Emulsion Method Research Articles

Fabrication of lornoxicam loaded into curcumin reinforced nanoemulgel: In-vitro characterization and in-vivo anti-inflammatory potential

Current research aimed to fabricate and characterize lornoxicam-curcumin (LRX-CUR) co-loaded nanoemulgel (NEG) for transdermal delivery. Nanoemulgel was prepared by emulsification method using high sheared homogenization. The prepared NEG was subjected to physicochemical characterizations including thermodynamic analysis, FTIR, pH, drug content, zeta analysis (size distribution, PDI, zeta potential), rheological behavior, spreadability, in vitro drug release, and ex vivo permeation analysis. In vivo anti-inflammatory effects were assessed in experimental animals (in albino rats) using carrageenan for inducing paw edema. The NEG showed optimum and acceptable thermodynamic stability. No phase separation was observed. The pH was acceptable for use on human skin as its range was 5.5–6.5. In drug content analysis, 95.52 ± 5.63 % of LRX and 93.47 ± 8.53 % of CUR were obtained which were in official limit of USP i.e. 100 ± 10 %. No interactions and incompatibility were found between the drugs and NEG components after FTIR analysis. The viscosity and spreadability were optimum for topical application. The LRX-CUR nanoemulsion exhibited droplet size of 215.6 ± 7.89, PDI 0.219 ± 0.03 and zeta potential −12.0 ± 6.41. The LRX-CUR NEG released 85.69 ± 3.54 % of LRX and 86.89 ± 3.34 % of CUR. The permeation of LRX and CUR was 79.43 ± 5.54 % and 83.96 ± 6.21 respectively after 12 h. The optimized LRX-CUR NEG formulation significantly (p < 0.05; ANOVA) inhibited the paw edema in experimental animals as compared to the control and standard groups. Thus, LRX-CUR nanoemulgel formulation can serve as an effective substitute to the oral administration.

Hydroxyethyl starch conjugates co-assembled nanoparticles promote photodynamic therapy and antitumor immunity by inhibiting antioxidant systems

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can produce high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill tumor cells and induce antitumor immunity. However, intracellular antioxidant systems, including glutathione (GSH) system and thioredoxin (Trx) system, limit the accumulation of ROS, resulting in compromised PDT and insufficient immune stimulation. Herein, we designed a nanomedicine PtHPs co-loading photosensitizer pyropheophorbide a (PPa) and cisplatin prodrug Pt–COOH(IV) (Pt (IV)) based on hydroxyethyl starch (HES) to inhibit both GSH and Trx antioxidant systems and achieve potent PDT as well as antitumor immune responses. Specifically, HES-PPa and HES-Pt were obtained by coupling HES with PPa and Pt (IV), and assembled into nanoparticle PtHPs by emulsification method to achieve the purpose of co-delivery of PPa and Pt (IV). PtHPs improved PPa photostability while retaining PPa photodynamic properties. In vitro experiments showed that PtHPs reduced GSH, inhibited Trx system and had better cell-killing effect and ROS generation ability. Subcutaneous tumor models showed that PtHPs had good safety and tumor inhibition effect. Bilateral tumor models suggested that PtHPs promoted the release of damage-associated molecular patterns and the maturation of dendritic cells, induced T cell-mediated immune responses, and thus suppressed the growth of both primary and distal tumors. This study reports a novel platinum-based nanomedicine and provides a new strategy for boosting PDT therapy-mediated antitumor immunity by overcoming intrinsic antioxidant systems.

The thermal conductivity of 3D network reinforced polypropylene matrix composites was constructed by the pickering‐like emulsion method

AbstractPolypropylene (PP) has the advantages of corrosion resistance, easy processing, and low dielectric loss, but its low thermal conductivity limits the application of its composites in fields such as electronic packaging. To solve this problem, in this work, composite microspheres with the segregated structure were prepared by coating boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) on the PP surface by Pickering‐like emulsion method, and BNNSs@PP composites with three‐dimensional thermal conductivity network were obtained after molding. Due to the high thermal conductivity of BNNSs and the formation of perfect thermal conduction pathways, the thermal conductivity of the composites reached 1.71 W m−1 K−1 when the content of BNNSs was 10.1 wt%, which was a 713% increase in thermal conductivity for that of pure PP. At the same time, the mechanical properties of the composites were ensured. This method provides a simple and effective technique to improve the thermal conductivity of PP‐based thermally conductive composites, which has a wide application potential in electronic packaging.

Myristic Acid Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Enhance the Oral Bioavailability and Therapeutic Efficacy of Rifaximin against MRSA Pneumonia.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death and an immense financial burden on healthcare systems. Rifaximin (RFX) has good antibacterial activity against MRSA, but its clinical application is limited due to its poor oral absorption. Solid lipid nanoparticles have good biocompatibility, high drug loading, sustained release performance, and the inertia of lipids in gastric acid, which facilitates oral drug delivery. In order to improve the oral bioavailability of rifaximin and expand the clinical application of RFX for MRSA pneumonia, this study developed RFX-loaded myristic acid solid lipid nanoparticles (RFX-SLNs). This study first prepared RFX-SLNs through hot melt emulsification and ultrasonic methods and selected the optimal formula of RFX-SLNs through single-factor screening. Afterward, the particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI) of the RFX-SLNs were measured, the morphology of RFX-SLNs was observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and drug loading capacity (LC) of RFX-SLNs were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. Then, the sustained release ability and oral bioavailability of RFX-SLNs were studied through in vitro release and pharmacokinetics. Finally, the therapeutic effect of RFX-SLNs on MRSA pneumonia infection was studied by using a mouse MRSA pneumonia infection model. The optimal formulation of RFX-SLNs was 1% RFX with water (3% PVA) and oil (myristic acid) ratio of 1:19. RFX-SLNs were spherical in shape with a smooth surface and uniform size. The EE and LC of three different batches of RFX-SLNs were 89.35±2.47%, 90.45±3.69%, 88.72±1.18%, and 9.50 ± 0.01%, 10.09±0.01%, and 9.68±0.00%, respectively. In vitro release and pharmacokinetic studies showed that the myristic acid solid lipid nanoparticles showed excellent sustained release as expected and increased the oral bioavailability of RFX by 2.18 times. This indicates that RFX-SLNs can be used for the oral treatment of bacterial infections. Compared to RFX, RFX-SLNs showed good therapeutic effects in a mouse MRSA pneumonia infection model. This study indicates that the myristic acid solid lipid nanoparticles might be an effective way to enhance the oral absorption and therapy effects of RFX and other insoluble drugs. This not only opens up avenues for the clinical application of RFX but also provides a way for the development of new dosage forms of water-soluble drugs and the expansion of their clinical application scope.

Dopamine and Citicoline-Co-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as Multifunctional Nanomedicines for Parkinson's Disease Treatment by Intranasal Administration.

This work aimed to evaluate the potential of the nanosystems constituted by dopamine (DA) and the antioxidant Citicoline (CIT) co-loaded in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for intranasal administration in the treatment of Parkinson disease (PD). Such nanosystems, denoted as DA-CIT-SLNs, were designed according to the concept of multifunctional nanomedicine where multiple biological roles are combined into a single nanocarrier and prepared by the melt emulsification method employing the self-emulsifying Gelucire® 50/13 as lipid matrix. The resulting DA-CIT-SLNs were characterized regarding particle size, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency, morphology, and physical stability. Differential scanning calorimetry, FT-IR, and X ray diffraction studies were carried out to gain information on solid-state features, and in vitro release tests in simulated nasal fluid (SNF) were performed. Monitoring the particle size at two temperatures (4 °C and 37 °C), the size enlargement observed over the time at 37 °C was lower than that observed at 4 °C, even though at higher temperature, color changes occurred, indicative of possible neurotransmitter decomposition. Solid-state studies indicated a reduction in the crystallinity when DA and CIT are co-encapsulated in DA-CIT-SLNs. Interestingly, in vitro release studies in SNF indicated a sustained release of DA. Furthermore, DA-CIT SLNs displayed high cytocompatibility with both human nasal RPMI 2650 and neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, OxyBlot assay demonstrated considerable potential to assess the protective effect of antioxidant agents against oxidative cellular damage. Thus, such protective effect was shown by DA-CIT-SLNs, which constitute a promising formulation for PD application.

A Scalable and Surfactant-Free Emulsion Method for Producing Microbeads from Varied Biomass Feedstocks.

Despite national and international regulations, plastic microbeads are still widely used in personal care and consumer products (PCCPs). These exfoliants and rheological modifiers cause significant microplastic pollution in natural aquatic environments. Microbeads from nonderivatized biomass like cellulose and lignin can offer a sustainable alternative to these nondegradable microplastics, but processing this biomass into microbeads is challenging due to limited viable solvents and high biomass solution viscosities. To produce biomass microbeads of the appropriate size range for PCCPs (ca. 200-800 μm diameter) with shapes and mechanical properties comparable to those of commercial plastic microbeads, we used a surfactant-free emulsion/precipitation method, mixing biomass solutions in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMImAc) with various oils and precipitating with ethanol. While yield of microbeads within the target size range highly depends on purification conditions, optimized protocols led to >90% yield of cellulose microbeads. Kraft lignin was then successfully incorporated into beads at up to 20 wt %; however, higher lignin contents result in emulsion destabilization unless surfactant is added. Finally, the microbead shape and surface morphology can be tuned using oils of varying viscosities and interfacial tensions. Dripping measurements and pendant drop tensiometry confirmed that the higher affinity of cellulose for certain oil/IL interfaces largely controlled the observed surface morphology. This work thus outlines how biomass composition, oil viscosity, and interfacial properties can be altered to produce more sustainable microbeads for use in PCCPs, which have desirable mechanical properties and can be produced over a wide range of shapes and surface morphologies.

Development of modular polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery using amine reactive chemistry.

Curcumin has been explored for its anti-cancer potential, but is severely limited by its hydrophobicity and sensitivity to light and water. In this study, poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized to encapsulate curcumin via single emulsion method to improve curcumin stability and bioavailability. The PLGA NPs were coated with oligomeric chitosan (COS) and RGD peptide (a peptide consisting of Arg-Gly-Asp) using amine-reactive chemistry (NHS and EDC). Both COS and RGD had been previously shown to accumulate and target many different types of cancer cells. NPs were characterised based on size distribution, zeta potential, and binding efficiency of RGD peptide. They were also evaluated on encapsulation efficiency, and stability, of curcumin within the NPs. OVCAR-3 cancer cells were treated with COS and RGD-coated PLGA NPs loaded with Coumarin-6 dye for fluorescent imaging of cell uptake. They were also treated with curcumin-loaded NPs to determine cytotoxicity and effectiveness of delivery. The NPs exhibited size distribution and zeta potential within expected values, though binding efficiency of RGD was low. Curcumin-loaded NPs showed significant increase in cytotoxicity over free (unencapsulated) curcumin, and void (empty) NPs, suggesting successful delivery of curcumin as an anti-cancer agent; the performance of COS and RGD coated NPs over bare PLGA NPs was inconclusive, however, optimization will be required to improve formulation during the coating steps. This method of NP synthesis serves as proof of concept for a modular solution to the development of various coated polymeric NPs for other drugs or applications.

Impact of thermal processing and emulsification methods on spice oleoresin blending: Insights for flavor release and emulsion stability

This study investigated the effect of heat treatments on the pungency and aroma profiles of a spice oleoresin blend, and the emulsion stability with different surfactants, encapsulating agents, and homogenization mechanisms. Total pungency increased with heat until 120 °C and drastically reduced at 150 °C. Thermal processing induced aroma release, and 46 compounds were identified at 90 °C, predominantly comprising sesquiterpenes. Tween 80 dispersed the highest oleoresin mass (6.21 ± 0.31 mg/mL) and reported the maximum emulsion stability index. The oleoresin percentage significantly influenced the emulsion stability, with 1% oleoresin producing the most stable emulsion. High-pressure homogenization applied on gum Arabic resulted in a greater encapsulation efficiency, exceeding 86%, and the lowest creaming index (4.70 ± 0.06%), while Hi-Cap 100 produced the best flow properties. The findings provide insights into incorporating lipophilic spice oleoresin blends in aqueous food systems and understanding the release of flavor compounds during thermal food processing.

ROS-Responsive Nanoprobes for Bimodal Imaging-Guided Cancer Targeted Combinatorial Therapy.

Chemotherapy mediated by Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive drug delivery systems can potentially mitigate the toxic side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs and significantly enhance their therapeutic efficacy. However, achieving precise targeted drug delivery and real-time control of ROS-responsive drug release at tumor sites remains a formidable challenge. Therefore, this study aimed to describe a ROS-responsive drug delivery system with specific tumor targeting capabilities for mitigating chemotherapy-induced toxicity while enhancing therapeutic efficacy under guidance of Fluorescence (FL) and Magnetic resonance (MR) bimodal imaging. Indocyanine green (ICG), Doxorubicin (DOX) prodrug pB-DOX and Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO, Fe3O4) were encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) by double emulsification method to prepare ICG/ pB-DOX/ Fe3O4/ PLGA nanoparticles (IBFP NPs). The surface of IBFP NPs was functionalized with mammaglobin antibodies (mAbs) by carbodiimide method to construct the breast cancer-targeting mAbs/ IBFP NPs (MIBFP NPs). Thereafter, FL and MR bimodal imaging ability of MIBFP NPs was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Finally, the combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and chemotherapy efficacy evaluation based on MIBFP NPs was studied. The multifunctional MIBFP NPs exhibited significant targeting efficacy for breast cancer. FL and MR bimodal imaging clearly displayed the distribution of the targeting MIBFP NPs in vivo. Upon near-infrared laser irradiation, the MIBFP NPs loaded with ICG effectively generated ROS for PDT, enabling precise tumor ablation. Simultaneously, it triggered activation of the pB-DOX by cleaving its sensitive moiety, thereby restoring DOX activity and achieving ROS-responsive targeted chemotherapy. Furthermore, the MIBFP NPs combined PDT and chemotherapy to enhance the efficiency of tumor ablation under guidance of bimodal imaging. MIBFP NPs constitute a novel dual-modality imaging-guided drug delivery system for targeted breast cancer therapy and offer precise and controlled combined treatment options.

Novel biopolymer spray formulation for drug delivery in precision dentistry

Addressing the growing challenges of periodontal and peri-implant diseases, this study first reports a promising advancement in precision dentistry: an intricately formulated biopolymer spray designed for precise, localized drug delivery during tailored dental procedures. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), recognized for its controlled release, biodegradability, and FDA-approved biocompatibility, forms the core of this formulation. Utilizing the double emulsion method, PLGA microparticles (PLGA-MPs) were loaded with dental antibiotics: sodium amoxicillin (AMX-Na), trihydrate amoxicillin (AMX-Tri), and metronidazole (Met). This antibiotic combination was thoughtfully selected to meet the distinctive requirements of the most impacting dental treatments. The newly developed biopolymer spray underwent thorough in-vitro analysis, revealing an optimized release curve for antibiotics over time, guaranteeing sustained therapeutic efficacy, and dose-dependent efficacy, accommodating personalized treatment approaches. The positive outcomes position the novel biopolymer spray formulation the leaders in advancing localized drug delivery during dental procedures. Moreover, the precise application and the tunable formulation meets the concept of precision medicine: in detail, this formulation represents a significant stride in dental therapeutics, significantly contributing to the predictability of dental implantology.

Polyaniline-Coated Na3V2(PO4)2F3 Cathode Enables Fast Sodium Ion Diffusion and Structural Stability in Rechargeable Batteries.

Na3V2(PO4)2F3 (NVPF), a typical sodium superionic conductor (NASICON) type structure, has attracted much interest as a potential positive electrode in sodium-ion battery. However, the inherently poor electronic conductivity of phosphates compromises the electrochemical properties of this material. Here, we develop a general strategy to improve the electrochemical performance by preparing a new composite material "polyaniline (PANI)@NVPF" using a Pickering emulsion method. The X-ray diffraction and Raman results indicated a successful PANI coating without affecting the NASICON-type structure of NVPF, and they enhanced the interfacial bonding between the two components. Also, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed that the PANI content influenced the thermal stability and morphology of the nanocomposites. As a result, the sodium test cells exhibited multielectron reactions and a better rate performance for PANI@NVPF nanocomposites as compared to NVPF. Specifically, 2%PANI@NVPF maintained 70% of its initial capacity at 5C. Ex-situ electron paramagnetic resonance revealed the existence of mixed valence states of vanadium (V4+/V3+) in both discharge and charge processes. Consequently, the successful PANI coating into the sodium superionic conductor framework improved the sodium diffusion channels with a measurable increase of diffusion coefficients with cycling (ca. 3.25 × 10-11 cm2 s-1). Therefore, PANI@NVPF nanocomposites are promising cathode candidates for high-rate sodium-ion battery applications.

Preparation, Characterisation and Bioactivity Evaluation of Curcumin-Loaded Poly (Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) Nanoparticles

Background: One of the main challenges with curcumin is its hydrophobic nature, which limits its solubility and bioavailability. This issue can be addressed by using poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs). The small size and large surface area of these NPs significantly enhance drug delivery systems by improving the solubility and bioavailability of the drug. Objective: This project focuses on the preparation, characterization, and bioactivity evaluation of curcumin loaded in PLGA NPs, intended for the delivery of curcumin extracted from Curcuma xanthorrhiza, commonly known as ‘temulawak’ or ‘Java turmeric’. Methodology: Curcumin was extracted and stored at 4?C for testing. PLGA-curcumin NPs were synthesized using the single emulsion method. Nanoparticle morphology was analyzed using SEM, while particle size and zeta potential were measured with a Zetasizer. Entrapment efficiency and drug loading capacity were calculated. In vitro release studies in phosphate buffer were conducted using UV-visible spectrophotometry. The cytotoxicity of the curcumin-loaded NPs was tested on MCF-7 breast cancer cells using the MTT assay. Statistical analyses were performed using Minitab 14, and Microsoft Excel was used for graphical representations, with significance set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: The mean particle size of the curcumin NPs was 498.9 nm ± 597.4 nm. The entrapment efficiency and drug loading capacity were 50% and 5%, respectively. The average zeta potential was recorded as -28.7 mV ± 6.19 mV. The in vitro release study did not produce significant results as low concentrations of curcumin were detected. However, the bioactivity of the curcumin-loaded PLGA NPs demonstrated lower cell viability compared to the curcumin extract, suggesting that the PLGA formulation is more effective at inducing cancer cell death. This indicates its potential as a more efficient therapeutic option in cancer treatment. Conclusion: The single emulsion method managed to produce nano-sized particles with good zeta potential and bioactivity on MCF-7 cells. However, further study needs to be done to produce better formulation which can increase entrapment efficiency, drug loading capacity and also in vitro release profile.

Biodegradable magnesium and zinc composite microspheres with synergistic osteogenic effect for enhanced bone regeneration

Biodegradable polymer microspheres in bone tissue engineering have become appealing as their non-invasive advantages in irregular damage bone repair. However, current microspheres used in BTE still lack sufficient osteogenic capacity to induce effective bone regeneration. In this study, we developed osteogenic composite microspheres concurrently loaded with magnesium oxide (MgO) and zinc oxide (ZnO), both of which are osteogenic active substances, using a facile and scalable emulsification method. The osteogenic composite microspheres exhibited a sequential yet complementary release profile characterized by a rapid release of Mg2+ and a gradual release of Zn2+ in a physiological environment, thereby maintaining the concentration of bioactive ions at a sustained high level. As a result, the combination of Mg2+ and Zn2+ in the composite microspheres led to a synergistic enhancement in biomimetic mineralization and the upregulation in the expression of osteogenic-related genes and proteins at the cellular level. Through a critical-sized calvarial rate defect model, the osteogenic composite microspheres were demonstrated to have strong osteogenic ability to promote new bone formation via ultrasonic imaging, histological and immunohistochemical evaluations. In sum, these osteogenic composite microspheres as microcarriers of Mg2+ and Zn2+ have great potential in the delivery of therapeutic ions for treating bone defects.

Pharmacological properties and stability of natural–colored foods: a literature review

Purpose Natural food colors used in food are generally perceived as additives. Therefore, many studies have been conducted to prove the health benefits and risks of using natural food colors, which play an important role in the food industry, and to identify realistic stabilization methods. This paper aims to examine the health effects of natural food colors from a pharmacological approach. Design/methodology/approach The paper searches for relevant literature using keywords such as “natural food coloring”, “stabilization” and “antioxidant effects”. For the case study area, this paper added “food science and technology” to identify methods for stabilizing natural food coloring. From this review, the authors ultimately selected 79 articles that appeared to meet the research objectives. Findings When using natural food coloring in food, there are concerns about stabilization. However, with the development of food science and technology, the authors have found that there are multi-layer emulsification methods that can be applied before, during and after food manufacturing, and storage standards are also important. Natural food coloring is playing a diverse role in food science. Originality/value Natural food coloring has been reported in various types of literature to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. The most common pigments are carotenoids. Considering the positive effects of natural food coloring on human health, the authors suggest future directions for the development of food science and technology and provide a perspective for changing consumer perceptions.

Preparation of polyurethane shell microcapsules containing isocyanate core by Pickering emulsion method using modified silica nanoparticles and investigation of their self-healing performance

Encapsulating repair agents are increasingly popular for repairing coating damage, with capsules being a common method to address surface scratches by releasing healing liquid into the fissure. However, creating microcapsules that are durable against environmental factors remains a key concern. Current research focuses on advancements in encapsulating healing agents and their production methods, particularly emphasizing the integration of capsules into coatings for external self-healing purposes. Polyurethane capsules containing isophorone diisocyanate were synthesized using the Pickering emulsion method with modified silica as a Pickering emulsion stabilizer in three different percentages and then dispersed in urea formaldehyde at varying weight percentages. The self-healing properties of this coating were then studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Soxhlet extraction, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were performed on the samples to ensure the success of the encapsulation process. The morphology of the capsules was investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), revealing that the synthesized capsules possess a spherical shape and are adequately spaced apart. These capsules were spherical at micron scales, with differences observed based on the quantity of stabilizing nanoparticles employed. Furthermore, the capsules demonstrated robust thermal stability, as evidenced by the increase in IPDI evaporation temperature from approximately 140 °C to 240 °C.Immersion test results in saltwater solutions showed that coatings containing pickering capsules exhibited better corrosion resistance, further validating the success of the research. The shell strength of the capsules prepared using the Pickering method was increased, enhancing the stability of the microcapsules during the mixing process with the resin and demonstrating self-healing properties. These findings have significant practical implications, as they demonstrate the potential to improve the durability and lifespan of coatings in various applications.

Cubosomes; An Approach to Sustain and Improve the Ocular Delivery for Glaucoma Treatment: Box Benhken Optimization, Formulation, In Vitro Characterization and Ex Vivo Permeation Study

Introduction: In glaucoma, acetazolamide (ACZ) is used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). Low aqueous solubility and decreased corneal permeation are two characteristics of ACZ. This research intends to enhance the ocular delivery of ACZ. Materials and Methods: Using a Box-Behnken design, cubosomes loaded with acetazolamide were made using the Melt dispersion emulsification and sonication method. The independent variables included Glyceryl monoolein (GMO), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Poloxamer 407 (P407. The prepared formulations underwent evaluation for polydispersity index (PDI), particle size and entrapment efficiency. Thermal analysis, in vitro characterisation and permeation were among the additional tests performed on the developed formulation. Results: Optimized formulation showed PDI of 0.23 ± 0.03, mean particle size of 243 ± 4.2 nm, zeta potential of -26.1 ± 0.6 mV, entrapment efficiency of 73.99% and cubic structure under TEM. Drug penetration through goat cornea has increased, according to an ex vivo permeation study. The prepared cubosome safety, stability and ability to be delivered through the cornea were confirmed by the ocular irritation test. Conclusion: The optimized cubosomal formulation has the potential to improve glaucoma treatment and be regarded as promising for ocular delivery of ACZ.

Morphological and Structural Characterization of Encapsulated Arginine Systems for Dietary Inclusion in Ruminants

This research evaluated two methods of arginine encapsulation, melt emulsification and nanoprecipitation, using a lipid matrix of carnauba wax and commercial polymers (Eudragit®) as a protective material. The ratios of wax–arginine were 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1, while those of Eudragit® RS:RL were 30:70 and 40:60 in proportions of 1:0.5 and 1:1 Eudragit®–arginine. The microcapsules were morphostructurally characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and a microelement analysis was performed via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, in vitro digestibility was used to determine the protection efficiency. Both encapsulated systems presented regular (crystals) and spherical (microcapsules) polyhedral morphologies. Qualitative nitrogen decreased significantly as the wax ratio increased in the wax–arginine formulations. The formulations with a 1:1 Eudragit:–arginine ratio (1000 mg arginine) produced a higher nitrogen content in the encapsulated systems than the formulations containing 500 mg of arginine. The 2:1 and 3:1 wax–arginine formulations had the lowest degradability after 5 h of rumen fluid exposure (40.7 and 21.26%, respectively) in comparison with 100% unencapsulated arginine. The 3:1 wax–arginine formulation is an efficient encapsulating system which protects against rumen degradation. The more intense absorption bands at 1738 cm−1 and 1468 cm−1 associated with the C=O and C-H groups in carnauba wax indicate that arginine was more protected than in the other systems.

Green preparation of force-sensitive micro-capsules and their application in self-healing of cement sheath

Micro-capsule has been considered the most promising self-healing material, while the complex and high temperature polymerization process, and environmental unfriendly raw materials limits its wide application. Herein, the green micro-capsule composed of epoxy resin and calcium alginate were prepared at room temperature via needle drop method，O/W/O emulsion method and spraying method. The effects of preparation methods on the water absorption, encapsulation rate of micro-capsules were revealed, and the differences in the self-healing efficiency of cement containing these green micro-capsules were also studied. Among all samples, the micro-capsules prepared by O/W/O emulsion method (MCE-2) owned the highest water absorption 54.71 % and the highest epoxy resin content 48.1 %. Compared with the blank samples, adding micro-capsules improved the liquidity of cement slurry and facilitated the hydration process, related to the release of extra water. While, the micro-capsules caused additional defects in the cement matrix and weakened the compressive strength of cement. In the self-healing measurement, the composites with MCE-2 showed the biggest mass transfer pressure and least permeability before and after repair. The higher water absorption of MCE-2 significantly increased greater mass transfer resistance to block the erosion of external fluids before repair, and the higher epoxy resin content could ensure stronger sealing effect after repair, achieving the best self-healing performance.

High-Efficiency High-Temperature-Resistant Nanosilica Viscosity Reducer for Extra-Heavy Oil Viscosity Reduction.

Due to the fact that more conventional heavy oil recovery methods (heating, emulsification, dilution, and other methods) have many shortcomings, they cannot meet the demand of heavy oil exploitation. Therefore, there is a need for new recovery methods. In this paper, the surface of nano SiO2 was modified with a silane coupling agent, KH-560, to prepare a nanoviscosity reducer (NRV), which has high-temperature resistance (300 °C), calcium and magnesium resistance (Ca2+ + Mg2+ > 900 mg/L) and high viscosity reduction rate (>99%). FTIR and SEM measurements showed that KH560 has been successfully connected to the surface of SiO2. The particle size distribution of NRV is mainly distributed in 50-80 nm, which matches the results of SEM. The experimental results showed that the viscosity reduction rates of 1 wt % NRV on M-1 heavy oil before and after aging were 99.73% and 99.71%, respectively. The viscosity reduction effect of 1% NRV on M-1 heavy oil and the bleeding rate of emulsion formation were investigated when the oil-water ratio ranged from 9:1 to 1:9. The results showed that when the oil-water ratio was between 7:3 and 1:9, the viscosity reduction rate was greater than 99%. Besides, the bleeding rate of emulsion increases with the decrease of the oil-water ratio. What's more, static and dynamic adsorption experiments showed that the adsorption capacity of 1 wt % NRV was 1.746 mg/g and 1.668 mg/g sand, respectively. The interfacial tension experiment showed that the interfacial tension (IFT) between 1 wt % NRV and M-1 heavy oil was 0.052 mN/m, and low interfacial tension was beneficial to displace the oil in the formation pores. At the same time, the displacement effect of NRV on M-1 heavy oil at different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt %) and temperatures (200, 250, and 300 °C) was investigated by core flooding experiments. The results showed that the recovery rate increases with the increase of NRV concentration, and 1 wt % NRV at 300 °C will improve the recovery rate of M-1 heavy oil by 27.3% compared to steam flooding. NRV could reduce the viscosity of crude oil, which provides technical guidelines for the exploitation of heavy oil and extra heavy oil.

High efficiency azo dye removal via a combination of adsorption and photocatalytic processes using heterojunction Titanium dioxide nanoparticles on hierarchical porous carbon

Amidst the rapid development of the textile industry, wastewater problems also arise. High-performance materials for reactive black 5 (RB5) dye treatment by adsorption and photocatalysis were evolved using Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on carbon media. Herein, the synthesis of spherical carbon via the water–in–oil emulsion method alongside a sol–gel process and the production of TiO2 nanoparticles using the precipitation procedure of Titanium isopropoxide and carbonization at 700–900 °C for 2 h are a novel approach in this work. The characterization of these materials indicates that different temperatures result in distinct properties, for instance, raised pores on the surface of the media and changes in the crystal structure of TiO2. The results show that the as-synthesized material carbonized at 900 °C had distinguished dye adsorption, up to 430 ppm in 1 h, due to their high surface area and pore volume. On the contrary, the calcined 700 °C condition had the prominent photocatalytic efficiency on account of the heterojunction band gap between anatase and rutile crystal structure. A mixed phase minimizes the charge recombination, subsequently increasing the photocatalytic capability.