Diclofenac Research Articles

Reimagining Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Delivery: The Integration of Ordered Mesoporous Silica and MOF Materials for Enhanced Therapeutic Outcomes

Abstract Migraine, one of the neurological conditions, affects approximately 15% of the global population. It is characterized by intense headaches accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light. The first line of drugs for treating migraine are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Unfortunately, these medications suffer from poor solubility in water, uncontrolled release, and numerous adverse side effects. In order to maximize their therapeutic effect by preventing premature release and degradation, novel drug delivery systems based on composites are being dynamically developed. Herein, the biocompatible ketoprofen, naproxen sodium, and diclofenac sodium vehicles integrating ordered mesoporous silica (SBA-16) with Fe-based metal–organic frameworks (MIL-101(Fe)) were synthesized via the solvothermal method. The composites were characterized by different percentages of MIL-101(Fe) 
(25 and 50 wt.%), which had a significant impact on their porosity, structure, and number of functional groups. The SBA-16@MIL-101(Fe)-25 and SBA-16@MIL-101(Fe)-50 samples exhibited BET surface areas of 768 and 324 m2/g, respectively. Their sorption capacities towards selected anti-inflammatory drugs were in the range of 141-318 mg/g for ketoprofen, 481-490 mg/g for naproxen sodium, and 246-589 mg/g for diclofenac sodium, notably exceeding the values obtained for pure mesoporous silica (5-9 mg/g). Morphological defects and specific functional groups, derived from SBA-16 and MIL-101(Fe), contributed to generating new adsorption sites in composites, enhancing host-guest interactions. The drug release profiles were determined by the carrier porosity, surface charge, and the presence of functional groups. The diffusion of ketoprofen and diclofenac sodium from the composites into the phosphate buffer (pH 7.7), mimicking rectal fluid, occurred in a more controlled manner compared to pristine silica. The SBA-16@MIL-101(Fe)-50 carrier released 82% of ketoprofen and 90% of diclofenac sodium over 24 hours.

Diclofenac recovery by means of using Emulsion Liquid Membranes: A possible role of surfactant in the mass transfer process

Emulsion Liquid Membranes (ELM) are a useful method for drug extraction in aqueous solution, as they allow their recovery in a highly concentrated acceptor phase after passing through a membrane phase with a high surface area. The success of this process depends on system formulation and operation conditions. One of the most important aspects in the formulation is the addition of a surfactant that stabilizes the system, which can also participate in the mass transfer process. Recently, resistance to mass transfer caused by the use of polymeric surfactants, such as Abil® EM 90, has been reported. To verify this phenomenon observed in previous studies, the effect of various factors on the recovery of diclofenac (DCF) dissolved in an aqueous medium was analyzed using the ELM technique. The study concluded that using a membrane consisting of Abil® EM 90 (2 % w/V), trioctylamine (5 % w/V), and dodecane, along with a stripping phase formed by NaOH (0.10 mol/L), results in successful DCF removal. When emulsified at 15,000 rpm for 10 minutes at room temperature, it is possible to remove over 99 % of DCF after 15 minutes and recover 18.45 % after 30 min. Furthermore, it was determined that the action of the surfactant is the main cause of the resistance to the passage of DCF to the internal phase and its retention in the organic phase, as had already been observed. This is probably due to strong intermolecular interactions between Abil ® EM 90 and DCF and the formation of a complex and stable interfacial structure, similar to a hydrated bilayer, which favors the rigidity of the interface and keeps the drug trapped. A better understanding of the role surfactants play in the system is essential for the future design of more efficient and stable ELMs. This knowledge will enable the adaptation of the technology to a wider range of processes, including drug recovery. As a result, the maximum benefits of this technology can be fully realized.

Assessment of miligram(Mg) content of some notable analgesics used by residents of Maiduguri Metropolis: evidence from high performance liquid chromatographic technique

Diclofenac sodium and paracetamol are Over the counter (OTC) medications used as analgesic and antipyretic agents to relieve pains, fever and headaches. The aim of this work was determine the mg content of paracetamol and diclofenac sodium in selected samples across the Maiduguri metropolis using High Performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. For paracetamol samples an intersil ODS-3V column (150 mm × 4.6 mm; 5 μm pore size) was used at the temperature of 35oC the mobile phase was methanol: water (20:80) using isocratic elution at the flow rate of 2 mL/min, injection volume of 10 μL and a diode array detector. For diclofenac sodium samples, the chromatographic conditions were the same except the mobile phase which was methanol: water (63:37), flow rate of 0.8 mL min, injection volume of 20 μL and column temperature was set at 30 oC. A total of 45 samples were analysed; which comprised of paracetamol tablet, paracetamol syrup and diclofenac sodium tablet which were randomly selected from three different sources; hospital pharmacy, community pharmacy and drug patent stores. The percentage mg content for paracetamol tablets ranged from 48 to 83 % while that of the paracetamol syrups ranged from 72 to 120 % and finally diclofenac sodium tablets ranged from 73 to 174 %. Adopting the United State Pharmacopoeia (USP) as reference for assessment tool, it was observed that all the paracetamol tablet samples failed, 4 out of 15 paracetamol syrup samples failed, and 11 out of 15 diclofenac sodium tablet samples failed. There was statistical significance (p< 0.05) between class of drug and percentage mg content but there was no significance (p< 0.05) between source of drug and percentage constituent. HPLC technique was used successfully for quantitative determination of paracetamol and diclofenac sodium dosage forms.

Development and optimization of hydrogel-forming microneedles fabricated with 3d-printed molds for enhanced dermal diclofenac sodium delivery: a comprehensive in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo study.

With the developing manufacturing technologies, the use of 3D printers in microneedle production is becoming widespread. Hydrogel-forming microneedles (HFMs), a variant of microneedles, demonstrate distinctive features such as a high loading capacity and controlled drug release. In this study, the conical microneedle master molds with approximately 500μm needle height and 250μm base diameter were created using a Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer and were utilized to fabricate composite HFMs containing diclofenac sodium. Using Box-Behnken Design, the effects of different polymers on swelling index and mechanical strength of the developed HFMs were evaluated. The optimum HFMs were selected according to experimental design results with the aim of the highest mechanical strength with varying swelling indexes, which was needed to use 20% Gantrez S97 and 0.1% (F22), 0.42% (F23), and 1% (F24) hyaluronic acid. The skin penetration and drug release properties of the optimum formulations were assessed. Ex vivo studies were conducted on formulations to determine drug penetration and accumulation. F24, which has the highest mechanical strength and optimized swelling index, achieved the highest drug accumulation in the skin tissue (17.70 ± 3.66%). All optimum HFMs were found to be non-cytotoxic by the MTT cell viability test (> 70% cell viability). In in vivo studies, the efficacy of the F24 was assessed for the treatment of xylene-induced ear edema by contrasting it to the conventional dosage form. It was revealed that HFMs might be an improved replacement for conventional dosage forms in terms of dermal diseases such as actinic keratosis.

Efficient removal of paracetamol, diclofenac sodium, and tetracycline using green synthesized Fe-zn co-doped sunflower seed shells

ABSTRACT In this study, carbon material obtained from sunflower seed shells and doped with Fe and Zn using mint extract (Fe-Zn-SSSC) was prepared, and the usability of this adsorbent in the removal of paracetamol, diclofenac sodium, and tetracycline was investigated. Fe-Zn-SSSC was characterized by SEM-EDX and FTIR. Additionally, the effects of pH and adsorbent dosage on the removal of paracetamol, diclofenac sodium, and tetracycline were investigated. The removal rates of paracetamol, diclofenac sodium, and tetracycline were obtained as 88.7%, 65.4%, and 76.0% at a pH of 4, after 1 hour of adsorption with 5 g/L Fe-Zn-SSSC, respectively. The best removal of paracetamol, diclofenac sodium, and tetracycline was obtained at pH 4, with qmax values calculated as 14.51 mg/g, 6.33 mg/g, and 8.99 mg/g, respectively. It was determined that the adsorption of paracetamol, diclofenac sodium, and tetracycline with Fe-Zn-SSSC was more compatible with the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. As a result, this study demonstrates that carbon materials synthesized from sunflower seed shells can serve as an effective and low-cost adsorbent for drug from water.

Research design, evaluation, and in vitro assessment of N'-(thiophene-2-carbonyl) pyridine-4-carbohydrazide as a biological agent

The study addresses the synthesis and characterisation of the chemical N'-(thiophene-2-carbonyl) pyridine-4-carbohydrazide (TPCPC), which was created by mixing thiophene-2-carboxylic acid with pyridine-4-carbohydrazide. The reaction was catalyzed using N,N'-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (TBTU). Various spectroscopy approaches were utilized to characterize the chemical. TPCPC demonstrated considerable biological activity, with stronger anti-inflammatory effects than diclofenac sodium and more efficient antidiabetic actions than acarbose. Computational study, notably molecular docking, found many hydrogen-bonding interactions with α-amylase and favorable interactions involving prostaglandin h2 synthase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2, supporting possible medical uses. Density Functional Theory (DFT)-based frontier molecular orbital study results focused on TPCPC's stability and reactivity. The electrical characteristics and binding sites of the molecule were further investigated through molecular electrostatic potential, ELF&LOL, and Mulliken charges distribution. The oral rat LD50 for TPCPC was also predicted using the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (T.E.S.T.). This comprehensive study enhances our understanding of TPCPC's unique features and potential uses in various domains.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Activity of New 4`-Functionalized Bis-Terpyridine Ruthenium(II) Complexes: Anti-inflammatory Activity Advances.

Ruthenium complexes incorporating 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine ligands have emerged as promising candidates due to their versatile biological activities including DNA-binding, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. In this study, three novel 4'-functionalized bis(terpyridine) ruthenium (II) complexes were synthesized. These complexes feature one ligand as 4-(2,2':6',2''-terpyridine-4'-yl) benzoic acid and the second ligand as either 4'-(2-thienyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine, 4'-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine, or 4'-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine. Besides the chemical characterization by 1H and 13C NMR, mass spectrometry, and absorption and emission spectroscopy, the complexes were tested for their biological activity as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial agents. Moreover, the toxicity of the Ru(II) complexes was assessed and benchmarked against diclofenac potassium and ibuprofen using a haemolysis assay. Biological evaluations demonstrate that these ruthenium complexes exhibit promising therapeutic potential with reduced haemolytic activity compared to standard drugs. They demonstrate substantial anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of albumin denaturation along with moderate cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. These findings highlight the multifaceted biomedical applications of 4'-functionalized bis(terpyridine) ruthenium (II) complexes, suggesting their potential for further development as effective and safe therapeutic agents.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic, and haemolytic properties of hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts from Tabernaemontana crassa Benth. fruit

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiulcer, and cytotoxic properties of hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts from the fruits of Tabernaemontana crassa were investigated. Four phenolic compounds, including three phenolic acids (gallic, caffeic, and chlorogenic acids) and one flavonol (rutin), were detected by HPLC-PDA. The hydroethanol extract (HE) exhibited high antioxidant activity and inhibition of haemolysis against red blood cells. Administration of HE (200 mg kg−1) significantly decreased the paw edoema induced by carrageenan compared to diclofenac sodium (20 mg kg−1). At the same dose, HE exhibited appreciable gastric cytoprotective capacity compared to Lanzoprazole (20 mg kg−1). These results were further supported by the histological analysis. Crude fruit extracts demonstrated a low haemolytic effect against rat red blood cells. Our findings support the use of T. crassa fruit in pharmacological and therapeutic fields.

Fast and Efficient Sensing of Drugs in Water Using Self-Assembling D-Glucamine-Functionalized Naphthalenediimide and 1,8-Naphthalimide Fluorophores.

Fast and sensitive quantification of drugs as emerging pollutants in water bodies is a pressing need in contemporary society, to prevent serious environmental concerns that could negatively impact on human health. This explains the surge of interest in this field, and the need to identify highly selective sensing systems. Addressing this issue, in this work we synthesized two D-glucamine functionalized fluorophores bearing self-assembling cores, as 1,8-naphthalimide and naphthalene diimide. We studied their self-assembly in water solution, and characterized the aggregated formed by determining their stability constant, their morphology and size by scanning electron microscopy, resonance light scattering and dynamic light scattering, as well their solid-state emission ability. Then, we studied their sensing ability, in water, towards pharmaceutically active compounds such as ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, carbamazepine and diclofenac sodium salt, by fluorescence investigation. Data collected show that the self-assembling ability is significantly affected by the fluorophore structure, which in turn also determines sensing ability. In particular, the naphtalene diimide-based probe was the most sensitive, with LOD as low as 0.01 μM in the presence of nalidixic acid, which is in line and competitive with more complex sensing systems, recently reported in the literature.

Effect of Fluid Paraffin on the Formulation Properties of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Formulations Containing Diclofenac Sodium.

Understanding the relationship between the release characteristics of the active ingredient in the tape formulation and the pharmaceutical characteristics of the adhesive layer can optimize therapeutic efficacy and improve patient adherence. This study aimed to clarify the effect of liquid paraffine (LP)/styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) triblock copolymer ratio on pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) formulation properties, such as adhesive properties and drug release, with a certain amount of diclofenac sodium (DFS) and tackifier. The effects of changes in PSA composition in DFS-containing tape formulations on adhesive and drug release properties were evaluated. The viscoelasticity results showed rigid gel-like behavior at low angular frequencies regardless of the LP/SIS ratio, and deformable gel-like behavior at high angular frequencies, with a maximum plasticizing effect of LP up to an LP/SIS ratio of 3.7. The peel adhesion test results showed that peel adhesion was not affected, but indicated a decreasing trend by increasing the LP/SIS ratio in the presence of DFS. Drug release test results showed that DFS release increased up to 24h for LP/SIS ratios of up to 3.7, but decreased when the LP/SIS ratio was 6. The results of the drug permeation tests were similar to those of the drug release tests. In conclusion, it is possible to change the drug release properties by changing the amount of LP in the tape formulation; however, no definitive correlation was found between the adhesive and drug release properties.

In vitro Cyclooxygenase inhibitory activity and GC-MS profiling of bioactive compounds in Bauhinia racemosa Lam.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a common treatment for chronic pain and inflammation. While NSAIDs have been shown to reduce inflammation and pain associated with them, they have an array of side effects. Researchers investigated the COX inhibitory action of NSAIDs. They revealed that there are two distinct COX enzymes: COX-1 and COX2. Developing COX inhibitors has remained critical for producing innovative and safe anti-inflammatory drugs. Bauhinia racemosa Lam belonging to the family Fabaceae has a wide range of medicinal properties. The plant is used to treat various diseases in traditional medicine, but there is less knowledge based on clinical efficacy as an anti-inflammatory agent. In the present study Bauhinia racemosa Lam hydroalcoholic extract were screened for COX inhibition and GC-MS analysis was done to screen phytochemicals. The results obtained were found to inhibit 89% of COX activity significantly as compared to standard drug (Diclofenac sodium). GC-MS analysis revealed a total of ten potent bioactive compounds. The samples were identified by comparing retention time and peak area to literature and interpreting mass spectra. Results observed from the study suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of Bauhinia racemosa Lam possess anti-inflammatory activity and can be utilized as an alternate source for NSAIDs. Keywords: COX, Bauhinia racemosa Lam, Anti-inflammatory, NSAIDs.

Bi2O2.33/Bi4O5I2-heterojunction photocatalysts for adsorption and visible light-driven degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants

This study introduces the innovative Bi4O5I2/Bi2O2.33 heterojunction for diclofenac (DF) degradation. Pharmaceutical pollutants, especially DF, pose significant threats to water sources, necessitating efficient treatment methods. Bi2O2.33, renowned for its unique ferromagnetic properties, emerges as a promising photocatalyst for pollutant degradation. Bi4O5I2, known for strong visible light absorption and stability, holds potential for environmental applications. Interestingly, the inclusion of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in the composite catalysts significantly influences their observed ferromagnetic properties, as revealed by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, by influencing the interactions within the Bi4O5I2/Bi2O2.33 heterojunction and influencing its structure, morphology, and spin behavior. This interaction results in enhanced EPR and Ferromagnetic Resonance (FMR) signals, indicating intriguing spin interactions, polarization effects, charge transfers, surface dynamics, and stabilized magnetic domains. While the enhanced ferromagnetism holds promise for efficient charge separation and potential applications in environmental remediation, the expected boost in visible light-driven activity was not fully realized. This limitation is attributed to TiO2 inherent inability to directly absorb visible light, hindering its utilization for enhanced photocatalysis within the heterojunction. Nevertheless, these findings elucidate the multifaceted role of TiO2 in modulating the magnetic properties of these catalysts, offering valuable insights for future advancements in the design of advanced photocatalysts for effective environmental remediation.

Analgesic activity of a new cannabinoid CB1 receptor modulator

Aim. To study the analgesic activity, the effect on motor functions, and the potential ulcerogenic effect of a new 2H-chromene derivative, a cannabinoid CB1 receptor modulator (code name – CHR).Materials and methods. The analgesic activity of the CHR compound was studied when injected intragastrically at an effective dose of 5 mg / kg in mouse models of acute chemogenic pain (formalin test), acute visceral pain (the acetic acid-induced writhing test), and thermal nociception (hot plate test and tail-flick test). It was compared to the effect of tramadol and morphine or diclofenac sodium at doses of 20, 4 or 10 mg / kg, respectively. The effect of a single intragastric injection of the CHR compound at a dose of 5 mg / kg on motor activity was evaluated in the open field test. The potential ulcerogenic effect of the CHR compound at a dose of 5 mg / kg with repeated intragastric administration was compared with the effect of diclofenac sodium at a dose of 10 mg / kg.Results. With subplantar administration of formalin to mice, the 2H-chromene derivative reduced the number of pain reactions by 43–63% (p < 0.05). With intraperitoneal administration of acetic acid to mice, it reduced the number of writhing responses by 50% and had the same analgesic effect as diclofenac sodium and tramadol. In the hot plate test, the CHR compound increased the latency time to painful stimuli by 34% (p < 0.05). In the tailflick test, it increased the latency time to painful thermal sensations by 32% (p < 0.05). The CHR compound at an effective dose of 5 mg / kg did not change the motor activity of mice in the open field test and did not cause the formation of erosions and ulcers in the gastric mucosa when administered repeatedly to rats.Conclusion. The 2H-chromene derivative CHR at an effective dose of 5 mg / kg has a pronounced analgesic effect in mouse models of chemogenic, visceral, and thermal pain, which is as strong as that of tramadol, morphine, and diclofenac sodium used at effective doses. The CHR compound at an effective dose does not inhibit motor functions and does not have an ulcerogenic effect.

STUDY OF THE POTENTIAL ANALGESIC PROPERTIES OF CARBON DIOXIDE FOR THE TREATMENT OF PAIN SYNDROME IN CASE OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

Pain syndrome is a serious global problem that causes and complicates a number of diseases, the main symptom of which is joint pain. One of them is osteoarthritis (OA). Traditional methods of treating OA often have limited efficacy and can cause side effects, so it is important to study new approaches, such as carboxytherapy (use of carbon dioxide). Objective. To investigate the analgesic effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) and its combined use with other agents. Methods. The efficacy of carbon dioxide injections used alone and in combination with other drugs was studied in a formalin model of inflammation in rats. Results. The latent periods of phases I and II increased significantly in the experimental groups, especially in groups V, VI and VII (p < 0.001), indicating a delay in pain reactions. The duration of pain phase I was significantly shorter in the groups receiving CO2 compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The shortest duration was observed in group V, where it decreased by 1.77 minutes. The duration of pain phase II was also significantly shorter in groups V, VI, and VII treated with CO2 compared to group II (p < 0.001). The difference ranged from 7.49 to 12.54 minutes. The number of pain reactions after phase I decreased by 13.25– 16.1 points in the groups receiving CO2 compared to the control group. The data obtained indicate that CO2 significantly increases the duration of latent periods of pain (by 55–65 %), reduces the duration of its phases (by 40–50 %) and reduces the intensity of pain reactions (by 40–50 %) in rats compared to control pathology. The most pronounced effect was observed with the combined use of CO2 with sodium diclofenac or chondroitin sulfate. Conclusions. The results of the study expand the understanding of the analgesic effect of CO2 on the formalin model of inflammation. The use of CO2 significantly reduced the duration of both phases of the pain reaction and reduced the number of painful manifestations, which confirms the prospects of its use as an additional, and in some cases the main means of reducing pain and inflammation.

Statistics design for the synthesis optimization of lignin-sulfonate sulfur-doped mesoporous carbon materials: promising candidates as adsorbents and supercapacitors materials

This study employed lignin-sulfonated (LS) to develop biobased carbon materials (LS-Cs) through a sulfur-doping approach to enhance their physicochemical properties, adsorption capabilities, and energy storage potentials. Various characterization techniques, including BET surface area analysis, SEM imaging, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, and elemental composition (CHNS), were employed to assess the quality of the LS-Cs adsorbent and electrode samples. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was utilized for optimizing the two main properties (specific surface area, ABET, and mesopore area, AMESO) by evaluating three independent factors (i.e., activation temperature, ZnCl2:LS ratio, and sulfur content). According to the statistical analysis, ABET and AMESO were affected by ZnCl2 and sulfur content, while the pyrolysis temperature did not affect the responses in the studied conditions. It was found that increasing the ZnCl2 and sulfur contents led to an increment of the ABET and AMESO values. The LS-C materials exhibited very high ABETvalues up to 1993 m2 g−1 and with predominantly mesoporous features. The S-doping resulted in LS-Cs with high sulfur contents in their microstructures up to 15% (wt%). The LS-C materials were tested as adsorbents for sodium diclofenac (DCF) adsorption and reactive orange 16 dye (RO-16) and as electrodes for supercapacitors. The LS-Cs exhibited excellent adsorption capacity values for both molecules (197–372 mg g−1) for DCF, and (223–466 mg g−1) for RO-16. When tested as electrodes for supercapacitors, notably, LS-C3, which is a doped sample with sulfur, exhibited the best electrochemical performance, e.g. high specific capacitance (156 F/g at 50 mV/s), and delivered an excellent capacitance after 1000 cycles (63 F/g at 1 A/g), which denotes the noteworthy capacitive behavior of the S-doped electrode. Thus, the present work suggests an eco-friendly resource for developing effective, productive carbon materials for adsorbent and electrodes for SC application. However, further studies on the complete application of these materials as adsorbents and electrodes are needed for a deeper understanding of their behavior in environmental and energy storage applications.

Synergistic role of indium doping and g-C3N4 reinforcement in boosting the visible light-triggered rhodamine B and diclofenac sodium salt degradation over rare earth molybdate

Designing and fabricating cost-efficient and eco-friendly photocatalysts for removing organic pollutants from wastewater streams is a crucial research objective for effectively managing industrial effluents to tackle environmental sustainability issues. In this study, we prepared bare cerium molybdate (Ce2(MoO4)3, M1) and indium-doped cerium molybdate (In- Ce2(MoO4)3, M2) photocatalysts via a hydrothermal method. We then synthesized a nanocomposite of In- Ce2(MoO4)3 (M3) with the promising material graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) using an ultrasonication approach. The synthesized photocatalysts were effectively applied to degrade the Rhodamine B dye and diclofenac sodium salt (a drug) from synthetic industrial wastewater through a photocatalysis approach. The impact of indium (In3+) doping on the bare (Ce2(MoO4)3 and the strong interaction between the (In-Ce2(MoO4)3 and g-C3N4 nanosheets were analyzed through physical and electrochemical techniques, including SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and EIS analysis. The comprehensive photocatalytic degradation of dye and the drug via first-order kinetic parameters under visible light irradiation for all the prepared catalyst samples was evaluated. The nanocomposite In-Ce2(MoO4)3/g-C3N4 exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity, degrading the maximum amount of RhB dye and drug (RhB:96 %, drug:87 %) in 90 min with a higher rate constant (k) compared to In-Ce2(MoO4)3 (RhB:69 %, drug:56 %) and Ce2(MoO4)3 (RhB:56 %, drug:38 %). Furthermore, the In-Ce2(MoO4)3/g-C3N4 samples produced a 7-fold and 3-fold increase in transient photogenerated current response compared to pristine Ce2(MoO4)3 and In-Ce2(MoO4)3 samples, respectively. These findings pave the way for synthesizing an economical, versatile, and efficient In-Ce2(MoO4)3/g-C3N4 photocatalyst to eliminate pollutants from industrial wastewater streams and boost environmental sustainability.

TiO2 aerogel − A sensing electrode matrix for the sensitive detection of diclofenac sodium

This study developed a new composite matrix containing TiO2 aerogel having mesoporous structure (TiO2AG), bioengineered flagellin (bioF) and chitosan (Ch) deposited on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), for the detection of diclofenac sodium (DS) in aqueous solutions. It is worth mentioning that TiO2AG mesoporous material was used for the first time as a sensitive matrix for DS detection. The morpho-structural properties of the new electrode materials were assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption–desorption measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties of the new bioF + TiO2AG + Ch/GCE modified electrode were determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) techniques. The developed modified electrode exhibits a significant electrocatalytic activity for DS electrooxidation process reflected in the acquired performances (detection limit of 17 nM, sensitivity of 0.41 A/M, linear range from 0.15 to 2.5 µM), and presents excellent reproducibility, repeatability, and stability. The practical use of the new developed electrode was estimated by quantifying DS in pharmaceutical formulations (recovery mean of 100.66 % for DS, with a relative standard deviation of 0.39 %) and wastewater samples (relative error of 3.15 % and a relative standard deviation of 0.393 when compared to the LC-MS standard technique).

Insight into the molecular mechanism of organic pollutants’ adsorption on magnetic ZIF-8 synthesized via a transformational route

This study presents the synthesis of Fe3O4@Zeolite Imidazolate Framework-8 (Fe3O4@ZIF-8), a novel magnetic core–shell adsorbent engineered for enhance adsorption of organic pollutants. The process begins with the formation of spherical magnetite aggregates (i.e., Fe3O4) via a solvothermal method, using polyacrylic acid for stabilization and capping. A ZIF-8 shell is then grown through a sol gel process followed by reaction with 2-methylimidazole, resulting in a crystalline shell approximately 60 nm thick. Characterization techniques, including energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction, confirm the successful preparation of Fe3O4@ZIF-8. The adsorption capabilities were evaluated using methylene blue (MB) and diclofenac sodium (DCF) as model pollutants. Fe3O4@ZIF-8 demonstrated rapid removal efficiencies, with 98 % removal of MB (6.01 × 10-4 mg·g−1·min−1) and DCF (4.43 × 10-4 g·mg−1.min−1) within 15 and 30 min, respectively, significantly outperforming conventional activated carbon. Thermodynamic studies indicate that the adsorption processes are spontaneous; enthalpic changes drive MB adsorption, while DCF is influenced by entropic factors. Molecular modeling reveals preferential adsorption behaviors on different ZIF-8 facets, with stronger interactions for MB due to π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding. These findings underscore the potential of Fe3O4@ZIF-8 as an effective adsorbent for water purification, highlighting its substantial adsorption capacity (73.2 mg·g−1 for MB and 53.8 mg·g−1 for DCF), stability, and reusability.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel imidazole derivatives as analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents: experimental and molecular docking insights

Imidazole moieties exhibit a broad range of biological activities, including analgesic, anti-depressant, anticancer, anti-fungal, anti-tubercular, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. In this study, we explored the use of Schiff base for the synthesis of new imidazole derivatives as anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving agents. A series of eight novel imidazole analogues (2a–h) were prepared in three steps with excellent yields. All compounds were characterized using IR, NMR, and mass spectral data. Their analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using hot plate and paw oedema methods. Compound 2 g (1-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-2-(3-nitrophenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole) showed significant analgesic activity (89% at 100 mg/kg b.w.), while compounds 2a (2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-1-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole) and 2b (2-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1-(2-chlorophenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole) exhibited good anti-inflammatory activity (100% at 100 mg/kg b.w.), comparable to diclofenac salt (100% at 50 mg/kg b.w.). Molecular docking studies were conducted using Schrödinger software version 2021-2, employing the OPLS4 force field for both receptor and ligand preparation. The results were visualized using molecular visualization software such as PyMOL. These studies revealed that compound 2g exhibited the highest binding affinity with the COX-2 receptor (−5.516 kcal/mol). Compound 2g formed three conventional hydrogen bonds with residues GLN-242 (bond length: 2.3 Å) and ARG-343 (bond lengths: 2.2 Å & 2.4 Å). This binding affinity was comparable to that of Diclofenac salt, which showed the highest binding affinity of −5.627 kcal/mol with the COX-2 receptor. Diclofenac salt formed two conventional hydrogen bonds with the residues ARG-344 (bond length: 2.0 Å) and TRP-140 (bond length: 1.7 Å). Later, molecular dynamic simulations confirmed the stable binding affinity of compound 2g with the protein. Furthermore, other compounds also demonstrated potential binding to the receptor-binding pocket region. The anti-inflammatory potential of the synthesized compounds was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced rat hind paw oedema model, while the analgesic potential was assessed using the hot plate method. These evaluations were conducted in comparison with Diclofenac sodium, serving as the standard compound. However, compound 2g stood out for its superior analgesic activity, as confirmed by in-vivo examination. These findings suggest that these novel imidazole derivatives have potential as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents.

Walnut Shell Biomass Triggered Formation of Fe3C-Biochar Composite for Removal of Diclofenac by Activating Percarbonate

Percarbonate (SPC) as a promising substitute for liquid H2O2 has many advantages in the application of in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO). Developing efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly catalysts for SPC activation plays the key role in promoting the development of SPC-based ISCO. Herein, the walnut shell biomass was combined with ferric nitrate for the catalytic synthesis of Fe3C@biochar composite (Fe3C@WSB), which demonstrated high efficiency in activating SPC for the removal of diclofenac (DCF). The Fe3C showed average crystallite size of 32.6 nm and the composite Fe3C@WSB demonstrated strong adsorptivity. The prepared Fe3C@WSB could activate both SPC and H2O2 with high efficiency at ca. pH 3 with extremely low leaching of iron, while in a weak acidic condition, higher efficiency of DCF removal was obtained in the Fe3C@WSB/SPC process than in the Fe3C@WSB/H2O2 process. Moreover, the Fe3C@WSB/SPC and Fe3C@WSB/H2O2 processes did not show significant differences when supplied with varying amounts of catalyst or oxidant, but the Fe3C@WSB/SPC process exhibited stronger capability in dealing with relatively highly concentrated DCF solution. Based on quenching experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis, heterogeneous activation of SPC was assumed as the dominant route for DCF degradation, and both the oxidation by radicals, including •OH, •O2− and CO3•−, combined with electron transfer pathway contributed to DCF degradation in the Fe3C@WSB/SPC process. The cycling experiment results also revealed the stability of Fe3C@WSB. This work may cast some light on the development of efficient catalysts for the activation of SPC.