Smaller Mean Particle Size Research Articles

Green Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles With Aqueous Extracts of Ginkgo Biloba Induce Apoptosis via Mitochondrial Pathway in Cervical Cancer Cells.

Biosynthetic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), specifically formed using medicinal plant extracts, have recently exhibited a remarkable therapeutic effect due to their anticancer potential. Here, we synthesized AgNPs using an aqueous extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves and evaluated its activity against cervical cancer (CCa) and the related molecular mechanisms. The physiochemical properties of the AgNPs were measured by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, nanometre particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy. The AgNPs effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis were investigated through MTT, MTS, and colony formation assay; Hoechst 33258 staining; and flow cytometry. The intracellular ROS and oxidative stress levels were assessed using the appropriate commercial kits. Apoptosis-related protein levels were determined by western blotting. We prepared a series of different sized ginkgo extract synthesized AgNPs (GB-AgNPs), and the smallest mean particle size was 40.2 ± 1.2 nm with low polydispersity (0.091 ± 0.011), zeta potential values showed -34.56 mV. Compared to the controls, the GB-AgNP treatment inhibited the cell proliferation and induced the apoptosis of HeLa and SiHa cells. In addition, GB-AgNP treatment led to markedly increased levels of intracellular ROS, the release of cytochrome c (Cyt C) from mitochondria into the cytosol and the cleavage of caspase -9 and -3 in both CCa cell lines. Moreover, NAC, an ROS scavenger, eliminated the effect of GB-AgNPs on the HeLa and SiHa cells. This study reveals that GB-AgNPs suppresses cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by upregulating intracellular ROS generation and inducing the activation of the caspase-dependent mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in CCa cells. Thus, GB-AgNPs may be a potential alternative drug for CCa therapy.

Melt granulation: A comparison of granules produced via high-shear mixing and twin-screw granulation.

Melt granules of DI-CAFOS® A12 and 15% (w/w) Kolliphor® P407 were manufactured in a twin-screw granulator (TSG) at five different conditions (screw speed and throughput varied) and compared to granules manufactured in a high-shear granulator (HSG) (rotation speed of chopper/impeller and granulation time varied). Evaluated granules characteristics were process yield, particle-size distribution (PSD), particle morphology, flowability, porosity, specific surface area (SSA), tabletability, compressibility and binder distribution. Compared to TSG, granules produced from HSG were more spherical in shape with lower porosity, smaller mean particle size and a superior flowability. Granules made by TSG showed a more elongated structure, higher porosity and larger mean particle size with smaller SSA instead. Concerning the compression process of granules, tablets made of TSG granules exhibited a higher tabletability compared to HSG granules, whereas the compressibility remained similar. In the case of the TSG granules, energy-dispersive-X-ray (EDX) measurements of the tablet surface indicated an enhanced homogenous binder distribution. Additionally, the EDX-analyses determined that more binder was available between the individual particles, resulting in a stronger bonding.

The Development of Hyaluronan/Fucoidan-Based Nanoparticles as Macrophages Targeting an Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Delivery System.

The aim of this study was to develop a macrophage-targeted nanoparticle composed of hyaluronan/fucoidan complexes with polyethylene glycol-gelatin to encapsulate and deliver epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a compound that can regulate macrophage activation and pro-inflammatory mediator production. We show that our nanoparticles can successfully bond to macrophages and deliver more EGCG than an EGCG solution treatment, confirming the anti-inflammatory effects of these nanoparticles in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. The prepared nanoparticles were established with a small mean particle size (217.00 ± 14.00 nm), an acceptable polydispersity index (0.28 ± 0.07), an acceptable zeta potential value (−33.60 ± 1.30 mV), and a high EGCG loading efficiency (52.08% ± 5.37%). The targeting abilities of CD44 binding were increased as the hyaluronan concentration increased and decreased by adding a competitor CD44 antibody. Moreover, we found that fucoidan treatment significantly reduced macrophage migration after lipopolysaccharide treatment in a dose-responsive manner. In summary, we successfully created macrophage-targeted nanoparticles for effective targeted delivery of EGCG, which should aid in the development of future anti-inflammatory drugs against macrophage-related diseases.

Effects of freeze-thaw cycles on the structure and emulsifying properties of peanut protein isolates

This study investigated changes of the structure and emulsifying properties of peanut protein isolate (PPI) during multiple freeze-thaw (F-T) cycles. According to the Fourier transform infrared spectrum, the F-T treatment to PPI reduced the content of protein ordered structure significantly. The result of fluorescence spectrum revealed that the polarity of PPI surroundings first increased and then decreased. Similarly, the free sulfhydryl content and surface hydrophobicity of PPI increased firstly and decreased. However, the carbonyl content and particle size of PPI increased continuously after F-T treatment. The emulsification performance of PPI after F-T treatment was significantly improved. The emulsion prepared by PPI after 3 F-T cycles had the smallest mean particle size, the highest absolute value of zeta-potential and the most uniform microstructure distribution, showed the best performance of emulsifying ability. Therefore, it can be known that F-T cycles treatment could effectively change protein structure and improve protein emulsifying properties.

Barium sulfate precipitation in jet reactors: Large eddy simulations, kinetics study and design considerations

The paper presents an application of large eddy simulations (LES) to predict the course of barium sulfate precipitation carried out in jet reactors and basic guidelines for a reactor design. The reactors in question were of different geometries and made in different sizes in order to achieve high mixing intensities and low residence times in a mixing chamber, thus enabling to reflect and understand the effects of process conditions and influence of mixing on the course of precipitation better. The system’s behavior is explained using experimental and simulation results. Simulations were validated by comparing LES model predictions with experimental data, as well as the k-ε model supplemented with the multiple-time-scale mixing model. The BaSO4 precipitation results obtained with a CFD based precipitation model are in a very good agreement with experiments and are used to distinguish the jet reactors that allow obtaining a product with favorable characteristics, i.e., the smallest mean particle size. In general, the smallest studied reactors are found to best meet this criterion. A special attention is given to precipitation kinetics models, the choice of which can significantly affect predictions’ accuracy. Several literature precipitation kinetics models were tested and the ones working best in jet reactors were identified. Finally, a time-scale analysis of process controlling mechanisms is highlighted and the assumption of negligibility of the subgrid closure for precipitation in LES is validated.

The Influence of the Gold Particle Size on the Catalytic Oxidation of 5-(Hydroxymethyl)furfural

For the production of chemicals from biomass, new selective processes are required. The selective oxidation of 5-(Hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF), a promising platform molecule in fine chemistry, to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is considered a promising approach and requires the oxidation of two functional groups. In this study, Au/ZrO2 catalysts with different mean particle sizes were prepared by a chemical reduction method using tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride (THPC) and tested in HMF oxidation. The catalyst with the smallest mean particle size (2.1 nm) and the narrowest particle size distribution was highly active in the oxidation of the aldehyde moiety of HMF, but less active in alcohol oxidation. On the other hand, increased activity in FDCA synthesis up to 92% yield was observed over catalysts with a larger mean particle size (2.7 nm), which had a large fraction of small and some larger particles. A decreasing FDCA yield over the catalyst with the largest mean particle size (2.9 nm) indicates that the oxidation of both functional groups require different particle sizes and hint at the presence of an optimal particle size for both oxidation steps. The activity of Au particles seems to be influenced by surface steps and H bonding strength, the latter particularly in aldehyde oxidation. Therefore, the presence of both small and some larger Au particles seem to give catalysts with the highest catalytic activity.

Microstructural and biochemical diversity of forest soil organic surface layers revealed by density fractionation

Particularly on sites with shallow, nutrient-poor soils, forest soil organic surface layers (O layers) are important for the storage of plant-available nutrients and water, and thus for forest vitality and productivity. O layers can contain up to 70 mass percent of inorganic compounds (minerals) which may be spatially separated from or closely associated with soil organic matter (SOM). O layer SOM may differ in biochemical properties and resistance against mineralization, depending on the extent of organo-mineral association. Moreover, type and intensity of SOM-mineral mixing in O layers conveys information about biological activity. Here, for the first time we present detailed density fractionation results to distinguish SOM constituents in O layers with different chemical properties and likely also different degrees of organo-mineral association. Additionally, we characterized spatial association patterns of the SOM fractions. We investigated samples of Of (Oe) and Oh (Oa) horizons of temperate forest soils with different parent materials (basalt, gneiss, andesite, Pleistocene gravel, dolomite). The samples were distinguished into six density fractions (ρ < 0.8 g cm−3; 0.8–1.0 g cm−3; 1.0–1.2 g cm−3; 1.2–1.4 g cm−3; 1.4–1.6 g cm−3; >1.6 g cm−3) by sequential treatment with deionized H2O (ρ = 1.0 g cm−3), 1-propanol (ρ = 0.8 g cm−3), and sodium polytungstate (SPT) solution of increasing density (ρ = 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 g cm−3). The procedure is characterized by a mass recovery of 93 ± 5% and an organic carbon (OC) recovery of 90 ± 9%. In each fraction, we analyzed the concentrations of C, N, metal cations (Fe, Al, Ca, Mg), C speciation (13C NMR spectroscopy), as well as abundances of 13C and 15N. For selected fractions, we additionally determined the radiocarbon age and acquired microscopic images. From the Of to the Oh horizons, the contribution of heavy fractions (>1.4 g cm−3) to total soil mass and total SOC increased, indicating augmented organo–mineral association with progressive SOM decomposition state. Compared to bulk soil, heavier fractions >1.4 g cm−3 were characterized by smaller SOC concentrations, whereas concentrations of Al and Fe were increased for fractions >1.4 g cm−3 in the of and >1.6 g cm−3 in the Oh horizon. The SOM in the heavy fractions was enriched in N, carboxyl C, and alkyl C, but depleted in O/N-alkyl C and aryl C. Smaller mean particle sizes and C/N ratios as well as increased alkyl C / O/N-alkyl C ratios and 13C and 15N abundances indicate an advanced SOM decomposition state and enrichment of microbial-derived SOM in heavier fractions. However, according to its 14C signature, in contrast to high-density (ρ > 1.6 g cm−3) SOM in the mineral soil, forest floor SOM with high density is a rapidly cycling SOM pool with a turnover time <50 years.

Curcumin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers prepared using Peceol™ and olive oil in photodynamic therapy: development and application in breast cancer cell line.

PurposeTo potentiate the anticancer activity of curcumin (CUR) by improving its cell penetration potentials through formulating it into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and using the prepared NLCs in photodynamic therapy.MethodsA 3×4 factorial design was used to obtain 12 CUR-NLCs using two factors on different levels: (1) the solid lipid type at four levels and (2) the solid to liquid lipid ratio at three levels. Olive oil, Tween 80 and lecithin were chosen as liquid lipid, surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively. CUR-NLCs prepared by high shear hot homogenization method were evaluated by determination of particle size (PS), polydispersity index, zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency percent, drug loading percent and in vitro drug release. Optimization was based on the evaluation results using response surface modeling (RSM). Optimized formulae were tested for their in vitro release pattern and for dark and photo-cytotoxic anticancer activity on breast cancer cell line in comparison to free CUR.ResultsEvaluation tests showed the appropriateness of NLCs prepared from glyceryl monooleate and Geleol™ helped choosing two optimized formulae, PE3 and GE3. PE3 (prepared using glyceryl monooleate) showed enhanced release rates compared to GE3 (prepared from Geleol) and superior cytotoxic anticancer activity compared to both GE3 and free CUR under both light and dark conditions. The small mean PS, spherical shape as well as the negative ZP enhanced the internalization of the NLCs within cells. Modulation and inhibition of P-glycoprotein expression by glyceryl monooleate synergized the cytotoxic activity of CUR.ConclusionCUR loading in NLCs enhanced its cell penetration and cytotoxic anticancer properties both in dark and in light conditions.

Synergism of oxygen vacancies, Ti3+ and N dopants on the visible-light photocatalytic activity of N-doped TiO2

N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst with abundant oxygen vacancies (N-TiO2-x) has been fabricated by a novel solvothermal route (using HNO3 as a nitrogen source) combined with a solid-state chemical reduction method for the first time. Using this combined technology, high-quality N-TiO2-x photocatalyst with small mean particle size (around 7.1 nm) and high surface area (181.7 m2/g) can be acquired. The electron paramagnetic resonance and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer results indicate that oxygen vacancy and Ti3+ are produced in N-TiO2-x during solid-state chemical reduction process. Control experiments show that compare to pristine N-doped TiO2 and pure TiO2, the reduction activated N-TiO2-x catalyst has a great improvement in both optical absorption and photocatalytic performance. It suggests that the N-TiO2-x band-gap narrowing results from synergetic effect of Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies defect energy state belts, as well as N2p midgap state. These energy levels result in enhanced visible light absorption and serve to trap the photogenerated electrons, consequently improving both charge separation and the quantum efficiencies of N-TiO2-x catalysts.

Amorphous solid dispersions of ketoprofen and poly-vinyl polymers prepared via electrospraying and spray drying: A comparison of particle characteristics and performance

The purpose of this work was to compare the particle characteristics and dissolution performance of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) of ketoprofen and vinyl-pyrrolidone based polymers prepared using electrospraying and spray drying methods. Solution characteristics (surface tension, viscosity and conductivity) were determined for ethanolic solutions containing different vinyl-pyrrolidone based polymers (PVP and PVPVA) and different ketoprofen to polymer mass ratios. The only statistically significant difference in solution properties between PVP and PVPVA systems was electrical conductivity. The higher conductivity in PVP-containing solutions resulted in smaller, more spherical particles than the equivalent formulations prepared with PVPVA when processed via electrospraying. Electrospraying resulted in powders with higher specific surface area, smaller mean particle size, and narrower particle size distribution relative to the spray-dried material. Amorphisation of ketoprofen via both processes was confirmed using pXRD, DSC and FTIR. Although the specific surface area of the electrosprayed powder was higher than the equivalent spray-dried system, this did not translate into a faster dissolution rate at pH 1.2 but did lead to a faster surface moisture adsorption rate at various relative humidities. The flowability of the powder produced via the electrospraying process is poor compared to the equivalent powder produced via spray drying, which may cause challenges in downstream processing. While the ASD powder produced via electrospraying had a smaller particle size and narrower size distribution compared to equivalent spray-dried ASD, further refinement in terms of a final formulation is needed to translate this benefit into an improved dissolution rate in the case of ketoprofen.

Design, Development and Characterization of Nifedipine Microspheres

Back ground: Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker and is used in treatment of angina of angina pectoris and hypertension. Nifedipine readily and almost completely absorbed from GIT, but undergoes first pass metabolism, resulting in low oral bioavailability is about 50%.&#x0D; Aim: The aim of the present study was to prepare and evaluate the microspheres of nifedipine with a goal of improving the bioavailability and giving a prolonged release of drug.&#x0D; Method: Emulsification (o/w) solvent evaporation method was employed in the preparation of nifedipine microparticles using ethyl cellulose and combination of ethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as the polymers.&#x0D; Results: FT-IR spectra of physical mixture showed no significant shifting of the peaks therefore it reveals that the drug is compatible with the polymer used. The percentage yield obtained in all the formulations was good and in the range of 59.25-94.44%. Among all the formulations, formulation with combination of ethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose polymers M9 showed high amount of drug release i.e. (91.23%) in 12hrs. Drug release from microspheres with small mean particle size was faster than those with large mesh particle size and followed Higuchi model of kinetics.&#x0D; Conclusion: The obtained results could be used as essence to develop microspheres, which bypasses first-pass metabolism and results in the improvement of bioavailability. Hence, the present study has been a satisfactory attempt to formulate microspheres of nifedipine, with a view of improving its oral bioavailability and giving a prolonged release of drug.&#x0D; Keywords: Microspheres, nifedipine, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E5, ethyl cellulose.

Preparation, Characterization and Evaluation of Curcumin Nanodispersions Using Three Different Methods – Novel Subcritical Water Conditions, Spontaneous Emulsification and Solvent Displacement

Abstract Curcumin as a lipophilic bioactive compound can be incorporated into water-based formulations when it turns into curcumin nanodispersions. In fact, nanodispersion systems, increase curcumin bioavailability, solubility and stability, and furthermore increase curcumin uses in aqueous food and pharmaceutical formulations. Present study focuses on the preparation of curcumin nanodispersions under subcritical water conditions (temperature of 120 °C and pressure of 1.5 bar for 2 h) and using selected another two different methods namely, spontaneous emulsification and solvent displacement. Lecithin as carrier oil, Tween 80 as emulsifier and polyethylene glycol as co-surfactant, with a ratio of 1:8:1, were used in all the preparation techniques. Obtained results indicated that curcumin nanodispersions with smallest mean particle size (70 nm), polydispersity index (0.57), curcumin loss (5.5%) and turbidity (0.04 Nephelometric Turbidity Unit), and maximum loading ability (0.189 g/L), loading efficiency (94.5%) and conductivity (0.157 mS/cm) were obtained under subcritical water conditions. The results also exhibited that the prepared spherical curcumin nanoparticles in the water by this technique had desirable physical stability as their mean zeta potential value was (−12.6 mV). It also observed that, as compared to spontaneous emulsification and solvent displacement methods, the prepared curcumin nanodispersions via subcritical water method had highest anti-oxidant and antibacterial activities.

Developing properties in porous tapes from die-drawing of polypropylene composites

ABSTRACTThe objective of this research was to investigate process limits and properties of porous tapes obtained by solid-phase die-drawing of talc-filled polypropylene to a thickness of 1 mm, which is low for this process. Two different composites with different talc particle size distributions were drawn under similar conditions and the development of porosity with increasing linear draw ratio was more gradual in the drawn product with smaller mean particle size, leading to greater mechanical strength even at a final porosity level matching that in the other drawn material. The morphology of the drawn products was examined to explain these trends.

Effect of particle size of a mash concentrate on behavior, digestibility, and macroscopic and microscopic integrity of the digestive tract in Holstein bulls fed intensively.

Twenty-four individually housed Holstein bulls (456 ± 6.9 kg of body weight and 292 ± 1.4 d of age) were enrolled in a complete randomized experiment involving four dietary treatments to evaluate the potential effect of mash particle size of diets in finishing beef diets on behavior, digestibility, and macro- and microscopic changes of the digestive tract. The four treatments were all ingredients sieved at 2 mm (HM2), all ingredients sieved at 3 mm (HM3), all ingredients, but corn, sieved at 2 mm and corn at 10 mm (HM210), and all ingredients, but corn, sieved a 3 mm and corn at 10 mm (HM310). For the HM210 and HM310 mashes, corn ground at 10 mm was mixed with the remaining concentrate ingredients ground at 2 or 3 mm, respectively. Concentrate (36% corn, 19% barley, 15% corn gluten feed, 8.4% wheat; 14% crude protein, 3.28 Mcal of ME/kg) consumption was recorded daily and straw consumption weekly. To register behavior, animals were filmed for 24 h on a weekly basis. At day 49 of study nutrient digestibility was estimated. Bulls were slaughtered after 56 d of exposure to treatments. Digestive tract and hepatic lesions were recorded, and tissue samples from the digestive tract collected. Geometric mean particle size was 0.61 ± 0.041, 0.76 ± 0.041, 0.62 ± 0.041, 0.73 ± 0.041 mm, and percentage of particles between 0.5 and 1 mm were 68 ± 2.9, 46 ± 1.7, 46 ± 5.0, and 39 ± 3.3 g/100 g for HM2, HM210, HM3, and HM310, respectively. Performance, total tract digestibility, or digestive tract integrity did not differ when ingredients were ground at 2 or 3 mm. Grinding corn with a hammer mill sieve size of 10 mm reduced feed efficiency and decreased total tract apparent dry matter, and organic matter digestibility compared with treatments from which all ingredients were ground at 2 or 3 mm. Straw intake was greatest and starch digestibility was least in the HM210 treatment. Last, only minor differences among treatments in rumen wall color, rumen papillae fusion, and histological conformation were observed. In summary, to improve feed efficiency, grinding corn at 10 mm is not recommended. In the present study, grinding procedure did not have a great effect on behavior and/or digestive tract health; however, under commercial conditions (group housing), grinding procedures that cause small mean particle sizes or particle size heterogeneity may increase the risk to suffer digestive tract lesions.

T7 Peptide-Conjugated Lipid Nanoparticles for Dual Modulation of Bcl-2 and Akt-1 in Lung and Cervical Carcinomas.

Expression of Bcl-2 and Akt-1 has been associated with human cancer. G3139 and RX-0201, targeting Bcl-2 and Akt-1, respectively, are antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that have shown limited efficacy in clinical trials. Herein, we report a combination of newly designed ASOs based on these agents and was delivered by tumor cell-targeting lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). A "Gapmer" design strategy was applied to theseASOs with the addition of 2'-O-methyl modifications on the nucleotides at 5' and 3' ends. A dual-channel syringe pump-based system was developed for the synthesis of theLNPs. ASO-LNPs composed of DODMA, egg PC, cholesterol, T7-PEG-DSPE, and PEG-DMG at a molar ratio of 35:39.5:20:0.5:5 and carrying either individualASOs or co-loadedASO combinations (Co-ASOs)were synthesized and evaluated in both KB and A549 cancer cells and in an A549 murine xenograft model to determine their antitumor effects and biological activities. The ASO-LNPs exhibited excellent colloidal stability and high ASO encapsulation efficiency with relatively small mean particle sizes and moderately positive zeta potentials. Transferrin receptor-targeting T7-conjugated LNPs showed enhanced cellular uptake compared to nontargeted LNPs. In addition, both T7-conjugated Co-ASOs-LNPs and non-T7-conjugated Co-ASOs-LNPs at a molar ratio of (G3139-GAP to RX-0201-GAP at 1:2) showed efficient downregulation of both Bcl-2 and Akt-1 in both A549 and KB cells. Furthermore, T7-conjugated Co-ASOs-LNPs (Co-ASOs-LNPs) produced superior antitumor activity, prolonged the overall survival time, and demonstrated tumor targeting activity in an A549 xenograft model.

Ultrasound-assisted preparation of a human milk fat analog emulsion: Understanding factors affecting formation and stability

The aim of this work was to investigate the application of ultrasound in the formation of a stable human milk fat (HMF) analog emulsion with macronutrients (lecithin and protein) as emulsifiers required for infant formula, at low levels and within the ranges of infant formula standards; in addition, the aim was to evaluate the stability of the emulsion to various environmental stresses. Increasing the lecithin concentration and decreasing the HMF analog amount yielded a stable HMF analog emulsion with a smaller mean particle size. Increasing the ultrasonic power and time favored decreasing particle sizes. The emulsion obtained under optimized conditions was stable at a pH of 6.4–8.0, at heating temperatures of 50 °C–90 °C, and with sugar levels and sodium ion strengths that met infant formula standards. Storage below 25 °C for 7 days did not substantially change the physicochemical stability of the emulsion. The results provide information useful for manufacturing high-quality infant formula; ultrasonic emulsification can be used to produce a stable HMF analog emulsion using protein and lecithin at low levels to meet infant formula standards.

Unstructured Formulation Data Analysis for the Optimization of Lipid Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Vehicles.

Designing nanoparticle formulations with features tailored to their therapeutic targets in demanding timelines assumes increased importance. In this context, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) offer an excellent example of a drug delivery nanosystem that has been broadly explored in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Distinct fundamental NLC quality attributes can be harnessed to fit this purpose, namely particle size, size distribution, and zeta potential. These critical aspects intrinsically depend on the formulation components, influencing drug loading capacity, drug release, and stability of the NLCs. Wide variations in their composition, including the type of lipids and other surface modifier excipients, lead to differences on these parameters. NLC target product profile involves small mean particle sizes, narrow size distributions, and absolute values of zeta potential higher than 30mV. In this work, a wealth of data previously obtained in experiments on NLC preparation, encompassing, e.g., results of preliminary studies and those of intermediate formulations, is analyzed in order to extract information useful in further optimization studies. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) are performed to evaluate the influence of NLC composition on the respective characteristics. These methods provide a rapid and discriminatory analysis for establishing a preformulation framework, by selecting the most suitable types of lipids, surfactants, surface modifiers, and drugs, within the set of investigated variables. The results have direct implications in the optimization of formulation and processes.

Selective Oxidation of Methane to Methanol Using Supported AuPd Catalysts Prepared by Stabilizer-Free Sol-Immobilization

The selective oxidation of methane to methanol, using H2O2, under mild reaction conditions was studied using bimetallic 1 wt % AuPd/TiO2 prepared by stabilizer-free sol-immobilization. The as-prepared catalysts exhibited low, unselective oxidation activity and deleterious H2O2 decomposition, which was ascribed to the small mean particle size of the supported AuPd nanoparticles. Heat treatments were employed to facilitate particle size growth, yielding an improvement in the catalyst turnover frequency and decreasing the H2O2 decomposition rate. The effect of support phase was studied by preparing a range of AuPd catalysts supported on rutile TiO2. The low surface area rutile TiO2 yielded catalysts with effective oxygenate production but poor H2O2 utilization. The influence of the rutile-TiO2 support was investigated further by producing catalysts with a lower metal loading to maintain a consistent metal loading per square meter compared to the 1 wt % AuPd/P25 TiO2 catalyst. When calcined at 800 °C, the 0.1...

A novel synthesis of a new thorium (IV) metal organic framework nanostructure with well controllable procedure through ultrasound assisted reverse micelle method

Reverse micelle (RM) and ultrasound assisted reverse micelle (UARM) were applied to the synthesis of novel thorium nanostructures as metal organic frameworks (MOFs). Characterization with different techniques showed that the Th-MOF sample synthesized by UARM method had higher thermal stability (354°C), smaller mean particle size (27nm), and larger surface area (2.02×103m2/g). Besides, in this novel approach, the nucleation of crystals was found to carry out in a shorter time. The synthesis parameters of UARM method were designed by 2k−1 factorial and the process control was systematically studied using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and response surface methodology (RSM). ANOVA showed that various factors, including surfactant content, ultrasound duration, temperature, ultrasound power, and interaction between these factors, considerably affected different properties of the Th-MOF samples. According to the 2k−1 factorial design, the determination coefficient (R2) of the model is 0.999, with no significant lack of fit. The Fvalue of 5432, implied that the model was highly significant and adequate to represent the relationship between the responses and the independent variables, also the large R-adjusted value indicates a good relationship between the experimental data and the fitted model. RSM predicted that it would be possible to produce Th-MOF samples with the thermal stability of 407°C, mean particle size of 13nm, and surface area of 2.20×103m2/g. The mechanism controlling the Th-MOF properties was considerably different from the conventional mechanisms. Moreover, the MOF sample synthesized using UARM exhibited higher capacity for nitrogen adsorption as a result of larger pore sizes. It is believed that the UARM method and systematic studies developed in the present work can be considered as a new strategy for their application in other nanoscale MOF samples.

Influence of Grinding Media Size and Sintering Time in the Processing of AISI D2 Tool Steel by High-Energy Milling

Tool steels are fundamental in the current production processes, as they are used in dies and molds, essential for the transformation of raw materials into the final product. The tool steels for cold work have a low hot hardness, so their use is limited to temperatures below 200° C. The D-X series of tool steels, high carbon and high chromium, have a high wear resistance and is much used in the manufacture of dies and molds. Despite the high hardness, these steels have a microstructure with coarse carbides, which affects the hardness of the material. An alternative to the processing tool steels is the high-energy milling and subsequent powder metallurgy, in order to refine the microstructure of the material. This work aimed to study the influence of the size of the grinding media in the refining of the microstructure of AISI D2 by high-energy milling and the microstructural changes with the increase in sintering temperature. The results indicated that grinding media of smaller diameters had higher efficiency in high-energy milling due to smaller mean particle size obtained by grinding and subsequent final reduction in the average size of carbides. The sintering time had a direct influence on the microstructure of the material, higher sintering times led to formation of lower bainite, after cooling from sintering temperature.