Solvent Evaporation Research Articles

Growth and characterization of highly efficient Cs[formula omitted]Cu[formula omitted]I[formula omitted] single crystal for [formula omitted]-ray detection

Metal halide perovskites, particularly zero-dimensional (0D) variants, have garnered significant attention as scintillator materials for various applications such as γ-ray spectroscopy, X-ray imaging, and security. Among these, Cs3Cu2I5 has emerged as a promising candidate owing to its exceptional characteristics, such as good energy resolution, high light output, and high stopping power. Although there is sufficient data available on the scintillation properties of Cs3Cu2I5 Single Crystal (SC) grown using various methods, there still remains a scarcity of data on the scintillation properties of SCs grown using solvent evaporation method at room temperature. In the present work, Cs3Cu2I5 SCs have been grown using the solvent evaporation method at room temperature and characterised for their structural, optical, and scintillation properties. The SC shows an orthorhombic structure with a bandgap of 3.58 eV. The optical properties of the SC reveal the existence of Self-Trapped Exciton (STE). The SC exhibits an energy resolution of 5.80 ±0.05% at 662 keV and a light output of 41,000 photons/MeV, making it suitable for γ-rays detection. The intrinsic photopeak efficiencies of Cs3Cu2I5 SC for γ-rays are reported for the first time. GEANT4 simulation toolkit has been used to perform realistic simulations, and the simulated and experimental efficiencies are compared. Simulations show that Cs3Cu2I5 scintillator has twice the efficiency of the NaI:Tl scintillator.

Exploring photoconduction mechanisms in Lead‐Free Cs3Sb2I9 single crystal thin films

The future commercial advancement of lead-halide perovskites (LHPs) faces obstacles due to the existence of harmful lead and the inadequate stability associated with these materials. To tackle this challenge, we have prepared a Cs3Sb2I9 perovskite single-crystalline thin film (Cs3Sb2I9 device) using a technique based on the restricted evaporation of solvents in space, aiming for effective photodetection. The photodetector in the current study shows a responsivity (R) of around 111 mA/W and a detectivity (D∗) of approximately 3.7 × 1012 Jones. While these performance metrics are comparable to other photodetectors, there is a need for additional optimization to match the capabilities of commercial silicon and germanium-based counterparts. The examination of ultrafast transient absorption provides insights into the essential photophysics inherent in Cs3Sb2I9. The synergy between the deformation potential and the Fröhlich effect plays a crucial role in shaping electronic dynamics. This synergy leads to the self-trapping of charge carriers, resulting in the creation of localized polarons within the Cs3Sb2I9 lattice within just some picoseconds. The restriction of carrier mobility within Cs3Sb2I9 arises from the self-capturing and confinement of small polarons (SPs). Furthermore, it was noted that SPs in a localized state could undergo absorption into an elevated state (photon energy ⁓ 1.60 eV). This process effectively facilitates the charge carriers' mobilization to a more dispersed eigenstate. Our research provides essential comprehension into the light-induced processes of lead-free halide perovskites (LFHPs), offering valuable insights for their prospective use in optoelectronics as promising future semiconducting agents.

Highly sustainable water mist-responsive superwetting sponge (DTMO/FS-50/Hollow-CuCo-ZIF@Sponge) for speedy pollutants removal and solvent-free regeneration

Smart solvent-responsive superwetting materials are particularly favored due to their ability to handle different types of pollutants. However, most of them rely on organic solvent vapors, and neglect the desorption efficiency of pollutants, especially using the solvent-free desorption method. A responsive sponge was fabricated by coating hollow MOFs particles with different sizes, greatly enhancing roughness and porosity, and followed by modification with short-chain fluorinated surfactants, long-chain siloxanes, tannic acid, and polydopamine. There are several advantages in this paper: (I) a hollow MOFs structure was achieved, greatly enhancing specific surface area, porosity, and active sites, which acted as a superior container for responsive modifiers network. (II) the reactions among biomass dopamine hydrochloride (PDA), tannic acid (TA), long-chain siloxanes, short-chain fluorinated surfactants and PU substrate, formed smart responsive biomass macromolecular networks, not only greatly improved adhesion between hollow MOFs and sponge substrate, but also showed enhanced synergistic effects for smart wettability transition. (III) the coated sponge showed smart responsive superwetting behaviors under environmentally friendly water mist rather than organic vapors or unfriendly vapors. (IV) the coated sponge could handle various kinds of pollutants based on polarity selection, and also quickly desorb the pollutants after change the polarity under water mist activation. The intelligent sponge can quickly and selectively adsorbed various microplastics and efficiently deal with oil-in-water and oil-in-water emulsions. It has good mechanical durability, maintaining a separation capacity of more than 88 % after repeated adsorption and desorption of MPs180 times.

Dependence of Protein Immobilization and Photocurrent Generation in PSI-FTO Electrodes on the Electrodeposition Parameters.

This study investigates the immobilization of cyanobacterial photosystem I (PSI) from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conducting glass plates to create photoelectrodes for biohybrid solar cells. The fabrication of these PSI-FTO photoelectrodes is based on two immobilization processes: rapid electrodeposition driven by an external electric field and slower adsorption during solvent evaporation, both influenced by gravitational sedimentation. Deposition and performance of photoelectrodes was investigated by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and photocurrent measurements. We investigated the efficiency of PSI immobilization under varying conditions, including solution pH, applied electric field intensity and duration, and electrode polarization, with the goals to control (1) the direction of migration and (2) the orientation of the PSI particles on the substrate surface. Variation in the pH value of the PSI solution alters the surface charge distribution, affecting the net charge and the electric dipole moment of these proteins. Results showed PSI migration to the positively charged electrode at pH 6, 7, and 8, and to the negatively charged electrode at pH 4.4 and 5, suggesting an isoelectric point of PSI between 5 and 6. At acidic pH, the electrophoretic migration was largely hindered by protein aggregation. Notably, photocurrent generation was consistently cathodic and correlated with PSI layer thickness, and no conclusions can be drawn on the orientation of the immobilized proteins. Overall, these findings suggest mediated electron transfer from FTO to PSI by the used electrolyte containing 10 mM sodium ascorbate and 200 μM dichlorophenolindophenol.

Investigation of pH-dependent Paclitaxel delivery mechanism employing Chitosan-Eudragit bioresponsive nanocarriers: a molecular dynamics simulation

Before embarking on any experimental research endeavor, it is advisable to do a mathematical computation and thoroughly examine the methodology. Despite the use of polymeric nanocarriers, the regulation of bioavailability and drug release at the disease site remains insufficient. Several effective methods have been devised to address this issue, including the creation of polymeric nanocarriers that can react to stimuli such as redox potential, temperature, pH, and light. The present study has been utilized all-atom molecular dynamics (AA-MD) and coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CG-MD) methods and illustrated the drug release mechanism, which is influenced by pH, for Chitosan-Eudragit bioresponsive nanocarriers. The aim of current work is to study the molecular mechanism and atomistic interactions of PAX delivery using a Chitosan-Eudragit carrier. The ability of Eudragit polymers to dissolve in various organic solvents employed in the process of solvent evaporation is a crucial benefit in enhancing the solubility of pharmaceuticals. This study investigated the use of Chitosan-Eudragit nanocarriers for delivering an anti-tumor drug, namely Paclitaxel (PAX). Upon analyzing several significant factors affecting the stability of the drug and nanocarrier, it has been shown that the level of stability is more significant in the neutral state than the acidic state. Furthermore, the system exhibits higher stability in the neutral state. The used Chitosan-Eudragit nanocarriers exhibit a stable structure under alkaline conditions, but undergo deformation and release their payloads under acidic conditions. It was demonstrated that the in silico analysis of anti-tumor drugs and carriers’ integration could be quantified and validated by experimental results (from previous works) at an acceptable level.Graphical abstract

Modelling of a mechanically enhanced PTFE-PVC composite polymer inclusion membrane for highly selective separation of several transition metal ions

Conventional polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) exhibit suboptimal mechanical properties. Consequently, new composite PIMs were prepared by a modified solvent evaporation method using a PTFE base membrane, a PVC polymer, and an organic phosphonate extractant. Their chemical compositions and microstructures were analyzed by ATR-FTIR and FESEM. The mechanical and mass transfer properties of the composite PIMs were systematically investigated. The composite PIMs exhibited significantly higher tensile strength (36.86 MPa to 52.77 MPa), reduced tensile strain (76.49 % to 118.49 %), and enhanced bursting strength exceeding 0.2 MPa, compared to conventional PIMs. The Zn2+/Cu2+ were separated with a high separation coefficient of 2003.19 by a retardant-enhanced composite PIM system. A new mass transfer model was developed by analyzing the multilayered structure of composite PIMs in depth. The apparent diffusion coefficient of Zn2+ within PTFE-PVC composite layer (7.76 × 10−14 m2/s) was found to be lower than that within polymer inclusion layer (3.18 × 10−13 m2/s). The optimal regions of polymer inclusion layer thickness, contact area, and time were selected by model calculation for a certain separation task (e.g., purity ≥ 0.97 and yield ≥0.80 for Zn2+ or Cu2+). Finally, the retardant-enhanced composite PIMs were successfully used for selective separation of several other transition metal ions.

Optimization and evaluation of a chitosan-coated PLGA nanocarrier for mucosal delivery of Porphyromonas gingivalis antigens

Recent advances in understanding Alzheimer's disease (AD) suggest the possibility of an infectious etiology, with Porphyromonas gingivalis emerging as a prime suspect in contributing to AD. P. gingivalis may invade systemic circulation via weakened oral/intestinal barriers and then cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), reaching the brain and precipitating AD pathology. Based on the proposed links between P. gingivalis and AD, a prospective approach is the development of an oral nanovaccine containing P. gingivalis antigens for mucosal delivery. Targeting the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), the nanovaccine may elicit both mucosal and systemic immunity, thereby hampering P. gingivalis ability to breach the oral/intestinal barriers and the BBB, respectively.The present study describes the optimization, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of a candidate chitosan-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA-CS) nanovaccine containing a P. gingivalis antigen extract. The nanocarrier was prepared using the double emulsion solvent evaporation method and optimized for selected experimental factors, e.g. PLGA amount, surfactant concentration, w1/o phase ratio, applying a d-optimal statistical design to target the desired physicochemical criteria for its intended application. After nanocarrier optimization, the nanovaccine was characterized in terms of particle size, polydispersity index (PdI), ζ-potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL), morphology, and in vitro release profile, as well as for mucoadhesivity, stability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, antigen integrity, in vitro cytotoxicity and uptake using THP-1 macrophages.The candidate PLGA-CS nanovaccine demonstrated appropriate physicochemical, mucoadhesive, and antigen release properties for oral delivery, along with acceptable levels of EE (55.3 ± 3.5 %) and DL (1.84 ± 0.12 %). The integrity of the encapsulated antigens remained uncompromised throughout NPs production and simulated gastrointestinal exposure, as confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting analyses. Furthermore, the nanovaccine showed effective in vitro uptake, while exhibiting low cytotoxicity. Taken together, these findings underscore the potential of PLGA-CS NPs as carriers for adequate antigen mucosal delivery, paving the way for further investigations into their applicability as vaccine candidates against P. gingivalis.

Exploring the frontier of Polylactic Acid/Hydroxyapatite composites in bone regeneration and their revolutionary biomedical applications – A review

This review research investigates the potential of Polylactic Acid (PLA)/Hydroxyapatite (HA) composites in bone regeneration, focusing on the composites’ synthesis methods, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. Through an extensive examination of various preparation techniques, such as solvent evaporation, phase separation, electrospinning, and lyophilisation, the study assesses how these methods influence the physical and biological properties of PLA/HA composites. Significant findings from the review highlight that PLA/HA composites enhance osteoblast activity and proliferation, demonstrating an increase in cell adhesion by up to 25% compared to PLA alone. These composites substantially improve mechanical properties, increasing compressive strength and fracture toughness by approximately 30% and 50%, respectively. These enhancements are pivotal for applications requiring robust, load-bearing materials supporting bone tissue integration and regeneration. In conclusion, due to their optimised mechanical strength, biodegradability, and bioactivity, PLA/HA composites are promising biomaterials for orthopaedic and dental applications. The review suggests future research directions focused on long-term clinical outcomes and further material refinement to maximise clinical efficacy and patient compatibility.

Fractal-fractional model for the receptor in a 3D printing system

A critical hurdle in three-dimensional printing is the low printing accuracy. In particular, the deformation of the printed object on the receptor makes accurate printing impossible due to insufficient solvent evaporation. We address this challenge by establishing a Murray-like receptor to control the morphology of the printed object, which can be used for accurate printing through efficient residual energy absorption and active vibration attenuation. A fractal oscillator is established and He’s frequency formulation is used to reveal the fractal response of the Murray-like receptor, and an experiment was carried out to show that the receptor system can keep the printed object in good shape without any deformation.

The Persistence of Hydrogen Bonds in Pyrimidinones: From Solution to Crystal.

Pyrimidinone scaffolds are present in a wide array of molecules with synthetic and pharmacological utility. The inherent properties of these compounds may be attributed to intermolecular interactions analogous to the interactions that molecules tend to establish with active sites. Pyrimidinones and their fused derivatives have garnered significant interest due to their structural features, which resemble nitrogenous bases, the foundational building blocks of DNA and RNA. Similarly, pyrimidinones are predisposed to forming N-H···O hydrogen bonds akin to nitrogenous bases. Given this context, this study explored the supramolecular features and the predisposition to form hydrogen bonds in a series of 18 substituted 4-(trihalomethyl)-2(1H)-pyrimidinones. The formation of hydrogen bonds was observed in solution via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy experiments, and subsequently confirmed in the crystalline solid state. Hence, the 18 compounds were crystallized through crystallization assays by slow solvent evaporation, followed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD). The supramolecular cluster demarcation was employed to evaluate all intermolecular interactions, and all crystalline structures exhibited robust hydrogen bonds, with an average energy of approximately -21.64 kcal mol-1 (∼19% of the total stabilization energy of the supramolecular clusters), irrespective of the substituents at positions 4, 5, or 6 of the pyrimidinone core. To elucidate the nature of these hydrogen bonds, an analysis based on the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) revealed that the predominant intermolecular interactions are N-H···O (average of -16.55 kcal mol-1) and C-H···O (average of -6.48 kcal mol-1). Through proposing crystallization mechanisms based on molecular stabilization energy data and contact areas between molecules and employing the supramolecular cluster and retrocrystallization concepts, it was determined that altering the halogen (F/Cl) at position 4 of the pyrimidinone nucleus modifies the crystallization mechanism pathway. Notably, the hydrogen bonds present in the initial proposed steps were confirmed by 1H NMR experiments using concentration-dependent techniques.

A QbD-Navigated Approach to the Development and Evaluation of Etodolac-Phospholipid Complex Containing Polymeric Films for Improved Anti-Inflammatory Effect.

The current study focuses on development of phospholipid complex-loaded films of etodolac for enhanced transdermal permeation and anti-inflammatory effect. An etodolac-phospholipid complex was developed using the solvent evaporation method and was characterized by DSC, XRD, FTIR, and 1H-NMR studies. The formation of the complex led to conversion of a crystalline drug to an amorphous form. A stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 (drug-phospholipid) was selected as the optimized ratio. Further, the developed complex was incorporated into films and systematic optimization using a central composite design was carried out using a response surface methodological approach. The desirable design space based on minimum contact angle and maximum tensile strength was selected, while the water vapour transmission rate and swelling index were set within limits. The results for swelling index, contact angle, tensile strength, and water vapour transmission rate were 60.14 ± 1.01%, 31.6 ± 0.03, 2.44 ± 0.39 kg/cm2, and 15.38 g/hm2, respectively. These values exhibited a good correlation with the model-predicted values. The optimized formulation exhibited improved diffusion and permeation across skin. In vivo studies revealed enhanced anti-inflammatory potential of the developed films in comparison to the un-complexed drug. Hence, the study demonstrated that etodolac-phospholipid complex-loaded films improve the transdermal permeation and provided enhanced anti-inflammatory effect.

Encapsulation of Hydrophobic-but-Not-Lipophilic Perfluoro Liquids Based on a Self-Assembled Double Emulsion Template via Solvent Evaporation Method.

The facile encapsulation of perfluoro liquids that are hydrophobic but not lipophilic into liposomes or microcapsules presents a significant challenge in the fields of biomedicine, dynamic optics, functional chemical applications, etc. This is due to their chemical inertness and physical immiscibility, particularly those with low boiling points. In this study, a novel strategy based on a double emulsion template via solvent evaporation is proposed after investigating the mechanism of three-phase emulsion systems. The perfluoro liquid droplets can be easily emulsified into a polymer solution as the second emulsion layer, where the polymer shell is formed during solvent evaporation in the continuum medium under proper processing controls. The morphology of particles is predictable and fits well with the linear model derived from Neumann's triangle in three-phase systems. Furthermore, a comprehensive study on the encapsulation of perfluoro ketone, which is widely used as a green fire extinguisher agent, is conducted as an example. The encapsulated perfluoro ketone showed instant thermal response upon heating while maintaining a good shelf life at room temperature. The remarkable fire suppression performance exhibited great potential for practical applications. This work offers more insight into the encapsulation of "naughty" perfluorinated chemicals and provides more possibilities for extended applications.

The importance of surface composition and wettability on the dissolution performance of high drug loading amorphous dispersion formulations

One of the limitations with an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) formulation strategy is low drug loading. Hydrophobic drugs have poor wettability and require a substantial amount of polymer to stabilize the amorphous drug and facilitate release. Using grazoprevir and hypromellose acetate succinate as model drug and polymer respectively, the interplay between particle surface composition, particle wettability, and release performance was investigated. A hierarchical particle approach was used where the surfaces of high drug loading ASDs generated by either solvent evaporation or co-precipitation were further modified with a secondary excipient (i.e., polymer or wetting agent). The surface-modified particles were characterized for drug release, wettability, morphology, and surface composition using two-stage dissolution studies, contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. Despite surface modification with hydrophilic polymers, hierarchical cPAD particles did not consistently exhibit good release performance. Contact angle measurements showed that the secondary excipient had a profound impact on particle wettability. Particles with good wettability showed improved drug release relative to particles that did not wet well, even with similar drug loadings. These observations underscore the intricate interplay between particle wettability and performance in amorphous dispersion formulations and illustrate a promising hierarchical particle approach to formulate high drug loading amorphous dispersions with improved dissolution performance.

Current Perspectives on Development and Applications of Cocrystals in the Pharmaceutical and Medical Domain.

In recent years, the design of pharmaceutical cocrystals has garnered significant attention. The process of cocrystallization offers a remarkable opportunity to develop drug products with enhanced properties such as improved stability, solubility, hygroscopicity, dissolution rate, and bioavailability. This detailed review delves into this evolving area, thereby exploring its relevance in pharmaceutical formulation by defining cocrystals and their practical applications and also by discussing methods for their preparation as well as characterization. It also contrasts traditional and innovative techniques for cocrystal formation. Historically, cocrystals have been synthesized using methods like solvent evaporation, grinding, and slurry techniques; however, each has its own set of limitations under specific conditions. The latest trends in cocrystal formation lean toward more advanced approaches such as spray-drying, hot melt extrusion, and supercritical fluid technology, as well as the cutting-edge technique of laser irradiation. The aim behind developing new methods is not just to address the limitations of traditional cocrystallization techniques but also to streamline the process by introducing simpler steps and enabling a continuous production workflow for cocrystal products. In general, this full-length review article offers a report on various techniques available for the creation of pharmaceutical cocrystals, along with the methods for their evaluation. Moreover, it includes reporting developments and diverse applications of cocrystals along with the commercially available cocrystals in the pharmaceutical as well as medical domains.

Edible Coating from Breadfruit Starch and Chitosan for Food Packaging

Lectures that encompass Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) can encourage awareness about sustainable development by integrating current issues, such as the potential of breadfruit starch and chitosan for making edible coatings for food packaging. This work aimed to study the development of edible coating from breadfruit starch (BS) and chitosan (CH) for food packaging based on SDGs aspects and as preliminary research to develop worksheets for prospective chemistry teacher students. BS-CH edible film developed by solvent evaporation method, thickness measurement, and physical properties for application on chili, carrot, and sweet potato which. The results showed that the optimal comprehensive properties of the film were obtained when the mass ratio of 3% AS to 1% CH was 7:3. The solubility test results show that the addition of CH ratio increases the swelling of the film before the dissolution process. The tensile strength and elongation of the film increased with the addition of CH until the optimum condition with tensile strength values of 3.01 MPa and 58.26%. The optimum mass ratio was applied through the coating of carrot, chili, and sweet potato which can prevent mass weight and mushroom. Apart from that, student opinion data was generated in the form of potential edible coating topics in the theme of ESD issues. In addition, student opinion data was generated in the form of expectations of edible coatings topics in ESD-laden chemistry learning, including understanding and applying ESD principles and the context of edible coatings and introducing the potential of edible coatings in society so that it is expected to improve 21st-century skills. The results of this research show the need to integrate the topic of edible coating of breadfruit starch and chitosan in worksheets for prospective chemistry teacher students.

Formulation, Design, Optimization, and Characterization of Novel Long-acting Injectable Dosage Form of Anti-psychotic Drug

Background: The current research aimed to create and analyze a new long-acting Brexpiprazole (BRX) injectable for successful anti-psychotic drug therapy in order to decrease dosage frequency and increase patient compliance. Systems for drug transport to particular body sites or regulating release rates with accuracy are known as drug delivery systems (DDS). By affixing the drug to a carrier particle like liposomes, nanoparticles, microspheres, etc., which modifies the drug's absorption and release properties, using carrier technology, drugs may be delivered in an intelligent manner. Methods: Utilizing Resomer RG 502 H and RESOMER® RG 752 H extended-release Polymer, Using a quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion, microspheres were made, and emulsification and solvent evaporation process. Results: The produced microspheres were assessed for stability tests, in vitro drug release, flow characteristics, and drug entrapment efficiency. FTIR experiments were used to establish how well the drug excipients worked together. The acarbose microspheres that were created had an 89.9 to 96.1 percent drug entrapment efficiency. The impact of factors like polymer content on medication release was studied. The Stability study of the formulation was carried out under different conditions, and data were established. Comparative pharmacokinetic studies between marketed oral formulation and Brexpirazole microsphere test formulations in Wistar/SD Rats were carried out and concluded. Conclusion: Brexpiprazole (BRX) novel long-acting injectable formulation, could be used effectively for the treatment of mentally challenged anti-psychotic patients worldwide.

Fiber Optics Analysis of Floating Hollow Microspheres for a Poorly Water-Soluble Drug

This study investigates the development and evaluation of floating hollow microspheres for the delivery of omeprazole, a poorly water-soluble drug. The research aims to enhance omeprazole's bioavailability by addressing its low solubility and susceptibility to degradation in an acidic gastric environment. Hollow ethyl cellulose microspheres encapsulating omeprazole were prepared using the solvent evaporation technique. The microspheres displayed 91.3% buoyancy and 82.41% drug entrapment efficiency, with sustained drug release in simulated gastric fluid over 12 hours. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used. XRD analysis indicated that the encapsulated drug was in an amorphous state, improving dissolution rates and bioavailability. FTIR confirmed successful drug encapsulation, and SEM revealed the morphology and porous structure of the microspheres. The results highlighting the potential of floating hollow microspheres to enhance the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Recommendations include refining the formulation process and exploring microfluidic technology for generating uniform microspheres with high drug loading. The study provides valuable insights for the development of advanced drug delivery systems.

Development and characterization of palbociclib-loaded PLGA nanobubbles for targeted cancer therapy

The objective of this study was to develop and optimize palbociclib-loaded nanobubbles for targeted breast cancer therapy. Biocompatible poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) was used to create nanobubbles loaded with palbociclib. The formulation process was meticulously crafted using a three-level Box-Behnken design and a double emulsion solvent evaporation method to precisely tailor the nanobubbles' properties. The Derringer's desirability method optimized variables by transforming responses into a desirability scale, resulting in a global desirability value. Optimal settings, A: 526.97 mg, B: 250 mg, C: 2.0% w/v, D: 6101 rpm, achieved a D value of 0.949. Palbociclib nanobubbles demonstrated a smaller particle size (31.78 ± 2.12) than plain nanobubbles (38.56 ± 3.56). PDI values indicated a uniform size distribution. The zeta potential remained consistent, with values of -31.34 ± 3.36 for plain and -31.56 ± 3.12 for drug-loaded nanobubbles. Encapsulation efficiency was 70.12%, highlighting effective drug encapsulation. Palbociclib release was significantly higher from nanobubbles in pH 7.4, especially with ultrasound, releasing almost 99.34% of the drug. Hemolytic activity assays confirmed safety for injection. Fluorescent intensity analysis revealed a two-fold increase in cellular uptake of palbociclib facilitated by ultrasound. The MTT assay demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity of palbociclib-loaded nanobubbles, especially with ultrasound, emphasizing their potential for improved therapeutic efficacy. The IC50 values for palbociclib, without ultrasound, and with ultrasound were 98.3 μM, 72.34 μM, and 61.34 μM, respectively. The significant findings of this study emphasize the potential of palbociclib-loaded nanobubbles as a promising therapeutic system for improved breast cancer treatment.

Structural and ultrafast third-order nonlinearities of methyl and methoxy substituted anthracene chalcones: Z-scan, four-wave mixing, and DFT approaches

We report on the structural, thermal, linear, and ultrafast third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of two novel anthracene chalcones: (2E)-1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (5ML2SANC) and (2E)-1-(9-anthryl)-3-(2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (245TMANC). The chalcones were synthesized by Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction, and the single crystals were grown by the solvent evaporation method. The molecular structure was confirmed by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, while the crystal structure was determined using the single crystal XRD. Both crystals belong to centrosymmetric monoclinic crystal system with space group P21/n. The Hirshfeld surface was analyzed to understand intermolecular interactions, and the band structures - including HOMO-LUMO levels, excited state energies, GCRDs and MEPs-were studied using DFT. The ultrafast third-order NLO properties were investigated by Z-scan and degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) techniques using Ti: Sapphire amplifier laser delivering ∼50 fs pulses at 800 nm (1 kHz, ∼4 mJ, 2 W). Two-photon absorption, positive nonlinear refraction, optical limiting and optical switching behaviors were observed by Z-scan measurements. The time-resolved DFWM show that the decay time of 5ML2SANC is ∼127 fs, while for 245TMANC it is ∼142 fs. The second hyperpolarizability (γ) measured by Z-scan, DFWM and the estimations from the DFT theory are found to be in good agreement (∼10−34 esu). The ultrafast optical response, significant NLO properties and thermal stability of the synthesized chalcones demonstrate their potential suitability in optical limiting and switching applications.

Enhanced Oral Bioavailability and Stability Studies of Loratadine Tablets Based on Solid Dispersion of Modified Ziziphus spina-christi Gum

Background: Solid dispersion is a common technique used for solubility enhancement of poorly soluble drugs. Objective: In this study, loratadine (LOR), a class II biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS), was formulated as solid dispersion tablets using modified Ziziphus spina-christi gum (MZG) as a carrier. Methods: The solvent evaporation method was used for LOR-MZG solid dispersion (SD) preparation. A variety of tests were conducted to characterize and optimize the formulation. Solubility, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (X-RD), and Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) of solid dispersions were carried out. Accelerated stability testing and pharmacokinetic studies of formulated tablets were also performed using albino Wistar rats. Results: Solid dispersion improved the solubility of LOR by 51 folds. FTIR spectra excluded drugpolymer interactions, and results obtained by DSC, X-RD, and SEM proved the transition from the crystalline to the amorphous state. The stability of LOR-MZG solid dispersion tablets was found to be better when the Alu-Alu package was used. The pharmacokinetics of LOR-MZG compared to MZG-free loratadine tablets (LOR pure) and commercial loratadine tablets (LOR-TM) following oral administration revealed that about 6 folds and 10 folds bioavailability were achieved with LOR-MZG compared to LOR pure and LOR-TM, respectively. Conclusion: Such promising results encourage more studies on MZG to be used for improving the aqueous solubility and bioavailability of a wide range of poorly soluble drugs.