Percent Transmittance Research Articles

Mechanical, UV protection, and antibacterial properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/marine mucilage biocomposite films

AbstractThe mucilage that accumulated in the Sea of Marmara in 2021 turned into an environmental disaster that threatened not only marine life but also the shipping and tourism industries. However, because of the partially organic structure of marine mucilage, it has the potential to be used as an additive for polymer films. In this study, bioplastic films were prepared from PVA with a series of mucilage content from 0% to 50% by mass, and their properties were investigated. The FT‐IR spectra revealed a shift in hydroxyl peaks, suggesting an interaction between the mucilage and PVA. SEM images showed the formation of crystal forms at the higher mucilage content of 20%, indicating ionic saturation of the PVA matrix. EDX and XRD analyses revealed that the crystal was NaCl coming from the mucilage composition. The tensile strength of the neat PVA film was measured as 9.86 MPa and improved to 14.56 MPa with 5% mucilage content, which is attributed to the ionic cross‐linking. The tensile properties were preserved up to 20% of the mucilage content, and then sudden decrements were observed. The transmittance percentage (T%) of the neat PVA film in UV–Vis spectra (800–200 nm) was detected as 75% at 500 nm and decreased down to 39% with increased mucilage content up to 50%. Furthermore, a rising limit of linearity (LOL) of the spectrums was observed from 350 to 580 nm, with increasing mucilage content from 5% to 50%. The biofilms showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Hence, a robust and biodegradable film having UV protection and antibacterial activity was developed from the marine mucilage bio‐waste.Highlights Poly(vinyl alcohol)/marine mucilage biocomposite films were prepared. Biocomposite films showed increased UV‐A, UV‐B, and UV‐C protection with increased mucilage content. Enhanced tensile strength of biocomposite films up to 20 wt% mucilage content was determined due to ionic crosslink formed by NaCl salt ions. Biocomposite exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

FORMULATION AND IN VIVO EVALUATION OF PEMIGATINIB SUPER SATURABLE SELF-NANO EMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Objective: Pemigatinib is an active component in treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, but the low solubility and bioavailability of Pemigatinib limit its wide application. The aim of the present study was to prepare and evaluate supersaturable self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (sSNEDDS) followed by investigating and comparing the pharmacokinetic profiles of Pemigatinib and Pemigatinib sSNEDDS in rat plasma by HPLC. Methods: Pemigatinib loaded SNEDDS were obtained by dissolving drug in the isotropic mixture of oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant. The conventional SNEDDS were converted to sSNEDDS by precipitation method by using an experimented polymer. An appropriate high sensitivity and selectivity was applied to the comparison of plasma pharmacokinetics in Pemigatinib and Pemigatinib sSNEDDS using Entrectinib as an internal standard (IS). Results: The droplet of sSNEDDS ranges from 166.78±3.14 to 178.86±1.24 nm with PDI 0.212–0.256, transmission electron microscopy images revealed the spherical shape of the nanodroplets, emulsification time was 15 secs when added to physiological fluids, percent transmittance of the diluted formulation was 99.12±0.46, and viscosity was 574±26 centipoises indicating the good flow ability. FTIR and DSC studies indicated the amorphization of the drug. The dissolution profile of sSNEDDS indicated the faster release of drug compared to both pure drug suspension and SNEDDS formulation. Cmax of the sSNEDDS 3.52±0.13ng/ml was significant (P<0.05) as compared to the pure drug suspension formulation 2.82±0.42 ng/ml. The AUC0-t, AUC0–∞ of sSNEDDS was increased, while the Tmax and t1/2 was decreased. Moreover, the AUC value in the sSNEDDS group was significantly increased and the relative bioavailability was calculated to be 69% when compared with that of the Pemigatinib group. Conclusion: These results concluded that Pemigatinib sSNEDDS when compared with pure drug after a single oral administration and the formulation modification of Pemigatinib into sSNEDDS can effectively enhance gastrointestinal absorption and relative bioavailability by improving solubility and dissolution rate.

Oral self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems for enhancing bioavailability and anticancer potential of fosfestrol: In vitro and in vivo characterization

PurposeThe objective of the current research work was to fabricate a fosfestrol (FST)-loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) to escalate the oral solubility and bioavailability and thereby the effectiveness of FST against prostate cancer. Methods32 full factorial design was employed, and the effect of lipid and surfactant mixtures on percentage transmittance, time required for self-emulsification, and drug release were studied. The optimized solid FST-loaded SNEDDS (FSTNE) was characterized for in vitro anticancer activity and Caco-2 cell permeability, and in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters. ResultsUsing different ratios of surfactant and co-surfactant (Km) a pseudo ternary phase diagram was constructed. Thirteen liquid nano emulsion formulations (LNE-1 to LNE-13) were formulated at Km = 3:1. LNE-9 exhibited a higher % transmittance (99.25 ± 1.82 %) and a lower self-emulsification time (24 ± 0.32 s). No incompatibility was observed in FT-IR analysis. Within 20 min the solidified FST loaded LNE-9 (FSTNE) formulation showed almost complete drug release (98.20 ± 1.30 %) when compared to marketed formulation (40.36 ± 2.8 %), and pure FST (32 ± 3.3 %) in 0.1 N HCl. In pH 6.8 phosphate buffer, the release profiles are found moderately higher than in 0.1 N HCl. FSTNE significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited the PC-3 prostate cell proliferation and also caused apoptosis (P < 0.001) compared to FST. The in vitro Caco-2 cell permeability study results revealed 4.68-fold higher cell permeability of FSTNE than FST. Remarkably, 4.5-fold rise in bioavailability was observed after oral administration of FSTNE than plain FST. ConclusionsFSTNE remarkably enhanced the in vitro anticancer activity and Caco-2 cell permeability, and in vivo bioavailability of FST. Thus, FST-SNEDDS could be utilized as a potential carrier for effective oral treatment of prostate cancer.

Meloxicam self-nano-emulsifying drug delivery system with surfactants combination: Formulation and in vitro release model

Background: Meloxicam has low water solubility, which affects the dissolution and level of absorption. Objective: The study aimed to develop a self-nano-emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) based on a non-ionic surfactant combination and evaluate the release kinetics model using the DDsolver program. Methods: Oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant were selected based on the solubility of meloxicam. Results: The best formula showed that 10% of castor oil, 70% of surfactant (tween 80: chromophore RH 40 in 1:1), and 20% of PEG 400 could develop SNEDDS with the 99.84±0.04% percentage of transmittance, 15.47±0.72 sec emulsifying time, and below 50 nm droplet size. The optimised formula is also stable and resistant to various dilutions and pH The dissolution efficiency (DE0-60) reveals a 5.27-fold increase compared to non-SNEDDS meloxicam. Meloxicam follows Korsmeyer-Peppas release kinetics, while meloxicam SNEDDS follows the Hixon-Crowell model. Conclusion: The best formula of SNEDDS consisting of a surfactant combination generate improvement in vitro dissolution of meloxicam.

Optimisation of Process Parameters for Centrifugal Clarification of Sugarcane Juice for Quality Jaggery

A solid-wall basket-type centrifugal clarifier of 500 l.h-1 capacity having a rotational speed of 1,200 rpm was used for the mechanical clarification of sugarcane juice. The effect of polypropylene filter pore size (5, 10, 15 μm), centrifugation time (5, 10, 15 min), and temperature of juice (60, 70, 80 ºC) on sugarcane juice clarification was studied using Box-Behnken design. Clarification efficiency ranged between 50.8% and 82.5%, whereas optical density (OD) and percent transmittance (%T) varied from 1.95 to 1.05 and 2 to 8, respectively. Optimisation of the process parameters suggested a polypropylene filter pore size of 10 μm, centrifugation time of 15 min, and juice temperature of 80 ºC, contributing to a solution of 82.5% clarification efficiency (ƞ). Jaggery prepared from clarified sugarcane juice appeared brighter in colour (L* value 58.1), and contained less amount of insoluble solids (0.75%) as compared to jaggery prepared from unclarified juice. No significant changes in sucrose and reducing sugar contents in jaggery were observed with clarification.

TOPICAL NANOEMULSION-BASED GEL OF ISOCONAZOLE NITRATE

This study aimed to make an o/wnanoemulsion of isoconazole the drugnitrate (ISN) for topical use. Low aqueous solubility is a characteristicfeature of the imidazole antifungal ISN. Therefore, ISN nanoemulsion would increase dispersibility and decreases skin resistance by enhancing the drug penetration to the first layers of skin (stratum corneum). The work included constructing the pseudo-ternary phase diagrams by using the aqueous titration method. The prepared o/w nanoemulsions were composed of oil, Smix (a mixture of surfactant and co-surfactant) and deionized water (DW). ISN nanoemulsions were subjected to characterization studies to choose the best formula. According to the characterization studies, the optimal formula, designated NE14 contains 1% ISN, 66% Smix ((1:3) tween60: propylene glycol:ethanol), 7% oleic acid, and 27% deionized water was reached. FormulaNE14 is characterized by having a polydispersity index of (0.146), pH (5.76), droplet size (84.6 nm), percent transmittance (98.8%), viscosity (80m Pa.s) and a high release of isoconazole propably due low viscosity. The droplet size of NE14 (84.6nm) was alsoconfirmed by an atomic force microscopy (AFM) research. The improved formula (ISN NE14) was found to be a promising nanoemulsion formula for enhancing the topical bioavailability of ISN and thus could increase its efficacy for the treatment of topical fungal infections.

Development of Bedaquiline-Loaded SNEDDS Using Quality by Design (QbD) Approach to Improve Biopharmaceutical Attributes for the Management of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

Background: The ever-growing emergence of antibiotic resistance associated with tuberculosis (TB) has become a global challenge. In 2012, the USFDA gave expedited approval to bedaquiline (BDQ) as a new treatment for drug-resistant TB in adults when no other viable options are available. BDQ is a diarylquinoline derivative and exhibits targeted action on mycobacterium tuberculosis, but due to poor solubility, the desired therapeutic action is not achieved. Objective: To develop a QbD-based self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of bedaquiline using various oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants. Methods: The quality target product profile (QTPP) and critical quality attributes (CQAs) were identified with a patient-centric approach, which facilitated the selection of critical material attributes (CMAs) during pre-formulation studies and initial risk assessment. Caprylic acid as a lipid, propylene glycol as a surfactant, and Transcutol-P as a co-surfactant were selected as CMAs for the formulation of bedaquiline fumarate SNEDDS. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed to determine the optimal ratio of oil and Smix. To optimize the formulation, a Box-Benkhen design (BBD) was used. The optimized formulation (BDQ-F-SNEDSS) was further evaluated for parameters such as droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), percentage transmittance, dilution studies, stability studies, and cell toxicity through the A549 cell. Results: Optimized BDQ-F-SNEDDS showed well-formed droplets of 98.88 ± 2.1 nm with a zeta potential of 21.16 mV. In vitro studies showed enhanced drug release with a high degree of stability at 25 ± 2 °C, 60 ± 5% and 40 ± 2 °C, 75 ± 5%. Furthermore, BDQ-F-SNEDDS showed promising cell viability in A549 cells, indicating BDQ-F-SNEDDS as a safer formulation for oral delivery. Conclusion: Finally, it was concluded that the utilization of a QbD approach in the development of BDQ-F-loaded SNEDDS offers a promising strategy to improve the biopharmaceutical properties of the drug, resulting in potential cost and time savings.

Development of Glass for Radiation Shielding Using Material from Perlite in Lopburi Province

This research developed glass material from Perlite. The glasses chemical formula is 20Na2O:40B2O3:(40-X)Perlite:XBi2O3 where X are 0,5,10,15,20, and 25 W% by the melt quenching technique. Physical, optical, its radiation shielding abilities were studied by measuring density, refractive index, transmittance, mass attenuation coefficients, linear attenuation coefficients, and the half value layer (HVL). Densities and refractive indexes of glasses decreased as bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) concentration increased. Transmittance percentage from UV–Visible spectrophotometer showed the highest transmission at 15% concentration of Bi2O3. For radiation shielding properties, the linear attenuation coefficient and the mass attenuation coefficient calculated from WinXCom program showed increasing via added content Bi2O3. The HVL of 5 W% Bi2O3 doped glass is lower than that of concrete. The results of this research show that perlite glass has an ability for radiation shielding material.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF AMISULPRIDE LOADED INTRANASAL MICROEMULSION

The use of microemulsion as a delivery system for improving take-up across the nasal mucosa is cur-rently being studied. A mucoadhesive polymer is added to help extend the retention time on the mucosa.The primary goal of the current research was to create a nano-formulation of amisulpride with the intention of increasing the drug’s permeability and protecting it with a biocompatible lipid content, avoiding first-pass metabolism and efflux mechanisms, and selecting the route of administration to deliver amisulpride to the brain or CNS to increase the bioavailability of amisulpride at the targeted site of Schizophrenia. For calculating the percentage of transmittance, the release profile, and the levels of amisulpride in the brain and plasma, appropriate analytical methods were chosen, developed and validated. The results revealed that the residence time of me (microemulsion) was enhanced by the mucoadhesive agent and that a targeted site of action was achieved

NANOEMULSION-BASED MOUTHWASH OF ETHYL ACETATE FRACTION OF SERAI WANGI STALK: FORMULATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY TEST

Serai wangi or citronella (Cymbopogon nardus L.) has long been used in Indonesia as a component of traditional medicine. A recent study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of the most active fraction of Citronella stalk extract and to formulate it into a nanoemulsion mouthwash. Fractionation of the ethanolic extract was carried out using liquid-liquid extraction, and it was found that the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) was the most active. This fraction was then varied at concentrations of 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, 3.125%, 1.5625%, and 0.78125% for the antibacterial activity test using the disc diffusion test method. To determine the potency of microbial activity, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were evaluated. Subsequently, the ethyl acetate fraction was formulated into a nanoemulsion and characterized by measuring the transmittance percentage, droplet size, and polydispersity index (pdI) using a particle size analyzer. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction at a concentration of 25% obtained an inhibition zone diameter of 10.67 mm. MIC and MBC values ??were obtained at a fraction concentration of 6.25%. In addition, characterization of formulae exhibited particle size and pdI as follow 101.6 nm and 0.681 (Formula I); 84.1 nm and 0.609 (Formula II); 108.3 nm and 0.527 (Formula III). Keywords: Citronella stalk; fractionation; Streptococcus mutans; nano-emulsion; mouth wash

Quality by design engineered, enhanced anticancer activity of temozolomide and resveratrol coloaded NLC and brain targeting via lactoferrin conjugation in treatment of glioblastoma

The most dangerous type of high-grade astrocytoma is glioblastoma multiforme. The objective of the work was to engineer lactoferrin conjugated temozolomide and resveratrol co-loaded NLC for the treatment of glioblastoma using intranasal delivery for brain targeting. Synergistic activity of temozolomide and resveratrol was determined using combination index method and 1:1 ratio was selected. QbD approach was used to formulate and optimize NLC, with minimum particle size, maximum transmittance and entrapment efficiency using Central Composite Rotable Design (CCRD) method. The optimized LTR-NLC had desired average particle size (209.3 nm), narrow PDI along, high percentage transmittance (>95%) and better entrapment efficiency (95.26% of TEM and 87.59% of RES). From ex-vivo permeation studies it was found that the permeation at 24 h was 77.43 %, and 88.55 % from LTR-NLC and 25.76 % and 31.10% from suspension for resveratrol and temozolomide respectively. In comparison to drug suspension, NLC had nearly 3-fold increase in drug penetration. IC50 value was also significantly better in the groups treated with LTR-NLC. Hence it can be concluded that LTR-NLC may be an effective formulation for the treatment of glioblastoma, according to the findings of this investigation.

Multimodal lemongrass oil based topical nanoemulgel ingrained with ferulic acid for wound healing activity

The lemongrass oil (LMGO) obtained from Cymbopagan citratus betrays anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties. A natural anti-oxidant, ferulic acid (FA) is an angiogenic agent found in vegetables, fruits exhibiting potent anti-inflammatory activity aiding in wound healing process. This investigation was aimed to formulation and optimization of the FA loaded LMGO nanoemulsion (NE) by phase inversion composition method, that has not been well explored by using Box Behnken design (BBD). The surface-active parameters of surfactant mixture (Smix) were evaluated for the selection of Smix ratio in conjunction with conventional pseudo ternary phase diagram. The surface-active parameters included critical micelle concentration (CMC), surface excess concentration (Гmax), minimum surface area adsorbed by surfactant molecules (Amin), effectiveness of adsorption (Πcmc) along with Gibbs thermodynamic parameters for micellization and adsorption. The BBD was employed to optimize the formulation by studying the interaction effects of four independent variables including oil (X1), surfactant mixture (X2), stirring speed (X3), and stirring time (X4) on three responses such as, mean droplet size (Y1), polydispersity index (PDI) (Y2) and percentage transmittance (Y3). At the optimal variable levels (X1 = 10%;X2 = 30%;X3 = 500 rpm and X4 = 5 min), the responses were found to be 26.15 ± 0.58 nm, 0.04 ± 0.01 and 99.76 ± 0.06% for Y1, Y2, Y 3, respectively. The optimized NE exhibited stability in terms of droplet size, PDI, percentage transmittance and surface tension on 5, 10 and 100 times dilution with water. These findings may be useful for designing NE with low energy methods with greater kinetic stability for therapeutic applications. The FA content was determined and found be 98.11 ± 0.51%. The optimized FA loaded NE (FLGO) was incorporated with 2% carbopol®940 for the development of nanoemulgel. The developed FA loaded nanoemulgel (FLGO-G) system demonstrated the pseudoplastic behaviour, desirable for topical application. The blank lemongrass oil nanoemulsion loaded gel (LGO-G) and FLOG-G formulation showed 52.82 ± 0.33% and 75.62 ± 0.16% of DPPH free radical % inhibition. The formulations also showed in-vitro antibacterial activity against S. aureus. The in vivo wound healing efficacy of LGO-G and FLGO-G were studied in male wistar rat, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α reduced to greater extent.

ZnO Nanoparticles-Reinforced Chitosan-Xanthan Gum Blend Novel Film with Enhanced Properties and Degradability for Application in Food Packaging.

Nations all over the world are imposing ban on single-use plastics, which are difficult to recycle and lead to creations of nonsustainable and nondegradable piles. To match the requirement in the market, suitable food packaging alternatives have to be developed that are biodegradable and environment-friendly. The current work is designed for the fabrication of a novel nanocomposite by blending xanthan gum in a chitosan matrix and reinforcing it with ZnO nanoparticles, through a solution casting method. Surface morphology of the film was investigated through field emission scanning electron microscopy, along with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping, and characterized through thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, mechanical testing, and ultraviolet spectroscopy. FTIR spectroscopy analysis corroborated the interaction between the components and the H-bond formation. Polyelectrolyte complex formation materializes between the oppositely charged chitosan and xanthan gum, and further nanoparticle incorporation significantly improves the mechanical properties. The synthesized nanocomposite was found to have increases in the tensile strength and elongation at break of pure chitosan by up to 6.65 and 3.57 times, respectively. The transmittance percentage of the bionanocomposite film was reduced compared to that of the pure chitosan film, which aids in lowering the oxidative damage brought on by UV radiation in packed food products. Moreover, the film also showed an enhanced barrier property against water vapor and oxygen gas. The film was totally biodegradable in soil burial at the end of the second month; it lost almost around 88% of its initial weight. The fabricated film does not pose a threat to the environment and hence has great potential for application in the future sustainable food packaging industry.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND SUNSCREEN ACTIVITY OF NUTMEG OIL NANOEMULSION WITH ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE VARIATIONS

The nutmeg seed oil contains myristicin which can absorb UV rays. Nanoemulsion with isopropyl myristate can be used to increase the activity of sunscreen. This study aimed to determine the physical characteristics and effectivity of nutmeg oil (NMO) nanoemulsion with isopropyl myristate as an enhancer. The nanoemulsion was made with 6.4% NMO and variations of isopropyl myristate 1% (FI), 3% (FII), and 5% (FIII). The nanoemulsions were evaluated for physical characteristics such as appearance, pH, viscosity, transmittance percentage, particle size, and polydispersity index (PI). The in vitro SPF value was tested using a spectrophotometer, and sunscreen effectivity was determined by the Minimum Erythemal Dose (MED) value. Data obtained were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. This study showed that the colour of the NMO nanoemulsion was light yellow and clear, with a transmittance percentage of 97.5-97.9%. The pH FI, FII, and FIII results were 6.79±0.03, 6.84±0.04, and 7.02±0.03. The viscosity was 1.63 ± 0.81 to 1.82 ± 0.85 d.Pas with Newtonian rheology. The particle size was 14.3 ± 1.41 nm to 16.0 ± 2.13 nm, with PI less than 0.5. SPF value were 16.34 ± 5.50 (FI); 16.70 ± 5.20 (FII) and 17.80 ± 3.20 (FIII). MED values were 220.5 ± 6.34 (FI), 225.4 ±5.41 (FII), and 240.2 ±3.45 (FIII) minutes. The MED value showed that FIII was significantly different from FI and FII. Isopropyl myristate at 5% in nanoemulsion increases the effectivity of sunscreen.

Adsorption of Phosphate from Aqueous Solution by Calcination of Silicified Coal: Kinetic and Isotherm Studies

Silicified coal (SC) consisting of SiO2 is promising raw material for adsorbent. The present study aimed to utilize the adsorbent of silicified coal bottom ash (SCBA) by calcination of the SC at the temperature of 600, 800 and 1000 oC for 1 hour. The FTIR result showed that the SCBA-600, SCBA-800 and SCBA-1000 had chemical functional groups such as the asymmetric Si-O-Si, the symmetric Si-O-Si and Si-O-Si bond rocking for adsorption of phosphate (PO43−) with the lowest percentage of transmittance of SCBA-1000. The adsorption test showed that a rapid adsorption occurred in the first 10-min of contact time, and it did not change significantly for the rest of contact time until reaching an equilibrium time of 30 min. The PO43− adsorption efficiency and capacity fluctuated over initial PO43− in solution in the range of 60.02–480.29 mg/L. The highest PO43− adsorption efficiency and capacity was at 480.29 mg/L, which was 95.49 % and 45.86 mg/g, respectively using the SCBA-1000. The adsorption kinetic fitted better to pseudo second-order kinetics model (average R2 = 0.999) with the adsorption capacity of 45.454, 45.662 and 45.872 for the SCBA_600, SCBA_800 and SCBA_1000, respectively, and the PO43− adsorption rate was 0.0007, 0.0008 and 0.001 g/mg.min, respectively. The adsorption isotherm followed Langmuir model (average R2 = 0.873) with the adsorption capacity being 2.357, 1.198 and 8.196 mg/g, respectively, and the pore volume being 0.0316, 0.0364 and 0.2103 L/mg, respectively

The Effect of Surfactant Concentration to Particle Size and Loading Dose of Immunity Jamu’s Ethanolic Extract SNEDDS (Self-Nano Emulsifying Drugs Delivery System)

Immunity jamu consists of ginger, turmeric, Centella, and cinnamon, that act as immunostimulant agents. However, the infusion is impractical and used a limited dose of the extract, so it is necessary to develop drug delivery to resolve that problem. The SNEDDS technique is expected to increase the solubility, drug release, and absorption of active substances in the body, especially for low solubility of an active substance. SNEDDS consists of oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant. A surfactant is a substance that can reduce surface tension so that emulsion globules form in nanoparticle size. Tween 80 can produce a more transparent solution for oil-in-water emulsions than surfactants with low HLB values. This study aimed to determine the effect of surfactant concentration on the physical properties of SNEDDS to obtain the most loading dose but the smallest particle size. The formula consists of tamanu oil tween 80-propylene glycol of 1:7:1; 1:8:1; and 1:9:1 that incorporated extracts were 75, 150, and 375 mg. The physical tests included transmittance percentage, emulsification time on AGF media, phase separation, and stability test using the cycling test method. SNEDDS, then followed by the Particle Size Analyzer test. The results showed that the greater surfactant concentration produced a better transmittance value, a faster emulsification time, and stability. Formula with oil: surfactant: co-surfactant of 1:8:1 is a system that meets the requirement for immunity jamu with an optimal loading dose and small particle size compared to another formula. The extract’s loading dose of 375 mg has a particle size of 27.17 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.25.

Chitosan coated clove oil-based nanoemulsion: An attractive option for oral delivery of leflunomide in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a distressing inflammatory autoimmune disease, is managed mainly by Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), e.g. leflunomide (LEF). LEF (BCS class II) has limited solubility and adverse effects following its systemic exposure. The appealing antirheumatic properties of both clove oil and chitosan (CS) were exploited to design oral leflunomide (LEF)-loaded nanoemulsion (NE) system to augment the therapeutic action of LEF and decrease its systemic side effects as well. Different LEF-NEs were prepared using clove oil, Tween® 20 (surfactant), and PEG 400(co-surfactant) and characterized by thermodynamic stability, percentage transmittance, cloud point, size analysis, and drug content. Optimized LEF-NE was subjected to CS coating forming LEF-CS-NE that exhibited nanometric size range, prolonged drug release, and good physical stability. In vivo anti-rheumatic activity of pure LEF, market LEF, and LEF-CS-NE was assessed utilizing a complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) rat model. Treatment with LEF-CS-NE reduced edema rate (48.68% inhibition) and caused a marked reduction in interleukin-6 (IL-6) (510.9 ± 2.48 pg/ml), tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) (397.3 ± 2.53 pg/ml), and rheumatoid factor (RF) (42.58 ± 0.49 U/ml). Furthermore, LEF-CS-NE reduced serum levels of glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) to (83.19%) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) to (40.68%) compared to the control + ve group. The effects of LEF-CS-NE were also superior to both pure and market LEF and showed better results in histopathological studies of paws, liver, kidney, lung, and heart. The remarkable therapeutic and safety profile of LEF-CS-NE makes it a potential oral system for the management of RA.

Unraveling the role of counter anions on optical and microwave absorption characteristics of flexible copolymers

Engineering the structural architecture of materials is critical for the transmittance of visible light and absorb microwave radiation in various stealth and electronic applications. Transparent copolymers comprising of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) were synthesized at different compositions using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The copolymers exhibited a high percentage of light transmittance (>90%) within the visible range owing to the majority fraction of MMA units. The amine functionalities in the synthesized copolymers were ionized at room temperature by treating with dilute acids such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), nitric acid (HNO3), tetrafluoroboric acid (HBF4), and hexafluorophosphoric acid (HPF6). The quaternization of the side-chain amine groups have resulted in a series of copolymer salts with an ion-pair complex. The investigation of the counter anion effect on the conductivity of the materials has been carried out to produce the highly transparent and conductive MMA-based copolymers. The presence of partially mobile Cl⁻ counter anions in the copolymers can result in conductance as high as 0.939 mS cm−1. Moreover, the optically transparent MMA-based copolymer salts have witnessed a high microwave absorption due to multiple reflections from structural and physical anisotropies.

Impacts of tannin inclusion on fabrication, characterization and antioxidant activity of sodium alginate-silk fibroin-tannin films and their application on fresh-cut apple packaging

The current work aimed to formulate sodium alginate-silk fibroin-tannin films to preserve fresh-cut apples. In this experiment, tannins (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5%) were added to the sodium alginate (1.05%)-silk fibroin (3.38%) films by casting method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, molecular docking was employed to investigate the presence of hydrogen bonding among the sodium alginate, silk fibroin and tannins. Scanning electron microscopy showed surfaces and cross-sections became porous and rough with increasing tannins concentration. The films were characterized by mechanical properties, light barrier properties, water solubility and water vapor permeability. The value of maximum tensile strength and minimum elongation at break was 0.99 MPa and 91.38% respectively for the sodium alginate-silk fibroin-tannin films with 0.3% (w/v) tannins. The percentage of light transmittance of sodium alginate-silk fibroin-0.3% tannin films was 54.45% at 500 nm. The water solubility rate of sodium alginate-silk fibroin-0.3% tannin films at pH 8.0 was improved 54.42% compared with that at pH 1.2. The value of minimum water vapor permeability of the sodium alginate-silk fibroin-0.3% tannin films was 1.49 × 104 g mm/cm2∙s∙Pa. The sodium alginate-silk fibroin-tannin films showed higher scavenging ability of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and superoxide anion radical than sodium alginate-silk fibroin films. The sodium alginate-silk fibroin-tannin films had antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The apples packed with the sodium alginate-silk fibroin-0.3% tannin films did not rot during seven days. The fabricated films of sodium alginate-silk fibroin-tannin in this study are biodegradable and they may be a promising food packaging material.

Fabrication and characterization of graphene oxide-based polymer nanocomposite coatings, improved stability and hydrophobicity

In this study, acrylic-epoxy-based nanocomposite coatings loaded with different concentrations (0.5–3 wt.%) of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles were successfully prepared via the solution intercalation approach. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the inclusion of GO nanoparticles into the polymer matrix increased the thermal stability of the coatings. The degree of transparency evaluated by the ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy showed that the lowest loading rate of GO (0.5 wt.%) had completely blocked the incoming irradiation, thus resulting in zero percent transmittance. Furthermore, the water contact angle (WCA) measurements revealed that the incorporation of GO nanoparticles and PDMS into the polymer matrix had remarkably enhanced the surface hydrophobicity, exhibiting the highest WCA of 87.55º. In addition, the cross-hatch test (CHT) showed that all the hybrid coatings exhibited excellent surface adhesion behaviour, receiving 4B and 5B ratings respectively. Moreover, the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) micrographs confirmed that the presence of the functional groups on the GO surface facilitated the chemical functionalization process, which led to excellent dispersibility. The GO composition up to 2 wt.% showed excellent dispersion and uniform distribution of the GO nanoparticles within the polymer matrix. Therefore, the unique features of graphene and its derivatives have emerged as a new class of nanofillers/inhibitors for corrosion protection applications.