Homogeneous Time Research Articles

Method for Identifying Homogeneous Periods to Evaluate Urban Travel Time Reliability

Travel time reliability influences drivers’ decisions in urban trips as they adapt to uncertainty levels of congestion. While measures of central tendency have traditionally characterized travel time reliability, recent research has expanded to consider alternative metrics for describing this feature of traffic flow. This paper proposes a method to determine time slots of homogeneous periods to assess travel time reliability with a case study on arterial streets of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The method comprises an initial data collection stage through an application programming interface (API) on selected street segments and a second stage to group periods into hourly time slots with homogeneous travel time distributions to calculate reliability metrics identified in an extensive literature review. The results refer to travel time reliability on streets in Belo Horizonte during different times of the day and days of the week, highlighting low reliability between 5 and 10 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday from the neighborhood to the downtown direction and between 4 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday from the downtown to the neighborhood direction.

Optimising Palm Olein-Based Betamethasone 17-Valerate Emulsions for Scalable Manufacturing and Stability

Introduction: Palm olein has been used as an excipient in the formulation of topical emulsions due to its rich source of natural antioxidants that can lead to better skin health and higher stability upon storage. Despite its potential as a topical drug delivery vehicle, the practical implementation of manufacturing 20% (w/w) palm olein-in-water emulsions for commercial purposes has not been explored extensively, and obtaining experimental data on scale-up studies would be helpful in facilitating this realisation. Methods: This research work established and optimised the manufacturing process parameters for the production of cream and lotion formulations containing betamethasone 17-valerate, utilising palm olein as the vehicle, with scale-up from lab-scale 5 kg batches to pilot-scale 80 kg batches. Design of experiments (DoE) where response surface methodology as well as three-level, two-factors (32) full factorial design were used to develop statistical models for representing the possible relationships between factors: homogenisation time and speed, and responses: particle size and phase separation. Results: The findings established that the quadratic model was the most suitable model as it could predict the interactions between factors and responses in an accurate manner as well as suggest the optimum operating conditions. The optimum homogenisation time and speed were found to be 40 minutes and 3400 rpm, respectively. These conditions produced emulsions with the smallest particle size (3.2 µm ± 0.03) and the least phase separation value (29.7% ± 0.35). Conclusion: The study successfully demonstrated the potential to scale up the manufacturing of 20% (w/w) palm olein-in-water emulsions for commercial purposes. The optimised parameters, obtained through DoE, facilitate the large-scale production of stable emulsions containing betamethasone 17-valerate.

Time and the state in digital society

In this commentary, I argue that while the digitalizing state mobilizes the anticipatory imaginary of network time, its own temporal ontology remains anchored in the modern construction of “homogeneous and empty time.” Acknowledging the generative insights Datta and Hoefsloot's analysis of temporal statecraft offers, I consider how their analytic use of timing might inform a wider reading of the spatial history of the digitalizing state but raise questions about the limits of framing the state as an auteur.

Soy protein-gellan gum noncovalent complexes stabilized emulsion: Effect of heating and pH on emulsion stability.

This paper investigated the effects of heating and pH on the stability of emulsions of non-covalent complexes of gellan gum (GG) and soy protein isolate (SPI). As a result, the GG-SPI complexes stabilized emulsion exhibited a minimum emulsion particle size (945 ± 23 nm), a maximum absolute values of zeta-potential (-32.7 ± 0.81 mV), the highest values of emulsion activity index (EAI) and stability index (ESI) (132 ± 4.7 min) when emulsion was prepared under the following conditions: oil phase ratio of 18 %, polysaccharide-protein proportion of 1:8 (w/w), homogeneous pressure at 80 MPa and homogeneous time at 4 min. GG-SPI emulsion had the best emulsification performance at pH 9.0 and 75 °C owing to the protein defolding occurred, the content of α-Helix increased, hydrophobic groups were exposed, and the number of negative groups on the surface of proteins increased under the high pH and high temperature conditions. The experimental results revealed the key role of heating and pH treatment for protein emulsion stability regulation, which will enrich the application of gellan gum in soy protein emulsions and provide an important theoretical basis for the future application of emulsion modification.

Exploiting the DCAF16-SPIN4 interaction to identify DCAF16 ligands for PROTAC development.

Traditional small molecule drugs often target protein activity directly, but challenges arise when proteins lack suitable functional sites. An alternative approach is targeted protein degradation (TPD), which directs proteins to cellular machinery for proteolytic degradation. Recent studies have identified additional E3 ligases suitable for TPD, expanding the potential of this approach. Among these, DCAF16 has shown promise in facilitating protein degradation through both PROTAC and molecular glue mechanisms. In this study, we developed a homogeneous time resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay to discover new DCAF16 binders. Using an in-house electrophile library, we identified two diastereomeric compounds, with one engaging DCAF16 at cysteines C177-179 and another reducing its expression. We demonstrated that the compound covalently engaging DCAF16 can be transformed into a PROTAC capable of degrading FKBP12.

Effects of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Dangeard) Proteins Extracts on Storage Stability of Freshwater Shrimp Macrobrachium nipponense (De Haan)

In this study, the extraction of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Dangeard (C. reinhardtii) protein was optimized through response surface methodology. The optimal extractions parameters were 0.091 mol/L sodium chloride concentration, 31.02 mL/g liquid to solid ratio, a homogenization frequency of 10.17 times per second, and a homogenization time of 12.82 minutes. The optimized protein extraction yield was 52.78%. The C. reinhardtii protein extract at different concentrations (0.1-0.5%) was used to dip-coat East Asian river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense De Haan). Over a 4-day storage period, the pH value and total viable counts (TVC) of the prawn samples were determined every 24 hours. Results showed that a 0.2% C. reinhardtii protein extract effectively delayed increases in pH and TVC of the prawn samples, suggesting that C. reinhardtii protein extract could be a promising natural preservative.

Optimizing mechanical performance: Epoxy-graphene oxide nanocomposites for enhanced strength in lattice structure.

The potential of epoxy-graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites to improve the mechanical characteristics of conventional epoxy resins is causing them to gain prominence. This makes them appropriate for advanced engineering applications, including structural materials, automotive, and aerospace. This study aimed to develop an epoxy/GO composite with improved mechanical properties through synthesizing epoxy/GO samples with varying GO content (from 0.1 to 0.5wt%), oxidation degree (from 3 to 9g), and homogenization time (from 90 to 150min). To do so, nine epoxy/GO composites were synthesis based on Taguchi method of experiment design ( (33) orthogonal array) followed by conducting tensile strength tests. Using Taguchi method, optimal values of 0.25wt%, 6g, and 150min were determined for GO content, oxidation degree, and homogenization time, respectively. Compared to tensile strength of the pure epoxy (about 38MPa), the superior tensile strength of 73MPa obtained for the optimal composite showcased an impressive 92% improvement. Additionally, analysis of variance indicated the predominant role of GO's content than other parameters in improving the epoxy/GO composite's tensile strength. Finally, non-linear regression analysis was applied to develop a semi-empirical quadratic model for predicting the composite's tensile strength. The R2 value of 99.55 % as well as a negligible AARD of 1.13 % in the optimal condition, implied the highest accuracy of developed model inside the design space.

Preparation and Characterization of Encapsulated <i>Cymbopogon citratus</i> Essential Oils in Alginate/Chitosan Complexes Using Ion-Gel Technique

In this study, the alginate/chitosan complexes were prepared to encapsulate lemongrass essential oils (Cymbopogon citratus). Essential oils are secondary metabolites that are easily changed under environmental influences (temperature, pH, light). This research opened a new line in protecting essential oils from adverse effects from the surrounding environment. The ion-gel encapsulation technique combined with alginate/chitosan complexes has been applied to encapsulate C. citratus essential oil. The factors were surveyed including homogenization time (10–20 min), concentration of Tween 80 (0–5% w/w), concentration of sodium alginate (1.5–3.5% w/v), concentration of essential oils (20–40% w/w), concentration of CaCl2 (1.0–2.5% w/v), concentration of chitosan (0.5–2.0%), and pH of chitosan solution (4–6). The properties of products have been determined including moisture content as 80.39%, encapsulation yield as 98.79%, encapsulation efficiency as 88.74% with homogenization time as 15 min, concentration of Tween 80 as 1.5%, concentration of sodium alginate as 2.5% (w/v), concentration of essential oils as 30% (w/w), concentration of CaCl2 as 2.5% (w/v), concentration of chitosan as 2.0% (w/w), and pH chitosan solution as 5. The main chemical compositions of essential oils before and after encapsulation, such as citral, myrcene, and limonene, have still remained.

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.

Preparation of wheat germ albumin polypeptide microcapsules embedded with starch sodium octenylsuccinate/sodium alginate-based materials and sustained-release properties in vitro

The enzymatic hydrolysis products of wheat germ albumin have been extensively studied due to their strong antioxidant properties. The small intestine is an important part for absorbing active substances, but polypeptides are not acid-resistant and are easily hydrolyzed and lose their activity in the stomach, which does not achieve the effect of small intestine absorption. In this study, the optimal process conditions for microencapsulation of wheat germ albumin polypeptides were determined based on response surface optimization experiments as follows: wall to material ratio (starch sodium octenylsuccinate (SSOS) : sodium alginate (SA) =3:1), homogenization time 10 min, and wall to core ratio 20:1. The embedding rate of microcapsules prepared under these conditions was 65.33%. The average particle size of microcapsules was 100.21 μm. SEM results showed that the freeze-drying microcapsules had a sheet-like structure. The increased intensity of the amide A band in the microcapsules in Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy indicated the formation of hydrogen bonds between the wall materials, while thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the protective effect of microcapsules on the formation of wheat germ albumin polypeptides. The release rates of microcapsules in gastric and intestinal juice were 26.54% and 84.41%, respectively, indicating that microcapsules had a sustained release effect.

Microstructure and mechanical properties at elevated temperatures of as-built and heat-treated Inconel 718 produced through laser powder bed fusion processes

Purpose This study aims to better understand the influence of various post-treatments on the microstructure and mechanical properties of additively manufactured parts for critical applications. Design/methodology/approach In this study, Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) fabricated Inconel 718 (IN718) samples were subjected to various heat treatments, namely homogenization, solution heat treatment and double aging, to investigate their influence on the microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture mechanism at an elevated temperature of 650 °C. Homogenization treatment was performed at 1080 °C for durations ranging from 1–8 h. The solution treatment temperature varied from 980 °C to 1140 °C for 1 h, followed by double aging treatment. Findings At 650 °C, the as-built sample showed the minimum strength but demonstrated the maximum elongation to failure compared to the heat-treated samples. The strength of the IN718 superalloy increased by 20.26% to 34.81%, while ductility significantly reduced by 65.26% to 72.89% after various heat treatments compared to the as-built state. This change is attributed to the enhancement in grain boundary strength resulting from the pinning effect of the intergranular δ-phase. Originality/value The study observed that the variations in the fracture mechanism of LPBF fabricated IN718 depend on the duration and temperature of heat treatment. This research provides a thorough overview of the high-temperature mechanical properties of LPBF fabricated IN718 subjected to different homogenization times and solution treatment temperatures, correlating these effects to the corresponding changes in microstructure.

A Kalman filter for track reconstruction in very large time projection chambers

This study introduces a Kalman Filter tailored for homogeneous gas Time Projection Chambers (TPCs), adapted from the algorithm utilized by the ALICE experiment. In order to describe semi-circular paths in the plane perpendicular to the magnetic field, we introduce a novel mirror rotation technique into the Kalman Filter algorithm, enabling effective tracking of trajectories of varying lengths, including those with multiple circular paths within the detector, also known as “loopers”. Demonstrated relative improvements of up to 80% in electron momentum resolution and up to 50% in muon and pion momentum resolution underscore the significance of this enhancement. Significant improvements in the reconstruction efficiency for relatively short low momentum “looper” tracks are also shown. Such advancements hold promise not only for the future of the ALICE TPC but also for neutrino high-pressure gas TPCs, where loopers become significant owing to the randomness of production points and their relatively low energies in neutrino interactions. In particular, an improvement in low energy electron reconstruction, for which the production of “looping” tracks is likely and the impact of the new algorithm is directly demonstrated, could significantly impact the quality of flux determination, which in accelerator neutrino experiments relies on the measurement of νe electron scatterings.

Fabrication, characterization, and in vitro biological evaluation of glycyrrhetinic acid ligand-functionalized proliposomes encapsulated docetaxel for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Docetaxel (DTX) is a chemotherapeutic drug extracted from the needles of Taxus baccata with a broad anticancer spectrum that has been widely used for the treatment of various cancers. However, its high hydrophobicity and poor solubility results in low bioavailability that restricted clinical application. To circumvent these challenges, the present investigation was performed to develop DTX proliposomes mediated glycyrrhetinic acid ligand (glycyrrhetinic acid - diaminododecane - cholestrol, GADC) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The optimal parameters of liposome formulation were egg phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol mass ratio of 9:1, the ratio of DTX to lipid substance within 1/10, the percent of GADC ligand (8 %), hydration time of 30 min and homogenization time of 10 min. To protect DTX liposomes from external environment during their storage, DTX proliposomes mediated GADC (GADC-DTX-PL), three optimum processing variables, lyoprotectants of sucrose and mannitol, the sucrose/mannitol ratio of 1:1, and the lyoprotectant/egg phosphatidylcholine of 8:1, were obtained after investigation. Under the optimum lyophilization conditions, GADC-DTX-PL was prepared and reconstituted proliposomes were determined to evaluate its physicochemical characterizations. These proliposomes showed that GADC-DTX-PL were spherical particles with an average size of 214.88 ± 11.00 nm, PDI value of 0.23 ± 0.00, zeta potential of –20.04 ±4.94 mV, encapsulation efficiency of 80.58 ± 0.91 %, and drug loading of 7.39 %. In addition, encapsulation of DTX in proliposomal formulation resulted in stable and slow drug release. Furthermore, in vitro bioactivity was evaluated, cytotoxicity effect and apoptosis efficiency of GADC-DTX-PL by HepG2 cells was significantly higher than that of DTX proliposomes without GADC. In the cell cycle assay, the results confirmed that the effect of GADC-DTX-PL regarding the initiation of apoptosis is accompanied with adjustment in the cell cycle progress via generating G2/M arrest. This potential of this novel approach for delivery DTX to hepatocellular cells lies in the ability to combine a targeted ligand of GADC and proliposomes simultaneously. Such formulation of GADC-DTX-PL enhances the selectivity of DTX delivery to hepatocellular cells, thereby improving the efficacy of chemotherapy.

Optimisation of parameters of a dual-axis soil remediation device based on response surface methodology and machine learning algorithm

To accelerate the recycling of black soil, it is necessary to develop a new type of soil remediation equipment to improve its working efficiency. The one-way test was used to determine the mean level value of the steepest climb test, and the combined equilibrium method was used to determine the upper and lower interval levels of the response surface test for parameter optimisation. Based on the results of the response surface indices, machine learning was performed and the optimal model was determined. The results show that the predictive ability and stability of the decision tree model for the two indicators are better than that of random forest and support vector machine. The optimal parameter combinations determined using the decision tree model are: speed 73 rpm, homogenisation pitch 183 mm, homogenisation time 1 s, descent speed 0.06 m/s. The error between the optimal value of the machine learning prediction model and the actual simulation is 1.1% and 5.72%, respectively. The results of the study show that the effect of optimizing the parameters through machine learning achieves a satisfactory prediction accuracy.

Effect of homogenization treatment on microstructure and properties of novel Al-Mg-Zn-Sc-Zr alloys with different Mg/Zn ratios

This study investigated the effect of homogenization treatment on microstructure and properties of Al-Mg-Zn-Sc-Zr alloys with different Mg/Zn ratios using optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), hardness, and conductivity tests. The results show severe dendrite segregation in Al-Mg-Zn-Sc-Zr ingots produced by water-cooled copper mold casting, with the as-cast microstructure mainly composed of an α-Al matrix, non-equilibrium T-Mg32(Al,Zn)49 phase, and a small amount of coarse primary Al3(Sc, Zr) phase. As Mg/Zn ratio decreases, the volume fraction of T-phase increases from 4.92 % to 5.41 %, and the grain size increases from 15.41 μm to 20.43 μm. DSC curves show the first endothermic peak at 468–475 °C, corresponding to the melting temperature of non-equilibrium second phase, setting the homogenization temperature to 460 °C. As homogenization time increases, non-equilibrium phase gradually dissolves. When Mg/Zn ratio is 1.71, the over-burning phenomenon occurs at 24 h; With the reduction of Mg/Zn ratio to 1.33, the over-burning occurred at 16 h. Two-stage homogenization significantly increased the amount of the second phase Al3(Sc, Zr) and refined grain size. After two-stage homogenization, the hardness and conductivity of the studied alloys with Mg/Zn ratio of 1.77 and 1.31 reach maximum values of 135.53HV and 144.22HV, and the conductivity is 30.10 % IACS and 28.71 % IACS, respectively.

“The Time That Is Left Us”: Imagining a (Post)Pandemic Future and Plagued Temporalities in Michael Bay and Adam Mason’s Songbird

Released during the height of the pandemic, Songbird (2020) received negative criticism from film critics for opportunistically capitalizing on the latent anxieties borne from those uncertain times. Critics have suggested that it sent an irresponsible message by emphasizing the capacity of public health institutions to enable authoritarian regimes. There is, however, critical and cultural value in confronting this problematic cinematic text during the (post)pandemic present as it can potentially allow a rethinking of how we conceptualize temporalities vis-à-vis film aesthetics and narrative. Songbird articulates a dystopian future where COVID-23 has ravaged the world and operates on two temporalities that are emblematic of the tension between the homogenous time of the authoritarian state and the ephemeral time of the people. By positioning the film as an example of what Giorgio Agamben calls “gestural cinema,” I examine how the film seeks to capture the irreconcilability of irrecoverable temporalities and the nostalgic future. The film dramatizes these temporalities in the context of a dystopian world where those infected with the virus are excluded in quarantine facilities while the remaining uninfected populace is forced to stay at home at all times with only a few exceptions. This article theorizes “plagued temporalities” as a new viral modernity that elicits a fresh, altered perception of chance and contingency. In Songbird, these plagued temporalities are experienced by the COVID-23 immune protagonist who can roam freely through urban spaces in solitude while simultaneously encountering figures who have different experiences of lived time.

Adaptive-coefficient finite difference frequency domain method for time fractional diffusive-viscous wave equation arising in geophysics

The diffusive-viscous wave (DVW) equation is a widely used model to describe frequency dependent attenuation of seismic wave in fluid-saturated porous medium. In this paper taking power law frequency dependent attenuation into account, we first introduce a modified DVW equation (time fractional DVW equation) in which the first order temporal derivative of viscous term is replaced with a fractional order temporal derivative. In consideration of that most of the existing numerical simulations for seismic wave equations are based on time domain methods and truncation with some specific boundary conditions, we incorporate the absorbing boundary condition as complex-frequency-shifted (CFS) perfectly matched layer (PML) into the time fractional DVW equation, and then develop an adaptive-coefficient (AC) finite difference frequency domain (FDFD) method for numerical simulation. The corresponding analytical solution for homogeneous time fractional DVW equation is provided for model validation, and the effectiveness of the developed AC FDFD method is verified by some numerical examples including the homogeneous model and the layered model. Numerical results show that AC FDFD method is more accurate than the traditional 2nd-order FDFD method for numerical modeling of time fractional DVW equation with CFS PML absorbing boundary condition, while requiring similar computational costs.

An investigation on effect of tramp elements and solidification processing on homogenization kinetics of AA 7xxx series aluminum alloys

AA 7068 Aluminum alloy is produced via conventional solidification (CS) and controlled diffusion solidification (CDS) processing and homogenized at 450 °C for 6 and 12 h. Optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive x-ray spectroscope (EDS) were used to examine the as-cast and homogenized samples. It was found that although the CS sample is more chemically homogenized in the as-solidified state, the CDS sample exhibits a higher homogenization rate during the treatment. The calculated phase diagram (CALPHAD) methodology was employed to study the effect of silicon and iron on the solidification path and homogenization of the alloy. Silicon consumes magnesium atoms on the surface of the α-Al phase to form the Mg2Si phase. Therefore, the magnesium concentration on the α-Al phase required for the formation of the σ phase must be increased. Calculations shows that all the Mg atoms at this stage are completely supplied from the bulk of the αAl phase. It can be hypothesized that during the last stage of solidification, a solid/liquid diffusion couple can be created between the primary αAl and the remaining liquid for several minutes (4 min at a cooling rate of 0.2 oC/s). As a result of the activation of this couple, the Mg atoms diffuse from the α-Al bulk to its surface, and vacancies diffuse from the surface to the bulk, forming a line of Kirkendall voids. With CDS processing, the surface of the primary phase is less Mg-concentrated than that in the CS process and this significantly reduces the formation of the Mg2Si phase. Conversely, the vacancy and Mg concentration of the αAl phase in CDS is higher than that of CS and this lets other alloying elements other than Mg diffuse to the primary phase, decreasing the homogenization time. The presence of Si in the alloy leads to the formation of the Mg2Si phase, which significantly reduces the final Mg concentration in the α-Al phase after full homogenization. In the pure alloy, the Mg concentration is 2.42 wt%, while in the FeSi-containing alloy, it is reduced to 1.58 wt% due to solid solution and dispersion strengthening mechanisms. Through CDS processing, the negative impact of Si can be reduced by disrupting the mechanism of Mg2Si formation.

Development of phyto-compound-based nanoformulation for skin regeneration and its in vitro evaluation

Skin regeneration is a process that regenerates damaged or aged skin cells, resulting in a healthier and younger appearance. The demand for nano dosage forms containing phyto-compounds in the cosmetics industry is increasing daily to control or prevent this process. Phyto-compounds with cell regenerative properties often show limited effectiveness in conventional use due to their low hydrophilicity and molecular weight, as well as their low absorption from the skin. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a phyto-compound obtained from licorice root, has many pharmacological properties, including skin regeneration properties. The aim of this study is to develop a highly stable GA-containing nanoemulsion (GA-NE) formulation for topical application, determine its anti-collagenase activity, and evaluate its safety and effectiveness by in vitro cell culture methods. In this context, GA-NEs were synthesized with sixteen production procedures using independent variables (oil, water percentage, surfactant, and homogenization time). The average droplet size, polydispersity index (PdI), and zeta potential (ZP) of the synthesized GA-NEs were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The heating-cooling cycle (H-C) test result showed that the F4P3 formulation was the most stable formulation. Therefore, 90-day physicochemical stability tests were performed with the F4P3 formulation. In vitro release results revealed that GA was released from NEs at a rate of 93.15 ± 0.61 % within 24 h. An ex vivo permeation and penetration study was performed, and the permeation and penetration profile of F4P3 was determined. In vitro cell culture studies showed that the F4P3 formulation had higher cell viability and regeneration than GA in the HaCaT cell line. Anti-collagenase activity results also revealed a better activity of the F4P3 formulation compared to GA. Consequently, characterization, efficacy, and safety studies showed that the F4P3 formulation could be an innovative cell regeneration product candidate suitable for topical use with high stability.

Fabrication and characterization of potato short amylose, zein, and pectin ternary composite particles stabilized pickering emulsions and their application on nuciferine delivery

Nuciferine exhibits properties such as reducing blood sugar and fat, however, it is hindered by its poor water solubility and low bioavailability. Pickering emulsions can efficiently encapsulate, protect and deliver active ingredients. In recent years, the use of biologically derived natural materials as emulsifiers to construct Pickering emulsions has become a research hotspot. This research utilized an enzymatic hydrolysis technique to produce short amylose. Subsequently, a ternary composite of short amylose (DBS), zein, and pectin (PEC) was formulated to stabilize Pickering emulsion, with the incorporation of nuciferine aiming to enhance the performance of lotus leaves in terms of both stability and bioavailability. The study revealed that varying amounts of DBS addition had a significant impact on the micromorphological structure and functional properties of DBS-Zein-PEC ternary composite particles. Specifically, the addition of 0.4 g of DBS led to a notable reduction in particle size to 735.2 nm and Zeta potential to −29.6 mV, creating a three-dimensional network with a closely packed lamellar structure. Optimal process conditions for preparing Pickering emulsion included a 3-minute homogenization time, rotation speed of 15000 rpm, and 5 % ternary composite particle addition. Under these conditions, O/W Pickering emulsion was successfully prepared, achieving a 90.5 % encapsulation rate for nuciferine. The resulting emulsion exhibited a minimum particle size of 4.09 μm, displayed good storage stability, resistance to salt ions and pH variations, viscous fluid characteristics, tolerance to oral and gastric environments, and slow release of nuciferine in the small intestine, thereby enhancing its bioavailability. These findings offer insights into the loading and delivery of nuciferine and serve as a technical guide for developing highly stable emulsion gel systems.