High Water Solubility Research Articles

Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Singer β-1,3-Glucanoligosaccharide (Ps-GOS) Suppresses RANKL-induced Osteoclast Differentiation and Function in Pre-Osteoclastic RAW 264.7 Cells by Inhibiting the RANK/NFκB/cFOS/NFATc1 Signalling Pathway

Edible grey oyster mushroom, Pleurotus sajor-caju, β (1,3), (1,6) glucan possesses a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammation, anti-microorganism and antioxidant. However, its biological activity is limited by low water solubility resulting from its high molecular weight. Our previous study demonstrated that enzymatic hydrolysis of grey oyster mushroom β-glucan using Hevea β-1,3-glucanase isozymes obtains a lower molecular weight and higher water solubility, Pleurotus sajor-caju glucanoligosaccharide (Ps-GOS). Additionally, Ps-GOS potentially reduces osteoporosis by enhancing osteoblast–bone formation, whereas its effect on osteoclast–bone resorption remains unknown. Therefore, our study investigated the modulatory activities and underlying mechanism of Ps-GOS on Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) -induced osteoclastogenesis in pre-osteoclastic RAW 264.7 cells. Cell cytotoxicity of Ps-GOS on RAW 264.7 cells was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and its effect on osteoclast differentiation was determined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Additionally, its effect on osteoclast bone-resorptive ability was detected by pit formation assay. The osteoclastogenic-related factors were assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot and immunofluorescence. The results revealed that Ps-GOS was non-toxic and significantly suppressed the formation of mature osteoclast multinucleated cells and their resorption activity by reducing the number of TRAP-positive cells and pit formation areas in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, Ps-GOS attenuated the nuclear factor kappa light chain-enhancer of activated B cells’ P65 (NFκB-P65) expression and their subsequent master osteoclast modulators, including nuclear factor of activated T cell c1 (NFATc1) and Fos proto-oncogene (cFOS) via the NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, Ps-GOS markedly inhibited RANK expression, which serves as an initial transmitter of many osteoclastogenesis-related cascades and inhibited proteolytic enzymes, including TRAP, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and cathepsin K (CTK). These findings indicate that Ps-GOS could potentially be beneficial as an effective natural agent for bone metabolic disease.

Carbon Quantum Dots: Properties, Preparation, and Applications

Carbon quantum dots are a novel form of carbon material. They offer numerous benefits including particle size adjustability, light resistance, ease of functionalization, low toxicity, excellent biocompatibility, and high-water solubility, as well as their easy accessibility of raw materials. Carbon quantum dots have been widely used in various fields. The preparation methods employed are predominantly top-down methods such as arc discharge, laser ablation, electrochemical and chemical oxidation, as well as bottom-up methods such as templates, microwave, and hydrothermal techniques. This article provides an overview of the properties, preparation methods, raw materials for preparation, and the heteroatom doping of carbon quantum dots, and it summarizes the applications in related fields, such as optoelectronics, bioimaging, drug delivery, cancer therapy, sensors, and environmental remediation. Finally, currently encountered issues of carbon quantum dots are presented. The latest research progress in synthesis and application, as well as the challenges outlined in this review, can help and encourage future research on carbon quantum dots.

Antibiotics Uptake from Soil and Translocation in the Plants - Meta-analysis.

Antibiotics reach agricultural soils via fertilization with manure and biosolids as well as irrigation withwastewater and have the potential to be taken up by growing crops. The fate of antibiotics in terms of uptakefrom soil to plants, as well as translocation from root to leaves, is determined by a combination of antibiotic'sphysio-chemical (e.g. speciation, lipophilicity), soil (e.g. organic carbon content, pH) and plant (e.g.transpiration rates) characteristics. In this meta-analysis, a literature search was executed to obtain an overview of antibiotic uptake to plants, with an aim to identify uptake and translocation patterns of different antibiotic classes. Overall, we found that higher uptake of tetracyclines to plant leaves was observed compared to sulfonamides. Differences were also observed in translocation within the plants, where tetracyclines were found in roots and leaves with close to equal concentrations, while the sulfonamides represented a tendency to accumulate to the root fraction. The antibiotic's characteristics have a high influence on their fate, for example, the high water-solubility and uncharged speciation in typical agricultural soil pH ranges likely induces tetracycline uptake from soil and translocation in plant. Despite the advances in knowledge over the past decade, our meta-analysis indicated that the available research is focused on a limited number of analytes and antibiotic classes. Furthermore, fastgrowing plant species (e.g. spinach, lettuce, and radish) are overly represented in studies compared to crop species with higher significance for human food sources (e.g. corn, wheat, and potato), requiring more attention in future research.

Preparation and microstructure of Cu-Al2O3 composites by a novel supercritical water liquid phase in-situ reaction method

The high solubility, reactivity and solubility of supercritical water provide a new way for the preparation of advanced metal matrix composites. In this paper, Cu-Al2O3 composites are prepared by supercritical water liquid phase in situ reaction (SW-LIR). In this method, the Cu-Al atomized alloy powder are used as raw material, deionized water as reaction medium, H2O2 as liquid phase oxygen source, and the Cu-Al2O3 composite powder are prepared at 380 ℃ and 22.1 MPa for 10 min. The Cu-Al2O3 composite block is prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The results show that Al2O3 has an average size of 41.8 nm and mainly exists in the form of mixed crystals. The interface with the matrix is coherent or semi-coherent. With the increase of Al2O3 content, the mechanical properties of the composites are obviously improved. When the Al2O3 content is 1.12 wt%, the microhardness is as high as 164.52 HV and the tensile strength is 441 MPA, while still maintaining a high electrical conductivity (75 %IACS). At the same time, it shows quite excellent high temperature performance. It can still retain the characteristics of high strength at 1000℃, which solves the shortcomings of high thermal conductivity but low strength of pure copper. Compared with the traditional method, SW-LIR method has the characteristics of low reaction temperature, fast reaction speed and green environmental protection.

Effect of Crosslinking on the Properties of Membrane Formulated from Quaternized Chitosan

Heavy metals are easily absorbed by living things because of their high-water solubility. Adsorption is a popular separation technique that is used to remove heavy metals from water since it is inexpensive, widely available, and ecologically benign. Chitosan's structure includes hydroxyl and amino groups, which make it a popular adsorbent for heavy metals. In this study, quaternization was used to change chitosan and improve its adsorption capacity. As the quaternizing agent, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TMAB) was employed. After blending the quaternized chitosan with polyvinyl alcohol and polysulfone, a membrane was created, and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was used to crosslink it. Tetraethyl orthosilicate loadings of 1, 2, and 4 weight percent were added to the membrane formulation as a crosslinker. The surface morphology and surface charge of the prepared membranes were then described. Antifouling analysis and water permeation were used to test the performances. According to the results, membrane M4 with 4 weight percent TEOS exhibited the best characteristics, especially in terms of surface charge and surface morphology with strong antifouling capabilities. Furthermore, it has the highest water flux attributed to good surface hydrophilicity. The developed membranes may find application in the heavy metal removal phase of water treatment.

Use of Pea Proteins in High-Moisture Meat Analogs: Physicochemical Properties of Raw Formulations and Their Texturization Using Extrusion.

A new form of plant-based meat, known as 'high-moisture meat analogs' (HMMAs), is captivating the market because of its ability to mimic fresh, animal muscle meat. Utilizing pea protein in the formulation of HMMAs provides unique labeling opportunities, as peas are both "non-GMO" and low allergen. However, many of the commercial pea protein isolate (PPI) types differ in functionality, causing variation in product quality. Additionally, PPI inclusion has a major impact on final product texture. To understand the collective impact of these variables, two studies were completed. The first study compared four PPI types while the second study assessed differences in PPI inclusion amount (30-60%). Both studies were performed on a Wenger TX-52 extruder, equipped with a long-barrel cooling die. Rapid-visco analysis (RVA) and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) indicated differences in protein solubility among the different PPI types. In general, lower protein solubility led to better product quality, based on visual evaluation. Cutting strength and texture profile analysis showed increasing PPI inclusion from 30-60% led to significantly higher product hardness (14,160-16,885 g) and toughness (36,690-46,195 g. s). PPI4 led to lower product toughness (26,110 and 33,725 g. s), compared to the other PPIs (44,620-60,965 g. s). Heat gelling capacity of PPI4 was also highest among PPI types, by way of least gelation concentration (LGC) and RVA. When compared against animal meat, using more PPI (50-60%) better mimicked the overall texture and firmness of beef steak and pork chops, while less PPI better represented a softer product like chicken breast. In summary, protein content and also functionality such as cold water solubility and heat gelation dictated texturization and final product quality. High cold water solubility and poor heat gelation properties led to excessive protein cross linking and thicker yet less laminated shell or surface layer. This led to lower cutting firmness and toughness, and less than desirable product texture as compared to animal meat benchmarks. On the other hand, pea proteins with less cold water solubility and higher propensity for heat gelation led to products with more laminated surface layer, and higher cutting test and texture profile analysis response. These relationships will be useful for plant-based meat manufacturers to better tailor their products and choice of ingredients.

Homo-Dyad with Outer Hydration Layer Approach for Developing NIR-II Chromophore of High Stability and Water-Solubility as Injectable and Sprayable Optical Probe.

Dyes with extended conjugate structures are the focus of extensive design and synthesis efforts, aiming to confer unique and improved optical and electronic properties. Such advancements render these dyes applicable across a wide spectrum of uses, ranging from second-window near-infrared (NIR-II) bioimaging to organic photovoltaics. Nevertheless, the inherent benefits of long conjugation are often accompanied by persistent challenges like aggregation, fluorescence quenching, absorption blueshift, and low stability and poor water solubility. Herein, a unique structural design strategy termed "homo-dyad with outer hydration layer" is introduced to address these inherent problems, tailored for the development of imaging probes exhibiting long absorption/emission wavelengths. This approach involves bringing two heptamethine cyanines together through a flexible linker, forming a homo-dyad structure, while strategically attaching four polyethylene glycol (PEG9) chains to the terminal heterocycles. This approach imparts excellent water solubility, biocompatibility, and enhanced chemical, photo-, and spectral stability for the dyes. Utilizing this strategy, a biomarker-activatable probe (HD-FL-4PEG9-N) for NIR-II fluorescent and 3D multispectral optoacoustic tomography imaging is developed, and its effectiveness in disease visualization. It can not only serve as an injectable probe for acute kidney injury imaging due to its high water solubility, but also a sprayable probe for imaging bacterial-infected wounds.

Preparation and characterization of high-performance water-based graphene dispersions for conductive coating on textiles

Studies on e-textile applications have gained momentum with advanced material technologies. Graphene derivatives have become the focus of e-textile advanced studies due to their high conductivity potential. The chemical selection while preparing graphene dispersions to functionalize textiles affects the dispersion quality and integration into the fabric. In this study, water-based green graphene dispersions were prepared using sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) as a surfactant and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a binder due to its high solubility in water. The stability of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), GNP/SDBS and GNP/SDBS/PVA dispersions were examined with the naked eye at certain time intervals. UV–vis spectroscopy results indicated that SDBS provided better dispersion and stability of graphene. The XPS results showed a strong interaction between GNP and SDBS, while the binding of PVA and SDBS in the dispersion was supported by FTIR results. Overall, the dispersion quality of water-based graphene dispersion was enhanced using PVA and SDBS for e-textile application. The electrical conductivity and tensile strength of the graphene-coated fabrics increased up to ∼1.6 (MΩ/☐) and 388%, respectively, in compared to the intact fabric.

Nose-to-brain selective drug delivery to glioma via ferritin-based nanovectors reduces tumor growth and improves survival rate

Gliomas are among the most fatal tumors, and the available therapeutic options are very limited. Additionally, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents most drugs from entering the brain. We designed and produced a ferritin-based stimuli-sensitive nanocarrier with high biocompatibility and water solubility. It can incorporate high amounts of the potent topoisomerase 1 inhibitor Genz-644282. Here, we show that this nanocarrier, named The-0504, can cross the BBB and specifically deliver the payload to gliomas that express high amounts of the ferritin/transferrin receptor TfR1 (CD71). Intranasal or intravenous administration of The-0504 both reduce tumor growth and improve the survival rate of glioma-bearing mice. However, nose-to-brain administration is a simpler and less invasive route that may spare most of the healthy tissues compared to intravenous injections. For this reason, the data reported here could pave the way towards a new, safe, and direct ferritin-based drug delivery method for brain diseases, especially brain tumors.

Ultrasensitive detection of Ag+ and Ce3+ ions using highly fluorescent carboxyl-functionalized carbon nitride nanoparticles.

The fluorescence quenching of carboxyl-rich g-C3N4 nanoparticles was found to be selective to Ag+ and Ce3+ with a limit of detection as low as 30 pM for Ag+ ions. A solid-state thermal polycondensation reaction was used to produce g-C3N4 nanoparticles with distinct green fluorescence and high water solubility. Dynamic light scattering indicated an average nanoparticle size of 95 nm. The photoluminescence absorption and emission maxima were centered at 405 nm and 540 nm respectively which resulted in a large Stokes shift. Among different metal ion species, the carboxyl-rich g-C3N4 nanoparticles were selective to Ag+ and Ce3+ ions, as indicated by strong fluorescence quenching. The PL sensing of mixtures of Ag+/Ce3+ and Ce3+ followed static Stern-Volmer kinetics with the Stern-Volmer constants determined to be 74.18 ×10^3 M-1 and 27.2 ×10^3 M-1 respectively. The PL sensing of Ag+ followed modified Stern-Volmer kinetics. Sensing was also demonstrated using commercial filter paper functionalized with g-C3N4 nanoparticles, enabling practical on-site applications.&#xD.

Commercializable Naphthalene Diimide Anolytes for Neutral Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Batteries

Neutral aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) hold the potential to facilitate the transition of renewable energy sources from auxiliary to primary energy, the commercial production of anolyte materials still suffers from insufficient performance of high‐concentration and the high cost of the preparation problem. To overcome these challenges, this study provides a hydrothermal synthesis methodology and introduces the charged functional groups into hydrophobic naphthalene diimide cores, and prepares a series of high‐performance naphthalene diimide anolytes. Under the synergistic effect of π‐π stacking and H‐bonding networks, the naphthalene diimide exhibits excellent structural stability and the highest water solubility (1.85 M for dex‐NDI) reported to date. By employing the hydrothermal method, low‐cost naphthalene diimides are successfully synthesized on a hundred‐gram scale of $0.16 g‐1 ($2.43 Ah‐1), which is also the lowest price reported to date. The constructed full battery achieves a high electron concentration of 2.4 M, a high capacity of 54.4 Ah L‐1, and a power density of 318 mW cm‐2 with no significant capacity decay observed during long‐duration cycling. These findings provide crucial support for the commercialization of AORFBs and pave the way for revolutionary developments in neutral AORFBs.

Commercializable Naphthalene Diimide Anolytes for Neutral Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Batteries.

Neutral aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) hold the potential to facilitate the transition of renewable energy sources from auxiliary to primary energy, the commercial production of anolyte materials still suffers from insufficient performance of high-concentration and the high cost of the preparation problem. To overcome these challenges, this study provides a hydrothermal synthesis methodology and introduces the charged functional groups into hydrophobic naphthalene diimide cores, and prepares a series of high-performance naphthalene diimide anolytes. Under the synergistic effect of π-π stacking and H-bonding networks, the naphthalene diimide exhibits excellent structural stability and the highest water solubility (1.85 M for dex-NDI) reported to date. By employing the hydrothermal method, low-cost naphthalene diimides are successfully synthesized on a hundred-gram scaleof $0.16 g-1 ($2.43 Ah-1), which is also the lowest price reported to date. The constructed full battery achieves a high electron concentration of 2.4 M, a high capacity of 54.4 Ah L-1, and a power density of 318 mW cm-2 with no significant capacity decay observed during long-duration cycling. These findings provide crucial support for the commercialization of AORFBs and pave the way for revolutionary developments in neutral AORFBs.

Mixture of pesticides based on dimethylamine and imidacloprid affects locomotion of adult zebrafish.

Numerous chemical compounds are found in aquatic environments; among them are pesticides. Pesticides are widely used worldwide, and this use has progressively increased in recent decades, resulting in the accumulation of potentially toxic compounds in surface waters. Dimethylamine-based herbicides (DBH) and imidacloprid-based insecticides (IBI) have low soil absorption and high water solubility, facilitating the arrival of these compounds in aquatic environments. In this study, our objective was to analyze whether two pesticides, DBH and IBI at environmentally relevant concentrations of 320 μg/L for each compound, and their mixtures impact the behavioral and endocrine parameters of adult zebrafish, verifying the effect of pesticides on exploratory behavior and social and analyzing hormonal parameters related to stress. Acute exposure to the mixture of pesticides reduced fish locomotion. Pesticides alone and in combination did not affect cortisol levels in exposed animals. Pesticides, when tested together, can cause different effects on non-target organisms, and the evaluation of mixtures of these compounds is extremely important.

Synthesis and Evaluation of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn for PET Imaging of Transferrin Receptor 1 Expression in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

As recurrent and metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common cause of death among patients with NPC, there is an urgent clinical need for the development of precision diagnosis to guide personalized treatment. Recent emerging evidence substantiates the increased expression of transferrin receptor 1 (also known as cluster of differentiation 71, CD71) within tumor tissues and the inherent targeting capability of natural heavy-chain ferritin (HFn) toward CD71. This study aimed to synthesize and assess a radiotracer ([64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn) designed to target CD71 for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in an NPC tumor-bearing mouse model. The entire radiolabeling process of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn was completed within 15 min with high yield (>98.5%) and high molar activity (72.96 ± 21.33 GBq/μmol). The in vitro solubility and stability experiments indicated that [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn had a high water solubility (log P = -2.42 ± 0.52, n = 6) and good stability in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for up to 48 h. The cell saturation binding assay indicated that [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn had a nanomolar affinity (Kd = 10.9 ± 6.1 nM) for CD71-overexpressing C666-1 cells. To test the target engagement in vivo, prolonged-time PET imaging was performed at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 36 h postinjection (p.i.) of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn to C666-1 NPC tumor-bearing mice. The C666-1 tumors could be visualized by [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn and blocked by nonradiolabeled HFn. PET imaging quantitative analysis demonstrated that the uptake of [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn in C666-1 tumors peaked at 6 h p.i. and the best radioactive tumor-to-muscle ratio was 10.53 ± 3.11 (n = 3). Ex vivo biodistribution assay at 6 h p.i. showed that the tumor uptakes were 1.43 ± 0.23%ID/g in the nonblock group and 0.92 ± 0.2%ID/g in the block group (n = 3, p < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining confirmed positive expression of CD71 and the uptake of HFn in C666-1 tumor tissues. In conclusion, our experiments demonstrated that [64Cu]Cu-NOTA-HFn possesses a very high target engagement for CD71-positive NPC tumors and provided a fundamental basis for further clinical translation.

Integrated track of nano-informatics coupling with the enrichment concept in developing a novel nanoparticle targeting ERK protein in Naegleria fowleri

Abstract Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba that causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. Despite combination drug therapies, N. fowleri is not sensitive to current drug therapies, contributing to the pathogen’s mortality rate of 98%. To enable rational drug designing, this study has proposed an integrated track of nanotechnology coupling with the enrichment concept. In the current study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNP) were screened against ERK protein, which is responsible for the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause brain disturbance in N. fowleri infection. Furthermore, an enrichment analysis has been executed to increase the efficiency of the ZNP through the addition of two amines and one chlorine group. The computational prediction of zeta potential, cytotoxicity, organ toxicity, calculations of binding free energy, and ADMET analysis shows that it is stable and possesses no toxic effect. Amine + chlorine enriched ZNP resulted in a binding energy of −7.8 kcal/mol, a zeta potential reliability of −40 mV, a cytotoxicity of −0.0002, inactive against all the targeted organ models, ADMET profiling shows a molecular weight of 320.54 g/mol, a lipophilicity of −0.99, high water solubility, and good gastrointestinal tract absorption. This proposed invention represents the future work for in vitro in combating this devastating disease toward a reliable therapeutic target with drugs that specifically aimed to inhibit the infection.

Revisiting microbial exopolysaccharides: a biocompatible and sustainable polymeric material for multifaceted biomedical applications.

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) have gained significant attention as versatile biomolecules with multifarious applications across various sectors. This review explores the valorisation of EPS and its potential impact on diverse sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biotechnology. EPS, secreted by microorganisms, possess unique physicochemical properties, such as high molecular weight, water solubility, and biocompatibility, making them attractive for numerous functional roles. Additionally, EPS exhibit significant bioactivity, contributing to their potential use in pharmaceuticals for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Moreover, the eco-friendly and sustainable nature of microbial EPS production aligns with the growing demand for environmentally conscious processes. However, challenges still exist in large-scale production, purification, and regulatory approval for commercial use. Advances in bioprocessing and microbial engineering offer promising solutions to overcome these hurdles. Stringent investigations have concluded EPS as novel sources for sustainable applications that are likely to emerge and develop, further reinforcing the significance of these biopolymers in addressing contemporary societal needs and driving innovation in various industrial sectors. Overall, the microbial EPS represents a thriving field with immense potential for meeting diverse industrial demands and advancing sustainable technologies.

Bioplastic films from cassava peels: Enzymatic transformation and film properties

Annually, millions of tons of cassava peels are generated as agro-waste. This research repurposed entire cassava peels into biodegradable films as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. Enzymes (cellulase, xylanase, and glucanase) were employed to catalyze the process, and cassava peels were effectively converted into films, which exhibited comparable or even better mechanical properties and water resistance to commercial packaging materials. The films also presented high water solubility of 44–50% and good light barrier properties, with 15–23% transmittance values for visible light and less than 3% for UV light. Extended enzymatic treatment time resulted in films characterized by increased elasticity, solubility, water resistance, transparency, and smoother surfaces, which can be attributed to the enzymatic breakdown of cassava peel fibers into smaller saccharide units. The optimal enzymatic treatment time was found to be 4 h which produced films with favorable mechanical characteristics, barrier properties, and solubility. A sustainable and ecologically-friendly approach is provided to fully harness cassava peels in fabricating packaging films, particularly suited for food items necessitating dissolution in water.

Fabrication and characterization of emulsion-based edible film containing cinnamon essential oil using chia seed mucilage

Chia seed mucilage (CSM) film incorporated with 2, 4, and 6 % (w/w) nanoemulsion of cinnamon essential oil (CSM-2, CSM-4, CSM-6) were developed, and their physicochemical, mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties were determined. According to the results, cinnamon EO nanoemulsion (CEN) had droplet size 196.07 ± 1.39 nm with PDI 0.47 ± 0.04. Moreover, CSM film had higher water solubility (99.37 ± 0.05 %) and WVP (8.55 ± 1.10 g/kPa h m2) than reinforced CSM films with CENCEN. The lowest water solubility (98.02 ± 0.01 %) and WVP (3.75 ± 0.80 g/kPa h m2) was observed in CSM-6 film. Moreover, the addition of CEN improved the homogeneity and density of films and the smoothness of the surface, being observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy also confirmed the incorporation of CEN within the film matrix. The CSM films' antioxidant (DPPH radical scavenging power) and antimicrobial (against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) properties of CSM films were notably enhanced with the inclusion of CEN in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanical (tensile strength and elongation at break) of CSM films also was affected by the addition of CEN, TS decreased, and EAB increased (p < 0.05). The lowest TS (20.63 ± 1.39 MPa) and highest EAB (3.36 ± 0.61 %) was observed in CSM-4 film. However, CSM film was relatively dark with low opacity, and adding CEN slightly increased lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) parameters. The superior antioxidant and barrier characteristics of the CSM edible film incorporated with CEN make it a potential candidate for product packaging and shelf-life extension.

IDENTIFICATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES, PHARMACOKINETICS AND TOXICITY OF ACTIVE COMPOUNDS OF Kaempferia galanga RHIZOME

The Kencur plant has many benefits, is economically valuable, and is widely cultivated by the local community. The development of kencur compounds has not been carried out optimally because of the relatively high cost of identifying the content of each compound. This study aimed to determine the physiochemical properties of kencur compounds and their pharmacokinetics, as well as the toxicity of the herb kencur rhizome in silico. The method used in this study uses a Marvin sketch to draw the structure of the compound, which was then analyzed using Lipinski to determine its physico-chemical properties. Pharmacokinetic and toxicity analyses were performed using the pKCSM software. The results showed that all compounds followed Lipinski's rules; therefore, predictably, they could be developed into drug molecules from these compounds. In addition, all compounds had fairly high Water Solubility (log S). All HIA compounds were &gt;90%, so they were well absorbed in the intestine and showed good permeability to CaCO-2 with a log Papp value of &gt; 0.90. All the above compounds have low permeability to the skin due to the log Kp value &gt; -2.5, so they are not suitable for transdermal preparations. Keywords: Physicochemistry, Pharmacokinetics, Toxicity, Kencur, In silico

A novel amphiphilic polypeptoid based ultrafiltration membrane with excellent biocompatible property

Polysarcosine (PSar), a polypeptoid with a chemical structure resembling natural amino acids, stands out as a prominent non-ionic polypeptoid due to its outstanding water solubility and biocompatibility. These extraordinary properties make PSar a highly appealing material for a wide range of biomedical applications, especially in biocompatible membranes. However, due to its high-water solubility, PSar is inherently not stable enough for membranes. It is an effective way to apply PSar in membrane field by improving its stability while ensuring the hydrophilicity. Here, a novel copolymer, consisting of PSar and polysulfone (PSF) blocks (PSF-b-PSar, denoted as PSbS), is presented and synthesized by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of N-phenyloxycarbonyl-sarcosine (Sar-NPC), which is used as a functional skin layer on PSF substrates. The results demonstrated that the PSbS performed a highly hydrated layer on the membrane surface, thus mitigating interactions between biomolecules and biological entities. Notably, the PSbS/PSF membrane showed improved antifouling, biocompatibility, hemocompatibility and stability. Moreover, the hemolysis rate of the composite membrane was reduced to 0.56%, and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was effectively prolonged. In summary, this work proposed a strategy for solidifying PSar on the membrane surface as the non-water-soluble amphiphilic polymer, which is promising in the biomedical applications, especially in biocompatible membranes.