrospraying voltage) on the response variables: loss of viability, encapsulation efficiency, drying yield, Carr's index, and Hausner ratio. The obtained microparticles were characterized by employing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The addition of MD significantly increased encapsulation efficiency up to 75.19% and decreased viability loss up to 2.539 log CFU/mL in microparticles. The morphological analysis revealed the particle surface structure and variation in porosity in response to varying variables. The FTIR spectra confirmed that the addition of SA, MD, and probiotics caused synergistic changes in the functional bonding. The XRD analysis could further elucidate the interactions of SA with MD in the microcapsules. Our study could confirm that MD acted as a cryoprotectant and decreased the concavities and pores on the surface of the microparticles, thereby enhancing their probiotic-related properties.

Physicochemical, Structural, and Functional Properties of Snake Melon (Cucumis melo subsp. melo Var. flexuosus) Microencapsulated with Pea Protein and Pea Fibre by Freeze-Drying.

The purpose of this study was to obtain a functional, stable powder product from Cucumis melo subsp. melo Var. flexuosus (L.) to promote its consumption and reduce waste and production losses. The melons were ground and freeze-dried with or without biopolymers (pea protein (PPSM) or pea fibre (PFSM)). The physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of the powder were studied. The water content, water activity, bulk density, porosity, Hausner ratio, Carr index, hygroscopicity, water solubility, water absorption index, particle size, colour, and microstructure of the powder were determined. In addition, vitamin C, folates, chlorophyll a, total phenols and carotenoids, antioxidant capacity, and powder encapsulation efficiency were analysed. Snake melon (SM) powders contained vitamin C, folates, carotenoids, chlorophyll a, and phenols, which contributed to their antioxidant capacity. The incorporation of PP or PF in the formulation before lyophilisation generated stable encapsulates that protected the bioactive compounds. PPSM and PFSM were less hygroscopic and more free-flowing and had lower water content and water activity compared to the SM. PFSM showed higher encapsulation efficiency and smaller particles with a smooth surface and oval shape.

Bee pollen usage as carrier material in the drying of honey and some properties of honey-bee pollen powders

PurposeThe aim of this study was to produce an enriched honey powder with active compounds coming from bee pollen and investigate the effects of bee pollen addition as a carrier material on honey powder.Design/methodology/approachThe effects of bee pollen addition as carrier material in corporation with gum arabic at different ratios (25, 50 and 75% of total carrier material amount) on vacuum-dried honey-bee pollen powder were investigated.FindingsThe bee pollen concentration raise in the mixture increased the particle size, total phenolic, flavonoid and sugar contents and antioxidant activity, whereas decreased the Hauser ratio and Carr index values, hygroscopicity and solubility of enriched honey powder samples. The honey powder samples had passable and poor flow properties and very hygroscopic (>20%) structure because of the high sugar content. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of honey powder samples with bee pollen changed between 1531.59 and 3796.00 mg GAE/kg and 424.05–1203.10 mg QE/kg, respectively, and these values were much higher than the control sample. On the basis of linear correlation analysis, there was a very high positive correlation between total phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant activity, while there was a very high negative correlation between these parameters and solubility.Originality/valueThe study evaluated that enriching of honey powders with pollen, which is a product of both plant and bee origin, rather than enriching with different plant and animal sources has an innovative approach. Additionally, the usage of bee pollen as a carrier agent in food drying has not been previously reported in any study.

Quality attributes of the developed banana flour: Effects of drying methods

The study aims to investigate the effects of different drying methods on the changes in functional properties, physicochemical composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, sensory attributes, and microstructural quality of the banana flours. Two local banana cultivars, Mehersagar and Sabri, were dried to produce flour using four distinct drying methods: freeze drying (FD), cabinet drying (CD), microwave oven drying (MOD), and forced air oven drying (FOD). The functional properties of the developed banana flours were observed where the findings were as water holding capacity (0.93 ± 0.06–2.74 ± 0.04 g water/g dry sample), oil absorption capacity (0.87 ± 0.06–2.22 ± 0.10 g oil/g dry sample), swelling capacity (4.62 ± 0.02–5.05 ± 0.03 g paste/g dry sample), bulk density (0.54 ± 0.04–0.81 ± 0.02 g/ml), tapped density (0.62 ± 0.04–0.93 ± 0.03 g/ml) and Carr's Index (9.38 ± 0.47–13.58 ± 0.43%). Freeze-dried Mehersagar cultivar's flour showed the leading functional properties with good flowability and cohesiveness. The physicochemical parameters of the flours also revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in lightness (L*) (50.51 ± 1.49–72.21 ± 1.05), moisture content (3.96 ± 0.09–7.74 ± 0.13%), protein (2.72 ± 0.07–3.93 ± 0.06%), crude fat (0.11 ± 0.01–0.36 ± 0.04%), crude fiber (0.64 ± 0.03–1.22 ± 0.03%), carbohydrate (84.15 ± 0.24–88.26 ± 0.15%) and energy content (354.25 ± 0.57–370.02 ± 0.39 kcal/g). Total flavonoid content (21.44 ± 0.04–34.34 ± 0.03 mgQE/100g) and phenolic content (29.91 ± 0.01–71.46 ± 0.03 mgGAE/100g) was observed, while the highest retention of bioactive compounds was exhibited in Mehersagar cultivar's flour. In terms of appearance, fineness, taste, flavor, color, and overall acceptability, the dried banana flour of both the cultivars obtained from freeze-dried scored overall acceptability 8.04 ± 0.02 and 7.92 ± 0.17, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy analysis of the microstructure of flour granules from each sample revealed a diverse morphological configuration in particle size and shape. According to the findings of this study, the freeze-drying technology is superior to others, and the Mehersagar banana cultivar is more satisfactory in terms of quality characteristics. Moreover, the quality parameters of banana flour may facilitate the formulation of different flour-based gluten-free baked products and food supplements.

Formulation and Development of Medicated Chewing Gum Containing Ondansetron and Domperidone

This study aimed to determine the feasibility of combining ondansetron and domperidone into a single medicated gum. Molded Chewing Gum (MCG) was developed via direct compression. Our medicated chewing gum was designed with diabetics in mind, and Stevia was selected for the research because it does not increase blood glucose levels. Direct compression was used in the development of medicated gum. Each formulation's permissible flow characteristics and pre-compression parameters, including bulk density, tapered density, Carr's compressibility index, and Hausner ratio, were shown. After compression, it was determined that all of the parameters were within acceptable limits, including changes in weight, thickness, appearance, and in vitro drug release. There is no indication of drug-excipient interactions based on physical testing or TLC analysis. Two plasticizers only when comparing glycerol with coconut oil, the latter proved to be the superior plasticizer. Formulation F6 was chosen as the best option since all of the attributes fall within the expected range. The results of the F6 formulation were analyzed for their thickness, weight fluctuation, appearance, and in vitro drug release. Coconut oil shown to be the superior plasticizer for making MCG after testing and evaluation. Probably because the concentration is optimized for releasing the drug from the formulation, the fact that F6 includes 24 mg of coconut oil makes it a more effective formulation.

Exhausted Grape Seed Residues as a Valuable Source of Antioxidant Molecules for the Formulation of Biocompatible Cosmetic Scrubs.

Grape seed of Obeidi, a white Lebanese autochthonous variety, was previously tested in different studies as a valuable source of bioactive molecules such as polyphenols, oils, and proteins by means of extraction procedures for the development of cosmetic and therapeutic products. However, an un-valorized, exhausted grape seed residue remains as "secondary waste" after the extraction processes. In this study, the exhausted seeds have been further exploited to produce cosmetic scrubs capable of releasing antioxidant molecules during the exfoliation process, in accordance with the principles of the circular economy and going toward a zero-waste process. The deep characterization of the exhausted seeds confirmed the presence of antioxidant phenolic molecules including gallic acid, catechins and protocatechuic acid (0.13, 0.126, and 0.089 mg/g of dry matter DM), and a high phenolic content (11.85 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of dry matter (DM)). Moreover, these residues were shown to possess a sandy texture (Hausner ratio (HR): 1.154, Carr index (CI): 0.133, and angle of repose: 31.62 (°) degrees), similar to commercial natural exfoliants. In this respect, exhausted Obeidi grape seed residues were incorporated at increasing concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% w/w) in a cosmetic scrub, and stored for 5 weeks at 4, 25, and 50 °C for stability testing. All tested scrub formulations exhibited good spreadability with a spread diameter of 3.6-4.7 cm and excellent physical stability, as no phase separation or color change were observed after four cycles of heat shock at 4 and 50 °C. Finally, an in vivo skin irritation test showed that the scrub enriched with 1.5% of exhausted Obeidi grape seed residues was the most promising formulation, as it possessed a high amount of phenolic molecules (0.042 ± 0.001 mg GAE/mL of scrub) and good stability and could be safely applied to the skin with no irritation phenomena. Overall results underlined that exhausted grape seed residues can be transformed into promising systems for both physical and chemical exfoliation, thus confirming the importance of the effective exploitation of agro-industrial by-products for the development of high value cosmeceutics towards a more sustainable and zero-waste approach.

Formulation, Development and Evaluation of Extended- Release Tablets of Carbamazepine

The current work sets out to design and develop a carbamazepine (CBZ) extended-release tablet in the treatment of epilepsy using wet granulation technology. The tablets were prepared using HPMC K 100M and ethyl cellulose as hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers, respectively. The effect of the concentration of the polymer was studied. The studies indicated that the drug release can be modulated by varying the concentration of the polymer. Tapped density, bulk density, angle of repose, Hausner's ratio, and Carr's index were all calculated for powder blends. The prepared trial batches of tablets were first characterized for hardness, friability, weight variation, and drug content to select an optimized batch. An in-vitro dissolution study of the optimized batch (F4) was carried out in distilled water using a USP Type I (basket type) dissolution apparatus at 100rpm. The optimized formulation (F4) showed a drug content of 99.51%. In-vitro drug release of optimized formulation was found to be 88.10% in 24hours. The optimised formulation demonstrated release for up to 24 hours. The optimised formulation's stability was studied for three months at 40±2ºC/75±5% RH, 30±2ºC/65±5% RH, and 25±2ºC/60±5% RH, and the prepared tablets showed no remarkable effect from the stability study. The results suggest that the developed extended-release tablets of CBZ (400 mg) could perform as therapeutically equivalent alternatives to conventional dosage forms, leading to better patient compliance.

Preparation and evaluation of sustained release pirfenidone-loaded microsphere dry powder inhalation for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Pirfenidone (PFND) is a recommended oral drug used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but have low bioavailability and high hepatotoxicity. The study, therefore, seeks to improve the therapeutic activities of the drug via increased bioavailability and reduced associated side effects by developing a novel drug delivery system.The electrostatic spray technology was used to prepare a sustained release pirfenidone-loaded microsphere dry powder inhalation with PEG-modified chitosan (PFND-mPEG-CS-MS). The entrapment efficiency, drug loading, and in vitro cumulative drug release rate (at 24 h and with a sustained release effect) of PFND-mPEG-CS-MS were 77.35±3.01%, 11.45±0.64%, and 90.4%, respectively. The Carr's index of PFND-mPEG-CS-MS powder was 17.074±2.163% with a theoretical mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMADt) of 0.99±0.07 μm, and a moisture absorption weight gain rate (Rw) of 4.61±0.72%. The emptying rate, pulmonary deposition rate (fine particle fraction) and actual mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMADa) were 90%∼95%, 48.72±7.04% and 3.10±0.16 μm, respectively. MTT bioassay showed that mPEG-CS-MS (200 μg/mL) had good biocompatibility (RGR = 90.25%) and PFND-mPEG-CS-MS (200 μg/mL) had significant inhibitory activity (RGR = 49.82%) on fibroblast growth. The pharmacokinetic data revealed that the t1/2 (5.02 h) and MRT (10.66 h) of PFND-mPEG-CS-MS were prolonged compared with the free PFND (t1/2, 1.67 h; MRT, 2.71 h). The pharmacodynamic results also showed that the formulated-drug group had slight pathological changes, lower lung hydroxyproline content, and reduced hepatotoxicity compared with the free-drug group. The PFND-mPEG-CS-MS further significantly down-regulated TGF-β cytokines, Collagen I, and α-SMA protein expression levels compared with the free drug. The findings indicated that the PFND-mPEG-CS-MS had a good sustained release effect, enhanced bioavailability, decreased toxicity, and increased anti-fibrotic activities.

Optimisation of spray drying parameters using mixed flow in whey powder production using response surface methodology (RSM)

AbstractThis work explored the impact of mixed flow spray drying on the physical and functional properties of whey powder without any subsequently added drying agent to increase whey utilisation. Spray drying was performed on a pilot scale using a mixed flow spray dryer. The effects of the inlet air temperature (150–210 °C) and feed flow rate (2–7 L h−1) on several responses such as moisture content, yield, dispersibility, bulk density, and outlet air temperature were investigated using response surface methodology. In addition, with the optimised parameters, Carr index, Hausner ratio, solubility, wettability, hygroscopicity, degree of caking, crystallinity, and morphology of the obtained whey powder were determined. The investigation revealed that feed flow rate is the main parameter influencing all responses. The inlet air temperature significantly affected the bulk, tapped density, and outlet air temperature. The optimal inlet air temperature and feed flow rate for the production of whey powder were 182 °C and 3.2 L h−1, respectively. Under these parameters the moisture content, yield, bulk density, hygroscopicity, and degree of caking of the obtained product were 28.6, 1.80%, 0.24 g cm−3, 16.10 g H2O/g powder, and 85.56%, respectively.

Development of controlled-release matrix tablets of anti-diabetic agent using natural and synthetic polymers

The aim of this study was to develop and produce natural polymer-based controlled-release matrix tablets of metformin hydrochloride. The formulations were manufactured from a mixture of natural and synthetic polymers, including gum copal, gum damar, gum olibanum, xanthum gum, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) K15M. The granules were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The kinetics of drug release from the formulations was determined by zero-order kinetic analysis. The formulas were found to be in the following ranges: 4.20.054 to 5.10.58 ​kg/cm2, 844.86.84 to 852.64.13 ​mg, 0.230.002 to 0.670.048 percent, and 99.450.15 to 101.930.16 percent, respectively. For all formulations, it was found that Carr's index, Hausner's ratio, bulk density, tapped density, and angle of repose were less than 15% and 1.18, respectively, indicating that the generated tablets had acceptable flow properties. Formulations F3, F4, and F5, which contained varying amounts of gum copal, showed respective drug release rates of 91.21 percent, 85.69 percent, or 99.87 percent after 12 ​h. For formulations F11, F12, and F13, which included varying quantities of olibazine gum, after 10, 10, and 9.5 ​h, it generated 100% drug release after 10, 10.5, and 10 ​h. Formulation F5 which included gum copal, and the HPMC showed sufficient release to exert the necessary therapeutic effect in under 12 ​h, whereas the other formulations showed anomalous or non-Fickian diffusion. This study suggests that matrix tablets for continuous controlled release can be made.

Effect of controlled enzymatic treatment on the physicochemical, structural and functional properties of high-intensity ultrasound treated album (Chenopodium album) protein

The present study was carried out to examine the effect of enzymatic treatment on high-intensity ultrasound modified album proteins. The results showed that enzymatic treatment induced structural changes which in turn improved physiochemical and functional characteristics of album proteins. Trypsin treated album proteins showed highest degree of hydrolysis values of 18.99%. Enzymatic treatment decreased particle size, poly-dispersibility index, zeta-potential, turbidity, total SH content and SS-bonds, however, DPPH radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content, solubility, surface hydrophobicity, free SH groups increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05). Smallest particle size reduction of 400 nm was observed in the case of pepsin treated album proteins. FTIR resulted showed major peak shifting in the wavelength ranging from 1600 to 1700 cm−1 in enzymatically treated album proteins indicating structural and conformational changes. Enzymatic treatment decreased molecular weight of album proteins as indicated by SDS-PAGE results. X-ray diffraction analysis showed decline in crystallinity of all the enzymatically treated album proteins and highest decline was observed in protease treated album proteins. FE-SEM results showed the appearance of cracks and porous type surfaces in all the enzymatically treated album proteins, however, the control samples showed somewhat smooth surface morphologies. Thermal characteristics, particularly denaturation temperature showed significant increase in enzymatic treated album proteins. These structural and conformational changes reduced particle size, improved color characteristics, flow properties, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of enzymatic treated album proteins. For instance, trypsin treated album proteins showed highest antioxidant activity and highest total phenolic content values of 66.75% and 8.61 (mg GAE/g), respectively. Pepsin treated album proteins showed lowest turbidity values of 0.73 and trypsin treated album proteins showed highest solubility values of 99.73%. Loose bulk density, packed bulk density and true density of enzymatic treated album proteins was found significantly higher than those of control album proteins, whereas, Hausner's ratio, Carr's index and Tan θ was found significantly higher in trypsin treated album proteins. Enzymatic treatment coupled with HIUS modification favorably impacted the structural, physiochemical and functional properties of album proteins.

Preparing Herbal Formulations through Indigenous and Modern Methods: An Experimental Study

Traditional medicines can treat many problems because they are based on natural treatments. Because of their historical applications and useful treatments, numerous of these conventional medications have been the subject of extensive pharmacological research of their antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Natural resources are frequently used as a primary or secondary source by academics and pharmaceutical corporations when developing new drugs. A wide variety of plants have long been used as a source of traditional medicine by people in many different cultures. Numerous research have examined the possible antibacterial and antiviral properties of these plants. Since there are so many different kinds of natural sources, including plants, choose the proper one as a starting point is crucial for accurate screening results. Due to their, “effectiveness in treating diseases and lower risk of side effects than synthetic treatments, the usage of plant-based medications has significantly expanded in the modern world. The current study was aimed to confirm the identity, quality and purity of some locally available potential medicinal plants such as Drymaria cordata (whole plant), Alstonia scholaris (bark), Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (whole plant), Centella asiatica (whole plant), Senna hirsuta (leaf), Oroxylum indicum (bark),&#x0D; &#x0D; Senna occidentalis (leaf), Stephania japonica (tuber) and Solanum indicum (root) in powdered form”. &#x0D; The powdered plant components underwent preliminary phytochemical analysis as well as pharmacognostic tests, physical evaluation and heavy metal analysis. Initial phytochemical study of the various extracts indicated that triterpenoids were absent, but alkaloids, phenolics, carbohydrates and amino acids were present. The powder was studied under a microscope to reveal its, “distinguishing characteristics, including calcium oxalate crystals, fibres, stone cells, trichomes, stomata, xylem vessels, pitted spiral vessels, etc. The colour, smell, fragrance, and texture of the ground plant were all acceptable. The physical characteristics that affect the flow rate of the powder with respect to Carr's index and Hausner's ratio were found to be good to passable, with the exception of Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (the complete plant) and Oroxylum indicum (bark), which were not easily passable. During the heavy metal test, lead, cadmium, and bismuth were not found. As a result, the current study may be utilised as a benchmark reference for the quality control analysis of the herbal medicine, either alone or in combination”.

Stability-Enhanced Ternary Solid Dispersions of Glyburide: Effect of Preparation Method on Physicochemical Properties.

Limited aqueous solubility and subsequent poor absorption and low bioavailability are the main challenges in oral drug delivery. Solid dispersion is a widely used formulation strategy to overcome this problem. Despite their efficiency, drug crystallization tendency and poor physical stability limited their commercial use. To overcome this defect, ternary solid dispersions of glyburide: sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG), were developed using the fusion (F) and solvent evaporation (SE) techniques and subsequently evaluated and compared. Physicochemical and dissolution properties of the prepared ternary solid dispersions were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dissolution test. Flow properties were also assessed using Carr's index and Hausner's ratio. The physical stability of the formulations was evaluated initially and after 12 months by comparing dissolution properties. Formulations prepared by both methods similarly showed significant improvements in dissolution efficiency and mean dissolution time compared to the pure drug. However, formulations that were prepared by SE showed a greater dissolution rate during the initial phase of dissolution. Also, after a 12-month follow-up, no significant change was observed in the mentioned parameters. The results of the infrared spectroscopy indicated that there was no chemical interaction between the drug and the polymer. The absence of endotherms related to the pure drug from thermograms of the prepared formulations could be indicative of reduced crystallinity or the gradual dissolving of the drug in the molten polymer. Moreover, formulations prepared by the SE technique revealed superior flowability and compressibility in comparison with the pure drug and physical mixture (ANOVA, P < 0.05). Efficient ternary solid dispersions of glyburide were successfully prepared by F and SE methods. Solid dispersions prepared by SE, in addition to increasing the dissolution properties and the possibility of improving the bioavailability of the drug, showed acceptable long-term physical stability with remarkably improved flowability and compressibility features.

Lyophilized nano-liposomal system for red onion (Allium cepa L.) peel anthocyanin: Characterization, bioaccessibility and release kinetics

In recent years, there has been extensive research on valorization of food wastes and a growing interest in nano-liposomal systems for food applications. This paper discusses the case of phosphatidylcholine basednanophytosomes loaded with anthocyanins extracted from red onion (RNPs) to overcome the bio-stability during digestion. The characterization of lyophilized RNPs in terms of entrapment efficiency, particle size, poly-dispersity index (PDI), ζ-potential, morphological properties, in vitro bioaccessibility and release kinetics were investigated. Entrapment efficiency was determined as 78.63% with lowest particle size (177.73 nm) and PDI value (0.45) and non-dense spherical microstructure for RNP6 (red onion peel anthocyanin extract: soybean phosphatidylcholine at 1:6 ratio). Apart from the particle size, entrapment efficiency was determined higher than 75%, which indicates good entrapment. Additionally, from the cumulative release of RNPs concluded as a successful nano-structure with a two-fold increase in intestinal medium. However, poor Carr index and Hausner ratio suggest some limitations of the current nanoliposomes process which could be further improved. Red onion peel wastes, which are typically discarded, can serve as excellent sources of anthocyanins, and its preparation to nanophytosomes could be used as functional food ingredient or food supplements.

Achieving highly flowable AlON spherical powders via spray drying technology

In this work, the mono-dispersed and high-flowable AlON spherical powders were obtained for the first time. Spherical pure AlON particles with a mean size of approximately 51.9 μm were prepared from the C/Al2O3 mixture via spray drying technology followed by a calcined step at 1750 °C for 0.5 h. Compared with the irregular-shaped AlON powders obtained by the conventional route, the as-prepared spherical AlON powders present higher flowability and filling properties. The Carr index and Hausner ratio of these AlON powders are 73.5 and 1.13, respectively. This work provides a paradigm for obtaining highly flowing spherical ceramic powders, which is desirable for the preparation of complex-shaped AlON ceramics.