Alginate Research Articles

Effects of trehalose and sodium alginate on microbially induced carbonate precipitation

The process of altering the microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) by adding additives has been extensively studied. The impact of polysaccharides, as an important component of bacteria, still requires deeper exploration on MICP. This work thus focuses on two types of sugars, sodium alginate (SA) and trehalose (Tre), to explore their effects on biomineralization of carbonate induced by Bacillus pumilus Z6. The results show that B. pumilus Z6 can raise the environmental pH and increase the supersaturation of carbonate and bicarbonate ions through carbonic anhydrase. The presence of organic functional groups and the negative carbon isotope signatures in minerals provide evidence of microbial involvement. Tre and SA do not change the mineral phase, which mainly consists of hollow rice-like granular vaterite and irregular calcite. Tre is conducive to the formation of calcite, whereas the carboxyl groups in SA contribute to the stability of vaterite. Both Tre and SA enhance the removal rate of calcium ions; however, SA is more effective for this purpose. Furthermore, mineralization experiments with calcium alginate gel tablets indicate that SA can attract calcium carbonate to nucleate on its surface. This research offers significant insights into biomineralization processes and introduces novel perspectives for advancing MICP technology.

Dissolving alginate-based blend microneedles with enhanced mechanical performance for transdermal delivery of vitamin B12

Transdermal delivery of vitamin B12 (Vit-B12) is challenging due to its high hydrophilicity and molecular weight that limit permeation through the skin. Polymeric microneedles (MNs) have been demonstrated to facilitate enhanced transdermal delivery of various drugs with different properties, by piercing the outermost layer of the skin barrier in a minimally-invasive manner. Although sodium alginate (SA) has been widely investigated and used for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, MNs made of pure SA, exhibit poor mechanical properties. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of incorporating different excipients into SA MNs, to enhance their insertion ability and mechanical performance, by a modified vacuum deposition micromolding method. Among these, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-containing SA MNs at a ratio of 1:8 show improved mechanical strength with minimal height reduction (< 10%) at all tested forces, and higher insertion capabilities into a skin-simulant parafilm model (> 65% in the second layer), compared to control SA MNs. Consequently, Vit-B12 was successfully loaded and concentrated into the MN shafts of the lead formulations, by the addition of hydroxypropyl cellulose to the baseplate. Vit-B12 MNs were characterized by means of fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, drug loading and dissolution kinetics. The MNs exhibited adequate mechanical properties and a complete drug release within 30 min, while a considerable fraction was released after few minutes. The present study shows promising findings regarding the potential use of SA in the preparation of dissolving MNs with enhanced mechanical performance for transdermal delivery of Vit-B12. However, further preclinical investigations are necessary to comprehensively evaluate their therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, this work suggests that alginate-based blend MNs may have a potential application in the delivery of other hydrophilic and large compounds for improved therapeutic outcomes.

Carbon nanotube reinforced ionic liquid dual network conductive hydrogels: Leveraging the potential of biomacromolecule sodium alginate for flexible strain sensors

The rapid evolution of multifunctional wearable smart devices has significantly expanded their applications in human-computer interaction and motion health monitoring. Central to these devices are flexible sensors, which require high stretchability, durability, self-adhesion, and sensitivity. Biomacromolecules have attracted attention in sensor design for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and unique mechanical properties. This study employs a “one-pot” method to integrate ionic liquids and multi-walled carbon nanotubes into a dual-network hydrogel framework, utilizing tannic acid, sodium alginate, acrylamide, and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid. Tannic acid and sodium alginate, natural biomacromolecules, form a robust physical cross-linking network, while P(AM-AMPS) creates a chemical cross-linking network. Ionic liquids enhance carbon nanotube dispersion, resulting in a hybrid hydrogel with remarkable tensile strength (0.12 MPa), adhesive properties (0.039 MPa), and sensing performance (GF 0.12 for 40 %–100 % strain, GF 0.24 for 100 %–250 % strain). This hydrogel effectively monitors large joint movements (fingers, wrists, knees) and subtle biological activities like swallowing and vocalization. Integrating natural biomacromolecules into this composite hydrogel sensor not only enhances the functionality and biocompatibility of flexible wearable devices but also paves the way for innovations in biomedicine and bioelectronics.

Delivery of sodium fusidate from alginate-reinforced, carbonated apatite cement: Physicochemical properties, release behavior, antibacterial and cytotoxicity properties

The present work focuses on the development of composite cements based on dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD), calcium carbonate CaCO3, sodium alginate (AG), and sodium fusidate (FS). The effect of AG, setting accelerator (0.5 M of Na2HPO4), and antibacterial agent (FS) on the features (setting ability, injectability, cohesion, and compressive strength) of DCPD-CaCO3-based cement was investigated. The reference and composite cements are composed of a nanocrystalline carbonated apatite, similar to bone mineral, and an excess of unreacted vaterite (CaCO3). The incorporation of AG increased the composite cement's total porosity compared to the reference cement (CR). The evaluation of the injectability and cohesion properties showed that adding 10 wt % of AG resulted in a total extrusion of the paste with an improvement in the cohesion of the cement paste. The compressive strength of the cements raised from 3.2 for CR up to 7 MPa with the addition of 10 % of AG and Na2HPO4 . The setting time is significantly reduced by introducing Na2HPO4, resulting in appropriate values (≤ 30 minutes) for clinical use. Moreover, incorporating 3 wt% of FS in the composite cements had no significant effect on their features. The release study of FS-loaded composites showed sustained and controlled release profiles, with daily released amounts at the therapeutic level. The antibacterial activity of the designed FS-loaded composites demonstrated the effectiveness of the specimens in inhibiting the growth of S. Aureus. Furthermore, the in vitro biological tests did not show any toxicity of the tested cements towards hPBMCs, thereby confirming their biocompatibility.

A biocompatible, degradable, and recyclable photothermal actuator

The rise of disposable technology has led to a surge in waste, highlighting the urgency for sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable and transient devices in flexible electronics. Soft actuators, which emulate natural flexibility, are pivotal in this pursuit. However, current light-driven soft actuators degrade slowly and involve complex synthesis processes, potentially limiting market adoption. Addressing this, a new study proposes an innovative design using graphene oxide (GO) and sodium alginate (SA). These biocompatible, biodegradable materials dissolve readily in water, enabling recycling. When exposed to near-infrared (NIR) light, the actuator undergoes deformation and locomotion, aided by hygroscopic salt (LiCl) to enhance recovery. This approach integrates sustainable materials into soft actuator design, promising eco-friendly solutions for flexible electronics.

Membrane fouling mechanisms in the presence of microplastics and organic matter: The unexpected mitigating role of Ca2+

Ultrafiltration (UF) is demonstrated to be highly effective in the removal of microplastics (MPs), but the presence of coexisting foulants introduces significant uncertainties into the associated membrane fouling behaviors. In this study, membrane fouling mechanisms were investigated when MPs, represented by polystyrene (PS), coexisted with typical organic foulants (sodium alginate, SA) and inorganic ions (Ca2+). Fouling tests revealed that the order of Ca2+ addition significantly impacted the fouling behavior of the SA-PS combined foulants. Specifically, the specific filtration resistance (SFR) was reduced by 40.82 % in the SA-PS-Ca2+ foulants and by 90.92 % in the SA-Ca2+-PS foulants, compared to the SA-PS foulants. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations indicated that sufficient cross-linking of Ca2+ with SA molecular chains in the SA-Ca2+-PS foulants, forming a large-scale 3D network that encapsulated more PS particles and resulted in larger flocs than those found in the SA-PS-Ca2+ foulants. According to extended Flory-Huggins theory, the improved filtration performance of the SA-PS combined foulants was due to substantial changes in chemical potential during their transition from gel to flocs upon Ca2+ addition. Furthermore, interfacial thermodynamic analyses suggested that increased repulsion between SA-Ca2+-PS foulants and between them and the membrane led to a looser fouling layer, significantly mitigating membrane fouling. This study elucidates the fouling mechanisms in the presence of MPs and other foulants from the perspectives of energy changes and molecular structures, providing novel insights for developing strategies to mitigate membrane fouling.

Cu-Fe3O4/sodium alginate/polyacrylamide hydrogel evaporator for solar seawater desalination

As an environmentally friendly seawater desalination method, solar interface evaporation is considered to be a promising solution to ease the freshwater shortage. In this paper, porous Cu-Fe3O4/sodium alginate/polyacrylamide hydrogel was prepared by double chemical crosslinking method using sodium alginate, polyacrylamide and Cu-Fe3O4 nanoparticles with good SPR effect as raw materials. The effects of Cu-Fe3O4 nanoparticle concentration, light intensity and salt water concentration on the evaporation performance of hydrogel evaporator were studied. It was found that under the light intensity of 1 sun, the evaporation efficiency and thermal efficiency of 3.5 wt% seawater in the hydrogel evaporator containing Cu-Fe3O4 nanoparticles with a concentration of 0.26% can reach 64.7% and 95.24%, respectively. In addition, the Cu-Fe3O4/sodium alginate/polyacrylamide hydrogel evaporator has good reusability and salt self-cleaning ability. The seawater desalination experiment in real environment shows that the hydrogel evaporator with low cost benefit has broad application prospects in the field of seawater desalination.

Synergistic effect of reinforced cellulose nanofibrils/polyethylene glycol embedded particles in ammonia nitrogen wastewater: An in-depth microbial denitrification analysis

The encapsulation and immobilization technology provide a good growth environment for bacteria, strong protection ability, improved survival rate, and resistance to adverse environmental factors. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) with polyhydroxyl structure improve the elasticity, tensile properties, mechanical strength and gel strength of embedded particles through non-covalent forces. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a water-soluble polymer with unique carbon‑oxygen chain as the core skeleton. The ether bonds present in each unit give PEG extremely strong hydrophilicity and solubility. CNF and PEG to reinforce SA (sodium alginate) and PVA (polyvinyl alcohol)-SA embedded particle were adopted to treat ammonia nitrogen wastewater. The ammonia diffusion coefficients and oxygen diffusion coefficients of the CNF/PEG/SA and CNF/PEG/PVA-SA were 0.454 × 10−9, 0.286 × 10−9, 0.672 × 10−9 and 0.493 × 10−9 m2/s, respectively. The physicochemical properties of embedded particles were characterized by mass transfer characterization, SEM, XRD, FTIR, and BET analysis. The specific surface areas of CNF/PEG/SA and CNF/PEG/PVA-SA increased to 2.583 m2/g and 3.962 m2/g, respectively. The removal efficiency of NH4+-N, COD and TN in the CNF/PEG/PVA-SA system was 90 %, 74 % and 80 % at 30 °C. By HRT 8 h, the removal efficiency of NH4+-N, COD and TN by the reinforced system was 94.35 %, 63.07 % and 73.84 %, respectively. The neutral to weakly alkaline pH range showed the highest removal efficiencies of NH4+-N, COD, and TN, at 88.51 %, 74.95 %, and 77.56 %, respectively. The half-saturation constant K was 82.98 mg/L, and the maximum ammonia oxidation rate (Vmax) was 358.92 mgN/(L-particles-h). The reinforced system showed zero-order reaction kinetics. Nonlinear fitting of each initial NH4+-N concentration and ammonia oxidation rate was carried out using the Michaelis-Menten equation. In reinforced embedded particles, microbial genomic data (KEGG; MetaCyc database annotation) analysis was conducted. The reinforced system demonstrated enhanced strength, specific surface area, mass transfer properties, resistance to adverse external environmental factors, and microbial survival rate for the effective treatment of NH4+-N wastewater.

Development of Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) Extract Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles using Central Composite Design and its Characterization- Its In-vitro Anti-cancer Activity

Background: The prevalence of cancer is around the world and is identified as a multifactorial ailment. One of the most common causes of cancer in the world is oxidative stress, and this can be overcome by taking herbal plant wheatgrass in any form. As colloidal carriers with particle sizes of 50-1,000nm, Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) combine the benefits of liposomes, emulsions, and other colloidal systems to deliver drugs at their targets. Objective: Aim and objective of the present work is to formulate wheatgrass extract loaded solid lipid nanoparticles using Central Composite design and to investigate the effect of formulation variables. Using hot homoginization method, the present work aimed to formulate wheatgrass loaded chitosan solid lipid nanoparticles using central composite design and to evaluate the extract potential to treat breast cancer on MCF-7 cell line. Methods: This study investigated the effect of three formulation variables on particle size, namely the sodium alginate concentration, the calcium carbonate concentration, and the homogination time. Extraction of wheatgrass was done in soxhlet extractor, using methanolic extract. The hot homogenization technique was used to prepare Triticum aestivum extract loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). Result: For CCD, all formulations were analyzed for particle size, which ranged from 362.5 to 933.8 nm, and for polydispersity index, which ranged from 0.137 to 5.799. Batch code SLN-6 was found to be finest suitable because of maximum loading capacity of 67.76 ±0.17 % (w/w), maximum entrapment efficiency of 65.81 ± 0.11 % (w/w) and minimum particle size of 362.5nm by using sodium alginate as surface stabilizer at homogenization time ~ 5 min and having maximum percentage yield of 43.66%. Conclusion: During characterization studies and MCF-6 cell line studies, it was found that batch code SLN-6 was found to be finest suitable and wheatgrass has anti-oxidant potential, and potent against breast cancer.

Innovative fabrication of eco-friendly bio-based foam from sugarcane bagasse and sodium alginate with enhanced properties and sustainable applications for plastic replacement

Foam materials possess notable features, including low density, high porosity, low thermal conductivity, and high impact resistance, making them extensively used in various sectors such as construction, transportation, water treatment, and packaging. However, the majority of commercial foam materials are derived from synthetic polymers based on fossil fuels, which raises concerns regarding health and ecology. In this work, we present a straightforward and scalable approach (physical cross-linking and common pressure drying) for fabricating a bio-based foam material using pulp fibers sourced from discarded sugarcane bagasse and sodium alginate extracted from seaweed. The resulting foam material exhibits low density (13.7–20.5 kg/m3), exceptional thermal insulation properties (thermal conductivity as low as 38.6 mW/mK), thermal stability (no deformation at 140 °C), and mechanical strength. After a basic silane modification, it also shows favorable water resistance (with a contact angle of 128°). Moreover, the foam material demonstrates remarkable degradation performance, with a degradation rate exceeding 93.8 % after 90 days of burial in soil. Therefore, this novel method offers a sustainable solution for eco-friendly foam production across various application domains.

Development of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Polyethylene Glycol Copolymer-based Orodispersible Films Loaded with Entecavir: Formulation and In vitro Characterization.

The aim of the study is to prepare entecavir (ETV)-loaded orodispersible films (ODFs) using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) graft copolymer (Kollicoat® IR) as a film-forming agent, and further to evaluate the dissolution rate, mechanical and physicochemical properties of films. ETV-ODFs were prepared by a solvent casting method. The amount of film-forming agent, plasticizer, and disintegrating agent was optimized in terms of the appearance, thickness, disintegration time and mechanical properties of ODFs. The compatibility between the drug and each excipient was conducted under high temperature (60 °C), high humidity (RH 92.5%), and strong light (4500 Lx) for 10 days. The dissolution study of optimal ODFs compared with the original commercial tablet (Baraclude®) was performed using a paddle method in pH 1.0, pH 4.5, pH 6.8, and pH 7.4 media at 37 °C. The morphology of ODFs was observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical properties such as tensile strength (TS), elastic modulus (EM), and percentage elongation (E%) of ODFs were evaluated using the universal testing machine. The physicochemical properties of ODFs were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The related substances were less than 0.5% under high temperature, high humidity, and strong light for 10 days when ETV was mixed with excipients. The optimal formulation of ODFs was set as the quality ratio of Kollicoat® IR, glycerol, sodium alginate (ALG-Na): TiO2: MCC+CMC-Na: ETV was 60:9:12:1:1:1. The drug-loaded ODFs were white and translucent with excellent stripping property. The thickness, disintegration time, EM, TS, and E% were 103.33±7.02 μm, 25.31±1.95 s, 25.34±8.69 Mpa, 2.14±0.26 Mpa, and 65.45±19.41 %, respectively. The cumulative drug release from ODFs was more than 90% in four different media at 10 min. The SEM showed that the drug was highly dispersible in ODFs, and the XRD, DSC, and FT-IR results showed that there occurred some interactions between the drug and excipients. In conclusion, the developed ETV-loaded ODFs showed relatively short disintegration time, rapid drug dissolution, and excellent mechanical properties. This might be an alternative to conventional ETV Tablets for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.

Mechanism of antimony oxidation and adsorption using immobilized Klebsiella aerogenes HC10 in soil

Klebsiella aerogenes HC10 is one of the few strains isolated from contaminated soil that efficiently oxidizes Sb. However, the sensitivity of microorganisms to environmental conditions limits Sb-oxidizing bacteria applications in soil remediation. Immobilizing Sb-oxidizing bacteria is a promising strategy to improve colonization rates and microorganism inefficiencies and to strengthen bioremediation in Sb-contaminated soil. This study evaluated the feasibility of an immobilization approach to enhance Sb oxidation and the remediation performance of strain HC10 in soil. The results indicated that a mixed matrix of polyvinyl alcohol and sodium alginate as fixed carriers provided a porous microstructural environment conducive to HC10 colonization and proliferation. Sb(III) concentration was reduced by 9.8 mg/L. The total Sb decreased by 3.8 mg/L by immobilized HC10 after 7 d. Key metabolites involved in Sb oxidation and adsorption were significantly upregulated. In soil, immobilized HC10 removed 48.68 % and 61.74 % of water-extractable and citric acid-extractable Sb(III), respectively. Some well-crystallized (hydr)oxide Sb fractions binding to the mineral surface were transformed into the mineral lattice form, creating an inner-sphere complex that effectively immobilized Sb. Immobilized HC10 enhanced hydrogen peroxidase, urease, and sucrase activities related to soil antioxidants and nutrient cycling. Immobilized HC10 promoted the proliferation of indigenous bacteria, which emerged as the dominant bacterial community with the potential for Sb oxidation. The ars operon genes associated with Sb resistance and transport were significantly expressed in HC10 treatments, providing a crucial basis for colonization in the soil. These results highlight the potential of immobilized Sb-oxidizing bacteria for enhanced bioremediation of Sb-contaminated soil.

Evaluation of the physicochemical, bioactive, and sensory properties of yogurt fortified with microencapsulated iron

Iron deficiency anemia is a public health issue; this condition causes psychomotor development disorders and impairs cognitive functions. Various fortification practices have been developed for foods such as yogurt; however, interactions between nutrients and minerals often result in product rejection. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the physicochemical, bioactive, and sensory properties of yogurt fortified with microencapsulated iron. Formulations of the encapsulant composed of chitosan, sodium alginate, and maltodextrin were developed, using 6% (w/v) coating material and 3% (w/v) ferrous sulfate. The best result of microencapsulation revealed a yield of 45.86%, efficiency of 60.79%, moisture content of 13.48%, and an iron load of 1.36 mg/50 mg. For fortification, 200 mg of microcapsules were used in 250 mL of yogurt. The evaluation of this fortification was conducted twice per week, two days apart, over a period of 10 days. pH and total soluble solids increased, the acidity index decreased during storage, and the peroxide percentage was not affected. It was found that the fortified yogurt did not retain water well, leading to increased whey separation and changes in firmness. Proximal and color analyses of the fortified and control yogurt samples showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). The total phenol content decreased during storage, and the sensory evaluation indicated no significant difference in the acceptance of both samples.

Lignin microparticle coatings for enhanced wet resistance in lignocellulosic materials

The widespread use of synthetic plastics in packaging materials poses significant environmental challenges, prompting the search for biobased, biodegradable, and non-toxic alternatives. This study focuses on improving high-yield pulps (HYPs) as sustainable materials for packaging. Enhancing wet strength and barrier properties of papers from bleached chemi-thermomechanical pulps (BCTMPs) is crucial for their application in water- and air- resistant wrappers. Traditional wet strength agents raise environmental and health concerns; therefore, this research explores the use of lignin, in the form of microparticles (LMPs), as a natural biopolymer that offers a safer alternative. However, the low viscosity of LMPs hampers their dispersion as a coating, requiring thickening agents (such as cationic starch (CS), chitosan (CH) or sodium alginate) for an effective coating formulation. Results demonstrate a synergistic effect of LMP coatings with CH or CS, enhanced by hot-pressing at 260 °C for 30 s, which improves dry and wet mechanical properties and decreases air permeability. The use of LMPs as a water-resistant interlayer between BCTMP paper sheets further improves the wet tensile index to 40 kN·m/kg for CH + LMPs and 23 kN·m/kg for CS + LMPs interlayer, representing 55 and 38 % of their respective dry tensile indices.

Crop resilience enhancement through chitosan-based hydrogels as a sustainable solution for water-limited environments

Frequent droughts significantly affect agricultural productivity and highlight the need for effective solutions to improve water availability for crops. This study investigates the potential of chitosan-based hydrogels, biodegradable biopolymers known for their water-retaining properties, to improve soil moisture and promote plant growth during drought periods. Chitosan hydrogels were synthesized using Pluronic F127 and compared with chitosan and chitosan in combination with sodium alginate (CS/Alg-Na). Comprehensive chemical characterizations were performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The CS/Pl-F127 hydrogels showed high porosity and a water absorption capacity of 81.5 %, while the CS/Alg-Na exhibited a denser network with a capacity of 93.35 % and improved mechanical strength. Plants in the CS/Pl-F127 hydrogel had a shoot elongation rate of 5.9 mm/day on Day 9, which continued until Day 40. In contrast, shoot elongation in the CS/Alg-Na hydrogel peaked at 7.1 mm/day on Day 20 and maintained growth under drought conditions until Day 33. These results show that all chitosan-based hydrogels improve water use efficiency. CS/Alg-Na provides the best support for plant growth under drought conditions, followed by CS/Pl-F127 and pure chitosan.

Expert consensus on the multifaceted utility of alginates in addressing diverse manifestations of acid reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most frequent reasons for seeking outpatient gastroenterology consultations. Current professional guidelines advocate the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as the primary medical approach to manage GERD. However, PPIs may not be as effective, especially for certain patients like those with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). An alternative strategy for addressing symptomatic GERD involves obstructing the flow of acidic refluxate. Alginate-based pharmaceutical formulations have proven effective in alleviating symptoms of acid reflux for many years and provide rapid relief of symptoms with a long duration of action. Alginic acid derivatives, or alginates, combat acid reflux through a unique mechanism: they create a physical barrier that displaces the post-prandial acid pocket. Alginates have recently garnered renewed interest for promoting symptomatic relief especially when employed alongside antacids or PPIs. Here, the role of alginates is reviewed in the treatment of various profiles of acid reflux, including post-prandial acid reflux, nocturnal GERD, refractory GERD, and GERD during pregnancy, along with the opinion of expert gastroenterologists on the same. The experts believed that not all alginate formulations are equivalent and raft strength is the most important physicochemical property to be considered while selecting the alginate-based product. The physicochemical properties of the rafts eventually impact their effectiveness in relieving symptoms in clinical settings.

Timolol Maleate Microspheres: An Ingenious Carrier for Sustained Release Antihypertensive Formulation

Background: Timolol maleate is classified as a BCS Class I drug and functions as a non-selective β-adrenergic receptor blocker. Its ability to lower heart rate and cardiac output has led to its widespread use in the treatment of hypertension. Objective: Timolol maleate has a short half-life and is rapidly cleared from the body, which limits its therapeutic effectiveness, requiring frequent dosing and potentially affecting patient adherence. To overcome these challenges, sustained-release microspheres of Timolol maleate were developed using the ion gelation method. Method: The ion gelation technique was employed to create the microspheres due to its various advantages, including ease of use, scalability and gentle processing conditions. Results: All batches exhibited a comparatively lower swelling index in 0.1M HCl (pH 1.2) than in SIF (pH 6.8). It was observed that increasing the concentration of sodium alginate resulted in higher drug content. The microspheres were sized between 400 and 900 μm and demonstrated excellent flow characteristics. An optimized batch achieved an entrapment efficiency of 88.83% and released 92.15% of the drug over 7 hrs. Furthermore, stability studies conducted according to ICH Q1A(R2) for 3 months at 5±3°C and 25±2°C/60±5% RH indicated no significant changes in evaluation parameters. Conclusion: The optimized Timolol maleate-loaded microspheres effectively provided sustained drug release through the membrane over 7 hrs. This study contributes to the development of improved drug delivery systems for better hypertension management, addressing the unmet needs in patient compliance. Keywords: Timolol Maleate, Microspheres, Ion gelation method, Sodium alginate, Calcium chloride, Sustained release, Hypertension

Enhanced biosorption of cadmium ions on immobilized surface-engineered yeast using cadmium-binding peptides

A new type of cadmium (Cd) ion cell surface adsorbent was developed by integrating bacteriophage display peptide library technology with cell surface display technology. Cd2+ chelating resin served as the target molecule in screening experiments, leading to the identification of four Cd2+ −binding peptides. These peptides were introduced into Saccharomyces cerevisiae via the pYD1 plasmid using lithium acetate heat shock transformation. Adsorption efficiency tests indicated that the engineered yeasts adsorbed more Cd2+ than the control strain EBY100 when exposed to the same amount of Cd2+. Among these peptides, sequence 3-containing strain was demonstrated to have the highest Cd2+ adsorption efficiency, being 35% higher than the control strain. Additionally, when this recombinant yeast strain was immobilized using sodium alginate, the adsorption efficiency was increased by 55.7% compared to the control strain.

Self-Healing, Electrically Conductive, Antibacterial, and Adhesive Eutectogel Containing Polymerizable Deep Eutectic Solvent for Human Motion Sensing and Wound Healing.

Flexible electronic devices such as wearable sensors are essential to advance human-machine interactions. Conductive eutectogels are promising for wearable sensors, despite their challenges in self-healing and adhesion properties. This study introduces a multifunctional eutectogel based on a novel polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (PDES) prepared by the incorporation of diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) and glycerol in the presence of polycyclodextrin (PCD)/dopamine-grafted gelatin (Gel-DOP)/oxidized sodium alginate (OSA). The synthesized eutectogel has reversible Schiff-base bonds, hydrogen bonds, and host-guest interactions, which enable rapid self-healing upon network disruption. GPDO-15 eutectogel has significant tissue adhesion, high stretchability (419%), good ionic conductivity (0.79 mS·cm-1), and favorable antibacterial and self-healing properties. These eutectogels achieve 90% antibacterial effect, show excellent biocompatibility, and can be used as sensors to monitor human activities with strong stability and durability. The in vivo studies indicate that the eutectogels can improve the wound healing process which makes them an effective option for biological dressings.

Beef Carcasses Aged at Mild Temperature to Improve Sustainability of Meat Production

Beef carcass aging, which enhances tenderness and flavor through proteolysis, is traditionally costly and slow, requiring long-term storage at temperatures near 0 °C. To reduce energy consumption, a new technique using moderate cooling room temperatures was tested. Six carcasses of Holstein bulls were used. From each carcass, two shoulders were processed in different ways: one was refrigerated at 8 °C (W), and after spraying with a solution with calcium chloride and sodium chloride, was coated with sodium alginate. The other shoulder was stored at 2 ± 1 °C as a cold control (C). After five days of aging, the shoulders were dissected, and two muscles (Caput longum triceps brachii and Supraspinatus) were subjected to physico-chemical analysis, microbiological safety assessment, and sensory testing. The remaining samples of both muscles were stored in domestic conditions for an additional 5 days at various temperatures (2, 4, 8 °C), where the same physic-chemical and sensory tests were conducted. The results showed that moderate aging temperature improved meat quality, significantly reducing the shear force (p = 0.001) and increasing sarcomere length, the myofibrillar fragmentation index, and sensory tenderness (p = 0.042, p = 0.039, and p = 0.027, respectively). However, domestic storage post-dissection should not exceed 4 °C to prevent rapid lipid oxidation, as observed at 8 °C for both muscles (p &lt; 0.001). Mild aging temperature maintained legal safety standards, enhanced certain meat qualities, and promoted enzymatic activity similar to traditional dry aging while reducing high energy consumption.