Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Concentration Research Articles

Development of sorafenib loaded nanoparticles to improve oral bioavailability using a quality by design approach

Sorafenib, a potent anticancer drug, has low absorption in the gastrointestinal tract due to its poor aqueous solubility. The main purpose of this investigation was to design sorafenib nanoparticle using a newly developed technique, nanoparticulation using fat and supercritical fluid (NUFS™) to improve the absorption of sorafenib. The quality by design (QbD) tool was adopted to define the optimal formulation variables: hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), polyvinyl pyrrolidone K30 (PVP), and poloxamer. The studied response variables were particle size of nanoparticle, dissolution (5, 60, and 180 min), drug concentration time profile of nanoparticle formulations, and maximum drug concentration. The result of particle size revealed that an increase in concentration of poloxamer and HPMC decreased the particle size of nanoparticles (p < 0.05). Likewise, the concentration of drug release at different time point (5, 60, and 180 min) showed HPMC and poloxamer had positive effects on drug dissolution while PVP had negative effects on it. The design space was built in accordance with the particle size of nanoparticle (target < 500 nm) and dissolution of sorafenib (target > 7 µm/mL), following failure probability analysis using Monte Carlo simulations. In vivo pharmacokinetics studies in beagle dogs demonstrated that optimized formulation of sorafenib (F3 and F4 tablets) exhibited higher blood drug profiles indicating better absorption compared to the reference tablet (Nexavar®). In conclusion, this study showed the importance of systematic formulation design for understanding the effect of formulation variables on the characteristics of nanoparticles of the poorly soluble drug.

Process variable studies for preparation of optimized system for bupropion hydrochloride using CCD

Aim of present work is to develop optimized sustained release dosage form of Bupropion hydrochloride using Formulation by Design (FbD) approach. Development and optimization of formulation batches was done by design experiment using Central Composite Design (CCD). Tablets were formulated by direct compression technique and evaluated. The impact of independent variables like concentration of Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC K4M) and Carbopol (CP 934P) were observed on dependent variable like hardness of tablet, drug release in 12 h (Q12h) and the time for fifty percent release of drug (T50%). Polynomial equations were generated using multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA), response surface plots and contour plots were drawn, optimum formulations were selected by brute force method. The hardness and Q12h was found in the range of 4.4- 4.7 Kg/cm2 and 88.19- 96.7% respectively, while T50% was found in the range of 3.5- 5.5h. Validation of optimization study performed using four confirmatory experimental runs which indicated very high degree of prognostic ability of FbD methodology with percentage error varied between -0.024% and 0.024 %. The overlaying of all these plots provided an overlay plot, which signified the region of optimization. Thus, central composite design (CCD) is a useful tool in the development of optimized dosage form along with the significance of independent variable as well as least investment of money, manpower and time. Keywords: Formulation by Design, Central Composite Design, Bupropion Hydrochloride.

Effects of some process parameters on the niflumic acid controlled release polymeric microspheres: Optimization using designs of experiments

AbstractMicroparticles charged by niflumic acid and based on cellulose derivatives as polymeric matrices, that is, ethylcellulose (EC) and mixtures of EC and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), were elaborated using microencapsulation by emulsion‐solvent evaporation technique. The niflumic acid is considered as a poorly water soluble drug, so the main objective of the paper is to use designs of experiment in order to prepare new solid formulations with a large range of size for the drug dissolution enhancement. The possible drug–polymer interaction was investigated by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetric analysis. Some of the process variables, namely, the stirring speed of emulsion, the emulsifier concentration, and the EC:HPMC ratio, were selected and varied. Their main and interactive effects on the microparticles' characteristics were obviously evaluated and discussed using Minitab software 16.1. The obtained microparticles' size (d10) ranged from 196 to 796 μm, and the drug entrapment reached 45% in some formulations. The drug dissolution results showed that the Higuchi's release constant varied from 0.011 to 0.067 min−1/2 and was enhanced especially when the HPMC concentration was increased.

UNSUCCESSFUL DELIVERY OF TETRANDRINE FROM COLON-TARGETED DOSAGE FORMS COMPRISING ALGINATE/HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE AND ALGINATE–CHITOSAN BEADS

Objective: The objective of this study was to optimize the formulations of antifibrotic tetrandrine beads using alginate and various concentrations ofhydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and chitosan.Methods: Beads were formulated with six (F1–F6) concentrations of polymer and were then characterized using scanning electron microscopy,differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction; these beads were used for measurements of moisture contents, swelling, and in vitro drugrelease.Results: Beads with the highest concentrations of HPMC and chitosan produced the highest entrapment efficiencies of 49.83% and 50.71%,respectively. Moreover, drug release under stomach conditions (HCl pH 1.2 medium) was restricted to 75.01%, 61.01%, 51.86%, 74.84%, 66.00%,and 41.63% with increasing HPMC and chitosan concentrations (F1–F6, respectively).Conclusion: Beads of all formulations showed inadequate retention of tetrandrine under pH conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract and wouldlikely be unsuccessful as colon-targeted dosage forms.

Effects of formulation composition on the characteristics of mucoadhesive films prepared by hot-melt extrusion technology.

To investigate the effects of formulation composition on the physico-chemical and drug release properties of mucoadhesive buccal films prepared by melt extrusion technology, using a response surface methodology. Salbutamol sulphate, an antiasthmatic drug was used for this study. Klucel hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) EF (film-forming polymer), Benecel hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) K-15M (drug release retardant) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4500 (plasticiser) were the three independent factors utilised for the study. The responses were fitted to a full quadratic model and P-values for each of the factors were used to determine their significance on the film characteristics. Films were successfully extruded using the corotating twin-screw extruder. The torque during extrusion was found to be significantly affected by all the three factors and no interaction between factors was observed. A significant interaction was observed between HPC and PEG 4500 for stiffness of films. For disintegration time and swelling index, a significant interaction was found between HPC and HPMC. The invitro % drug release was directly correlated with HPMC content and not with other factors and varied from 69-89% at 4h. The influence of extrusion process and formulation parameters on salbutamol sulphate films was elucidated, indicating the use of melt extrusion as a feasible method for film preparation.

Vitamin B12 buccoadhesive tablets: auspicious non-invasive substitute for intra muscular injection: formulation, in vitro and in vivo appraisal

Attempting to prepare a convenient bioavailable formulation of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), 17 tablet formulations were prepared by direct compression. Different concentrations of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), carbopol 971p (CP971p), and chitosan (Cs) were used. The tablets were characterized for thickness, weight, drug content, hardness, friability, surface pH, in vitro drug release, and mucoadhesion. Kinetic analysis of the release data was conducted. Vitamin B12 bioavailability from the optimized formulations was studied on rabbits by the aid of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Neurotone® I.M. injection was used for comparison. HPMC (F1-F4), CP971p (F5-F8), and HPMC/CP971p (F12-F15)-based formulations showed acceptable mechanical properties. The formulated tablets showed maximum swelling indices of 232 ± 0.13. The surface pH values ranged from 5.3 ± 0.03 to 6.6 ± 0.02. Bioadhesive force ranged from 66 ± 0.6 to 150 ± 0.5 mN. Results showed that CP971p-based tablets had superior in vitro drug release, mechanical, and mucoadhesive properties. In vitro release date of selected formulations were fitted well to Peppas model. HPMC/CP971p-based formulations showed bioavailability up to 2.7-folds that of Neurotone® I.M. injection.

Effects of Cellulose Gums on Rheological Interactions in Binary Mixtures of Xanthan Gum and Locust Bean Gum.

The effects of cellulose gums (CG), such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), on the flow and dynamic rheological properties of binary mixtures of xanthan gum (XG) and locust bean gum (LBG) were examined at different XG/LBG/CG mixing ratios (50/50/0, 47.5/47.5/5.0, 45/45/10, and 42.5/42.5/ 15.0). All XG/LBG/CG ternary mixtures showed high shear-thinning behavior and the flow behavior index values of samples containing HPMC were lower than those of samples containing CMC. An increase in consistency index and apparent viscosity values was observed for ternary gum mixtures containing HPMC, indicating that the flow properties of the XG/ LBG binary mixture were affected by the content of HPMC. Storage modulus and loss modulus values of ternary gum mixtures decreased with an increase in CG content from 5 to 15%. The maximum viscoelasticity of XG/LBG/CG mixtures was observed at a mixing ratio of 47.5/47.5/5.0. These findings suggest that the rheological properties of XG/LBG binary mixtures were strongly influenced by the addition of CMC and HPMC.

Amorphous Nanoparticulate Formulation of Sirolimus and Its Tablets.

Nanocrystallization and amorphization have proven to be two effective strategies to improve the bioavailability of water-insoluble drugs. The purpose of our work was to develop a nano-formulated tablet of sirolimus (SRL) for enhanced dissolution. Amorphous SRL nanocomposites were prepared using anti-solvent precipitation via a high-gravity rotating packed bed. Various factors that affect particle size and size distribution, such as excipients, rotating speed, antisolvent/solvent flow rate, were investigated. Structure, stability and in vitro dissolution of the as-prepared SRL were evaluated. Furthermore, the nanoparticulated SRL tablet formula was screened to control drug release. Importantly, SRL tablets exhibit different dissolution profile by adjusting HPMC (hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose) content, which makes them more suitable for various formulation developments.

Formulation and evaluation of docetaxel nanosuspensions: In-vitro evaluation and cytotoxicity

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to formulate the anticancer drug; docetaxel (DOX) as nanoparticles to enhance its biological activity. MethodologySolvent precipitation method was used to prepare DOX-loaded nanoparticles and was stabilized by different concentrations of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC, E5) and sodium deoxycholate (SDC). ResultsThe results showed that the particle size of the prepared DOX nanoparticles stabilized by SDC was small in comparison to those stabilized by the corresponding HPMC concentrations. The smallest particle size (83.97 nm) was obtained by using SDC as stabilizer at 5% level with zeta potential of −13.6 mV. It was concluded that increasing the stabilizer concentration resulted in increase in both initial and overall cumulative drug release. The release rate in case of nanoparticles stabilized by 5% SDC was 33% and 87% after 1 and 24 h respectively. The results showed that a significant reduction in the viability of FRO cells was observed at all tested time intervals in case of nanoparticles stabilized by 5% SDC at concentrations of 100 and 1000 μM/ml. In contrast, no signs of cytotoxicity was observed for nanoparticles stabilized by 5% HPMC at 10 and 100 μM/ml concentrations.

Formulation and Evaluation of Chloramphenicol Hydrogel Ophthalmic Preparation

: Objective: To generate a hydrogel to increase the retention time of a drug in an ophthalmic drug delivery system. Methods: Research was conducted on the formulation and evaluation of a safe-to-use chloramphenicol ophthalmic hydrogel with various concentrations of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), F1 (0.2 % HPMC), F2 (0.3 % HPMC), F3 (0.4 % HPMC) and F4 (0.5 % HPMC). The organoleptic safety, pH, viscosity, sterility, potency, and in vitro drug release were evaluated. Results: The drug concentration had dissimilar effects on viscosity and release rate. F4 (0.5 % HPMC) had the least chloramphenicol diffused at 5 min (11.01 %) and after 8 h (71.13 %). The in vitro drug release from the hydrogel was significantly influenced by the HPMC concentration, which enhanced the bioavailability through longer pre-corneal residence time and the ability to sustain the release of the drug. Conclusion: The chloramphenicol hydrogel ophthalmic preparations formulated with HPMC have shown a good characteristic, and acceptable sustained released profile that may extend absorption of the drug for ensuring an optimum bioavailability at the site of action. The finding of this study indicated that chloramphenicol hydrogel ophthalmic preparations for the ophthalmic treatment was good is effective and safe.Key words: Chloramphenicol, Hydrogel, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Ophthalmic.

Novel nanocrystal-based solid dispersion with high drug loading, enhanced dissolution, and bioavailability of andrographolide

ObjectiveThe current study sought to design a quickly dissolving, high drug loading nanocrystal-based solid dispersion (NC-SD) in order to improve the dissolution of poorly soluble drugs.MethodsThe NC-SD was prepared by means of combination of homogenization and spray-drying. Polymer hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) was used as baseline dispersant for NC-SD of the model drug – andrographolide (AG). Three superdisintegrants cohomogenized with HPMC were used as codispersant for AG-NC-SD and compared to common water-soluble dispersants – mannitol and lactose. The dissolution characterization and oral bioavailability of AG-NC-SD were evaluated.ResultsThe AG-NC-SD with the higher concentration of HPMC exhibited fast dissolution due to the enhanced wettability of HPMC. The water-soluble codispersants (mannitol and lactose) did not completely prevent AG-NC from aggregation during spray-drying. To achieve much faster AG release, cohomogenized superdisintegrants at a level of 20% must be used along with 25% HPMC. Compared with water-soluble dispersants like mannitol and lactose, superdisintegrants with high swelling capacity were much more effective dispersants for enhancing fast redispersion/dissolution of AG-NC-SD via a swelling-triggered erosion/disintegration mechanism. Surfactant-free AG-NC-SD with 15% cohomogenized sodium carboxymethyl starch combined with 15% HPMC and 10% lactose enhanced the dissolution further, without comprising drug loading, exhibited a barely compromised dissolution rate compared to precursor NC suspensions (f2>50), and possessed drug loading up to 67.83%±1.26%. The pharmacokinetics results also demonstrated that the AG-NC-SD significantly improved the bioavailability in vivo of AG (P<0.05), compared with to the coarse AG.ConclusionThis study illustrates that a quickly dissolving, high drug load, surfactant-free NC-SD can be prepared by using a superdisintegrant as codispersant, and provides a feasible strategy to improve the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.

Preparation and evaluation of naringin-loaded polycaprolactone microspheres based oral suspension using Box-Behnken design

The objective of the current investigation was to study the outcome of the concentration of polycaprolactone (PCL), the concentration of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and the concentration of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) on the average particle size of microspheres and the drug entrapment efficiency of naringin-loaded polycaprolactone microspheres based oral suspension. Naringin-loaded polycaprolactone microspheres based oral suspension were prepared by solvent evaporation method. Further, in this work optimization of the formulation was done using a three factors, three levels Box-Behnken design (BBD). Drug-loaded microsphere suspension was prepared by employing solvent evaporation technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis was carried out to determine any incompatibility between the naringin and other components used in the formulations. Polymer alone (PVA concentration) or interaction effects of polymers (PCL-HPMC, PCL-PVA, HPMC-PVA, and PCL in higher order) have a substantial influence on particle size of microspheres. Amount of PVA and HPMC have a significant effect on entrapment efficiency of microspheres. The optimal conditions of PCL concertation were 7.7% w/v; HPMC concentration was 3.2% w/v and PVA concentration was 0.081% w/v. The optimized suspension showed particle size of 24μm with drug entrapment efficiency 96%. As a result, due to uniform distribution of microspheres, drug entrapment efficiency was achieved in optimized suspension.

Evaluation of the UVB-screening capacity and restorative effects exerted by farnesol gel on UVB-caused sunburn.

Farnesol, a natural 15-carbon organic compound, has various microbiological and cellular activities. It has been found to exert apoptosis-inducing effects against carcinoma cells as well as antiallergic and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. In the current study, a series of formulations composed of various concentrations of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) with the addition of hyaluronan (HA) and xanthan gum (XG) was designed to evaluate the UVB-screening and H2 O2 -eliminating effects of farnesol in normal fibroblasts. Farnesol at 0.005, 0.0075, and 0.01% exhibited significant capacity for H2 O2 scavenging; at 0.0025%, it showed insignificant effects. Under 120-min UVB exposure, screening with plural gel composed of 0.0025% farnesol, 0.5% HA, and 0.5% XG containing 1.5% or 2% HPMC retained normal fibroblast viability. After 60-min exposure to UVB, screening with plural gel composed of farnesol, HA, XG, and 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, or 2% HPMC decreased the ratio of the G1 phase and increased ratio of the S phase in comparison with the accumulated cell cycle of the normal fibroblasts without screening. The gel with 2% HPMC displayed the strongest cell cycle-reversal ability. In vivo histopathological results showed that the prepared plural gels with 0.5% or 2% HPMC and farnesol, HA, and XG had greater antiphotoaging and reparative effects against UVB-induced changes and damage in the skin. In conclusion, the current in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that the prepared plural composed of 0.0025% farnesol, 0.5% HA, 0.5% XG, and 2% HPMC possessed the greatest UVB-screening capacity and the strongest restorative effects on UVB-induced sunburned skin.

PHYSICO-MECHANICAL AND RELEASE PROPERTIES OF SUSTAINED RELEASE ARTESUNATE TABLETS IN HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE MATRIX

Objective: This work was aimed at formulating artesunate tablets with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-a hydrophilic polymer for the purpose of achieving a sustained release profile of the drug and evaluating their properties.Methods: The solubility profile of artesunate was determined in water, methanol, ethanol, ethanol/water mixtures (50/50, 40/60 v/v), simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) without enzymes (pH 7, 7.2 and 8), simulated gastric fluid (SGF) without enzymes (pH 1.2), 0.1N hydrochloric acid (HCI), 0.1N sodium hydroxide (NaOH), 0.1N acetic acid and phosphate buffer solution, PBS (pH 7, 7.2 and 8). Four batches of oral sustained release artesunate tablets intended for once-daily dosing were formulated with 10%, 20%, 25% and 30% w/w concentrations of HPMC using wet granulation method. Evaluation of granule properties was done by determining the angle of repose, flow rate, bulk density, tapped density, Carr’s index and Hausner’s quotient. The compressed tablets were also evaluated using official and non-official parameters. Absolute drug contents were determined in 0.1N NaOH, ethanol and methanol. In vitro release was studied in different media and release kinetics mechanism elucidated. In vivo studies were carried out using healthy Wistar rats.Results: Artesunate was observed to exhibit solubility at varying degrees depending on solvents or media employed as well as the pH of the media. All the granule batches have Hausner’s quotient value of approximately 1.2. The values for Carr’s index for all the batches ranged between 30 and 40. The angle of repose, Carr’s index and Hausner’s quotient values indicate good flow properties of the granules for all the batches. All the tablet batches conformed to official standard in terms of weight uniformity as no single tablet deviated beyond 5% from the average weight in each batch with no significant difference in the values (p&gt;0.05). Values of hardness increased insignificantly from batches A to D (p&gt;0.05). Friability values were very low and follows no specific pattern among the batches but the difference in the values was significant (p&lt;0.05). Absolute drug content reduced while in vitro release times increased as hardness increased, indicating the probable progressive reduction in the tendency of the matrix to release the drug as the concentration of HPMC increased from batches A to D. n values obtained from analysis of release mechanism were above 0.89 for each batch.Conclusion: The release mechanism was shown to be complex and the release involved zero order, first order, and Higuchi model kinetics. The biological half-life of artesunate was shown to be 1.05 hr, and metabolites which bear resemblance to artesunate in absorbance seem to be encountered. In this work, HPMC matrix yielded high-quality tablets indicating its usefulness in sustained released product development.

Formulation of Saudi Propolis into Biodegradable Chitosan Chips for Vital Pulpotomy

Propolis has been widely used to treat oral cavity disorders, such as endodontal and periodontal diseases and microbial infections. The study aimed at the formulation of commercial Saudi propolis into biodegradable chitosan chips and evaluation of its effectiveness as a pulpotomy agent. The standardization of 80% ethanolic propolis extract was performed regarding its total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, quantitative estimation of main polyphenolic constituents and antioxidant activity. Chitosan chips containing propolis extract were prepared by the solvent/ casting method. The investigated variables were % of chitosan polymer (2, 2.5 and 3%), % of plasticizer (1, 5 and 10%) and incorporation of different concentrations of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (5, 10 and 20% of polymer weight). The chips were characterized for weight and thickness uniformity, content uniformity, pH, percentage moisture loss, swelling index, tensile strength and in vitro propolis release. The optimal propolis chip formulation was further investigated in dogs regarding the short term response of primary dental pulp to propolis chips compared with the most commonly used formocresol preparation. The prepared films were flexible and demonstrated satisfactory physicochemical characteristics. The optimal formulation showed an initial release of about 41.7% of the loaded propolis followed by a sustained release extended up to 7 days. The kinetics study demonstrated that propolis release was controlled by Fick´s diffusion. The optimal propolis chip formulation resulted in less pulpal inflammation compared to formocresol, and produced hard tissue formation in all specimens. Formulation of commercial Saudi propolis as a biodegradable chitosan chip is an effective alternative to the commercially available chemical agents for the treatment of vital pulpotomy.

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of quetiapine fumarate controlled release hybrid hydrogel: a healthier treatment of schizophrenia

The current study aimed to rationally develop and characterize pH-sensitive controlled release hydrogels by graft polymerization of gelatin (Gel) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) in the presence of glutaraldehyde (GA) using quetiapine fumarate for the treatment of schizophrenia. The prepared hydrogels discs were subjected to various physicochemical studies including: swelling, diffusion, porosity, sol-gel analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Three different pH values (1.2, 6.8 and 7.4) were used to determine shape, transition, and controlled release behavior of prepared hydrogels. Various kinetic models including zero order, first order, Higuchi model and Power Law equation were applied on drug release data. The optimized hydrogels were subjected to in vivo studies using albino rabbits. Swelling and release results were found to be insignificant (p < .05) evidencing that there was no significant difference in swelling and drug release rate of hydrogels in different pH mediums. Swelling, porosity, gel-fraction, and drug released (%) were found to be dependent on concentrations of Gel, HPMC, and GA. Kinetic models revealed that QTP-F release followed non-Fickian diffusion. In-vivo studies contributed significantly higher plasma QTP-F concentration (Cmax), time for maximum plasma concentration (Tmax), area under the curve (AUC0–inf) and half-life (t1/2) as 18.32 ± 0.50 µg/ml, 8.00 ± 0.01 hrs, 6021.2 ± 5.09 µg.hrs/ml and 10.06 ± 0.43 hrs, respectively, for test-hydrogels when compared to reference market brand (Qusel® 200 mg, Hilton Pharma, Karachi, Pakistan) QTP-F tablets. It might be concluded that QTP-F loaded pH-sensitive hydrogels were developed successfully with reduced dosing frequency for schizophrenia.

Opal promotes hydrothermal carbonization of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and formation of carbon nanospheres.

Hydrothermal carbon nanospheres were prepared by introducing opal into the hydrothermal carbonization system of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC). Then the effects of opal on hydrothermal carbonization of HPMC were investigated after different reaction durations (105–240 min). The reaction products were characterized by elemental analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and N2 adsorption–desorption. Results of elemental analysis indicated that the H (hydrogen) and O (oxygen) content of HPMC decreased through dehydration, demethylation, decarbonylation and hydrolysis reactions, forming hydrochar with higher carbon content. The addition of opal was confirmed to accelerate the hydrolysis of HPMC. N2 adsorption–desorption tests and SEM analysis showed that opal with a large specific surface area adsorbed HPMC hydrolysis products, such as furans, and facilitated furan cyclodehydration on its surfaces to form cross-linked carbons, which contributed to the quick formation of hydrochar. Moreover, the adsorption by opal also inhibited hydrochar aggregation, so the final hydrothermal carbon spheres had sizes of 20–100 nm.

Surface Free Energy Utilization to Evaluate Wettability of Hydrocolloid Suspension on Different Vegetable Epicarps

Surface free energy is an essential physicochemical property of a solid and it greatly influences the interactions between vegetable epicarps and coating suspensions. Wettability is the property of a solid surface to reduce the surface tension of a liquid in contact with it such that it spreads over the surface and wets it, resulting from intermolecular interactions when the two are brought together. The degree of wetting (wettability) is determined by an energy balance between adhesive and cohesive work. The spreading coefficient (Scf/food) is the difference between the work of adhesion and the work of cohesion. Surface wettability is measured by the contact angle, which is formed when a droplet of a liquid is placed on a surface. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), κ-carrageenan, glycerol, and cellulose nanofiber (CNF) concentrations on the wettability of edible coatings on banana and eggplant epicarps. Coating suspension wettability on both epicarps were evaluated by contact angle measurements. For the (Scf/food) values obtained, it can be concluded that the surfaces were partially wet by the suspensions. Scf/food on banana surface was influenced mainly by κ-carrageenan concentration, HPMC-glycerol, κ-carrageenan-CNF, and glycerol-CNF interactions. Thus, increasing κ-carrageenan concentrations within the working range led to a 17.7% decrease in Scf/banana values. Furthermore, a HPMC concentration of 3 g/100 g produced a 10.4% increase of the Scf/banana values. Finally, Scf/fruit values for banana epicarps were higher (~10%) than those obtained for eggplant epicarp, indicating that suspensions wetted more the banana than the eggplant surface.

Development of novel pea flour‐based nanofibres by electrospinning method

AbstractThe aim of this study was to produce pea flour and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)‐based novel nanofibres using electrospinning method. The effects of pH, pea flour and HPMC concentration on apparent viscosity, electrical conductivity of electrospinning solutions and nanofibre characteristics were studied. Solutions were prepared at different pH values (7, 10, 12), with different pea flour concentrations (1%, 2% w/v) and HPMC concentrations (0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0% w/v). For all pea flour concentrations, k values increased significantly with increase in pH and HPMC concentration. It also increased with increase in pea flour concentration for basic solutions. Pea flour concentration increased diameter and water vapour permeability (WVP) values of nanofibres. This study showed that electrospinning was a promising method for fabrication of homogenous pea flour and HPMC‐based nanofibres to be used in packaging industry.

Development and evaluation of miconazole mucoadhesive tablets for oropharyngeal candidiasis

Purpose: To develop mucoadhesive tablets containing miconazole (MCZ) for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis, using chitosan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as mucoadhesive polymers.Methods: Mucoadhesive tablets were formulated and optimized using a 23 factorial design and direct compression method. The independent variables were compression force and concentrations of chitosan and HPMC, while mucoadhesion time and in vitro drug release were dependent variables. Tablet characterization was carried out by evaluating hardness, thickness, tablet weight variation, content uniformity, friability and in vitro drug release at salivary pH (pH 6.8).Results: The tablets showed good mucoadhesion for an extended period (8 h), and their physical characteristics were within acceptable ranges. Drug release ranged from 60.5 % to 80.8 %.Conclusion: These results indicate that the mucoadhesive MCZ tablets formulated with chitosan and HPMC possess potential for the development of therapeutic preparations for management of oropharyngeal candidiasis.Keywords: Miconazole, Oropharyngeal candidiasis, Factorial design, Mucoadhesion, Chitosan, Drug release