Percent Purity Research Articles

Abstract 1828: Development and evaluation of novel gemcitabine analog for the treatment of pancreatic cancer

Abstract Purpose: Gemcitabine acts against pancreatic cancer and a wide range of solid tumors and it is known to be rapidly deaminated or metabolized in the blood to an inactive metabolite. To increase its therapeutic levels, gemcitabine is administered at high doses causing severe side effects. To improve its metabolic stability, increase cytotoxic activity, and limit the phenomena of resistance many alternatives have emerged, such as modifying gemcitabine. The purpose of this study was to develop and characterize a novel gemcitabine analog with improved stability and enhanced anticancer activity against pancreatic cancer. Methods: A novel analog of gemcitabine (GemAGY) was designed and synthesized through chemical modification of gemcitabine hydrochloride (GemHCl) at position 4 with hydroxylamine. Gem AGY was characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), micro-elemental analysis, and purity determined using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Pancreatic cancer cell lines (MiaPaCa-2, BxPC3, and PANC-1) were treated with GemHCl and GemAGY. Cytotoxicity, cell migration, clonogenic assay, cell cycle, and apoptosis studies were performed to evaluate the effect of GemAGY against pancreatic cancer cell lines. Results: The percent purity of GemAGY was over 99.6%. GemAGY demonstrated a higher cytotoxic effect against pancreatic cancer cells with a lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value (2.5-fold high) compared with GemHCl. For MiaPaCa-2 cells, the IC50 value of GemAGY was found to be 1.63 ± 0.15 µm compared to GemHCl (4.0 ± 1.7 µm). GemAGY also exhibited higher cytotoxicity in PANC-1 (IC50: 1.7 ± 0.2µm) compared to GemHCl (IC50: 5.6 ±1.3 µm) and the IC50 value of GemAGY (3.2±1.1µm) in BxPC-3 cells was significantly better than GemHCl (5.5±1.0 µm). The cell cycle analysis indicated that GemAGY-treated MiaPaCa-2 cells at 1.50 µm concentration had a higher G0/G1 population (60.24%) compared to GemHCl-treated cells (55%). The cell migration studies showed that GemAGY-treated MiaPaCa-2 cells at 12.5 µm concentration significantly inhibited cell mobility towards the wound area with migrated cells found to be 65 ± 6 compared to Gem HCl (174.3 ± 4.0) (GemAGY vs GemHCl; p<0.0001). Similarly, GemAGY-treated PANC-1 cells at 12.5 µm concentration significantly inhibited cell mobility towards the wound area with (98 ± 5.1) compared to Gem HCl (254 ± 6.6). The quantitative analysis of apoptosis studies showed that GemAGY significantly induced higher apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in MiaPaCa-2 cells compared to GemHCl as concentration increases (GemAGY vs GemHCl; p <0.0001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that GemAGY increases the anticancer activity of gemcitabine and may have the potential to improve the chemotherapeutic efficacy of gemcitabine in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Joy Okoro, Raviteja Bulusu, Esther K. Frimpong, Sherise Rodgers, Bo Han, Xue Zhu, Edward Agyare. Development and evaluation of novel gemcitabine analog for the treatment of pancreatic cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1828.

Characterization of Pollen Grain and Pollen Extract from Common Allergenic Plants in the Philippines

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are prevalent in tropical countries like the Philippines. Pollen grains from anemophilous plant species may trigger these respiratory allergies. Pollen extracts from common allergenic plants are currently produced locally in the Philippines and are utilized for the diagnosis and immunotherapy of patients with respiratory allergies. Further improvement of their quality is necessary to avoid false negative or false positive diagnoses, as well as to increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy and avoid adverse reactions. This study aimed to characterize the morphology of the collected pollen grains and assess the pollen purity, protein concentration, and electrophoretic profile of the allergenic pollen extracts. Pollen identification and percent purity of the pollen collections were assessed via microscopy and hemocytometer. Lowry assay was performed to identify the total protein concentration of the pollen extracts before subjecting them to SDS-PAGE and silver staining. The pollen samples from varying plant families have distinct features that will aid in their proper identification. Collected aggregates of pollen samples with pollen purity of < 90%, like T. procumbens, A. saman, L. leucocephala, and M. indica, manifest darker colors compared to their actual color. On the other hand, the color of collected pollen samples with pollen purity ≥ 90% are commonly yellow or off-white, which is their natural color. The total protein concentration of the crude pollen extracts ranges from 2.87–9.63 mg/mL. The pollen extracts revealed protein bands at molecular weights ranging from 10–250 kD on SDS-PAGE. Proper characterization of a particular pollen may help in assessing the purity of the collected pollen. Higher pollen purity may contribute to the assurance that the positive diagnosis was due to the target pollen of a plant and not due to contaminations from other components. The result of this study may be considered for the improvement of the crude pollen allergen extract production for clinical use. It is also recommended to assess the effect of the environmental condition where the pollen was collected in terms of the actual proteins present after allergen extraction.

Extraction and Optimization of Tanning Material from Osyris lanceolata Barks: Cleaner Leather Tanning Processing

Tanning is a processing mechanism that prevents the collagen fibers from putrefaction to maximize the hydrothermal stability of leather. Tannin agents extracted from plants were used in leather production in a process called vegetable tanning. Vegetable tanning is an eco-friendly tanning method when compared to chrome tanning. Chrome tanning is the most common method of tanning hides. Currently, chrome tanning, which is extracted from chrome ores, is used in more than 80–90% of the leather tanning industry, but the most serious environmental issue associated with tanneries is chromium. This implies that the presence of chromium both in wastewater and in leather waste has a significant environmental impact and a high cost for landfills. However, currently, vegetable tanning and other tanning materials take up a 10–20% share of the leather tanning industry. Even today, most commercial vegetable tanning is a mimosa. In this study, a new alternative material and chrome-free tanning process using the barks of the Osyris lanceolata plant barks which reduces the environmental pollution load in terms of wastewater and solid wastes would be introduced. The study also aimed to improve the extraction and optimization mechanisms of tannin material from the bark of the Osyris lanceolata plant, which grows in Dera Hamusit Woreda in Ethiopia’s south Gonder Amhara region. In addition to these, the chemical and physical properties of experimentally treated leather were analyzed. This study’s results show that the bark of Osyris lanceolata contains (18.72%) tannin with 96% tanning strength (96%), and 49 percent purity. Also, leather treated with this tannin showed good shrinkage temperature (84.5°C), and organoleptic properties results such as tensile strength, tear strength, and elongation were 7.1 N/mm2, 19 N, and 45%, respectively. Besides that, the FTIR analysis shows that the bark of the Osyris lanceolata plant has a phenolic compound that is used for tanning purposes. This study clearly shows that extracted tannin from Osyris lanceolata has the potential to be used as an alternative tannin material in the leather tanning industry.

Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of an isomeric mixture of tris(chloropropyl) phosphate administered in feed to Sprague Dawley (Hsd:Sprague Dawley SD) rats and B6C3F1/N mice.

Tris(chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP) is used as a flame retardant in textiles, furniture foam, and other related products. In addition, it is manufactured for use in construction materials, electronic products, paints, coatings, and adhesives. Several flame retardants, including structurally similar organohalogen compounds, have been removed from products in commerce due to toxicity concerns, and TCPP has been proposed as a replacement flame retardant for use in these products. An anticipated increase in use of TCPP has generated concerns for increased human exposure through oral, dermal, and inhalation routes; however, publicly available toxicity data are scarce. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission therefore requested that the National Toxicology Program (NTP) form a research program on TCPP to conduct subchronic and chronic exposure studies in rats and mice for hazard identification and characterization information. Because TCPP is commercially available as an isomeric mixture, the NTP studies tested a commercial TCPP product containing four isomers commonly found in other commercial mixtures of TCPP: tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP; CASRN 13674-84-5), bis(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) 2-chloropropyl phosphate (CASRN 76025-08-6), bis(2-chloropropyl) 2-chloroisopropyl phosphate (CASRN 76649-15-5), and tris(2-chloropropyl) phosphate (CASRN 6145-73-9). Following procurement of TCPP, the percent purity of the four isomers was determined prior to conducting hazard characterization studies. (Abstract Abridged).

Hyphenated liquid chromatography - diode array detection - charged aerosol detection - high resolution - multistage mass spectrometry with online hydrogen/deuterium exchange: One stop solution for pharmaceutical impurity profiling

Hyphenation of different analytical techniques has always been advantageous in structural characterization as it saves time, money and resources. In the pharmaceutical sector, chromatography-based impurity profiling, including identification, characterization, and quantification in drug substances or finished products, is of utmost importance to comply with quality, patient safety and regulatory requirements. These impurities are monitored using LC-UV/DAD and identified and/or characterized using HRMS and MS/MS. LC analysis usually yields the area percent purity of the targeted peak, however, this is not sufficient for pharmaceutical purposes; where the regulatory requirement is to report impurities in percent weight by weight. Unfortunately, the non-availability of impurity standards and relative response factors at an early stage of drug development, risks the product quality due to the inability of the method to differentiate percent purity, and percent weight by weight. Hence, there is a need for a distinctive way of determining the relative response factor. In the current study, a unique hyphenation has been employed by integrating LC with DAD, CAD, and HRMSn with hydrogen-deuterium exchange. The LC flow, post-DAD detection has been diverted to CAD with an inverse gradient for relative response factor determination and MS Orbitrap for exact mass, and MSn fragmentation. A separate infusion pump has been incorporated to infuse D2O on a need basis, which can perform partial hydrogen deuterium exchange for determining the number of labile hydrogens in the impurity structure. This hyphenation has been validated with four model compounds and a total of nineteen chromatographic peaks. The technique provides ample information for their qualitative analysis along with percent weight-by-weight values, which fulfils the regulatory requirements and can be used as one-stop solution for impurity profiling.

Analysis of different brands of paracetamol tablet used in the market by assay method of UV spectroscopy and its evaluation

The study included analysis of five different brands of Paracetamol tablets used in market, using the ultra violet spectro-photometric method. The percent purity of the five brands of Paracetamol was determined by assay method on uv spectrophotometer. The result obtained was compared with those of standard. The Percent content of standard Paracetamol in IP contain no less than 95.0 percent and not more than 105.0 percent of the prescribed Paracetamol value. It was noted that samples A, B, D and E meet the I.P. specified limit in spectrophotometric method where as sample c was out of the specified limit. Also the evaluation test of paracetamol. Were carried out which complies the i.p. limit.

Eucalyptus globulus Extract-Assisted Fabrication of Copper Oxide/Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite for Photocatalytic Applications

In this work, we report the engineering of sub 30 nm nanoparticles of copper oxide (CuO) and Zinc oxide (ZnO) and their nanocomposite, using a green method, to degrade an organic dye (methyl orange) that is responsible for water pollution. The plant extract of Eucalyptus globulus was used as a capping and stabilizing agent, as it is non-toxic, easy to use, and affordable. The percent purity and composition of the samples were found using Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), which confirmed the formation of 75% CuO nanoparticles, 77.81% ZnO nanoparticles, and 77.34% ZnO/CuO nanocomposite in respective samples. Morphological analysis was achieved using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). FTIR investigations revealed that the vibrations of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles and CuO/ZnO nanocomposite were observed at 568 cm−1, 617.9 cm−1, and 475 cm−1, respectively. The bandgap of the synthesized CuO and ZnO nanoparticles, and ZnO/CuO nanocomposite was analyzed using Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), and found to be 3.36 eV, 1.83 eV, and 1.48 eV, respectively. Best photocatalytic activity confirmed that favorable conditions for the maximum degradation of methyl orange are at pH 12 and 0.02 g of the photocatalyst is required.

Preparation and Characterization of Controlled-Release Floating Bilayer Tablets of Esomeprazole and Clarithromycin.

Controlled-release effervescent floating bilayer tablets reduce dosage frequency and improve patient compliance with enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Generally, two different tablets of clarithromycin and esomeprazole, respectively, are given for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection and it might be worth incorporating both in a single tablet. In the current study, controlled-release floating bilayer tablets of clarithromycin and esomeprazole (F1–F4) were developed with different rates of polymeric materials by a direct compression method. During the formulation, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was performed for possible interactions between drugs and excipients. No interactions between drugs and excipients were noted. Moreover, the bilayer tablets’ thickness, diameter, friability, hardness, weight variation, dissolution, and percent purity were found within the acceptable limits. The floating lag time and total floating time of all formulations were found to be < 25 s and 24 h, respectively. The release of both the clarithromycin and esomeprazole started at the same time from the controlled-release floating bilayer tablets by anomalous non-Fickian diffusion, and the polymeric materials extended the drug release rate up to 24 h. In the case of F1, the results approached ideal zero-order kinetics. The dissolution profiles of the tested and reference tablet formulations were compared, but no significant differences were observed. It can be concluded that such controlled-release effervescent floating bilayer tablets can be efficiently used in clinical practice to reduce dosage frequency and increase patient compliance with continuous drug release for 24 h, which ultimately might enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Abstract PO-047: Optimizing the efficacy of 5-FU as a chemotherapeutic agent in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) using MIAPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells

Abstract Purpose: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most aggressive and scourging soft tissue tumor worldwide. Its current incidence is 13 per 100,000 US population with a very low 5-years survival rate (5%) and estimated to be the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030. Most diagnoses are made at advanced disease states warranting combination chemotherapy. Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an effective drug in treating PDAC; however, rapid degradation and systemic instability remain a drawback to its efficacy. The objective of this study was to chemically modify 5-FU to 1,3 bistetrahydrofuran-2yl-5-FU (MFU) to prolong its systemic stability and enhance the anticancer activity of 5-FU. Method: 5-FU was chemically modified to MFU using tetrahydrofuran-2-yl acetate and 1,8-Diazabicyclo (5.4. 0)undec-7-ene (DBU) in Dimethyl Formamide (DMF). MFU was characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to determine new bond formation, mass spectrometer (MS) for molecular weight determination, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine percent purity, and micro-elemental analysis used to ascertain the presence of elemental composition and purity. Percent conversion of MFU to 5FU was determined using PDAC cells. In vitro anticancer activity of MFU was tested using 2D and 3D MiaPaCa-2 and PANC-1 PDAC cultures and cell viability study performed using the alamar blue assay. Apoptotic and cell cycle studies were performed on MFU treated MiaPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells using flow cytometry. Results: Molecular weight of synthesized MFU (C12H15FN2O4) was determined to be 270.02 using the Electrospray Ionization (ESI) (MS (M+H)+ = 270.08). While percent purity of MFU was found to be greater than 99.6%, melting point was determined to be 115±2 °C and retention time (RT) was 1.85 minutes. For MFU conversion to 5-FU studies, 4.1% of 25µM and 7.6% of 50µM of MFU incubated MiaPaCa-2 cells was converted to 5-FU over a period of 24 hr showing an incremental production of 5-FU from MFU based on concentration. For in vitro study, half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 5-FU treated 2D MiaPaCa-2 culture was 3.4 ±1.1µM while that of MFU treated 2D MiaPaCa-2 culture was 2.1± 0.2 µM. The IC50 value of 5-FU treated 3D MiaPaCa-2 culture was found to be (8.5±1.2µM), while IC50 value for MFU treated 3D MiaPaCa-2 culture was (7.2±1.1µM). Put together, IC50 value for MFU for either 2D or 3D was significantly lower compared with IC50 value 5-FU (P=0.021 (MFU vs 5-FU) for 2D and P=0.04 (MFU vs 5-FU) for 3D). A similar trend was noted when PANC-1 cells were used. Apoptotic and cell cycle studies were similar to that of the 5-FU with most of the cells (54%) in late apoptosis after 48 h of treatment and 64% vs 33% of cells arrested at the G1 and S phase of the cell cycle respectively. Conclusion: The studies demonstrated that MFU may be an alternate approach to improve the delivery, systemic stability, and efficacy of 5-FU in the treatment of PDAC tumors. Citation Format: Nkafu Bechem Ndemazie, Andriana Inkoom, Xue Y. Zhu, Edward Agyare. Optimizing the efficacy of 5-FU as a chemotherapeutic agent in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) using MIAPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer; 2021 Sep 29-30. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(22 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-047.

Abstract PO-108: Evaluation of antitumor activity of modified-gemcitabine solid-lipid nanoparticle in pancreatic pdx models

Abstract Purpose: Pancreatic cancer (PCa) is one of the most aggressive and devastating malignancies in the United States, with a high mortality rate. Despite the remarkable advances in cancer therapy, there are limited treatment options for PCa patients. Gemcitabine (Gem), a nucleoside analog, remains the preferred choice, either alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, to treat PCa. While Gem has proven to be effective against PCa in the early stages of treatment, PCa cells resistance to Gem and rapid metabolism of Gem has resulted in poor treatment outcomes. The objective of this study was to address the issues associated with Gem via chemical modification of Gem to 4NSG. This significantly reduced the metabolism and highly sensitized PCa cells to Gem. Methods: Gem was modified by linking the 4-amino group of Gem and stearoyl acyl derivative to form 4NSG and characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for) to determine new bond formation, micro-elemental analysis micro-elemental analysis used to ascertain the presence of elemental composition and purity, high liquid chromatography (HPLC) used to determine percent purity of 4NSG. The 4NSG was developed into solid lipid nanoparticles (4NSG-SLN), and the size was determined using a particle size analyzer. Patient-derived primary pancreatic cancer cells (CMZ and G68Ca) and MiaPaCa-2 cells were treated with free Gem and 4NSG-SLN. Percent cell viability was determined using resazurin assay and antitumor efficacy testing of Gem, and 4NSG-SLN was performed in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models bearing G68Ca PCa. Results: Analysis of the H-NMR spectra displayed an amide bond at 11ppm, confirming the conjugated bond between the 4-amino group of Gem and stearoyl derivative. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 =11±1.3µM) of 4NSG-SLN-treated CMZ culture was significantly higher than that of Gem treated CMZ culture (IC50 = 56±2 µM, p&amp;lt;0.001). We found a similar trend of higher growth inhibition of 4NSG-SLN treated G68Ca and MiaPaCa-2 cultures (IC50 (4NSG-SLN-G68Ca) = 12±2.1 µM; IC50(Gem-MiaPaCa-2) = 27±4 µM) respectively. Where p&amp;lt; 0.001 (4NSG-SLN-G68Ca vs. Gem-G68Ca) and p&amp;lt;0.001 (4NSG-SLN-MiaPaCa-2 vs Gem-MiaPaCa-2) compared with Gem treated G68Ca and Mia-PaCa-2 cultures (IC50 (G68Ca) = 68±26 µM; IC50 (Mia-PaCa-2) =54±5 µM) respectively. Put together, the anticancer activity of 4NSG-SLN demonstrated enhanced efficacy in CMZ, G68Ca, and MiaPaCa-2 treated cultures compared with their corresponding Gem treated cultures. For antitumor efficacy testing, 4NSG-SLN demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition in PDX models harboring G68Ca pancreatic tumors compared with Gem treated with PDX models. Immunohistostaining studies of 4NSG-SLN treated pancreatic tumors significantly reduced vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) expression compared with Gem treated pancreatic tumors. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that 4NSG might be a novel approach to significantly enhance the therapeutic efficacy of Gem in the treatment of PCa. Citation Format: Edward Agyare, Taylor Smith, Andriana Inkoom, Bo Han, Jose Trevino, Nkafu Bechem Ndemazie. Evaluation of antitumor activity of modified-gemcitabine solid-lipid nanoparticle in pancreatic pdx models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer; 2021 Sep 29-30. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(22 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-108.

Tracing an Osmium Solution Standard to the International System of Units (SI).

The purpose of this work was to develop an accurate osmium (Os) solution standard that is traceable to the International System of Units, the SI. A gravimetric reduction (GR) method was developed to accurately assay the Os in ammonium hexachloroosmate salt, (NH4)2OsCl6, the chosen starting material for the Os solution standard. This GR method was also applied to -200 mesh high-purity Os metal powder, which served as an independent source of Os for comparison. An alkali fusion method was developed to create water-soluble salts from the Os metal GR products of both the (NH4)2OsCl6 and -200 mesh high-purity Os metal powder. Quantitatively prepared Os solutions from each of these water-soluble salts were compared by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry, ICP-OES. The purities of the Os starting materials were determined by quantitatively performed trace metallic impurities analysis, by ICP-OES and ICP-MS; the O, N, and H impurities were determined by inert gas fusion analysis. The percent purities of the starting materials were applied as corrections to the Os assay results obtained by GR. The agreement between these Os solutions, corrected for random and systematic errors by error budget analysis, confirmed the accuracy of the Os assay in the (NH4)2OsCl6. The SI traceability of the Os assay in the (NH4)2OsCl6 salt was established through the GR procedure and the purity analysis of this material. An SI traceable Os solution standard was gravimetrically prepared from this batch of (NH4)2OsCl6, based on the accurate Os assay and the percent purity of the starting material.

Potential use of piggery excreta as a viable source of bioethanol production

Livestock waste products have been shown to be a viable source of biofuel. Although research have shown that animal excreta may be used to produce bioethanol, there are scanty of reports on the use of piggery (Sus scrofa) excreta for bioethanol production. The goal of this study was to produce bioethanol on a modest scale from pig excreta using a conventional anaerobically fermentation technique with Saccharomyces cervices. Using piggery excreta, we were able to produce 0.765–1.02 gm/200 mL of 89.59 percent pure bioethanol. Gas chromatography (GC) was used to evaluate the single distilled solvent generated from the pretreated (with 4% H2SO4) and fermented pig excreta, which indicated 89.59 percent purity and a retention time of 4.104 min that was closer to absolute ethanol values. The signal peaks indicating the CH3, OH, and CH2 groups of ethyl alcohol were detected employing proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) analysis of the fermented distilled colourless from pig excreta. The antibacterial activity of bioethanol was also evaluated against several gram positive and negative pathogens, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was found to be between 11 and 25 g/mL. The potential of piggery excreta as an alternative source of bioethanol production and antibacterial agents were identified in this early investigation. In view of public health concerns as well as pollution prevention, pig manure disposal is a critical concern. In developing countries, industrialized small-scale pig farming has exploded, but the environmental issues that come with it have yet to be fully recognized. This research might lead to a more inventive and intelligent method for piggery waste/excreta disposal. As a result, policymakers may wish to consider adopting this approach for piggery farm waste/excreta management in the future, resulting in cleaner production and improved environmental conditions.

Using an RTIL-Based Electrochemical Sensor Platform for Trace Detection of Heptane As Biomarker for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one the most common diseases worldwide with more than 1.6 million dead since 2012 [1]. The survival rate for lung cancer is also very low as the disease is generally diagnosed only at an advanced stage when the treatment is not possible as significant damage has been done [2]. Hence, there is a need for an early and timely non-invasive method for the diagnosis of lung cancer. Previous studies have shown the use of endogenously produced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as target analytes for the detection of lung cancer. Endogenous VOCs are produced in the bloodstream as result of cellular metabolic pathways involved in maintaining homeostasis[3]. Subsequently, the VOCs diffuse into the alveolar air in the blood-gas interface quickly in the lung because of their low solubility in the blood and they are exhaled out of the lung[4]. Therefore, detection of VOC levels in exhaled breath can be used to study the biochemical pathways that have been altered as a result of tumorigenesis. A breathomics device can be developed and used as a tool for non-invasive, sensitive, and specific detection of lung cancer. Moreover, the presence of lung cancer tumor is not masked by other diseases since every disease has its own volatiles fingerprint[5] , thereby making the detection mechanism specific in nature. Electrochemical sensors are gaining widespread interest as they are robust in nature, have faster response time, and specific and sensitive signal response. Electrochemical gas sensors usually involve a two or three electrode setup that causes change in signal as a function of the output current/potential. Electrochemical sensors require an electrode, a transducer, and an electrolyte. A good electrolyte should have high chemical and electrochemical stability, should be stable at elevated temperatures and have high charge transfer ability. Room temperature ionic liquids (RTIL) are being explored as suitable electrolytes for gas sensing applications as they follow all these parameters. There is an increasing interest in the field of non-invasive disease diagnosis, primarily using breath as a sample for monitoring the presence of various metabolites. Breath alkanes such as heptane can be used as a signature target analyte to differentiate the healthy subjects from lung cancer patients. Levels of heptane in breath for a healthy individual are within 50 ppb-200 ppb range. Concentrations greater than 400 ppb are found in breath as a result of altered metabolic pathways. We demonstrate the proof of concept of an electrochemical VOC sensor specific and sensitive for the detection of heptane up to 400 ppb toward developing a handheld breath analyzer for on-site applicability (Scheme 1). We use RTIL as a transducer and the inherent redox properties of these VOCs such as heptane make them a suitable candidate for electrochemical detection. Moreover, RTILs allow easy removal of VOCs by joule heating and prevent fouling of the system, thereby increasing the shelf life of the sensor.For this study, RTIL Triethylsulfonium Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide with over 98 percent purity and used as received without any further purification. Trace Source™ disposable permeation tube for Heptane was purchased from KINTEK analytical. Chronoamperometry was used as transduction principle for detection and voltage applied was set within the electrochemical window of the RTIL. An electrochemical sensing platform is developed for the detection of heptane in vapor phase. The sensing platform can be used to monitor the presence of heptane in breath upto 400 ppb (LOD). The sensor showed dose dependent response for the concentrations ranging from 400 ppb to 5 ppm. Scheme 1- Schematic illustration of the sensing strategy used for the development of the electrochemical RTIL-based sensor Figure 1-Chronoamperometry scan was performed at −0.6 V for 60 s RTIL-modified interdigitated electrode (IDE) for the target analytes. Calibrated dose response chronoamperograms were observed for heptane, which varies with concentration. References J.-L. Tan, Z.-X. Yong, C.-K. Liam, J Thorac Dis, 8 (2016) 2772–2783.R.L. Siegel, K.D. Miller, A. Jemal, CA Cancer J Clin, 65 (2015) 5–29.W. Cao, Y. Duan, Clin Chem, 52 (2006) 800–811.A.G. Dent, T.G. Sutedja, P. V Zimmerman, J Thorac Dis, 5 Suppl 5 (2013) S540-50.G. Peng, M. Hakim, Y.Y. Broza, S. Billan, R. Abdah-Bortnyak, A. Kuten, U. Tisch, H. Haick, Br J Cancer, 103 (2010) 542–551. Figure 1

GINGEL: Development and Evaluation of AntiArthritic Gel Containing Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Arthritis is a musculoskeletal system disorder which involves destabilization of normal mechanisms. Due to changing habits of living life, the number of arthritic people will increase rapidly. Currently, the existing anti-rheumatic drugs mostly show side effects like acne, blurred vision, high blood pressure and more effective to reduce pain and improve disease conditions but still, they do not treat the disease completely. Literature available indicates that most of the people seek complementary alternative treatments (CAM). Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has empirically explored its use as an anti-inflammatory agent. Amongst others, the Topical route of drug delivery has built up popularity because it avoids first-pass effects, metabolic breakdown associated with oral administration and gastrointestinal irritation. Also, they are less greasy and can be easily washed off from the skin surface. The current study aimed to formulate antiarthritic gel containing ginger extract and to evaluate its drug release activity. The topical ginger gels were prepared using Carbopol 934 as a gelling agent with varying concentrations, i.e., 0.5 %, 1 %, and 1.5 % w/w. The gel was assayed to determine percent purity and cumulative drug release. Results indicated that the 1.5 % w/w concentration of carbopol in ginger gel exhibited an adequate drug release. In conclusion, an antiarthritic gel containing 1.5 % w/w of carbopol had a good consistency, acceptable spreadability, and showed a good drug release profile. The topical prepared herbal ginger gel is a simple, easily formulated, convenient and economical alternative that needs to be weighed in the treatment of RA.

Development and Use of Antimicrobial Durian Starch-Carrageenan/Carvacrol Films

Durian starch (DS) was isolated from durian seeds by aqueous extraction with 0.5% NaHSO3. The percent yield and purity of the starch were 11.42 and 42%, respectively. The DS-carrageenan (CG) films containing different concentrations (0, 4, 6, 8, and 10%) of carvacrol were prepared. The antimicrobial activity of the DS-CG/carvacrol films was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus BIOTECH 1582 using disk diffusion assay. Results revealed that the zone of inhibition increased with carvacrol concentration and application of prediffusion treatment. Films containing 8% carvacrol had a zone of inhibition of 15.89 mm. The DS-CG/carvacrol films were found effective in controlling the growth of S. aureus in commercial durian candy. After 24 h of storage at 4 °C, the microbial count was reduced by 0.79 log cycle (83.6% reduction). The findings of this research suggest the potential of the DS-CG/carvacrol films as an active biodegradable packaging system to prevent the growth of S. aureus.

Modelling of Hybrid Method for VOC Removal from Process Wastewater: Distillation and Hydrophilic Pervaporation

The study is motivated by the industrial problem from pharmaceutical industry, which is ethanol and methanol removal from process wastewater. To complete this goal hybrid method is investigated and optimized. Two distillation columns are sufficient for separation of alcohol-water mixture. Suitable water can be purified as bottom product of first column. Ethanol and methanol purification is achieved with combination of second distillation column and pervaporation. The target of this research is to rigorously model and optimize the separation of water-ethanol-methanol ternary mixture in professional flowsheet simulator environment. The minimal sufficient membrane transfers area and number of minimal theoretical stages of the columns are determined. Cost estimation is also investigated according to Douglas methodology. Considering the simulation and economic results it can be determined that, the hybrid configuration is suitable for separation of ternary mixture in 99.5 weight percent purity.

Root Density, Distribution and Yield Relationships of High Yielding Sugarcane Varieties Under Sandy Soil Condition

Roots are the less explored part of the sugarcane plant but are essential for sufficient nutrient and water supply to ensure better growth, development and sugar yield. Understanding the nature of the root system will help the plant breeder in selecting superior varieties that are adapted to different soil conditions. An experiment using ten high yielding sugarcane varieties was conducted to determine the root characteristics and yield performance in sandy soil of Pampanga, Philippines. The experiment was laid-out in RCBD with four replications. ANOVA revealed significant differences in 16 out of 18 parameters. Phil 8013, Phil 7544, Phil 97-3933, Phil 99-1793, Phil 04-0081, Phil 00-2569 and Phil 03-1727 produced significantly highest sugar yield (LKg/ha) which ranged from 223.05-257.93. Root density (RD) (g) and distribution at different soil depths from 0-100cm with interval of 10cm were 318.35 (46.47%), 132.36 (21.59%), 81.02 (14.05%), 26.24 (4.57%), 14.77 (2.61%), 14.58 (2.53%), 13.23 (2.32%), 11.53 (2.05%), 10.80 (1.93%) and 10.63 (1.87%). Stalk characteristics such as diameter, length and number of millable stalks and RD at 0-10cm, 11-20cm, 21-30cm, 51-60cm, 61-70cm, 71-80cm and 90-100cm were positively correlated with cane yield while percent brix and purity were positively correlated with sucrose content.

Novel Resistant Starch Type 4 Products of Different Starch Origins, Production Methods, and Amounts Are Not Equally Fermented when Fed to Sprague-Dawley Rats.

The possible mechanisms of production of four novel resistant starch type 4 (RS4) products for total cecal fermentation in an in vivo rodent model are evaluated. Forty weanling rats are randomly assigned to five groups (n = 8) for a 3-week study. Starches are the RS type 4 products, as 10% of weight of RS diets (RSA-RSD), and AMIOCA starch (100% amylopectin) comprises 53.6% weight of control (CON) and 43.6% weight of RS diets. The RS products vary by percent purity and origin (potato, corn, tapioca). At euthanasia, cecal contents, serum, GI tract, and abdominal fat are collected. RSB, RSC, and RSD fed rats have greater empty cecum weights, lower cecal content pH, higher cecal content wet weight, and higher total cecal content acetate and propionate than the CON and RSA fed rats. Two other indicators of fermentation, total cecal contents butyrate and glucagon-like peptide 1, do not have significant ANOVA F values, which require more subjects for 80% power. RS4 products that are produced from different starch origins with varying amounts of RS4 content and different methods of production are not uniformly fermented in an in vivo model.

Comparison of the liquid and lyophilized formulations of Prolastin®-C for Alpha1-Antitrypsin deficiency: Biochemical characteristics, pharmacokinetics, safety and neoantigenicity in rabbits

Multiple analytical and preclinical studies were performed to compare the biochemical characteristics, pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and neoantigenicity of a new 5% liquid formulation of Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor (Liquid A1PI, Prolastin®-C Liquid) with the lyophilized version (Lyophilized A1PI, Prolastin®-C). Liquid A1PI and Lyophilized A1PI had similar average mass (~52 kDa), and both forms exhibited glycoform patterns consistent with the known banding pattern of A1PI (dominated by the M6 and M4 bands, including deconvoluted masses). Both Liquid A1PI and Lyophilized A1PI yielded average percent purity values ranging from 96% to 99% and had active content ranging from 53 mg/mL to 59 mg/mL. The PK profile of Liquid A1PI was similar to Lyophilized A1PI. Safety assessments in rabbits showed good tolerability and no test article-related changes in mortality, clinical signs, clinical pathology, body weight, food consumption, or urinalysis parameters. Following immunodepletion of antibodies that recognize Lyophilized A1PI, there were no significant differences in the anti-drug titers among animals immunized with Lyophilized A1PI and Liquid A1PI (p > 0.05), indicating that no antibodies to neoantigens were generated. Liquid A1PI and Lyophilized A1PI have similar profiles with respect to biochemical characteristics, PK, safety and neoantigenicity.

Sorption of Cd2+ ions onto Daphne alpina mediated titanium dioxide nanoparticles

The Daphne alpina (D. alpina) fresh leaves extract was used as a reducing agent for the synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). The surface area of synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) was found to be 240.67 m2 g−1 derived from nitrogen adsorption/desorption data using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. The crystallite size was found to be 10.9 nm, calculated from Full width and half maxima of the x-ray diffraction (XRD) Reflection. The surface morphology was studied via Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The average particles size estimated from TEM and SEM micrographs are 21 and 54 nm respectively. The percent composition and purity of TiO2 NPs was studied by utilizing energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). The band gap was derived from the sharp raising portion of diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to study the surface functional groups. The batch process was followed to study the adsorption behavior of TiO2 NPs against Cd2+ ions under the influence of pH, temperature and Cd2+ ions concentration. An increase was observed in the adsorption capacity of TiO2 NPs with increase in pH, temperature and initial Cd2+ ions concentration. The Langmuir parameters calculated from the adsorption data, show that maximum sorption capacity (Xm) and binding energy (Kb) increased with increasing pH and temperature. The exchange mechanism between cadmium and hydrogen ions was 1:1, suggesting that one hydrogen was released to solution due to the adsorption of one cadmium (Cd2+) ion. The thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption process was endothermic and was more spontaneous at higher pH and temperature.