Penetration Of Gel Research Articles

Effect of a brush tip on in-office bleaching gels in an attachable syringe: Hydrogen peroxide penetration, bleaching efficacy and amount of gel expended

ObjectiveEvaluate the penetration of hydrogen peroxide (HP) into the pulp chamber, bleaching efficacy (BE) and amount of gel expended during in-office bleaching using an applicator brush tip and conventional tip from different commercial brands. Materials and Methods104 human premolars were randomly distributed into thirteen groups (n = 8) according to the commercial brand: DSP White Clinic 35 % Calcium (DW), Nano White 35 % (NW), Total Blanc One-Step 35 % (TS), Whiteness HP Blue 35 % (WB), Potenza Bianco Pro SS 38 % (PB), Opalescence XTra Boost 40 % (OB), no bleaching (negative control), and application method: applicator brush tip and conventional tip for all groups. Initial HP concentration (%) was determined via titration and pH was measured with digital pH meter. Concentration (µg/mL) of HP into the pulp chamber was measured using UV–Vis spectrophotometry, the BE (ΔE*ab, ΔE00 and ΔWID) was evaluated with a digital spectrophotometer, and the amount of gel expended was evaluated using a precision analytical digital balance. Statistical analysis included two-way ANOVA, Tukey's, and Dunnett's test. Comparison between HP into the pulp chamber vs BE was performed with Person's correlation (α = 0.05). ResultsBrush tip demonstrated a low amount of HP in the pulp chamber compared to the conventional method for all bleaching gels (p < 0.0003), as well as lower amount of gel expended (p < 0.002). The brush tip did not result in a significant difference in BE compared to the conventional (p > 0.05). No correlations were found between both factors (p > 0.05). ConclusionBrush tip showed lower penetration of HP in the pulp chamber and a reduced volume of spent gel when compared to the conventional tip, for all commercial brands. Clinical relevanceBrush tip is recommended for bleaching gels in an attachable syringe due to its ability to reduce the penetration of HP into the pulp chamber and minimize the amount of bleaching gel used.

Biomimetic tri-layered artificial skin comprising silica gel-collagen membrane-collagen porous scaffold for enhanced full-thickness wound healing

Full-thickness wounds are severe cutaneous damages with destroyed self-healing function, which need efficient clinical interventions. Inspired by the hierarchical structure of natural skin, we have for the first time developed a biomimetic tri-layered artificial skin (TLAS) comprising silica gel-collagen membrane-collagen porous scaffold for enhanced full-thickness wound healing. The TLAS with the thickness of 3–7 mm displays a hierarchical nanostructure consisting of the top homogeneous silica gel film, the middle compact collagen membrane, and the bottom porous collagen scaffold, exquisitely mimicking the epidermis, basement membrane and dermis of natural skin, respectively. The 1-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide/N-Hydroxysuccinimide-dehydrothermal (EDC/NHS-DHT) dual-crosslinked collagen composite bilayer, with a crosslinking degree of 79.5 %, displays remarkable biocompatibility, bioactivity, and biosafety with no risk of hemolysis and pyrogen reactions. Notably, the extra collagen membrane layer provides a robust barrier to block the penetration of silica gel into the collagen porous scaffold, leading to the TLAS with enhanced biocompatibility and bioactivity. The full-thickness wound rat model studies have indicated the TLAS significantly facilitates the regeneration of full-thickness defects by accelerating re-epithelization, collagen deposition and migration of skin appendages. The highly biocompatible and bioactive tri-layered artificial skin provides an improved treatment for full-thickness wounds, which has great potential in tissue engineering.

Formulation, optimization and evaluation of ocular gel containing nebivolol Hcl-loaded ultradeformable spanlastics nanovesicles: In vitro and in vivo studies

The study aims to improve the ocular delivery of Nebivolol HCL (NBV) belonging to the Biopharmaceutics classification system (BCSII) by using spanlastic nanovesicles (SNVs) for ophthalmic delivery and incorporating them into hydroxypropyl methylcellulose gel with ketorolac tromethamine (KET) as an anti-inflammatory to improve glaucoma complications like Conjunctivitis. SNVs were prepared by ethanol injection technique using span (60) as a surfactant and labrasol as an edge activator (EA). The impact of formulation factors on SNVs properties was investigated using a Box-Behnken design. In vitro evaluations showed that the formulations (F1, F4, and F14), containing Span 60 and labrasol as EA (25%, 50%, and 25%), exhibited high EE% with low PS and high ZP and DI. Additionally, 61.72 ± 0.77%, 58.97 ± 1.44%, and 56.20 ± 2.32% of the NBV amount were released from F1, F4, and F14 after 5 h, compared to 93.94 ± 1.21% released from drug suspension. The selected formula (G1), containing F1 in combination with KET and 2% w/w HPMC, exhibited 76.36 ± 0.90% drug release after 12 h. Ex vivo Confocal laser scanning revealed a high penetration of NBV-SNVs gel that ascertained the results of the in-vitro study. In vivo studies showed a significant decrease in glaucoma compared to drug suspension, and histopathological studies showed improvement in glaucomatous eye retinal atrophy. G1 is considered a promising approach to improving ocular permeability, absorption, and anti-inflammatory activity, providing a safer alternative to current regimens.

Design, optimization, and characterization of Althaea officinalis-loaded transliposomes for the treatment of atopic dermatitis: a Box Behnken Design, in vitro, and ex vivo study

A chronic skin disorder called atopic dermatitis (AD) is brought on by the deterioration of the skin’s barrier function marked by inflammation, dryness, and bacterial infection along with immunological changes. Althaea officinalis (AO), known for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, has been explored as a potential treatment for AD. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel transliposomes (TL) formulation containing AO for AD treatment. Using rotary evaporation, AO-TL formulations were created and optimized employing Box Behnken Design. The optimized AO-TL formulation showed consistent characteristics: vesicle size of 145.8 nm, polydispersity index of 0.201, zeta potential of −28.22 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 86.21%. TEM imaging shows the spherical shapes of the vesicle. These findings demonstrate the formulation’s stability and ability to encapsulate AO effectively. In vitro drug release studies revealed that the AO-TL formulation released 81.28% of the drug, outperforming conventional AO dispersion (56.80%). Additionally, when applied to rat skin, the TL gel demonstrated deeper penetration (30 μm) in comparison to the standard solution (5.0 μm) based on confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Ex vivo and dermatokinetics studies showed improved penetration of drug-loaded transliposomes gel in rat skin than the conventional AO gel. Overall, the optimized AO-TL formulation offers promising characteristics and performance for the topical treatment of AD. Its drug release, antioxidant activity, and deeper penetration suggest enhanced therapeutic effects. Further research and clinical trials are needed to validate its efficacy and safety in AD patients.

Choosing water shutoff technologies for fractured reservoirs of the White Tiger field

A complex of laboratory tests for water shutoff agents and their compositions as well as pilot tests were performed. It was found that a combined use of OrganoSEAL-F gel (based on seawater) and SquezeCRETE microcement meets the technical requirements to the greatest extent. The considered water shutoff technology implies deep penetration of OrganoSEAL-F gel into the flooded interval of the fractured foundation and subsequent injection of SquezeCRETE cement slurry (as a fixing composition). The proposed compositions and technologies can be used to ensure water shutoff in production wells of the White Tiger field.

Formulation and Evaluation of Diclofenac Potassium Gel in Sports Injuries with and without Phonophoresis.

Background: Pain remains a global public heath priority. Phonophoresis, also known as sonophoresis or ultrasonophoresis, is when an ultrasound is used to maximize the effects of a topical drug. Purpose: The objective of this study was to test, in patients injured in sports or accidents (N = 200), the efficacy of diclofenac potassium (DK) 6%, 4%, and 2% formulated gels with and without phonophoresis in comparison with market available standard diclofenac sodium (DS or DN) gel. Methods: The patients were enrolled after informed consent. By using the lottery method, 100 patients were randomly segregated into five groups without phonophoresis and repeated similarly with phonophoresis at a frequency of 0.8 MHz, an intensity of about 1.5 W/cm2, and at continuous mode (2:1). Group-1 was treated with 6% DK gel, group-2 was treated with 4% DK gel, group-3 was treated with 2% DK gel, group-4 was treated with 4% DS gel and group-5 was given control gel three to four times a week for 4 weeks. The patients were screened by using NPRS and WOMAC scales. They were assessed on the baseline, 4th session, 8th session, 12th session, and 16th session. Results: Significant dose-dependently relief was observed in NPRS (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) and the WOMAC (Western Ontario McMaster Osteo-Arthritis) index for pain in disability and stiffness for each group treated with DK gel compared to DS gel. Phonophoresis increased these benefits significantly when used after topical application of DK gel or DS gel, and the dose-dependent effects of DK gel plus phonophoresis were stronger than the dose-dependent effects of DS gel plus phonophoresis. The faster and profounder relief was due to phonophoresis, which allows more penetration of the DK gel into the skin as compared to the direct application of DK gel in acute, uncomplicated soft tissue injury, such as plantar fasciitis, bursitis stress injuries, and tendinitis. In addition, DK gel with phonophoresis was well tolerated. Thus, in this personalized clinical setting, according to the degree of inflammation or injured-induced pain, disability, and stiffness, DK gel 6% with phonophoresis appeared more effective and thus more recommendable than DS gel 6% alone or DS gel 6% combined to phonophoresis.

Olive Oil Based Methotrexate Loaded Topical Nanoemulsion Gel for the Treatment of Imiquimod Induced Psoriasis-like Skin Inflammation in an Animal Model.

Simple SummaryPsoriasis, being chronic inflammatory illness, provoked by genetic and environmental factors is linked to several other life-threatening diseases. Methotrexate is regarded as gold standard for the management of psoriasis, so an attempt was made to incorporate this drug into nanoemulsion gel. Thus olive oil based formulation was fabricated to target animal model induced psoriasis- like skin inflammation. The optimized methotrexate nanoemulsion gel formulation produced a psoriasis area and severity Index (PASI) decrease that was similar or better than the 91% reduction seen in the methotrexate tablet group. The results of this study revealed effectiveness of methotrexate nanoemulsion gel formulation to treat psoriasis and reduce the remission of psoriasis-like symptoms.Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory illness, is on the rise and is linked to several other life-threatening diseases. The primary goal of this study was to create a nanoemulsion gel loaded with methotrexate and olive oil (MTX NEG). The formulation was evaluated for physicochemical characterization, entrapment efficiency, drug release kinetics, skin permeation studies and stability tests. In addition, the efficacy of MTX NEG against psoriasis was tested using imiquimod-induced psoriasis in a rat model. The final optimized MTX NEG was developed with a particle size of 202.6 ± 11.59 nm and a PDI of 0.233 ± 0.01, with a 76.57 ± 2.48% average entrapment efficiency. After 20 h, the release kinetics predicted a 72.47% drug release at pH 5.5. FTIR findings demonstrated that the optimized MTX NEG formulation effectively fluidized both the epidermis and dermis of the skin, potentially increasing drug permeability and retention. The application of Tween 80 and PEG 400, on the other hand, significantly enhanced these effects, as these are well known penetration enhancers. After 24 h, an average of 70.78 ± 5.8 μg/cm2 of methotrexate was permeated from the nanoemulsion gel with a flux value of 2.078 ± 0.42 μg/cm2/h, according to permeation measurements. Finally, in vivo experiments on rabbit skin revealed that the increased skin penetration of methotrexate-loaded nanoemulsion gel was not due to structural alterations in intercellular lipid layers in the stratum corneum. In vivo antipsoriatic studies on rats revealed that MTX NEG produced a PASI decrease that was extremely similar and even better than the 91% reduction seen in the MTX tablet group. According to the pharmacokinetic profile, Cmax was 8.5 μg/mL, Tmax was 12 h, and t1/2 was 15.5 ± 2.37 h. These findings reinforce that MTX-NEG based on olive oil could be a possible treatment for psoriasis and could decrease the remission of psoriasis-like symptoms.

Enhanced Delivery of Neuroactive Drugs via Nasal Delivery with a Self-Healing Supramolecular Gel.

This paper reports the use of a self‐assembling hydrogel as a delivery vehicle for the Parkinson's disease drug l‐DOPA. Based on a two‐component combination of an l‐glutamine amide derivative and benzaldehyde, this gel has very soft rheological properties and self‐healing characteristics. It is demonstrated that the gel can be formulated to encapsulate l‐DOPA. These drug‐loaded gels are characterized, and rapid release of the drug is obtained from the gel network. This drug‐loaded hydrogel has appropriate rheological characteristics to be amenable for injection. This system is therefore tested as a vehicle for nasal delivery of neurologically‐active drugs—a drug delivery strategy that can potentially avoid first pass liver metabolism and bypass the blood–brain barrier, hence enhancing brain uptake. In vitro tests indicate that the gel has biocompatibility with respect to nasal epithelial cells. Furthermore, animal studies demonstrate that the nasal delivery of a gel loaded with 3H‐labeled l‐DOPA out‐performed a simple intranasal l‐DOPA solution. This is attributed to longer residence times of the gel in the nasal cavity resulting in increased blood and brain concentrations. It is demonstrated that the likely routes of brain penetration of intranasally‐delivered l‐DOPA gel involve the trigeminal and olfactory nerves connecting to other brain regions.

Modelling of micro-particles perforations into human tissue surrogate: Numerical and analytical aspects

Investigating high-speed microparticle impact responses into soft tissue is essential to several fields like medicine and transdermal delivery of pharmaceuticals. Various simulants such as ballistic gelatin, rubber, and polymers have been developed to replace the biological body in experimental investigation, considering the practical and ethical issues. The synthetic polymer SEBS gel (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) interests some scientists in recent years because it involves several benefits like environmental stability, reproducibility, mechanical consistency, transparency, and biofidelic ability to reproduce human soft tissue behavior. A few experiments have been performed on the penetration of SEBS gel. But its physical behavior under high-velocity impact, especially in micro-scale, is yet to be investigated. As the earliest meshless method, Smoothed Particles Hydrodynamics (SPH) has been identified to have a great potential in simulating extremely large deformation. This study employs a numerical model by the SPH method to investigate the response of the SEBS gel under micro-penetration, combined with an elastic-hydrodynamic constitutive law. The range of Young’s modulus is firstly described for the SEBS gel under micro-impacts, which is validated against experimental data. Supplementally, the suitability of three types of analytical models depending on fitting coefficients is also discussed for micro penetrations into soft tissue.

Nanostructured lipidic carriers for dual drug delivery in the management of psoriasis: Systematic optimization, dermatokinetic and preclinical evaluation

In the present study, we selected two potential herbal drugs (Smilax china and Salix alba) and developed nano lipidic carriers (NLC) gel for safe and effective topical therapy against psoriasis. Optimization of formulation of NLCs was performed using Box-Behnken design by selecting three input variables viz. lipid concentration, surfactant concentration and sonication time at three levels; and evaluated for the average particle size, polydispersity and %encapsulation as the response parameters. The outcomes of the present study showed that optimized dual drug-loaded NLCs had low average particle size (150.20 ± 3.57 nm) and polydispersity (0.301 ± 0.01) and high entrapment (86.32 ± 2.78% w/w). TEM imaging of the optimized formulation showed spherical vesicles. The drug release and dermal transport studies revealed sustained drug release (57.55 ± 5.38%) and enhanced dermal flux (3.88 μg/cm2/h), respectively. Thermo-analytical studies of NLCs showed fluidized state of the membrane of mice skin for smooth penetration of drugs. Confocal study revealed uniform distribution and deeper layer penetration of the optimized NLC gel system as compared to hydroalcoholic solution. Further, dermatokinetic study showed improved penetration of drug-loaded NLC gel in mice skin than the marketed formulation. The score obtained from skin irritation study revealed non-irritancy of the developed system. Further, in the developed psoriatic model, PASI score established decline in all the parameters as compared to the toxic control group, as well as better efficacy than the marketed formulation. Hence, the obtained results construe that developed NLCs as potential carriers for the effective and safe topical delivery of herbal drugs.

CLINICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF ROOT CANAL DECONTAMINATION IN CHRONIC APICAL PERIODONTITIS USING THE ULTRASOUND

The aim: To study the effectiveness of chronic apical periodontitis treatment by the combined use of ultrasonic treatment of root canals and multicomponent antimicrobial gel according to the results of clinical and microbiological researches. Materials and methods: 64 patients with chronic apical periodontitis at the age of 18-56 years were treated. Patients were divided into two groups: the main and control. In the main group the root canals of 36 teeth were sonicated in combination with multicomponent antimicrobial gel, in the control - 35 teeth were treated by a standard method. The content of the root canals for microbiological studies was obtained before endodontic treatment and before permanent obturation. Frequency of content and number of bacteria in the samples were evaluated. Results: All samples before treatment were positive for the presence of variable bacterial flora, among which Staphylococcus epidermidis (43.9%), Enterococcus faecalis (37.9%), Streptococcus spp. (24.8%), Candida albicans (24.4%), Fusibacterium (9.4%) were the most dominant, their number was 7.4-4.8 lg CFU/ml. Repeated research after the proposed and standard method of root canal decontamination has shown a significant decrease in microflora. According to the data of clinical and microbiological examination, the method which was developed by us revealed a positive result in 86% of cases compared with 63% when treated by the standard method. Conclusions: The effectiveness of a complex treatment method with combined use of the ultrasonic irrigation and multicomponent antimicrobial gel for root canals decontamination in chronic apical periodontitis is demonstrated. Significant reduction of microflora growth and destruction of microbial associations, good penetration of multicomponent antimicrobial gel into endodontic structures due to ultrasound compared with a standard method were achieved.

Importance of creep and ASR gel diffusion in predicting ASR induced expansion

The paper reviews development of a diffusion-based and creep-based model for calculating the evolution of expansion and damage induced by alkali-silica reaction (ASR). First, the model of Bažant and Steffens (2000) is adopted to calculate the rate of production of the ASR gel within the aggregate. Next, a non-linear diffusion according to Rahimi-Aghdam and Bažant (2017) is presented to model the penetration of ASR gel into the micropores, nanopores and microcracks. The gel diffusion into pores of the aggregate causes expansion and damage to the surrounding concrete, and is found to be an important modeling aspect. The damage is assessed by microplane model M7, into which the creep is incorporated. The creep is found to have a significant influence on the long-term evolution of ASR-induced damage. The predictions are in good agreements with the laboratory experiments and the model appears to be ready to predict the ASR effects in real structures.

The Optimization and Analysis of Hydrocarbon Recovery under Injection of Biopolymer, Synthetic Polymer and Gels in a Heterogeneous Reservoir

Water injection is a conventional method which increases the recovery percentage by providing pressure support and displacing oil in the heterogeneous porous medium. In such a displacement process, (low) mobility ratio is important for a more efficient oil displacement by the injected fluid. As such, the mobility ratio can be reduced using the fluids involving gelling agents for increasing in the volumetric sweep. While polymers degrade and break up on experiencing sudden shear stresses and high temperatures, polymer macromolecules are forced to flow into narrow channels and pores where molecular scission processes can take place. Thus, it is of utmost importance to have a strong understanding of the use of the right type and amount of viscosity as a reduction agent.&#x0D; For polymer injection, a comparison of xanthan polymer and synthetic polymer mechanisms was conducted. A commercial full-physics reservoir simulator was coupled with a robust optimization and uncertainty tool to run the model, where a simplified gel kinetics was assumed to form a microgel with no redox catalyst. Water injection continues over all six layers for 450 days, followed by gel system injection for 150 days in the bottom two layers. Water injection was continued to four years. The top four layers have higher horizontal permeabilities, and a high permeability streak is at the bottom of the reservoir to reduce any helpful effects of gravity. Control and uncertainty variables were set to investigate the sensitivity of this process using the coupled optimization and uncertainty tool.&#x0D; Results demonstrate deep penetration of gel and blocking of the high permeability bottom layers. Sensitivity studies indicate the relative merits of biopolymer, xanthan polymer in terms of viscosity effects vs synthetic PAM in terms of resistance factor vs in-situ gelation treatments and their crossflow dependence. Adsorption and retention of polymer and gel are permeability dependent.&#x0D; Considering the potential for application of gel solutions in the U.S. and throughout the world, this study illustrates the relative advantages of different treatments in terms of viscosity reduction in the same model in a comparative way, while outlining the significance of each control and uncertainty variable for better management of reservoirs where displacement efficiency is highly critical.

Impact of synthetic canine cerumen on in vitro penetration of auricular skin of dogs by florfenicol, terbinafine, and betamethasone acetate.

OBJECTIVE To determine the pharmacokinetics of florfenicol, terbinafine, and betamethasone acetate after topical application to canine auricular skin and the influence of synthetic canine cerumen on pharmacokinetics. SAMPLE Auricular skin from 6 euthanized shelter dogs (3 females and 3 neutered males with no visible signs of otitis externa). PROCEDURES Skin adjacent to the external opening of the ear canal was collected and prepared for use in a 2-compartment flow-through diffusion cell system to evaluate penetration of an otic gel containing florfenicol, terbinafine, and betamethasone acetate over a 24-hour period. Radiolabeled 14C-terbinafine hydrochloride and 3H-betamethasone acetate were added to the gel to determine dermal penetration and distribution. Florfenicol absorption was determined by use of high-performance liquid chromatography-UV detection. Additionally, the effect of synthetic canine cerumen on the pharmacokinetics of all compounds was evaluated. RESULTS During the 24-hour experiment, mean ± SD percentage absorption without the presence of synthetic canine cerumen was 0.28 ± 0.09% for 3H-betamethasone acetate, 0.06 ± 0.06% for florfenicol, and 0.06 ± 0.02% for 14C-terbinafine hydrochloride. Absorption profiles revealed no impact of synthetic canine cerumen on skin absorption for all 3 active compounds in the gel or on skin distribution of 3H-betamethasone acetate and 14C-terbinafine hydrochloride. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE 3H-betamethasone acetate, 14C-terbinafine hydrochloride, and florfenicol were all absorbed in vitro through healthy auricular skin specimens within the first 24 hours after topical application. Synthetic canine cerumen had no impact on dermal absorption in vitro, but it may serve as a temporary reservoir that prolongs the release of topical drugs.

PENETRATION TEST OF CAFFEINE IN ETHOSOME AND DESMOSOME GEL USING AN IN VITRO METHOD

Objectives: Caffeine has many functions including its use in the field of cosmetics. Nonetheless, the percutaneous absorption of caffeine is very low(9%), and the penetration of a substance such as caffeine in the skin is not desirable. Ethosomes and desmosomes are lipid vesicles created by themodification of liposomes containing phospholipids and ethanol or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the penetration enhancer. The purpose of this studywas to compare the effectiveness of ethosomes and desmosomes as vesicles in increasing the penetration of caffeine.Methods: Ethosomes and desmosomes were prepared using phosphatidylcholine, ethanol/DMSO, and caffeine. Phosphatidylcholine was used in theform of phospholipon 90 g that was obtained from soybeans. Observations were done including the characteristic of ethosomes and desmosomes,organoleptic observation, homogeneity observation, and in vitro penetration test using Franz diffusion cell method.Results: The cumulative penetration of caffeine ethosome gel is 3316.46±218.51 μg/cm2, with flux 249.45±30.06 μg·cm−2·hr−1, and 62.35±4.52%. Thecumulative penetration of the desmosome gel is 2954.95±222.87 μg/cm2 with flux 381.68±34.91 μg·cm−2·hr−1 and 53.4±3.65%.Conclusions: It can be concluded that ethosome is more effective than desmosome in increasing the penetration of caffeine.

TRANSFERSOMAL GEL CONTAINING GREEN TEA (CAMELLIA SINENSIS L. KUNTZE) LEAVES EXTRACT: INCREASING IN VITRO PENETRATION

Objective: The aim of this study was to increase penetration of EGCG from green tea leaves extract (Camellia sinensis L. Kuntz) through the skin by formulating them into a transfersomal gel.Methods: Transfersomes were prepared by thin-layer hydration method, with different concentration of the extract that equivalent to 1% (F1), 1.5% (F2), and 2% (F3) EGCG. Transfersomes formula with good characteristics would be incorporated into a gel formulation. A gel without transfersomes prepared as a control of comparison. Both of gels were evaluated their physicochemical properties. In vitro penetration test using Franz diffusion cell with the skin of female Sprague-Dawley rats was also performed.Results: The results showed that F1 had the best physicochemical properties. F1 had a spherical shape, Dmean volume at 107.82±0.44 nm, polidispersity index at 0.07±0.01, zeta potential at -40.3±0.10 mV, and entrapment efficiency at 63.16±0.65%. Cumulative amount of EGCG penetrated from transfersomal and non-transfersomal gel were were 1302.63±20.67 μg/cm2 and 414.86±4.40 μg/cm2, resepctively (P&lt;0.05). Flux penetration of transfersomal and non-transfersomal gel were was 57.594±0.91 μg/cm2.h and 36.144±1.22 μg/cm2.h, respectively.Conclusion: It can be concluded that transfersomal gel could increase the in vitro penetration of EGCG from green tea leaves extract compared to non-transfersomal one.

In vitro Penetration and Bioavailability of Novel Transdermal Quercetin-loaded Ethosomal Gel

Quercetin has been widely used to treat many diseases because of its high antioxidant activity. However, it has low oral bioavailability and penetration through the skin. The aim of this research was to enhance penetration and bioavailability of quercetin using transdermal ethosomal gel. Three ethosomal formulae, E1 (1%), E2 (1.5%) and E3 (2%) with different concentration of quercetin were prepared using thin-film hydration method. Their physical properties were characterized, and then a selected ethosomal formula was incorporated into a gel dosage form. Two gels, one ethosomal and the other non-ethosomal were prepared. In vitro penetration using Franz diffusion cells and bioavailability study in Sprague Dawley male rats were carried out. Results showed that E2 was the chosen formula to be incorporated into the gel dosage form. According to the in vitro penetration study, the diffusion flux of quercetin from the ethosomal and non-ethosomal gels were 343.35±17.69 ng/cm2/h and 120.68±11.92 ng/cm2/h, respectively (P<0.05). In the bioavailability study, ethosomal gel showed higher maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under curve (AUC0-t) when compared to non-ethosomal gel and oral suspension. Cmax from the ethosomal gel, non-ethosomal gel, and oral suspension were 413.49±28.64 ng/ml, 189.46±49.68 ng/ml, and 61.92±14.31 ng/ml, respectively (P<0.05). AUC0-t from the ethosomal gel, non-ethosomal gel, and oral suspension were 4035.15±560.60, 584.87±265.46, and 431.21±239.85, respectively (P<0.05). In conclusion, ethosomal gel could increase penetration and bioavailability of quercetin compared to non-ethosomal gel.

Solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carrier-based nanotherapeutics in treatment of psoriasis: a comparative study

ABSTRACTBackground: The present work focuses on the development of ultra-small solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) encapsulating cyclosporine and calcipotriol, further incorporated into gel, increasing their penetration through the skin.Research design and methods: Developed SLN and NLC were characterized regarding particle size, zeta potential, %entrapment efficiency and dispersed into carbopol 934P-NF gel. Gel was further characterized for rheological behavior and spreadability. Ex vivo dermatokinetic by tape stripping method, in vitro efficacy on HaCaT cell lines and in vivo efficacy on imiquimod induced psoriatic model in mice were evaluated.Results: Ultra-small (size<100 nm) particles were formed with high entrapment efficiency and spherical morphology. Ex vivo dermatokinetic studies revealed deeper and confined drug penetration of lipid formulation gel in epidermal layers as compared to free drug. In vitro study on HaCaT cell lines depicted higher uptake and high efficacy owing to decrease in cell viability for NLC. The anti-psoriatic efficacy in BALB/c mice (evaluated on basis of cytokine levels and skin morphology) highlighted potential of drug-loaded NLC significantly higher as compared to drug loaded SLN and marketed formulation Betagel.Conclusions: The study demonstrated that NLC gel had higher efficacy in psoriatic management and hold promise for further exploration.

Diffusion-Controlled and Creep-Mitigated ASR Damage via Microplane Model. I: Mass Concrete

AbstractA diffusion-based and creep-based chemo-mechanical model for calculating the evolution of damage caused in concrete and concrete structures by the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is developed. First the model of Bažant and Steffens for the diffusion controlled kinetics of ASR is reviewed and used to calculate the rate of production of the ASR gel within the aggregate. The next step is the formulation of a nonlinear diffusion model for the penetration of gel into the micropores and nanopores in a mineral aggregate grain, into the interface transition zone (ITZ) and into the nearby microcracks created in the cement paste of mortar. The gel that penetrates the pores and cracks in cement paste is considered to calcify promptly and stop expanding. A novel point, crucial for unconditional numerical stability of time step algorithm, is that the diffusion analysis is converted to calculating the pressure relaxation at constant gel mass during each time step, with sudden jumps between the steps. The gel expan...

Whitening gel and light source influence on pulp chamber temperature

The chemical injury caused to the pulp by the penetration of the whitening gel is already known, but another possible cause may be the heat generated by the irradiation of the whitening gel with light sources to accelerate the whitening reaction. Objective: To evaluate in vitro the temperature increasing in the pulp chamber during in-office bleaching with different gel concentrations and light sources. Material and methods: A maxillary human central incisor was used in the 6 groups evaluated. The specimen was sectioned 3 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction. The root canal and pulp chamber were cleaned and widened with a diamond bur to receive the sensor of a thermocouple thermometer. The following hydrogen peroxide gel concentrations were evaluated: 35%, 25%, 15%, and 10%; and the following light sources were applied: blue hybrid LED/laser and violet hybrid LED/laser. The specimen bleaching was repeated 6 times per group. As a control, the temperature was measured with the application of light, without applying any gel. Results were evaluated with one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 5%). Results: Significant differences between groups were observed (p &lt; 0.05). The blue LED without the gel induced the smallest heat (37.5 ± 0.2) and the blue LED with 15% gel caused the highest heat (38.2 ± 0.3). The combination of violet LED with the 10% gel caused no significant increase in temperature compared to the control in which light was used without gel (p&gt; 0.05). Conclusion: No increase in pulp chamber temperature was higher than 2°C.