Solubilization Rate Research Articles

DEVELOPMENT, SCREENING AND OPTIMIZATION OF ROSUVASTATIN LOADED NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIERS FOR IMPROVED THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY

Objective: the aim of the current study was to be screening of the formulation components, prepare ROS-NLCs by hot homogenization–ultrasonication technique and optimized by Full factorial design then formulations prepared were further characterized. Methods: The screening experiments were carried out to select the most suitable solid lipids, liquid lipids, and surfactants. Moreover, physical compatibility between the solid lipids and liquid lipids, along with their proportions, was evaluated. Additionally, characterization and optimization of the developed formulations were outlined and identified. Primarily, the solubility of ROS-Ca in various solid lipids and liquid lipids is the key factor for choosing the optimal one. Results: Stearic acid, Glyceryl Monostearate (GMS), and Compritol®888 ATO exhibited a higher ability to solubilize ROS-Ca, with solid lipid values per 10 mg of ROS-Ca (w/w) recorded as 750±3.56 mg, 1250±4.36 mg, and 1750±5.16 mg, respectively. In the systematic screening of different liquid lipids, Transcutol® HP (98.41 mg/ml), CapryolTM90 (78.64 mg/ml), and Labrafac MC60 (64.36 mg/ml) demonstrated a good affinity for the drug. The (Stearic acid-Transcutol® HP) mixture showed phase separation with oil droplet residue on filter paper, whereas the (GMS-Transcutol® HP) mixture showed no separation and left no oil droplet residue on filter paper. The optimized NLC formulations composed of glyceryl monostearate GMS (solid lipid) and Transcutol® HP (liquid lipid) as lipid phase, poloxamer 188 and Tween 80 (1:1 ratio) as surfactants. Conclusions: Study concludes the ability of NLCs to improve the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs by enhancing solubilization and dissolution rates in the gastrointestinal tract is well-recognized. Peer Review History: Received 11 July 2024; Reviewed 15 September 2024; Accepted 22 October; Available online 15 November 2024 Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Pharmacy institute, University of Basrah, Iraq, asia_abdullah65@yahoo.com Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewers: Antonio José de Jesus Evangelista, Federal University of Ceará, UFC, Brazil, tony_biomed@hotmail.com Asmaa Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Khalifa, Pharos University, Alexandria, Egypt, asmaa.khalifa@pua.edu.eg

244 Comparative crude protein solubilization in yellow pea and fava bean protein concentrates in a simulated porcine gastric and intestinal digestion model

Abstract Pulses are valuable protein ingredients but unique characteristics among them are known to influence protein quality and utilization. We determined crude protein solubilization (CPS) in yellow pea (YP) and fava bean (FB) protein concentrates using simulated porcine gastric and intestinal model (Table 1). For each ingredient, 500 mg CP equivalent was incubated in triplicate with pepsin at either pH 3.5 or 4.5 for 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 h at 39°C and 200 r.p.m. for gastric CPS. For intestinal CPS, gastric samples (derived at pH 3.5 for 1.5 h) were incubated with pancreatin and bile extract at pH 6.8 for 0, 0.5, 2, 4 and 6 h. Intestinal CPS was categorized as CPfast, CPslow and CPresistant corresponding to CPS within the first 0.5 h, 0.5 to 4 h, and undigested after 4 h, respectively (Table 2). The concentration of CP in the supernatant was equated to CPS. Data were subjected to Proc GLIMIXX of SAS while Gompertz equation was used to describe the gastric and intestinal solubilization kinetics (A-maximum solubilized CP, Wo- initial CP solubility, Ku- solubilization rate, Ti- time to inflection). The model for gastric CPS had fixed effects of protein, incubation time, stomach pH and their interaction at 1.5 h and while fixed effects of protein was evaluated in intestinal CPS kinetics. The analyzed CP in FB and YP were 712.7 and 599.1, g/kg DM, with 3 and 4% of CP bound to NDF, respectively. Gastric CPS in FB was not influenced (P > 0.05) by pH and incubation time; however, at 1.5 h gastric CPS in FB was 40.9 and 28.44% at pH 3.5 and 4.5, respectively. Gastric CPS in YP was influenced by incubation time (P < 0.05) with increase at pH 3.5 after 1 h and at pH 4.5 after 0.5 h compared with 0 h. After 1.5 h, gastric CPS in YP was 50.0% at pH 3.5 and 33.2% at pH 4.5. Whereas YP gastric CPS at pH 3.5 and 1.5h was greater compared with FB, there were no differences (P > 0.05) between the FB and TP at pH 4.5. However, intestinal CPS tended (P < 0.10) to be greater for FB (91.7%) compared with YP (89.4%). The FP was solubilized faster (Ku; P < 0.05) than YP, supported by a (P < 0.05) higher CPfast of FB (87.8%) compared with YP (75.9%). CPresistent was found to be greater (P < 0.05) for YP (12.0%) than for FB (6.6%; Figure 1). In conclusion, fava, and pea protein concentrates had gastric protein solubilization that was dependent on pH. The less resistant protein in FB suggested a greater nutritive value than YP. Further research should determine ileal amino acids digestibility and the impact of incorporation in practical diets to characterize animal performance, health, and environment impact.

491 Processing and stomach pH influenced in vitro gastric protein solubilization kinetics in sunflower meal

Abstract The study aimed to evaluate the effect of processing and pH on gastric protein solubilization kinetics in sunflower meal (SFM) products using porcine digestion simulation model. The SFM samples were derived from diverse processing approaches: 1) dehulled-cold pressed (SFM_CP), 2) dehulled-solvent-extracted (SFM_SE), and 3) application of electrostatic separation technology on SFM_SE to generate high crude protein (CP) version (SFM_SEP). Soybean meal (SBM) was included for reference comparison (Table 1). Considering the complex factors influencing retention time, gastric pH, and pepsin secretion, the study employed multiple sampling times, and pH levels. A total of 500 mg CP equivalent of each sample (in triplicates) was mixed with 25 mL of 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 6.0) and 2 mL of pepsin (27 mg/mL). The pH was adjusted to either 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 or 4.5 using 1 M HCl and placed in incubator shaker (200 rpm) at 39°C. Samples were taken at 0, 30, 60, and 90 min, snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen, stored frozen, later thawed at 4°C, centrifuged (15,000 × g for 10 min) and supernatants analyzed for CP. The data were analyzed using Proc GLIMIXX in SAS while Gompertz equation was used to describe the gastric protein solubilization kinetics. The model included the fixed effects of protein source or processing, stomach pH and their interaction on the gastric CP solubility at 90 min and gastric protein solubility kinetics (A-maximum solubilized CP, Wo- initial CP solubility, Ku- solubilization rate, Ti- time to inflection). The analyzed CP SBM, SFM_CP, SFM_SE, and SFM_SEP, were 514.4, 524.4, 393.5, and 484.2 g/kg DM, respectively. Gastric CP solubility increased with lower pH and longer incubation time (P < 0.05), which corresponded well with the optimum pH of pepsin activity around 2. Compared with SFM, SBM had the least (P < 0.05) gastric CP solubility at pH 4.5 and 3.5, and the least predicted maximum gastric CP solubility (A) at pH 4.5, 3.5 and 2.5 (P < 0.05; Table 2). SFM_CP showed the greatest predicted initial gastric CP solubility at 0 h (Wo) and A (P < 0.05). Electrostatic fractionation of SFM_SE (SFM_SEP) enhanced gastric CP solubility at pH 3.5 and 2.5 and reduced the solubility time to inflection point (Ti; P < 0.05). In conclusion, data indicated that cold pressing SFM increased gastric CP solubility relative to solvent extraction. However, electrostatic fractionation of SFM_SE improved protein gastric solubility. While SBM remains a standard, incorporating the studied sunflower meals with their fast CP digestion kinetics in feed formulation could improve protein utilization in young animals with high stomach pH. In vivo studies, particularly on ileal amino acid digestibility, are crucial to validate these findings. Sunflower meal tables_FMN.pdf

Photo‐induced polymerization of styrene‐maleic acid copolymers for the extraction of membrane proteins

AbstractWe report herein the photoinduced electron/energy transfer–reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (PET‐RAFT) polymerization of styrene‐maleic anhydride (SMAnh) using the photocatalyst, zinc tetraphenylporphirine, under a white cool LED light. PET‐RAFT is an easy and convenient polymerization method that does not require deoxygenation unlike other radical polymerizations. Various parameters, for example, the amount of styrene in the feed or the solvent, and their influence on the polymerization were studied. After hydrolysis of the anhydride moieties, the resulting styrene‐maleic acid (SMA) copolymers obtained by PET‐RAFT copolymerization were evaluated for their solubilization efficiency of three different membrane proteins, BmrA and AcrB, overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and A2AR, expressed in insect cells (Sf9). The different copolymers provided similar solubilization rates to the commercially available SMA; however, a highly improved migration behavior on sodium dodecyl‐sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was observed which could, facilitate downstream analyses. Overall, we demonstrated that PET‐RAFT is a versatile oxygen tolerant polymerization technique to yield SMA, a suitable polymer for biochemical applications.

Iodide- and electrochemical assisted removal of mercury by Cirsium arvense from gold tailings in the Amansie West District, Ghana

Mercury (Hg) pollution in Ghana through mining has become a serious environmental challenge. This study investigates the potential of Cirsium arvense to photostabilize Hg using electrokinetic current with or without an iodide solution in gold mine tailings heavily contaminated through mining activities in southern Ghana. An initial Hg concentration of 9.60 mg/kg using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS) was determined. The biological absorption coefficient, bioconcentration factor, and translocation factor of Hg have been presented. Cirsium arvense therefore had a higher bioconcentration factor (BCF) of 2.6–5.15 mg/kg, and a transfer factor (TF) of 0.24–0.36 indicating a higher efficiency for phytostabilization. Both the rate and time of extractions of Hg from the tailings by Cirsium arvense are efficiently improved in the combined electric current and iodide treatment. Plant and electric current combined treatment and plant and iodide combined treatment had only 60 and 50% phytostabilization rates, respectively. The combined plant, iodide, and electric current treatment has proven to be superior with about >90% Hg removal rate. Therefore, the combined plant, iodide, and electric current treatment resulted in a higher Hg removal efficiency by Cirsium arvense in a shorter period due to higher solubilization rate and electromigration effects on Hg species.

Formulation of microsponges of anti-fungal drugs and their pharmacokinetic and in vitro analysis

Microsponges are uniform, spherical, porous polymeric microspheres having myriad interconnected voids of particle size range 5-300 μm. These microsponges have the capacity to entrap a wide range of active ingredients such as emollients, fragrances, essential oils, sunscreens and anti-infective, etc. and then release them onto the skin over a time in response to a trigger. Microsponge Delivery System (MDS) can be used to resolve the problem associated with these conventional approaches. The drug entrapped microsponges can be incorporated into a formulated product, such as a gel, cream, liquid or powder. Microsponge is as tiny as a particle of talcum powder. Although they are microscopic in size, these systems are too large to pass through the stratum corneum thus preventing excessive accumulation of drugs within the epidermis and dermis, and hence systemic entry of the drugs. They increase the rate of solubilization of poorly water soluble drugs by entrapping such drugs in pores of the microsponges. In this study, Flutrimazole and Oxiconazole nitrate microsponge were prepared by quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method. The microsponges thus prepared, were evaluated for production yield, loading efficiency, particle size analysis, SEM, IR, DSC, PXRD, characterization of pore structure, in-vitro release study of microsponges, and stability. Then, gels loaded with microsponge and plain drug were formulated and evaluated for rheology, diffusion, skin irritation and antifungal activity. Antifungal activity of Flutrimazole and Oxiconazole nitrate containing microspongic gels were compared with marketed formulations. The microsponges showed good production yield, loading efficiency and particle size. All characteristic peaks of the drugs were concordant with IR spectra of pure drugs. PXRD and DSC studies revealed amorphization of drugs. SEM images showed that styrene microsponges prepared by suspension polymerization were finely spherical and uniform, while Eudragit microsponges prepared by quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method were comparatively less spherical. According to intrusion and extrusion curves, majority of the pores present in Eudragit microsponges were spherical type, whereas the pores of styrene microsponges were mainly cylindrical-hole type. BET multipoint adsorption isotherm studies revealed that the percent of porosity of styrene microsponges is comparatively higher than Eudragit based microsponges. During the storage of drug-entrapped microsponges at 40±2°C and 75±5% RH for 6 months, surface morphology and release of drug showed no notable changes. Viscosity determination of gel showed that gels loaded with microsponge are more viscous than gel loaded with plain drug. The controlled drug release was observed with all the microspongic gels. Antifungal activity of gels containing microsponge entrapped Flutrimazole and Oxiconazole nitrate showed that antifungal activity of drugs was retained even after entrapment in microsponges and it was higher as compared with the gel containing free drug and marketed formulation. Gels containing drugs entrapped in microsponges.

Optimizing alkali-pretreatment dosage for waste-activated sludge disintegration and enhanced biogas production yield

The rapid transition towards modernization and industrialization led to an increase in urban population, resulting in paramount challenge to municipal sewage sludge management. Anaerobic digestion (AD) serves as a promising venue for energy recovery from waste-activated sludge (WAS). Addressing the challenge of breaking down floc structures and microbial cells is crucial for releasing extracellular polymeric substances and cytoplasmic macromolecules to facilitate hydrolysis and fermentation process. The present study aims to introduce a combined process of alkaline/acid pre-treatments and AD to enhance sludge digestion and biogas production. The study investigates the influence of alkali pretreatment at ambient temperature using four alkali reagents (NaOH, Ca(OH)2, Mg(OH)2, and KOH). The primary goal is to provide insights into the intricate interplay of alkali dosages (0.04–0.12 g/gTS) on key physic-chemical parameters crucial for optimizing the pre-treatment dosage. Under the optimized alkaline/acid pre-treatment condition, the TSS reduction of 18%–30% was achieved. An increase in sCOD concentration (24%–50%) signifies the enhanced hydrolysis and solubilization rate of organic substrate in WAS. Finally, the biomethane potential test (BMPT) was performed for pre-treated WAS samples. The maximum methane (CH4) yield was observed in combination A1 (244 mL/g) and D1 (253 mL/g), demonstrating the pivotal role of alkali optimization in enhancing AD efficiency. This study serves as a valuable resource to policymakers, researchers, and technocrats in addressing challenges associated to sludge management.

Enhanced Enzymatic Degradability of Livestock Blood Pretreated with Ultrasonic Technique

Livestock blood, a major organic waste generated by the livestock industry, poses a risk of pollution due to its rapid decomposition. However, it is a potential protein source for agricultural purposes due to its protein-rich organic matter. In this study, we conducted studies on an eco-friendly, scalable, and effective protein degradation process using livestock blood to reduce waste and produce an amino acid liquid fertilizer that can be recycled for agricultural use. Ultrasonic technology was applied as a pretreatment method to improve the enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of proteins in livestock blood, and the optimal conditions that led to 95.91% solubilization rate of hemoglobin were ultrasound duration for 30 min at an ultrasound density of 0.5 W/mL. As a result of hydrolyzing ultrasonically pretreated blood by mixing exo- and endo-type proteolytic enzymes, the optimal combination was a mixture of Savinase® 1% and Flavourzyme® 1%. After 4 h of reaction, the protein concentration was 27.8 mg/mL and the amino acid concentration was confirmed to be 54.6 mg/mL. This is about 4.2 times higher than the amino acid concentration of blood without ultrasound pretreatment, 13.1 mg/mL, and it was confirmed that sonication has a significant effect on improving protein degradation efficiency. As protein degradation increased, the viscosity of blood gradually decreased, suggesting that the physical force applied to the agitator torque diminished during the enzyme reaction; a significant correlation between protein and amino acid concentrations (biological factors) and torque (mechanical factor) was observed. Measuring torque during an enzyme reaction can confirm the extent of the enzyme reaction, so it can be used as an indicator of reaction progress when scaling up the process in the future.

Potassium Ions Release from Mica by Organic Acids Present in Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria

Plants require a variety of life-building ingredients to grow properly and optimally. Plants that lack essential nutrients are unable to reach their full potential, have lesser yields, and are more susceptible to diseases. The primary macronutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which are the three most critical nutrients without which plants wouldn‘t survive. Fertilizers must be added to K-depleted soil to produce a feasible soil environment for plant growth. Chemical K fertilizers are costly and cause soil pollution. Bio-fertilizers gaining popularity because of their low harmful effects. In Sri Lanka, new ways of producing Bio K-fertilizer are convenient in the field of agriculture. Phlogopite mica is a natural mineral that contains K as a major component (7.22% of mass as K2O) that can be used as the source of Bio-K fertilizer production. In this research, the solubilization of phlogopite mica (sample was obtained from Matale district, Sri Lanka) by major types of organic acids which are mainly released from bacteria was determined. In this study special attention was paid to the following main factors: Type of organic acids (Citric, Oxalic, Succinic and Tartaric acid), Acid concentrations (0.01 M, 0.02 M, 0.03 M, 0.04 M, and 0.05 M), Effect of ground mica particle sizes (0.300 mm-0.150 mm and <0.150 mm), the effect of time on solubilization in three shaking time intervals (1 hour, 2.5 hours, 4 hours) the indicated solubilization patterns and pH changes were observed. The current findings show that Citric acid is the most efficient K solubilizer because at 0.04 M, citric releases the 17.00 mg/L of K whereas the lowest value of released K 2.33 mg/L was observed for oxalic acid which is determined by Flame Photometer using 50.00 mg/L of standard K+ solution. Therefore, Citric acid has a significant potential for the solubilization of K in mica. When particle size increases, the rate of solubilization appears to decrease with each acid. Also, when shaking time was increased the amount of soluble K released has been increased. Future studies of this research will be extended to find and isolation of citric acid-releasing bacteria for solubilizing mica to produce K Biofertilizer to improve soil fertility thereby increasing the crop yield in Sri Lanka. 
 Keywords: Phlogopite mica, Bioconversion, Bio-fertilizers, Chemical K-fertilizers

A novel fluidized electrode electrolysis system activated ferrate (VI) oxidation promoting sludge solubilization: Performance and mechanism

Energy and resource recovery is a viable and sustainable solution for sludge treatment and disposal, while sludge solubilization is one of the most critical issues hindering sludge conversion to valuable products. Although ferrate (VI) was considered a green sludge pretreatment approach, the poor stability of ferrate (VI) hindered the effective utilization of its oxidative potential. This study demonstrated that an innovative electrochemical system with granular activated carbon (GAC) as the fluidized electrode activated potassium ferrate (PF) oxidation could effectively catalyze the destruction of sludge structure, thereby promoting the release of organic matter and improving sludge solubilization. The results showed that the electro- granular activated carbon- potassium ferrate (E-GAC-PF) process achieved a sludge solubilization of 30.9 % within 15 min, resulting in a reduction in sludge volume by 33.9 %. In comparison, the sludge solubilization rate under PF oxidation alone was 11.5 %, with corresponding in sludge volume reduction of 13.0 %. The radical scavenging experiment and probe compound (sulfoxide) oxidation experiment revealed that the E-GAC-PF system was responsible for the production of a higher quantity of Fe (V) and Fe (IV), which significantly contributed to the sludge decomposition. Additionally, XPS and XRD analysis discovered that Fe3O4 was present as a byproduct, which opened up a new route for iron recycling during the pretreatment. Hence, E-GAC-PF system held promise as a pioneering and efficient alternative for catalytically activating PF, thereby facilitating environmentally friendly and highly efficient pretreatment of sludge.

Quantitative at-line monitoring of enzymatic hydrolysis using benchtop diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Benchtop diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to perform quantitative monitoring of enzymatic hydrolysis. The study aimed to test the feasibility of the technology to characterize enzymatic hydrolysis processes in real time. Diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) was used to measure the signal intensity and apparent self-diffusion constant of solubilized protein in hydrolysate. The NMR technique was tested on an enzymatic hydrolysis reaction of red cod, a lean white fish, by the endopeptidase alcalase at 50°C. Hydrolysate samples were manually transferred from the reaction vessel to the NMR equipment. Measurement time was approximately 3 min per time point. The signal intensity from the DOSY experiment was used to measure protein concentration and the apparent self-diffusion constant was converted into an average molecular weight and an estimated degree of hydrolysis. These values were plotted as a function of time and both the rate of solubilization and the rate of protein breakdown could be calculated. In addition to being rapid and noninvasive, DOSY using benchtop NMR spectroscopy has an advantage compared with other enzymatic hydrolysis characterization methods as it gives a direct measure of average protein size; many functional properties of proteins are strongly influenced by protein size. Therefore, a method to give protein concentration and average size in real time will allow operators to more tightly control production from enzymatic hydrolysis. Although only one type of material was tested, it is anticipated that the method should be applicable to a broad variety of enzymatic hydrolysis feedstocks.

Metal Activation Produces Different Reaction Environments for Intermediates during Oxidative Addition.

Commercial zinc metal powder requires activation for consistent and reliable use as a reductant in the formation of organozinc reagents from organohalides, and for the avoidance of supplier and batch-to-batch variability. However, the impact of activation methods on the reaction environments of subsequent intermediates has been unknown. Herein, a fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) method is developed to bridge this knowledge gap, by imaging and examining reaction intermediates on zinc metal that has been activated by pretreatment through different common methods (i. e., by chemical activation with TMSCl, dibromoethane, or HCl; or by mechanical activation). The group of chemical activating agents, previously thought to act similarly by removing oxide layers, are here shown to produce markedly different reaction environments experienced by subsequent oxidative-addition intermediates from organohalides - data uniquely available through FLIM's ability to detect small quantities of intermediates in situ coupled with its microenvironmental sensitivity. These different microenvironments potentially give rise to different rates of formation, subsequent solubilization, and reactivity, despite the shared "[RZnX]" molecular structure of these intermediates. This information revises models for methods development for oxidative addition to currently sluggish metals beyond zinc by establishing diverse outcomes for pretreatment activation methods that were previously considered similar.

Investigating the effect of the micelle structures of block and random copolymers on dye solubilization.

To elucidate the correlation between dye solubilization into micelles and their core-shell aggregated structure, the structures of block and random copolymer micelles were characterized. The block copolymer micelles exhibited a higher dye solubilization capacity which correlated with their core volume, clear core-shell contrast and slow solubilization rate.

Intrinsic and Dynamic Heterogeneity of Nonlamellar Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Nanodispersions.

Nonlamellar lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) nanoparticles are a family of versatile nano-self-assemblies, which are finding increasing applications in drug solubilization and targeted drug delivery. LLC nanodispersions are heterogeneous with discrete nanoparticle subpopulations of distinct internal architecture and morphology, frequently coexisting with micelles and/or vesicles. Diversity in the internal architectural repertoire of LLC nanodispersions grants versatility in drug solubilization, encapsulation, and release rate. However, drug incorporation contributes to the heterogeneity of LLC nanodispersions, and on exposure to biological media, LLC nanodispersions often undergo nanostructural and morphological transformations. From a pharmaceutical perspective, coexistence of multiple types of nanoparticles with diverse structural attributes, together with media-driven transformations in colloidal characteristics, brings challenges in dissecting biological and therapeutic performance of LLC nanodispersions in a spatiotemporal manner. Here, we outline innate and acquired heterogeneity of LLC nanodispersions and discuss technological developments and alternative approaches needed to improve homogeneity of LLC formulations for drug delivery applications.

Solubilization mechanism and mass-transfer model of anionic-nonionic gemini surfactants for chlorinated hydrocarbons

Accurate prediction and modeling of the quantitative recovery of chlorinated hydrocarbons in an aquifer by anionic-nonionic gemini surfactants requires estimates of their mass-transfer models and capture mechanisms. In this work, a series of synthesized anionic-nonionic gemini surfactants (GEOnS-m) with different molecular structures were used to solubilize different chlorinated hydrocarbons that contaminate the aquifer. GEOnS-m aggregate showed vesicle, rodlike micelle, and spherical micelle as the ethylene oxide content (EO) number increases. Non-polar chlorinated hydrocarbons (PCE, CT) mainly solubilized in the hydrophobic interior of micelles, and polar chlorinated hydrocarbons (TCE, MCB) mainly solubilized in the “palisade layer” of micelles. Solubilization processes were followed employing first-order and second-order kinetics. The solubilization rate increases with the decrease of EO number of GEOnS-m molecules. In essence, lower interfacial tension reduces the mass-transfer resistance of chlorinated hydrocarbons at the two-phase interface. The diameter of vesicles and spherical micelles increases, and rodlike micelles evenly changed to vesicles as chlorinated hydrocarbons transfer into micelles. The solubilization process of GEOnS-m for chlorinated hydrocarbons conforms to a novel “oil diffusion & micelle reformation model” that represents the coupling to two pre-existing models. And the solubilization mass-transfer mathematical model demonstrated the solubilization mass-transfer coefficient is affected by the combination of surfactant and solubilized organic properties. This study advances the application of solubilization for chlorinated hydrocarbons using anionic-nonionic gemini surfactants in surfactant-enhanced aquifer remediation (SEAR) design.

Plant Growth Promoting (PGP) Performances and Diversity of Bacterial Species Isolated from Olive (Olea europaea L.) Rhizosphere in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of Morocco

Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) play an essential role in enhancing plant growth, health and yield. In this study, we describe the isolation of PGPR associated with the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) grown in three Moroccan regions of Zouala, Errachidia, and Essaouira. In these regions, we isolated 95 PGPRs from rhizosphere of Olive trees, 78% of them were characterized by their tolerance to a salinity of 4-11%. We also found that 39% of these PGPRs were phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) with a solubilization ability greater than 100 µg/mL. In fact, Pantoea agglomerans (MRC_ZO_17) and Enterobacter ludwigii (MRC_ZO_97), showed the highest phosphate solubilization rates of ~450 µg/mL and ~196 µg/mL, respectively. In addition to their ability to solubilize phosphate, various isolates had the ability to produce Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). For instance, E. ludwigii (MRC_ZO_97) had an IAA production of ~60.48 g/mL. In the region of Zouala, characterized by relatively higher salinity and lower rate of organic matter, Firmicutes isolates account for 87% of the isolated rhizobacteria. Interestingly, we found that the olive tree-associated PGPRs vary significantly between the three sampled regions. Several rhizobacteria isolated in this study are excellent candidates for formulation as bioinocula for plants in saline soils.

Mechanistic understanding of the effect of sodium citrate soaking of red kidney beans on their cooking behaviour

In this study, the role of soaking beans in a sodium citrate solution (a cation chelator) at pH = 4.4 and 41 °C in directing/improving the cooking behaviour of common beans was explored. The cooking behaviour of the pre-soaked red kidney beans was determined and the corresponding changes of phytate, minerals, starch, protein and pectin were quantified. Soaking beans in citrate buffer could accelerate softening of the beans during cooking in deionised water while subsequent cooking of beans in this buffer had a limited additional effect on softening compared to cooking in deionised water. Phytate hydrolysis during soaking in citrate buffer results in a release of Mg2+ and Ca2+. Both cations were leached into the soaking medium, higher amounts being observed for Mg2+ release to the soaking media because of the lower affinity of Mg2+ for pectin. It was observed that the pectin solubilisation rate in beans treated by sodium citrate buffer was positively correlated to bean softening. All of these results point out that soaking in a citrate buffer prohibits pectin Ca2+ cross linking therefore enhancing pectin solubilisation and thus increasing the bean softening rate constants during cooking, while starch and protein were not responsible for texture evolution.

Rubusoside As a Multifunctional Stabilizer for Novel Nanocrystal-Based Solid Dispersions with a High Drug Loading: A Case Study

The oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs has always been the focus of pharmaceutical researchers. We innovatively combined nanocrystal technology and solid dispersion technology to prepare novel nanocrystalline solid dispersions (NCSDs), which enable both the solidification and redispersion of nanocrystals, offering a promising new pathway for oral delivery of insoluble Chinese medicine ingredients. The rubusoside (Rub) was first used as the multifunctional stabilizer of novel apigenin nanocrystal-based solid dispersions (AP-NSD), improving the in vitro solubilization rate of the insoluble drug apigenin(AP). AP-NSD has been produced using a combination of homogenisation and spray-drying technology. The effects of stabilizer type and concentration on AP nanosuspensions (AP-NS) particles, span, and zeta potential were studied. And the effects of different types of protective agents on the yield and redispersibility of AP-NSD were also studied. Furthermore, AP-NSD was characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Solubility was used to assess the in vitro dissolution of AP-NSD relative to APIs and amorphous solid dispersions (AP-ASD), and AP-ASD was prepared by the solvent method. The results showed that 20% Rub stabilized AP-NSD exhibited high drug-loading and good redispersibility and stability, and higher in vitro dissolution rate, which may be related to the presence of Rub on surface of drug. Therefore provides a natural and safe option for the development of formulations for insoluble drugs.

Advanced thermal hydrolysis for biopolymer production from waste activated sludge: Kinetics and fingerprints

Waste activated sludge (WAS) is the main residue of wastewater treatment plants, which can be considered an environmental problem of prime concern due to its increasing generation. In this study, a non-energetic approach was evaluated in order to use WAS as a renewable resource of high value-added products. For this reason, WAS was treated by thermal hydrolysis, H2O2 oxidation and advanced thermal hydrolysis (ATH) promoted by H2O2. The influence of temperature, H2O2 concentration and dosing strategy on biomolecule production (proteins and carbohydrates), size distribution (fingerprints) and various physico-chemical parameters (VSS, total and soluble COD, soluble TOC, pH and colour) was studied. The results revealed a synergistic effect between TH and H2O2 oxidation, which led to a significant increase in the production of both proteins and carbohydrates. In this sense, the concentration of proteins and carbohydrates obtained during TH at 85 °C for120 min was found to be 1376 ± 9 mg/L (121 mg/gVSSo) and 208 ± 4 mg/L (18 mg/gVSSo), respectively. However, in the presence of 4.5 mM H2O2/gVSSo under the same process conditions, the concentrations of proteins and carbohydrates exhibited a significant increase of 1.9-fold and 3.1-fold, respectively. Besides, the addition of H2O2 promoted the transformation of hydrophobic compounds, such as proteins and or lipids, into hydrophilic compounds, which presented low and medium sizes. An increase in temperature improved the solubilization rate and the yield of biomolecules significantly. Besides, the analysis of the kinetics related to the dosing strategy of H2O2 suggested the existence of two fractions during WAS solubilization, one of them being easily oxidizable, whereas the other one was more refractory to oxidation. Thus, the value of kH2O2 for the first addition of 1 mM H2O2/g VSSo was 0.020 L0.4 mgH2O2−0.4 min−1, while it was 4.3 and 8 times lower for the second and third additions, respectively.

Delignification of Halophyte Atriplex crassifolia by Green Recyclable Deep Eutectic Solvents for Enhanced Production of Biogas

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have upgraded the practices of valorizing lignocellulosic feedstock by lessening biomass recalcitrance through delignification in precise and economical manner. In this study, the influence of a series of deep eutectic mixtures was evaluated on the halophyte Atriplex crassifolia for achieving elevated biogas production. Initially, the biomass was pretreated via several DESs with varying hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) including carboxylic acids, amine/amide, and polyols/glycols. DES composed of choline chloride (ChCl) and lactic acid (LA) evidenced as the most effective solvent in achieving high lignin removal rates and was further optimized by evaluating the parameters of molar ratio of DES components, solid-to-liquid ratio, and solvent addition. A maximum delignification value of 89.5% was achieved by 15% diluted ChCl: LA (1:2) DES at a biomass loading of 1:15. The solubilization rate of diluted ChCl: LA was also raised up to 38%. FT-IR analysis revealed significant lignin elimination from ChCl: LA pretreated substrates. Moreover, ≥88% of ChCl: LA DES was recovered after up to three pretreatment cycles, retaining ≥85% delignification efficiency. Fresh DES-pretreated Atriplex crassifolia recorded 32.2 mL/g of biogas production yield due to increased cellulosic content. The findings validated Atriplex crassifolia as an efficient feedstock for biogas production and confirmed the affectivity of ChCl: LA pretreatment in eliminating the lignin barrier, ultimately making cellulosic sugars readily biodegradable and highly accessible for anaerobic microorganisms.