Physicochemical Investigations Research Articles

Physicochemical Evaluation and Standardization of Traditional Healing Herb Sonchus asper Linn

Sonchus asper also locally known as prickly sow-thistle, rough milk thistle, spiny sowthistle, spiny-leaved sow thistleordudhi, is a widespread plant an annual or biennial herb sometimes reaching a height of 200 cm. with spiny leaves and yellow flowers resembling those of the dandelion. Traditionally it has been used in the treatment of numerous disorders and many resembling plants of the genus Sonchas create confusion hence its standardization is necessary. In the present work we have tried to standardize the entire herb based on physical, chemical, microscopical, and Physico-chemical investigations to provide the proximate values for its proper identification. The present work will help the traditional healers for selecting the correct herb for treating different disorders and avoid the wrong choice of crude drugs which may lead to unsatisfactory results for intended use or it may cause discomfort for many patients. Further work is going on for the biological evaluation of this herb to provide scientific validation of its traditional claims.

Multi-analytical characterization of the white inlaid decoration on the prehistoric pottery from southern Romania

Complex physico-chemical investigations have been performed on white inlaid substance used in the ornamentation of prehistoric clay artefacts from southern Romania ceramics from the Early Chalcolithic, up to the Middle/Late Bronze Age. Structural and morphological investigations of the white pigments have showed hundreds of nm up to microns size particles with calcite and hydroxyapatite (ash bone) as dominant components. The calcite was found on Early Chalcolithic pigment vessels while those where hydroxyapatite was dominant from the Middle/Late Bronze Age. FTIR spectra revealed the biogenic source of the hydroxyapatite (i.e. cremated animal bone) and the crystallinity degree values agrees with the expected temperatures of firing of the ancient furnaces; the calcite-based pigments were supposed to be filled post firing. The EPR was not able to able to provide a clear assignment of the cremated animal bones but thermoluminescence showed various sources of calcite.

Physicochemical investigations on the interaction of an anionic surfactant with cellulose based polymer microgel

Abstract This work focuses on the interaction of cellulose-based colloidal microgel dispersions with the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at different concentrations. First, a Cellulose-P(NIPAAm-MAA)-based responsive microgel sample was prepared by a radical polymerization method using a one-pot process. The samples thus obtained were purified, characterized and used to study microgel-surfactant interactions. To this end, SDS solutions with different concentrations were prepared and the interactions of SDS in the premicellar and micelle regions with polymer microgel were investigated using different physicochemical techniques. Experiments were also performed at different temperatures to obtain the degree of binding of SDS to microgel in gel surfactant mixtures. Due to the temperature-sensitive properties of microgel, we observed significant changes in various properties of microgel-surfactant mixtures when the solution temperature changed. The overall results showed that various experimental variables, such as the polymer gel/surfactant ratio and temperature, affect the gel–surfactant interaction quantitatively and qualitatively. With increasing surfactant concentration, conductance, viscosity and absorbance values ​​increased, but a decrease in surface tension was observed. This is due to the adsorption of SDS at the air-water interface. The micellar activity of surfactants is enhanced by the addition of microgels. It was found that the strength and nature of the interaction depended not only on the gel/surfactant ratio, solvent type and test temperature, but also on the chemical structure of the surfactant used. Furthermore, the visual stability of the colloidal particles in the mixture of microgel and SDS was also noticeable over time.

Effects of type and distribution of clay minerals on the physico-chemical and geomechanical properties of engineered porous rocks

The study of the properties of engineered rocks is of great importance to researchers in engineering sciences such as petroleum, mining, and civil engineering owing to their wide application in these fields. In the present study, a physico-chemical and geomechanical investigation was carried out on the effects of different clay minerals on porous rocks. Various chemical products formed during chemical interactions between cement, clay minerals, and water can change the pore structure and thus the rock characteristics. The results of the current study showed that increasing the clay content could remarkably reduce the porosity and permeability of the rock by an average of 86% and 6.76%, respectively. In this regard, samples containing kaolinite were further influenced due to their new pore structure. Moreover, a power relationship was found between sonic velocity and porosity, which can be used to predict rock properties. Chemical analysis indicated an amplification in quantities of chemical products, particularly calcium silicate hydrate and portlandite, due to an increase in clay content. The impacts of porosity and cementation quality as two main factors on rock strength have also been studied. The outcomes revealed that a reduction in porosity could compensate for detrimental effects of poor bond quality and consequently improved UCS by up to 30% in samples containing kaolinite, while decreasing the degree of cementation prevailed over the porosity reduction in specimens including illite and resulted in a 14% decrease in UCS. The effects of porosity and bond quality on UCS would cancel each other out in samples containing bentonite. It is worth noting that when it comes to changes in geomechanical characteristics, the dominant factor (i.e., porosity reduction or cementation quality) determines the ultimate effect of clay minerals on the properties of engineered porous rocks.

Unraveling the pharmaceutical and clinical relevance of the influence of syringic acid loaded linoleic acid transferosomes on acne

Natural medicines are promising platforms for competent topical treatment modalities benefiting the cosmetic implementation and proffering solutions to the current remedies. Therefore, the objective of this study was to formulate syringic acid (SA), well-known for its multilateral anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials, in newly developed linoleic acid (LA) transferosomes as an anti-acne nano-form remedy. Herein, LA was incorporated in transferosomes owing to its antimicrobial effect and dermal penetrability. Comprehensive appraisal through physicochemical, antioxidant and dermal deposition investigations was conducted. Clinical assessment was also performed in acne patients and compared with the marketed product (Adapalene® gel). The relevant investigations of the optimum formula indicated stable vesicles with a small-sized diameter (147.46 nm), surface charge (-26.86 mV), spherical architecture, reasonable entrapment (76.63%), considerable antioxidant activity (IC50 = 11.1 µg/mL) and remarkable skin deposition (78.72%).More importantly, LA based transferosomes enclosing SA exhibited inflammation lessening in acne sufferers as manifested by greater reduction in the total count of the acne lesions reaching 79.5% in contrast to Adapalene® gel with only 18.7% reduction in acne lesions. Interestingly, no irritation and erythema were reported for the proposed transferosomes. Inclusively, the cosmetic formulation practice could reap benefits of the development of such vesicles.

Some quality standards for Dronapushpi Panchanga (Leucas aspera Spreng) Powder

Background: Dronapushpi (Leucas aspera Spreng) of Lamiaceae is found as a weed throughout the country. It is described in various Nighantus. To maintain the effectiveness of crude drugs, the standardisation and proper identification of the plant is very important. Fresh juice of Dronapushpi is efficacious in malarial fever, collyrium prepared from the juice is used in jaundice, the decoction of the herb is used to ulcer as wash liquid, also applied externally to poisonous insect bites and also useful in worm infestation, inflammation, bronchitis, asthma and cough. In this study Dronapushpi panchanga (whole plant) was studied systematically to evaluate its quality standards. Methods: Macro-microscopic features, physico-chemical and phytochemical investigation were performed as per Pharmacopoeial procedures. Results: The pharmacognostic study revealed the macroscopic characters, physicochemical constants and phytochemical nature of Donapushpi. The extracts which were screened for its phytochemicals showed the presence of constituents like coumarin, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenols and tannin in both the ethanolic and aqueous extracts. HPTLC profile was developed as fingerprint of extracts. Conclusion: Results of the present investigation L. aspera plant will help in validation of this crude drug.

Evaluation of the physicochemical and hygienic quality of cow's milk and its derivatives in El Jadida city Morocco.

Despite the efforts and investments made for traceability and the guarantee of a fair and safe milk product, the informal sector threatens the safety of milk. In fact, during this circuit, the product does not undergo any treatment and therefore presents serious risks for the health of the consumer. In this context, studies have been carried out on samples of peddled milk and products derived from it. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relevance of the informal circuit in Morocco's Doukkala region (El Jadida Province) by physicochemical and microbiological investigation of raw milk and its derivatives at various points of sale. 84 samples were taken between (23 for raw milk, 30 for the «Lben», and 31 for the «Raib») between January 1st, 2021 and October 30th, 2021. According to Moroccan rules, microbiological analyses revealed an extremely high non-compliance rate in most samples obtained at the level of outlets situated in the El Jadida region, with a non-compliance ratio of 65 percent for raw milk sold, 70 percent for the «Lben», and 40 percent for the «Raib». Likewise, these analyses revealed that majority of the samples did not fulfill international criteria for the pH values of raw milk samples «Lben» and «Raib», which are respectively between 5.85 and 6.71; 4.14 and 4.43 and 4.5. Other characteristics, including lactose, proteins, fat, mineral salts, density, and additional water, have also yielded results. This has allowed us to analyze the major impact of the peddling circuit at the regional level, which is a risk factor for consumer health.

A combined physicochemical and computational investigation of the inclusion behaviour of 3-(1-Naphthyl)-D-alanine Hydrochloride insights into β-Cyclodextrin

In numerous biological activities, 3-(1-Naphthyl)-D-alanine Hydrochloride (D-1NA) serves as an essential metabolic precursor and amino acid receptor. Therefore, a sufficient supply of D-1NA is very much important. Here, we look into how D-1NA interacts with the hydrophobic cavity of β-cyclodextrin (BCD) to form the host–guest assembly. Analysis of experimental and theoretical findings demonstrates the creation of a stable IC, which is suggestive of the usefulness of BCD as a delivery method for D-1NA. The binding behaviour of this newly created 1:1 inclusion system of D-1NA with BCD has been examined by UV–visible spectroscopy and discovered that BCD showed a considerable affinity for D-1NA and the binding process was thermodynamically possible. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated the most reliable D-1NA binding orientation inside the BCD, as shown by Fourier transforms infrared and 1H-Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analyses. Studies using PXRD and SEM images also showed that inclusion complexes had formed. After complexing with BCD, D-1NA's photostability is increased. Additionally, it was described how the produced IC is bound to the Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the calf thymus (CT).

Investigation of mineral commodity residues based on alkalinity, solubility and other physicochemical aspects aiming the management of amazonian acidic soils

The large amounts of mineral residues generated by the bauxite-alumina industries in the Amazon — with a production scale in the same order of magnitude as their source commodities — have been seen as new sources of raw materials (secondary mines) and/or an inseparable part of a sustainable production system, i.e., a source for the generation of co-products within a circular economy system. In the present study, two alkaline residues from this mining-metallurgical industry were assessed for their potential to amend productive acidic Amazonian soils, namely, (1) insoluble solid residue from the Bayer process (bauxite residue, BR) and (2) ash from energy production from coal (coal combustion residues, CCRs: fly ash, FA, and bottom ash, BA). A physicochemical investigation was performed to evaluate the possible benefits that these residues can offer to the soil‒plant system. The alkalinity of the residues was adjusted “to a value of pH 8–10” by leaching with H3PO4 using a central composite experimental design. The chemical analyses indicated high levels (total and soluble) of essential elements such as Ca and S in the CCRs. All residues showed a high cation exchange capacity (CEC). Regarding the water holding capacity (WHC), FA showed a higher value than the other residues (68.6%). After pH adjustment, available P increased significantly for all residues, and the Ca and S contents remained high for the CCRs, while in BR, there was a decrease in available Na, and aluminum (Al3+) was not available because the potential acidity (H + Al) < 0.6. Finally, complementary analyses showed that with respect to mineralogy, BR is composed mainly of iron oxyhydroxides and aluminosilicate phases, while carbonate, sulfide and silicate phases dominate the CCRs. The neutralizing character, the presence of nutrients in the CCRs and the unavailability of Al3+ in BR are positive physicochemical characteristics for the management of Amazonian acid soils; the use of this residues would add to the circular economy and sustainability of the Amazon.

Tailoring the specific crosslinking sites of graphene oxide framework nanosheets for controlled nanofiltration of salts and dyes

Graphene oxide (GO), a material that is proven to have favorable attributes in different applications is continuously being researched and employed in membrane-based separations including nanofiltration, but challenges including instability in an aqueous environment, resulting in redispersion and swelling, as well as the difficulty in controlling the ion transport are still matters for concern. In this research, we addressed these problems by covalently crosslinking GO with different monomers of the same chain lengths, including ethylenediamine (EDA), ethylene glycol (EGL), and oxalic acid (OXA) to tailor specific crosslinking site, in able to subsequently improve the stability of the membranes while tuning the d-spacing for controllable transport of ions and molecules. These membranes produced via pressure-assisted filtration were subjected to physicochemical investigations where it revealed that surface properties including hydrophilicity and charge, as well as the membrane free volume were altered and each played a crucial role in their separation performance. The nature of the crosslinker dictated the site where crosslinking happened (GO's edges or basal planes) and influenced the passage of species, especially the fast water permeation. The membrane crosslinked with OXA has displayed an excellent pure water permeability that could reach up to ∼39.6 L m−2 h−1 at a pressure of 6 bar, a rejection for Na2SO4 of around 93%, and rejection of organic dyes, methylene blue and methyl orange of >99%. Moreover, the membranes were observed to have a stable performance in various operating conditions and exhibited an outstanding antifouling property and chlorine resistance that are essential qualities needed for desalination in realistic conditions.

Host-Guest Encapsulation of RIBO with TSC4X: Synthesis, Characterization, and Its Application by Physicochemical and Computational Investigations.

In our present work, we synthesized a new encapsulated complex denoted as RIBO-TSC4X, which was derived from an important vitamin riboflavin (RIBO) and p-sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene(TSC4X). The synthesized complex RIBO-TSC4X was then characterized by utilizing several spectroscopic techniques such as 1H-NMR, FT-IR, PXRD, SEM, and TGA. Job's plot has been employed to show the encapsulation of RIBO (guest) with TSC4X (host) having a 1:1 molar ratio. The molecular association constant of the complex entity (RIBO-TSC4X) was found to be 3116.29 ± 0.17 M-1, suggesting the formation of a stable complex. The augment in aqueous solubility of the RIBO-TSC4X complex compared to pure RIBO was investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy, and it was viewed that the newly synthesized complex has almost 30 times enhanced solubility over pure RIBO. The enhancement of thermal stability upto 440 °C for the RIBO-TSC4X complex was examined by TG analysis. This research also forecasts RIBO's release behavior in the presence of CT-DNA, and at the same time, BSA binding study was also carried out. The synthesized RIBO-TSC4X complex exhibited comparatively better free radical scavenging activity, thereby minimizing oxidative injury of the cell as evident from a series of antioxidant and anti-lipid peroxidation assay. Furthermore, the RIBO-TSC4X complex showed peroxidase-like biomimetic activity, which is very useful for several enzyme catalyst reactions.

Zn Modification of Pd/TiO2/Ti Catalyst for CO Oxidation.

The main goal of this study was to modify the activity of Pd/TiO2/Ti catalyst in the reaction of CO oxidation by the addition of Zn. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) of Ti wire was conducted to produce a uniform porous layer of TiO2. A mixture of Pd and Zn was then introduced by means of adsorption. After reduction treatment, the activity of the samples was examined by oxidation of 5% CO in a temperature range from 80-350 °C. Model catalysts with sufficient amounts of the metals for physico-chemical investigation were prepared to further investigate the reaction between Pd and Zn during CO oxidation. The structures and compositions of the samples were investigated using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Modification of Pd/TiO2/Ti catalyst by Zn with a Pd:Zn atomic ratio of 2:1 decreased the temperature of complete CO oxidation from 220 °C for Pd/TiO2/Ti to 180 °C for Pd-Zn/TiO2/Ti. The temperature of 50% CO conversion on Pd-Zn(2:1)/TiO2/Ti was around 55 °C lower than in the reaction on monometallic Pd catalyst. The addition of Zn to the Pd catalyst lowered the binding energy of CO on the surface and improved the dissociative adsorption of oxygen, facilitating the oxidation of CO. FTIR showed that the bridging form of adsorbed CO is preferred on bimetallic systems. Analysis of the surface compositions of the samples (SEM-EDS, TOF-SIMS) showed higher amounts of oxygen on the bimetallic systems.

Synergistic effect of single-atom Cu and hierarchical polyhedron-like Ta3N5/CdIn2S4 S-scheme heterojunction for boosting photocatalytic NH3 synthesis

Achieving synergy between single atomic site and charge transfer in heterojunction is significant for synthesising photocatalysts with excellent properties. In this paper, single atom Cu/Ta3N5/CdIn2S4 S-scheme hierarchical polyhedrons (SACu/TN/CIS SHPs) have been successfully synthesized by a three-step simple chemistry process. We dive into the improvement of photocatalytic activity in the synergistic effect of SACu and S-scheme. The excellent charge separation and reducing the energy barrier during the ammonium production reaction in the synergistic effect were confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and physicochemical mechanistic investigations. Electron spin resonance (ESR) corroborated production of reducing agent to accelerate the progress of NO3− to NH3. Under light conditions, the NH3 production rate for SACu/TN/CIS SHPs is an astonishing ∼43.6 times higher than that of original Ta3N5. This report not only recommends an efficient catalyst under visible light, but also proposes an advantageous solution for photocatalytic nitrate reduction in natural conditions.

Influence of Al3+, Ga3+, and In3+ substitution on the structural, microstructural and dielectric characteristics of ZnS nanoparticles

Trivalent metal cations modified polycrystalline ZnS nanoparticles, Zn0.95X0.05S (X = Al3+, Ga3+, & In3+) NPs, were synthesized using co-precipitation technique and their physicochemical investigations were carried out. Structural analysis revealed that all the compositions display cubic crystallinity having Fm3‾m space group as evident from Rietveld refinement technique. The average crystallite size evaluated using Williamson-Hall plot was found to be 4.75 nm, 5.17 nm, and 5.76 nm for Zn0.95Al0.05S NPs, Zn0.95Ga0.05S NPs, and Zn0.95In0.05S NPs respectively. Microstructural studies depicted the nanoscale formation of nanoparticles with uniform grain distribution where the average grain size was observed between 38.2 nm and 45.4 nm. FT-IR spectra analysis confirmed the formation of Zn0.95Al0.05S, Zn0.95Ga0.05S, and Zn0.95In0.05S NPs with high frequency stretching vibrations about 465 cm−1 and 654 cm−1, belonging to the weak and strong edge of elemental regions. The value of the dielectric constant in the lower frequency region was found to be maximum (27.2) for Zn0.95In0.05S NPs and least (17.8) for Zn0.95Al0.05S NPs. It was observed that ac conductivity increases sharply with the increasing frequency of the applied electric field. The measured values of ac conductivity at 1 kHz for Zn0.95Al0.05S NPs, Zn0.95Ga0.05S NPs, and Zn0.95In0.05S NPs were found to be 5.06 × 10−7 Ω−1cm−1, 1.24 × 10−6 Ω−1cm−1, and 1.28 × 10−6 Ω−1cm−1, respectively.

Physicochemical and Phytochemicals investigation of Dooshivishari Agada by HPLC

Background: Dooshivishari Agad (DA) is an herbal formulation that has been documented in Indian Traditional Medicine as a remedy for latent poisoning. Objective: this research was conducted to study Physicochemical parameter &amp; Phytochemical analysis of DA by HPLC. Methods: It includes authentication of raw drugs and preparation of DA. Physicochemical parameter was tested by Loss on drying ,Acid insoluble Ash, Water soluble ash, Total ash value, Water &amp; Alcohol soluble Extractive Value. HPLC was used for phytochemical screening. Observation: In analytical study obtained values are Loss on drying 2.54%,Water soluble Ash 1.84%, Acid insoluble Ash 0.5% , Total Ash value 5.20% Water Soluble Extractive Value 16.89%, Acid Soluble Extractive Value 23.94%, pH 5.6.Preliminary data of phytochemical screening revealed that it is rich in phenol compound and terpenoids Conclusion: This study provide the data for standardisation &amp; phytochemical characterisation of DA for its pharmacological action.&#x0D;

Humidity and Temperature Sensing of Mixed Nickel–Magnesium Spinel Ferrites

Temperature- and humidity-sensing properties were evaluated of NixMg1-x spinel ferrites (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) synthesized by a sol-gel combustion method using citric acid as fuel and nitrate ions as oxidizing agents. After the exothermic reaction, amorphous powders were calcined at 700 °C followed by characterization with XRD, FTIR, XPS, EDS and Raman spectroscopy and FESEM microscopy. Synthesized powders were tested as humidity- and temperature-sensing materials in the form of thick films on interdigitated electrodes on alumina substrate in a climatic chamber. The physicochemical investigation of synthesized materials revealed a cubic spinel Fd3¯m phase, nanosized but agglomerated particles with a partially to completely inverse spinel structure with increasing Ni content. Ni0.1Mg0.9Fe2O4 showed the highest material constant (B30,90) value of 3747 K and temperature sensitivity (α) of −4.08%/K compared to pure magnesium ferrite (B30,90 value of 3426 K and α of −3.73%/K) and the highest average sensitivity towards humidity of 922 kΩ/%RH in the relative humidity (RH) range of 40–90% at the working temperature of 25 °C.

Pharmacognostical, physicochemical, and phytochemical investigation of Allium wallichii Kunth (An unexplored and underutilised traditional aromatic plant from Himalayan regions)

Pharmacognostical, physicochemical, and phytochemical investigation of Allium wallichii Kunth (An unexplored and underutilised traditional aromatic plant from Himalayan regions)

Novel salts of the antiemetic drug domperidone: synthesis, characterization and physicochemical property investigation

Domperidone (DOM) salts with enhanced solubility may aid in the creation of innovative DOM formulations.

Declinul laboratoarelor de investigații fizico-chimice și condiția ultimilor investigatori

Heritage science and conservation science represent interdisciplinary fields that weave together exact sciences (chemistry, physics, biology, geology) and humanistic sciences, thus providing essential information for researching, recording, classifying, preserving, restoring and enhancing cultural heritage for exhibition purposes. Unfortunately, only 13 scientific investigators (physical-chemical investigations) certified as experts currently work in the Romanian museum network and, according to the author’s knowledge, about 5 others are in training, extremely few relative to the mobile heritage they are responsible for studying. The situation is all the more worrying as the number of certified investigators is decreasing every year through retirements and transfers. The training of investigators requires many years of practice. The concern is also accentuated by the lack of posts, of specialist courses and of the equipment needed for investigations. Moreover, the museum investigator / researcher is omitted from the COR (Classification of Occupations in Romania), and the idea of investigation seems to be disappearing from the collective mind. Museum labels, exhibition catalogues, conservation-restoration events, museum databases do not include and are not based on research data, even when research results exist. These problems concern the entire museum network and the passivity of decisionmakers and specialists inevitably contributes to the deterioration of cultural heritage. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to draw attention on this situation, and to justify the importance of physicochemical investigations for the knowledge, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage.

Pharmacognostic, Physicochemical, Phytochemical Screening and In-Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Chrysochamela Noeana, Endemic in Türkiye

The aim of the present study was to conduct preliminary phytochemical screening, pharmacognostical and physicochemical investigation of Chrysochamela noeana. The fresh and dried herbs were studied by morphology, microscopy, preliminary phytochemical screening and florescence analysis of powdered drug. In addition, physicochemical parameters were studied according to WHO guidelines. Physicochemical parameters and florescence analysis were also performed. The preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of steroids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and carbohydrates. Total phenol contents were 245 ± 3.67, 179.06 ± 4.52, and 15.98 ± 3.32 (GAE mg/g extract) and total flavonoid content were 180.85 ± 8.21, 146.41 ± 2.56, and 13.46 ± 0.23 (QUE mg/g extract) for ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts, respectively. The IC50 value for extracts in ABTS radical scavenging activity were calculated in order of 51.47, 122.26 and 1146.91 µg/mL, and in DPPH for 1.55, 1.13 and 27.16 mg/mL for ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts, respectively. The results of these studies could be useful for correct identification and detection of adulterants from this plant material.