Concentrations Of Nonionic Surfactants Research Articles

Laboratory features in acute paediatric poisoning with liquid laundry detergent capsules: a seven-year retrospective study in Romania

Introduction The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of acute poisoning with liquid laundry detergent capsules have been comprehensively reported. However, studies of laboratory test results in these exposures are uncommon. This study analyzed the impact of the ingestion of liquid laundry detergent capsules on admission laboratory tests in paediatric patients. Methods This retrospective study was conducted in the clinical toxicology unit of a paediatric poison centre between 2015 and 2021. Paediatric patients (less than 18 years of age) who ingested liquid laundry detergent capsules were included. The relationship between the European Association of Poisons Centers and Clinical Toxicologists/European Commission/International Programme on Chemical Safety Poisoning Severity Score and admission laboratory test results was assessed using Fisher’s exact test or analysis of variance. Results A total of 156 patients were included in the study. A considerable proportion of patients presented with leucocytosis, acidosis, hyperlactataemia or base deficit. The median values of white blood cell count (P = 0.042), pH (P = 0.022), and base excess (P = 0.013) were significantly different among the Poisoning Severity Score groups. Hyperlactataemia was strongly associated with the Poisoning Severity Score (P = 0.003). Discussion Leucocytosis is a non-specific marker of severity following ingestion of liquid laundry detergent capsules. The incidence of metabolic acidosis and hyperlactataemia was higher in this study than in previous reports, but these metabolic features were not related to the severity of exposure. The exact mechanisms of toxicity are not yet known, but the high concentration of non-ionic and anionic surfactants, as well as propylene glycol and ethanol, in the capsule are likely contributing factors. Conclusions Pediatric patients who ingest liquid laundry detergent capsules may develop leucocytosis, metabolic acidosis, hyperlactataemia, and a base deficit.

Innovative stearic acid-in-silicone oil (o/o) phase change material lubricating emulsions (PCMLEs): Thermo-rheological and tribological properties

This paper analyses the feasibility of using novel non-aqueous stearic acid-in-silicone oil (o/o) phase change material lubricating emulsions (PCMLEs). The novel use of these dispersions with heat storage capacity for lubricating applications can be considered a new approach since they have not yet been used for such purposes. In this study, PCMLEs consist of stearic acid, with a melting point of roughly 69 °C, as a dispersed phase change material in a continuous silicone oil medium. Samples were prepared by mixing different phase ratios, by high-shear processing and stabilised by a constant concentration of a silicone-based non-ionic surfactant. Taking into consideration the ability of stearic acid to absorb latent thermal energy during machinery operation, the potential application in lubrication has been assessed by means of stationary and temperature ramp friction tests. Moreover, the effect of the phase transition on the PCMLEs’ rheological response has been analysed through stationary flow tests and frequency sweeps within the linear viscoelastic range at constant temperatures, below (40 °C) and above (80 °C) the melting process of the disperse phase. Additionally, their thermal properties and morphology were also studied through X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarised optical microscopy. As a result, the reported rheological properties and microstructure led to the enhancement in tribological characteristics of PCMLEs since a significant reduction in the friction factor is evidenced, within the whole temperature range, when compared to the silicone oil.

Impact of the Different Chemical-Based Decellularization Protocols on the Properties of the Caprine Pericardium.

This study aims to decellularized caprine pericardium tissue with varied non-ionic surfactant and anionic detergent concentrations. Protocol A consists of 1%, 0.5%, and 0.25% (w/v) sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). Protocol B uses 1%, 0.5%, and 0.25% (w/v) Triton X-100. Protocol C comprised 0.5% SDS + 0.5% Triton X-100, 0.5% + 0.25%, and 0.25% SDS + 0.5% Triton X-100. Protocol B left a few countable cells in the pericardium tissue, but treatments A and C removed all cells. DNA quantification also demonstrated that protocol B had the most leftover DNA after decellularization. The pericardium tissue treated with an equal combination of anionic detergent and non-ionic surfactant preserves the matrix. However, changing the anionic detergent-non-ionic surfactant ratio disrupted the microstructure. Protocol A decreased pericardium tissue secant modulus (p < 0.05). Protocol B-treated pericardium tissue matched native tissue secant modulus and ultimate tensile stress. Protocol C strengthened pericardium tissue. The intact extracellular matrix and biomechanical properties like native tissues require optimal chemical doses and combinations.

P‐toluenesulfonychloride‐based niosomes for Amphotericin‐B against Leishmaniasis

AbstractNonionic‐surfactants have been reported as nanocarriers for delivering low bioavailable drugs at the target sites. In the current study, two new nonionic surfactants were synthesized to enhance the oral bioavailability of the low water‐soluble antifungal drug Amphotericin‐B. The hemolysis effect of nonionic surfactants on red blood cells and cytotoxicity against the 3T3 cell line was studied. Both surfactants have shown low hemolysis and cytotoxicity as compared to standard Tween 80. The morphology of drug‐loaded niosomes of nonionic surfactants 1 and 2 was studied by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and both surfactants based vesicles were spherical, while their average sizes were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The average size, zeta potential and polydispersity index (PDI) values of surfactants 1 and 2 were 282 ± 3 nm, −8 ± 1 mV, 0.26 and 287 ± 3 nm, −10 ± 1 mV, 0.24. The drug entrapment efficiency and critical micelle concentrations of nonionic surfactants were determined by using UV–visible spectroscopy. The structures of surfactants 1 and 2 were assessed through single‐crystal x‐ray crystallographic analysis, while Hirshfeld analysis was performed to study the intermolecular interactions of molecules, as well as the packing behavior of their crystals. The nonionic‐surfactant 1 was further tested for antileishmanial activity against Leishmania tropica promastigotes, in both drug‐loaded and unloaded niosomal vesicular forms. The nonionic surfactant 1 was found to be a potentanti‐leishmanial agent in the drug‐loaded form with IC50 = 3.02 ± 0.91 μM in comparison to their standard drugs Amphotericin‐B (IC50 = 3.8 ± 0.04 μM) and miltefosine (IC50 = 42.2 ± 0.6 μM) (p &lt; 0.1). These results, therefore, form the basis of further results towards efficient drug delivery against tropical disease Leishmaniasis.

Effects of adjuvants on the effectiveness and rainfastness of rimsulfuron in potato

Summary Adjuvants are used with herbicides to increase their efficacy. In this study, it was demonstrated that the application of 0.1% of the non-ionic surfactant (NIS, Contact) and 0.5 L ha−1 of a crop oil concentrate (COC, Renol) did not improve the efficacy of rimsulfuron on Amaranthus retroflexus. In contrast, the same treatments enhanced performance and rainfastnes of rimsulfuron in Chenopodium album. Increasing non-ionic surfactant concentration to 1 L ha−1 increased rimsulfuron performance around 10-fold for A. retroflexus compared to around 3-fold for C. album. The same treatment reduced 12-fold the rainfastness of rimsulfuron on A. retroflexus while improving 2-fold the rainfastness of rimsulfuron on C. album. Measured ED50 and ED90 doses of rimsulfuron indicated that the addition of the 0.2 L ha−1 of NIS improved the recommended (60 g a.i. ha-1) and the reduced (30 g a.i. ha−1) dose effect of rimsulfurom in potato crop in the field. The highest potato yield was recorded (60 tons per ha) when 60 g ai. ha−1 of rimsulfuron was applied at three growth stages [leaf development (S1) + vegetatively propagated organs (S4) + development of tuber (S7)] of the crop without using a NIS; not significant differences were measured when the same dose of rimsulfuron was applied at the three (S1, S4, and S7) and two (S1, S4) growth stages with NIS.

Effect of non-deformable and deformable bubbles on static yield stress of cement mortar

While extensive research has delved into the impact of single size distribution and volume fraction of bubbles on the static yield stress of cement mortar, this investigation pertains to previously underexplored variables. These encompass the ramifications of multi-size bubble distributions, variations in bubble geometries, disparities in air-liquid interfacial characteristics, and surfactant concentrations. In order to scrutinize these factors, bubbles exhibiting distinct volume fractions and size distributions were deliberately induced through the admixture of varying concentrations of nonionic surfactants, while maintaining a water-to-cement ratio (w/c) of 0.42 under controlled conditions at a temperature of 20 °C. Experimental testing involved the analysis of bubble deformation during the yield process of cement mortar, including a surface tension tester, micro-CT, and numerical simulations. Furthermore, the study investigated the influence of nonionic surfactants on the interaction forces between cement particles, employing comprehensive analysis methods such as a total organic carbon analyzer, Zeta potential measurements, and contact angle tests. The consolidated outcomes from experimental trials and numerical simulations substantiate that augmenting the concentration of nonionic surfactants does not amplify the interparticle interaction forces within cement particles. Rather, it solely leads to an escalation in the volume fraction of bubbles. During the cement mortar yielding process, bubbles exhibit two distinct states: deformable and non-deformable, characterized by the Bingham capillary number. Notably, the research reveals that the effect of increasing the volume fraction of non-deformable bubbles on the static yield stress is more significant than the impact of these bubbles on reducing maximum packing density. This effect is attributed to the increased number of contacts between particles. Additionally, the larger and flatter surface area of deformable bubbles promotes the orderly arrangement of cement particles, thereby reducing local shear dissipation. Consequently, an increase in the volume fraction of deformable bubbles and the Bingham capillary number contributes to a reduction in the static yield stress. In consideration of these discoveries, this study introduces a qualitative approach for characterizing the static yield stress of aerated cement mortar, leveraging the volume fractions of deformable and non-deformable bubbles, in conjunction with the maximum packing density and Bingham capillary number.

Comparison of the elastic recovery and strain-in-compression of commercial and novel vinyl polysiloxane impression materials incorporating a novel crosslinking agent and a surfactant.

This study aims to formulate experimental vinylpolysiloxane (VPS) impression materials and compare their elastic recovery and strain-in-compressions with three commercial VPS materials (Aquasil, Elite, and Extrude). Five experimental materials (Exp), two hydrophobic (Exp-I and II) and three hydrophilic (Exp-III, IV and V) were developed. Exp 1 contained vinyl-terminated poly-dimethyl siloxane and a conventional cross-linking agent (poly methylhydrosiloxane), while Exp- II contained a novel cross-linking agent that is tetra-functional dimethyl-silyl-ortho-silicate (TFDMSOS). Exp III-V (hydrophilic materials) were formulated by incorporating different concentrations of non-ionic surfactant (Rhodasurf CET-2) into Exp II formulation. Measurement of elastic recovery and strain-in-compression for commercial and experimental materials were performed according to ISO4823 standard using the calibrated mechanical testing machine (Tinius Olsen). One-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc (HSD) test were used for statistical analysis and a p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Exp-I has statistically similar values to commercial VPS. The Exp-II showed the highest elastic recovery, while % elastic recovery was reduced with the addition of the non-ionic surfactant (Rhodasurf CET-2). The % reduction was directly related to the concentration of Rhodasurf CET-2. In addition, Exp II had significantly higher strain-in-compression values compared to Exp-I and commercial materials. These values were further increased with the addition of a non-ionic surfactant (Rhodasurf CET-2) was added (Exp-III, IV and V).

Recent Developments in Proniosomal Transdermal Drug Delivery: An Overview.

Proniosomes are the stable carriers used for transdermal application as compared to other vesicular delivery systems like niosomes and liposomes. Oral administration of a drug is associated with severe GIT irritation and first-pass metabolism. The vesicular drug delivery system includes the basic concept of niosomes and proniosomes which describes their mechanism of action, structural formation, interactive study with skin, composition, and method of preparation. Gels contain a high aqueous component as compared to ointment and creams, due to which they can dissolve high concentrations of drugs, and thus help the drug to migrate easily through a vehicle, due to which, gels are considered to be superior in terms of use and patient compliance. This review will focus on the up-to-date research developments in the use of proniosomes, which are applicable to various diseases. Proniosomes are prepared mainly by different concentrations of nonionic surfactants, cholesterol, and lecithin by entrapping hydrophobic as well as hydrophilic drugs. In earlier studies, it was found that the non-ionic surfactants and phospholipids provided higher penetration and it has also been found that some phospholipids have the ability to fluidize the lipid bilayers of the stratum corneum and diffuse through it. In the future, proniosomes may gain more importance in the area of melanoma, brain targeting, protein and peptide drug delivery, gene delivery, hematological drug delivery, and also in cosmetics, and nutraceuticals.

Effect of Surfactants on Reverse Osmosis Membrane Performance

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane in surfactant removal using various surfactant model aqueous solutions. The separation tests were performed with laboratory scale units in a dead-end configuration. Cellulose Acetate (CA) and Polyamide (PA) RO membranes were used with nonionic, anionic, or cationic surfactants at a wide range of concentrations. Membrane performance was evaluated using permeate flux and total organic carbon (TOC) rejection. The effects of surfactant type and concentration on RO membranes were assessed. Permeate flux of the PA membrane depended on the surfactant type and concentration. The separation of cationic surfactant aqueous solutions yielded the lowest permeate flux, followed by nonionic and anionic surfactant aqueous solutions, respectively. Surfactant adsorption on the membrane surface occurred at very low concentration of cationic and nonionic surfactants due to electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, respectively, which affected permeate flux, and micelles did not affect the permeate flux of PA membrane. However, for CA membrane the permeate flux was not affected by the feed solution. Both membranes exhibited satisfactory TOC rejection (92–99%). This study highlights the importance of assessing interactions between membrane material and surfactant molecules to mitigate membrane fouling and guarantee a better performance of the RO membrane.

Structure Identification of Adsorbed Anionic–Nonionic Binary Surfactant Layers Based on Interfacial Shear Rheology Studies and Surface Tension Isotherms

Mixtures of anionic sodium oleate (NaOl) and nonionic ethoxylated or alkoxylated surfactants improve the selective separation of magnesite particles from mineral ores during the process of flotation. Apart from triggering the hydrophobicity of magnesite particles, these surfactant molecules adsorb to the air-liquid interface of flotation bubbles, changing the interfacial properties and thus affecting the flotation efficiency. The structure of adsorbed surfactants layers at the air-liquid interface depends on the adsorption kinetics of each surfactant and the reformation of intermolecular forces upon mixing. Up to now, researchers use surface tension measurements to understand the nature of intermolecular interactions in such binary surfactant mixtures. Aiming to adapt better to the dynamic character of flotation, the present work explores the interfacial rheology of NaOl mixtures with different nonionic surfactants to study the interfacial arrangement and viscoelastic properties of adsorbed surfactants under the application of shear forces. Interfacial shear viscosity results reveal the tendency on nonionic molecules to displace NaOl molecules from the interface. The critical nonionic surfactant concentration needed to complete NaOl displacement at the interface depends on the length of its hydrophilic part and on the geometry of its hydrophobic chain. The above indications are supported by surface tension isotherms.

Spectral-fluorescent and photochemical study of 6,6′-di(benzoylamino)trimethine cyanine dyes in solutions as possible probes for DNA

Spectral-fluorescent and photochemical properties of trimethine cyanine dyes T-304, T-306, and T-307, having substituents in 6,6′-positions, in various organic solvents, in aqueous buffer solutions, in the presence of surfactants and ethanol additives, and the effect on these properties of addition of DNA have been studied. Strong aggregation of the dyes in aqueous and aqueous buffer solutions has been shown. This is due to increased hydrophobicity of the dyes, which makes it difficult to use them as spectral-fluorescent probes for DNA. In the presence of DNA, trimethine cyanines partially form highly fluorescent complexes of dye monomers with the biomolecule, with slight decomposition of the initial aggregates and the formation of aggregates on DNA molecules. The formation of different types of dye–DNA complexes, i.e., intercalation and binding in the DNA grooves, was modeled by molecular docking. Dye–DNA complexes were also studied by circular dichroism spectroscopy and by thermal dissociation of DNA. To reveal selectivity of the dyes, their interaction with human serum albumin was briefly studied. The presence of moderate concentrations of nonionic surfactants does not lead to a significant decomposition of aggregates, but leads to a biphasic dependence of the fluorescence intensity on the DNA concentration. At the same time, ethanol additives (15%) lead to a more or less linear concentration dependence of the fluorescence intensity, which makes it possible to use these dyes as fluorescent probes for DNA. The effective binding constants of the dyes to DNA and the limits of DNA detection using the dyes in the presence of 15% ethanol were estimated. Photoisomerization and generation of the triplet states of T-304, T-306, and T-307 have been also studied. Along with the fluorescence growth, complexation with DNA leads to an increase in the yield of the triplet states of the dyes. This creates a prerequisite for using the dyes in targeted PDT. In the presence of DNA, the decay kinetics of the triplet states are biexponential, which indicates different types of dye complexes with DNA. The rate constants of oxygen quenching of the triplet states of the dyes bound to DNA are significantly lower than the diffusion-controlled values (taking into account the spin-statistical factor), which is explained by the shielding effect on the triplet molecules in complexes with DNA. The data obtained show that dyes T-304, T-306 and T-307, with addition of 15% ethanol, can be used as possible fluorescent probes for DNA.

Determination of the Second Critical Micelle Concentration of Aqueous Non-Ionic Surfactants: Measurement and Calculation of Various Physicochemical Properties above the First CMC Point

Determination of the Second Critical Micelle Concentration of Aqueous Non-Ionic Surfactants: Measurement and Calculation of Various Physicochemical Properties above the First CMC Point

Application of anionic-nonionic mixed micellar system for solubilization of methylene blue dye

Present study highlights the interaction of methylene blue (MB), a cationic dye, with anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and its mixed micelles with a nonionic surfactant Triton X-114 (TX-114). The results obtained from UV–visible spectrophotometry were used to obtain the degree of solubilization in terms of binding constant (Kb) and partition coefficient (Kx) of dye in single and mixed micellar systems (MMS). Gibb’s free energies of partitioning and binding were also calculated for both systems. Specific conductance was measured to determine the CMC of single and mixed micellar media at five different temperatures, T = (293.15 – 333.15) K. Temperature-dependent thermodynamic parameters like Gibb’s free energy of micellization (ΔGomic), enthalpy of micellization (ΔHomic), and entropy of micellization (ΔSomic) were calculated using data of specific conductance measurements. Effect of concentration of TX-114 on Kx and Kb values of the MB in MMS is also investigated. Spectroscopic and conductometric results revealed that the anionic-nonionic mixed micellar system was better and more effective for the removal and solubilization of MB from aqueous system as compared to anionic micelles only. However, it has been observed that after a critical concentration an increase of non-ionic surfactant concentration has a reverse effect on solubilizing power of ionic-nonionic mixed micellar system. This indicates that the dye-surfactant interaction became weaker due to possible decrease in ionic character of mixed micelles when the high fraction of TX-114 was used.

Surfactant induced catastrophic collapse of carbon black suspensions used in flow battery application

HypothesisCarbon black particles act as electronically conductive additives in the slurry electrodes used in electrochemical redox flow batteries. Modifying the carbon black slurry formulation with the addition of a nonionic surfactant could impart improved particle dispersion, gravitational stability, and flowability leading to better battery performance. ExperimentsCarbon black particles were dispersed in 1 M H2SO4 with volume fractions Φ = 0.01 to 0.06 and a nonionic surfactant (Triton X-100) concentration of csurf. = 0, 0.05, and 0.1 M. Particle size was characterized using microscopy and surfactant adsorption using UV–vis spectroscopy. Sedimentation kinetics was measured using a custom camera set-up that tracks the height of the settling particle bed. Rheology experiments were conducted to measure linear viscoelasticity and shear flow behavior. FindingsThe sedimentation dynamics of the slurry resembled that of a gel collapse. At short times we observed fast sedimentation associated with structural gel collapse and at long times very slow sedimentation associated with compaction of the sediment. Rheological investigations revealed that the slurry indeed behaved like colloidal gels. Addition of nonionic surfactant at α (= (csurf./cCB)) < 0.75 improved particle dispersion and increased gel elasticity. However, α> 0.75 led to a weaker gel that exhibits a fast ‘catastrophic collapse’ under gravity.

Enhanced solar modulation ability of smart windows based on hydroxypropyl cellulose mixed with nonionic surfactants

Thermo-responsive smart windows have attracted considerable attention due to their solar modulation ability and energy-saving performances. Researchers focus on ionic surfactants to adjust the lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs). However, few researchers explored the effect and mechanism of nonionic surfactants. Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is an excellent thermo-responsive candidate for smart windows due to its nontoxicity and zero energy input. Herein, the effect of nonionic surfactants on HPC optical properties was investigated. The solar spectrum transmittance was evaluated as a function of nonionic surfactant types and concentrations. The addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) significantly improved solar modulation ability(ΔTsol). The enhancement was due to the formation of larger aggregates of HPC and PVP molecules. The optimal PVP loading was 1.5 wt%, which resulted in a 69.75% ΔTsol improvement and a 1.35 °C reduction in the LCST compared with pure HPC solution. PVP would serve as a cost-effective additive to improve HPC optical properties. Heating conditions also made contributions to HPC phase separation. The energy-saving experiment verified a 4.89 °C reduction in room temperature, which confirmed the energy-saving performance. This research explains the relationship between HPC and nonionic surfactants and extends the application of HPC to smart windows.

Stabilization of Aqueous MMA Emulsions Using Mixtures of Surfactants and Implications on MMA Miniemulsion Polymerizations

AbstractMiniemulsion polymerization is a robust and simple method for manufacture of polymer nanoparticles. However, it is strongly dependent on the precursor monomer‐in‐water emulsion stability. Thus, the present study investigates the influence of concentration and combination of nonionic surfactants (resulting in different hydrophile–lipophile balances, HLB) on the stabilization of emulsions of methyl methacrylate in water. Backscattering profiles obtained with Turbiscan show that a combination of Tween80 and Span80 can grant the desired initial system stabilization, although the optimum HLB values depend on the amount of surfactant mixture. Miniemulsion polymerizations are then successfully performed with nonionic surfactant mixtures, providing high monomer conversion in less than 1 h and poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles with average diameters ranging from 300 to 500 nm. Finally, it is observed that the addition of small amounts of an anionic surfactant to the surfactant mixture (10 wt.%) can be very beneficial for the process, allowing the control of reaction rates, the production of smaller nanoparticles with average diameters from 100 to 300 nm, and the enhanced stabilization of the final solid dispersion, while simultaneously keeping the concentration of ionic surfactants small.

Surfactant membranes architecture and performance: Effect of HLB value and concentration of non-ionic surfactants

This paper discusses a pioneering work on the effect of hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values and non-ionic surfactant concentrations on the performance, architecture i.e. morphology and molecular orientation of polyethersulfone/polyether glycol (PES/PEG 600) for surfactant membrane. PES surfactant membranes were developed through phase inversion fabrication technique with the addition of non-ionic surfactants Triton X-100 (TX100) and Tween 20 (T20) into the polymer solution during formulation. The results of the experimental data conducted showed that 2 wt% increase in the concentration of non -ionic surfactants resulted increased in pure water permeated (PWP) flux and salt solution flux. T20 at 3 wt%, the surfactant membrane reached an highest PWP level of around 1200.67 L/m2 × h while showing an highest flux obtained at 31,692 L/m2 x h. Analysis of membrane structure construction from the morphological results of 3 wt% TX100 membrane having lower HLB value yielded highest rejection at 99.7% and became a booster to produce fine membrane structure, subsequently producing high performance surfactant membrane.

Role of Bacterial Consortium and Synthetic Surfactants in Promoting the Phytoremediation of Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil Using Brachiaria mutica

Crude oil is causing widespread pollution in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Phytoremediation, which is an emerging technology, involves the efficient use of plant species to remove, detoxify, and/or immobilize contaminants in the soil through natural processes. For this study, Para grass (Brachiaria mutica) inoculated with a previously isolated and characterized bacterial consortium was grown in a pot containing crude oil-contaminated soil. The effects of different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1% of 10% detergent solution in ultrapure water) of nonionic surfactant (Triton X-100) on the degradation of crude oil in contaminated soil were observed. After 4-month experimentation, the maximum growth of the plant root length (28.57 cm), shoot length (65.73 cm), and dry biomass of root and shoot (92.42 g) in the pot having an application of surfactants of 0.1% augmented with the bacterial consortium (T7) was observed. Increasing the concentration of Triton X-100 from 0.01 to 1% augmented with a bacterial consortium led to the maximum removal of total petroleum hydrocarbons ranging between 6 and 40%. This is an indication of the inhibiting effect of Triton X-100 above 0.1% on the growth of plants. Furthermore, the hydrocarbon degradation was confirmed by the FTIR study that can be attributed to the adopted plant species' ability to degrade crude oil contamination, and it is evident through the FTIR results after 120 days of experimentation that the different functional groups are responsible for petroleum hydrocarbons present in soil samples. The current study concludes that the application of integrated treatment of crude oil-contaminated soil by using Triton X-100 and augmented with microbes can help to restore polluted soils for agricultural use. Future strategies such as bioaugmentation of contaminated soil with PGPR and the use of genetically modified (GMO) plants may result in amplifying plant tolerance and ultimately lower the level of soil pollutants for better soil health and boost plant yield.

Optimisation of Characteristics of CHI-ALG-CaCl&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; Nanocarriers Loaded with Non-Volatile Extracts of &lt;i&gt;Cymbopogon&lt;/i&gt; &lt;i&gt;Sp.&lt;/i&gt;

Nanotechnology is receiving an intense attention these days due to its potential application in various fields including cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical. Nanoparticles encapsulating natural extract are usually characterised for their particle size and polydispersity index but zeta potential is hardly discussed. The zeta potential is the measurement that shows the aggregation behaviour, reactivity and toxicology. In this study, nanoparticle encapsulating Cymbopogon sp. have been formulated to develop a cosmeceutical product. The antioxidant properties from aqueous extract of Cymbopogon sp. was encapsulated with chitosan/alginate biopolymeric nanoparticles. Central Composite Design (CCD) of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate and optimise the effects of independent variables such as pH of SA, concentration of non-ionic surfactant concentration of CaCl2 and pH of chitosan on zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency (EE). Following the model, the optimum condition for zeta potential was selected as 6.2 of sodium alginate pH, 0.12% of non-ionic surfactant concentration, 0.05 concentration of CaCl2 and 5.6 of chitosan pH with negative zeta potential of 18.3mV. The zeta potential obtained experimentally was close to its predicted value which is-18.09mV. The model provides a basis on the optimisation of the zeta potential on chitosan/alginate nanoparticle encapsulating Cymbopogon sp. extracts.

FORMULATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF PRONIOSOMAL GEL FOR TOPICAL DELIVERY OF AMPHOTERICIN B

Objective: The present research work of Amphotericin B Proniosomal gel focuses on improving patient compliance by reducing the side effects of conventional intravenous injections and minimizing the problem of physical stability and to localize drug at site of action. Methods: Proniosomal gels are prepared by coacervation phase separation technique using different concentration of non-ionic surfactants (Span and Tween) for uniform vesicle formation, lecithin as permeation enhancer/membrane stabilizer and cholesterol as a vesicle cement providing prolonged release. Prepared gels were evaluated for their viscosity, pH, spreadability, entrapment efficiency, drug content uniformity, extrudability, in vitro drug release, permeability and stability studies. Results: Among the nine formulations, F2 (containing 10 mg drug, 250 mg Span 60, 50 mg Soya lecithin) was found to be promising. Fourier Transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectra studies represented no interaction and physicochemical characteristics were found within the limits. The percentages of drug content and entrapment efficiency were determined to be 95.16%±0.40 and 94.20%±0.20, respectively. In vitro drug release was about 95.72%±0.30. Conclusion: Proniosomal gel could constitute a promising approach for topical delivery of Amphotericin B by encapsulating it in non-ionic surfactant to provide patient compliance with cutaneous fungal infection, which was found to be safe, tolerable and efficacious.