Constant Stirring Research Articles

New Beauveria bassiana aerial conidia-based bioinsecticide obtained by spray-dried microencapsulation of the entomopathogenic fungi in biopolymers for crop protection

BackgroundDue to their environmentally friendly character, entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are becoming increasingly used as microbial agents in biological pest control over chemical pesticides. However, EPF are sensitive to the influence of abiotic factors, such as temperature, radiation, and humidity. To improve their efficiency as bioinsecticides, in this work, the development of a new microparticles-based formulation loading EPF conidia (B. bassiana aerial conidia) into sodium alginate/maltodextrin microparticles obtained by spray-drying was proposed. Different concentrations of both polysaccharides were tested to reach the optimal ratio and ensure a high viability of encapsulated conidia.ResultsAll the produced formulations showed a moisture content < 10% and water activity (aw) < 0.4. Microparticles obtained with 2% sodium alginate and 8% maltodextrin were able to retain 89.5% of the viability of encapsulated conidia, thus being selected for further characterization. Scanning electron microscopy showed microparticles with a smooth surface, varied sizes, and irregular morphology. Microparticles retained 5.44 × 108 conidia/g, presented high hygroscopicity and high suspensibility rate, yet low wettability and water activity (aw) of 0.33. The pH value ranged from 6.46 to 6.62. Microparticles were able to complete release the loaded conidia after 30 min, under constant stirring. When exposed to thermal stress (45 °C), microparticles promoted thermal protection to conidia. Enhanced pathogenicity of B. bassiana conidia against P. xylostella was also confirmed achieving 83.1 ± 5.5%, whereas non-encapsulated conidia reached only 64.8 ± 9.9%.ConclusionsThis study confirms that the encapsulation of B. bassiana fungus conidia in sodium alginate/maltodextrin microparticles by spray-drying is a promising technological approach for the biological control of agricultural pests.

Formulation and characterization of 5-fluorouracil and metformin biodegradable nanospheres for treating colon cancer

BackgroundCancer and diabetes mellitus are quite common diseases found together worldwide. A considerable amount of evidence is available for the rapid development and presentation of various types of cancer in the type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) population as compared with the population without diabetes. The objective of the study is to formulate and evaluate 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and metformin (MET) nanoparticles (NPs) and to establish the characteristic features of the biodegradable NPs. 5-FU and MET NPs with chitosan as a biodegradable polymer were formulated by the ionotropic cross-linking method. 0.25 gm of MET and 0.25 gm of 5-FU were dissolved in 100 ml of distilled water, and stock solution was prepared. 5 ml of stock solution was slowly mixed into the chitosan solution to obtain the mixture of drugs and chitosan. The tripolyphosphate reserve liquid was dripped slowly into the chitosan solution with constant stirring until the opaline appearance was noticed in the mixture, then filtered, and dried. The NPs were evaluated for their physical properties and drug release kinetics. Cell proliferation assay was done using human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT 116).ResultsThe formulation composed of 1.5 w/v of chitosan, 0.25 w/v of MET, and 5-FU had an average particle diameter of 198.7 nm. The polydispersity index was 0.757. Thermal and infrared spectroscopy results indicated the drugs and polymers selected for the formulation were unique without any identifiable interaction. The NPs were spherical in appearance, with numerous pours on the surface, which was evident when microscopically examined. Uniformity in drug release was observed, and the formulation demonstrated excellent release kinetics. HTC 116 cell line confirmed that the maximum percentage of cell death and minimum viability of cells were observed while using the combination of MET and 5-FU-NPs as compared to the pure MET or 5-FU alone.ConclusionMET and 5-FU-loaded chitosan NPs were found to have excellent physiochemical properties, particle size, and drug release from the polymer in a controlled manner. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration value (IC50) of MET and 5-FU-NPs was found to be significantly less as compared to MET and 5-FU alone or the combination.

One-pot synthesis of phenyl- and biphenyl-linked bis-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-ones via a pseudo-repetitive Ugi-Zhu-5CR coupled to a double cascade process (aza-Diels-Alder/N-acylation/decarboxylation/dehydration)

Fifteen new bis-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-ones were synthesized via a one-pot process composed by a pseudo-repetitive Ugi-Zhu-5CR coupled to a double cascade sequence (aza-Diels-Alder cycloaddition/N-acylation/decarboxylation/dehydration) in 39–77 % yields, and in short reaction times (only one hour per compound) despite the big size, symmetry and high complexity of the products. The reaction conditions were first optimized step-by-step, and then, the bis-heterocyclic products were synthesized in one-pot manner. It was observed that, formation of the corresponding imines and the double cascade process were carried out without external heating inputs, instead that only under constant stirring at room temperature. Reaction conditions turned out to be the friendliest (in terms of energy) with the environment in comparison with all previously published methodologies involving post-Ugi-Zhu reactions. Therefore, this work shows that pseudo-repetitive MCRs are more thermodynamically favorable compared to classic MCRs, and that they also allow rapid access to highly structurally complex molecules, exhibiting a high degree of symmetry that may play an important role in several fields of knowledge like optics, material science, agrochemistry, and medicinal chemistry.

Effect of the Size of the Molecular Mass of Some Amine Groups Modified to Maleic anhydride-alt-1-Octadecene Copolymer on Thermal Stability

In this study, 1-octadecene-alt-maleic anhydride (OC-MA) copolymer was synthesized by radical polymerization method. The synthesized copolymer was first time modified with ammonia, methylamine, aniline and hexamethylenediamine reagents in acetone environment. The modified amidic acid derivatives were divided into two parts as quantity. One of these amounts was dried as an amidic acid derivative, and the other was imidized in dimethylformamide environment with constant stirring at 150 °C for 5 hours. Structural characterizations of the obtained samples were determined from the FTIR spectra. Thermal stability was compared from Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) curves. It was established that the modified copolymers were thermally more stable than that of the original OC-MA copolymer. However, it was observed that the size of the molar masses of the reagents participating in the modification reactions showed linear or parabolic increases according to thermal parameter temperature of the decomposition reaction obtained from the TGA and DSC curves.

Enhanced particle mixing performance of liquid-solid reactor under non-periodic chaotic stirring

This paper introduces the Chebyshev non-periodic chaotic stirring speed based on chaos theory. Additionally, it constructs the DEM-VOF coupled computational model to investigate non-periodic mixing within the reactor system. Numerical calculations are employed to compare and analyze Constant Stirring Speed (CSS) with Chebyshev Non-Periodic Chaotic Stirring Speed and its reverse (CRS, CRS-R). The results indicate that the number of particles deposited at the bottom of end diffusion decreases by 54.3 %. Moreover, it samples particle concentration per unit volume, resulting in a 70.3 % decrease in the Relative Concentration Standard Deviation (RCSD) of particles. Furthermore, it quantifies the mixing effect based on the distribution of distances between particles, leading to a 20.3 % increase in the Unit Block Mixing Index (UBMI). In conclusion, this study improves particle distribution characteristics by utilizing appropriate non-periodic variable speed intervals. Additionally, it provides technical support for production scenarios involving the mixing and dispersion of multiphase non-homogeneous systems.

Photo-Fenton Treatment under UV and Vis Light Reduces Pollution and Toxicity in Water from Madín Dam, Mexico

Water from Madín Dam in Mexico has been shown to contain a wide variety of pollutants such as drugs, pesticides, personal care products and compounds that are released into the environment as waste from production processes. In this work, the effect of the main process variables on the percentage of total organic carbon (TOC) removal in water samples from the Madín reservoir was studied by applying a photo-Fenton treatment catalyzed with iron-pillared clays. The catalyst was characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption, DRS and XPS. The sampling and characterization of the water from the Madín reservoir was carried out according to Mexican standards. The system for treatment tests was 0.1 L of reaction volume and a controlled temperature of 23–25 °C, and the reaction system was kept under constant stirring. After 4 h of treatment time under UV light, the TOC removal was 90%, and it was 60% under Vis light. The main ROS involved in the photo-Fenton process driven by UVC light were hydroxyl radicals, while hydroperoxyl radicals predominate in the Vis-light-driven process. Evidence of superoxide anion participation was not found. The toxicity of untreated and treated water was assessed on Danio rerio specimens, and it was observed to be reduced after the photo-Fenton treatment.

Transcriptomic Differences by RNA Sequencing for Evaluation of New Method for Long-Time In Vitro Culture of Cryopreserved Testicular Tissue for Oncologic Patients.

Earlier studies have established that culturing human ovarian tissue in a 3D system with a small amount of soluble Matrigel (a basement membrane protein) for 7 days in vitro increased gene fusion and alternative splicing events, cellular functions, and potentially impacted gene expression. However, this method was not suitable for in vitro culture of human testicular tissue. To test a new method for long-time in vitro culture of testicular fragments, thawed with two different regimes, with evaluation of transcriptomic differences by RNA sequencing. Testicular tissue samples were collected, cryopreserved (frozen and thawed), and evaluated immediately after thawing and following one week of in vitro culture. Before in vitro culture, tissue fragments were encapsulated in fibrin. Four experimental groups were formed. Group 1: tissue quickly thawed (in boiling water at 100 °C) and immediately evaluated. Group 2: tissue quickly thawed (in boiling water at 100 °C) and evaluated after one week of in vitro culture. Group 3: tissue slowly thawed (by a physiological temperature 37 °C) and immediately evaluated. Group 4: tissue slowly thawed (by a physiological temperature 37 °C) and evaluated after one week of in vitro culture. There are the fewest differentially expressed genes in the comparison between Group 2 and Group 4. In this comparison, significantly up-regulated genes included C4B_2, LOC107987373, and GJA4, while significantly down-regulated genes included SULT1A4, FBLN2, and CCN2. Differential genes in cells of Group 2 were mainly enriched in KEGG: regulation of actin cytoskeleton, lysosome, proteoglycans in cancer, TGF-beta signaling pathway, focal adhesion, and endocytosis. These Group 2- genes were mainly enriched in GO: spermatogenesis, cilium movement, collagen fibril organization, cell differentiation, meiotic cell cycle, and flagellated spermatozoa motility. Encapsulation of testicular tissue in fibrin and long-time in vitro culture with constant stirring in a large volume of culture medium can reduce the impact of thawing methods on cryopreserved testicular tissue.

Process Performance and Nutrient Removal in Fish Processing Wastewater Using a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Unit for Reuse for Irrigation

This study investigated the removal of nitrogen and phosphates in fish processing wastewater through process optimization of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) treatment unit. Raw process wastewater was collected from the Makindi fish farm and was pre-filtered through a mesh of 0.8 mm. The experiment was conducted at a lab scale using commercial Polyethersulfone (PES) membranes submerged in the MBR unit. The pre-filtered wastewater sample was added into a denitrification (anoxic) tank. The process was conducted through continuous recirculation between the aeration and the anoxic tank to enhance the removal of nitrogenous compounds. The recirculation flow rate was 10L/h. A hydraulic residence time (HRT) of approximately 22-25h was maintained, and the aeration rate in the aerobic tank was 100L/min. Aluminum sulphate AI2(SO4)318H2O was added continually into the anoxic tank and with constant stirring to enhance the removal of phosphates. A removal rate of 85±2% for NH4+-N, 84±1% for NO3- -N, and 69±3% for PO43--P was obtained. The nutrient concentration in the effluent was successfully reduced to an acceptable level with both nitrogenous compounds and phosphate concentrations obtained within the range of &lt; 30 mg/L and ≤ 5 mg/L as per the WHO guidelines for wastewater reuse for irrigation. The results showed a successful process optimization that can be applied to ensure optimized performance of the MBR unit thus improve its effectiveness for the treatment of fish processing wastewater. The study therefore recommends process optimization as a tool for effective removal of nutrients in the MBR system thus making it a potential recycling approach for treatment of fish processing wastewater for reuse for irrigation purposes.

Silicon carbide-embedded AZ91E alloy nanocomposite hybridised with chopped basalt fibre: performance measures

ABSTRACT This study uses vacuum stir casting to manufacture magnesium alloy hybrid nanocomposites of silicon carbide nanoparticles (50 nm) and chopped basalt fibre. The different weight percentages (0 wt%, 3 wt%, 6 wt% and 9 wt%) of chopped basalt fibres with a constant weight percentage of 7.5 wt.% silicon carbide nanoparticles were added into molten AZ91E magnesium alloy at 600 rpm constant stirring speed. During the final casting process, 0.1 MPa vacuum pressure was applied to all the composites to reduce the casting defects. The prepared hybrid composite was characterised by physical, mechanical, microstructural and wear properties. The Quanta FEG model SEM apparatus was used to examine the distribution of silicon carbide nanoparticles and basalt fibre. The mechanical characteristics, such as ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength and impact strength, were obtained for 7.5 wt% SiCnp/9 wt% basalt fibre reinforced AZ91E magnesium alloy matrix hybrid nanocomposite. Adding chopped basalt fibre enhanced the wear properties of conventional AZ91E magnesium alloy.

CRYSTALLO-CO-AGGLOMERATION OF SIMVASTATIN: IMPROVING DISSOLUTION AND MICROMERITIC PROPERTIES

Simvastatin (SMV), a poorly soluble drug, faces challenges in pharmaceutical formulation due to its limited solubility and poor flow properties. This study aimed to enhance the physicochemical properties of SMV by preparing spherical crystals using a crystallo-co-agglomeration. Spherical crystals of SMV were prepared by dissolving the drug in methanol and adding it to an aqueous solution containing PVP K-30 and PEG 6000 under constant stirring. The resulting agglomerates were filtered, dried, and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and dissolution testing. Micromeritic properties, including bulk density, Hausner ratio, compressibility index, angle of repose, and flowability, were also evaluated. FTIR confirmed the chemical integrity of SMV with minor shifts indicating interactions with stabilizers. PXRD and DSC analyses revealed reduced crystallinity and partial amorphization in the spherical crystals. SEM showed spherical morphology. Dissolution testing demonstrated a significantly enhanced dissolution rate for the spherical crystals compared to pure SMV. Improved micromeritic properties were also observed, indicating better flowability and packing density. Spherical crystallization significantly improved the solubility, dissolution rate, and flowability of SMV. This technique offers a promising strategy for enhancing the bioavailability and pharmaceutical performance of poorly soluble drugs.

Recovery of Cu from waste smelting slag through extraction with novel deep eutectic solvents (DESs)

ABSTRACT This study reports on the recovery of copper, zinc, and iron from the copper smelting slag (CSS) of Saindak Copper and Gold Project, Baluchistan, Pakistan using novel deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and Sulfuric acid. Sorbic acid, citric acid, and urea were each mixed with tetrabutylammonium chloride (TBAC) to prepare three DESs. Leaching experiments were performed in batch mode under a constant stirring speed of 300 revolutions per minute (rev min−1) and contact time of 2 h, under different liquid to solid ratios (L/S 1.5–3) and different temperatures (60–90°C). Results showed that the DES2 (TBAC & citric acid) recovered about 77% copper, 49% zinc, and 1% iron among other two prepared DESs at 3 L/S and 90°C. Sulphuric acid recovered 94% copper, 2% zinc, and 4.7% iron under the same conditions. The same DES also showed selectivity in the recovery of copper, as compared to iron.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИЙ БИОПОЛИМЕРОВ БЕЛОК – ПОЛИСАХАРИД, ВЫДЕЛЕННЫХ ИЗ СЕМЯН ЛЬНА

The aim of the study is to investigate the interaction of proteins and polysaccharides obtained from flax seeds. Objectives: to study the phase behavior during the interaction of protein concentrate solutions and flax seed polysaccharides; to investigate the interaction of flax seed proteins and polysaccharides at different pH. The objects of the study were flax seed processing products: protein concentrate, polysaccharide extract and their mixtures. Polysaccharides were isolated from flax seeds by extraction, followed by concentration of the extract using a rotary evaporator and drying in a spray dryer. The protein product was obtained by alkaline extraction from mucus-free and defatted flax seeds. To obtain a homogeneous 1 % protein solution, the product was homogenized, followed by holding the solution at 50 °C and constant stirring for 2 hours. To study protein-polysaccharide interactions, protein and polysaccharide solutions were mixed in the ratios of 9:1, 7:3, 1:1, 3:7, 1:9, respectively. Physicochemical parameters were determined using standard analysis methods. The protein content in the products was determined according to GOST 10846-91, and the humidity was determined according to GOST 10856-96. The pH value was measured using an I-160MI laboratory ion meter. Spectrophotometric analysis methods were performed on a PE-5400 spectrophotometer. As in the bovine serum albumin solution, residues of tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine were found in the spectrum of flax protein in the UV range. When measuring the optical density of solutions of protein, polysaccharides and their mixtures, the behavior of the system was determined by the content of the predominant component. In acidic environments, mixed systems form two-phase systems regardless of the ratio of components. At equal concentrations of the initial solutions (0.3 %), the mixed systems remained monodisperse and stable at neutral pH and a component ratio of 1:1.

Lipase Enzyme Immobilized Magnetic NanoAdsorbent: A promising candidate to efficiently remove chromium from aqueous media

The Enzyme-immobilized magnetic nanocomposites as a nano adsorbent are interested in the environmental fields and energy science due to their number of advantages including high surface area, biocompatibility, ease of separation, reusability, and substantial activity. The Lipase enzyme (Candida rugosa) was immobilized onto a lipase-immobilized magnetic nanocomposite (Fe3O4@SiO2–NH2) using a chemical dispersion method under constant stirring to effectively adsorb Chromium (VI) from aqueous media. After successful immobilization, the lipase@ Fe3O4@SiO2–NH2 nanocomposite was characterized using various analytical instruments. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Zeta sizer, Zeta potential, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were utilized to characterize the surface modification, structure, super magnetic properties, pore size, and chemical content within the synthesized magnetic nanocomposite and its variants. To evaluate the adsorption capability of the newly synthesized nanocomposite, batch adsorption experiments were performed under the influence of various controlled parameters. The batch adsorption trials revealed that pH significantly influenced the adsorption of Cr (VI). At a pH level of 2.0 and a temperature of 318 K, the maximal adsorption capacity reached 49.9 mg/g, with the isotherms fitting the Freundlich model and the Pseudo-second kinetic model. The thermodynamic study demonstrates the exothermic and spontaneous nature of Cr (VI) adsorption on the adsorbent (lipase @ Fe3O4@SiO2–NH2). Additionally, the adsorbent exhibited good reusability, and Cr (VI) ions could be successfully desorbed using a solution of 0.1 mol/L NaOH. The synthesized nanocomposite demonstrated validity and applicability in real water samples, achieving mean removal efficiencies of tap water, Nawab Shah Canal, and Hyderabad Canal were 94.92 ± 3.12, 95.80 ± 2.78, and 96.81 ± 2.58 %. The lipase @ Fe3O4@SiO2–NH2 nanocomposite reveals a promise as an efficient nano adsorbent for the adsorption of Cr (VI). Moreover, the maximum lipase enzyme immobilization activity was observed at 20 mg/g in water (pH 8) at 25 °C. Fabrication of the lipase@ Fe3O4@SiO2–NH2 is illustrated in the graphical abstract of the manuscript.

Effect of treatment conditions on the morphology of date empty fruit bunch lignocellulosic fiber for biocomposite applications

The fiber of the empty date fruit is one of the waste products left after the date fruit is harvested from the date palm. Optimization of the treatment parameters as well as the economics of the treatment process are critical to the successful commercialization of the treatment of natural fibers for the production of biocomposites. Of the natural fiber treatment methods described in previous work, hot water and alkali treatments are the most cost-effective, which justified the choice of these treatment methods in this work. Here, date empty fruit bunch fibers were pulverized to a particle size of 0–500 µm and then treated with boiling water at 100 °C for 3 h or with sodium hydroxide at different concentrations (2, 5, 10%) for 3 h at room temperature with constant stirring at 800 rpm. To confirm the effect of temperature on the fiber treatment, another fiber sample was treated at a 5% concentration of sodium hydroxide solution at an elevated temperature of 80 °C for the same period and stirring condition. The untreated and treated DEFB fibers were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chemical analysis of the fibers showed that DEFB fiber treated with 5% sodium hydroxide solution at room temperature had the highest cellulose content (52.0%), which was also confirmed by the XRD analysis. The DEFB fiber treated with boiling water exhibited higher thermal stability while the sodium hydroxide-treated fiber exhibited higher crystallinity index and cellulose content. Apparently, DEFB fiber treated with sodium hydroxide solution at 5% concentration for 3 h at room temperature for continuous stirring at 800 rpm offered the best properties. The treated fibers are expected to be viable reinforcement in the production of biocomposites with the goal of achieving energy efficiency. The developed materials could be used in industrial applications such as insulating building systems, automotive parts, and home furniture.

Перспективы использования Sorghum Bicolor в технологии мучных кондитерских изделий с высокой антиоксидантной активностью

The purpose of research is to study the antioxidant activity of cookies with the addition of Sorghum bicolor whole grain flour to determine the prospects for using flour in the production technology of flour confectionery products. The objects of the study are samples of butter cookies prepared according to the traditional recipe (control) and with the replacement of premium wheat flour with whole-grain sorghum flour (experimental). The quality indicators of the samples were assessed according to generally accepted test methods. Phenolic acids in the biscuit samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography combined with a High Performance Liquid mass spectrometer. Aqueous extracts of cookie samples were obtained as follows: 10 g of experimental and control samples were extracted in 150 ml of distilled deionized water for 90 min with constant stirring. The mixture was then centrifuged at 8000 rpm at 20 °C for 30 min, followed by collection of the clear supernatant. Next, the resulting supernatant was freeze-dried at minus 15 °C. According to the organoleptic characteristics, the cookie samples with the addition of whole-grain sorghum flour had a dark brown color uniform throughout the mass, the taste and aroma were sweet with a hint of vanilla, the broken appearance was well-baked, with a uniform porous structure, without cavities and signs of insufficient mixing, slightly rough surface. Physico-chemical parameters met the standards. As a result of the analysis of chromatographic peaks, phenolic acids were identified and the presence of phenolic acids, which are strong antioxidants, was proven in the experimental cookie sample. The practical significance lies in the application of the obtained data in the development of flour confectionery products with whole-grain sorghum flour.

Simple Electrospinning Method for Biocompatible Polycaprolactone β-Carotene Scaffolds: Advantages and Limitations.

In this study, electrospun scaffolds were fabricated using polycaprolactone (PCL) loaded with varying concentrations of β-carotene (1.2%, 2.4%, and 3.6%) via the electrospinning technique. The electrospinning process involved the melting of PCL in acetic acid, followed by the incorporation of β-carotene powder under constant stirring. Raman spectroscopy revealed a homogeneous distribution of β-carotene within the PCL matrix. However, the β-carotene appeared in particulate form, rather than being dissolved and blended with the PCL matrix, a result also confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. Additionally, X-ray diffraction analysis indicated a decrease in crystallinity with increasing β-carotene concentration. Mechanical testing of the scaffolds demonstrated an increase in ultimate strain, accompanied by a reduction in ultimate stress, indicating a potential plasticizing effect. Moreover, antimicrobial assays revealed a marginal antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli for scaffolds with higher β-carotene concentrations. Conversely, preliminary biological assessment using KUSA-A1 mesenchymal cells indicated enhanced cellular proliferation in response to the scaffolds, suggesting the potential biocompatibility and cell-stimulating properties of β-carotene-loaded PCL scaffolds. Overall, this study provides insights into the fabrication and characterization of electrospun PCL scaffolds containing β-carotene, laying the groundwork for further exploration in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

Optimization of Cadmium Removal Using Tetraethylene Glycol-Modified Silica-Based Adsorbent via Response Surface Methodology

In solid-phase extraction for preconcentration, silica (Si) is the most commonly used as an adsorbent. However, the selectivity and effectiveness of silica gel adsorption on metal ions are low, so it needs to be modified to improve the adsorption capability. The modification was done using reflux and oven heating in the modification silica with 3-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) and tetraethylene glycol (TEG). A central composite design batch process determined the optimum conditions for cadmium adsorption. TEG-modified silica was successfully synthesized and characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, and elemental analyzers. Peaks of C-H and epoxy on FTIR spectra showed that Si- GPTMS was formed. The increase of %C and %H from the first to the second step indicated that Si-TEG was successfully synthesized. There was no significant difference in silica particle morphology on SEM before and after modification. The reflux method gave a higher yield compared to the heating method. The constant stirring by the magnetic bar and solvent cycle in the reflux method catalyzed the reaction. This study found that at pH 7, 30 mg of adsorbent weight at 35°C and 22 minutes of contact time were optimum Cd2+ adsorption conditions. As the weight of the adsorbent increases, the adsorption capacity decreases. Contact time and temperature have no significant effect on Cd adsorption by Si-TEG.

Optimization and characterization of xanthan gum based multiparticulate formulation for colon targeting

To optimize and characterize xanthan gum multi-particulate formulation for colon targeting, which increases the residence time at the absorbing surface of the colon. Xanthan gum was dispersed in cold water containing drug and was permitted to expand for 2 ​h. Sodium alginate was blended well in 10 ​ml of water. Xanthan gum solution containing the drug was added to sodium alginate solution and 0.3 ​ml of glutaraldehyde was added to the dispersion, with constant stirring. Then, polymer-drug solution was added dropwise into 5% w/v calcium chloride solution with continuous stirring, producing microspheres filtered by Whatman filter paper and dried at 30 ​°C–40 ​°C. Microspheres were performed by chemical cross-linking with glutaraldehyde, which increased the maximum drug entrapment efficiency up to 73.63 ​± ​0.65% with an increasing concentration of xanthan gum polymer 0.7% w/v for the optimized F6 batch. Better results were found by increasing the polymer concentration along with the glutaraldehyde concentration. The kinetics of drug release for the F6 batch was considered as an optimized batch because the regression value was found to be 0.997 in the peppas model. The accelerated stability study on the optimized F6 batch performed to learn whether the drug has any change during its period of usability. The polysaccharide remains intact in the stomach and intestine and the drug was released in the colon with low toxicity and biodegradability. The present studies showed that optimizing and characterizing xanthan gum multi-particulate formulation for colon targeting gives metronidazole the most effective and controlled delivery.

Impact of nutrition intervention on the nutritional status and cognitive function among children (6-12 years) – An Interventional Study from South India

Aim: The aim of this study was to prepare Methotrexate and triherbal loaded topical emulgels for anti-arthritic activity. Methods: The above sources are subjected to soxhlation and aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of the above three will be prepared. The extracts will be prepared by proper maceration in suitable solvents in required proportions. The resultant extract will be converted into emulgel as follows: The gel portion of the emulgel will be made by dissolving carbopol-934 in cold water with constant stirring at a moderate speed until uniform mixture is obtained. The pH was then adjusted to 6–6.5 using triethanolamine (TEA). Tween 80 was dissolved in distilled water to prepare the aqueous phase of the emulsion while for the preparation of the oil phase of the emulsion; span 80 was dissolved in liquid paraffin. To preserve the emulsion, benzalkonium chloride was dissolved in water and the suitable amounts of extracts and methotrexate is dissolved in ethanol then both solutions are mixed with the aqueous phase. Both the aqueous and the oil phase were heated in a water bath at 70 °C separately. Then the oil phase was added drop wise to the aqueous phase with continuous stirring using homogenizer at speed of 3000 rpm for 10 min then cold to room temperature. At the end the gel and emulsion portions were mixed in 1:1 ratio with moderately stirring to prepare emulgel. The preparation is made viscous to be spreadable on the skin sufficiently without friction by trial-and-error way of mixing different proportions of gelling polymers. The formulation thus prepared is subjected to suitable characterization and evaluation studies and the optimized formulation is reported after obtaining results. Results: Drug-polymer compatibility studies (FT-IR and DSC) showed no incompatibility between the drug and polymer. In- vitro permeation studies though egg membrane showed good drug release in the range of 78.91 to 98.92% over a period of 2 hours. The best formulation was found to be F3 showing in-vitro drug release of 98.92%. The correlation and coefficient (R2) values obtained from the kinetic equation shows the drug release from all the formulation (F1-F9) follow zero order drug release mechanism. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Methotrexate and Triherbal loaded Topical emulgels could be a better formulation approach for Anti-arthritic activity.

Corrosion Behavior of Steel 37 under Dynamic Conditions in 0.1 N H2SO4

An aggressive environment has a substantial effect on the progression of corrosion on metal surfaces and alloys. This study investigated the effect of one of the parameters that affect the corrosion process, the stirring rate, on the behavior of Steel 37 in 0.1 N of sulfuric acid. The main method used in this study is an electrochemical method (using a potentiostat at a scan rate of 3 MV.sec-1), applied at three different temperatures (25, 30, and ˚C). To evaluate the parameters of corrosion in this study, the Tafel extrapolation method was used. At a constant stirring rate, the corrosion current density was found to be increased with increasing temperature at a constant stirring rate. In addition, the corrosion rate increased with increasing stirring rate at a constant temperature due to the rise of the diffusion coefficient of oxygen. The Levich equation was used to calculate the limiting current densities, as well as the mass transfer coefficient (Km) and the Sherwood number (Sh). The Km values were calculated and it was found that the mass transfer coefficient was greater at higher temperatures and stirring rates. The results also revealed that the smallest values of Sh (2.575, 3.897) occurred at 30 °C at two stirring rates (200 and 400 rpm).