Sorbitan Monooleate Research Articles

Phenanthrene degradation using Fe(III)-EDDS photoactivation under simulated solar light: A model for soil washing effluent treatment

In this work, for the first time, the nonionic surfactant polyoxyethylene-(20)-sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80, C64H124O26) aided soil washing effluent was treated by enhanced activation of persulfate (PS) using Fe(III)-EDDS (EDDS: ethylenediamine-N, N-disuccinic acid) complexes under simulated solar light irradiation. The performance of this system was followed via the production and reactivity of radical species (SO4-, HO, Cl2-) and degradation of phenanthrene (PHE) used as a model pollutant in soils. Different physico-chemical parameters such as the concentration of reactive species and pH were investigated through the PHE degradation efficiency. The second-order rate constants of the reactions for generated radicals with PHE and Tween 80 in solution were identified through competitive reaction experiments under steady-state conditions and application of nanosecond laser flash photolysis (LFP) as well. A kinetic approach was applied to assess the selectivity and reactivity of photo-generated radicals in aqueous medium in order to explain the observed degradation trends. This work proposes an innovative technology of management of soil washing solutions using Fe(III)-EDDS complexes and solar light for the activation of persulfate.

Formation of nanoemulsion from black pepper essential oil by high speed homogenization method

AbstractAs many spices essential oil, black pepper (Piper nigrum) oil, which produced by steam distillation has shown the antimicrobial activity in many researches. However, essential oil was often hydrophobic and dispersed incompletely in food matrix. In our work, an oil‐in‐water nanoemulsion of black pepper oil was prepared by high speed homogenization method. In order to well disperse essential oil in water, the surfactant polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) was utilized with the surfactant:oil ratios from 1:3 to 2:1. The other component of the nanoemulsion was soya oil, the high chain triglycerides in soya oil prevented the Oswald ripening of essential oil droplets by increasing their hydrophobicity. After changing the component concentration, the nanoemulsion was the most stable with 20 % oil phase, 6:4 pepper oil ‐ soya oil ratio and 1:1 surfactant oil ratio. At 9,000 rpm and 30 minutes stirring, the average droplet size was 61.9 nm with 0.462 PdI (polydispersity index). After 30‐day storage, the particle size increased to 87 nm at ambient temperature and 130 nm at 5°C.

Effects of different vehiculization strategies for the allium derivative propyl propane thiosulfonate during dynamic simulation of the pig gastrointestinal tract

This paper evaluates the bioavailability of allium derivative propyl propane thiosulfonate (PTSO) in the pig gastrointestinal tract by means of an in vitro dynamic gastrointestinal tract simulator system (GITSS). The GITSS is based on a membrane bioreactor comprising a continuous stirred-tank reactor connected in series to a continuous plug-flow tubular reactor. Bioavailability values have been evaluated for different vehiculization strategies, including mere carriers such as polyethylene glycol sorbitan monooleate (a nonionic surfactant also known as Tween 80) and encapsulation matrices (β-cyclodextrin vs. mono- and di-glycerides of edible fatty acids mixed with hydrogenated sunflower oil) and compared with the absorption of free PTSO. The net absorbed amount of PTSO in the GITSS when Tween 80 was used as a carrier was over 3.5 times higher than the one for free PTSO. Neither the encapsulated PTSO in β-cyclodextrin nor by means of mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids plus a vegetable oil succeeded to improve absorption values for free PTSO. These promising results indicate that Tween 80 provides an interesting and high resistance to the PTSO molecule against the simulated digestive conditions in the stomach, and thus it enables favorably the subsequent absorption process of PTSO along the intestine.

Novel paraffin/ethylene propylene diene monomer phase change latex with excellent stability and low viscosity

Phase change latex (PCL) is a novel kind of phase change fluid with advantages both phase change emulsion (PCE) and latex. A series of oil/water PCLs were obtained by dissolving paraffin and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) in petroleum ether, followed by emulsifying in water. The effects of emulsifier type, emulsifier content, homogenization rate and paraffin content on stability, viscosity and particle size of PCL were systematically investigated. The results showed that paraffin/EPDM PCL was able to be stably stored when the content of emulsifier, a mixture of 1-dodecanesulphonic acid sodium salt (DAS) and sorbitan monooleate (Span-80), was 6 wt% and homogenization rate was 16000 r/min. Afterwords, the PCL with the paraffin mass fractions (paraffin to the sum of paraffin and EPDM) from 0 wt% to 100 wt% were prepared. When the paraffin content is 50 wt%, the PCL has the most excellent stability and suitable particle size and distribution. As the paraffin content increased, the viscosity of PCL generally decreased sharply, and the PCL enthalpy value increased gradually. PCL has great application potential in the field of thermal energy transmission in chemical pipelines and building homes.

Formulation, Development and Evaluation of Nifedipine Emulgel for Treatment of Anal Fissures Using Polymeric Emulsifiers

Abstract: Aim/Background: Nifedipine (NIF) is act as Calcium channel blocker which belongs to chemical class dihydropyridine and used in the treatment of hypertension. An anal fissure (AF) is the most common anorectal conditions encountered in clinical practice. Patient anal fissures experience anal pain with defecation and minor bleeding. Emulgel formulations are considered a combination of emulsion and gels and emulgel has advantages of both. Emulgels have better penetration of actives than conventional topical formulations. Materials and Methods: Emulgel formulations are prepared with the lowest concentration of emulsifiers 1.5-4.0%. Carbomer homopolymer type C used as a polymeric emulsifier while formulating the formulation. The concentrations of Polymeric emulsifiers, high HLB surfactant and low HLB surfactants are varied to two level concentrations two optimize the formulations. Sorbitan monooleate and Polysorbate 20 used as surfactants. Results: Emulgel formulations are evaluated for homogeneity, consistency, grittiness, compatibility, pH, Viscosity, drug content, spreadability, extrudability and in-vitro drug release from the formulations. The optimized formulation has been charged for stability study at room temperature and accelerated storage condition. Stability results are similar to the initial results. In-vitro drug release profile of the initial time point versus 3M stability time point at accelerated and room temperature storage condition is similar. Conclusion: Carbomer homopolymer type C can be employeed as polymeric emulsifiers to stabilize unstable to stable emulsion. Key words: Nifedipine, Polymeric emulsifiers (PE), Anal fissures, Emulgel, Evaluation of emulgel formulation.

Obtaining and Characterizing Silver–Sorbitan Monooleate Nanocomposite and Conducting Films Based on It

It is proposed that silver–sorbitan monooleate composite be used to obtain concentrated silver organosols. The composite is prepared by reducing silver nitrate with hydrazine in a dynamic emulsion of sorbitan monooleate in ethyl acetate. The content of silver (75%) and surfactant (25%) in the composite is determined by means of atomic absorption, differential thermal analysis, and microanalysis. It is shown via XRD phase analysis and photon-correlation spectroscopy that the size of silver particles in the composite is 5–6 nm. Organosol of silver nanoparticles (0.2 M) is obtained through ultrasonic redispersion of the composite in heptane. Conductive films on glass substrates are formed after drying the organosol and subjecting it to heat treatment at 200○С. According to data obtained via scanning electron microscopy, the film is 500 nm thick.

Three-Dimensionally Printed Stretchable Conductors from Surfactant-Mediated Composite Pastes.

A stretchable conductor is a critical prerequisite to achieve various forms of stretchable electronics. In particular, directly printable stretchable conductors have gathered considerable attention with recent growing interest in a variety of large-area, deformable electronics. In this study, we have developed a chemical pathway of incorporating a surfactant with a moderate hydrophilic-lipophilic balance in formulating composite pastes for printed stretchable conductors, with a possibility of a vertically stackable, three-dimensional printing process. We demonstrate that the addition of a nonionic surfactant, sorbitane monooleate (commonly called SPAN 80) in Ag flake-based composite pastes, allows a critical reduction in resistance variation under an external strain. The four-layer stacked, surfactant-added composite conductors show a resistance variation of merely 1.6 at a strain of 0.6 and excellent cycling durability over 1000 cycles. The effectiveness of the methods suggested in this study is demonstrated with basic light-emitting diode circuits and the thermal heating characteristics of stretchable conductors.

Effect of calcination temperature on the photocatalytic activity of carbon‐doped titanium dioxide revealed by photoluminescence study

Carbon‐doped titania (C‐TiO2) nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol–gel method at different calcination temperatures (300–600°C) employing titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) as the titanium source and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) as the carbon source. The physical properties of C‐TiO2 samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photocatalytic activities were checked through the photodegradation of phenolphthalein (PHP) under ultraviolet irradiation. The UV spectrum showed that the carbon doping extends the absorption range of TiO2 to the visible region. However, the photocatalytic activity is affected by the electron–hole recombination phenomenon, as revealed by the photoluminescence (PL) study. According to the PL spectra, carbon doping reduces the edge‐to‐edge electron–hole recombination. Nevertheless, the number of defect sites is greatly influenced by the calcination temperature of C‐TiO2. C‐TiO2 that was calcined at 400°C showed the highest photodegradation percentage of PHP, which was mainly attributed to the synergic effect of the low direct edge‐to‐edge electron–hole recombination, high content of defect sites, and retention of active electrons on the surface hydroxyl group.

On the Molecular Interactions in Lipid Bilayer-Water Assemblies of Different Curvatures.

This work concerns the importance of intermolecular interactions present in aqueous lipid assembly systems depending on the type of aggregates they form. We have studied aqueous mixtures of diglycerol monooleate, Capmul glycerol monoleate (GMO-50) and polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (Polysorbate 80, P80) using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements to reveal the structure of liquid crystalline phases. On the basis of the SAXS data, a phase diagram was constructed. We discuss the effect of curvature changes of the lipid-aqueous interface obtained by changing the water content and the temperature. The results are related to the intermolecular interactions, as revealed by Raman spectroscopy, with a focus on the bilayer type of system of different curvature and bilayer flexibility, namely, the lamellar phase, bicontinuous cubic phase, and sponge phase. All phases show large similarities in their chain conformation and head group interactions as revealed by the Raman spectra, arising from the fact that all three structures are formed by lipid bilayers. However, subtle differences in the molecular organization of the sponge phase were revealed by employing Raman difference spectroscopy and by analysis of key spectroscopic indicators, which show a less dense hydrocarbon chain packing compared to the inverse bicontinuous cubic or lamellar phase.

Mucoadhesive olaminosomes: A novel prolonged release nanocarrier of agomelatine for the treatment of ocular hypertension

Mucoadhesive olaminosomes are novel nanocarriers designed to control agomelatine release and enhance its bioavailability. Olaminosomes were prepared using oleic acid, oleylamine and sorbitan monooleate adopting thin film hydration technique. Chitosan HCl was added to impart the mucoadhesive properties to the olaminosomes. Mucoadhesive olaminosomes were characterized for their particle size, in-vitro drug release and irritation potentiality in rabbit eyes. The reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) through 8 h in male New Zealand Albino rabbits was measured after administration of the selected formulations. Histopathological changes in rabbits’ eye were also evaluated. Results revealed that increasing the amount of the added oleylamine decreased the particle size of the resulted vesicles and increased the drug release rate. Olaminosomes showed enhanced drug absorption, hence more reduction in IOP was observed. Moreover, using chitosan HCl might increase the residence time of the formulation in the eye and hence improved the absorption of the drug. No histopathological changes in rabbits’ eye were detected after the application of mucoadhesive olaminosomes concluding their safety on the ocular tissues. In conclusion, mucoadhesive olaminosomes succeeded in enhancing agomelatine bioavailability in rabbits’ eyes confirming the development of a novel ocular nanocarrier for insoluble drugs.

Effect of metal ions and surfactants on the enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated lignocellulose

The effect of metal ions and surfactants on the enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated wheat straw lignocellulose was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectrum analysis, dynamic light scattering, and fluorescence spectra analysis were used to characterize the influence of Fe3+/ polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80). The interaction between Fe3+/Tween 80 and enzyme was further investigated by enzyme kinetics and enzyme activity measurements. The best synergistic effect was obtained when the ratio of Fe3+ and Tween 80 was 0.06. The scanning electron microscopy images showed that the Fe3+/Tween 80 combination was associated with high porosity substrates. The infrared spectrum analysis indicated that the components of the substrates depended on additive types. The highest relative enzymatic activity increase rate was obtained with added Fe3+/ Tween 80. The Vmax and Km values of the group with added Fe3+/Tween 80 were much higher than that of the group without additives. With the addition of Fe3+/ Tween 80, the intensity of the fluorescence emission peak decreased and the peak shifted towards a longer wavelength.

Crystallization, Polymorphism and Stability of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Developed with Soybean Oil, Fully Hydrogenated Soybean Oil and Free Phytosterols for Food Applications

The aim of this work was the development of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) using conventional fats and oils (soybean oil, SO and fully hydrogenated soybean oil, FHSO) for incorporation of free phytosterols (FP). FP are lipophilic bioactive compounds which can reduce blood cholesterol levels, through a competitive mechanism of absorption, aiding in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, FP presents difficulties related to technological applications in foods due to the high melting point. In this way, NLC can be a means of making feasible incorporation of FP in foods. NLC were obtained in aqueous dispersion through the emulsification process, followed by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) using 3 and 5 cycles at 800 bar, with subsequent crystallization and stabilization of the lipid matrices (LM). The emulsifiers used were soybean lecithin (SL), ethoxylated sorbitan monooleate (T80) and sorbitan monostearate (S60). The thermal and crystalline behavior of the LM, FP and NLC were evaluated. NLCs were characterized by size and polydispersity. FP presented high crystallization (126°C) and melting (137°C) temperatures, but this did not avoid its incorporation into NLC. The NLC presented size between 154 to 534 nm and polydispersity ranging from 0.1 to 0.5, the lower limits being obtained with the T80. NLC were found to require lower temperatures to crystallize and polymorphic transitions were accelerated. This study indicated that the conventional raw materials were compatible with the development of NLC with FP.

Temperature/pH-Responsive Hexagonal Liquid Crystal for Curcumin Release.

The temperature/pH-responsive hexagonal liquid crystal constructed in a polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80)/water-soluble chitosan (WCS)/ethyl oleate (EtOL)/H2O system was used to encapsulate curcumin. We discuss the effect of temperature and pH on the in vitro release of curcumin and the rheological properties of a curcumin-encapsulated liquid crystal. The drug-encapsulated hexagonal phase containing relatively high WCS content (9.9 wt %) exhibited good temperature response, as indicated by three phase transformation temperature obtained by temperature scanning. The viscosity of the drug-encapsulated hexagonal phase decreased as the temperature rose, which exhibited diverse constancy and temperature sensitivity. Also, the in vitro release rate of curcumin increased as the temperature increased. After introducing WCS, the release rate of curcumin decreased obviously the pH dependence, where the release of curcumin was slower as the pH was higher. All of the results indicated that the temperature/pH-responsive hexagonal liquid crystals were proposed to be potential slow release carriers to deliver curcumin.

Plumbagin-Loaded Nanoemulsion Drug Delivery Formulation and Evaluation of Antiproliferative Effect on Prostate Cancer Cells.

Background Plumbagin, a medicinal plant-derived 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, is an emerging drug with a variety of pharmacological effects, including potent anticancer activity. We have previously shown that plumbagin improves the efficacy of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer and it is now being evaluated in phase I clinical trial. However, the development of formulation of plumbagin as a compound with sparing solubility in water is challenging. Methods We have formulated plumbagin-loaded nanoemulsion using pneumatically controlled high pressure homogenization of oleic acid dispersions with polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate as surfactant. Nanoemulsion formulations were characterized for particle size distribution by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The kinetics of in vitro drug release was determined by equilibrium dialysis. Anticancer activity toward prostate cancer cells PTEN-P2 was assessed by MTS (Owen's reagent) assay. Results Particle size distribution of nanoemulsions is tunable and depends on the surfactant concentration. Nanoemulsion formulations of plumbagin with 1-3.5% (w/w) of surfactant showed robust stability of size distribution over time. Plumbagin-loaded nanoemulsion with average hydrodynamic diameter of 135 nm showed exponential release of plumbagin with a half-life of 6.1 h in simulated gastric fluid, 7.0 h in simulated intestinal fluid, and displayed enhanced antiproliferative effect toward prostate cancer cells PTEN-P2 compared to free plumbagin. Conclusion High drug-loading capacity, retention of nanoparticle size, kinetics of release under simulated physiological conditions, and increased antiproliferative activity indicate that oleic-acid based nanoemulsion formulation is a suitable delivery system of plumbagin.

Modification of the Optical and Electronic Properties of TiO2 By N Anion-Doping for Augmentation of the Visible Light Assisted Photocatalytic Performance

In this work, a nitrogen-doped anatase TiO2 nanocrystal is prepared by a modified sol-gel preparation method using the nonionic surfactant (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate) as a structural controller and a soft template. The as-prepared samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, UVVis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. Then the photocatalytic activity of these samples is assessed by the photocatalytic oxidation of phenol under visible light irradiation. The phenol concentration is measured using a UV-Vis spectrometer. Experimental results show that N-doping leads to an excellent visible light photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 nanocatalyst. Furthermore, the formation energy and electronic structure of pure and N-doped anatase TiO2 are described by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It is found that N-doping narrowed the band gap of bare TiO2, which leads to an excellent visible light photocatalytic activity of N–TiO2 nanocatalysts. Therefore, the prepared N–TiO2 photocatalyst is expected to find the use in organic pollutant degradation under solar light illumination.

Role of a non-ionic surfactant and carboxylic acids on the leaching of aged DDT residues in undisturbed soil columns

Irrigation or flooding events with riverine waters containing compounds such as surfactants, colloids, and dissolved organic carbon and plant growth will modify pesticide availability and leaching. This work studies the effect of a non-ionic surfactant (Tween 80: polyethylene glycol sorbitan monooleate, Tw-80), carboxylic acids (CA), and the role of dissolved organic matter on the lixiviation, availability, and degradation of aged DDT (p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDD) residues in soil. Undisturbed soil columns were collected in a known polluted area and irrigated under saturation conditions with 4 L of riverine water (control), Tween 80 at 0.5 times the critical micellar concentration (Tw-80), and a 0.05 M solution of oxalic and citric acids (CA). After elution, columns were air-dried (24 h), opened, and divided into 5-cm sections for pesticide residue analysis in soil by GC-ECD. Batch desorption studies were conducted to assess pesticide availability before treatments. Metabolite ratios were analyzed in relation with the soil microbial activity measured by the dehydrogenase activity (DHA) assay. Soil organic matter and dissolved organic matter were analyzed, and humic substances were characterized in terms of humic and fulvic acid content by spectrophotometric ratios. The p,p′-DDE>p,p′-DDT>p,p′-DDD pattern was found in all soil sections and treatments with decreased levels with depth. Levels of p,p′-DDE ranged between 8 and 280, between 8 and 80, and between 13 and 250 ng g−1 dry weight in control, Tw-80, and CA, respectively. Lixiviation of p,p′-DDE was enhanced in Tw-80 or CA. Compared to control, elution with Tw-80 diminished effectively soil DDT levels, while with CA results showed an enhancement of the transference to water. Higher (p,p′-DDE + p,p′-DDD)/p,p′-DDT ratio in Tw-80 or CA soils, with respect to control, were related with higher p,p′-DDD and DHA levels in CA and with lower p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT levels in Tw-80. Control and CA showed a positive correlation between p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT soil levels and desorption (r > 0.8, p < 0.02). Losses of fulvic acid content in soil after Tw-80 agree with the enrichment in fulvic acids in the desorption solution. The influence of Tw-80 and CA on the availability of DDTs was related with the mobilization of organic matter fractions. Results highlight the role of the non-ionic surfactant Tw-80 in the mobilization of fulvic acids as well as on DDT desorption from soil. Both solutions might interact differentially with pesticides and with the soil microbial population controlling the fate of DDT residues in the soil matrix.

Inhibitory Effects of Commonly Used Excipients on P-Glycoprotein in Vitro.

Pharmaceutical excipients are no longer considered inert and have been shown to influence the activity of metabolic enzymes and transporters, resulting in altered pharmacokinetics of substrate drugs. In this study, the effect of 25 excipients commonly used in drug formulations were investigated for their effect on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity. The effect of excipients on P-gp were assessed by measuring the change in the cellular accumulation of a P-gp substrate, digoxin, in MDCK-MDR1 (Madin Darby canine kidney transfected with multidrug resistance 1 gene) cells. The cells were exposed to low (10 μM) and high (200 μM) concentrations of excipient along with 10 μM digoxin. Excipient concentrations were chosen to span the range of concentrations previously used for investigating activities in vitro. At 10 μM ofexcipient, an increase in the intracellular digoxin concentration was seen with d-α-tocopherol poly-(ethylene glycol) succinate (Vit-E-PEG; p = 0.002), poly(ethylene oxide)20 sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80; p = 0.001), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB; p = 0.021), poly(ethylene oxide)35 modified castor oil (Cremophor EL; p = 0.01), polyethylene glycol15-hydroxystearate (Solutol HS 15; p = 0.006), and poly(ethylene glycol) hexadecyl ether (Brij 58; p = 0.001). At 200 μM, Vit-E-PEG ( p < 0.0001), sodium 1,4-bis (2-ethylhexoxy)-1,4-dioxobutane-2-sulfonate (AOT; p < 0.0001), Tween 80 ( p < 0.0001), CTAB ( p = 0.004), poly(ethylene oxide)20 sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20; p < 0.0001), Cremophor EL ( p < 0.0001), Solutol HS 15 ( p < 0.0001), Brij 58 ( p < 0.0001), and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC; p = 0.006) increased intracellular digoxin significantly. Concentration-dependent inhibition of P-gp was then investigated for selected excipients giving an IC50 for Vit-E-PEG (12.48 μM), AOT (192.5 μM), Tween 80 (45.29 μM), CTAB (96.67 μM), Tween 20 (74.15 μM), Cremophor EL (11.92 μM), Solutol HS 15 (179.8 μM), Brij 58 (25.22 μM), and NaCMC (46.69 μM). These data add to the growing body of evidence demonstrating that not all excipients are inert and will aid excipient choice for rational formulation development.

Extraction and recovery optimization of succinic acid using green emulsion liquid membrane containing palm oil as the diluent

Succinic acid extraction and recovery from aqueous solution via emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) was investigated. The liquid membrane formulation consists of Amberlite LA2 as a carrier, palm oil as a diluent, sorbitan monooleate (Span 80) and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) as surfactants, sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) as a stripping agent, and octanol as a modifier. At the best condition of 0.01 M Na2CO3, 1:3 treat ratio, 0.7 M Amberlite LA2, 10% w/v modifier, and external solution of pH 2, the extraction of succinic acid was up to 71%. The optimization of recovery by response surface methodology (RSM) shows that around 40% of succinic acid was recovered. At the favorable condition, 84% of succinic acid was recovered with almost 100% purity. Hence, the ELM study can be extended to extract and recover succinic acid from real fermentation broth. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13065, 2019

Crude Enzymatic Extract fromTrametes maximaandPaecilomyces carneusMixed Culture Entrapped on Alginate for Phenanthrene Removal in Water

The aim of this study was to evaluate application of a crude enzymatic extract from the mixed culture of Trametes maxima (T. maxima) and Paecilomyces carneus (P. carneus) in removal of phenanthrene (PHE) from water. Since PHE belong to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), it has been used as a model compound for bioremediation treatments. PAHs are highly stable molecules, and are resistant to conventional wastewater treatment. Production of crude extract from a mixed culture of T. maxima and P. carneus does not require special conditions yet the use of 20 g/L of glycerol as carbon source enhances laccase (Lcc) and manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP) activities. Application of crude extracts becomes feasible because it does not require further purification. The crude enzymes entrapped in alginate beads in a fixed-bed packed column reached 94.3% ± 0.7% of PHE removal after 13 h of continuous treatment under nonsterile conditions, while the alginate beads without enzymes reached only 45.3% ± 23% of PHE removal. The difference between the removal of alginate beads with and without enzymes was the oxidative activity on the surface of the alginate beads, which was observed in the increase in the C═O group and in the X-ray spectroscopy analyses of the C 1s and O 1s regions. Beads without enzymes had less C═O groups. Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate and dimethyl sulfoxide also influence enzymatic activity to carry out a level of PHE removal similar to a photocatalytic treatment.

Deep Eutectic Solvent-Induced Structural Transition of Microemulsions Explored with Small-Angle X-ray Scattering

Microemulsions (MEs) containing deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and water in the inner phase for use in transdermal delivery of poorly soluble drugs were prepared using a mixture of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween-80) and sorbitan laurate (Span-20) as surfactants. We investigated the effects of the ratios of surfactant (Tween-80/Span-20) and solvents (DES components/water) on the ME structure determined by the analysis of small-angle X-ray scattering profiles with the core-corona model. Tween-80 with an unsaturated long alkyl chain induced a structural transition of MEs from a sphere to a cylinder. DESs caused the aggregation of surfactants due to the solvophobic interactions between DESs and the alkyl chains of surfactants. Transmittance electron microscopy images of MEs indicated the presence of aggregates of the dispersed ME particles with each shape.