Pluronic F127 Content Research Articles

Chemical stabilization of dispersed Escherichia coli for enhanced recovery with a handheld electroflotation system and detection by Loop-mediated Isothermal AMPlification.

Constraints related to sample preparation are some of the primary obstacles to widespread deployment of molecular diagnostics for rapid detection of trace quantities (≤103 CFU/mL) of food-borne pathogens. In this research, we report a sample preparation method using a novel handheld electroflotation system to concentrate and recover dilute quantities (102−103 CFU/mL) of Escherichia coli (E. coli) 25922 in artificially contaminated samples for reliable, rapid detection by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). To protect suspended cells from shear stresses at bubble surfaces, a non-ionic surfactant (Pluronic-F68) and flocculant (chitosan oligosaccharide) were used to aggregate cells and reduce their surface hydrophobicity. Effective conditions for recovery were determined through multifactorial experiments including various concentrations of Pluronic-F68 (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1 g L-1), chitosan oligosaccharide (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 g L-1), bacteria (102, 103, 104 CFU/mL E. coli 25922), recovery times (10, 15 and 20 minutes), and degrees of turbulent gas flux (“high” and “low”). The automated electroflotation system was capable of concentrating effectively all of the bacteria from a large sample (380 mL 0.1 M potassium phosphate buffer containing 102 CFU/mL E. coli) into a 1 mL recovered fraction in less than 30 minutes. This enabled detection of bacterial contaminants within 2 hours of collecting the sample, without a specialized laboratory facility or traditional enrichment methods, with at least a 2–3 order of magnitude improvement in detection limit compared to direct assay with LAMP.

Design of novel orotransmucosal vaccine-delivery platforms using artificial intelligence

The linings of the oral cavity are excellent needle-free vaccination sites, able to induce immune responses at distal sites and confer systemic protection. However, owing to the mucosal tissues’ intrinsic characteristics, the design of effective antigen-delivery systems is not an easy task. In the present work, we propose to develop and characterize thermosensitive and mucoadhesive hydrogels for orotransmucosal vaccination taking advantage of artificial intelligence tools (AIT). Hydrogels of variable composition were obtained combining Pluronic® F127 (PF127), Hybrane® S1200 (HS1200) and Gantrez® AN119 (AN119) or S97 (S97). Systems were characterized in terms of physicochemical properties, adhesion capacity to mucosal tissues and antigen-like microspheres release. Additionally, polymers biocompatibility and their immune-stimulation capacity was assessed in human macrophages. Interestingly, cells treated with HS1200 exhibited a significant proliferation enhancement compared to control. The use of AIT allowed to determine the effect of each polymer on formulations properties. The proportions of PF127 and Gantrez® are mainly the factors controlling gelation temperature, mucoadhesion, adhesion work and gel strength. Meanwhile, cohesion and short-term microsphere release are dependent on the PF127 concentration. However, long-term microsphere release varies depending on the Gantrez® variety and the PF127 concentration used. Hydrogels prepared with S97 showed slower microsphere release. The use of AIT allowed to establish the conditions able to produce ternary hydrogels with immune-stimulatory properties together with adequate mucoadhesion capacity and antigen-like microspheres release.

Pluronic® F127-mediated control of insulin release rates from NPH microcrystals and blood glucose depression in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Introduction: Neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin is an intermediate-acting basal insulin with a long history of clinical use, consisting native human insulin. Its rather undesirable action profile, characterized by a peak release within a few hours, followed by insufficient insulin delivery upon a single subcutaneous (s.c.) dose, is well-documented. This may have been caused by the inherent microcrystal structure involving the basic peptide protamine, as well as the presence of tissue enzyme activities that readily act on protamine at the injection site. This issue may be circumvented by utilizing thermosensitive, erodible Pluronic F127 (PF127) to modulate the kinetics of insulin release from NPH over a period of 24 hours in which the hydrogel is completely eroded. Methods: Previously, we have shown that insulin release rates in vitro from NPH/PF127 formulations (0-25% PF127) markedly reduced the initial insulin release, especially in the presence of enzyme activity that selectively degraded protamine at 1-5 U/mL. Insulin release over the course of 20 hours was better modulated in the presence of increasing PF127 content. In this study, the insulin formulations (0, 20, and 25% PF127) were administered s.c. (4 U/kg) to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and blood glucose levels were monitored over 24 hours. Results: In vivo blood glucose depression profiles in STZ-induced diabetic rats exhibited a similar pattern of control to in vitro data at the single s.c. dose of 4 U/kg, apparently extending the duration of action of NPH over a 24-hour period in the presence of PF127. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the undesirable kinetics of insulin release from NPH is significantly influenced by tissue enzyme activity and that the presence of PF127 provided a timely modulation of insulin release from NPH microcrystals in the STZ-induced diabetic rat model.

Modification of polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes using block copolymer Pluronic F127

The effect of the addition of triblock copolymer polyethylene glycol (PEG)–polypropylene glycol (PPG)–polyethylene glycol (PEG) (Pluronic F127) and polyethylene glycol (PEG-4000, Mn = 4000 g mol−1) to the polysulfone (PSF) casting solution on the membrane structure and performance was studied. The phase state, viscosity and turbidity of PSF solutions in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) with the addition of block copolymer Pluronic F127 were investigated. It was found that 18–22 wt.% PSF solutions in DMAc with Pluronic F127 content ≥ 5 wt.% feature a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Membrane structure was investigated using scanning electron and atomic force microcopies. It was revealed that average pore size and pore amount on the surface of the membrane selective layer increase and pore size distribution becomes wider with an increase in Pluronic F127 content in the casting solution. It was found that the average surface roughness parameters of the membrane selective layer for PSF/Pluronic F127 membranes significantly exceed those for PSF/PEG-4000 membranes. It was shown that the increase in the membrane flux and the decrease in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-30, Mn = 40,000 g mol−1) rejection are a result of the addition of both Pluronic F127 and PEG-4000 into the casting solution. It was revealed that PSF/Pluronic F127 membranes are characterized by higher pressure resistance in ultrafiltration process, a lower total flux decrease during ultrafiltration of bovine serum albumin solutions. The antifouling performance of PSF/Pluronic F127 membranes was found to exceed significantly the antifouling performance of PSF/PEG-4000 membranes.

Modification of polysulfone membranes using triblock copolymer of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol

The phase state, viscosity and optical properties of polysulfone (PSF) solutions in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) with the addition of block copolymer Pluronic F127 and polyethylene glycol (PEG-4000, M n = 4000 g-mol -1 ) were studied. Additives are both pore-forming and hydrophilizing agents. It was found that 18-22 % PSF solutions in DMAc with the Pluronic F127 content t ≥5 wt. % feature a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Mixed matrix PSF/Pluronic F127 and PSF/PEG membranes were obtained by the phase inversion technique and the comparative studies of their structure and performance were carried out. It was found that the average surface roughness parameters of PSF/Pluronic F127 membranes significantly exceed those of PSF/PEG membranes. The presence of the both additives in the casting solution leads to the effective hydrophilization of the membrane selective layer. It was shown that the increase in the membrane flux and the decrease in the polyvinylpyrrolidone (K-30, M n = 40000 g-mol -1 ) rejection coefficient are a result of adding both Pluronic F127 and PEG-4000 to the casting solution. It was shown that PSF/Pluronic F127 membranes are characterized by higher shrinkage resistance and a lower total flux decrease during ultrafiltration of bovine serum albumin solutions. It was found that the antifouling performance of PSF/Pluronic F127 membranes significantly exceeds that of PSF/PEG membranes.

Anti-reflection and self-cleaning meso-porous TiO2 coatings as solar systems protective layer: Investigation of effect of porosity and roughness

Anti-reflection and self-cleaning coatings on the glass substrate are used to improve the performance of solar systems. TiO2 are one of the most used semiconductors for this application. In this research meso-porous TiO2 coatings (that synthesized by the sol-gel process) with the various extent of porosity (using different concentrations of Pluronic F127, as pore-forming agent) have been investigated. The coating's thickness and porosity and anti-reflective properties were studied by FE-SEM and UV/VIS spectrometer (transmission spectra test), respectively. It was found that the use of F127 leads to the formation of pores smaller than 30 nm and increases the surface roughness from 1.5 (for F127 free coating) to 2.4 (for coating with 1.6 × 10−3 M of F127). and the transmittance of waves in the range of visible spectrum for TiO2 coated glass with 1.6 × 10−3 and 2 × 10−3 (M) was higher than the bare glass. The etching of TiO2 coating with HF (5%) is another beneficial way to improve the anti-reflective properties. Self-cleaning properties of super-hydrophilic TiO2 coating were investigated by contact angle and fatty acid decomposition tests. The contact angle of meso-porous TiO2 coating (4.2°) was less than dense coating (5.8°) and by increasing the coating surface roughness, the rate of fatty acid contaminations decomposition on the surface was increased.

Selection of Pluronic F-127 hydrogel’s optimum concentration and tests of its biocompatibility

Objective To determine the physical and chemical properties of Pluronic F-127 hydrogel and select its optimum concentration. At the same time, its biocompatibility was detected as the carrier of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Methods 10%, 20%, 30% (m/v) Pluronic F-127 hydrogel were prepared, test its gelling properties and swelling kinetics. The structures of hydrogel with different concentrations were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Different concentrations of hydrogels were grouped and co-cultured for 7 days after containing BMSCs and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). The proliferation and growth status of BMSCs in each group were detected by Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method. After these above research, the most appropriate concentration of Pluronic F-127 hydrogel was chosen. Then, the inducer or growth factor was added to induce multi-directional differentiation of BMSCs. The Oil Red-O Staining and Alizarin red-S staining were conducted respectively. The above results were used to comprehensively evaluate the induced differentiation of cells in the vector. Results The gelation time of Pluronic F-127 hydrogel is inversely proportional to its concentration. With a higher the concentration, the lower the initial gelation temperature and the easier gelation. The higher concentration of Pluronic F-127 hydrogel, its microstructure became denser and the corresponding swelling rate was lower. CCK-8 results confirmed that compared with 20% Concentration, 30% hydrogel had a more obvious effect on the inhibition of proliferation of BMSCs. On day 5, opitical density (A) of 20% group (0.302±0.045) was significantly lower than 10% group (0.571±0.081). (t=5.120, P<0.05), while after adding the TGF-β1 to the gel carrier, it promoted the proliferation of cells. Most obviously, 20% group (using TGF-β1) (0.454±0.034) enhanced cell proliferation significantly better than 20% group (0.302±0.045) on day 5 (t=6.088, P<0.05). After adipogenic and osteogenic induction, the lipid droplets and calcification components were stained under the microscope. Conclusion 20% Concentration of Pluronic F-127 can be used as a suitable carrier to support the proliferation and differentiation of BMSCs, and the addition of growth factors or inducing fluids is more conducive to further cell growth or differentiation. Pluronic F-127 hydrogel is promising to have great value in tracheal transplantation experiments as a new type of cell carrier. Key words: Pluronic F-127 hydrogel; Bone marrow stem cells; Tracheal tissue engineering; Biocompatibility

Formulation and characterization of multifunctional polymer modified-iron oxide magnetic nanocarrier for doxorubicin delivery

Abstract Chemotherapy is one of the mostly used treatment for neuroblastoma cancer. However, in chemotherapy the drug is transported throughout the body thereby affecting fast growing healthy cells and courses several side effects. Hence, the formulation of multifunctional drug delivery systems (DDSs) as nanocarriers for cancer targeted delivery therapy to specific cancerous tissues has gained considerable attention in the field of nanomedicine. In the current study, a magnetic nanocarrier composed iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IONPs) coated with different concentrations of Pluronic F127 for the delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) in neuroblastoma treatment was synthesized. The F127–IONPs were synthetized through coprecipitation method. The HR–TEM images showed spherical and evenly dispersed particles of sizes between 10 and 40 nm. The XRD analyses indicated the crystallization of the prepared nanoparticles. Irrespective of the different F127 concentrations and the sizes of IONPs, all the particles exhibited insignificant coercive force and residual magnetism, signifying their superparamagnetic properties. The MTT assay results showed no significant cytotoxicity of the prepared nanocarrier on treated cells. The in-vitro studies of the drug release profile showed a pH-dependent drug release where more DOX was released under acidic environments than in neutral conditions.

Injectable in situ gel of methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis: Development, in vitro and in vivo evaluation

The aim of the research study was to formulate a novel, biodegradable, injectable in situ gel system of Methotrexate (MTX) in the management of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Varying concentration of Pluronic F-127 (20% and 22% w/v) and xanthan gum (0.2%-0.6% w/v) were used in the development of the formulations. In vitro and in vivo studies were carried out for the prepared MTX in situ gels. The results demonstrated that MTX was uniformly distributed and the in situ gels were sterile and syringeable. The gels showed thermosensitivity and thermoresponsivity dependent on concentration and composition of co-polymers. The optimized formulation exhibited drug release of 95.29% at 132 h. Polymer concentration and composition influenced the release of the drug from the prepared in situ gels. Drug release patterns for the developed gels using various kinetic models was checked and were found to be following non-fickian diffusion mechanism and first-order kinetics. In vivo studies carried on Freund’s adjuvant induced monoarthritis in male w istar rats; results showed a significant reduction in the inflammation at the test site. The gels were biocompatible since no inflammation was observed in the synovial membrane. MTX in situ gels could be proposed as an effective delivery system management of RA in near future.

Temperature-sensitive semi-IPN composite hydrogels for antibacterial applications

This investigation aims to develop bacterial-resistant temperature-sensitive semi-IPN silver composite hydrogels via a three-step method. Primarily, the temperature-sensitive semi-IPN hydrogels of N-isopropylacrylamide and various concentrations of Pluronic F-127 (PF 127), have been prepared via a free radical polymerization technique. Furthermore, silver ions were encapsulated in the temperature-sensitive semi-IPN hydrogels via the swelling process. Finally, the bacterial-resistant semi-IPN silver composite hydrogels were developed by using an aqueous neem extract as a reducing agent. Semi-IPN hydrogels with higher amount of PF-127 showed a water uptake that was three times better than the pristine poly (N-isopropylacrylamide). The phase transition temperature of the semi-IPN silver composite hydrogels was found to be 34.24 °C, which was confirmed from the swelling and the DSC studies. The resulting hydrogels were characterized by: FTIR, UV–vis, X-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM analyses. The TEM results confirmed the fact that the nanoparticles formed were of spherical shape with a dimension of ˜8 ± 2 nm. The semi-IPN silver-composite hydrogels showed excellent bacteria inhibition against gram-positive bacteria. The results demonstrated that the temperature-sensitive semi-IPN silver-composite hydrogels developed can be employed for clinical applications.

Injectable Hydrogels Based on Pluronic/Water Systems Filled with Alginate Microparticles for Biomedical Applications.

A (model) composite system for drug delivery was developed based on a thermoresponsive hydrogel loaded with microparticles. We used Pluronic F127 hydrogel as the continuous phase and alginate microparticles as the dispersed phase of this composite system. It is well known that Pluronic F127 forms a gel when added to water in an appropriate concentration and in a certain temperature range. Pluronic F127 hydrogel may be loaded with drug and injected, in its sol state, to act as a drug delivery system in physiological environment. A rheological characterization allowed the most appropriate concentration of Pluronic F127 (15.5 wt%) and appropriate alginate microparticles contents (5 and 10 wt%) to be determined. Methylene blue (MB) was used as model drug to perform drug release studies in MB loaded Pluronic hydrogel and in MB loaded alginate microparticles/Pluronic hydrogel composite system. The latter showed a significantly slower MB release than the former (10 times), suggesting its potential in the development of dual cargo release systems either for drug delivery or tissue engineering.

Bioavailability of microplastic-bound pollutants in vitro: The role of adsorbate lipophilicity and surfactants

The potential role of microplastic particles (MPs) as vectors for lipophilic organic pollutants enhancing their uptake by organisms has repeatedly been discussed in the scientific community. Likewise, several studies indicate an important role of surfactants in pollutant-transfer from MP to organisms. Employing polyethylene particles, the bioavailability of three MP-bound inducers of 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) with variable lipophilicity was quantitatively compared via EROD activity in RTL-W1 cells. In addition, non-cytotoxic surfactant concentrations of Pluronic F-127, rhamnolipids, sodium deoxycholate and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) supplemented to the medium were tested for their effects on pollutant desorption from MPs as well as on cellular EROD induction. Bioavailability of MP-bound pollutants was negatively correlated with lipophilicity, and all surfactants were found to modulate the cellular response towards inducers by unidentified mechanisms. After experimental correction for effects on the cellular response, all surfactants except SDS moderately increased desorption of inducer from MPs. Results on the impact of lipophilicity agree with previously published thermodynamic models, indicating that appreciable pollutant desorption from MPs may only occur for substances with comparatively low lipophilicity, the accumulation of which on MPs is negligible in the environment. However, the role of surfactants should be considered further with respect to potential effects on sorption of pollutants to and from MPs.

Experimental Data and Thermodynamics Modeling (PC-SAFT EoS) of the {CO2 + Acetone + Pluronic F-127} System at High Pressures

In this study, we reported data of phase equilibria of the ternary {CO2 (1) + acetone (2) + pluronic F-127 (3)} system using the static synthetic method with a visual cell at temperatures ranging from 303 to 323 K, pressures near to 10 MPa, two concentrations of pluronic F-127 in acetone (0.01 g·cm–3 and 0.02 g·cm–3), and molar fractions varying between 0.3 to 0.9. The thermodynamic modeling using the perturbed-chain statistical associating fluid theory equation of state (PC-SAFT EoS) was capable of describing the behavior of the experimental data (liquid–vapor transitions bubble points) satisfactorily.

One-pot Synthesis of LiFePO4 Nano-particles Entrapped in Mesoporous Melamine-Formaldehyde Matrix as the Promising Cathode Materials for the Next Generation Lithium Ion Batteries

Abstract LiFePO4 is considered as the promising cathode material for a large-scale Li batteries used in electrical vehicles (EVs). However, a practical use of LiFePO4 cathode is limited by its low ionic conductivity, resulting in low battery’s power performance. In this work, a facile approach to promote ionic conductivity and capacity of LiFePO4 was developed by dispersing LiFePO4 nanoparticle into a porous nitrogen-riched carbon matrix, facilitated by practical one-pot synthesis The N-containing carbon porous matrix was prepared by utilizing pluronic F127 as the porous template and melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resin as the N-containing carbon precusor. The pseudocapacitive effect attributed from lone-pair electrons into melamine functional group was expected to support Li ion transport. Carbonization at 600 °C could provide uniform LiFePO4 composites cluster with an average size of about 100-200 nm. The influence of the pluronic F127 concentration (i.e. 0:1, 0.03:1, 0.3:1, F127:MF molar ratio) on the LiFePO4 nanocomposite’s morphology and crystalline structure was investigated by using scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction technique. Increasing the concentrations of pluronic F127 can support more porous structure formation, leading to a higher surface area, while sustain the nanocrystalline structure of LiFePO4. The result of a specific capacity is 158.1 mAh g-1, at a rate of 0.1 C was achieved for a Swagelok-type cell battery prepared from our LiFePO4 nano-composite.

Cytocompatibility and antimicrobial efficacy of pluronic F-127 coated colloidal silver nanoparticles as an endodontic irrigant

Aim and objective: The aim and objective of present study are to prepare and characterize Pluronic F-127 coated colloidal silver nanoparticles and to evaluate its cytocompatibility and anti-microbial efficacy in comparison to 5.25% NaOCl. Materials and Methodology: The cytocompatibility was evaluated on L929 human fibroblast cell line by MTT assay at five different concentrations of Pluronic F-127 coated colloidal silver nanoparticles [0.01μg/mL; 0.1μg/mL; 1μg/mL; 10μg/mL; 100μg/mL] and antimicrobial activity was evaluated by Agar well diffusion method on Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) using 100μL Pluronic F-127 coated colloidal silver nanoparticles [as test solution], 100μL 5.25%NaOCl [as standard solution], 100μL water [as control]. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison test (Graph Pad Prism, Version 6, Graph Pad Software Inc., La Jolla, USA). Results: The values with p

Customized antifouling polyacrylonitrile ultrafiltration membranes for effective removal of organic contaminants from aqueous stream

AbstractBACKGROUNDUltrafiltration (UF) is a promising separation technique for the removal of macromolecular contaminants. However, the hydrophobic polymeric UF membrane performance suffers from fouling in the long run due to clogging by contaminants at the surface and pores. In this study, anti‐fouling hydrophilic polyacrylonitrile (PAN) UF membranes in the presence of an amphiphilic triblockcopolymer, Pluronic F127 (PF127) were prepared via a phase inversion technique.RESULTSThe effect of varying concentrations of PF127 on PAN UF membranes was analyzed by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The filtration characteristics of the membranes were measured in terms of pure water flux, membrane porosity and water content. The separation efficiency of the membranes is explored for contaminants such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), humic acid (HA) and oil. The results revealed that the PAN membrane with 4 wt% of PF127 produced greatest permeate flux of 391 L m−2h−1with minimal fouling. A higher solute rejection of more than 90% was observed for the tailored membranes due to the improvement in surface properties.CONCLUSIONThe inherent hydrophilicity of the high density poly (ethylene oxide) brush‐like layer of PF127 at the membrane–water interface is utilized effectively to restrict the adsorption of the organic contaminants onto the membrane surface. After simple hydraulic washing of PAN/PF127 UF membranes, the flux recovery ratio was augmented which is ascribed to their excellent antifouling property and potential use in water treatment. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry

Morphology and performance of polyvinyl chloride membrane modified with Pluronic F127.

Background: Attempts to modify the morphology of membrane for application in industrial separation are being undertaken by many researchers. The present study discusses the morphological modification of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane by combining the hydrophilic surfactant Pluronic F127 (PF127) in a polymer solution to improve the performance of the membrane. Method: The membrane is formed using the non-solvent induced-phase separation (NIPS) method. PF127 is added to the membrane solution as a membrane modifying agent. The effects of the surfactant concentration in the dope solution on the permeability of pure water, solute rejection, hydrophilic characteristics, and membrane morphology are investigated. Results: Higher concentrations of PF127 had a significant effect on the permeability of pure water. The highest membrane permeation was 45.65 l/m 2.hr.atm with the addition of 7% PF127 additive. Conclusion: PF127 is successfully proposed as a membrane pore-forming agent in this work; the blending of this additive in appropriate amounts in the polymer solution is adequate to improve the performance of the PVC membrane.

Morphology and performance of polyvinyl chloride membrane modified with Pluronic F127

Background: Attempts to modify the morphology of membrane for application in industrial separation are being undertaken by many researchers. The present study discusses the morphological modification of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane by combining the hydrophilic surfactant Pluronic F127 (PF127) in a polymer solution to improve the performance of the membrane. Method: The membrane is formed using the non-solvent induced-phase separation (NIPS) method. PF127 is added to the membrane solution as a membrane modifying agent. The effects of the surfactant concentration in the dope solution on the permeability of pure water, solute rejection, hydrophilic characteristics, and membrane morphology are investigated. Results: Higher concentrations of PF127 had a significant effect on the permeability of pure water. The highest membrane permeation was 45.65 l/m 2.hr.atm with the addition of 7% PF127 additive. Conclusion: PF127 is successfully proposed as a membrane pore-forming agent in this work; the blending of this additive in appropriate amounts in the polymer solution is adequate to improve the performance of the PVC membrane.

Morphology and performance of polyvinyl chloride membrane modified with Pluronic F127

Background: Attempts to modify the morphology of membrane for application in industrial separation are being undertaken by many researchers. The present study discusses the morphological modification of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane by combining the hydrophilic surfactant Pluronic F127 (PF127) in a polymer solution to improve the performance of the membrane. Method: The membrane is formed using the non-solvent induced-phase separation (NIPS) method. PF127 is added to the membrane solution as a membrane modifying agent. The effects of the surfactant concentration in the dope solution on the permeability of pure water, solute rejection, hydrophilic characteristics, and membrane morphology are investigated. Results: Higher concentrations of PF127 had a significant effect on the permeability of pure water. The highest membrane permeation was 45.65 l/m 2.hr.atm with the addition of 7% PF127 additive. Conclusion: PF127 is successfully proposed as a membrane pore-forming agent in this work; the blending of this additive in appropriate amounts in the polymer solution is adequate to improve the performance of the PVC membrane.

Aripiprazole-Loaded Polymeric Micelles: Fabrication, Optimization and Evaluation using Response Surface Method.

The fundamental objective of current study was to encapsulate Aripiprazole (ARP) within Pluronic F127 micelles to improve its aqueous solubility. The recent patents on Aripiprazole (JP2013136621) and micelles (WO2016004369A1) facilitated selection of drug and polymer. The drug-laden micelles were fabricated using thin-film hydration technique. Optimization of the micellar formulation was done by using response surface method (RSM). The Pluronic F127 concentration of 150 mg and 75 rpm rotational speed of rotary evaporator were found to be optimized conditions for formulating micelles. The prepared batches were further characterized for PDI (polydispersity index), zeta potential, % DLC (% Drug loading content), % EE (% Entrapment Efficiency) and % drug release study; results of these parameters were found to be 0.228, -4.04 mV and 76.50 % and 18.56 % respectively. It was observed from the In vitro release study that 97.37 ± 1.81 % drug had released from micelles after 20h which were found about thrice as compared to that of pure drug. The optimized ARP micellar formulation was characterized using DSC (Differential Scanning Colorimetry), FT-IR (Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy), P-XRD (Powdered X-ray Diffraction Study) and TEM (Transmission Electronic Microscopy) studies. ARP-loaded micelles displayed a hydrodynamic diameter of 170.3 nm and a sphere-shaped morphology as determined by dynamic light scattering as well as TEM study. It is concluded that the prepared polymeric micellar system has an excellent potential to be used as a delivery carrier for Aripiprazole with increased solubility.