Ibuprofen Concentration Research Articles

Ibuprofen encapsulation inside non-conventional O/W Pickering emulsions stabilized with partially hydrophobized silica

The encapsulation of active ingredients is an important process in various industrial sectors including pharmaceutics, foods and cosmetics. For the first time, the capacity of non-conventional anti-Bancroft oil-in-water Pickering emulsions stabilized by partially hydrophobized silica to encapsulate an apolar active is addressed. A dispersed phase volume of paraffin oil of 50% coupled to 0.5 wt.% of silica has been employed to avoid excess of silica in the continuous phase and encapsulate higher amount of ibuprofen (the model drug). Three ibuprofen contents ranging from 100 mg (1.6 mg/mL of paraffin) to 420 mg (6 mg/mL of paraffin) have been tested. The encapsulation efficiency as well as the emulsions properties are investigated by the means of light diffusion, microscopy, rheology, and HPLC coupled to mass balance. The Pickering emulsion is very efficient for the encapsulation of ibuprofen with encapsulation rates of 99% obtained inside droplets of 30 µm for all the 3 ibuprofen concentrations. This encapsulation ability is perfectly maintained, whether during ageing (during 90 days), or when the emulsion is diluted by a factor 100 inside physiological media at basic and acidic pH.

Bacterial Degradation of Ibuprofen: Insights into Metabolites, Enzymes, and Environmental Fate Biodegradation of Ibuprofen by Achromobacter Species

In recent years, pharmaceuticals have emerged as pollutants due to their incomplete degradation in sewage treatment plants and their ability to cause physiological problems in humans even at low doses. Understanding the environmental fate of pharmaceutical pollutants and the mechanisms involved in their degradation is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate their impact on ecosystems and human health. In this study, the degradation of pharmaceutical compound ibuprofen was achieved by employing two bacterial strains, Achromobacter spanius strain S11 and Achromobacter piechaudii S18, previously isolated from contaminated water. These strains were capable of degrading ibuprofen as their sole carbon source. The study aimed to identify intermediate metabolites, determine the enzymes involved, and detect specific genes related to ibuprofen degradation. Different concentrations of ibuprofen, temperatures, and pH levels were tested. Both A. spanius S11 and A. piechaudii S18 successfully degraded ibuprofen. A. spanius S11 showed a degradation efficiency of 91.18% after only 72 h and reached 95.7% after 144 h, while A. piechaudii S18 exhibited degradation efficiencies of 72.39% and 73.01% after three and seven days, respectively. The LC-MS technique was used to identify biodegradation metabolites produced by A. spanius S11. The results indicated that the first step was hydroxylation followed by oxidation via the combination of monooxygenases that catalyze the C-H hydroxylation and dehydrogenases. Furthermore, the detection of intermediate metabolites of trihydroxyibuprofen suggested that the biodegradation of ibuprofen by A. spanius S11 can occur through multiple mechanisms. The highest enzyme activities were recorded for catechol 1,2-dioxygenase, 4.230 ± 0.026 U/mg, followed by laccase, 2.001 ± 0.215 U/mg. This study demonstrates the potential of Achromobacter strains, particularly A. spanius (S11), in degrading ibuprofen. These findings provide insights into the ibuprofen degradation process, intermediate metabolites, and relevant genes.

Can natural zeolite improve the removal of micropollutants in a nitrifying sequencing batch reactor? Insights on bioreactor performance, kinetics, and microbial community using Ibuprofen and Diclofenac as model micropollutants

This study presents the effect of natural zeolite (NZ) on a nitrifying sequencing batch reactor for removing ibuprofen (IBP) and diclofenac (DFC) in the long term, including kinetics and microbial community. The research was conducted in two 2 L liquid-volume bioreactors, one with 5 g/L of NZ. Nitrogen load rates ranging between 5.8 and 8.5 mg N/L h were studied. Bioreactors were operated for 217 days, with IBP and DFC concentrations ranging between 20 and 2000 μg/L. The results showed that using NZ in a nitrifying SBR only improves IBP removal at low concentrations (40 μg/L). IBP and DFC do not affect the nitrification efficiency or kinetic of ammonia removal. In the presence of IBP and DFC, NZ also favored a higher relative abundance in the genus Nitrosomonas and the Bradyrhizobiaceae family (responsible for nitrite-oxidizing activity), allowing higher IBP degradations at low IBP concentrations. Finally, IBP and DFC stimulated heterotrophic nitrification.

2‐Oxazoline‐Based Polymer for Pharmaceutical Products Adsorption in Aqueous Media

ABSTRACTWe present the synthesis and comprehensive evaluation of a novel 2‐oxazoline‐based polymer (polyPhOx) functionalized with phenyl groups, designed for the efficient adsorption of pharmaceutical contaminants from aqueous solutions. Employing living polymerization techniques (CROP) with two distinct initiators, we optimize reaction parameters including time, temperature, and initiator concentration. The rigorous characterization of the obtained polymer is depicted as well as the demonstration of its significant binding capacity for various pharmaceuticals, exploiting π–π and electrostatic interactions to achieve superior adsorption efficiency. Adsorption experiments are performed using high concentrations of model pharmaceuticals, including aspirin, ibuprofen, metoclopramide, pyramidone, oestradiol, and indomethacin, in hydroalcoholic solutions. Initial investigations confirm polyPhOx's exceptional efficacy, particularly with hydrophobic compounds such as oestradiol, achieving adsorption capacities of up to 56.67 mg g−1. Further validation in real environmental samples highlights the polymer's practical applicability, showing substantial removal rates even under complex matrix conditions and bringing hope for effective water purification solutions. Remarkably, polyPhOx retains high adsorption performance after 10 cycles, underscoring its potential for sustainable and cost‐effective water purification. This study not only introduces a promising material for environmental remediation but also demonstrates its robustness and reusability, paving the way for advanced wastewater treatment solutions targeting persistent pharmaceutical pollutants.

Development, validation and application of a high-performance liquid chromatography method for the detection of ibuprofen in elephant plasma

A simple and accurate method for the determination of ibuprofen concentrations in elephant plasma was developed and validated using reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Utilizing a liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate, methanol, and phosphoric acid, samples were separated on an XBridge C18 column. The mobile phase consisted of 0.005 M ammonium phosphate and acetonitrile (40:60, v/v). Both ibuprofen and the internal standard flurbiprofen were quantitated using an ultraviolet (UV) detector set at 214 nm. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 0.05 μg/mL in 100 μL of plasma. The average recovery was over 95% while the intra-assay variability ranged from 0.8 to 9.9% and the inter-assay variability ranged from 2.7 to 9.8%. The method was used successfully in a therapeutic drug monitoring program for elephants and could be used in future pharmacokinetic studies.

The impacts of roller compaction on the quality attributes of simultaneously compressed micro and minitablets

The challenges of developing good quality low dose minitablets was assessed by systematically studying the effects of ibuprofen (IBU, a model compound) particle sizes (6–58 µm D50) and concentrations (0.1–3 %w/w), roller compaction forces (3–7 kN/cm), and the minitablet sizes (1.2, 1.5 and 2 mm diameter). A novel compression approach, where all three minitablet sizes were simultaneously produced in a single compression run was used. Roller compacted ribbons, granules, minitablets were characterized for physico-mechanical properties and minitablets were also characterized for stratified content uniformity and weight uniformity. The results showed that roll force was the more dominant factor to ribbon solid fraction or tensile strength and granule size enlargement. Minitablets obtained from the granules had good weight uniformity; all but one batch met the <Ph. Eur. 2.9.5 > criteria. The precise control of tooling lengths across the various sizes was found profoundly important for achieving expected weights, solid fraction, and tensile strength of the simultaneously produced minitablets. The roller compaction process considerably improved the CU variability of the minitablets as compared to the direct compression process. Smaller particle size and higher concentration of IBU, increased roller compaction force, and larger minitablet size improved the potency and content uniformity; however, only the minitablet size was a statistically significant factor in this study. As a product strategic design criterion, a threshold of 25 minitablets in a dosage unit would ensure robust downstream filling and weight verification operations as well as dose accuracy and uniformity (would pass <USP 905> stage 1 criteria). This study results demonstrated feasibility of the novel simultaneous compression approach and the roller compaction process in developing good quality minitablets.

An in vitro evaluation of intravenous lipid emulsion on three common canine toxicants.

To determine whether intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy significantly reduces the concentration of baclofen, ibuprofen, and/or bromethalin in canine whole blood over time. Seven 500 mL bags of canine DEA 1.1 negative blood were divided into aliquots of 125 mL and randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups (baclofen, ibuprofen, bromethalin) or four control groups (a positive control for each treatment group and a negative control group). Injectable ibuprofen (200 mg/kg), baclofen (8 mg/kg), or bromethalin (3 mg/kg) was apportioned into 125 mL aliquots of canine whole blood and incubated for 30 min at 38.5°C. ILE (12.4 mL, Intralipid® ) was added to each sample and the solution vortexed [215 rpm for 15 min at 37°C (98.6°F)]. Samples were obtained at designated time points (0, 15, 30, 60, 180, 360 min), centrifuged, and separated into serum and RBC fractions. Serum samples were ultracentrifuged (22,000 g for 10 min at 37°C) to separate lipid rich and poor fractions. Samples were stored at -80°C prior to analysis. A significant decrease in total drug concentration was established for bromethalin and its metabolite desmethylbromethalin compared to positive controls. ILE significantly reduced desmethylbromethalin at the 30-and 360-min time points. The remainder of the desmethylbromethalin time points did not reach significance. Bromethalin concentration was significantly reduced at all time points compared to positive controls. Neither baclofen nor ibuprofen had significant changes in concentration. ILE therapy was effective at reducing the total drug concentration of bromethalin and its metabolite desmethylbromethalin supporting the lipid sink theory. As a single compartment in vitro study, this study does not evaluate other proposed mechanisms of action of ILE therapy. ILE therapy may have other means of significantly decreasing lipophilic drug concentration in cases of toxicosis.

The ability of UWWTP to remove NSAIDs: Impact on water quality in the Odra River Czech Republic concerning incoming European legislation

Increased consumption of pharmaceuticals has resulted in their detection in wastewater. If wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) fail to eliminate these substances adequately, they can seep into the environment, posing potential risks. As non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) belong to the pharmaceuticals most frequently examined in wastewater, this study aimed to monitor wastewater from the municipal wastewater treatment plant in Ostrava (UWWTP) over the course of a year, specifically assessing how the presence of these substances in discharged wastewater could contaminate the Odra River. To further understand the impact of NSAIDs, we evaluated the effectiveness of UWWTP technology in removing the following selected drugs: diclofenac (DCF), ibuprofen (IBU), naproxen (NAP) and ketoprofen (KET) - as well as their main metabolites: 4′-hydroxydiclofenac (hydroxyDCF), carboxyibuprofen (carboxyIBU), desmethylnaproxen (desmethylNAP), and ketoprofen glucuronide (glucuronideKET).Wastewater samples were collected at both the inflow and outflow of the urban wastewater treatment plant (UWWTP) Ostrava from October 2022 to September 2023. The analysis was performed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The concentrations of the monitored substances at the UWWTP inflow varied significantly, ranging from 79 ng/L to 112,125 ng/L, with the highest levels detected for ibuprofen (IBU), diclofenac (DCF), and their metabolites. The UWWTP demonstrated impressive treatment efficiency for IBU, exceeding 98%, while for DCF, it ranged between 56% and 87%. Building on these findings, a monitoring campaign was initiated along the Odra River to evaluate the concentrations of IBU and DCF - substances that had not been measured before. Water samples were taken from various locations along the Odra River from October to November 2023 and analyzed using the same methodology as the wastewater samples. The results indicate that, in line with the proposed environmental quality standards (EQS), IBU and DCF do not pose a significant contamination risk to the Odra River.

Correlational Analysis of Ibuprofen Behavior in Constructed Wetlands Planted with Ornamental Plants

The presence of ibuprofen in wastewater is a topic of global interest, and the mechanisms and behavior of its correlation with its elimination in ecological systems, such as constructed wetlands, is a little known topic. The objective of this study was to perform a correlational analysis of the behavior of the emerging contaminant ibuprofen in a horizontally constructed wetland in a tropical climate planted with the ornamental plant Spathiphyllum blandum. 10 experimental units were used at the mesocosm level of 20 L, 5 planted with Spathiphyllum B., and 5 without plants. The elimination of ibuprofen was measured and the correlation was analyzed using computational methods and neural networks. Spathiphyllum blandum was used in this study. The removal of ibuprofen in HC was significantly improved by up to 23% compared with that in non-planted systems. Based on the prediction obtained from ibuprofen in the effluent, it can be concluded that it has an exponential decay behavior tending to zero, and the model obtained explains in an acceptable way the relationship between the height of the plant and the concentration of ibuprofen in the effluent, reaffirming that this relationship is inverse. Further studies should be conducted to understand the behavior of these compounds in relation to different species of tropical plants.

Construction a flow through catalytic ozonation system with activated sludge based ceramsite for enhanced ibuprofen removal

Emerging contaminants had drawn much attention due to their ubiquitous occurrence in aquatic environment, and their potential negative effects. In this study, a flow catalytic ozonation system with activated sludge based ceramsite was established, and its catalytic performance was evaluated for degradation of ibuprofen (IBU). Firstly, the proportion of activated sludge and fly ash was 1:1 based on Reliy model for successfully preparation of ceramsite which could catalyze ozone to completely remove IBU within 10 min, while degradation ratio was just 19.9 % in ozonation system. The effects of operational conditions including initial concentration of IBU, ozone dosage, hydraulic retention time, and pH were considered to further verify the applicability of the system. The prepared ceramsite could not only enhance ozone dissolution, but also promote the decomposition of ozone to produce more •OH, which was contributed by metal ions active sites and surface hydroxyl groups. And the contribution of •OH for IBU degradation was about 95.3 % indicating that the •OH played an important role in degradation. The inorganic ions except CO32−/HCO3− and phosphates had less effect on catalytic performances. Furthermore, the degradation products and possible pathways were proposed. The catalytic ozonation system could effectively control the toxicity of the treatment solution. This study not only provided new ideas for resource utilization, but also provided advisable practice application of heterogeneous catalysts for dealing with wastewater.

The effect of process parameters on a continuous blending process monitored in-line by near-infrared spectroscopy

The continuous feeding-mixing system ensures the composition uniformity down to the tableting continuous manufacturing line so that a quality end-product is consistently delivered. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) enables in-line assessment of the blend's critical quality attributes in real-time. In this study, the effect of total feed rate and impeller speed on the continuous blending process monitored in-line by NIRS was examined by principal component analysis (PCA), ANOVA simultaneous component analysis (ASCA) and partial least squares (PLS) regression. Process data were generated by a factorial experimental design with process parameters and a constant formulation comprised of: 30 % (wt/wt) ibuprofen, 67.5 % (wt/wt) microcrystalline cellulose, 2 % (wt/wt) of sodium starch glycolate and 0.5 % (wt/wt) of magnesium stearate. The PCA hinted at the prevalence of impeller speed effect on ibuprofen concentration due to path length variation of the NIR light caused by the fluidized behaviour in the powder blend as a result of high speed ranges (>300 rpm). The ASCA model indicated that while both impeller speed and total feed rate effects were statistically significant (p-value=0.004), the impeller speed was the factor that contributed the most to the spectral variance (55.5 %). The PLS regression model for the ibuprofen content resulted in a RMSECV of 1.3 % (wt/wt) and showed that impeller speed was yet again the factor that exerted the major influence on spectral variance, owing to its wavelength-dependent effect that prevents common pre-processing techniques from eliminating it across the entire NIR range. The best sample presentation to the NIR probe was achieved at low impeller speed ranges (<600 rpm) and low total feed rates (<15 kg/h), such that it enhanced the PLS model ability to predict the ibuprofen concentration in the blend.

Performance evaluation of different nitrogenous biomass pyrolysis chars: Physicochemical properties and ibuprofen adsorption

The preparation of high-performance porous carbons (HPPCs) using biomass as adsorbent is a viable strategy for the treatment of ibuprofen (IB) in water. In the present study, pyrolyzed carbon was prepared from duckweed (DW) and rice straw (SW) at 400, 500, and 600 °C, and subsequently mixed pyrolysis with KOH to prepare the HPPCs. The HPPCs were used for the treatment of ibuprofen (IB) in water to evaluate their absorption performance. The physicochemical properties of biochar and HPPCs were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray electron microscopy, Raman microscopy, and the Brunauer-Emmett-Taylor method. In IB adsorption experiments, adsorption equilibrium was evaluated using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacities of DW and SW were 0.952 and 0484 g/g, respectively, at an IB concentration of 0.5 g/L. The adsorption capacity of HPPCs for IB is influenced by a multifactorial combination of the specific surface area, nitrogen content, and nitrogen-containing functional groups on the surface. Generally, the HPPCs showed great potential for the removal of the IB pharmaceutical contaminants from aqueous solutions.

Quantitative analysis of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in dried blood spot from mountain ultra-trail runners. Contribution of pharmacokinetic models for the interpretation of the results.

Monitoring of drug use in athletes is of interest both for health and competition-related issues. Considering the advantages of Dried Blood Sampling (low invasiveness, easy sampling, long term storage), we have validated a quantitative LC-MS/HRMS method for the screening of 16 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For all drugs, accuracy and imprecision were within 15% for the 3 levels of quality control and lower than 20% for the lower limit of quantification. Application was performed from samples obtained for Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® 2021 and 2022. A focus on ibuprofen and its metabolites (hydroxyibuprofen, carboxyibuprofen, ibuprofen glucuronide and hydroxyibuprofen glucuronide) was made because the results showed that it was the most detected nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Further, an interpretation of the ibuprofen concentrations was proposed either from experimental data obtained after an intake of ibuprofen by 10 control subjects, or from a pharmacokinetic modelling and simulations. Depending on the analytical performances of the method, we proposed possible detection windows for ibuprofen in runners. The pharmacokinetic model made it possible to consider two scenarios with and without modification of the total clearance of ibuprofen linked to a modification of the pharmacokinetics of the drugs due to the practice of a long and intense physical activity.

Analytical Study of Types and Quantity of Some Pharmaceutical Compounds in Treated Water from Khirbet Al-Samra Wastewater Treatment Plant in Jordan

This study was conducted to detect some organic compounds used in the pharmaceutical industry in the treated wastewater generated from the Khirbet Al-Samra wastewater plant in Jordan, this water is mixed with fresh water at King Talal dam and then used in irrigation in Jordan Valley. To estimate the number of organic compounds present in treated wastewater and study the seasonal variation (winter vs summer), a group of reference chemicals were used, including commonly used pain relievers: Ketoprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, and two antibiotics, including Sulfamethoxazole, Erythromycin, in addition to Carbamazepine. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry is used for the analysis of some pharmaceutical compounds. Results of the study showed that the concentration of Diclofenac was 6.4µg/L in winter samples compared with 4.2µg/L in summer samples. Naproxen was also present in the samples at relatively high concentrations of 5.2µg/L in winter and 3.5 µg/L in summer. Ibuprofen concentrations ranged between 3.7 and 1.1µg/L in winter and summer samples. Carbamazepine was present in the winter and summer samples at 1.3µg/L. Other compounds, including Ketoprofen, Sulfamethoxazole, and Erythromycin were not detected in both winter and summer samples. It can be seen that the concentration of detected pharmaceutical compounds in summer samples for Diclofenac, Naproxen and Ibuprofen was less than that in winter samples. The presence of some pharmaceutical compounds in treated water is not considered a major health problem. However, it is still important to monitor and evaluate the content of pharmaceuticals in treated water that is used to irrigate crops.

Ibuprofen as an adjuvant to conventional antimicrobials and essential oil compounds against skin pathogens.

Antimicrobial resistance continues to be a growing concern, resulting in increased use of drug combinations. Antibiotic adjuvants are an emerging strategy that may potentiate an antibiotics efficacy. Ibuprofen's polypharmacological properties have been investigated for their antimicrobial and host-modulating potential. This study aimed to investigate the potential of a novel multidrug combination involving ibuprofen, essential oil compounds (EOCs), and conventional antimicrobials against skin pathogens. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of ibuprofen, conventional antimicrobials, and EOCs were determined and then combined and tested against 14 (reference and clinical) skin pathogens. The cytotoxicity was analysed using the MTT assay, whilst the anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using lipopolysaccharide activated RAW264.7 murine macrophages. Four pairwise (Ibuprofen and antibiotic) (ΣFIC 0.33-0.50) and three triple (Ibuprofen and antibiotic with EOC) (ΣFIC 0.44-0.47) synergistic antimicrobial interactions were identified. These combinations demonstrated cell viability of 77.59%-100%. No combination significantly reduced nitric oxide production. The results from this study provide insight into the potential of a multidrug combination involving ibuprofen with conventional antimicrobials and EOCs against common skin pathogens.

Stress responses of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa to environmentally relevant concentrations of pharmaceutical ibuprofen: Ecological implications

Pharmaceuticals like ibuprofen (IBU) entering marine environments are of great concern due to their increasing consumption and impact on wildlife. No information on IBU toxicity to seagrasses is yet available. Seagrasses form key habitats and are threatened worldwide by multiple stressors. Here, the responses of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa to a short-term exposure (12 days) to environmentally realistic IBU concentrations (0.25–2.5-25 µg L−1), both at organism (plant growth) and sub-organism level (oxidative status, photosynthetic efficiency, and specialized metabolites production), were assessed in mesocosm. Chemical analyses to detect the presence of IBU and its metabolites in seawater and plants were also performed. IBU did not affect plant growth but caused physiological alterations which varied in severity depending on its concentration. Concentrations of 0.25 and 2.5 µg L−1 resulted in oxidative stress, but an increased antioxidant enzyme activity enabled plants to tolerate stress. A concentration of 25 µg L−1 caused greater oxidative stress, reduced antioxidant enzyme activity and specialized metabolites production, and impaired photosynthetic machinery functioning (particularly PSII). IBU was detected in seawater but not in plants suggesting no bioaccumulation. These findings indicate that C. nodosa could not withstand high IBU stress, and this could reduce its resilience to additional environmental stressors.

Thermo-activated in situ rectal gel preparation for Ibuprofen using eutectic mixture.

This study aimed to develop a thermosensitive in situ gel formulation for rectal delivery of Ibuprofen as an efficient alternative dosage form. Utilizing poloxamer 188, poloxamer 407, and HPMC via cold technique method, a thermosensitive in situ gel was successfully prepared. The concentration of Ibuprofen in the formulations was 1.2 % (w/w). The prepared gels underwent assessment for clarity, gelation temperature, gelation time, gel strength, spread ability, syringe-ability, pH, viscosity, FTIR, and drug content. The selected formulations exhibited a gelation temperature within the range of 30 °C to 36 °C, with consistent amount of drug soluble in the formulations (93 % - 110 %). Mucoadhesive studies, in vitro release tests, ex vivo modeling of drug release, kinetic studies modeling, and histopathology testing were also conducted. The formulation comprising 18 % poloxamer 407, 12 % poloxamer 188, and 1 % sodium chloride (FS15) demonstrated suitable gelation temperature and desirable drug release rate. In vitro drug release tests indicated completion within one hour for both FS10 (20 % P407 & 10 % P188) and FS15 (18 % P407 & 12 % P188), with consistent and predictable release patterns observed through kinetic modeling analysis. Microscopic histopathology examination confirmed the safety of the selected formula, exhibiting no irritation in the mucosal membrane of the sheep. In conclusion, Ibuprofen thermosensitive in situ gel presents a promising and convenient strategy as a rectal carrier and an alternative dosage form to solid suppositories.

Uni-directional release of ibuprofen from an asymmetric fibrous membrane enables effective peritendinous anti-adhesion

Drug-loaded porous membranes have been deemed to be effective physicochemical barriers to separate postoperative adhesion-prone tissues in tendon healing. However, cell viability and subsequent tissue regeneration might be severely interfered with the unrestricted release and the locally excessive concentration of anti-inflammatory drugs. Herein, we report a double-layered membrane with sustained and uni-directional drug delivery features to prevent peritendinous adhesion without hampering the healing outcome. A vortex-assisted electrospinning system in combination with ibuprofen (IBU)-in-water emulsion was utilized to fabricate IBU-loaded poly-ʟ-lactic-acid (PLLA) fiber bundle membrane (PFB-IBU) as the anti-adhesion layer. The resultant highly porous structure, oleophilic and hydrophobic nature of PLLA fibers enabled in situ loading of IBU with a concentration gradient across the membrane thickness. Aligned collagen nanofibers were further deposited at the low IBU concentration side of the membrane for regulating cell growth and achieving uni-directional release of IBU. Drug release kinetics showed that the release amount of IBU from the high concentration side reached 79.32% at 14 d, while it was only 0.35% at the collagen side. Therefore, fibroblast proliferation at the high concentration side was successfully inhibited without affecting the oriented growth of tendon-derived stem cells at the other side. In vivo evaluation of the rat Achilles adhesion model confirmed the successful peritendinous anti-adhesion of our double-layered membrane, in that the macrophage recruitment, the inflammatory factor secretion and the deposition of pathological adhesion markers such as α-SMA and COL-III were all inhibited, which greatly improved the peritendinous fibrosis and restored the motor function of tendon.

Optimizing the efficient removal of ibuprofen from water environment by magnetic carbon aerogel: kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamic studies

Ibuprofen (IBP) is a widely used analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug known to be a pollutant in aquatic environments. In the present work, Magnetic Carbon Aerogel (MCA) was synthesized to remove IBP. Central Composite Design (CCD) approach was applied to study the effect of critical variables, such as pH, contact time, and amount of adsorbent. X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, emission scanning electron microscopy, and MCA surface charge with zeta-potential analysis were used to characterize the samples. Under optimal conditions (IBP concentration of 10 mg/L, pH 4, MCA dosage of 0.092 g, and contact time of 45 min), a removal efficiency of 98 % was achieved. The most influential parameter on the IBP adsorption was pH. The results showed that the adsorption capacity for MCA was 46.94 mg/g based on Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.9998). The kinetic data showed that the adsorption of IBP on MCA was second-order and exothermic (ΔH° = -44949 J/mol). The reusability of the adsorbent was examined through 5 cycles, and no significant loss in the removal efficiency of IBP by MCA was observed.

In-situ and Ex-situ synthesized activated carbons derived from Raphia hookeri Kernels for ibuprofen adsorption in wastewater

This study introduces an innovative approach to synthesizing activated carbon (AC) from Raphia hookeri kernels, optimizing its application for efficient ibuprofen removal from wastewater. By exploring two distinct activation pathways—in-situ and ex-situ—the research underscores the tailored performance of the resulting ACs. Comprehensive characterization included point-of-zero charge (pHpzc), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). BET analysis revealed surface areas of 260.932 and 273.863 m²g⁻¹ for in-situ and ex-situ ACs, respectively, emphasizing their high porosity. The adsorption efficiency was evaluated under various conditions: pH (2−10), adsorbent doses (0.05–0.15 g), contact times (20–200 min), and ibuprofen concentrations (2–10 mgL⁻¹). The ACs demonstrated robust performance in ibuprofen removal, with kinetic data aligning with the pseudo-second-order model. Notably, the in-situ AC exhibited heterogeneous surface and multilayer adsorption characteristics (KF = 13.94 mgg⁻¹), while the ex-situ AC showed monolayer adsorption behavior (qm = 23.14 mgg⁻¹). Both ACs maintained high capacities over multiple cycles, indicating effective regeneration and reuse, making them cost-efficient and sustainable for wastewater treatment. This study's innovation lies in systematically comparing activation pathways, offering a framework for customizing biomass precursors to enhance adsorption in wastewater management.