Evaporation Technique Research Articles

Fabrication, Characterization, and Pharmacokinetics of Phospholipid-Based Naturosomal Nanocarriers for Enhanced Oral Solubility and Bioavailability of Naringin.

This study hypothesizes that phospholipid-based naturosoomal nanocarriers can significantly enhance the oral solubility and bioavailability of naringin (NARNs) by improving its absorption and pharmacokinetic profile. The NARNs were prepared using solvent evaporation techniques employing a quality-by-design approach followed by physicochemical (UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, DSC, XRD, SEM, TEM, PS, ZP analysis), functional (EE, apparent solubility, in-vitro drug release study) characterization and pharmacokinetic investigation. NARNs showed 91.15 ± 1.40% EE, with 12-fold aqueous solubility than the pure drug, i.e., naringin (NAR). The size of the NARNs vesicles was between 150 and 300nm, demonstrating the controlled vesicle size, whereas the zeta potential and polydispersity index were -32.2mV and 0.524, respectively signifying the excellent stability and homogeneity of naturosomal suspension. The NARNs in-vitro dissolution data demonstrated a superior release profile (92.12%) compared to pure NAR (38.90%) and physical mixture (43.72%). The pharmacokinetic parameters of NARN in the rabbit showed promising results (Tmax = 2.0h, Cmax = 1.76 ± 0.10µg/mL, and AUC0-24 = 14.22 ± 0.13µg/mL h). Thus, overall results indicated that naturosomal drug delivery is a capable method for improving the drug release profile of NAR and oral bioavailability, reducing toxicity by minimizing dose size.

Inert interlayers and evaporation techniques for high-quality BaSi2 heterostructures

Abstract BaSi2 has suitable optoelectronic properties for solar cells, with a limiting efficiency of over 30% under one sun condition. However, its high reactivity often hinders heterojunction or heterostructure formation with other materials for property analysis and device fabrication. Here, we demonstrate the effectiveness of MgO and Sm2O3 interlayers by synthesizing BaSi2 films on fused silica substrates using two evaporation-based techniques: machine learning-assisted thermal evaporation and close-spaced evaporation. The BaSi2 films were deposited at 450-500 ◦C and 800 ◦C, respectively. High-temperature depositions did not produce secondary phases, except for surface oxidation-induced Si segregation after long in-situ annealing at 500 ◦C for 30 min. These results highlight the effectiveness of the interlayers and machine learning-assisted thermal evaporation. Investigations on close-spaced evaporation on Si layers revealed the benefits of excess Ba deposition for BaSi2 synthesis and challenges like exfoliation and cracking. These findings are crucial for fabricating BaSi2-based heterostructures via evaporation-based techniques.

Reduction of absorption of Ta2O5 monolayers through the suppression of structural defects by employing an appropriate ionic oxygen concentration

Ultralow-absorption laser films have critical applications in high-power continuous-laser and gravitational-wave-detection systems. During film deposition, the ionic oxygen concentration significantly affects the absorption loss of the film. In this study, Ta2O5 monolayers were deposited using an ion-assisted electron beam evaporation technique, and the weak absorption at 1064 nm, temperature rise, optical band gap, element content, and binding energy were tested and analyzed. The band structure and microdefects of the Ta2O5 films were characterized, and their correlation with the absorption properties was established. The analyses revealed that the primary mechanism responsible for reducing the absorption loss in Ta2O5 films was an appropriate ionic oxygen concentration, which improved the optical band gap and stoichiometric ratio and reduced oxygen vacancy defects. For Ta2O5 monolayers deposited with the optimal ionic oxygen concentration, the weak absorption was approximately 7.2 ppm and the temperature rise was approximately 0.6 °C, 1/4 and 1/3 of the values of those deposited with an excessive concentration, respectively—an important finding in the preparation of ultralow-absorption laser films.

Effect of protein corona on drug release behavior of PLGA nanoparticles.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles are highly attractive for drug delivery due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and potential for controlled release and targeting. Despite these outstanding properties, challenges remain for clinical translation as nanomedicines. One significant factor to address is highlighting the protein corona structure and its effect on the drug release behavior. Protein corona forms upon contact with the bloodstream and influences the fate of the nanoparticles in the body. Here, we synthesize PLGA nanoparticles by miniemulsion/solvent evaporation technique, followed by the formation of protein corona on their surface using either human plasma or fetal bovine serum (FBS). Analysis by both sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) reveals that dysopsonin proteins, mainly albumin, dominate the protein corona structure, suggesting prolonged blood circulation for the PLGA nanoparticles. As an anticancer drug, doxorubicin is encapsulated into PLGA nanoparticles, and in vitro drug release is performed at pH 7.4. While there is a minimal change in cumulative drug release after protein corona formation, our comprehensive analysis through different kinetic models shows that the protein corona alters the drug release profile of PLGA nanoparticles to a modest extent.

Characterization of glass titanium silicon at different compositions grown by thermal evaporation and sputtering techniques

Characterization of glass titanium silicon at different compositions grown by thermal evaporation and sputtering techniques

Fabrication and characterization of Cu (In, Ga) Se2 thin films by electrodeposition: optimization of the thermal treatment with selenium and mechanical disturbance technique

The evaporation technique fabricates solar cells using the Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorber. This technique has strong limitations in preparing this absorber in a large area, necessitating the electrodeposition technique. However, the morphology and crystallinity of this absorber need to be sufficiently adequate to guarantee proper collection of charge carriers since a cauliflower-type growth is favored. This underscores the need for modifications during the synthesis, thermal treatments, and post-synthesis to improve the morphology and crystallinity, a complex and significant aspect of our research. This work discusses the structural, atomic composition, morphological, and optical results obtained for samples of CIGS films synthesized by the electrodeposition technique. We proudly report that we achieved the best atomic composition, close to the ideal and an adequate morphology, by selenizing the samples with 30 mg and a temperature of 570°C. This success was further enhanced by subjecting these films to constant periodic movement during their synthesis, leading to significant improvements in the crystallinity, a testament to the success of our research.

Characterization of Graphene and Indium Tin Oxynitride Thin Films for Use as Layers in Resistive Memories

Graphene is a two‐dimensional material, comprising sp²‐hybridized carbon atoms organized in a hexagonal lattice. An application of this material lies in resistive random‐access memories (ReRAMs). In this work, resistive memory devices with three layers were manufactured. Graphene thin films were deposited by dip coating on indium tin oxynitride (ITON) electrodes. For the ITON contacts, indium tin oxide was evaporated in an oxygen atmosphere and subsequently annealed with a nitrogen flow atmosphere in a conventional furnace at different temperatures: 350, 400, 500 and 550 °C. The evaporation technique was employed to produce aluminum as top contacts. For graphene and ITON characterization, structural analysis of Raman, electrical measurements through Hall effect and optical UV – Vis measurements were performed. Resistive memories were also characterized through I × V analysis. The devices can be characterized as unipolar, with threshold switching attributed to the formation of oxygen vacancies. ITON was deposited with a substantial layer, containing oxygen, while graphene, with an average thickness of 30 nm measured by profilometer, forms a thinner layer. During the voltage increase and subsequent decrease, it is postulated that the oxygen vacancies within this material may migrate towards the intermediate layer, graphene, due to its reduced thickness and defects.

Growth and Study of L-Tyrosine Based Single Crystal for Photonic Applications: A Review

In the recent days the amino acid plays a vital role in the manufacturing of opto-electronic devices. The no essential amino acid named as L-Tyrosine (C9H11NO3) used in the growth of non-linear single crystal. A single crystal of L-Tyrosine doped with either phenolic compound or aromatic compound will be grown at constant atmospheric temperature using slow solvent evaporation technique. The addition of either phenolic compound or aromatic compound replaces hydroxyl element from tyrosine which changes the physical and chemical properties for NLO and optical applications. Key Words: Tyrosine, L-Tyrosine, Amino acids, Photonics NLO

Management of intraocular pressure and inflammation using febuxostat film: in vitro - in vivo correlation

Background and purpose: Urate crystal accumulation may lead to the condition of ocular tophaceous gout, causing ocular inflammation and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) due to the triggering of several inflammatory receptors like NLRP3, A2A, and TLR4. The study has been undertaken to manage intraocular pressure and inflammation using febuxostat (FBX) film formulation for sustained and improved activity, particularly for long-term tophaceous gout patients. Experimental approach: Hydroxypropyl methyl-cellulose K100 matrix-based hydrogel film of FBX has been fabricated in the presence of plasticizers like triethanolamine, dimethyl-sulphoxide (DMSO), or polyethylene glycol 600 using casting and evaporation technique. Carrageenan was injected into the upper palpebral region to induce ocular inflammation, and a normotensive rabbit eye model was used for monitoring IOP. Key results: Amorphization of the drug was observed from the differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction results. In vitro release study revealed an improved and diffusion-controlled sustained drug release for more than 5 h (62.69 to 84.76 %). Compared to its absence, decreased IOP was extended up to 5 h using film (with DMSO). Disappearance of ocular inflammation was also observed in the test animals after 2.5 h of film application, whereas acute inflammation was continued in the group without treatment for more than 4 h. Docking study revealed good binding interaction of drug and NLRP3, A2A, and TLR4 receptor. Conclusion: Febuxostat-loaded hydrogel-forming plasticized film could be utilized to better manage and control ocular inflammation and associated IOP, particularly in ocular tophaceous gout patients.

Development and In-Vitro Tuning of Piperine Containing Solid Lipid Microparticles for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The current project was designed to develop piperine-loaded solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) to assess the anti-arthritic potential of piperine (PIP). Variable proportions of carnauba wax, beeswax, and tween 80 were employed for preparing SLMs by using the solvent evaporation technique. The developed formulations were subjected to particle size measurements, entrapment efficiency (EE), and zeta potential (ZP) determination. Microparticles were also investigated for piperine-lipid compatibility, thermal analysis, surface morphology, piperine (PIP) release trend, and anti-rheumatic activity in rats. The network's grafting was confirmed by FTIR and XRD results. The thermal stability of the constructed network was confirmed by the DSC and TGA results. SEM findings confirm porous surface morphology. The dissolution experiments on SLMs confirmed the sustained release profile, delivering 87.82% to 94.92% of piperine at 7.4 pH for 24h. All developed formulations followed a zero-order kinetic model and the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Furthermore, the anti-rheumatic potentials of piperine from SLMs were also investigated and compared with diclofenac sodium (the standard treatment) in a rat model. The analysis revealed that PIP significantly reduced the severity of arthritis, as confirmed by the findings of multiple arthritic assessment parameters.

Formulation and evaluation of pazopanib-loaded PLGA nanoparticles for enhanced bioavailability and sustained release in cancer chemotherapy

The objective of this study was to develop and characterize a Nano formulation of Pazopanib using poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) for improved bioavailability and reduced systemic toxicity. Pazopanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and soft tissue sarcoma, exhibits limited solubility and bioavailability, restricting its clinical efficacy. We employed an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion solvent evaporation technique to prepare Pazopanib-loaded PLGA nanoparticles. Various formulations were optimized by adjusting the drug-to-polymer ratio, yielding spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 135 nm and a low polydispersity index, as confirmed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The nanoparticles demonstrated a high entrapment efficiency of 33.9 ± 2.5% and a zeta potential of -20.12 mV, indicating good colloidal stability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the compatibility of Pazopanib with PLGA and other excipients. The in vitro drug release studies revealed a sustained release profile over 7 days, contrasting with the rapid release from the free drug solution. These findings suggest that the developed PLGA-based nanoparticulate system could potentially enhance the therapeutic efficacy of Pazopanib by increasing its bioavailability and ensuring controlled release, thus offering a promising approach for cancer chemotherapy.

Synthesis, optical linear and non-linear characterization and metal ion sensing application of some novel thieno[2,3-b]thiophene-2,5-dicarbohydrazide Schiff base derivatives

Synthesized 3,4-Diaminothieno[2,3-b]thiophene-2,5-dicarbohydrazide (DTT) Schiff base derivatives newly were synthesized by attaching with different aldehydes, deposited in thin film form by thermal evaporation technique, and characterized by UV–Visible-NIR spectroscopy, FT-IR, NMR, and elemental analysis. It is revealed that compound 4 has the highest absorption peak intensity at 586 nm. The allied absorption, dielectric, and dispersion parameters have been calculated and discussed. The obtained results manifested that compound 4 and DTT have lower (1.92 eV), and higher (3.47 eV) energy band gap values, respectively, as a result of the conjugation number effect. The high nonlinear refractive index n2 and third-order nonlinear susceptibility χ(3) of these organic thin films are comparable with those of chalcogenide and oxide materials, making them promising for nonlinear optical systems. Compound 4 displays high sensitivity towards metal ion detection (ex. Cu+2, Ni+2, Fe+3, Mn+2, Pb+2, Co+2), suggesting its ability to be applied as a metal ion sensor and quantifying their concentration levels by means of a suitable calibration curve.

Menthol-based Novel Ultra-Deformable Vesicle: Formulation, Optimization and Evaluation of an Antifungal Drug

The current study aims to establish a novel ultra-deformable vesicular system to enhance the drug penetration across the skin by preparing the ketoconazole-loaded menthosomes. It was achieved through regular thin-film evaporation & hydration techniques. To examine the effect of formulation parameters on menthosome characteristics, a 23 full factorial design was used using Design-Expert® software. The optimized batch exhibited a vesicle size (107.6 nm), a polydispersity index (PDI) (0.248), entrapment efficiency (% EE) (76.9%), and a zeta potential (-33.7 mV). Results from ex vivo skin permeation studies and in vitro drug release demonstrated enhanced improved skin permeation and drug release compared to other formulations. An in vitro antifungal and in vivo pharmacodynamic study, elucidated the enhanced effectiveness of the optimized formulation against Candida albicans. In summary, menthosomes could serve as a potent vehicle to enhance drug penetration via the skin to improve its antifungal activity.Graphical

Hybrid spin coating and evaporation techniques for fabricating double-layer stacked dual-color perovskite LEDs

This work reports on the preparation process of a double-layer perovskite active layer. The first active layer film, Cs2.9K0.2PEA0.4Pb2I3.9Br3.6, was fabricated using a spin-coating method, while the second active layer, MAPbBr3, was deposited using MAPbBr3 single crystals as the evaporation source. Additionally, doping the PEDOT: PSS hole transport layer with ETA and EDA can enhance the uniformity of the perovskite film and reduce voids, improving charge transport efficiency. It proposed the use of an MABr layer to passivate the device interface structure, enhancing the injection and recombination efficiency of charge carriers. In the study of the single-layer Cs2.9K0.2PEA0.4Pb2I3.9Br3.6 perovskite, the optimized brightness reached 513.4 cd/m², with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 0.24% after doping and modification. When the second active layer MAPbBr3 was introduced, the results showed that as the voltage increased from 4 V to 10 V, the LED emission color changed from orange-red to green. This change was attributed to the variation in the recombination positions of charge carriers in different bandgap materials at different voltages. At low voltage, carriers recombine in the layer with a smaller bandgap, emitting red light; whereas at high voltage, carriers recombine in the layer with a larger bandgap, emitting green light.

Bridging the Gap: Revolutionizing Sumatriptan Succinate Delivery with Novel Mucoadhesive Polymer Possessing Dual Functionality

Aim: This research endeavors to investigate the multi-faceted characteristics of chitosan- 2-mercapto benzoic acid polymer and to provide empirical evidence supporting its suitability as a carrier for mucosal drug delivery applications. Background: Recent advancements in the development of mucoadhesive polymers have enabled the enhancement of gastrointestinal (GI) residence time and controlled release profiles for various dosage forms. In this study, a novel chitosan derivative, chitosan-2-mercapto benzoic acid, was used as a mucoadhesive polymer to formulate a sustained-release dosage form designed to improve the oral bioavailability of sumatriptan succinate, a therapeutically relevant compound. Objective: Sumatriptan succinate, a widely used antimigraine agent, exhibits limited therapeutic efficacy due to its compromised oral bioavailability (15%) and significant first-pass metabolism. To overcome these limitations, this study aimed to improve the oral bioavailability and permeability of sumatriptan succinate by exploiting a novel polymer-based formulation. In this investigation, a mucoadhesive buccal patch consisting of dual functionalized thiomer was designed, which delivered the medication throughout the requisite duration, preventing first-pass metabolism to the extent possible. Methods: A novel mucoadhesive buccal patch was designed for the systemic delivery of sumatriptan succinate via the buccal route, utilizing a novel dual-functionalized thiolated mucoadhesive polysaccharide polymer, chitosan-2-mercaptobenzoic acid. Formulations were developed by solvent evaporation technique and optimized using a 33 Box Behnken design with HPMC E15, chitosan, and propylene glycol concentrations as variables and their effect on drug release and mucoadhesive strength was studied. Results: FTIR and DSC analysis did not show any interaction between the drug and polymers. When compared to the drug, the thiomer patch and chitosan patch improved drug permeation by 2.5 and 1.3 times, respectively. Mucoadhesion and pharmacokinetic studies showed that thiomer containing buccal patch administration resulted in two-fold increased levels as compared to chitosan patch. The AUC0–5h in buccal therapy with thiomer was nearly equivalent to two-fold greater than the control, with a relative bioavailability of 282.47 percent. Conclusions: Thus, we can conclude that this study confirms the possibility of buccal patch as a viable and alternative form of effective sumatriptan succinate delivery rendering it a novel approach in pharmaceutical delivery systems for migraine treatment.

Evaluation of Drug-Polymer and Drug-Drug Interaction in Cellulosic Multi-Drug Delivery Matrices.

Multi-drug delivery systems have gained increasing interest from the pharmaceutical industry. Alongside this is the interest in amorphous solid dispersions as an approach to achieve effective oral delivery of compounds with solubility-limited bioavailability. Despite this, there is limited information regarding predicting the behavior of two or more drugs (in amorphous forms) in a polymeric carrier and whether molecular interactions between the compounds, between each compound, and if the polymer have any effect on the physical properties of the system. This work studies the interaction between model drug combinations (two of ibuprofen, malonic acid, flurbiprofen, or naproxen) dispersed in a polymeric matrix of hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) using a solvent evaporation technique. Hildebrand and Hansen calculations were used to predict the miscibility of compounds as long as the difference in their solubility parameter values was not greater than 7 MPa1/2. It was observed that the selected APIs (malonic acid, ibuprofen, naproxen, and flurbiprofen) were miscible within the formed polymeric matrix. Adding the API caused depression in the Tg of the polymer to certain concentrations (17%, 23%, 13%) for polymeric matrices loaded with malonic acid, ibuprofen, and naproxen, respectively. Above this, large crystals started to form, and phase separation was seen. Adding two APIs to the same matrix resulted in reducing the saturation concentration of one of the APIs. A trend was observed and linked to Hildebrand and Hansen solubility parameters (HSP).

Hydrothermal growth and characterization of large Rb2SnBr6 double perovskite crystals: a promising semiconductor material for photocatalysis and optoelectronics.

In this study, we present the growth of large (millimeter- and centimeter-scale) crystals of Rb2SnBr6 double perovskite via a hydrothermal process. The crystals and powders were successfully synthesized, yielding light-yellow products, and subjected to comprehensive characterization using powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) point analysis, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Previously, methods such as solution growth, evaporation, and gel techniques have been employed to synthesize Rb2SnBr6. However, none of these approaches have successfully yielded large crystals on the millimeter- or centimeter-scale. Our experimental results reveal that Rb2SnBr6 is a semiconductor with a bandgap of 2.97 eV. This wide bandgap not only suggests high stability and low defect levels but also positions Rb2SnBr6 as a highly promising candidate for advanced applications in photocatalysis, photovoltaics, and optoelectronics. The ability to grow large-sized crystals with such favorable electronic properties highlights the material's potential for integration into scalable technologies, paving the way for further research and development in energy conversion and optoelectronic devices.

Enhancing the efficiency of hybrid Schottky diode by decoration of 2D Cs:ZnO nanosheets with CNTs via a facile co-precipitation approach

Abstract The Cs:ZnO@CNTs nanocomposite was synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method and characterized using XRD, EDX, SEM, and TEM techniques, which revealed small crystalline size, high atomic density, and large surface area. The thin films showed intense optical absorption near the visible region with optical band gaps of 3.12 eV and 3.06 eV for Cs:ZnO and Cs:ZnO@CNTs nanostructures, respectively. The hybrid Schottky diode was fabricated by depositing Cs:ZnO nanosheets on p-Si using drop casting technique and the metal contacts were thermally deposited via thermal evaporation technique. The electronic parameters were evaluated in a dark environment, revealing reduced series resistance ( R s ) and a decreased potential barrier ( ϕ b ) relative to the undoped diode. The photodiode demonstrated elevated responsivity and specific detectivity under illumination conditions influenced by CNT additions, which expanded optical absorption and increased photocarrier density. The C / G − V and R s − V measurements were executed over a wide frequency range, indicating the significant impact of trapped centers at interfacial layers on capacitance, conductance, and series resistance characteristics. The obtained results confirmed the potential use of hybrid photoactive materials in the development of solar power devices.

Exploration of Agrocybe aegerita mushroom polysaccharide-polyphenolic complex: Functional properties, binding efficiency, and biological activities.

This study investigates the functional and biological activities of a polysaccharide-polyphenolic complex derived from the edible mushroom Agrocybe aegerita. Polyphenols were extracted using a modified solvent evaporation technique, and polysaccharides (AMP) were extracted using enzyme-assisted methods, yielding 8.02%. The presence of fructose, mannose, glucose, galactose, sucrose, and maltose in varying amounts was confirmed. Different mushroom extracts concentrations (0.025-1.00%) were tested for interaction with AMP. Samples with 0.2% and 0.5% extracts showed significantly higher binding efficiency with polysaccharides. AMP exhibited a particle size of 319nm, while mushroom polysaccharide-polyphenolic compound complex (AMPP) revealed 136nm with an irregular shape and smooth surface. Both AMP and AMPP showed three stages of decomposition, with distinct weight loss. Anti-quorum sensing tests against P. aeruginosa PAO1 showed that AMPP significantly decreased pyocyanin, pyoverdine, and swarming activity and exhibited higher biofilm inhibition. These findings suggest that the AMPP has substantial potential for developing sustainable health products, owing to its enhanced bioactivity.

Enhancing transdermal drug delivery: formulation and evaluation of simvastatin-loaded invasomes in carbopol gel for improved permeability and prolonged release

Abstract The transdermal pathway serves as a significant route for achieving localized or systemic effects. Within this context, the stratum corneum is a crucial barrier limiting the permeation of many drugs. To surmount this barrier, carriers, and nanocarriers have been utilised, notably ‘invasome’ being one such example. In our study, we formulated invasomes loaded with simvastatin using the conventional thin-layer evaporation technique. This formulation involved the use of soy phosphatidylcholine, terpene (Limonene), chloroform, and ethanol. Simvastatin-loadedinvasomes were incorporated into a carbopol 934 solution to create a gel. We prepared and assessed different formulationsfor various parameters, including zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy, entrapment efficiency, viscosity, and drug content, and conducted in vitro studies. The entrapment efficiency was as high as 83.17±0.61%. The maximum in vitro drug permeation (45.44±0.4%) was found in the gel with 0.5% soy phosphatidylcholine and 0.25% terpene. Upon evaluating these parameters, our findings suggest that the simvastatin invasomal gel effectively enhances drug permeability across membranes and successfully achieves prolonged drug release.