Concentrations Of Honey Research Articles

Honey Loaded Silk Fibroin 3D Porous Scaffold Facilitates Homeostatic Full-Thickness Wound Healing

Dermal reconstruction in acute and chronic wounds needs highly vascularized dermal tissue engineered skin substitutes which has the potentiality to provide physical cues as well as biological cues for scarless regenerative wound healing. Herein, we have investigated blends of silk fibroin and honey as a wound healing substrate that able to facilitate keratinocyte and fibroblast adhesion, migration and proliferation. Honey-silk fibroin (HSF) three dimensional (3D) scaffolds were fabricated by freeze drying and characterized in detail for their physico-chemical, mechanical, swelling and degradable properties. Interestingly, in vitro studies showed better adhesion, proliferation and homogenous distribution of fibroblasts within blended scaffolds especially with 4% honey concentration (HSF4). Also, its structural composition with interconnected pores in the range of 108-152µm and porosity 82-92% further confirms the superiority over the counterparts and other blended scaffolds. The in vivo cytotoxic studies validated the biocompatibility of HSF4 scaffolds and the infiltration of both types of cells from the neighboring tissue. Fascinatingly, in vivo cutaneous wound healing studies demonstrated the attainment of normal homeostasis with proper re-epithelialization, collagen matrix remodeling having high collagen I expression with minimal scar under HSF4 scaffolds implantation. Taken together, this study suggests the potentiality of incorporation of honey component as a payload which not only augmented the scarless healing also modified the physical properties of scaffold in order to provide the suitable micro-ambience for healing and these material scaffold proved to be a potential dermal substitute for acute as well as chronic wounds.

The combined antimicrobial activity of citrus honey and fosfomycin on multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates.

Infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) have become a real fear in hospital-acquired infections, especially in critically ill and immunocompromised patients. Thus, advance of novel anti-infectives is currently pursued. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of each of citrus honey and fosfomycin in comparison to the combined effect of both of them on multidrug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa. 50 MDR P. aeruginosa isolates were tested for the antibacterial effect of citrus honey. Screening for potential synergistic activity of fosfomycin and honey combinations by E test. Molecular detection of the virulent exoenzyme U (exoU) genotype by conventional PCR was done. The present study found that 50 % (v/v) concentration of citrus honey was sufficient to inhibit the growth of most isolates (33/50, 66%). Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for fosfomycin tested by E test was found to be >128 µg/mL in 50(100%) of MDR P. aeruginosa isolates but after repeating E test with Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA) containing sublethal concentration of citrus honey (29/50,58%) isolates were sensitive. Also, there was a significant correlation between the presence of exoU gene and positive synergy of citrus honey-fosfomycin combination. This study showed that citrus honey has antibacterial effect and synergy with fosfomycin antibiotic against MDR P. aeruginosa isolates. Also, exoU positive genotype is associated with MDR phenotype. In conclusion, our results revealed that the citrus honey-fosfomycin combination showed highly statistically significant effect on MDR P. aeruginosa fosfomycin susceptibility pattern. exoU positive P. aeruginosa isolates were detected mostly in burn unit and ICUs. Also, there was a statistically significant correlation between the presence of exoU gene and positive result of honey-fosfomycin combination E test.

Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of honey in the peroxidation of rat liver microsomes.

Honey is a substance produced by bees and other social insects, from nectar or molasses that they gather on living plants and that transform or elaborate by evaporating water and action of enzymes, segregated by them, being stored in the alveoli or honeycomb cells. A prior investigation indicated that the total antioxidant activity of honey is primarily provided by its phenolic composition. Polyphenols mainly exert their antioxidant activity by neutralizing free radicals. The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effect of honey on the peroxidation of hepatic microsomes membranes. Rat liver microsomes were incubated with different concentrations of honey (25, 50, 100, 200 mg) in an in vitro non-enzymatic ascorbic acid-Fe+2 system in order to determine the oxidative effect on membranes and to quantify peroxidation level in standardized conditions. The microsomal peroxidation was quantified in a liquid scintillation counter Packard 1900 TR by chemiluminescence in cpm (counts per minute). Microsomal membranes without honey were used as controls. Analyzing the effect of honey was observed that the total cpm/mg protein originated from light emission: chemiluminescence, was statistically lower in samples obtained from honey group than in the control group (without honey), the antioxidant effect found was dependent concentration.

Safety of honey consumed in Enugu State, Nigeria: a public health risk assessment of lead and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Information about lead (Pb) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations in honey and their dietary intake is very important in human health risk assessment. Currently, there are paucity of data on the risk assessment and concentrations of lead and PAHs in honey in Nigeria. This study has determined the potential human health risk of lead and PAHs associated with the consumption of honey in Enugu state, Nigeria. Lead and US EPA 16 priority PAHs in honey harvested from rural and urban communities in March 2016 were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer and Gas Chromatograph respectively. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessments were carried. The mean concentration of Pb in honey ranged from 0.005 mg/kg – 0.08 mg/kg. The mean concentrations of 16 PAHs in honey ranged from 4.71E-03 – 2.72 mg/kg. The dietary intake of the PAHs for adults and children ranged from 0.0021 – 0.0259 mg/kg/day and 0.0011 – 0.0129 mg/kg/day respectively. The levels of BaPeq and their margin of exposure MOE suggest non-significant health risk. The incremental life cancer risk ILCR of Pb were within safe range of <1E-04. Consumption of honey from Enugu State, Nigeria may not pose a significant health risk_

Effect of Indian honey on expression of p53 and cyclin B1 in HeLa cells

Honey is a natural product collected from the nectar by honey bees and has a wide array of therapeutic important compounds called as phytochemicals. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Existing conventional cancer therapy which is mainly comprised of chemotherapeutic agents has side effects. Honey due to the presence of phytochemicals especially flavonoids and phenolic acids like apigenin, chrysin, quercetin and caffeic acid are found to inhibit the cancer growth. This effect varies among different honeys since they are dependent on the phytochemical composition and their concentrations in honey, which varies with respect to floral origin from which honey has been collected, geographical and climatic conditions. Thus, in the current study, phytochemical characterization of Jambhul, Rubber, Litchi and Drumstick honey samples along with their effect on the expression of proteins playing a vital role in the event of cell cycle and apoptosis i.e. Cyclin B1 and p53 proteins were determined by Flow cytometry. It was found that these honey samples contain apigenin, chrysin, quercetin and caffeic acid. These honeys exhibited an increase in expression of p53 whereas, expression of Cyclin B1 protein was reduced in HeLa cells treated with honey samples. The presence of phytochemical markers exhibiting promising anticancer potential along with the ability of alterations in the expression of these proteins proves that these honey samples have a potent anticancer activity which enhances the chances of these Indian honeys to be utilized in the treatment of cervical cancer.

Estabilidade físico-química de iogurtes adoçados com mel de abelha Apis mellifera L.

Resumo: O iogurte é obtido a partir da fermentação láctea mediante a ação de bactérias ácido-láticas específicas, podendo ser acrescido de ingredientes com propriedades funcionais, com a finalidade de agregar valor nutritivo, sensorial e atratividade para os consumidores. Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa desenvolver iogurtes adoçados com mel de abelha Apis mellifera L. e monitorar a estabilidade físico-química durante o armazenamento sob refrigeração. Com isso, foram elaboradas seis formulações de iogurtes adicionados de 5% de inulina e diferentes concentrações de mel (0, 4, 6, 8, 10 e 12%). O comportamento da estabilidade físico-química (extrato seco total, cinzas, pH e acidez total titulável - expressa em g de ácido láctico) foi avaliado durante 35 dias de armazenamento, nos tempos 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias. Para esse experimento, foi montando um Delineamento Inteiramente Casualizado em esquema fatorial, sendo seis tratamentos e seis períodos de armazenamento. Os dados foram analisados através da Análise de Variância e comparação de médias pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de significância. Foi possível observar que a adição de mel nos iogurtes promoveu aumento significativo (p&lt;0,05) nos valores de extrato seco total e acidez total titulável, associado a redução nos valores de cinzas e pH. Os iogurtes atenderam aos padrões de identidade e qualidade preconizados pela legislação e, durante o armazenamento, sofreram alterações significativas em todos os parâmetros influenciados, principalmente, pelo fator concentração de mel do que tempo de armazenamento.

Morphological alterations in gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria exposed to minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentration of raw Malaysian stingless bee honey

The stingless bee Heterotrigona itama honey is generating interest among consumers due to unique antibacterial properties. Despite the substantial health benefits of this honey, its action mode of inhibiting and killing pathogenic bacteria remains unresolved. The present study aimed to unravel the effect of raw H. itama honey against four clinically important bacteria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, alongside antioxidant and antibacterial activities of honey samples were established to identify the ‘best’ raw honey. Honey Sy-1 showing the highest amount of phenolics (80.71 mg GAE/100 g) and antioxidant capacity (82.67%) and, the lowest MIC (1.56% (w/v)) and MBC (3.125% (w/v)), was tested against four bacterial cells, wherein any alterations in cellular morphology were observed under scanning electron microscope. The micrographs revealed significant elongation/filamentation in B. subtilis cells, de-flagellation in P. aeruginosa, membrane perturbation and leakage of intracellular contents in E. coli alongside non-dividing septated cells in S. aureus. H. itama honey inhibited bacterial growth by disrupting the cell membrane in conjunction to interacting with a cytosolic target or possibly interrupted septum formation and blocking DNA and protein syntheses. The evidence strongly supported the natural antibacterial properties of the H. itama honey.

Wild Honey Facilitates Antibacterial Efficacy of Penicillin and Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid.

Background: Antibacterial efficacy of honey has been well acknowledged from ancient to modern society. Utilizing a wild honey, the present strategy of the study was chosen to address an unfilled demand for finding a complement of penicillin analogues which have already been reported resistant in many cases. Methods: In this study, penicillin and amoxiclav were trialed against four clinically resistant bacteria – two gram-positives (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) and two gram-negatives (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii). Afterwards, these bacteria were exposed to different concentrations of a natural wild honey. Finally, the honey was used in conjugation with penicillin and amoxiclav individually. Zone of inhibition, minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were observed in this regard. Results: The wild honey showed great potential to inhibit bacterial growth at its lowest dose given (6.25%) both against Staphylococcus (48%) and Streptococcus species (45%) but could not exhibit any bactericidal effect alone. However, it greatly influenced both penicillin (100%) against Acinetobacter and amoxiclav (93%) against Klebsiella species whereas these two antibiotics could not demonstrate good antibacterial effect when applied individually against these bacteria. Conclusion: All findings suggested that wild honey not only possess inhibitory effect but also Facilitates other agents’ action, thereby, generating a scope for research for identifying new potential antibacterial agents.

Evaluation of honey as an antibacterial agent against drug-resistant uropathogenic E. coli strains

E. coli was reported as an uro-pathogen which is difficult to treat because of its multidrug resistance as well as its growth in biofilms. This study was designed to study resistance pattern, biofilm formation ability among uropathogenic E.coli, and to evaluate the action of Egyptian honey types as an antibacterial agent. Strains were collected, antibiotic susceptibility testing and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) detection were assessed. Biofilm formation ability was detected by the TCP method. The activity of Egyptian honey types (citrus, camphor, marjoram, and black seed honey) was tested by using agar well diffusion and micro-broth dilution techniques. 17 uropathogenic E. coli strains were collected, at which high resistance rates toward ampicillin, cephalosporins (ceftazidime/cefotaxime) ranging from 77% to 100%. Imipenem was the most active antibiotic (94%). 64.7% were ESBL producers while only 35.3% were non-ESBL producers. 12 isolates (70.6%) were found to be biofilm formers at which 3 (17.7%) of them were categorized as moderate biofilm formers and 9 (52.9%) were categorized as weak biofilm formers. Only 5 isolates (29.4%) were non-biofilm formers. 50% citrus honey concentration was defined as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 3 isolates, and a concentration of 12.5% was defined as MIC for 1 isolate. Our study showed high AR rates toward the used antibiotics, besides the ESBL production and biofilm formation ability. Egyptian citrus honey at a concentration of 50% and 12.5% had the ability to inhibit 23.53% of E.coli isolates, having antibacterial potency against those AR pathogenic strains.

Honey can inhibit and eliminate biofilms produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Chronic wound treatment is becoming increasingly difficult and costly, further exacerbated when wounds become infected. Bacterial biofilms cause most chronic wound infections and are notoriously resistant to antibiotic treatments. The need for new approaches to combat polymicrobial biofilms in chronic wounds combined with the growing antimicrobial resistance crisis means that honey is being revisited as a treatment option due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and low propensity for bacterial resistance. We assessed four well-characterised New Zealand honeys, quantified for their key antibacterial components, methylglyoxal, hydrogen peroxide and sugar, for their capacity to prevent and eradicate biofilms produced by the common wound pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We demonstrate that: (1) honey used at substantially lower concentrations compared to those found in honey-based wound dressings inhibited P. aeruginosa biofilm formation and significantly reduced established biofilms; (2) the anti-biofilm effect of honey was largely driven by its sugar component; (3) cells recovered from biofilms treated with sub-inhibitory honey concentrations had slightly increased tolerance to honey; and (4) honey used at clinically obtainable concentrations completely eradicated established P. aeruginosa biofilms. These results, together with their broad antimicrobial spectrum, demonstrate that manuka honey-based wound dressings are a promising treatment for infected chronic wounds, including those with P. aeruginosa biofilms.

Antimicrobial Activity of Honey Samples from Ovia North East Local Government Areas in Edo State, Nigeria

Background: Honey is one of the oldest natural products in our environment used as natural alternatives for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the antimicrobial activity of some honey samples collected from Ovia North-East local government area of Edo state Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Three honey samples were obtained in April 2017 from local commercial producers in Ovia North-East local government area of Edo state Nigeria. Bacteria strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus spp, Klebsiella spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were obtained from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Edo state Nigeria. The antimicrobial activity of the honey samples was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The antimicrobial activity of Ciprofloxacin was also evaluated as a positive control. Results: All the honey samples had antimicrobial activities against the pathogens tested. Most of the strains showed the highest inhibition zone and hence better antimicrobial activity when the sample from Ogbese was tested against the strains. An increase in the honey concentration increased the activity of the sample and hence the zone of inhibition against the pathogens tested. Among the Bacteria strains tested Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most sensitive against all the honey samples. Conclusion: Our study shows the antimicrobial activity of honey samples from Ovia North east local government area in Edo state Nigeria. As bacterial resistance to antibiotics is on the increase, it is urgently required to discover alternative therapeutic agents.

In vitro modulation of extracellular matrix genes by stingless bee honey in cellular aging of human dermal fibroblast cells.

This study determined the antiaging effect of stingless bee honey on the expression of extracellular matrix genes. MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt) assay was performed for determination of optimum concentration and incubation time of stingless bee honey. Gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and collagen type Ⅰ (COL1A1) were analyzed using real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction technique. Incubation with stingless bee honey at concentration of 0.02% for 72hr showed significant increase in the viability of human fibroblast cells. Stingless bee honey significantly downregulates metalloproteinase-1 gene expression in both pre-senescence and senescence fibroblast cells and upregulates collagen type Ⅰ gene expression in senescence fibroblast cells. In conclusion, stingless bee honey potentially delayed skin aging through modulation of extracellular matrix genes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Changes of the extracellular matrix regulation promote skin aging. Stingless bee honey is a good source of natural antioxidant which potentially delays skin aging. This study demonstrated that stingless bee honey beneficially increases collagen type Ⅰ expression and decreases MMP-1 expression during cellular aging of human dermal fibroblast cells.

Effect of 6-Benzylaminopurine and Honey for in Vitro Shoot Initiation of Mangosteen Seed Explant From Riau, Indonesia

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is a tropical plant that has export value because it has a rich of antioxidant xanthone that can be used for medicine as an anti-cancer agent. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) from Riau, Indonesia has many superiorities such as grow in the marshes and tolerant to acid soil (peat soil). One of the alternative methods to produce large number and uniform mangosteen seedlings in a short period can be done using in vitro culture technique. The purpose of this research was to determine the optimal concentration of BAP and honey in shoot initiation of mangosteen explant from seed that had been divided into four parts and also to determine the best combination for initiation mangosteen shoots using in vitro method. This research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with the concentration of BAP (3; 7 mg/l) and honey (3; 6; 9 ml/l) or in combination on MS medium with five replications. The result showed that the highest number of shoots (14.60) formed on MS medium supplement with 7 mg/l BAP + 3 ml/l honey. The combination between 3 mg/l BAP + 3 ml/l honey produced the tallest shoots (5.10 cm) and the highest number of leaves (3.20 leaves) on MS medium supplement with 3 mg/l BAP + 9 ml/l honey. In this study, we have successfully presented the effect of 6-benzyl amino purine and honey for in vitro shoots initiation from mangosteen seed explant (Garcinia mangostana L.) which taken from Riau Indonesia.

Modification of the existing maximum residue level for boscalid in honey.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant BASF SE submitted a request to the competent national authority in Germany to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance boscalid in honey and other apiculture products. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal for honey from field studies. This MRL proposal covers residues measured in honey samples analysed in the framework of EU National Monitoring Programmes. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of boscalid in honey at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that residues concentrations in honey at the level of the proposed MRL are unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

The role of hydrogen peroxide in the antibacterial activity of different floral honeys

Because of its powerful therapeutic potential in wound care, honey has been given much attention. One of the most relevant and researched characteristics of honey is its multifactorial antibacterial activity. Several antibacterial compounds have been identified including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The goal of the study was to characterize the antibacterial potential of honeys from various botanical origins (n = 233) against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and establish the H2O2 content. Five types of honey were identified: acacia (n = 72), linden (n = 23), rapeseed (n = 9), sunflower (n = 8) and multi-floral (n = 121). The overall antibacterial activity of all the honey samples, expressed as a minimal inhibitory concentration of honey, strongly correlated with the level of H2O2. On the other hand, linden honey, which exhibited the strongest antibacterial effect, showed weak or no correlation between the antibacterial activity and the level of H2O2, depending on bacterial strain. The weakest antibacterial activity was documented in the rapeseed honey samples and it was associated with the low content of H2O2. These data suggest that antibacterial activity of honey is mainly H2O2-dependent; however, certain type of honey such as linden honey, showed a strong antibacterial effect which, may be, at least partially, attributed to non-peroxide factor(s).

Amino acids characterization of forest honeys from some area of South Sulawesi

Amino acid characterization of forest honey was carried out in eight samples from Terasa, Mallawa and Bontojai, South Sulawesi Province. Analytical method of amino acid concentration in honey is using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC). 16 amino acids with an average amino acids concentration in mg/kg dominated by histidine (589.20 - 2776.81), glutamic acid (992.76 – 1527.40), and arginine (674.10 – 1038.76) followed by alanine (424.84 – 707.41), aspartic acid (256.51 – 595.42), phenylalanine (200.59 – 711.29) and serine (419.18). Other amino acids were tyrosine (215.33 – 333.54), glycine (240.26 – 402.00), leucine (259.63 – 315.27), proline (209.51 – 333.73), threonin (217.09 – 279.36), valine (198.08 – 290.88) and lysine (157.01 – 275.86). Amino acids in small amounts were methionine (86.46 – 129.89) and isoleucine (98.24 – 125.94). Forest honey from Terasa, Mallawa and Bontojai can be a source of essential amino acids.

Protective effects of aqueous extracts of some honeys against HCl/ethanol-induced gastric ulceration in rats.

This study focused on the concept of the possible protective effect of some honey types against HCl/ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in male Wistar albino rats. Rats were pretreated with rhododendron, chestnut, and oak honey orally with doses of 1.25 and 2.5g/kg, bw (body weight) for three consecutive days. On fourth day, nothing was applied, and after the administration of anesthesia on the fifth day, their stomachs were surgically removed to investigate the histopathological examinations. Besides analyses of some blood serum profiles and antioxidant parameters of gastric tissue, some biochemical properties of honeys were investigated to support the histopathological results. The degrees of ulcer lesions in all groups revealed a statistically significant difference (p=.011). Although this difference originated from the additional ulcerative inducing effect of some honeys, the lower concentration rhododendron honey indicated more promising data than the positive control group (pantoprazole) in consequence of the microscopic and macroscopic evaluations. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: As being a member of natural products, honey has acquired fame among the studies in recent years due to its versatility as a source of food and complementary medicine. For contributing to this argument, this comprehensive study was performed and results were focused on the lower concentration of rhododendron honey thanks to its clinical potential with protecting the gastric mucosa. According to the obtained results, our suggestion came into prominence that this honey might be protecting the mucosa, better than the different concentrations of chestnut and oak honeys, by being better-absorbed through the gastric mucosa.

Chrysin enhances anticancer drug-induced toxicity mediated by the reduction of claudin-1 and 11 expression in a spheroid culture model of lung squamous cell carcinoma cells

The aberrant expression of claudins (CLDNs), which are tight junctional proteins, is seen in various solid tumors, but the regulatory mechanisms and their pathophysiological role are not well understood. Both CLDN1 and CLDN11 were highly expressed in human lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Chrysin, found in high concentration in honey and propolis, decreased CLDN1 and CLDN11 expression in RERF-LC-AI cells derived from human lung SCC. The phosphorylation level of Akt was decreased by chrysin, but those of ERK1/2 and c-Jun were not. LY-294002, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and decreased the expression levels of CLDN1 and CLDN11. The association between phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) and Akt was inhibited by chrysin, but the phosphorylation of PDK1 was not. Immunoprecipitation and quartz-crystal microbalance assays revealed that biotinylated-chrysin binds directly to Akt. The knockdown of CLDN1 and CLDN11 using small interfering RNAs increased the transepithelial flux of doxorubicin (DXR), an anthracycline anticancer drug. Similarly, both chrysin and LY-294002 increased DXR flux. Neither CLDN1 knockdown, CLDN11 knockdown, nor chrysin changed the anticancer drug-induced cytotoxicity in a two-dimensional culture model, whereas they enhanced cytotoxicity in a spheroid culture model. Taken together, chrysin may bind to Akt and inhibit its phosphorylation, resulting in the elevation of anticancer drug-induced toxicity mediated by reductions in CLDN1 and CLDN11 expression in RERF-LC-AI cells. We suggest that chrysin may be useful as an adjuvant chemotherapy in lung SCC.

Corrosion inhibition of steel in a sodium chloride solution by natural honey

Abstract This paper studies the corrosion inhibition of carbon steel in a 0.51 mol × dm−3 sodium chloride solution in the presence of honey. The tests were carried out using the potentiodynamic polarization method, scanning electronic spectroscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Electrochemical parameters which indicate the corrosion behavior of the steel in the sodium chloride solution in the absence and in presence of honey were calculated based on the experimental results. It was shown that honey acts as a mixed corrosion inhibitor whose efficiency increases with an increasing concentration. The maximum efficiency of inhibition (77.68 %) was maintained through a 1200 ppm concentration of honey. The adsorption of the tested inhibitor is described by Langmuir's isotherm, and the calculated value of free adsorption energy indicates the physical adsorption of the organic components of honey on the steel surface. The results of the SEM, FTIR and EDX analysis show that the honey covers the steel surface and prevents the influence of the aggressive medium.

Optimization of PVA-Arabic Gum–Honey-based Electrospun Nanofibers as Candidate Carrier for Peptide and Protein Delivery

Nanofibers dressing exhibit several advantageous characteristics for accelerating wound healing, such as its similar structure to the extracellular matrix (ECM), high surface area/volume ratio, high porosity and high loading capacity of drug. The nanofibers dressing which were prepared by the electrospinning technique using combination of synthetic and natural polymer excipients capable of fulfilling the ideal wound dressing criteria. This study aimed to develop nanofibers dressing prepared from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Arabic gum (GA) and honey by electrospinning method. This study focused on the effect of electrospinning parameters and the morphology of electrospun nanofibers of the blended solutions made from PVA (9% w/v) – GA (1% w/v) and honey (at varied concentrations of 0;1;3% w/v) with or without Triton X-100 (0.05% v/v). The effect of varied process parameters such as voltage and flow rate in electrospinning was also investigated. The blended solutions with the various concentration of honey at 0;1;3% w/v and Triton X-100 were named as FAt, FBt, and FCt, respectively, while the blended solutions without Triton X-100, were named as FA, FB, and FC. The optimum electrospining parameter were 18 KV and 5 µl/minute for FAt, FBt, and FCt; and 20 KV and 10 µl/minute for FA, FB, and FC. Electrospun nanofibers of FAt, FBt, FCt showed smoother and more uniform fibers in comparison to the nanofibers FA, FB, and FC. The average nanofibers diameter of FAt, FBt, FCt were 244±45; 266±45; 283±57 nm, respectively, while the average nanofibers diameter of FA, FB, FC was 406±140, 457±168, 594±204 nm, respectively. Higher concentration of honey increased the diameters of nanofibers. The average nanofibers diameter of FAt, FBt, and FCt were within nanoscale in range of the ECM (50-500 nm), which were suitable for accelerating wound healing. Therefore, this study indicated that PVA-GA-honey nanofibers dressing is suitable to be further developed as carrier for growth factors.