Control Formulation Research Articles

Influence of mineral source and inclusion levels of iron, copper, and zinc on the oxidative stability of extruded cat food

This study aimed to compare inorganic sources (sulfates) and chelated organic sources (proteinates) of minerals on the oxidative stability and shelf-life of extruded cat food. Five complete foods were formulated, including a negative control without supplementation of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), or zinc (Zn). The other formulations were obtained by supplementing the negative control formulation with these microminerals in organic or inorganic form at one (1x) or two (2x) times the FEDIAF (2021) requirement level for adult cats. The effects of supplementation on oxidative stability and shelf-life were determined before and after extrusion and during the 365-day storage period. The levels of fatty acids and synthetic antioxidants (BHA and BHT) were significantly lower after extrusion (P < 0.05). While inorganic and organic mineral sources did not differ, the negative control retained higher levels of fatty acids and synthetic antioxidants compared to mineral sources and levels. After extrusion, saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were reduced by 22.82% ± 1.8%, 22.91% ± 1.9%, and 19.32% ± 2.5%, respectively, with no mineral source and level effects. The Concentrations of synthetic antioxidants were significantly lower after extrusion, with a retention of 49.72% in the negative control and 35.09% ± 1.23% in the other treatments. Storage studies showed that fatty acids declined over time without significant treatment differences (P > 0.05). As expected, the most evident change was that of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Synthetic antioxidant levels also lowered during storage, with significant differences among treatments (P < 0.05). The highest losses were observed in formulations supplemented with inorganic sources. These differences affected peroxide value, which was influenced by both supplementation level and source. At the end of 365 days of shelf life, the peroxide value in foods supplemented with inorganic minerals was 92.3% (1×) and 49.7% (2×) greater than in foods with the same level of organic minerals. The negative control formulation had the lowest peroxide value among all treatments. From this data, we can conclude that the source of the microelements Fe, Cu, and Zn does not influence the oxidative stability of cat food during the extrusion process; however, the inorganic sources (e.g., sulfates) favor the oxidation during storage, which may be attenuated using less reactive, organic trace mineral sources, such as proteinates.

Self-consolidating paste systems using ground granulated blast furnace slag and limestone powder mineral admixtures

This study aims to investigate the blends of supplementary cementitious ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) with limestone powder (LSP) as mineral admixtures to partially replace cement (up to 30 %) in self-consolidating paste (SCP) systems made at respective water demands. Besides the control formulation (100 % cement), the first set of SCP systems includes GGBFS alone as a partial substitute of cement (5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 %), whereas the second set contains blends of 10 % GGBFS with 10 % and 20 % LSP. For all the seven formulations (1 control, 4 binary and 2 ternary), tests were performed to determine their water demand, setting times and flow behavior, hydration kinetics, mechanical strengths and microstructural properties. Results showed that the fresh and hardened state properties of SCP systems incorporating GGBFS and LSP led to an increase in strength, hydration kinetics were slightly improved and hence enhancement of strength and microstructure of SCP systems. Reduction in initial and final setting times recorded with increased LSP from 10 % to 20 % in ternary SCP formulations. Early compressive strength due to LSP increased in ternary SCP systems as compared to binary formulations, which reflected synergy between GGBFS and LSP in SCP systems. Moreover, environmental assessment results indicate a significant reduction in CO2 emissions by substituting cement with GGBFS and LSP. These findings indicate that both GGBFS and LSP can be successfully used in developing high performance and environment friendly self-compacting concrete (SCC).

Research on Deformation Safety Risk Warning of Super-Large and Ultra-Deep Foundation Pits Based on Long Short-Term Memory

This paper proposes transforming actual monitoring data into risk quantities and establishing a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) safety risk warning model for predicting the deformation of super-large and ultra-deep foundation pits in river–round gravel strata based on safety evaluation methods. Using this model, short-term deformation predictions at various monitoring points of the foundation pits are made and compared with monitoring data. The results from the LSTM safety risk warning model indicate an absolute error range between the predicted deformation values and on-site monitoring values of −0.24 to 0.16 mm, demonstrating the model’s accuracy in predicting pit deformation. Additionally, calculations reveal that both the overall risk level based on on-site monitoring data and the overall safety risk level based on predicted data are classified as level four. The acceptance criteria for the overall risk level of the foundation pit are defined as “unacceptable and requiring decision-making”, with the risk warning control scheme being “requiring decision-making, formulation of control, and warning measures”. These research findings offer valuable insights for predicting and warning about safety risks in similar foundation pit engineering projects.

Modeling of Cooperative Robotic Systems and Predictive Control Applied to Biped Robots and UAV-UGV Docking with Task Prioritization.

This paper studies a cooperative modeling framework to reduce the complexity in deriving the governing dynamical equations of complex systems composed of multiple bodies such as biped robots and unmanned aerial and ground vehicles. The approach also allows for an optimization-based trajectory generation for the complex system. This work also studies a fast-slow model predictive control strategy with task prioritization to perform docking maneuvers on cooperative systems. The method allows agents and a single agent to perform a docking maneuver. In addition, agents give different priorities to a specific subset of shared states. In this way, overall degrees of freedom to achieve the docking task are distributed among various subsets of the task space. The fast-slow model predictive control strategy uses non-linear and linear model predictive control formulations such that docking is handled as a non-linear problem until agents are close enough, where direct transcription is calculated using the Euler discretization method. During this phase, the trajectory generated is tracked with a linear model predictive controller and addresses the close proximity motion to complete docking. The trajectory generation and modeling is demonstrated on a biped robot, and the proposed MPC framework is illustrated in a case study, where a quadcopter docks on a non-holonomic rover using a leader-follower topology.

Piezoelectric Actuators in Smart Engineering Structures Using Robust Control.

In this study, piezoelectric patches are used as actuators to dampen structural oscillations. Damping oscillations is a significant engineering challenge, and the use of piezoelectric patches in smart structures allows for a reduction in oscillations through sophisticated control methods. This analysis involved H-infinity (H∞) robust analysis. H∞ (H-infinity) control formulation is a robust control design method used to ensure system stability and performance under disturbances. When applied to piezoelectric actuators in smart structures, H∞ control aims to design controllers that are robust to variations in system dynamics, external disturbances, and modeling uncertainties, while meeting specified performance criteria. This study outlines the piezoelectric effects and advanced control strategies. A structural model was created using finite elements, and a smart structural model was analyzed. Subsequently, dynamic loads were applied and oscillation damping was successfully achieved by employing advanced control techniques.

Impact of ivermectin components on Anopheles dirus and Anopheles minimus mosquito survival

BackgroundIvermectin mass drug administration to humans or livestock is a potential vector control tool for malaria elimination. Racemic ivermectin is composed of two components, namely a major component (> 80%; ivermectin B1a), which has an ethyl group at C-26, and a minor component (< 20%; ivermectin B1b), which has a methyl group at C-26. There is no difference between the efficacy of ivermectin B1a and ivermectin B1b efficacy in nematodes, but only ivermectin B1b has been reported to be lethal to snails. The ratios of ivermectin B1a and B1b ratios in ivermectin formulations and tablets can vary between manufacturers and batches. The mosquito-lethal effects of ivermectin B1a and ivermectin B1b have never been assessed. As novel ivermectin formulations are being developed for malaria control, it is important that the mosquito-lethal effects of individual ivermectin B1a and ivermectin B1b compounds be evaluated.MethodsRacemic ivermectin, ivermectin B1a or ivermectin B1b, respectively, was mixed with human blood at various concentrations, blood-fed to Anopheles dirus sensu stricto and Anopheles minimus sensu stricto mosquitoes, and mortality was observed for 10 days. The ivermectin B1a and B1b ratios from commercially available racemic ivermectin and marketed tablets were assessed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.ResultsThe results revealed that neither the lethal concentrations that kills 50% (LC50) nor 90% (LC90) of mosquitoes differed between racemic ivermectin, ivermectin B1a or ivermectin B1b for An. dirus or An. minimus, confirming that the individual ivermectin components have equal mosquito-lethal effects. The relative ratios of ivermectin B1a and B1b derived from sourced racemic ivermectin powder were 98.84% and 1.16%, respectively, and the relative ratios for ivermectin B1a and B1b derived from human oral ivermectin tablets were 98.55% and 1.45%, respectively.ConclusionsThe ratio of ivermectin B1a and B1b does not influence the Anopheles mosquito-lethal outcome, an ideal study result as the separation of ivermectin B1a and B1b components at scale is cost prohibitive. Thus, variations in the ratio of ivermectin B1a and B1b between batches and manufacturers, as well as potentially novel formulations for malaria control, should not influence ivermectin mosquito-lethal efficacy.Graphical abstract

Effect of chemical penetration enhancers on the transdermal delivery of olanzapine in human skin in vitro

This research study involves the development of an olanzapine (OLZ) formulation using various chemical penetration enhancers (CPEs) for transdermal delivery. The aim of this study was to obtain the initial data needed about the effects of various CPEs on the skin permeation of OLZ. The effects of the selected CPEs were examined by studying the permeation profiles of OLZ from formulations applied to human cadaver skin samples. A control formulation of OLZ in propylene glycol (PG) was prepared and compared against formulations containing chemical penetration enhancers. Five different CPEs (oleic acid (OA), cineole (Cin), isopropyl alcohol (IPA), Tween 80 (T80), and N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP)) at 5% w/w were individually added to the formulation containing OLZ in PG. The in vitro permeation study was carried out using vertical Franz diffusion cells mounted with human cadaver skin. Samples from the receptor compartment of the cell were collected at 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, and 24 h at room temperature. The amount (µg/cm2) of permeated drug (OLZ) was measured using a validated HPLC method, and the percentage (%) of OLZ permeated was calculated. Based on the data obtained, different CPEs were found to have a significant impact on OLZ permeability compared to the control formulation. The most effective chemical penetration enhancer was shown to be 5% w/w OA with a 3.3-fold increase in enhancement ratio (ER). The rank of order for the highest concentration of OLZ permeated from each of CPE containing formulation was as follows: OA > Cin > IPA > T80 > NMP. The most effective chemical penetration enhancer was OA but the cytotoxic study using human fibroblast cells suggests that OA may not be safe due to its cytotoxic effects.

While the priest climbs a post, the devil climbs ten: major biological threats from parasite and vector to malaria control and elimination

Malaria is one of the most serious mosquito-borne infectious diseases in the world. The global malaria control progress has stalled in recent years, which is largely due to the biological threats from the malaria pathogen Plasmodium and the vector Anopheles mosquitoes. This article provides an overview of biological threats to global malaria elimination, including antimalarial drug resistance, deletions in the malaria rapid diagnostic test target P. falciparum histidine-rich protein 2/3 (Pfhrp2/3) genes, vector insecticide resistance and emergence of invasive vector species, so as to provide insights into malaria and vector research and the formulation and adjustment of the malaria control and elimination strategy.

Effect of functional fillers in solvent‐free polyurethane adhesives: Processing and characterization

AbstractThe present work is focused on the study of polyurethane adhesives in the presence of functional fillers (encapsulated enzymes) intended to make them degradable. This is part of a general strategy aiming to recycle multilayer films for packaging, at their end of life, by means of separating the constituent layers as a result of adhesives degradation. Primarily, it was found that the presence of small quantities of functional filler greatly affects both, the quality of the coating process and the kinetics of the adhesive curing. The former, because of the dependency on particle size distribution, leads to high variations in thickness and mechanical properties of multilayers and, the latter, because of a significant catalytic effect (higher curing rates). Indeed, an assessment of the adhesives' kinetics by rheology showed that the pot‐life and the cross‐over point (G′ = G″) for the enzyme‐containing system were obtained three times faster in comparison to the control formulation. These findings were also confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry measurements. On the other hand, by reducing and homogenizing the filler's particle size using separated sieved material (≤50 μm), improvements in coating control as well as in the quality and final properties of the multilayers were evidenced.Highlights Recycling multilayer plastic films for flexible packaging. Encapsulated enzymes to degrade the polyurethane adhesive in specific conditions. The presence of functional fillers affects the coating process. Process optimization to ensure the coating quality control.

Quality and stability of meat products prepared with chicken fillets affected by white striping myopathy.

This study aimed to evaluate the quality and oxidative stability of chicken burger and mortadella prepared with fillets affected by white striping (WS) myopathy as compared with products prepared with normal fillets (control). There were no differences in pH, L*, or b* between treatments (WS vs. control); however, water holding capacity was higher in control burgers and mortadellas. In burgers, the use of WS fillet led to an increase in lipid content and a reduction in moisture content. Mortadella formulations were similar in terms of proximate composition. Addition of WS fillets did not influenced water activity in any of the products. Differences (p < 0.05) were observed for texture profile: WS burgers had 35% lower firmness and 32% lower chewiness than control burgers, and WS mortadellas had lower resilience. Cooking yield and shrinkage were similar between WS and control burgers. As for lipid oxidation, it was found that WS burgers were more stable than control formulations. Mortadella formulations showed a similar behavior of lipid oxidation during storage, with higher values observed after 65days of storage in both treatments. Utilization of WS fillets for the preparation of burgers and mortadellas is a viable alternative that does not compromise product quality or oxidative stability.

Encapsulated allyl isothiocyanate improves soil distribution, efficacy against soil-borne pathogens and tomato yield.

Crop quality, yield and farmer income are reduced by soil-borne diseases, nematodes and weeds, although these can be controlled by allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a plant-derived soil fumigant. However, its efficacy against soil-borne pathogens varies, mainly because of its chemical instability and uneven distribution in the soil. Formulation modification is an effective way to optimize pesticide application. We encapsulated AITC in modified diatomite granules (GR) and measured the formulation's loading content and stability, environmental fate and efficacy against soil-borne pathogens, and its impact on the growth and yield of tomatoes. We observed that an AITC loading content in the granules of 27.6% resulted in a degradation half-life of GR that was 1.94 times longer than 20% AITC emulsifiable concentrate in water (EW) and shorter than AITC technical (TC) grade. The stable and more even distribution of GR in soil resulted in relatively consistent and acceptable control of soil-borne pathogens. Soil containing AITC residues that remained 10-24 days after GR fumigation were not phytotoxic to cucumber seeds. GR significantly reduced soil-borne pest populations, and tomato growth and yield increased as AITC dosage increased. GR containing an AITC dose of 20 g m-2 effectively controlled pathogens in soil for about 7 months and improved tomato yield by 108%. Our research demonstrates the benefits of soil fumigation with loaded AITC over other formulations for effective pest control, and improved tomato plant growth and fruit yield. Fumigant encapsulation appears to be a useful method to improve pest and disease control, environmental performance and fumigant commercial sustainability. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A comparison principle for semilinear Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equations in the Wasserstein space

The goal of this paper is to prove a comparison principle for viscosity solutions of semilinear Hamilton–Jacobi equations in the space of probability measures. The method involves leveraging differentiability properties of the 2-Wasserstein distance in the doubling of variables argument, which is done by introducing a further entropy penalization that ensures that the relevant optima are achieved at positive, Lipschitz continuous densities with finite Fischer information. This allows to prove uniqueness and stability of viscosity solutions in the class of bounded Lipschitz continuous (with respect to the 1-Wasserstein distance) functions. The result does not appeal to a mean field control formulation of the equation, and, as such, applies to equations with nonconvex Hamiltonians and measure-dependent volatility. For convex Hamiltonians that derive from a potential, we prove that the value function associated with a suitable mean-field optimal control problem with nondegenerate idiosyncratic noise is indeed the unique viscosity solution.

A Clinico - Microbial Study to Assess the Benefits of Medicinal Plant Extracts in Chronic Periodontitis

Background: There has been an increasing trend for the development of natural formulations for plaque control using medicinal plants as an adjunct, which can be a feasible alternative as these are widely available, cost-effective, and have fewer side effects. Aim: The evaluation of the effects of medicinal plant extracts in chronic periodontitis (CP). Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in two phases; first the antibacterial activity of two medicinal plant extracts was tested on periodontal pathogens, thereafter, a clinical assessment was carried out on subjects with CP. Forty-five individuals suffering from CP were randomized into three different groups; Group A: Scaling and root planing (SRP) along with Piper longum rinse, Group B: SRP along with mixture of Tinospora cordifolia and P. longum rinse, Group C: SRP along with chlorhexidine (CHX) (control group). The clinical parameters (gingival index [GI], plaque index, gingival bleeding index [BI], probing pocket depth [PPD], and clinical attachment level [CAL]) were recorded at baseline and months 1 and 3. The intra- and intergroup comparison of clinical parameters for all groups at different time intervals was performed. Results: At the end of the trial, all the three groups showed a statistically significant reduction when compared to baseline for all the clinical parameters. In intergroup comparison, statistically significant reduction in GI, PPD, and CAL for both Group A and Group C was seen at 3 months as compared to Group B. Comparable reduction was seen between Group A and C for all the clinical parameters. Reduction in plaque and gingival BI was seen to be highest in Group A. Conclusion: P. longum can be effectively utilized as an additive to mechanical periodontal treatment in comparison to CHX mouthwash for CP patients.

Evaluation of anti-microbial effect of Sushrutokta Vayu-Nirvishikarana yoga

Introduction: With the presence of extensive number of various microbes in the living environment, there is need to explore few sustainable and safe practices to control the ill effects of the microbes. In Indian tradition the Dhoopana (fumigation process) is well established since time immemorial and it is practiced regularly for different purposes. Many of the formulations quoted in the classics are already in practice. Acharya Sushruta, in Kalpasthana quotes the use of Vayu Nirvishikarana Yoga for Dhoopana-artha in the chikitsa of Dushita Vayu. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt safer methods like Dhoopana with the herbal formulations for the disease control. Methods: Vayu Nirvishikarana yoga comprising of 11 drugs, predominantly constitutes of volatile oils, alkaloids and tannins from the respective drugs. There are proven studies over the antimicrobial property, anti-oxidant properties of various drugs of this formulation. Results: The study was conducted to showcase the efficacy of the Dhoopana yoga in an indoor environment in terms of limiting the microbial load. The results of this work showed considerable results with sufficient scope for further studies. Conclusion: Krimighna and Vishaghna gunas of these drugs used in this formulation can be justified as explained in the classics. After evaluating the existing data about Dhoopana process and executing the study, its effectiveness becomes self-evident, but scientific approach and evidence are required to mainstream them and to establish the formulations as primary disinfection measures.

Textural, rheological, melting properties, particle size distribution, and NMR relaxometry of cocoa hazelnut spread with inulin-stevia addition as sugar replacer.

This study investigated the influence of substituting 60, 80, and 100% of the sugar in traditional cocoa hazelnut paste (control) formulation with inulin-stevia (90:10, w/w) mixture on textural and rheological characteristics, melting behavior, water activity (aw), particle size distribution (PSD), and color. Textural, rheological, melting properties, and color of samples were analyzed after 1, 2, and 3 months of storage at 11°C. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry experiments were also performed to understand the interaction of new ingredients with oil. Replacement of sugar with inulin-stevia gave darker color, reduced Casson yield stress, and changed the textural parameters and melting profile of the samples depending on the level but did not create a remarkable effect on PSD and Casson plastic viscosity. Increasing inulin-stevia content yielded lower aw and higher T2a values indicating decreased mobility of water. Complete removal of sugar caused low spreadability. The results showed that an 80% replacement level yielded a product with similar textural parameters and fat-melting mouth feeling compared to control sample. Cocoa hazelnut spreads prepared with inulin and stevia showed good textural stability during storage.

Progress and Opportunities for Machine Learning in Materials and Processes of Additive Manufacturing.

In recent years, there has been widespread adoption of machine learning (ML) technologies to unravel intricate relationships among diverse parameters in various additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. These ML models excel at recognizing complex patterns from extensive, well-curated datasets, thereby unveiling latent knowledge crucial for informed decision-making during the AM process. The collaborative synergy between ML and AM holds the potential to revolutionize the design and production of AM-printed parts. This review delves into the challenges and opportunities emerging at the intersection of these two dynamic fields. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the publication landscape for ML-related research in the field of AM, explores common ML applications in AM research (such as quality control, process optimization, design optimization, microstructure analysis, and material formulation), and concludes by presenting an outlook that underscores the utilization of advanced ML models, the development of emerging sensors, and ML applications in emerging AM-related fields. Notably, ML has garnered increased attention in AM due to its superior performance across various AM-related applications. It is envisioned that the integration of ML into AM processes will significantly enhance 3D printing capabilities across diverse AM-related research areas.

Sustainable Alternatives to Petroleum-Derived Excipients in Pharmaceutical Oil-in-Water Creams.

Recently, vast efforts towards sustainability have been made in the pharmaceutical industry. In conventional oil-in-water (O/W) cream formulations, various petroleum-based excipients, namely mineral oil and petrolatum, are commonly used. Natural or synthetic excipients, derived from vegetable sources, were explored as alternatives to petroleum-based excipients in prototype topical creams, with 1% (w/w) lidocaine. A conventional cream comprised of petroleum-derived excipients was compared to creams containing sustainable excipients in terms of key quality and performance attributes, physicochemical properties, and formulation performance. The petrolatum-based control formulation had the highest viscosity of 248.0 Pa·s, a melting point of 42.7°C, a low separation index at 25°C of 0.031, and an IVRT flux of 52.9 µg/cm2/h. Formulation SUS-4 was the least viscous formulation at 86.9 Pa·s, hadthe lowest melting point of 33.6°C, the highest separation index of 0.120, and the highest IVRT flux of 139.4 µg/cm2/h. Alternatively, SUS-5 had a higher viscosity of 131.3 Pa·s, a melting point of 43.6°C, a low separation index of 0.046, and the lowest IVRT flux of 25.2 µg/cm2/h. The cumulative drug permeation after 12 h from SUS-4, SUS-5, and the control were 126.2 µg/cm2, 113.8 µg/cm2, and 108.1 µg/cm2, respectively. The composition of the oil-in-water creams had influence on physicochemical properties and drug release; however, skin permeation was not impacted. Sustainable natural or synthetic excipients in topical cream formulations were found to be suitable alternatives to petroleum-based excipients with comparable key quality attributes and performance attributes and should be considered during formulation development.

Test of Acceptance and Iron Content of Baymor “Red Spinach &amp; Moringa” as a Treat to Prevent Anemia in Adolescent Women

Based on DP3AK 2021 East Java, 23% of young women and 12% of young men suffer from anemia. Red spinach and Moringa leaves are contain high levels of iron so it can be used as alternative foods to prevent anemia in young women. The purpose was to analyze the results of tests of acceptability and iron levels of "red spinach &amp; moringa" baymor cake as a snack to prevent anemia in young women. The research method is experimental research. Data will be analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis test, if the results are p &lt;0.05 then it will be continued using the Mann Whitney test. The average result of the acceptability test is the BM 1 formulation which is 4.04 (likes it), BM 2 which is 3.49 (rather likes it) and BM 3 which is 3.2 (rather likes it). The results of iron levels in the control formulation (BM 1) were 3.63 mg/100g and the most preferred formulation was BM 2 of 9.81 mg/100g. The control formulation (BM 1) with iron content of 3.63 mg/100g was the most preferred formulation by the panelists, while the second most preferred formulation was BM 2 of 9.81 mg/100g.

An emerging terpolymeric nanoparticle pore former as an internal recrystallization inhibitor of celecoxib in controlled release amorphous solid dispersion beads: Experimental studies and molecular dynamics analysis

Solid oral controlled release formulations feature numerous clinical advantages for drug candidates with adequate solubility and dissolution rate. However, most new chemical entities exhibit poor water solubility, and hence are exempt from such benefits. Although combining drug amorphization with controlled release formulation is promising to elevate drug solubility, like other supersaturating systems, the problem of drug recrystallization has yet to be resolved, particularly within the dosage form. Here, we explored the potential of an emerging, non-leachable terpolymer nanoparticle (TPN) pore former as an internal recrystallization inhibitor within controlled release amorphous solid dispersion (CRASD) beads comprising a poorly soluble drug (celecoxib) reservoir and insoluble polymer (ethylcellulose) membrane. Compared to conventional pore former, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), TPN-containing membranes exhibited superior structural integrity, less crystal formation at the CRASD bead surface, and greater extent of celecoxib release. All-atom molecular dynamics analyses revealed that in the presence of TPN, intra-molecular bonding, crystal formation tendency, diffusion coefficient, and molecular flexibility of celecoxib were reduced, while intermolecular H-bonding was increased as compared to PVP. This work suggests that selection of a pore former that promotes prolonged molecular separation within a nanoporous controlled release membrane structure may serve as an effective strategy to enhance amorphicity preservation inside CRASD.

Utilization and Evaluation of Rice Bran and Rice Bran Wax as a Tablet Lubricant.

The rice bran and rice bran wax of the KJ CMU107 rice strain were investigated as potential tablet lubricants in a directly compressed tablet formulation. Stabilized full-fatted rice bran (sFFRB), stabilized defatted rice bran (sDFRB), and rice bran wax (RBW) extracted and purified from crude rice bran oil (cRBO) were tested. Two commercial lubricants, including magnesium stearate (MGS) and hydrogenated cottonseed oil (HVO), were employed as the standards in the formulated mixtures, which contained spray-dried rice starch (SDRS) as a diluent. The tableting was carried out for each formulation, and the obtained tablets were physically and mechanically evaluated. Among the parameters investigated were the general appearance, ejection force, weight variation, hardness, friability, and disintegration time. The powder flow was also determined for each formulation. The results showed that the tablet ejection forces for all the lubricated formulations (58-259 N) were significantly lower than that of the non-lubricated control formulation (349 N). The use of sFFRB as a lubricant at 0.5-2.0% w/w could lower the ejection force up to 78%, but the hardness reduced so drastically that the formulations failed the friability test due to the chipping of the tablets' edges. Moreover, sDFRB performed significantly better as the use at 0.5-1.0% w/w in the formulation helped to lower the ejection forces by up to 80% while maintaining the changes in the tablet hardness within 10%. RBW functioned effectively as a tablet lubricant at a concentration of 0.5% w/w, yielding tablets with good strength comparable to standard HVO lubricant while helping to reduce the ejection force by 82%. In formulations with good lubrication, i.e., friability < 1%, the powder flow was improved, and the tablet disintegration times were within the same range as the control and HVO formulations. In conclusion, sDFRB displayed a lubricant property at concentrations between 0.5 and 1.0% w/w, with slightly negative effects on the tablet hardness. RBW from KJ CMU107 rice was an effective tablet lubricant at 0.5% w/w, with no effect on tablet hardness. Both materials can be further developed for use as commercial lubricants in direct compression.