Concentration Of Ethyl Cellulose Research Articles

Impact of Injection-Based Delivery Parameters on Local Distribution Volume of Ethyl-Cellulose Ethanol Gel in Tissue and Tissue Mimicking Phantoms.

Local drug delivery aims to minimize systemic toxicity by preventing off-target effects; however, injection parameters influencing depot formation of injectable gels have yet to be thoroughly studied. We explored the effects of needle characteristics, injection depth, rate, volume, and polymer concentration on gel ethanol distribution in both tissue and phantoms. The polymer ethyl cellulose (EC) was added to ethanol to form an injectable gel to ablate cervical precancer and cancer. Tissue mimicking phantoms composed of 1% agarose dissolved in deionized water were used to establish overall trends between various injection parameters and the resulting gel distribution. Additional experiments were performed in excised swine cervices with a CT-imageable injectate formulation, which enabled visualization of the distribution without tissue sectioning. Needle type and injection rate had minimal impact on gel distribution, while needle depths ≥13 mm yielded significantly larger distributions. Needle gauge and EC concentration impacted injection pressure with maximum gel distribution achieved when the pressure was 70-250 kPa. Injection volumes ≤3 mL of 6% EC-ethanol minimized fluid leakage away from the injection site. Results guided the development of a speculum-compatible hand-held injector to deliver gel ethanol into the cervix. Needle depth, gauge, and polymer concentration are critical to consider when delivering injectable gels. This study addressed key questions related to the impact of injection-based parameters on gel distribution at a scale relevant to human applications including: 1) how best to deliver EC-ethanol into the cervix and 2) general insights about injection protocols relevant to the delivery of injectable gels in tissue.

Bayesian Optimization of Environmentally Sustainable Graphene Inks Produced by Wet Jet Milling.

Liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) of graphene is a potentially scalable method to produce conductive graphene inks for printed electronic applications. Among LPE methods, wet jet milling (WJM) is an emerging approach that uses high-speed, turbulent flow to exfoliate graphene nanoplatelets from graphite in a continuous flow manner. Unlike prior WJM work based on toxic, high-boiling-point solvents such as n-methyl-2-pyrollidone (NMP), this study uses the environmentally friendly solvent ethanol and the polymer stabilizer ethyl cellulose (EC). Bayesian optimization and iterative batch sampling are employed to guide the exploration of the experimental phase space (namely, concentrations of graphite and EC in ethanol) in order to identify the Pareto frontier that simultaneously optimizes three performance criteria (graphene yield, conversion rate, and film conductivity). This data-driven strategy identifies vastly different optimal WJM conditions compared to literature precedent, including an optimal loading of 15wt% graphite in ethanol compared to 1wt% graphite in NMP. These WJM conditions provide superlative graphene production rates of 3.2ghr-1 with the resulting graphene nanoplatelets being suitable for screen-printed micro-supercapacitors. Finally, life cycle assessment reveals that ethanol-based WJM graphene exfoliation presents distinct environmental sustainability advantages for greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel consumption, and toxicity.

A new generation of fully-printed electrochemical sensors based on biochar/ethylcellulose-modified carbon electrodes: Fabrication, characterization and practical applications

Biochar is a material prepared by biomass pyrolysis, representing a more sustainable and efficient alternative to commonly used conventional carbon materials in electroanalysis. The aim of this paper is to point out that it can also show significant potential in the mass screen-printing production of miniaturized, low-cost, disposable and sensitive electrochemical sensors. Herein, a new generation of fully screen-printed electrochemical sensors is introduced, based on biochar/ethylcellulose-modified carbon working electrodes. The optimization in the sensor fabrication, involving the variability in the concentration of a binder and rheology modifier (ethylcellulose) and its impact on biochar inks from the viewpoint of viscoelasticity, printability and thermal stability, was performed to obtain the carbon-based electrochemical sensors with favourable robustness. The viability of these electrochemical sensors was demonstrated by the development and full validation of a new and sensitive differential pulse voltammetric method for the fast and reliable determination of paracetamol in pharmaceutical formulations. Within the method development, all necessary aspects, such as a study of the effect of ethylcellulose concentration, pH study of supporting electrolyte, selection of pulse parameters and analytical performance, were investigated. The obtained results allow us to predict the production and subsequent use of new, printable, cheap and environmentally friendly sensor platforms, which will exhibit convenient analytical performance with the possibility of commercialization.

Abstract 3389: Intraductal ablative procedure for local preventive intervention in rat models of breast cancer

Abstract There are limited options for primary prevention of breast carcinoma (BC). Prophylactic mastectomy and systemic hormonal therapy are only recommended for high-risk individuals. Prophylactic mastectomy is a drastic surgery that removes the entire breast, including the epithelial cell-lined ductal trees where BC arises but also uninvolved stroma. Even with a 90% risk reduction, many women are deterred from prophylactic mastectomy due to its associated risk of infection, lymphedema, painful recovery time, and mental health toll. Hormonal therapies, tamoxifen and raloxifene, reduce BC risk by upwards of 50% but also increase the risk of uterine cancer and stroke. Thus, new interventions to reduce the risk of BC and minimize deterrents are necessary. Intraductal (ID) injection is a minimally invasive procedure that avoids systemic toxicity by cannulating a needle directly into the ductal tree opening to directly administer a solution to the epithelial cells. We previously reported that ID infusion of 70% ethanol (EtOH) as a cell-killing solution prevents tumor formation in an aggressive genetically engineered mouse model of BC with minimum collateral tissue damage. Here, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of EtOH-based ablative solutions in a Methyl-N-Nitrosourea (MNU) chemically induced rat model of BC to assess scalability of this procedure towards clinical trials. Two weeks after tumor induction, rats received ID infusions of a solution containing 70% EtOH to ablate epithelial cells, ethyl cellulose (EC) to minimize collateral tissue damage, and/or Tantalum Oxide (TaOx) to visualize infused ductal trees via micro-CT imaging. EtOH-infused glands had the longest tumor latency (273 days vs 97 days in control group, p < 0.0001). No statistically significant differences were noted in epithelial ablation or collateral tissue damage between treatment groups receiving ID injections of 70% EtOH with varying concentrations of EC, but there was a trend to lower collateral damage with EC-containing solutions. Local clearance of TaOx in infused mammary glands enabled post-procedure MR imaging surveillance after 15 d of ID procedure. This preclinical study demonstrates that ID injection of a refined solution containing 70% EtOH and TaOx is an efficacious and scalable procedure for primary prevention of BC. Citation Format: Erin Zaluzec, Mohamed Ashry, Elizabeth G. Phelps, Katarzyna Kempinska, Elizabeth Kenyon, Legend Kenny, Max Volk, Katherine Powell, Jeremy ML Hix, Christiane Mallett, Matti Kiupel, Erik M. Shapiro, Lorenzo F. Sempere. Intraductal ablative procedure for local preventive intervention in rat models of breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3389.

Preparation & Characterization of Sustained-release Floating Microsphere of Digestive Enzymes

Introduction: Pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme which is widely used as a digestive aid. Its dose is 300 mg - 1 gm per day in divided doses. Its biological half-life is around 3.5 hrs. Pepsin is active only in the acidic pH of the stomach; its activity decreases tremendously in the basic pH. So, it is required to retain in the stomach for maximum proteolytic activity. The goal of the current effort is to develop and assess an oral controlled floating drug delivery system for pepsin that will shorten its stay in the stomach and result in a longer effect. Methods: The 12-hour sustained effect of pepsin floating microspheres was planned. This also improves the stability of the Pepsin by immobilizing them on the microsphere. Pepsin is widely used in chronic gastritis, so developing a floating drug delivery system is therefore necessary. In light of the aforementioned principles, a critical need for the creation of a dosage form to administer Pepsin in the stomach and boost the enzyme's effectiveness, enabling sustained action, was identified. The current study used a methodical strategy to create floating microspheres of Pepsin dosage forms. Results: Optimization was done for floating ability, yield, entrapment efficiency, and release study using different concentrations of ethylcellulose & HPMC E4M. For parameter optimization and to demonstrate the significant impact of variables, 32 full factorial designs were used. The manufactured microspheres had good encapsulation rates, excellent floating, & excellent micromeritic properties as single-unit dosage forms. Conclusion: It has been demonstrated that pepsin prepared as floating microspheres can be used to improve proteolytic activity and extend pepsin's gastric residence.

The building blocks behind the electrohydrodynamics of non-polar 2D-inks

This work provides a complete rheological characterization of 2D-inks in electric fields with different intensities and orientations to the imposed flow field. 2D nanomaterials used in this study are graphene nanoplatelets, hexagonal boron-nitride, and molybdenum disulfide. These materials with different electric properties are dispersed in a non-polar solvent (Toluene) with different concentrations of Ethyl Cellulose (EC), providing Newtonian or viscoelastic characteristics. Shear rheology tests show that the presence of nanoparticles barely changes the fluid behavior from the carrier fluid, and the application of an electric field perpendicular to the flow does not result in electrorheological behavior. However, extensional experiments, which mimic the actual EHD jet printing conditions, allowed the observation of the influence of both the particles and the electric field aligned on the filament thinning process. It was observed that the electric field generates vortices due to an electrophoretic effect in the carrier fluid when EC is present in the formulations, which has severe consequences on the stability of the liquid bridges, whereas it scarcely affects the shear viscosity; additionally, the kind of 2D nanoparticles modifies also the conductivity and permittivity of the solution, inducing Maxwell stresses that also make the filament more stable against surface tension.

Design, optimization, and characterization of an in-situ pore-forming system for controlled delivery of paliperidone

The purpose of the current investigation was to develop a pharmaceutical equivalent osmotic drug delivery formulation of Paliperidone (PLD) in the form of controlled porosity osmotic pump tablets (CPOT) in order to keep the drug's steady state concentration in the body. This helps to achieve the greatest therapeutic benefit with the fewest side effects. For the purpose of identifying various formulation attributes, preliminary trials were conducted. Taguchi design was used to study the influence of seven input factors namely drug to polymer ratio, polymer 1(HPMC K100 M) to polymer 2 (HPMC K15 ​M), drug to total osmogens, coating level, amount of pore former, concentration of ethyl cellulose and amount of plasticizer on dependent variable similarity factor (f2). Utilizing the Minitab 17, data analysis was done. The similarity factor (f2) was computed using the osmotic tablet reference product INVEGA®. The findings demonstrate that each of the seven independent variables significantly affects the similarity factor. For optimized batch, both core and coated tablets showed acceptable pharmaco-technical parameters. The release profile of the optimized batch tablets was found to be similar to that of reference product with good zero-order release pattern. Drug release was observed through the channels formed by in-situ pores on tablet surface performed using SEM. From the results it can be concluded that prepared CPOT of PLD was found pharmaceutical equivalent with commercial product which is cost effective and fully compliance with cGMP.

Continuous preparation of sustained release vildagliptin nanoparticles using tubular microreactor approach

This investigation used a tubular microreactor to produce Vildagliptin (VLG) loaded ethyl cellulose (EC) nanoparticles (NPs) for sustained delivery of a drug. A central composite design was used to quantify the influence of independent variables on the desired responses. The independent factors selected to achieve the desired entrapment efficiency and sustained drug release were EC concentration and sodium lauryl sulfate concentration. On the other hand, the dependent variables chosen for assessment were particle size (Y1) and encapsulation efficiency (Y2). The nanoparticles produced were analyzed, which included particle size measurement, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, encapsulation efficiency (EE) determination, and in vitro drug release study. The optimized samples TEM investigation verified the nanoparticles’ spherical shape and particle size distribution, ranging from 160 to 250 nm. The entrapment efficiency (EE) fell within the range of 63–87%. In the in-vitro drug release study, VLG-loaded EC nanoparticles exhibited sustained release over 12 h. Applying various kinetic equations to the in-vitro drug release data demonstrated that the drug release mechanism involved diffusion. This comprehensive study concluded that the VLG-EC-NPs achieved optimal particle size, EE, and desirable level of sustained drug release.

Twin-screw melt granulation for high-dose paracetamol tablets

Abstract Objectives In this study twin-screw melt granulation (TSMG) was used to produce sustained release formulations and improve the poor compressibility of paracetamol (PMOL). Methods By using various amounts of polyethylene glycol (PEG), a low melting point binder and ethyl cellulose (EC) as insoluble carrier, the formation of high content of PMOL granules occurred at low processing temperatures (55°C). Key findings X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed the presence of partially crystalline PMOL in the extruded granules. Compressed caplet tablets comprising of TSMG granules presented sustained release profiles for 3-4 h depending on the EC concentration. The tablets showed excellent tabletability and low compaction forces were applied. Conclusions TSMG can be used for the processing of drugs with poor compressibility actives for the compression of high-dose tablets.

Study the Variables Affecting Formulation of Ethylcellulose-based Microsponges Loaded with Clobetasol

Clobetasol propionate (CP) is a super potent corticosteroid widely used to treat various skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. However, its utility for topical application is hampered due to its common side effects, such as skin atrophy, steroidal acne, hypopigmentation, and allergic contact dermatitis. Microsponge is a unique three-dimensional microstructure particle with micro and nano-meters-wide cavities, which can encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs providing increased efficacy and safety. The aim of the current study is to prepare and optimize clobetasol-loaded microsponges. The emulsion solvent diffusion method is used for the preparation of ethylcellulose (EC)-based microsponges. The impact of various formulation variables on microsponge's properties includes; drug: polymer ratio, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) quantities, the volume of external phase, and stirring rates investigated. The microsponges were characterized in terms of particle size, product yield, CP entrapment %, and in-vitro drug release behavior. The results report that increasing EC concentration led to a significant increase in particle size, with a decrease in product yield and drug entrapment %. Increasing stirring speed or external aqueous volume or PVA w/v % caused a non-significant decrease in production yield and CP entrapment % but showed a significant decrease, and increase in particle size, respectively. Finally, it was concluded that the ability to use ethylcellous as a Msg polymer matrix to prepare uniform, highly porous particles was confirmed by microscope observation and compatibility with CP.

Multicomponent Oleogels Prepared with High- and Low-Molecular-Weight Oleogelators: Ethylcellulose and Waxes.

The combined interactions between ethylcellulose (EC) and natural waxes to structure edible oil are underexplored. To reduce the high EC concentration required to form a functional oleogel, novel oleogels were prepared using a 50% critical concentration of EC (i.e., 4%) with 1-4% beeswax (BW) and carnauba wax (CRW). One percent wax was sufficient for EC to form self-sustaining oleogel. Rheological analysis demonstrated that 4%EC + 4%BW/CRW had comparable oleogel properties to 8%EC. The yield stress and flow point of wax oleogels were enhanced upon EC addition. EC did not influence the thermal behaviour of the wax component of the oleogel, but the crystallinity and plasticity of the combined oleogel increased. The crystal shape of BW oleogel changed upon EC addition from a needle-like to spherulitic shape. Confocal laser scanning microscopy highlighted the uniform distribution of EC polymeric network and wax crystals. EC/wax mixtures have promising oil-structuring abilities that have the potential to use as solid fat substitutes.

Improved Mucoadhesive Properties of Repaglinide-Loaded Nanoparticles: Mathematical Modelling through Machine Learning-Based Approach

This research work aims to develop a modified repaglinide-loaded chitosan-ethyl cellulose nanoparticles (RPG-ECSNPs) as a novel sustained-release dosage form with improved mucoadhesive properties using an emulsification solvent-evaporation technique. The RPG-ECSNPs with different particle sizes were prepared from various polymers containing ethyl cellulose (EC) as the internal phase and chitosan (CS) as the external phase, and the use of surfactants, including Tween 80 and poloxamer 188 as emulsifiers. In vitro drug release, drug loading amount, and entrapment efficiency have been influenced by changes in the concentrations of CS and EC. The mean droplet size and zeta potential of RPG-ECSNPs were 213 ± 8.5 nm and 16.4 ± 2.4 mV, respectively. The optimized formulation's entrapment efficiency was 66 ± 2.3%, and drug loading was 7.9 ± 1.65%. The release profile was significantly higher in PBS (90%) than in diluted hydrochloric acid (30%) during 24 h of the study. The mucoadhesive function of the particles was examined in vitro using part of rat intestines. The highest adhesive % was observed for the chitosan-coated NPs. No adhesive properties were noticed for chitosan-free NPs (P-value > 0.05). This indicated that ECSNPs can be successfully utilized for sustained and controlled drug delivery of RPG through the GIT.

Formulation and Evaluation of Floating Microspheres of an Antidiabetic drug

Abstract: The primary objective of this work was to create Metformin floating microspheres to achieve longer retention in the upper GIT, which improves absorption and bioavailability. The microspheres were created using a solvent evaporation process with various ratios of rate controlling polymers ethyl cellulose and Carbopol 940, with Metformin employed at a fixed ratio in each formulation. A (1:1) mixture of dichloromethane and ethanol, with tween 80 as a surfactant. The produced microspheres were tested for percentage yield, particle size, entrapment efficiency, buoyancy, and drug release in vitro. The influence of polymer concentration on various parameters was studied. According to the findings, increasing the concentration of ethyl cellulose improved drug release from floating microspheres. The formulation F6 was selected as best formulation, and it has drug release of 94.22% at 12 hrs. entrapment efficiency 98.8%, buoyancy 94.2%.

Formulation and Evaluation of New Sustained Release Floating Microspheres of Cilnidipine by Solvent-Diffusion Evaporation Technique

The purpose of the present investigation was to develop a gastro-retentive cilnidipine loaded floating microspheres. The floating microspheres of cilnidipine were prepared by the solvent evaporation method for oral drug delivery using HPMCK4M and ethyl cellulose as polymers. The drug loaded microspheres were evaluated for particle size, drug content, entrapment efficiency and floating time. The in-vitro study was performed in pH 1.2 to determine the amount of drug released. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to check the surface morphology of microspheres. The mean particle size of the microspheres was in the range of 226.85 – 339.42µm. The drug content of the floating microspheres was more than 70% and drug entrapment efficiency of microspheres obtained between 64.64 – 83.0%. The in-vitro buoyancy was more than70%. Cumulative % of drug release obtained between 73.12 – 89.68%. Field emission scanning microscopy results showed that the prepared microspheres were smooth and spherical.The study reveals that more the particle size extended the floating time, this methods reveals that the drug content of the microspheres enhanced as the amount of polymer increased or increased in ethyl cellulose concentration also leads to increase in entrapment efficiency and particle size. Cumulative % drug release decreased as ethyl cellulose concentration increased.
 Keywords: cilnidipine, microspheres, floating drug delivery system, entrapment efficiency, cumulative drug release, ethyl cellulose, Field emission scanning electron microscopy, polymer, concentration

Effects of vegetable oil and ethylcellulose on the oleogel properties and its application in Harbin red sausage

The effects of ethylcellulose (EC) concentration (6–12 %) and types of vegetable oil (sunflower, peanut, corn, and flaxseed oils) on the color, hardness, oil loss, lipid oxidation, and rheology property of oleogels were investigated in this study. Peanut oil (PO) oleogel was selected to replace pork fat partially in Harbin red sausage. Meanwhile, the fatty acid profile, texture, and sensory attributes of the reformulated sausages were analyzed. Oleogels formulated with higher EC concentration had higher brightness and hardness, a higher degree of lipid oxidation, and greater storage (G′) and loss (G′′) moduli. Oleogels formulated with PO had lower oil loss, flaxseed oil oleogel had higher hardness. Corn oil and PO oleogels had a lower level of lipid oxidation. The texture, lipid oxidation, and sensory attributes of the reformulated sausages, in which 10–30 % pork fat was replaced with PO oleogel, did not significantly differ from those without oleogel replacement. Meanwhile, the reformulated sausages had a healthier fatty acids profile and higher nutritional value.

Preparation of sorbents for solid-phase extraction of benzoic acid from aqueous solutions

Aim to obtain sorbents based on ethylcellulose for solid-phase extraction of benzoic acid from aqueous solutions.
 Material and methods. To create the sorbents for solid-phase extraction, we used the following reagents: ethyl cellulose, copper sulfate pentahydrate, sodium hydroxide, benzoic acid, purified water, ethyl alcohol 95%. The samples of ethyl cellulose-based sorbents were studied by Fourier transform IR spectrometry on an Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer. The Agilent Microlab PC Expert software was used for registration and primary processing of IR spectra, and for statistical analysis. The capacity of sorbents for solid-phase extraction was evaluated in a dynamic mode. The microstructure of the samples was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) on a Hitachi SU8000 electron microscope. The specific surface area of the synthesized sorbents was measured by low-temperature nitrogen porometry using the Brunauer Emmett Teller approximation, on the Autosorb 1 device, using the Quantachrome AS1Win software, according to a well-known technique.
 Results. А method was proposed for obtaining a sorbent for solid-phase extraction of benzoic acid from aqueous solutions. The IR-spectrometry did not reveal significant differences between ethylcellulose samples and the obtained sorbent samples. The optimal concentrations of ethylcellulose and benzoic acid in the reaction mixture were determined to create a sorbent with a maximum capacity of 19.2 g/g. The differences in the morphological structure of the surface of ethylcellulose matrix and obtained sorbents were described. The specific surface area of ethylcellulose sorbent with a maximum capacity for benzoic acid was 14.10 cm2/g.

Terbinafine HCl Film-Forming Spray for the Treatment of Topical Fungal Infections

Abstract: Terbinafine HCl is an allylamine used to treat fungal infections. It has substantial side effects that can be mitigated by using a topical semisolid dose form. The objective of this study was to develop a 1% Terbinafine HCl film-forming spray formulation to treat topical fungal infections. The formulation was developed by combining polymers, penetration enhancer, plasticizer, and a suitable solvent system. The central composite design with 3 independent variables and 2 dependent variables is implemented to optimize the formulation. The film-forming spray was put through its tests to assess formulation and container-related parameters such as pH, spray angle, spray pattern, density, volume delivered for one actuation and evaporation time. From the study, it was observed that the concentration of ethyl cellulose and Eudragit RSPO has a greater influence on the viscosity of the spray solution, whereas the eutectic mixture has a greater influence on the drug permeation followed by the polymers. It also tested with various fungi, and it was found that formulation showed better fungicidal activity than the marketed product achieved by triple action. The stability studies have shown that the optimized formulation was stable with temperature of 25 ± 2°C and RH 60 ± 5(six months) on the pH, viscosity and visual appearance of the formulation. The study has concluded that the formulated film-forming spray formulation is highly efficient in treating topical and transdermal fungal infections when compared to the traditional dosage forms. Keywords: Terbinafine HCl, Formulation, Fungal infection, Solid dosage forms, Ethyl cellulose.

Characteristics of oleogel prepared from red palm oil using hybrid oleogelator

The combination of oleogelators had potential to exploit synergistic effects that contributed to functionality of oleogel. Red palm oil provided high carotenoids which add nutrition to oleogel. This research is aimed to provide high carotenoids oleogel using oleogelators combinations. Stability, oil binding capacity, hardness, thermal profile and total carotenoid were observed to learn oleogelator effect. This study was designed using a factorial completely randomized design consisting of three factors, are concentrations of ethyl cellulose (Ec), monoglycerol stearate (Ms) and beeswax (Bw). Ethyl cellulose concentrations are 1%; 2% and 4%, monoglycerol stearate concentrations are 4% and 6% and beeswax concentrations are 2% and 4%. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (p=0,05). Results showed that low oleogel concentrations produced unstable oleogels and it was obtained stability at a certain ++concentration limit. Each oleogel concentration had significant effect on oil-holding capacity, hardness, and total carotene, but had no significant effect on melting point. Oleogelator interaction had significant effect on total carotene, but did not significantly affect on hardness and oil-holding capacity. Oleogelator formulations Ec1%-Ms4%-Bw2%, Ec1%-Ms6%-Bw2% and Ec2%-Ms4%-Bw2% had hardness values that were close to margarine, but these formulations are not stable. Melting point is temperature range of 38.15-43.17 oC and is close to melting point of margarine sample of 40.44 oC. Some oleogel formulations had characteristics that are close to margarine samples such as melting point and hardness, but improving oleogel stability was essential to studying further.

Impact of ethyl cellulose variation on microstructural and electrochemical properties of spin coated YSZ electrolyte thin films for SOFCs: Slurry composition evolution

The present work meticulously highlights the physical and electrochemical properties of slurry spin coated Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte thin films for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) applications wherein the concentration of ethyl cellulose (EC) is varied from 3.5 wt% to 6.5 wt% in the EC/YSZ/terpineol slurry. The TGA of the prepared mixtures reveals the complete mass removal of EC in temperature range of 380–400 °C. The dense and crack-free YSZ thin films on NiO/YSZ anode composites are developed by performing four separate coating cycles where each cycle is preceded by baking the films at 380 °C. The prepared YSZ electrolyte thin films showed polycrystalline nature with cubic phased prominent reflection corresponding to plane (111). The crystallite size of YSZ thin films is determined from W–H and Scherrer's relations which is obtained in the range of 18–26 nm and 21–26 nm, respectively. The 3D AFM projection shows hill-like topography where the average roughness is found to be increased from 3.01 nm to 8.49 nm with an increase in the EC content. FESEM analysis unveils smooth morphology along with the presence of some abscission zones in YSZ thin films after the removal of EC. The electrochemical properties are explored by fitting equivalent electrical circuit to the Nyquist data which confirms electrolytic response of the prepared coatings. The thermal activation of ionic conduction has been verified by observing the Arrhenius plots where conductivity is found to be varied in range 10 −4 -10 −5 S/cm with the respective increase in EC content. The activation energies of YSZ electrolyte thin films are found to be in the range of 1.09–1.18 eV which are slightly higher as compared to that of bulk YSZ.

Development, Optimization and Evaluation of Herbal Patch Formulation for Acne Treatment

Background: More than 85% of young people around the world suffer from acne vulgaris, which is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory skin illness. The study’s objective was to develop a herbal patch formulation contained quercetin, curcuminoids, and berberine HCl for the treatment of acne that utilizing ethyl cellulose and HPMC K4M as polymers and propylene glycol as a plasticizer. Materials and Methods: Drug excipient compatibility study was performed using FT-IR. Preliminary trial was done for screening of polymers and plasticizer concentrations. The combined influence of the two independent variables, namely the concentration of HPMC K4M and ethyl cellulose, on the dependent variables, tensile strength and cumulative % drug release at 24 hr, was examined using a 32 full factorial design. Patches were evaluated for physicochemical parameters. Results: Drug excipient compatibility study revealed that drug and excipients are compatible with each other. The optimized formulation (C0) showed tensile strength 2.56 kg/cm2, cumulative percentage drug release of quercetin, berberine HCl, and curcuminoids at 24 hr were 94.02%, 64.66%, and 94.21%, respectively. Tensile strength increased with an amount of HPMC K4M and Ethyl cellulose increases, the cumulative percentage of drug release decreased as HPMC K4M and ethyl cellulose concentrations were raised. Conclusion: Optimized herbal patch formulation had shown good physico-chemical and mechanical properties. The research shows that the developed formulation has the potential to be a useful replacement for the present medications in the market.