Oil Mixture Research Articles

Triple Independently Tunable Sensing with Multiple Resonances Based on Metal-insulator-metal Waveguide

In this study, a novel plasmonic refractive index sensor is proposed, featuring a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) waveguide coupled with a composite cavity structure consisting of a double-arc rectangle cavity, a bridge cavity and a three-half-ring configuration cavity. Finite element simulations are used to analyze the transmission characteristics and magnetic field distributions. The results show that six resonance peaks can be produced by three independent resonators. Moreover, there is a good linear relationship between these resonance wavelengths and the structural parameters of the resonators. Then, the refractive index sensing performances of the structure are analyzed by changing the refractive index of the medium within the resonator. The highest sensitivities of the peaks in their resonators are 1732, 2800 and 4568 nm/RIU, respectively. In addition, the proposed structure is tested for the simultaneous detection of the peanut oil concentration of three different blended oils: soybean-peanut, peanut-rapeseed and peanut-sunflower. The ability of the sensor to accurately and simultaneously measure these different oil mixtures highlights its potential for biochemical sensing.

Ecological Repellent Preparations Based on Natural Polymers with the Addition of Essential Oils Acting on Ticks

Background: Ticks (Acari: Ixodida) pose a serious medical and veterinary threat as vectors of tick-borne pathogens. The wide variety of tick repellents available on the market primarily consist of synthetic preparations that may disrupt the ecological balance and accumulate in the environment, leading to harmful effects on humans and animals. The aim of the study was to develop an ecological preparation based on natural raw materials (biopolymers) with the addition of a mixture of essential oils that act as tick repellents. Methods: The preparations were acquired through the emulsification method, specifically the oil-in-water emulsion technique. The assessment encompassed an analysis of their physicochemical properties, including centrifugal and thermal stability, dynamic viscosity, wetting angle, and conductivity. Additionally, their biodegradation and ecotoxicity profiles were evaluated, as well as their impact on tick behavior. Results: The preparations exhibited stability, rapid biodegradation, and absence of ecotoxicity. Additionally, they had repellent properties against the two tested species of ticks (Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus). Conclusions: Emulsion formulations comprising natural ingredients have significant research potential for combating ticks, thus mitigating the risk of tick-borne diseases in both human and animal populations.

Reusable nontoxic pyrimidine‐based oleogelators: Phase selectivity and nanostructured structuring

AbstractOver the last few decades, scientists have been working hard to produce edible structural agents those can be used in food, cosmetics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. The supramolecular assembly of simple amphiphiles in presence of edible oil is the most ideal system for this purpose because the system has no harmful health consequences. We have attempted to address the aforementioned implications in this article by synthesizing a novel class of structuring agents 2‐alkyl amino pyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acid amphiphiles named 2‐decylamino‐pyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acid (DPCA), 2‐dodecylamino‐ pyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acid (DDPCA) and 2‐tetradecylamino‐pyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acid (TDPCA), using simple procedure. To our delight, the prepared amphiphiles self‐assemble to a gel matrix in various vegetable oils and mineral oils. Microscopic analyses were used to investigate the nanostructured morphology of molecular gels. Rheological studies revealed that oleogels are mechanically processable and viscoelastic. Temperature dependent and concentration dependent proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) studies were performed to analyze the hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions. The study discovered that gelators act as reusable phase selective gelators (PSG) of oil in water–oil mixture. The (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay has proven that the synthetic oleogelators are nontoxic.

A Photoelectric Synergistic Flexible Solid Slippery Surface for All-Day Anti-Icing/Frosting.

The accumulation of ice on surface has caused great harm to lots of fields such as transportation or aerospace. Nowadays, various equipment or tools used in low-temperature environments, which face the risk of interface icing, usually have irregular shapes. Traditional rigid anti-icing materials are difficult to meet practical application requirements. Thus, it is crucial to develop flexible anti-icing materials that can be applied to various shape surfaces (curved surfaces, flat surfaces). In this paper, a photoelectric synergistic flexible solid slippery surface (FSSS) is prepared by using flexible basalt fiberglass cloth, flexible copper foil, flexible polyurethane/carbon nanotubes mixture, and flexible solid lubricant (the mixture of coconut wax and coconut oil). Even under harsh conditions of the temperature as low as -80 °C, the FSSS exhibits excellent all-day anti/de-icing performance whether on flat or curved surface. Moreover, the FSSS shows long-term stability both on flat and curved surface: situated in air for 60 days, submerged in water for 60 days, kept in acid environment (pH 1) and base environment (pH 13) for 30 days. Besides, the FSSS can also achieve self-healing function under -80 °C. This flexible surface provides a novel approach for de-icing/frosting of multi-shaped objects in the future.

Esterification and Transesterification Optimization Processes of Nonedible (Castor and Neem) Oils for the Production of Biodiesel

In current times, the diminishing reserves of petroleum, increased energy consumption across various sectors, and their consequential environmental impact have become apparent. Consequently, it is necessary to develop sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources to meet growing demands. The article aimed to blend castor and neem oils (in a 50:50 ratio) to rectify the drawbacks present in castor biodiesel such as elevated kinematic viscosity and density. Response surface methodology was used to study the optimization of the two-step biodiesel production process through the use of a central composite design (CCD). For the esterification step, a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 7.5:1, 1.75 wt.% of H2SO4, and a temperature of 55 °C were optimal. In the transesterification step, optimized conditions included a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 9:1, 2.50 wt.% of calcium oxide, a temperature of 55 °C, and a stirring speed of 900 rpm, resulting in a 93% yield of methyl ester. Different properties of produced biodiesel were examined using the standard values provided by EN 14214 and ASTM D6751. The production of biodiesel from a mixture of castor and neem oils did not have any adverse impacts on food security.

Investigation on chemical composition and insecticidal activity against Anopheles gambiae of essential oil obtained by co-distillation of Cymbopogon citratus and Hyptis suaveolens from Western Burkina Faso

BackgroundEssential oils of Cymbopogon citratus and Hyptis suaveolens are known for their insecticidal properties, but remain ineffective against mosquitoes resistant to synthetic insecticides. In order to improve insecticidal properties of these plants, this study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and insecticidal activity against Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes of essential oil obtained by co-distillation of dry leaves of C. citratus and H. suaveolens.MethodsEssential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation from dry leaves of C. citratus and H. suaveolens, separately, then from the mixture of the dry leaves of the two plants in mass ratio 50/50. Each pure essential oil and the mixture obtained either by co-distillation or by combining pure essential oils in volume ratio 50/50 were then analysed by GC/MS. All essential oils and Deltamethrin 0.05% (positive control) were tested on two species of mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles gambiae according to the World Health Organization standard methods.ResultsEssential oil obtained by co-distillation mainly contained piperitone (40.80%), 1,8-cineole (24.64%), p-menth-4(8)-ene (13.20%), limonene (6.09%) and α-pinene (4.73%). However, the mixture of pure essential oils of these two plants mostly contained geranial (20.74%), neral (16.42%), 1,8-cineole (19.79%), sabinene (6.03%) and β-pinene (3.87%). The essential oil of C. citratus mainly contained geranial (41.49%), neral (32.83%), β-myrcene (13.66%) and geraniol (3.49%) while the major constituents of essential oil of H. suaveolens were 1,8-cineole (39.58%), sabinene (12.06%), β-pinene (7.73%), α-terpinolene (6.72%) and (E)-caryophyllene (7.49%). At the dose of 1%, all essential oils, except that of H. suaveolens, induced about 100% of mortality on the sensitive species of An. gambiae. However, on the resistant species at the same dose, the essential oil obtained by co-distillation induced the highest mortality (53.44%). The essential oils of C. citratus, H. suaveolens and the mixture of the two pure essential oils caused respectively 2.47, 15.28 and 18.33% of mortality. The synthetic insecticide caused 100 and 14.84% of mortality respectively on the sensitive and resistant species of An. gambiae.ConclusionEssential oil obtained by co-distillation showed good insecticidal efficacy against a resistant species of An. gambiae and might constitute a new solution to fight against mosquitoes resistant to synthetic insecticides.

REDUCING THE VISCOSITY OF THE OIL MIXTURE BY A ROTARY PULSE APPARATUS IN UKHTA — YAROSLAVL OIL PIPELINE

Physical methods of exposure can be used to improve the rheological characteristics of viscous, resinous oils, the transportation of which through main pipelines requires additional operating costs. The authors of this article evaluated the effectiveness of the method for improving oil rheology due to multifactorial effects (shear loads, high–amplitude pressure pulses, developed turbulence) on a sample of a mixture of oils of the Ukhta - Yaroslavl oil pipeline in a rotary pulse apparatus (RIA). The specific power consumption for processing an oil sample was 2.84 kWh/m3. The initial rheological and physico-chemical parameters of the studied oil are described, according to which it is characterized as heavy, viscous, highly resinous oil. The analysis of the flow curves showed that, by the nature of the flow, the sample of a mixture of oils from the Ukhta — Yaroslavl main oil pipeline belongs to Newtonian liquids. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the multifactorial effect on the oil sample implemented in RIA was carried out using dimensionless coefficients showing the ratio of dynamic viscosity, the specific power required to maintain the flow of oil in a rotary viscometer before and after physical exposure to oil, as well as the ratio of the change in the energy of thixotropy of oil to the energy spent on the processing process. The samples were processed in an RIA-based installation, in which pressure pulsations, developed turbulence, and large shear loads are generated in the liquid flow. When comparing the viscosity values of untreated and treated mixed oil in a rotary pulse apparatus, the dynamic viscosity measured at 20 °C decreased by 8 %. The component composition of the oil after processing in RIA has practically not changed. Measuring the viscosity of oil before processing and immediately after processing in RIA shows a decrease in viscosity by more than two times, since the temperature of the oil flow increases after passing through RIA by more than 10 °C. The increase in oil temperature during processing is due to large shear stresses during its flow in slit channels and in the gap between the rotor and stator due to the large amplitude of pressure pulsations and flow velocity.The relaxation time of the rheological parameters of the treated oil was seven days.

Simulation of pyrolysis process for waste plastics using Aspen Plus: Performance and emission analysis of PPO-diesel and PPO-biodiesel blends

As the global population increases, so does the usage of plastics in households, water bottles, and garbage bags, posing significant environmental threats. Plastics, being inorganic waste with long degradation periods, contaminate air, water, and soil when disposed of in landfills. Given the rise in global plastic production, effective waste management strategies are essential. This study utilized Aspen Plus simulation to analyze the pyrolysis process of waste plastics, specifically PE, PS, and LDPE. Simulations were conducted with temperature variations between 350 °C and 550 °C to determine the optimum conditions. Additionally, the study compared engine performance and emissions using mixtures of plastic pyrolysis oil (PPO), biodiesel from waste cooking oil (WCO), and diesel. Engine performance tests were conducted with variations in engine speed and load for PPO-diesel and PPO-biodiesel mixtures. Simulation results showed that the optimal pyrolysis temperature for the highest PPO yield was 450 °C, producing 89 % for PS plastic. Pyrolysis at 500 °C yielded 85 % oil for PE, 83 % for LDPE, and 60 % for mixed plastics. Engine performance tests indicated that adding PPO to diesel and WCO biodiesel significantly affected engine performance and emissions. A 5 % PPO blend in diesel demonstrated better brake thermal efficiency and lower BSFC compared to higher PPO blends.

Effect of water on asphaltene-precipitation behavior of CO2-crude oil mixtures during CCUS processes

Water can extensively exist in reservoirs. Since the solubility of CO2 in water is not negligible under reservoir conditions, the aqueous phase should also be considered during the phase-behavior simulations of the CO2 flooding process. With the presence of an asphaltene phase and an aqueous phase, four phases (i.e., a vapor phase, a hydrocarbon phase, an asphaltene phase, and an aqueous phase) can coexist at a given thermodynamic equilibrium. In this study, a robust and efficient four-phase vapor–liquid-liquid-aqueous equilibrium calculation algorithm is applied to conduct four-phase vapor–liquid-asphaltene-aqueous equilibrium calculations by assuming asphaltene is a dense liquid phase. The algorithm is first validated by comparing the calculated asphaltene precipitation data with the presence of water against the experimental asphaltene precipitation data documented in the literature. The validation shows that the calculation results agree well with the experimental data, indicating that such algorithm can make reliable predictions of asphaltene precipitation with the presence of water. The validated algorithm is subsequently used to construct pressure–temperature (PT) and pressure-composition (Px) phase diagrams to study the effect of water on asphaltene precipitation under different pressure/temperature conditions and under the injection of CO2. We can conclude from the calculated results that although adding water to the reservoir fluid can cause obvious changes in the PT phase diagrams, it does not have a noticeable influence on the asphaltene precipitation onsets. However, it can be seen from the calculated Px phase diagrams that the presence of water during the CO2 flooding process can make asphaltene precipitated more easily. The maximum amount of asphaltene precipitation is decreased by the presence of water due to the fact that a considerable amount of CO2 is dissolved in the aqueous phase instead of the liquid hydrocarbon phase.

DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF SELF-NANOEMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR DEFERASIROX

In order to increase deferasirox’s (DEF) solubility and dissolution rate, the study aims to develop a solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS). The impact of concentrations of oil and surfactant on emulsification and in vitro drug release was investigated using an oil, surfactant and cosurfactant mixture. Based on a minimum time of emulsification and a high cumulative percentage of drug dissolution, the formulation F6 was optimized. The optimized formulation showed an emulsification efficiency of 19 ± 0.67 seconds and in vitro drug release of 98.65 ± 0.259 % in 30 minutes. Neusilin® US2 was used to solidify the formulation, which has a high oil adsorption capacity and better micromeritic characters. The analyses of X-ray powder diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry studies displayed the transformation of DEF from its crystalline form to an amorphous form. So, this study demonstrates that the S-SNEDDS is a viable innovative drug delivery strategy for elevating DEF’s solubility and dissolution rate.

The adsorption performance of high crystallinity Na-p zeolites prepared from oil shale ash for the waste water treatment

ABSTRACTS The Na-p type zeolite has been prepared by the alkali fusion hydrothermal synthesis method using the pure oil shale ash (OSA) and mixture of OSA and coal fly ash (CFA) as raw materials, which was used for adsorption of methylene blue (MB). The XRD spectra of zeolite synthesized from pure oil shale residue under different conditions indicated that the optimal experimental conditions were determined as follows: acid leaching concentration of 10%, sodium hydroxide dosage of 7 g, crystallization temperature of 130°C, and crystallization time of 12 h. Under the same conditions, zeolite was synthesized using the mixture of OSA and CFA, and its properties were characterized using XRD, SEM, and BET techniques. The results showed that the specific surface area and crystallinity of the zeolite prepared from the mixture were 59.6 m2/g and 86.32%, respectively, which were higher than that of pure OSA (20.6 m2/g and 64.07%). When 0.05 g of zeolite was added to the 35 mg/L MB solution and adsorbed for 180 min, the removal rates of MB by pure OSA, single-source zeolite and zeolite prepared from the mixture were 27.6%, 83.4%, and 99.2%, respectively. The adjusted R square verified that the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm model were the best fitting models. The maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) of zeolite prepared from the mixture for MB was 55.5 mg/g. The above results proved that the novel material prepared in this study could be a potential effective wastewater treatment material.

The Emissions of a Compression-Ignition Engine Fuelled by a Mixture of Crude Oil and Biodiesel from the Lipids Accumulated in the Waste Glycerol-Fed Culture of Schizochytrium sp.

Microalgae are considered to be a promising and prospective source of lipids for the production of biocomponents for conventional liquid fuels. The available sources contain a lot of information about the cultivation of biomass and the amounts and composition of the resulting bio-oils. However, there is a lack of reliable and verified data on the impact of fuel blends based on microalgae biodiesel on the quality of the emitted exhaust gas. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to present the emission characteristics of a compression-ignition engine fuelled with a blend of diesel fuel and biodiesel produced from the lipids accumulated in the biomass of a heterotrophic culture of Schizochytrium sp. The final concentrations of microalgal biomass and lipids in the culture were 140.7 ± 13.9 g/L and 58.2 ± 1.1 g/L, respectively. The composition of fatty acids in the lipid fraction was dominated by decosahexaenoic acid (43.8 ± 2.8%) and palmitic acid (40.4 ± 2.8%). All parameters of the bio-oil met the requirements of the EN 14214 standard. It was found that the use of bio-components allowed lower concentrations of hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas, ranging between 33 ± 2 ppm and 38 ± 7 ppm, depending on the load level of the engine. For smoke opacity, lower emissions were found in the range of 50–100% engine load levels, where the observed content was between 23 ± 4% and 53 ± 8%.

Evaluation of the protective effect of Nigella sativa oil’s unsaponifiable fraction in carbon tetrachloride-kidney damage model

Background/Aim: Kidney diseases is a global public health problem. This study was conducted to evaluate the renoprotective effect of the total oil’s unsaponifiable fraction (UF) of a medicinal plant called Nigella sativa. Methods: The extraction of unsaponifiables from the total seed oil of the medicinal plant Nigella sativa was carried out according to the standardized methods of the European Pharmacopoeia (Edition 5.0). Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is known to induce kidney toxicity. Acute poisoning of Male albino rats with 1:1 (v/v) mixture of CCl4 and olive oil (3 ml/Kg b.w. of rat by subcutaneous injection) induces considerable kidney pain. Results: Nigella sativa UF is found to be rich in tocopherols, its administration as a curative or preventive treatment to poisoned animals results in a very significant reduction in renal markers (CREA, URE). Histological study shows that kidneys are in better condition than those of intoxicated rats. Conclusion: Measurable biological evidence has been given to the use of such extract as effective substance against kidney diseases. Keywords: CCl4, Renoprotective activity, Nigella sativa, total oil, Unsaponifiable fraction

Molecular Insights into CO2 Diffusion Behavior in Crude Oil

CO2 flooding plays a significant part in enhancing oil recovery and is essential to achieving CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage). This study aims to understand the fundamental theory of CO2 dissolving and diffusing into crude oil and how these processes vary under reasonable reservoir conditions. In this paper, we primarily use molecular dynamics simulation to construct a multi-component crude oil model with 17 hydrocarbons, which is on the basis of a component analysis of oil samples through laboratory experiments. Then, the CO2 dissolving capacity of the multi-component crude was quantitatively characterized and the impacts of external conditions—including temperature and pressure—on the motion of the CO2 dissolution and diffusion coefficients were systematically investigated. Finally, the swelling behavior of mixed CO2–crude oil was analyzed and the diffusion coefficients were predicted; furthermore, the levels of CO2 impacting the oil’s mobility were analyzed. Results showed that temperature stimulation intensified molecular thermal motion and increased the voids between the alkane molecules, promoting the rapid dissolution and diffusion of CO2. This caused the crude oil to swell and reduced its viscosity, further improving the mobility of the crude oil. As the pressure increased, the voids between the internal and external potential energy of the crude oil models became wider, facilitating the dissolution of CO2. However, when subjected to external compression, the CO2 molecules’ diffusing progress within the oil samples was significantly limited, even diverging to zero, which inhabited the improvement in oil mobility. This study provides some meaningful insights into the effect of CO2 on improving molecular-scale mobility, providing theoretical guidance for subsequent investigations into CO2–crude oil mixtures’ complicated and detailed behavior.

Inhibition effect of non-contact biocontrol bacteria and plant essential oil mixture on the generation of N-nitrosamines in deli meat during storage

To reduce the risk of N-nitrosamines in deli meat products, this study formulated a novel non-contact N-nitrosamines inhibiting preservative IV (NIP-IV) consisting of biocontrol bacteria and plant essential oils (EOs) (Stenotrophomonas rhizophila SR-1 + Paenibacillus provencensis PP-2 + Bacillus subtilis CF-3+ cinnamon EO + grapefruit EO). Luncheon pork, spiced beef, and red sausage were taken as representatives of typical deli meat products and used to validate the effectiveness of NIP-IV in inhibiting N-nitroso dimethylamine (NDMA) production. The results showed that NIP-IV restrain protein degradation and lipid oxidation in deli meat products and effectively control microbial activity. Biogenic amines, such as phenethylamine, spermidine, cadaverine, and tyramine, were reduced. The conversion of nitrite to NDMA in deli meats was effectively inhibited by NIP-IV. Volatile organic compounds were the key to excellent NIP-IV non-contact preservation. Butyric acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, benzaldehyde, d-limonene, and (E)-cinnamaldehyde were significantly negatively correlated with NDMA in deli meat products.

A Comprehensive Review of Self-Nanoemulsifying Systems in the Delivery of Herbal Drugs.

Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) are an isotropic mixture of oils, co-surfactants, and surfactants and can form fine O/W Nanoemulsions in aqueous media. These components are advantageous in terms of improved solubility and bioavailability. Limited permeability, solubility, and bioavailability remain a significant challenge in developing herbal drugs. This review explores the potential of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) as a promising strategy to overcome this problem. The SNEDDS is considered a novel technique for the delivery of low water-soluble drugs. It can bypass the first-pass metabolism, resulting in steady and sustained drug levels in the systemic circulation. The present article provides a comprehensive overview of the SNEDDS formulation of herbal drugs. It includes their composition, characterization, in vitro and in vivo studies conducted in various disease conditions, and pharmacokinetic studies.

Study of ZnO-SAE50 over a radiated permeable exponentially elongating curved device subject to non-uniform thermal source and Newtonian heating

Thermal analysis in nanolubricants is a topic of interest. The nanolubricants are uniform mixture of nanoparticles and oil. These fluids extensively use for thermal applications and friction reduction. Hence, the key objectives of this work to analyze the dynamics of ZnO-SAE50 through a curved surface. The traditional problem modified using novel effects of non-uniform thermal source, variable thermal conductivity, non-linear thermal radiations and Newtonian heating in the presence of convective condition. Further, enhanced properties of ZnO-SAE50 used to achieve the desired results. The physical results for the problem obtained through numerical approach (RK scheme coupled with shooting method). It is examined that the velocity enhances by increasing the curvature of the surface (K=5.0,10.0,15.0,20.0) while stronger Hartmann effects (M=0.1,0.5,0.9,1.3) and concentration of ZnO reduce the motion over the surface. The momentum boundary layer declines for S>0 as compared to S<0. Inclusions of non-uniform source enhanced the thermal transport while prominent increase is observed for Biot number (Bi=0.1,0.2,0.3,0.4). Further, the variable thermal conductivity (ϵ=0.1,0.2,0.3,0.4) and Newtonian heating have minimal variations in the temperature. Thermal radiations and ϕ improve the temperature of ZnO-SAE50. Thus, modified problem in the presence of indicated physical phenomenon has effective outcomes regarding the heat transfer applications in nanolubricants.

EVALUATING PERFORMANCE, COMBUSTION, AND EMISSION CHARACTERISTICS OF WASTE PLASTIC OIL BLENDS IN CRDI DIESEL ENGINES USING DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS

As fossil fuels run out quickly, researchers studying engines are increasingly interested in alternative fuels. This paper covers the use of plastic paralysis oil as biodiesel in diesel engines. This was done using a four-stroke, multi-cylinder CRDI diesel engine running between 2000 and 2500 rpm. From zero loads to fifty percent load, the performance, combustion, and emission characteristics were computed for a variety of load scenarios. The analysis revealed that the blend D80WPO20 at 2000 rpm reduced hydrocarbon emissions from 0.059 g/kW to 0.045 g/kW, which is lower than that of 25% diesel at 26 kW. At high speed, the blend D80WPO20 at 2000 rpm gave the maximum BTE of 34.53%. The nitric oxide (NOx) emissions from D50WPO50 and diesel at a 26 kW load are 6.48 g/kWh and 5.37 g/kWh, respectively, according to reports. Data envelopment analysis, a multi-response linear programming optimization tool, was used to evaluate the output and emissions of DI diesel engines using waste plastic oil mixtures.

Preparation of a nanoemulsion containing active ingredients of cannabis extract and its application for glioblastoma: in vitro and in vivo studies

Recently, the anti-tumor effects of cannabis extract on various cancers have attracted the attention of researchers. Here, we report a nanoemulsion (NE) composition designed to enhance the delivery of two active components in cannabis extracts (∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD)) in an animal model of glioblastoma. The efficacy of the NE containing the two drugs (NED) was compared with the bulk drugs and carrier (NE without the drugs) using the C6 tumor model in rats. Hemocompatibility factors (RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PPP, PT and PTT) were studied to determine the potential in vivo toxicity of NED. The optimized NED with mean ± SD diameter 29 ± 6 nm was obtained. It was shown that by administering the drugs in the form of NED, the hemocompatibility increased. Cytotoxicity studies indicated that the NE without the active components (i.e. mixture of surfactants and oil) was the most cytotoxic group, while the bulk group had no toxicity. From the in vivo MRI and survival studies, the NED group had maximum efficacy (with ~4 times smaller tumor volume on day 7 of treatment, compared with the control. Also, survival time of the control, bulk drug, NE and NED were 9, 4, 12.5 and 51 days, respectively) with no important adverse effects. In conclusion, the NE containing cannabis extract could be introduced as an effective treatment in reducing brain glioblastoma tumor progression.Graphical abstract

Impact of hydrophilic substances on Ostwald ripening in emulsions stabilized by varied hydrophilic group surfactants

This study investigated the impact of water-soluble substances on Ostwald ripening in emulsions stabilized by surfactants with different head groups (Brij S20 and Tween 60). Adding ≥20% (w/w) corn oil to the oil phase effectively inhibited Ostwald ripening of n-decane emulsions due to compositional ripening. The presence of glucose, maltose, or glycerol in the aqueous phase of the emulsions decreased the Ostwald ripening rate, regardless of emulsifier type. However, the impact of propylene glycol depended on emulsifier type, accelerating Ostwald ripening in Brij S20-stabilized emulsions but having little effect in Tween 60-stabilized emulsions. This effect was mainly attributed to the ability of propylene glycol to alter interfacial characteristics. When emulsions were fabricated with a mixture of n-decane and corn oil, glucose and maltose were still effective in inhibiting Ostwald ripening, but glycerol lost its ability. These results have important implications for formulating emulsion-based delivery systems with enhanced shelf life.