Viscosity Measurements Research Articles

Physically crosslinked chitosan/αβ–glycerophosphate hydrogels enhanced by surface-modified cyclodextrin: An efficient strategy for controlled drug release

This study reports physically crosslinked chitosan/αβ–glycerophosphate (CS/GP) hydrogels containing surface-modified cyclodextrin for efficient controlled drug release. Highly water-soluble β–cyclodextrin-grafted L–serine (CD–g–Ser) compounds were synthesized, and employed as an effective carrier of berberine hydrochloride (Ber) for CS/GP hydrogels. Various characterizations, including gelation time determination, scanning electron microscopy, and viscosity measurement, indicated that the introduction of CD–g–Ser led to increased crosslinking degree, improved temperature sensitivity, and shortened sol–gel phase transition time of the hydrogel. Meanwhile, the sustained release ability for Ber was achieved due to the hydrophobic association between cyclodextrin and Ber. It was observed that within 4 h, the hydrogel containing CD–g–Ser released 40 % of Ber, while the CS/GP hydrogel without CD–g–Ser released 65 % of Ber. Furthermore, in vitro bacteriostasis experiments confirmed the drug-loaded hydrogel had an excellent antibacterial effect against E. coli and S. aureus (diameter of the inhibition zone up to (16.4 and 34.7) mm, respectively), low hemolysis rate (<2 %), and high cell viability (>90 %). The findings indicate that the physical crosslinked CS hydrogel can be used as a new drug delivery system, and its excellent antibacterial effect makes it a potential wound dressing candidate.

Styryl dyes for viscosity measurement and detection of pathological processes in mitochondria of living cells using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, a critical study

In the present work, two molecular rotors based on styryl dyes were synthesized and investigated. Both dyes showed significant sensitivity to the viscosity of the medium. Due to their significant positive charge, they efficiently accumulated in mitochondria of living cells. Binding to mitochondria resulted in increased fluorescence intensity and fluorescence lifetime of the dyes, allowing them to be visualized without washing off the unbound dye. We have also shown that the fluorescence lifetime of the studied molecular rotors is determined not only by the viscosity of the medium, but also by interactions with cell components such as proteins and nucleic acids. The present work clearly shows that these interactions do not allow a reliable estimation of viscosity in cell organelles using the synthesized dyes. This compromises the results of previous viscosity studies using molecular rotors at least of the styryl type. Nevertheless, induction of cell apoptosis by benzylviologen led to an increase in brightness and fluorescence lifetime of the dyes, which can be caused by both changes in viscosity and changes in the expression profile of proteins localized in mitochondria and interacting with the dyes. Thus, the obtained styryl dyes, like previously published homologous compounds, cannot be used for viscosity measurements, but can be used for identification of pathological states of the cell.

Entropy Driven Binding of 2-(4-Aminophenyl)benzothiazole with DNA: An Experimental and Theoretical Insights

Molecular recognition driven by molecular interactions is an intricate part of drug discovery and targeted drug delivery systems due to the dependence of thetherapeutic properties of drugs on interaction with desired target biomolecules as receptors. 2-(4-Aminophenyl) benzothiazole (APB), a heterocyclic molecule containing a benzothiazole nucleus, is known to induce apoptosis besides inhibiting cancer cell development and has been found effective against different microorganisms. This study highlights the spectroscopic and theoretical investigation of binding interactions of APB and ct-DNA. The UV-vis experiments indicate a binding constant of 9.73 ± 0.4 × 105 M-1. The measured binding constants of 1.0 ± 0.2 × 105, 2.4 ± 0.3 × 105 and 3.5 ± 0.3 × 105 at 298, 303 and 308 K, respectively, from fluorescence experiments indicated a dynamic quenching type. The binding was driven by hydrophobic forces with positive ΔHº (64.8467 ± 2 KJ mol–1) and ΔSº (317.12 ± 2 J mol–1 K–1) values besides spontaneity of the process with negative ΔGº values. The binding of APB molecule in the minor groove of ct-DNA was demonstrated by DNA melting tests, viscosity measurements and site marker displacement using ethidium bromide and Hoechst. Additional studies conducted by KI provided support for minor groove binding and NaCl has no impact on the binding electrostatic interactions, while the CD investigations showed no DNA structural alterations. Molecular docking studies also confirmed the experimental findings placing APB in the ct-DNA minor groove.

Physical Characterization of Polyethylene Glycol Modified by Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have been the most important in the field of nanotechnology these days, which have many enormous advantages, such as non-toxic compounds, high static physical capacity as well, carrying lipophilic drugs, and advantages like controlled drug release and targeted drug delivery with increased stability. Moreover, polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been used to increase the stability of the (SLNs). In this research describes the modification of the coating of (PEG) on the surface of (SLNs) to improve the efficiency of drug delivery to target cells in the body. However, (PEG-SLNs) were prepared by the ultrasonication/high-speed homogenization method. In contrast, the physical characterization of (PEG-SLNs) was studied by viscosity measurement at 37°C, which was developed by using stearic acid as a lipid matrix in ethanol as the dispersion medium. At that point, we noticed there was a decrease in relative viscosity (ηr) and dynamic viscosity (η) with the increasing of the weight of stearic acid, due to the result of the creation of (SLNs) that was coated by (PEG) which was modified by ultrasonication. Through Flory-Fox's theory treated the viscosity data to obtain the hydrodynamic radius (RH), which was decreased from 100 to 50 nm, while the diffusion coefficient was (D) and mobility (μ) that has increased. Moreover, the zeta potential value was (ζ) &gt; 30 mv, at 0.5 g cm-3 concentration of (PEG) with 2.5 g of stearic acid, this result was the best value of the stability of the solution. In this case, this study will use synthesized (PEG-SLNs) in the future for drug delivery to target cells in the body.

Data-Driven and Machine-Learning-Based Real-Time Viscosity Measurement Using a Compliant Mechanism

In this work, a novel method of viscosity measurement is proposed using a device comprising a compliant mechanism, a vibration source, and a piezoelectric sensor. The vibration source creates linear harmonic vibrations in the compliant mechanism suspended in the liquid, and the acceleration response of the mechanism is measured using the piezoelectric sensor. The vibration source is located in the central mass of the compliant mechanism, which is designed to have the necessary directional stiffness. As the mechanism vibrates, the links in the mechanism undergo damping due to the shearing action of the fluid because of its viscosity. A series of viscosity measurements are carried out with the use of water–glycerol solutions such that the acceleration of the mass is influenced by the fluid’s viscosity. During the working of the device, the mechanism is immersed in the liquid whose viscosity is to be measured. The acceleration response of the mass is recorded as time domain data using NI Lab View hardware and software, which are used to train a machine learning model. Later, a regression-based machine learning model is used for the estimation of dynamic viscosity for the given acceleration input. Experiments are performed with the prototype device using the water–glycerol solution within a viscosity ranging from 10 cP to 60 cP. The proposed sensor can be used for in-line measurements or used as a handheld instrument for quick measurements. The machine learning model achieved a high level of accuracy, evidenced by an R-squared value of 0.99, indicating that it explains 99% of the variance in the data.

An Innovative Use of Hydroxyapatite (HAp) from Pokea Clam Shells (Batissa violacea var. celebensis) for Toothpaste Manufacturing

Innovation research on the use of hydroxyapatite from pokea clam shells (Batissa violacea var. celebensis) for toothpaste manufacturing has been successfully conducted. This study aims to determine how to synthesize and characterize hydroxyapatite (HAp) from pokea shells and the efficiency of its use in making toothpaste. The research process was conducted through hydroxyapatite synthesis and hydroxyapatite toothpaste formulation. The success of this synthesis was proven by the characterization of XRF spectrophotometer, FTIR spectrophotometer and digital optical microscope. The results of XRF analysis showed that the CaO content in the material was 88.21%. The results of FTIR analysis showed that in hydroxyapatite material there was absorption at wave numbers 926 cm-1 and 1024 cm-1 which showed asymmetric strain vibrations and bending vibrations of PO43- groups. The results of XRD characterization of HAp show that the diffraction peak is at an angle of 2θ = 20-57 ° with a crystal size of 46.15 nm and a degree of crystallinity of 85.43%. Digital optical microscope test results at 500x and 1000x magnification, showed hydroxyapatite has a uniform and non-porous shape. The hydroxyapatite toothpaste produced is bone white in color with menthol aroma and slightly rough texture. The resulting toothpaste is homogeneous, the diameter of the distribution that meets the quality requirements of toothpaste is 6.833 cm. The pH measurement result on toothpaste is 5.82 which meets the toothpaste quality requirements. The result of viscosity measurement on toothpaste is 20,000 cpa.s which meets the requirements of toothpaste viscosity. The foam formed is 10 mm where the height of the foam formed has met the requirements. Hydroxyapatite toothpaste has good stability and strong antibacterial activity, where the clear zone formed is 18.7 mm

Correlating Ionic Conductivity to Structure and Dynamics of Li-Ion Battery Electrolyte Systems: Raman Spectroscopy, Dielectric Relaxation Measurements, and Streak Camera Solvation Data Analysis.

A correlation between ionic conductivity and electrolyte solution structure and dynamics was explored by performing electrolyte concentration- and temperature-dependent measurements of conductivity, viscosity, and dielectric relaxation (DR) in solutions of lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI) in triethylene glycol dimethyl ether (also known as triglyme, G3). In addition, an electrolyte concentration-dependent Raman spectroscopic study and ultrafast dynamic fluorescence Stokes shift measurements of solvation of a dissolved solute by employing a streak camera detection technique were carried out. Measured conductivities (σ) and the average DR times (⟨τDR⟩) were found to be partially decoupled from the solution viscosities (η) and obeyed the relation, σ or ⟨τDR⟩-1 ∝(η/T)-p, with p = 0.6-0.75 for σ and p = 0.2-0.45 for ⟨τDR⟩-1. Raman data indicated the formation of ion pairs and ionic aggregates in these solutions, while the measured glass transition temperature increased with LiTFSI concentration. Conductivities (σ) showed a nonlinear concentration dependence but increased linearly with the solution static dielectric constants (εs). The latter may be explained by considering the temperature effects on complex electrolyte species and the subsequent solution dielectric behavior. Interestingly, an inverse power-law dependence of σ on the measured DR or solvation time scales, σ ∝ (τx)-m, with m = 1.2-1.9, was observed. This dependence may be explained by considering that the same environmental friction regulates both the ion diffusion and the medium polarization relaxation. The control of a slow process (ion translation) by relatively faster medium dynamics (dipolar rotation), although quite fascinating for the present system, warrants further experimental scrutiny for other electrolyte systems relevant to battery applications.

Synthesis of derived Cu(II) complex from Schiff base of Vitamin B6 and antihypertensive hydralazine: DNA interaction, biological application and molecular docking studies

A novel Schiff base ligand (E)-5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methyl-4-((2-(phthalazin-1-yl)hydrazineylidene)methyl)pyridin-3-ol was synthesized through the condensation of antihypertensive hydralazine and Pyridoxal (Vitamin B6) ligands. This fabricated Schiff base (L) was a precursor for developing a unique Cu(II) complex. TheSchiff base ligand and Cu(II) complex structureswere characterized using various analytical tools, including IR, UV–Vis Spectroscopy and NMR. An octahedron geometry of this complex was proposed for the assigned molecular formula [Cu(L)2].3H2O. The molecular structures of theSchiff base ligand and its Cu(II) complex have been optimized using the B3LYP functional and the 6-311G++(d,p) basis set. Investigating the interaction of this prepared Cu(II) complex with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) molecules was operated using UV–Vis spectrophotometry, viscosity measurement, electrochemical studies, gel electrophoresis, and molecular docking. In vitro cytotoxicity was conducted using the MTT assay on four human tumor cell lines including hepatocellular carcinoma, estrogen-dependent breast cancer, melanoma, triple-negative breast cancer as well as healthy human skin fibroblasts.

Real-time, in situ viscosity mapping of active lava

Viscosity is a fundamental physical property that controls lava flow dynamics, runout distance, and velocity, which are critical factors in assessing and mitigating risks associated with effusive eruptions. Natural lava viscosity is driven by a dynamic interplay among melt, crystals, and bubbles in response to the emplacement conditions. These conditions are challenging to replicate in laboratory experiments, yet this remains the most common method for quantifying lava rheology. Few in situ viscosity measurements exist, but none of those constrains the spatial evolution of viscosity along an entire active lava flow field. Here, we present the first real-time, in situ viscosity map of active lava as measured in the field at Litli-Hrútur, Iceland. We precisely measured a lava viscosity increase of over two orders of magnitude, associated with a temperature decrease, crystallinity increase, and vesicularity decrease from near-vent to distal locations, crossing the pāhoehoe−‘a‘ā transition. Our data expand the limited database of three-phase lava viscosity, which is crucial for improvements and validation of the current numerical, experimental, and petrological approaches used to estimate lava viscosity. Further, this study showcases that field viscometry provides a rapid, accurate, and precise assessment of lava viscosity that can be implemented in eruptive response modeling of lava transport.

A New Analytical Method for Quantifying Acid-End-Cap PLGA in Sub-Milligram Quantities.

Characterization of PLGA polymers used in FDA-approved drug products is critical for quality control and qualitative/quantitative (Q1/Q2) evaluation of potential generic formulations. Various techniques have been developed and used to characterize the molecular properties of PLGA polymers, such as molecular weight, molecular composition, and molecular structure. Commonly used techniques include gel permeation chromatography (GPC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), semisolvent methods, and GPC-based intrinsic viscosity measurement. It is noted that the existing analytical methods may not be able to separate and quantify PLGA polymers when used as a mixture in a drug product (e.g., Durysta and Ozurdex). In particular, one assay method still lacking is quantitating the PLGA polymer with acid-end-cap (PLGA-A) in the mixture containing PLGA with ester-end-cap (PLGA-E), especially when the sample quantity is below the submilligram level. The total PLGA quantities available in Durysta and Ozurdex formulations are too small (<1 mg) to use existing assay methods to quantify the PLGA-A content. A new assay method was developed to quantitate PLGA-A in the mixture with PLGA-E. The acid end-cap was modified with pyrene methylamine (a UV dye) to enhance the signal and compared with the total PLGA quantity measured with the refractive index (RI) after a sample was run through a GPC. This GPC-UV/RI approach is based on measuring the total acid number (TAN) of PLGA-A and converting it to the PLGA-A quantity to compare with the total PLGA. Unlike conventional methods of measuring TAN, the GPC-UV/RI methods enables TAN measurements of submilligram PLGA quantities. Application of this method to Ozurdex-similar samples showed the expected acid:ester ratio of PLGAs. This new approach provides another powerful tool for characterizing PLGA polymers in FDA-approved drug products. This is especially significant considering that the PLGAs of commercial products are likely to have molecular properties different from those of the raw PLGAs before going through the manufacturing process.

Probing the potential of type V Deep eutectic solvents as sustainable electrolytes

The increasing interest within the scientific community in environmentally friendly solvents has led to a focus on Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES), which have natural components. DES are viewed as alternatives to traditional organic solvents and have the potential to be used as electrolytes. For the first time, transport properties of four Type V Deep Eutectic Salt Solutions (DESS) were accessed to investigate the potential of this technology, selecting precursors ranked as excellent in Eco-Scale metrics. The DESS were composed of terpene and trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO), and varying concentrations of lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI), and their properties were assessed through self-diffusion, viscosity, density, and conductivity measurements. While Type V DESS are capable of dissolving significant amounts of LiTFSI (up to 30 % molar), their ionic conductivity is low, with values ranging from 3.6·10−3 to 9.3·10−2 mS·cm−1 at 25 °C, thus limiting their suitability as electrolytes, for instance, for lithium-ions batteries applications. Similar diffusion coefficients for Li+ and TFSI− ions suggest the formation of long-lived ion pairs moving as a neutral species. Therefore, future research aims to introduce additives to disrupt contact ion pairs and enhance transport properties, leveraging the sustainable appeal of DES and their use in advanced energy storage technologies.

Appraisal of surface-active properties and micellization behaviour of imidazolium gemini surfactants

ABSTRACT A series of imidazolium gemini surfactants with three different hydrophobic chains have been synthesised and analysed by 1HNMR, 13CNMR, FTIR, ESI-MS and TGA. The conductivity of these surfactants has been taken at 293, 298, 303 and 308 K in water, and results have indicated that these gemini surfactants act as weak electrolytes. Thermodynamic properties calculated from conductance have confirmed that micellization was spontaneous and more favourable in comparison to dissociation process. Density as well as viscosity measurements were indicating that there exist significant interactions between these gemini surfactants and solvent (water) molecules. Surface active properties have confirmed that imidazolium gemini surfactants are excellent candidates to lower the surface tension at air/water interface and having affinity to form aggregates in the bulk solution after CMC. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has indicated that all the three surfactants have thermal stability up to 535–600 °C. The thermal stability was increasing with increasing hydrophobic chain, and the activation energy for thermal decomposition was found in the range of 20.43–36.55 kJ/mol. Moreover, antimicrobial activities were examined and inferred that these compounds exhibit excellent antimicrobial activity against B. cereus and C. albicans.

DNA binding, and apoptosis-inducing activities of a β-ionone-derived ester in human myeloid leukemia cells: multispectral and molecular dynamic simulation analyses

β-Ionone is the end-ring counterpart of β-carotenoids, which are widely found in fruits and vegetables. Recent studies have illustrated the antimetastatic, anti-proliferative, and apoptosis-inducing activities of β-ionone both in vitro and in vivo. We aimed to explore the anti-cancer potency of β-Ionone-derived ester, (E)-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl) but-3-en-2-ylpyrazine-2-carboxylate (4-TM.P). The cytotoxic effects of the compound on K562 cells were evaluated by MTT assay. The mechanisms of apoptosis induction were investigated by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) double staining, cell cycle analysis, and Annexin V/PI staining. Furthermore, the 4-TM.P-DNA interactions have been thoroughly elucidated by various methods, such as ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, fluorescence assays, viscosity measurements, molecular docking, and dynamic simulation. The MTT cytotoxicity assay revealed that the growth of K562 cells was inhibited by treatment with β-ionone-derived ester, with an IC50 of 25 ± 5.0 µM at 72 h. Morphological studies revealed the occurrence of apoptosis in treated cells, and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest was observed after treatment of the cells with the IC50 value of the compound. Analyses of multi-spectroscopy and viscosity assays revealed that 4-TM.P binds to DNA in the minor groove mode, which was supported by molecular docking studies. The dynamic stability of the complex was also confirmed using molecular dynamic simulation analyses.

The short-term aging effects of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Nano Silica (NS) as modifiers on asphalt binders

Many studies have shown that for a pavement paved with an asphalt-aggregate mixture, to achieve its design life, the asphalt mustn’t age too hard during storage, during the production process, or while on the road. The short-term aging effects of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Nano silica (NS) as modifiers on asphalt binders were investigated. The physical properties, penetration, softening points, viscosity measurements, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR), under the aging conditions of unmodified and modified asphalt were determined for various PVC and NS contents. To simulate the aging in a short term in the laboratory, the rolling thin film oven test was conducted. Obtained results indicated that adding 5% PVC and 1% NS had a significant positive effect on the aging resistance of asphalt binder through increasing 59.49% penetration aging ratio (PAR) values. It was also observed that adding PVC and NS reinforced the aging resistance of the asphalt binder. Nevertheless, adding PVC and NS reduced softening point increment (SPI), viscosity aging index (VAI), as well as rutting factor aging index (AIR). The asphalt binder modified with PVC/NS demonstrated better performance compared to the asphalt binders only modified with PVC or NS. The results of this study demontrate the feasibility of applying the PVC/NS combination treatment to asphalt in practical applications.

1H and 13C NMR and FTIR Spectroscopic Analysis of Formic Acid Dissociation Dynamics in Water.

The formation and transport of ionic charges in formic acid-water (HCOOH-H2O) mixtures with initial water mole fractions ranging from XH2Oi = 0 to 1 were investigated using 13C and 1H NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, viscosity, conductivity, and pH measurements. The maximum molar concentration of ions (H3O+ and HCOO-), along with the relative differences between theoretical and experimental densities, spin-lattice relaxation times (T1), activation energies (Ea), viscosity (η), and conductivity (σ), were identified within the range of XH2Oi ≈ 0.5-0.7. These results indicate that pure formic acid (FA) solutions predominantly consist of cyclic dimers at room temperature. As the water mole fraction increases up to 0.6, a structural shift occurs from cyclic dimers to a mixture of linear and cyclic dimers, driven by the formation of strong hydrogen bonds. Beyond a water mole fraction of 0.6, the structure transitions to linear dimers, with FA molecules behaving as free entities in the water. Furthermore, the acidity was found to increase approximately 2-fold with every 0.1 increment in water mole fraction. These findings are critical for understanding the kinetics of formic acid anions in body fluids, the structure of the hydrogen bonding network, and ionization energies.

Electromagnetic penetrometer for high viscosity measurement using a new displacement sensor

In this article, we present an effective device for measuring the high viscosity of Newtonian liquids using a cylindrical penetrometer. The technique relies on monitoring the temporal evolution of penetration depth. Penetration depth is accurately determined by employing a novel electromagnetic micrometric displacement sensor, which is recorded and processed via a National Instruments DAQ card and a custom LabVIEW® program. The introduction of this new electromagnetic displacement sensor, characterized by its high accuracy and its stability, is imperative to ensure reliable measurements of high viscosity. This sensor enables direct, precise, and dependable digital depth of penetration readings. We validated this device by measuring the viscosity of Maltitol as a function of temperature, and the results demonstrate reasonable agreement with values found in the literature.

Viscosity measurements of selected lunar regolith simulants

Abstract In the context of evaluating lunar construction options, this study focuses on characterizing the viscosities and glass transition properties of lunar regolith simulants to support the development of additive manufacturing processes using molten regolith. Employing the modular TUBS lunar regolith simulant system, we measured the viscosities of different simulants through high-temperature experiments conducted between 1,051 °C and 1,490 °C using Concentric Cylinder viscometry in air. Additionally, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was utilized to evaluate the glass transition temperatures, which were in the range between 689 °C and 815 °C. The measured viscosity data were parameterized by the Vogel—Fulcher—Tammann (VFT) equation, adept at describing the viscosities and related properties of silicate liquids. The measured viscosities were compared with the predicted values of six viscosity models. It was shown that the model by Sehlke and Whittington predicts the viscosities of the tested lunar regolith simulants at superliquidus temperatures best, whereby no model adequately predicts viscosities at the glass transition temperature, indicating a need for further research in this area. We infer that 3D printing technologies based on molten lunar regolith, are viscosity-wise best constrained to highland regions. The reduced environment on the Moon influences the 3D printing process in a positive manner.

Exploration of solubilisation effects facilitated by the combination of Soluplus® with ionic surfactants

Preclinical testing of new drug candidates frequently necessitates high-dose solution formulations to support robust testing in rodent models. This study aimed to expand the range of high solubilisation capacity formulations by exploring the solubilisation effects of the polymeric surfactant Soluplus® in combination with ionic surfactants. The interactions between Soluplus® and three ionic surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate, dioctyl sodium succinate, and sodium oleate, with a primary focus on solubility enhancement were investigated over a range of ionic surfactant concentrations. The solubilisation profiles for seven model drugs were obtained, and the vehicles were characterized by their visual characteristics, dynamic light scattering, and viscosity measurements. The solubilisation profiles were non-linear, indicating the formation of different colloidal species with individual solubilisation strengths depending on surfactant type and concentration, demonstrating substantial solubility enhancement. For certain drugs more than additive solubilisation, facilitated by synergistic interactions between Soluplus® and the ionic surfactants, was obtained. Overall, the solubility increase provided by the excipient combinations resulted in non-linear and drug specific solubilisation profiles. The non-linearities observed were reflected in visual observations of the vehicles appearance, DLS and viscosity measurements, which collectively indicated a change in polymer aggregation with increasing concentration of anionic surfactant. This investigation highlights that already low quantities of ionic surfactants introduced to Soluplus® may substantially enhance solubility, which offers a promising approach for further exploration in preclinical drug development where more conventional solubilising formulation strategies may fall short.

Formation features of MgO–Y2O3 nanocomposite of complex shape through aqueous slip casting using glycine-nitrate nanopowder

A homogeneous MgO–Y2O3 (50:50 vol%) nanocomposite semispherical green bodies with diameter up to 90 mm and relative green density of 46 % were successfully fabricated by the slip casting using nanopowder, synthesized by the glycine-nitrate method. To advance the rheological properties of MgO–Y2O3 aqueous suspensions, the effect of Dolapix CE64 and NH4PAA as dispersants was examined by viscosity measurements, sedimentation tests. A stable MgO–Y2O3 slurry showing near-Newtonian behavior was prepared with 30 wt% solid loading and 2 wt% of Dolapix CE64. Finally, sinterability of MgO–Y2O3 composite nanopowder was studied by vacuum sintering method for the first time. MgO–Y2O3 nanocomposite of complex shape vacuum-sintered at 1300 °C demonstrate optical transmittance of 45 % at the wavelength of 5.3 μm, and the average grain size of MgO and Y2O3 components of 355 nm and 342 nm, respectively.

Influence of storage time of fermented soghurt on the changes in fat and protein biomolecules through Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) under refrigeration condition

The aim of the study is to assess the significance of storage duration on fermented Soghurt (soy curd), focusing on changes in fat and protein biomolecules analyzing with CLSM, viscosity measurements, and particle size distributions under refrigerated conditions. Soghurt prepared with 1% yogurt culture (Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) was analyzed for storage stability under refrigerated conditions for up to 15 days measuring the pH, acidity, microbial counts, viscosity, particle size distribution and scanning electron microscopy for structural analysis. Even though lactic counts were not affected significantly during the storage periods, yeast & mold counts and coliform counts were absent up to 15 days during the storage. However, the product could be stored upto 7 days under refrigeration condition (6–8 °C). During the storage period, it was observed that the viscosity of soghurt increased with increase in storage time. Particle size distribution was estimated during the entire storage periods for soghurt and it was observed that smaller particle was mostly found in the range of 3.0–50.0 µm while bigger particles were in the range of 57.0–910.0 µm. Further, larger aggregates with big particle sizes were observed during prolonged storage period. The CLSM study showed the appearance of proteins and fats being dispersed slowly during the storage due to the proteolytic and lipolytic activities of yoghurt cultures after 5 days of storage under refrigeration condition.