Pharmaceutical Industry Research Articles

Improved Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Bacterial Capacities of Skim Milk Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum.

Milk, on account of its abundant protein content, is recognized as a vital source of bioactive substances. In this study, the bioactive ingredients in milk were obtained by a combination of protease hydrolysis and fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum. The compositions of protease hydrolysate (PM) and fermentation supernatant (FM) were determined, and their anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activities were evaluated. Using LC-MS/MS, the molecular weights and sequences of the peptides were characterized, among which a total of 25 bioactive peptides were identified. The DPPH radical scavenging results demonstrated that FM exhibited an enhanced anti-oxidant capacity compared to PM. The bacterial survival rate results revealed that FM had a remarkable anti-bacterial ability compared to PM. Additionally, the anti-bacterial component and potential anti-bacterial mechanisms were determined. The results of cytoplasmic membrane depolarization, cell membrane permeability, and morphological observation indicated that FM could interact with bacterial membranes to achieve its anti-bacterial effect. These findings suggested that FM, as a bioactive substance of natural origin, holds potential applications in the functional food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Electrochemical Detection of Ornidazole Using a WS2 /CNFs Sensor

In recent decades, pharmaceutical compounds, notably antibiotics, have played a significant role in preventing infections and illnesses that affect both animals and humans. However, the utilization of antibiotics in the pharmaceutical industry, farming and other applications has led to environmental concerns 1. Nitroimidazole, an oral drug, is commonly used as an antibacterial agent. An example of a drug in nitroimidazole family is ornidazole (ORZ, (1-(3-chloro-2-hydroxy) propyl-2-methyl- 5-nitroimidazole)), and it is used in treating and preventing various infections, including genitourinary tract, intestinal and protozoal infections. Ornidazole has a heterocyclic structure comprising of an imidazole-based nucleus with a nitro group (NO2)1 and have become a well-established group of antiprotozoan and antibacterial agents. Beyond immediate therapeutic benefits, ornidazole could persist in the environment, posing long-term risks such as potential mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Moreover, excessive antibiotics such as antibiotics such as ORZ in the environment can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The widespread use of antibiotics in medical treatment and agriculture contributes to water contamination as these substances find their way into water bodies through various pathways. There is escalating concern over pharmaceutical contaminants therefore highlighting the importance of monitoring and regulating antibiotic levels in the environment. This requires significant research and electrochemical methods portray possibilities for drug detection due to their advantages of high sensitivity, low cost, simplicity and selectivity.Recent developments have brought to the spotlight, two dimensional materials as promising candidates for environmental sensing, due to their unique characteristics and wide-ranging applications. In particular, Transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), comprising of MX2 , with M a transition metal atom e.g. Mo, W etc. and X, a chalcogen atom S, Se or Te 2, have garnered attention for their exceptional features. These materials consist of M atoms closely sandwiched between two layers of X atoms, linked by strong in-plane covalent bonds, and further bonded by weak van der Waals forces between the layers. Among the TMDs, tungsten disulfide (WS2) exhibits exceptional properties, including high electronic conductivity, good chemical stability, large capacitance and surface area. Those inherent properties of WS2, make it a suitable material for various applications, especially in environmental sensing 3.This study explores the detection of ornidazole using a composite material of WS2 with functionalized carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are featured for their equally outstanding electrical and mechanical properties that make them promising candidates for sensor applications. CNFs also provide a unique platform for developing sensitive and selective sensors. Their versatility allows for functionalization, enhancing chemical properties and enabling tailored interactions with target analytes. The study emphasizes how CNFs, with their notable properties, complement WS2 in the creation of innovative sensor structures to create composites with improved sensing capabilities for drug compounds. In this study, the WS2/CNF nanocomposite was synthesized using hydrothermal synthesis and subsequently dispersed in ethanol and water, and then drop casted on a glassy carbon electrode. Prior to synthesis, the CNFs were functionalized using a low cost, environmental friendly method, thus enhancing their chemical properties. Herein, the resulting WS2/CNF composite demonstrates its efficacy in detecting ornidazole, and shows excellent potential for the development of electrochemical sensors. Overall, the work here aims to highlight the ongoing progress of electrochemical sensor technology, emphasizing its crucial role in addressing the growing challenges associated with drug contamination in the environment.References(1) Ettadili, F. E.; Azriouil, M.; Matrouf, M.; Tahiri Alaoui, O.; Laghrib, F.; Farahi, A.; Bakasse, M.; Saqrane, S.; Lahrich, S.; El Mhammedi, M. A. Materials Framework Based Bio/Sensors for the Detection of Ornidazole and Metronidazole Antibiotics in Environment and Foodstuffs. Inorganic Chemistry Communications. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2022.109416.(2) Manzeli, S.; Ovchinnikov, D.; Pasquier, D.; Yazyev, O. V.; Kis, A. 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides. Nature Reviews Materials. 2017. https://doi.org/10.1038/natrevmats.2017.33.(3) Santos, B. G.; Gonçalves, J. M.; Rocha, D. P.; Higino, G. S.; Yadav, T. P.; Pedrotti, J. J.; Ajayan, P. M.; Angnes, L. Electrochemical Sensor for Isoniazid Detection by Using a WS2/CNTs Nanocomposite. Sensors and Actuators Reports 2022, 4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snr.2021.100073.

Efficient Taste Analysis via Single-Channel Hybrid Electronic Tongue

The prospective applications of electronic tongues (e-tongues) in the food, water, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries have long been hampered by the inconvenient nature of series measurements using expensive and specialised sensor arrays. A cost-efficeint and easier solution to this problem arises in the shape of a single-channel hybrid e-tongue, presenting a novel approach to overcoming restrictions. This progress uses data fusion from potentiometry and impedimetry to combine these measures into a single channel made up of unfunctionalized metal electrodes supported by a pH electrode.The hybrid e-tongue combines potentiometric response, which includes pH and open circuit potential, with impedimetric response, which takes into account comparable electric circuit parameters such as charge transfer resistance and double-layer capacitance. The taste discriminability of this low-cost single-channel hybrid e-tongue is validated using two metal electrodes, Pt and Ni, and two separate sample preparations of basic taste analytes, each at concentrations around the human tongue threshold.Principal component analysis (PCA) plots are used to test qualitative discrimination by reducing dimensionality and clustering analytes. Silhouette coefficients (SC) and hierarchical cluster analysis are used to assess clustering quality. Even without particular sample preparation, the Pt and Ni electrodes exhibit substantial clustering with SC values of 0.83 and 0.74, respectively. This significant outcome highlights the efficacy of the hybrid e-tongue in improving taste discriminability.Comparisons with potentiometric and impedimetric measurements performed independently show that the hybrid e-tongue, assisted by data fusion at a single channel, improves accuracy and clustering significantly. This finding not only speeds up the analysis process, but it also improves the overall effectiveness of taste discrimination.Correlations between taste analytes and physicochemical factors are formed using heatmap plots and PCA loading plots to provide a fuller knowledge of the hybrid e-tongue's mechanics. These visualisations provide vital insights into the complex interplay of several physicochemical processes, offering insight into the mechanism underlying the hybrid e-tongue's excellent performance.discrimination.Despite its remarkable capabilities, the study acknowledges that taste discriminability diminishes due to the buffer activity of the standard reference solution used for sample preparation. This recognition prompts further exploration and optimization of the solution to ensure the broad applicability of the hybrid e-tongue across various scenarios.In conclusion, the reported single-channel hybrid e-tongue represents a significant advancement in taste analysis technology. By addressing the challenges associated with series measurements on complex sensor arrays, this innovation opens new avenues for commercial e-tongues in diverse industries. The amalgamation of potentiometry and impedimetry in a single channel not only enhances accuracy and clustering but also provides valuable mechanistic insights. As the research community continues to refine and optimize this technology, the future holds great promise for the widespread adoption of single-channel hybrid e-tongues in analytical applications, advancing how we perceive and understand taste.

Enantioselective Detection of (D)- and (L)-Limonene from Essential Oil Samples Using a Molecularly Imprinted Polypyrrole Electrochemical Sensor

Limonene is a monoterpene compound that has two enantiomers, (D)- and (L)-limonene, in different quantities and proportions in several essential oils, and it is used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. While the (D)-limonene is widely found in citrus, the (L)-limonene is found mainly in oils of Pinus and Mentha. The enantioselective detection holds the fact that the two isomers are found together in different quantities, in which each has its properties. The preferential use of one depends on the purpose, (D)-limonene is used in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry, while (L)-limonene has organoleptic properties and is used in the food industry, cosmetic, and personal hygiene industries. The methods existing in the literature involve the detection of the enantiomers by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. Since the two enantiomers can be found together in different samples, is very important to have a simple and faster method to determine both. This work aims to develop an electrochemical sensor using a “dual template” technique, with both limonene enantiomers and a monomer (pyrrole), forming a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film and determining the analyte “one-by-one”, by saturating the cavities of one specific enantiomer to determine the other one, using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). This is the first electrochemical sensor for the enantioselective determination of (D) and (L)-limonene. Initially, a suspension of 0.4 mg mL-1 of graphene oxide in 0.1 mol L-1 of Na2SO4 solution was directly reduced on a glassy carbon electrode surface through chronoamperometry, applying a potential of -1.4 V for 500s. Then, AuNPs were electrodeposited from a 5.0×10-4 mol L-1 HAuCL solution in 0.5 mol L-1 H2SO4 onto the GCE/rGO electrode, also through chronoamperometry, in which a potential of 0.4 V was applied until the charge of 1.0x10-3 C was reached. Next, for the electropolymerization process, a solution containing 3.0x10-2 mol L-1 pyrrole and both (D)- and (L)-limonene enantiomers in a phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0), was used in 5 consecutive voltammetric cycles on the GCE/rGO/AuNPS electrode, applying a potential range from 0.0 to 1.0 V in a scan rate of 0.02 V s-1, forming the MIP film. The extraction of the template molecules involved the application of 5 consecutive voltammetric cycles in NaOH 0.1 mol L-1 in a potential range from 0.0 to 1.5 V (0.05 V s-1). For the rebinding process, the electrode was placed for five minutes in different concentrations of one specific enantiomer after saturation of the other one, in PB solution pH 7.0. All the experimental parameters that influence the analytical performance of the device were optimized, such as pyrrole concentration, electropolymerization and extraction cycles, rebinding times, electropolymerization and rebinding pH, and nanoparticle charge. The electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The analytical methodology was developed, with a limit of detection (LOD) for (D)-limonene of 1.8x10-12 mol L-1, a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 5.5x10-12 mol L-1, and an amperometric sensibility (AS) of 5.8x105 A L mol-1. For the (L)- enantiomer, the LOD, LOQ, and AS are 1.4x10-12 mol L-1, 4.3x10-12 mol L-1, and 6.2 A L mol-1, respectively. The linear range is from 2.0x10-12 to 1.0x10-11 mol L-1 for both enantiomers. It was analyzed the stability and repeatability inter and intra-day of the sensor. The selectivity study of both analytes was evaluated with the imprinted factor (α) and the selectivity factor (β) with different molecules present in the sample, showing that the sensor is capable of selectively recognizing limonene. Furthermore, this method was applied to real samples of the essential oil of orange (Citrus aurantium), the essential oil of peppermint (Mentha piperita), and the essential oil of Siberian pine (Abies sibirica). The quantification of (D)- and (L)-limonene was successfully performed using the standard addition method and the results obtained were validated by recovery assays. All relative standard deviations were below 5%. These results indicate that the proposed sensor exhibits good analytical performance, being suitable for the determination of both limonene enantiomers in essential oils.Acknowledgements:São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) (Grants: 2023/00817-9 and 2017/22401-8)

Chiral Bioelectrocatalytic Oxidations Driven By Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction and Horseradish Peroxidase or Cytochrome P450

Biocatalysis, the use of enzymes for synthesis, has emerged as a powerful tool for synthesis of chiral molecules in pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. Natural enzymes offer inherent stereoselectivity, making them attractive catalysts for this purpose. Peroxidases and cytochrome P450s enzymes utilize an iron-heme cofactor to perform a diverse array of chemical transformations including CH2 hydroxylation, epoxidations, and sulfur-oxidations. Here, we report chiral biocatalytic oxidations in microemulsion media driven by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) coupled with a synthetic Cu2+-polymer electrocatalyst to convert O2 to H2O2. This tandem system uses crosslinked layer-by-layer (LBL) films of polyelectrolytes with Cu2+- poly(2-hydroxy-3-dipicolylamino) propyl methacrylate (Py-PGMADPA) to drive O2 reduction. Peroxide in turn activates HRP crosslinked in LbL films on magnetic beads (MB) to biocatalytically oxidize styrene, ethylbenzene, and methyl phenylacetate to chiral products. R-stereoisomers of these reactants were selectively formed with a high enantiomeric excess of > 80%. Conductive microemulsion reaction media are used to provide solubility to the non-polar reactants and water to hydrate the enzymes to function. The enzyme films show high thermal stability and high chiral selectivity up to 90 °C. A second synthetic goal was to compare chiral products of reactions catalyzed by cyt P450’s natural catalytic pathway mimicked by electrocatalysis versus via electrochemical generation of H2O2. We immobilized baculosome-P450s in LBL films with polystyrene sulfonate for the natural catalytic pathway, and for peroxide activation crosslinked P450 LbL on magnetic beads. These synthetic hybrid approaches open new doors to designing biocatalytic syntheses using an electrochemical driving force. Keywords: Biocatalysis, organic syntheses, cytochrome P450, horseradish peroxidase, regioselective and stereoselective oxidation

Kinetics of the mechanically induced ibuprofen-nicotinamide co-crystal formation by in situ X-ray diffraction.

Mechanochemistry is drawing attention from the pharmaceutical industry given its potential for sustainable material synthesis and manufacture. Scaling mechanochemical processes to industrial level remains a challenge due to an incomplete understanding of their underlying mechanisms. We here show how time-resolved in situ powder X-ray diffraction data, coupled with analytical kinetic modelling, provides a powerful approach to gain mechanistic insight into mechanochemical reactions. By using the ibuprofen-nicotinamide co-crystal mechanosynthesis as a benchmark system, we investigate the behaviour of the solids involved and identify the factors that promote the reaction. As mechanochemical mechanisms become increasingly clear, it promises to become a breakthrough in the industrial preparation of advanced pharmaceuticals.

Metal-organic framework-enabled biomass conversion technologies for microalgae bio-refinery in the food industry.

Biomass is a valuable renewable energy adapted as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Apart from fuels, biomass is synthesized into highly valuable products that are used in various forms including biofuels, biochemical, bioproducts, packing material, and find practice in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals industries. Particularly, microalgae a third-generation feedstock known for its rich carbon content possesses protein lipids and carbohydrates produces a variety of green products such as bioethanol, biohydrogen, biodiesel, and biomethane, and also fixes carbon emission to a certain amount in the atmosphere. However, microalgae conversion in the presence of a catalyst such as a metal-organic framework (MOF) yields high-quality valuable products. A MOF is a porous crystalline material where the structure and pore size can be controlled making it suitable for catalytic reactions and appropriate conversion paths. This review briefly explains the prevailing status of microalgae as a sustainable biomass and features its components for microalgae biorefinery into valuable products and its application in the food industry. MOF properties, characteristics and various MOF-based conversion technologies for biomass conversion with its application are elaborated. In addition, usage of value products produced from microalgae biorefinery in the food industry and its importance is elucidated. In addition, the challenges in integrating biorefinery processes with food industry operations and their solutions are also presented. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Surface Acidic Species-Driven Reductive Amination of Furfural with Ru/T-ZrO2.

Catalyst development for upgrading bio-based chemicals towards primary amines has increasingly attracted owing to their applications in the pharmaceutical and polymer industries. The surface acidic sites in metal oxide-based catalysts play a key role in the reductive amination of aldehydes/ketones involving H2 and NH3; however, the crucial role of the type of surface acidic species and their strength remains unclear. Herein, this study exhibits the catalytic reductive amination of furfural (FUR) to furfurylamine (FUA) with Ru supported on tetragonal (Ru/T-ZrO2) and monoclinic (Ru/M-ZrO2) ZrO2. Ru/T-ZrO2 exhibited an 11.8-fold higher rate of reductive amination than Ru/M-ZrO2, giving a quantitative yield of FUA (99%) at 80 °C in 2.5 h and is recyclable up to four runs. Catalyst surface investigation using spectroscopic techniques, like X-ray photoelectron, electron paramagnetic resonance, and Raman, confirm higher oxygen vacancy sites (1.6 times) on the surface of Ru/T-ZrO2 compared to Ru/M-ZrO2. Moreover, in-situ NH3-diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy studies display that Ru/T-ZrO2 has more moderate Bronsted acidic sites (surface H-bonded hydroxyl groups) than Ru/M-ZrO2. Further, the controlled experiments and poisoning studies with KSCN and 2,6-lutidine suggest the crucial role of Ov sites (Lewis acidic sites) and surface hydroxyl groups (Bronsted acidic sites) for selective FUA formation.

Influence of the Extraction Method on the Biological Potential of Solidago virgaurea L. Essential Oil and Hydrolates.

Solidago virgaurea L., or European goldenrod, has a long tradition in folk medicine due to the wide range of its biological activity. This paper aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and antioxidative potential of S. virgaurea essential oil and hydrolates obtained by traditional and novel extraction techniques. For that purpose, hydrodistillation, microwave-assisted hydrodistillation and solvent-free extraction were performed. Analysis of the composition of essential oils indicated the presence of 59 different compounds with cyclocolorenone, germacrene D and spathulenol being the dominant in all essential oil samples. Antimicrobial activity was detected in all the analyzed samples, with higher effect on Gram-positive microorganisms compared to Gram-negative. Regarding the type of performed extraction process, the introduction of microwaves induced higher antimicrobial and antioxidative potential in both essential oils and hydrolates. Hydrolates obtained in microwave-assisted processes had pronounced antioxidative activity, which creates a good basis for further investigation of this side product's potential use in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Inhibitory Effects, Fluorescence Studies, and Molecular Docking Analysis of Some Novel Pyridine-Based Compounds on Mushroom Tyrosinase.

Melanin biosynthesis in different organisms is performed by a tyrosinase action. Excessive enzyme activity and pigment accumulation result in different diseases and disorders including skin cancers, blemishes, and darkening. In fruits and vegetables, it causes unwanted browning of these products and reduces their appearance quality and economic value. Inhibiting enzyme activity and finding novel powerful and safe inhibitors are highly important in agriculture, food, medical, and pharmaceutical industries. In this regard, in the present study, some novel synthetic pyridine-based compounds including 2,6-bis (tosyloxymethyl) pyridine (compound 3), 2,6-bis (butylthiomethyl) pyridine (compound 4), and 2,6-bis (phenylthiomethyl) pyridine (compound 5) were synthesized for the first time, and their inhibitory potencies were assessed on mushroom tyrosinase diphenolase activity. The results showed that while all tested compounds significantly decreased the enzyme activity, compounds 4 and 5 had the highest inhibitory effects (respectively, 80 and 89% inhibition with the IC50 values of 17.0 and 9.0 μmol L-1), and the inhibition mechanism was mixed-type for both compounds. Ligand-binding studies were carried out by fluorescence quenching and molecular docking methods to investigate the enzyme-compound interactions. Fluorescence quenching results revealed that the compounds can form nonfluorescent complexes with the enzyme and result in quenching of its intrinsic emission by the static process. Molecular docking analyses predicted the binding positions and the amino acid residues involved in the interactions. These compounds appear to be suitable candidates for more studies on tyrosinase inhibition.

Unlocking the Impact of Chemicals on the Health and Safety of Pharmaceutical Workers: A Concise Review

The paper presents a concise review of the historical development of the pharmaceutical industry and the problems related to chemical exposure on the health and safety of employees. The industry has greatly improved healthcare worldwide, but it is one of the riskiest due to problems like exposure to dangerous chemicals. Herein, we provide evidence of the health repercussions of pharmaceutical exposure. The paper notes that a diversified approach is required to address these issues. Firstly, there is a need to extensively examine and understand the degree of chemical exposure and its long-term health implications. Tighter laws are necessary to implement higher environmental and safety standards, whereas employee education and training will help to raise awareness of possible hazards. Green chemistry and sustainable methods will curb or mitigate the use of hazardous chemicals and waste generation. Moreover, there is a need to promote sustainable and safer work cultures through safer behaviours, increased public awareness, and community interaction. Pharmaceutical companies must commit to continuous enhancement of their operations, decrease the risks associated with chemical exposure, and put worker and environmental health first. This strategy contributes to a safer and more sustainable pharmaceutical future by being in line with the industry’s commitment to innovation and safety.

P‐Toluene Sulphonic Acid (PTSA): An Efficient Catalyst for One‐Pot Three‐Component Synthesis of Novel 3‐Pyrazolyl‐Thiazolidin‐4‐One Derivatives

AbstractThis research article focuses on the pathway for metal‐free unprecedented one‐pot three‐component synthesis of biologically active 3‐pyrazolyl‐thiazolidin‐4‐one derivatives through cyclo‐condensation of aromatic aldehydes, 1H‐pyrazol‐3‐amine and thioglycolic acid in aqueous medium. p‐Toluene sulphonic acid (PTSA), a non‐toxic, cheaper, easily accessible, eco‐benign, organic acid‐catalyst was explored to mediate this reaction. Formation of novel 3‐pyrazolyl‐thiazolidin‐4‐one derivatives, environment‐benign conditions, quick reaction time, excellent functional group acceptance and moderate to high yield of the products are some of the chief advantages of the reaction. Further, this methodology will surely contribute in various fields of synthetic organic methodology, pharmaceutical industry and natural bio‐active product synthesis.

Extraction and Characterization of Pectin from Orange Peel

Fruit and vegetable processing waste contributes to around 30% of the total weight of the fruits and vegetables. These wastes can be converted into valuable goods for potential benefits. Therefore, this study was focused on extracting pectin from agricultural waste (orange peels) using two methods: alcohol precipitation and enzymatic extraction. The extracted pectin was compared in terms of various properties. Alcohol precipitation resulted in higher yield percentages (16.99 ± 0.8 % wet; 6.46 ± 1.01 % dry respectively) compared to the enzymatic method (16.84 ± 0.42 % wet; 3.66 ± 0.34 % dry, respectively). FT-IR and XRD spectra indicated the presence of highly methylated semi-crystalline pectin in both methods with potent antioxidant property (40.57%). This research work provides comparative extraction method of pectin from agricultural waste i.e. orange peels which has diverse applications in the food, pharmaceutical industries and biomedical applications.

Metabolite Variations during the First Weeks of Growth of Immature Citrus sinensis and Citrus reticulata by Untargeted Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry Metabolomics.

Immature citruses are an important resource for the pharmaceutical industry due to their high levels of metabolites with health benefits. In this study, we used untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics to investigate the changes associated with fruit size in immature citrus fruits in the first weeks of growth. Three orange cultivars (Citrus sinensis 'Navel', Citrus sinensis 'Valencia', and Citrus sinensis 'Valencia Late') and a mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco 'Fremont') were separated into eight fruit sizes, extracted, and analyzed. Statistical analyses revealed a distinct separation between the mandarin and the oranges based on 56 metabolites, with an additional separation between the 'Navel' orange and the 'Valencia' and 'Valencia Late' oranges based on 21 metabolites. Then, metabolites that evolved significantly with fruit size growth were identified, including 40 up-regulated and 31 down-regulated metabolites. This study provides new insights into the metabolite modifications of immature Citrus sinensis and Citrus reticulata in the first weeks of growth and emphasizes the significance of including early sampled fruits in citrus maturation studies.

Prosopis juliflora biochar for adsorption of sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin from pharmaceutical wastewater

This study aimed to synthesize the biochar of Prosopis juliflora (PJ) and apply it to the adsorption of antibiotic residues sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) and ciprofloxacin (CIX) from pharmaceutical industry wastewater. The PJ biochar was synthesized using the pyrolysis method and characterized by proximate analysis, TGA, SEM-EDX, FTIR, XRD, and BET methods. The moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, and fixed carbon were found to be 6.4 %, 72.3 %, 3.0 %, and 18.3 %, respectively. Moreover, biochar characteristics were described by a high BET surface area of 875 m2/g, various FTIR peaks with different functional groups, high TGA thermal stability at increasing temperature, amorphous XRD structure, and high SEM surface morphology, and major EDX carbon compositions of 97 %. These analysis results demonstrated insights into the potential and nature of biochar adsorbent. The maximum adsorption of SMZ and CIX was found to be 98.7 % and 97.8 %, respectively, at a contact time of 120 min, initial concentration of 50 mg/L, pH (5 for CIX and 8 for SMZ), and adsorbent dose of 1 g/L for a synthetic solution. On the other hand, COD and TOC of real wastewater were reduced from 2498 to 514 mg/L and 1050 to 124 mg/L during the real wastewater treatment. Target pollutants concentration in real wastewater was found to be 8.29 and 5.3 mg/L for CIX and SMZ and their removal efficiency was obtained as 80.4 % and 76.7 % respectively. The obtained experimental data were best fitted with the Langmuir isothermal model at R2 = 0.999, implying the adsorbent surface is homogeneous and monolayer. Similarly, the adsorption kinetics process was well described by a pseudo-second-order kinetics model for both SMZ and CIX at R² = 0.999. Finally, the non-linear intra-particle diffusion graphs suggest that chemical adsorption is the main influencing factor for overall kinetics. In conclusion, using PJ biochar is a promising precursor in advancing adsorbents for removing contaminants from industrial wastewater to address environmental pollution challenges.

69 Adherence to the ASCO Language of Respect guidelines in renal cell carcinoma abstracts in an international oncology meeting

Abstract Background The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Language of Respect (LoR) guidelines were developed to promote the use of patient-centered language in all communications in 2020. The Language of Respect guidelines provide a directive to encourage the highest level of respect in addressing patients with cancer. In this study, we aimed to analyze the adherence to these guidelines in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) abstracts presented at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting, the largest international meeting of oncologists. Methods All RCC abstracts published in the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting were evaluated. Statements from the abstracts were collected and stratified into the three categories of the LoR guidelines: (1) “Do not blame patients”, (2) “Respect the role of patients”, and (3) “Do not dehumanize patients”. Abstract and author data were summarized using descriptive statistics, and univariable and multivariable analyses were utilized to identify factors associated with odds of noncompliance with the guidelines. Results In total, 101 RCC abstracts were assessed. Most abstracts were published as poster presentations (51.5%) followed by online publication only (44.6%) and oral abstracts (4.0%). First authors affiliated with institutions in native English-speaking countries constituted 69.3% of the abstracts. Authors affiliated with institutions from a single country comprised 67.3% of the abstracts, whereas 32.7% of the abstracts were affiliated with authors from multiple countries. 40.6% of abstracts received no funding, 36.6% of abstracts received funding from a pharmaceutical company, and 22.8% received funding from non-profit organizations, institutions, or grants. There were 34 (33.7%) abstracts associated with clinical trials versus 67 (66.3%) associated with non-clinical trials. 51.5% of abstracts remained within 5% of the character count limit. Overall, 60.4% of the abstracts contained at least one statement that violated the guidelines. Abstracts with at least one statement violating “Do not dehumanize patients”, “Do not blame patients”, and “Respect the role of patients” directives were found in 46.5%, 21.8%, and 1.0% of abstracts, respectively. Abstracts within 5% of the character count limit were associated with increased odds of guideline noncompliance in the univariable analysis (OR 0.33 [95% CI 0.14-0.75], p=0.008). By multivariable analysis, abstracts within 5% of the character count limit were also associated with higher odds of violating the guidelines (OR 0.31 [95% CI 0.13-0.71], p=0.006). Conclusions A significant portion of RCC abstracts were found to violate the LoR guidelines. Our results highlight the importance of considering the expansion of the character count limit for abstract submissions to increase adherence to the LoR guidelines. With the incorporation of LoR guidelines in all forms of communication, the scientific community can promote increased use of respectful language in addressing patients, families, and colleagues.

Treatment options applied to the preclinical studies using animal models for Chagas Disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected tropical disease endemic to Latin America, has emerged as a global health concern due to the migration of infected individuals. With its epidemiological complexity, by difficulty to obtain appropriate diagnoses and poor treatment, the search for novel therapeutic options remains. Methods In this context, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies employing animal models to verify the progress in CD treatment. We searched the PubMed database for CD treatment studies published between 1990 and 2023, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. Results Twelve papers met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicate that the fifteen treatment alternatives examined, mainly between 2010 and 2014, demonstrated efficacy in experimental CD models, evidenced by significant parasitemia reduction. Bis-triazole DO870 and VNI were effective in the acute and chronic phases, respectively. However, of these emerging therapies, only posaconazole and fexinidazole have progressed to clinical trials, yielding unsatisfactory outcomes as CD monotherapies Conclusions This meta-analysis highlights the existence of promising new drug candidates for CD treatment, but most remain in the preclinical stages. Those that reached clinical trials did not demonstrate optimal results, underscoring the ongoing challenges in CD therapy. Collaborative efforts among the academic community, pharmaceutical industries, funding agencies, and government agencies are urgently needed to accelerate the development of more effective medications against CD. Inplasy registration INPLASY202430101 (25/03/2024)

3D printing for drug manufacturing: A perspective on the future of pharmaceuticals

Since a three-dimensional (3D) printed drug was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2015, there has been a growing interest in 3D printing for drug manufacturing. There are multiple 3D printing methods – including selective laser sintering, binder deposition, stereolithography, inkjet printing, extrusion-based printing, and fused deposition modeling – which are compatible with printing drug products, in addition to both polymer filaments and hydrogels as materials for drug carriers. We see the adaptability of 3D printing as a revolutionary force in the pharmaceutical industry. Release characteristics of drugs may be controlled by complex 3D printed geometries and architectures. Precise and unique doses can be engineered and fabricated via 3D printing according to individual prescriptions. On-demand printing of drug products can be implemented for drugs with limited shelf life or for patient-specific medications, offering an alternative to traditional compounding pharmacies. For these reasons, 3D printing for drug manufacturing is the future of pharmaceuticals, making personalized medicine possible while also transforming pharmacies.

Discovery Process Chemistry: An Innovation Hub at the Interface of Academia, the Pharmaceutical Industry, and Contract Research Organizations

Discovery Process Chemistry (DPC) is an emerging intersectoral space that is characterized by the development of new chemical reactions or syntheses which enable the efficient elucidation of structure-activity relationships (SARs) and structure-property relationships (SPRs), as well as a rapid transition to process development. Drug discovery and development are accelerated by such efforts and this has led chemists in academia and industry alike to place an increasing importance on these aims. In this Short Review, we explore recent advances in DPC and the impact that it can have on SAR/SPR interrogation and downstream drug development efforts.

Advancement in constructed wetland microbial fuel cell process for wastewater treatment and electricity generation: a review.

The constructed wetland coupled with a microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) is a wastewater treatment process that combines contaminant removal with electricity production, making it an environmentally friendly option. This hybrid system primarily relies on anaerobic bioprocesses for wastewater treatment, although other processes such as aerobic bioprocesses, plant uptake, and chemical oxidation also contribute to the removal of organic matter and nutrients. CW-MFCs have been successfully used to treat various types of wastewater, including urban, pharmaceutical, paper and pulp industry, metal-contaminated, and swine wastewater. In CW-MFC, macrophytes such as rice plants, Spartina angalica, Canna indica, and Phragmites australis are used. The treatment process can achieve a chemical oxygen demand removal rate of between 80 and 100%. Initially, research focused on enhancing power generation from CW-MFC, but recent studies have shifted towards resource recovery from wastewater. This review paper provides an overview of the development of constructed wetland microbial fuel cell technology, from its early stages to its current applications. The paper also highlights research gaps and potential directions for future research.