Gum Arabic Research Articles

Thermal Stability and Flame Retardancy of Rigid Polyurethane Foam Composites Filled with Phase-Change Microcapsule.

The flammability of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) limits its application. A new type of chitosan phase-change microcapsule (CS/PCM) was successfully prepared by the condensation method with chitosan and gum acacia as the wall material and paraffin as the core material. CS/PCM was introduced into RPUF composite material as filler to improve the thermal and flame-retardant properties of polyurethane. The morphology, structure, thermal properties and flame retardancy of the materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and cone calorimetry. It is found that when the CS/PCM content is 30 wt%, the latent heat of phase transition of RPUF-30 is 12.308 J/g, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) is 26.1% and the fire risk is reduced. The flame-retardant mechanism shows that the barrier effect provided by chitosan plays an important role in effectively blocking the transfer of heat and combustible gas, and improving the flame-retardant property of the composite. This paper provides a new idea for the application of CS/PCM in RPUF.

Effects of Surfactants on the Corrosion Behavior of Aluminum Alloy in Graphene Nanofluid

In this study, the corrosion behavior of aluminum alloy was investigated in graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) nanofluids prepared with different surfactants. The surfactants include sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Tween 80, and Gum Arabic (GA). The corrosion properties of the alloy in the different GNP nanofluids were evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization tests at room temperature. The surface morphology of the aluminum alloy was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope coupled with an electron dispersive spectroscopy detector. The experimental results revealed that the addition of surfactants improves the resistance of the aluminum alloy to corrosion in the nanofluid. This was attributed to the adsorption of surfactants on the surface of the alloy to form a protective film layer, which reduces moisture permeability and enhances corrosion inhibition. The addition of GA was found to exhibit the highest inhibition efficiency. This was followed by Tween 80, SDS, and SDBS, which contributes the least inhibition. XRD post-corrosion analysis also reveals the presence of aluminum oxide and aluminum hydroxide phases on the surface of electrodes immersed in all the different GNP nanofluids.

Gum Arabic-Derived Hydroxyproline-Rich Peptides Stimulate Intestinal Nonheme Iron Absorption via HIF2α-Dependent Upregulation of Iron Transport Proteins.

The stimulation of host iron absorption is a promising antianemia strategy adjunctive/alternative to iron intervention. Here, gum arabic (GA) containing 3.14 ± 0.56% hydroxyproline-rich protein with repetitive X-(Pro/Hyp)n motifs was found to increase iron reduction, uptake, and transport to upregulate duodenal cytochrome b (Dcytb), divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), ferroportin, and hephaestin to inhibit hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) and to stabilize HIF2α in polarized Caco-2 cell monolayers in a dose-dependent manner, and this was dependent on its protein fraction, rather than the polysaccharide fraction. Three abundant GA-derived hydroxyproline-containing dipeptides of Hyp-Hyp, Pro-Hyp, and Ser-Hyp were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in the lysates of polarized Caco-2 cell monolayers at the maximum levels of 0.167 ± 0.021, 0.134 ± 0.017, and 0.089 ± 0.015 μg/mg of protein, respectively, and showed desirable docking affinity energy values of -7.53, - 7.91, and -7.39 kcal/mol, respectively, against human PHD3. GA-derived peptides also acutely increased duodenal HIF2α stability and Dcytb, DMT1, ferroportin, and hephaestin transcription in rats (P < 0.05). Overall, GA-derived hydroxyproline-rich peptides stimulated intestinal iron absorption via PHD inhibition, HIF2α stabilization, and subsequent upregulation of iron transport proteins.

Study on Preparation of High-Performance Flake Silver Powder by Liquid Phase Reduction

Flake silver powder was prepared by liquid phase reduction method with silver nitrate as silver source, ferrous sulfate heptahydrate as reducing agent, citric acid and gum acacia as surfactants. The effects of reducing agent dosage, citric acid dosage, gum acacia dosage, silver nitrate dosage and reaction temperature on the properties of silver powder were studied. The results show that when the dosage of silver nitrate is 0.08 mol·L−1, the molar ratio of silver nitrate to ferrous sulfate heptahydrate is 1:2, the oxidizing solution is added to the reducing solution at the rate of 100 ml·min−1, the citric acid is added to the oxidizing solution at 7.5% of the mass of silver nitrate, the gum acacia is added equally dispersed to the oxidizing solution and the reducing solution, the addition amount is 20% of the mass of silver nitrate and the reaction temperature is 30 °C, the silver powder obtained is flake with good dispersion and narrow particle size distribution.

Antibacterial biofilm efficacy of calcium hydroxide loaded on Gum Arabic nanocarrier: an in-vitro study

BackgroundAn innovative intracanal medication formulation was introduced in the current study to improve the calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) therapeutic capability against resistant Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) biofilm. This in-vitro study aimed to prepare, characterize, and evaluate the antibacterial efficiency of Ca(OH)2 loaded on Gum Arabic (GA) nanocarrier (Ca(OH)2-GA NPs) and to compare this efficiency with conventional Ca(OH)2, Ca(OH)2 nanoparticles (NPs), GA, and GA NPs.Materials and methodsThe prepared nanoparticle formulations for the tested medications were characterized using Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). 141 human mandibular premolars were selected, and their root canals were prepared. Twenty-one roots were then sectioned into 42 tooth slices. All prepared root canals (n = 120) and teeth slices (n = 42) were divided into six groups according to the intracanal medication used. E. faecalis was inoculated in the samples for 21 days to form biofilms, and then the corresponding medications were applied for 7 days. After medication application, the residual E. faecalis bacteria were assessed using CFU, Q-PCR, and SEM. Additionally, the effect of Ca(OH)2-GA NPs on E. faecalis biofilm genes (agg, ace, and efaA) was investigated using RT-PCR. Data were statistically analyzed at a 0.05 level of significance.ResultsThe synthesis of NPs was confirmed using TEM. The results of the FTIR proved that the Ca(OH)2 was successfully encapsulated in the GA NPs. Ca(OH)2-GA NPs caused a significant reduction in the E. faecalis biofilm gene expression when compared to the control (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in the E. faecalis CFU mean count and CT mean values between the tested groups (p < 0.001) except between the Ca(OH)2 and GA CFU mean count. Ca(OH)2-GA NPs showed the least statistical E. faecalis mean count among other groups. SEM observation showed that E. faecalis biofilm was diminished in all treatment groups, especially in the Ca(OH)2-GA NPS group when compared to the control group.ConclusionsCa(OH)2 and GA nanoparticles demonstrate superior anti-E. faecalis activity when compared to their conventional counterparts. Ca(OH)2-GA NPs showed the best antibacterial efficacy in treating E. faecalis biofilm. The tested NP formulations could be considered as promising intracanal medications.

Impact of fibre supplementation on microbiome and resilience in healthy participants: A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Background and aimsThe gut microbiome exerts important roles in health, e.g., functions in metabolism and immunology. These functions are often exerted via short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production by gut bacteria. Studies demonstrating causal relationships between interventions targeting the microbiome and clinical outcomes are limited. This study aimed to show a causal relationship between microbiome modulation through fibre intervention and health. Methods and resultsThis randomized, double-blind, cross-over study included 65 healthy subjects, aged 45–70 years, with increased metabolic risk (i.e., body mass index [BMI] 25–30 kg/m2, low to moderate daily dietary fibre intake, <30g/day). Subjects took daily a fibre mixture of Acacia gum and carrot powder or placebo for 12 weeks, with an 8-week wash-out period. Faecal samples for measurement of SCFAs and microbiome analysis were collected every 4 weeks. Before and after each intervention period subjects underwent the mixed-meal PhenFlex challenge Test (PFT). Health effects were expressed as resilience to the stressors of the PFT and as fasting metabolic and inflammatory state. The fibre mixture exerted microbiome modulation, with an increase in β-diversity (p < 0.001). α-diversity was lower during fibre mixture intake compared to placebo after 4, 8 and 12 weeks (p = 0.002; p = 0.012; p = 0.031). There was no effect observed on faecal SCFA concentrations, nor on any of the primary clinical outcomes (Inflammatory resilience: p = 0.605, Metabolic resilience: p = 0.485). ConclusionAlthough the intervention exerted effects on gut microbiome composition, no effects on SCFA production, on resilience or fasting metabolic and inflammatory state were observed in this cohort. Registration number Clinicaltrials.govNCT04829396.

APLIKASI BAHAN PELAPIS BENIH DAN LAMA PENYIMPANAN TERHADAP VIABILITAS BENIH DAN PERTUMBUHAN TOMAT CERI (Solanum lycopersicum var cerasiforme)

Cherry tomatoes have high economic value, but their production is low, this is due to the low quality of seeds. Coating and storage are efforts made to maintain seed quality. This study aims to examine the effect of coating materials and shelf life on seed viability and cherry tomato growth. The experimental design used is Time Series with a long storage series and coating on seeds. The long storage consists of 4 levels; 0, 30, 60, and 90 days and the Coating Material consists of 4 levels; uncoating, PEG 6000, Arabic Gum, Galangal Powder, and Clove Oil with 3 replications. The data analyzed with Honest Real Difference Test. The results showed that Clove oil hasn’t effect the germination. Uncoated and unstored seeds have the highest moisture content. Plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight of the stamp, dry weight of the stamp, and flowering time have no effect, this is due to internal factors such as seed genetics and external factors such as the concentration of coating materials and plant growth environment.

Sour cherry seed proteins devoted to covalently bonded carbohydrate moieties: efficacy of transaction and carbohydrate type on amino acid distribution and emulsifier behavior

This paper handled the Maillard reaction under controlled conditions to conjugate sour cherry seed protein isolate (SCPI) with gum Arabic (GA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and pectin (P) polysaccharides. Characteristic investigations for conjugates were conducted by browning intensity, glycation degree, amino acid, FTIR, SEM, and TGA analyses. After glycation, the level of lysine and arginine declined. Conjugation process displayed beneficial efficacy on techno-functional attributes, namely solubility, water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, foaming capacity/stability and emulsion activity/stability of SCPI but maximum values in terms of these attributes were variable according to conjugate type. Stability index of emulsions stabilized by using conjugates including SCPI-GA (0.87 R), SCPI-CMC (0.94 R), and SCPI-P (0.95 R) was superior than that of SCPI alone (0.60 R). Centrifugal precipitation rate was 59.17, 36.04, 32.61, and 30.92% for emulsions prepared in the presence of SCPI, SCPI-GA, SCPI-CMC, and SCPI-P, respectively. Resilience to freeze-thawed, pH-shifting, various salt concentrations, and different temperature applications of emulsions were investigated to evaluate emulsifier behavior of protein and conjugates in food systems. Findings showed that emulsifying properties of the conjugates prepared using P and CMC came to the fore compared to SCPI alone and SCPI-GA.

Evaluating the potential of natural polymers for water-dispersible curcumin-based solid dispersion colourant systems for food applications

Solid dispersion (SD) technology, a strategy through which a hydrophobic compound is molecularly dispersed into a hydrophilic carrier, is raising interest in food applications to surpass natural colourants’ low water solubility. Motivated by the importance of using natural solutions, five natural polymers (k-carrageenan (KC), maltodextrin (MD), Arabic gum (AG), potato starch (PS), and pectin (PC) were evaluated against the synthetic benchmark polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)). Targeting a stable yellow hue, pH 6 was used, and the effect of salt addition on crystallinity was evaluated. Comparatively with PVP, used as a synthetic polymer reference, SDs based on MD, AG, and PC presented a deeper orange shade. Similar size distributions were achieved for the produced samples except for PS-based SDs, which showed higher sizes in volume. For all systems, polymer-curcumin hydrogen bonding was perceptible and reflected in the curcumin crystallinity modification/reduction, particularly if produced under natural pH conditions. The water solubility was significantly improved compared to free curcumin, from 1 μg/mL to 25–37 μg/mL (pH 6, PVP - 24.54 μg/mL) and 18–86 μg/mL (without pH control, PVP - 28.34 μg/mL), highlighting the favourable effect of natural polymers.

Mucoadhesive Vaginal Tablets Containing Metronidazole: Screening of Optimal Natural Polymer in the Composition

(1) Background: The study aimed to compare the impact of various natural polymers–sodium alginate, acacia gum, carrageenan, guar gum, xanthan gum, and tragacanth on the formulation and the physical properties of mucoadhesive vaginal tablets containing metronidazole (167 mg/g). (2) Methods: The quality of the tablets prepared by direct compression was evaluated by pharmacopoeia tests (uniformity of mass, resistance to crushing, friability). Mucoadhesion of the tablets was characterized by swelling capacity and mucoadhesive strength, i.e., the force required to detach the tablet from the rabbit mucosa. In vitro drug release was performed by a modified dissolution method in paddle apparatus containing the simulated vaginal fluid (pH 4.5). Scanning electron microscopy observed morphological changes on the swollen tablets’ surface. (3) Results: Pharmacopoeia tests have shown that all prepared tablets met the requirements on quality. The highest mucoadhesive strength was noted in tablets containing guar and xanthan gum. The highest swelling capacity was possessed by tablets containing carrageenan. (4) Conclusions: Summarizing all tests’ results, sodium alginate can be considered the most suitable natural polymer in tablet formulation. The combination of polymers providing higher mucoadhesiveness and at the same time a prolonged release, e.g., xanthan or guar, together with sodium alginate, could also be of interest.

Gum acacia dietary fiber: Significance in immunomodulation, inflammatory diseases, and cancer.

Gum arabic/acacia (GA), derived from Acacia trees, is a versatile natural product offering a broad spectrum of applications. Its rich content of soluble dietary fibers, coupled with a low caloric profile, renders GA a valuable dietary component associated with numerous health benefits. Furthermore, its fermentation by gut microbiota yields short-chain fatty acids, renowned for their positive impact on health. Immunomodulation, a crucially regulated mechanism in the body, serves to fend off pathogenic infections by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, prolonged synthesis of these cytokines can lead to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and potentially contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify plant-based biomolecules that can effectively reduce inflammation and inhibit inflammation-induced complications or disorders. In this context, edible biomolecules like GA are gaining prominence for their noteworthy immunomodulatory properties. Therefore, in the present review we have explored the role of GA in immunomodulation, inflammation, and inflammation-associated metabolic diseases, and cancer.

Preparation and characterisation of novel casein-gum Arabic composite microcapsules for targeted in vivo delivery of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum A3.

The health benefits of probiotics in the body are predicated on their ability to remain viable in harsh gastrointestinal conditions and complex pathological microenvironments. Casein and gum Arabic (GA), with dual emulsifying and stabilising effects in colloidal systems. Therefore, the objective of this research was to develop a novel microcapsule to encapsulate Lactiplantibacillus plantarum A3 using casein and GA as wall materials to improve the survival of the bacteria during gastrointestinal digestion, storage and lyophilization. The casein and GA composite microcapsules were prepared and characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the microcapsules had stable morphology, uniform size and spherical shape. The results revealed that the encapsulation of microcapsules significantly improved the survival of L. plantarum A3 in gastrointestinal fluid environment (5.52× 109 cfu/ml) and lyophilization treatment (6.25× 109 cfu/ml). Furthermore, the microencapsulated L. plantarum A3 exhibited an improved ability to regulate intestinal microbiota by effectively increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria and decreasing the relative abundance of Firmicutes in vivo. The findings of the study will help to design a lactic acid bacteria encapsulation system based on the gastrointestinal environment and provide a basis for the development of probiotic functional products.

Anatomical and histological assessment of Arabic gum administration on visceral organs of diabetic rats

Introduction and Aim: This century has seen a rise in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, and since medications pose a number of risks and adverse effects, researchers have been experimenting with a variety of natural materials, including herbs. One among the herbs is Arabic gum which is considered beneficial in treating diabetes. In this study, we investigated the anatomical and histological effect of Arabic gum treatment in diabetes-induced rats when administered at different concentrations. Materials and Methods In this study, albino rats were divided into four experimental groups: control, alloxan administered, alloxan and Arabic gum (5%) administered, and alloxan and Arabic gum (10%) administered. Following the experimental period, the four groups of animals were sacrificed and their anatomical and histopathological changes were studied. Results: This study showed that alloxan induced diabetes caused liver, kidney and lung injuries. The groups that received alloxan with Arabic gum at concentrations 5 % and 10% exacerbated the organ damage. Several anatomical changes of the visceral organs were seen in relation to animals in the control group. Morphologically, groups that received Alloxan and Arabic gum had white spot lesions on the surfaces of the liver kidney and lungs. Histopathological changes were also observed in the liver, kidney and lungs of the animals when compared to controls. Conclusion: Organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs were found to be damaged in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The administration of Arabic gum at concentrations of 5% and 10% does not stop the damage to these organs.

Adhesion, roughness, wettability, and dielectric strength of elastomers liquid blends for high-density fiberboard wood adhesive

In the present study, the physical characteristics of elastomer (EL) blend with natural polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Dexrin (D), Arabic gum (AG), and corn starch (CS) based on high-density fiberboard wood adhesives were investigated. The EL blends were prepared by dissolving AG, D, PVA, and CS in deionized water at 70 °C for 1 h under magnetic stirring continuously until the solution was clear, and blends were made with a weight of 60/40 (w/w); then were cast into a mold with a 20 cm diameter and left at room temperature for 24 h to ensure complete water removal and drying of the samples. The prepared EL and EL blend structures, adhesion strengths, roughness, wettings, and dielectric strengths, were investigated. The modified EL blend reveals a 144 MPa for pull-off strength and 770.8 N for shear strength for high-density fiberboard (HDF) wood as a substrate to the EL/AG, respectively. The surface roughness and contact angle of the EL/PVA mixture were found to be high, measuring 4.57 µm for roughness and shows the water contact angles for the samples. An increase in the contact angle of the El/AG blend where reached to(83.94˚) was observed due to the decrease in the –COOH and OH groups present in the backbone of the arabic gum. The greatest dielectric strength for EL/AG was reported to be 18.62 kV/mm at 0.5 kV/s and 22.77 kV/mm at 5 kV/s.and optical microscoby image for break down region was shown the carbonization in the break down point as aresult of carashing polymers chains, also micro cracks occuring forspecimens and this cracks extends directly from the breakdown region

Recent Highlights in Sustainable Bio-Based Edible Films and Coatings for Fruit and Vegetable Applications.

The present review paper focuses on recent developments in edible films and coatings made of base compounds from biological sources, namely plants, animals, algae, and microorganisms. These sources include by-products, residues, and wastes from agro-food industries and sea products that contribute to sustainability concerns. Chitosan, derived from animal biological sources, such as crustacean exoskeletons, has been the most studied base compound over the past three years. Polysaccharides typically constitute no more than 3-5% of the film/coating base solution, with some exceptions, like Arabic gum. Proteins and lipids may be present in higher concentrations, such as zein and beeswax. This review also discusses the enrichment of these bio-based films and coatings with various functional and/or bioactive compounds to confer or enhance their functionalities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-enzymatic properties, as well as physical properties. Whenever possible, a comparative analysis among different formulations was performed. The results of the applications of these edible films and coatings to fruit and vegetable products are also described, including shelf life extension, inhibition of microbial growth, and prevention of oxidation. This review also explores novel types of packaging, such as active and intelligent packaging. The potential health benefits of edible films and coatings, as well as the biodegradability of films, are also discussed. Finally, this review addresses recent innovations in the edible films and coatings industry, including the use of nanotechnologies, aerogels, and probiotics, and provides future perspectives and the challenges that the sector is facing.

Conjugation of gum Arabic and lentil protein hydrolysates through Maillard reaction: Antioxidant activity, volatile compounds, functional and sensory properties.

Lentil protein hydrolysates (LPH) and lentil protein hydrolysates cross-linked (LPHC) were grafted with gum Arabic (GA) through a wet Maillard reaction at 100°C for 2 h and called MLPH and MLPHC. The samples were assessed for absorption, degree of grafting (DG), surface hydrophobicity, antioxidant activity, molecular weight (MW) profile, chemical alteration, volatile compounds, functional and sensory properties. Results showed that Maillard grafting led to increase in absorption and DG (maximum value: MLPHC), and led to the reduction of the surface hydrophobicity and antioxidant activity (minimum value: MLPHC). MW profiles indicated that MLPH and MLPHC formed new bands at MW >250 kDa. Regarding the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Maillard conjugation led to the occurrence of peaks at 1759 and 1765 cm-1, while the intensities of amide I bands at 1637 and 1659 cm-1 and amide II bands at 1498 and 1495 cm-1 were decreased. Hydrolysis, cross-linking, and especially Maillard grafting provided well-balanced content of volatile components. Indeed, the proportions of alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and acids were changed, thereby, the inherent grassy and planty tastes were diminished while new umami taste was developed. Maillard grafting led to significant improvement of functional properties, while MLPH and MLPHC indicated the highest emulsifying activity at pH 10.0 (73.76 and 70.12 m2/g, respectively) and stability (369.64 and 288.22 min), foaming capacity (88.57% and 142.86%) and stability (60.57% and 72%). Sensory analysis has demonstrated that umami taste was highly developed in MLPH and MLPHC, which can be well considered as meat proteins and flavor enhancers such as monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Emulsifying property of Schinopsis brasiliensis gum in oil-in-water emulsions

Gums are polysaccharide compounds widely used by food, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries for different purposes, in particular due to their ability to stabilize emulsions. In this work, the raw gum of Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl., popularly known as Barauna (GB) was employed in different oil/water formulations in order to evaluate its emulsifying activity in comparison with the commercial Arabic gum (GA) as a positive control. Rheological properties of GB and GA were also evaluated and similar behavior was observed. To study the emulsifying activity of each sample, a three-stage experimental design combined with a 24 full factorial design was developed. At each stage, parameters such as sample concentration, oil concentration, agitation speed and agitation time were recorded. The evaluation of the physical-chemical properties of the emulsions indicated that the stirring speed and oil concentration were the variables that most influenced the stability of emulsions. Regardless of the type of the gum, the emulsions prepared with the highest agitation speed (25000 rpm) and lowest oil concentration (1.0%v/v), in general, showed smaller droplet size and polydispersity index (PDI), and, therefore, greater stability. Emulsions prepared with GB (4.0 mg/mL) were stable for a longer period of time (28 days) than those obtained with GA. These results suggest that the optimization of the speed and time of agitation for the samples preparation containing GB could result in emulsions with the highest potential to achieve the ultrafine (nano) dimensions required for pharmaceutical, medical and food industry applications.

Towards sustainable building solutions: Development of hemp shiv-based green insulation material

There is currently a growing need for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. One promising candidate is hemp shiv, which is considered waste material. hemp shiv exhibits lightweight properties and high insulation capabilities. This study focuses on the development of a material based in hemp shiv, recycled cardboard fibers is used as binder material, with the addition of a vegetable coating (colophony and arabic gum) for moisture protection and citric acid to enhance cellulose crosslinking. Thermal insulation properties were assessed measuring the heat transfer through the material. Acoustic insulation properties were evaluated using a Kundt tube within a frequency range of 100–6500 Hz. Mechanical tests, including compression, shear, and bending, were performed to assess the material’s strength. Additionally, moisture and fire resistance properties, as well as microstructure analysis, were examined. The influence of citric acid in the cellulose crosslinking was verified using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. Results demonstrated that a higher percentage of hemp shiv content led to improved insulation performance, achieving attenuation values greater than 0.85–0.95 dB/dB and a thermal conductivity of 0.02–0.03 W/m K. These findings indicate a great performance compared to commercial materials. The coating shields the material from external factors. It was observed that the citric acid does not react with hemp shiv.

CHARACTERIZATION AND PHARMACEUTICAL EVALUATION OF DAUCUS CAROTA PECTIN AS A SUSPENDING AGENT IN ORAL DOSAGE FORMS

Background: Suspensions are equilibrated two-phased thermodynamically unstable systems increasingly used in the stability and bioavailability enhancement of a myriad of drug substances. Biodegradable, biocompatible and cost-effective biopolymers such as pectin are becoming popular alternative suspending agents to decrease sedimentation and ensure uniformity and accuracy in drug dosing. Nevertheless, limited commercial pectin sources with ideal gelling properties necessitate the search for novel sources such as carrots, a versatile vegetable. Objectives: The study therefore centred on the characterization and pharmaceutical evaluation of the suspending qualities of Daucus carota (carrot) pectin acquired from the conventional acid extraction procedure. Methodology: Fresh carrots were acquired, authenticated and processed before pectin extraction. The pectin extracted was characterized and evaluated for phytochemical properties such as proximate composition and degree of esterification. Different concentrations (1% and 2%) of carrot pectin and acacia gum (as a standard) were utilized in formulating paracetamol suspensions as suspending agents. Results: The pectin yield was 11.6% and contained glycosides, tannins, saponins, and phenols. FTIR analysis identified all the essential pectin functional groups while other characterization parameters showed quality high methoxyl pectin. Carrot pectin suspensions demonstrated significantly (P &lt; 0.01) lower re-dispersibility and sedimentation rate when compared to acacia. The flow rate and sedimentation volumes were however non-significantly different. Conclusion: The characterization and suspending properties of carrot pectin have been successfully evaluated. Ultimately, acacia gum can be substituted with carrot pectin as a suspending agent.

Double Emulsions Stabilized by PGPR and Arabic Gum as Capsules: The Surprising Stabilizing Role of Inner Droplets.

The encapsulation efficiency and stability over time of either vitamin B12, a model hydrophilic drug, or an aqueous suspension of Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV), which is a biopesticide, using a water-in-sunflower oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) double emulsion, are studied. Two antagonistic stabilizers are used to prepare the double emulsion: the mainly lipophilic polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) and the mainly hydrophilic polysaccharide Arabic gum (AG). Combining ultraviolet-visible (UV-visible) titration, rheology, and oil globule size measurement allows assessing drug release, emulsion elasticity, and globule evolution as a function of time. A stability diagram is plotted as a function of two determining parameters: the nonadsorbed PGPR concentration in the oil and the inner water droplet fraction. To understand the presence of the nonstability domains, the influence of the two identified parameters on the outermost interfacial tension is examined. Surprisingly, the inner water drop volume fraction exhibits a stabilizing phenomenon that is discussed in terms of interfacial shielding to PGPR adsorption.