Surfactant Tween Research Articles

Lipid Nanoparticles for Lutein Encapsulation and Delivery

Recently, lipid nanoparticles have been intensively studied as carriers of lipophilic drugs. In this work, we have studied the stability of nanoemulsions with paraffin oil, solid lipid nanoparticles with stearic acid, and nanostructured lipid particles with paraffin oil and stearic acid in a mass ratio of 1 : 1. The obtained results have shown that all studied lipid systems stabilized with nonionic surfactants Tween 60 and Span 60 were stable to aggregation and subsequent sedimentation for more than 30 days. The incorporation of lutein into the lipid particles has almost no effect on their stability, while the size of solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid nanoparticles decreases from 28–30 to 15–17 nm. The bioavailability of lutein loaded in lipid nanoparticles is evaluated from their effect on the restoration of blood flow velocity by simulating hemic hypoxia. Almost immediately after the application of lipid nanoparticles, the blood flow velocity ceases to decrease, and a tendency to its restoration is observed in 5–10 min. This shows that lipid nanoparticles with paraffin oil and stearic acid are promising candidates for the delivery of lipophilic drugs.

Formulation and Evaluation of Simvastatin Nanoparticles

Present study was aimed to formulation and evaluation of Simvastatin nanoparticles. Simvastatin nanoparticles were prepared by High pressure homogenization method by using lipid (Glyceryl Monostearate), polymer (Chitosan, Sodium Alginate) and surfactant (Tween 80) in the formulation. The prepared nanoparticles were evaluated for particle size, zetapotential, entrapment efficiency, drug excipients compatability studies by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy and invitro release studies. Among all the formulations, The formulation F8 showed particle size 97.47nm, PDI as 0.333, zeta potential -30.60mV and % Entrapment efficiency 85.69%, FTIR studies shown that drug was compatable with excipients, Scanning electron microscopy results shown that particles in the formulation shows moderately spherical in shape and drug release maximum 97.28%. So, formulations F8 showed better sustain the drug release for 12hrs period of time as compared to other prepared formulations, hence drug release kinetics was applied for F8 formulation. Drug release kinetic studies it showed that optimized formulation F8 showed zero order with non-fickian mechanism.

NOVEL SELF-MICROEMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR ENHANCED DIABETES MANAGEMENT: EVALUATING THE COMBINED EFFECTS OF GLIMEPIRIDE AND BOSWELLIA SERRATA EXTRACT

This study aimed to create and assess a novel self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) for treating diabetes mellitus that contains glimepiride and Boswellia serrata extract. In the creation of SMEDDS formulations, Transcutol-P was employed as the base oil, while the surfactants Tween 80 and propylene glycol/polyethylene glycol 400 served as the co-surfactants. To improve the formulation, pseudoternary phase diagrams were created. While the SMEDDS of B. serrata extract showed a mean droplet size of 27.63 nm, 98.3% transmittance, a zeta potential of -0.11 mV, and a polydispersity index of 0.287, the glimepiride-optimized SMEDDS showed a mean droplet size of 14.8 nm, 98.5% transmittance, a zeta potential of -0.10 mV. In-vivo evaluation on diabetes-induced rats demonstrated significant reductions in SGOT and SGPT levels with the glimepiride and B. serrata extract SMEDDS compared to diabetic control rats and the marketed glimepiride formulation. The formulation showed promising results in controlling serum total protein, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. The glimepiride and B. serrata extract SMEDDS also exhibited antioxidant activity, reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) absorbance. Histopathological assessment of kidney and pancreas tissues revealed the protective effects of the concomitant administration of glimepiride and B. serrata extract SMEDDS formulation against diabetes-induced damage. Overall, the developed SMEDDS formulation kit showed superior in-vitro and in-vivo performance, suggesting its potential as an effective therapeutic option for managing diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of the effect of tween-80 and its additive amount on the maturity of cassava residue compost

Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin interweave to form a dense network structure that makes lignocellulosic biomass difficult to degrade. Tween-80 is a non-ionic surfactant that can be used to promote microbial growth and increase the rate of microbial metabolism in compost. In this study, different doses of Tween-80 were presented as additives in the composting process to reduce the composting time and improve the maturity of the compost. The composting trial was conducted in a 10 L reactor for 46 days. The results showed that the addition of the chemical surfactant Tween-80 increased the temperature in the composting process and could effectively promote the degradation of lignocellulose and reduce phytotoxicity. During the composting process, the microbial population showed exponential growth followed by a gradual decline. At the end of composting, Tween-80 added at 0.35% reduced the C/N ratio to 9.61, much lower than that of the CK group at 12.3. Meanwhile, the degradation rates of cellulose and hemicellulose increased by 2.76% and 7.86%, respectively. Toxicity experiments on compost products also proved that the seed germination index of compost with 0.35% Tween-80 addition increased to 98.57%, which is 17.33% higher than that without the addition. FT-IR and TG experiments showed that the addition of Tween-80 could effectively accelerate the composting process and promote the rapid maturation of the heap. In conclusion, the addition of 0.35% Tween-80 was most conducive to promoting the rapid decomposition of organic matter in cassava residue compost and improving the maturity of the heap.

Synthesis and characterization of acetamiprid nanoemulsion by high-energy methods

Nanotechnology's application in agriculture has opened up new options for generating nanosized agrochemicals that have the potential to improve efficiency, improve stability, extend the effective duration, and reduce environmental impacts 1 . One of the most pressing difficulties in the agricultural industry is the need to handle pesticide-related issues such as environmental contamination, bioaccumulation, and increases in insect resistance, which necessitates reducing the amount of pesticide sprayed on crops and protecting stored products. Nanotechnology is proving to be an appealing tool for achieving this goal since it provides new ways to synthesize and transport active ingredients known as nanopesticides 1 . Nanoemulsions are particularly well suited to creating lipophilic functional agent delivery systems 2 . The current study uses a high-energy (ultrasound) emulsification approach to create oil-in-water (O/W) acetamiprid nanoemulsions with synthetic and natural additives. The acetamiprid nanoemulsions were spontaneously formed by adding a mixture of acetamiprid and solvent in an aqueous solution containing a surfactant (tween) with continuous stirring. The nanoemulsions were then formed by ultra-sonication. Various characterization techniques for acetamiprid nanoemulsions include particle size analysis (DLS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Acetamiprid nanoemulsions are further evaluated by studying thermodynamic stability. This includes a Centrifugation assay, Freezethaw cycle nanoemulsions, Heating-cooling test, stability at room temperature of 25°C, pH measurement, and viscosity measurement. The droplet size and morphology of the acetamiprid nanoemulsions were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). DLS and TEM measurements showed that acetamiprid nanoemulsions had an almost droplet size distribution (PDI < 200 nm). On this basis, an insecticide acetamiprid was incorporated into an optimized nanoemulsion system to demonstrate potential applications in pest control. Keywords: Acetamiprid nanoemulsion, nanoemulsion characterization, nanoemulsion stability.

Surfactant-enhanced in-situ oxidation of DNAPL source zone: Experiments and numerical modeling

In this study we investigate the synergetic effects of combining surfactant-enhanced dissolution with in-situ oxidation of a pool-dominated PCE DNAPL source zone entrapped in porous media. Flow cell flushing experiments packed with silica sand and natural calcareous soil were conducted with a surfactant (Tween 80) and permanganate (MnO4−) used as dissolution and oxidation agents, respectively. The resultant breakthrough curves exhibited a multiple step behavior with mass removal controlled in the latter stages by the less-accessible DNAPL mass. DNAPL spatial architecture, flow-field heterogeneity, and flushing solution all influenced the remediation effort. When taking into account both the surfactant-enhanced dissolution and permanganate oxidation processes, mass-flux reduction/mass-removal behavior relationships indicated that the inclusion of oxidation in the remediation scheme delayed the drop in mass flux from the source zone, leading to improved DNAPL removal efficiency. Numerical modeling was also performed to further evaluate the efficacy of the surfactant-enhanced chemical oxidation of DNAPL PCE with permanganate. The system of reaction equations available in the multiphase flow simulator UTCHEM were adapted to simulate the chemical oxidation process in the presence of a surfactant. The model results yield lower oxidation reaction rate constants in the presence of Tween 80, indicating that Tween 80 can interfere with the reaction rate. However, the increase in the solubility of PCE in the presence of Tween 80 more than compensates for the decrease in reaction rate constant. Overall, for Tween 80/MnO4− applied at sufficient dosages, more efficient DNAPL zone remediation was achieved compared to surfactant flushing or permanganate oxidation alone.

Effect of oil and surfactants on changes in some physical properties of soils

The paper shows that oil pollution of gray forest and soddy-podzolic soils led to a decrease in capillary water capacity, plasticity and solid phase of soils. As a result of the introduction of the nonionic surfactant tween-80 into the oil-contaminated soil, these indicators were partially restored, but their values remained lower than in soil samples subjected to oil treatment. The obtained materials allow us to speak about the fundamental possibility of using surfactants for the remediation of oil-contaminated soils.

Design and evaluation of adapalene microemulsion for transfollicular drug delivery through guinea pig skin.

Acne vulgaris can be treated topically with adapalene, a synthetic derivative of naphthoic acid with retinoid activity. Adapalene has a very low rate of percutaneous absorption and is almost completely insoluble in water. To obviate this problem, microemulsion (ME) carrier is used. The study's goals were to create and characterize adapalene-loaded ME and assess the drug's transfollicular route of penetration to see if hair follicles can serve as a conduit for the drug to enter the skin. Adapalene microemulsions (MEs) are made by combining the right amounts of the cosurfactant (propylene glycol), surfactant (Tween 80 and Span 20), and oil phase (oleic acid-Transcutol P (10:1)). Physical and chemical characteristics of MEs, including droplet size, stability, viscosity, drug release, and in vitro skin permeability via guinea pigs' hairy and non-hairy skin, were assessed. The range of 13.86-56.16 nm was found to be the average droplet size of ME formulations. The range of viscosities was 117-240 cps. The drug release profile reveals that 95.374 percent of the drug was released within the experiment's first 24 h. Compared to the adapalene control (aqueous suspension), all MEs enhanced the adapalene flow through both hairy and non-hairy skin. The surfactant/cosurfactant ratio had an impact on the amount of drug that passed through both skins because a larger ratio enhanced the adapalene affinity in the follicular route. Furthermore, the proportions of the water and oil phases in formulations, as well as the S/C ratio, have a significant impact on the physicochemical characteristics and adapalene permeability across both pathways.

DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF MICROEMULSION FORMULATIONS OF BIFONAZOLE

Aim and objective: The purpose of this study was to develop microemulsion formulations for topical delivery of bifonazole with an objective to increase the solubility of the drug. Methods: Total 5 microemulsion formulations were developed using water titration method. Capmul Pg-12 (oil), Tween-80: (surfactant) and Propylene glycol (co-surfactant) were used in different ratio based on the solubility and emulsification efficiency. Prepared formulations were evaluated on different parameters like transmittance (%), pH, refractive index, viscosity, drug content, solubility, and in-vitro release study Franz diffusion cell. Ternary phase diagram was prepared using oil (Capmul Pg-12), surfactant (Tween 80), co-surfactant (Propylene glycol) in different ratio Results: The % transmission was found to be in the range of 98.47±0.09 to 99.2±0.08%, the pH value was found to be in the range of 3.34±0.08 to 4.02±0.09, refractive index in the range of 1.3418±0.016 to 1.3818±0.004, drug content was found to be in the range of 98.47± 0.08 to 99.62±0.02 %, viscosity was found to be in the range of 65.23±2.1 to 71.56±5.77%. It was seen that after 4 hours of diffusion, the drug released from the formulation ME5 faster and more than that of the other ratios i.e., 91.2±0.06%. It was observed that drug release was governed by the diffusion process. Conclusion: On the basis of different evaluation parameters microemulsion formulations of batch ME5 were found to be the best. Present study concludes successful delivery of Bifonazole by the means of microemulsion formulations Peer Review History: Received: 4 March 2023; Revised: 26 April; Accepted: 20 June 2023, Available online: 15 July 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Marwa A. A. Fayed, University of Sadat City, Egypt, maafayed@gmail.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Rola Jadallah, Arab American University, Palestine, rola@aauj.edu Dr. Taiwo O Elufioye, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, toonitaiwo@yahoo.com

Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Destabilization by Tween-80 and Lung Surfactants to Overcome Biofilm-Imposed Drug Resistance.

This study is aimed to evaluating the potential of tween-80 and artificial lung surfactant (ALS) to destabilize S. aureus biofilm. The biofilm destabilization was studied by crystal violet staining, bright field microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). During the study, S. aureus biofilm was exposed with tween-80 along various concentrations (1%, 0.1%, and 0.05%) or LS (lung surfactant) at (2.5%, 5%, and 15%) for 2 hrs. It was observed that 0.1% of tween-80 destabilized 63.83 ± 4.35% and 15% ALS 77 ± 1.7% biofilm in comparison to without treatment. The combination of tween-80 and ALS was used and showed a synergistic effect to destabilize 83.4 ± 1.46% biofilm. These results showed the potential of tween-80 and ALS as biofilm disruptors, which further needs to explore in an in-vivo animal model to access the actual potential of biofilm disruption in natural conditions. This study could play a pivotal role to overcome the problem of antibiotic resistance imposed due to biofilm formation to combat antibiotic resistance imposed by bacteria.

Enhanced Cytotoxic Activity of 6-Mercaptopurine-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles in Hepatic Cancer Treatment.

6-Mercaptopurine (6-MCP) is an antiproliferative purine analog used in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis). Although 6-MCP has the great therapeutic potential for cancer and immunosuppressant-related diseases, 6-MCP is not readily soluble in water, presents a high first-pass effect, short half-life (0.5-1.5 h), and implies a low bioavailability (16%). On the contrary, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are prepared from solid lipids at room temperature and body temperature. In this study, SLNs were prepared w/o/w double emulsion-solvent evaporation method using Precirol ATO5 as matrix lipid. In the emulsion stabilization, surfactant (Tween 80) and polymeric stabilizer (polyvinyl alcohol [PVA]) were used. Two group formulations using Tween 80 and PVA were compared in terms of particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential encapsulation efficiency%, and process yield%. Differential calorimetric analysis and release properties were examined for optimum formulation, and release kinetics were calculated. According to studies, sustained release was obtained with SLNs by the Korsmayer-Peppas kinetic model. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies were performed on the hepatocarcinoma (HEP3G) cell line. According to the results, successful SLN formulations were produced, and PVA was found best stabilizer. Optimum formulation exhibited significantly higher cytotoxic effects on HEP3G than on pure 6-MCP. These results demonstrated that solid lipid nanodrug delivery systems have great potential for formulation of 6-MCP.

Influence of droplet size on the antibacterial efficacy of citral and citronella oil nanoemulsions in polysaccharide coated fresh-cut apples

Fresh-cut fruits are highly perishable and susceptible to bacterial contamination. Polysaccharides edible coating loaded with essential oils nanoemulsions have the potential to extend shelf life and improve quality of fruits. The effectiveness of this approach is dependent on the properties of the nanoemulsions, such as droplet size (DS) and stability. This study aimed to optimize the production of citral (CT) and citronella oil (CTO) nanoemulsions (CT-CTO-NEs) incorporated in edible coating film to be used as natural antimicrobial agent in fresh-cut apples. After testing different combinations of surfactant (tween 80) and cosurfactant (propylene glycol) to obtain stable oil-in-water (o/w) nanoemulsions, the results demonstrated that optimized CT-CTO-NEs with DS less than 500 nm have been successfully achieved with high stability for 3 weeks at 4 °C. In addition, CT-CTO-NEs were obtained by In situ formation under magnetic stirring without applying complex high shear homogenization processes. Desired stability of CT-CTO-NEs also has been achieved within semi-solid matrix (sodium alginate cross-linked film). The relationship between DS and antibacterial activity was observed, with the smallest DS (< 100 nm) showing the highest antibacterial efficacy against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli. These results emphasize the importance of DS in the effectiveness of CT-CTO-NEs as an antibacterial coating for fresh-cut fruits.

The evaluation of stability and bioactivity of xanthone nanoemulsion

The α-mangostin, a lipophilic xanthone derivative, has a low bioavailability. It was, however, isolated from mangosteen rind, which has antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Oil in water (O/W) Nanoemulsion as drug delivery can stabilize lipophilic drug into core and increase bioavailability. The α-mangostin nanoemulsion (MN) was formulated with various surfactant (Tween 20, Tween 80, Span 20 and Span 80), co-surfactant (Span 20 and Span 80) and oil (Jojoba oil (JO), as well as evening primrose oil (EO), EMOGREENTM19 (E19) and EMOGREENTM15 (E15)). It was found that at 7.5–10% by weight of Tween 80 as surfactant was appropriate for MN formulation. The type of oil influenced droplet size and pH value of MN. The result showed that MN droplet size is bigger in vegetable oil than in hydrocarbon oil. However, its pH value is lower in vegetable oil than that in hydrocarbon oil. For three months, all MN droplet sizes were increased. Interestingly, MN using tween 80 as surfactant can provide good stability during that time. Moreover, MN exhibits anti-oxidant (SC50, 23.07 ± 0.84 μg/mL) and anti-inflammatory (IC50, 12.06 ± 0.99 μg/mL) bioactivities.

Surfactants Accelerate Isotope Exchange-Based 18F-Fluorination in Water.

Radiochemical yields (RCYs) of isotope exchange-based 18F-fluorination of non-carbon-centered substrates in water are rationally enhanced by adding surfactants, which increases both the rate constant k and local reactant concentrations. Among 12 surfactants, the cationic surfactant cetrimonium bromide (CTAB) and two nonionic surfactants (Tween 20 and Tween 80) were selected for their superior catalytic effects, namely, electrostatic effects or solubilization effects. For a model substrate, bis(4-methoxyphenyl)phosphinic fluoride, the 18F-fluorination rate constant (k) increased up to 7-fold, while its saturation concentration rose up to 15-fold due to micelle formation, encapsulating 70-94% of the substrate. With 30.0 mmol/L CTAB, the required 18F-labeling temperature of a typical organofluorosilicon prosthesis ([18F]SiFA) decreased from 95 °C to room temperature, achieving an RCY of 22%. For an E[c(RGDyK)]2-derived peptide tracer with an organofluorophosphine prosthesis, the RCY in water at 90 °C achieved 25%, correspondingly increasing the molar activity (Am). After high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or solid-phase purification, the residual selected surfactant concentrations in the tracer injections were well below the FDA DII (Inactive Ingredient Database) limits or the LD50 in mice.

Preparation of light weight paraffin microspheres based on CO2/N2 switchable emulsion for enhancing plugging performance of drilling fluid

Owing to the synthesis complexity and environmental hazards for the preparation of paraffin sealants by conventional methods, an alternative strategy for paraffin microspheres preparation was still required. Herein, a simplified and economic method based on CO2/N2 switchable paraffin emulsion that was stabilized by surfactant tween-80/span-80 system, was proposed for paraffin microspheres preparation. Paraffin microspheres were obtained upon CO2-induced stability changes of emulsion. The prepared paraffin microsphere has a small mean diameter of 8814.5 nm which meets the demand for the particle size of practical production. With the paraffin microsphere dosage of 0.5%, the mud cake permeability decreased to 50.4%, which indicates the good plugging performance of microspheres. When repeatedly preparing the separated aqueous phase and the recovered emulsion containing dissolved emulsion, it was found that the mean diameter of paraffin microspheres changed slight, which indicates the recyclability of switchable solvent. Paraffin microspheres, as plugging additive, pose remarkable effects on other properties of drilling fluid. It was found that the density decreased from 1.05 g/cm3 to 0.89 g/cm3, AV from 4.0 to 10.50, PV from 1.0 to 7.50, YP from 1.0 to 3.0, and FLAPI decrease continually with the paraffin microspheres dosage increases to 2.5%. The recovery rate of shale is above 80% with the introduction of paraffin microspheres, which indicates that paraffin microspheres emulsion has good compatibility with drilling fluid matrix in a certain range. Herein, a paraffin microspheres preparation method based on CO2/N2 switchable emulsion is also proposed which has wide application in the preparation of paraffin microspheres.

Application of nanostructured lipid carriers containing α-tocopherol for oxidative stability enhancement of camelina oil

In the present study, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were prepared using the hot homogenization method with high shear force. The optimal amounts of solid/liquid lipids ratio (glyceryl stearate/oleic acid), the aqueous phase of surfactant (tween 80/water), and α-tocopherol (αt) as constituents of NLCs were obtained using response surface methodology via Box–Behnken design and the encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity percentages of NLCs containing αt (NLCs- αt) were recorded as responses. The optimum NLCs-αt characterized in terms of particle size, particle size distribution index (PDI), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transfer spectroscopy infrared (FTIR) analyses. The results indicated that NLCs in the optimum point had a particle size of 198 nm and PDI of 0.28 with a spherical shape and a smooth surface. The results of DSC and FTIR analyses showed that there is no interaction between the active compounds and obtained NLCs. The release behavior of αt from NLCs-αt in the simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) revealed that the\\orsmeyer-Peppas model was the best model for the evaluation of the release kinetic of αt. It was observed that the addition of NLCs-αt reduced the DPPH radical scavenging (83.33–46.25%), TPC (228.8–169.0 mg GAE/g) and oxidative stability (4.21–3.30 h), but increased peroxide value (0.87–2.59 meqO2.kg−1), anisidine value (0.63–1.50) and TOTOX value (2.37–6.68) after 90 days of storage. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of Camelina oil containing optimum NLCs-αt (46.25%) was comparable to Camelina oil containing the TBHQ (49.45%) as a reference, but it was higher when rosemary essential oil (REO) was added with NLCs-αt (58.73%) (after 90 days of storage). In general, it can be concluded that the optimum NLCs have tremendous potential for encapsulation of αt and deliver the extraordinary antioxidant effect to Camelina oil when they are added to Camelina oil with REO.

Redoxless Electrochemical Capacitance Spectroscopy for Investigating Surfactant Adsorption on Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a sensitive analytical method for surface and bulk properties. Classical EIS and derived electrochemical capacitance spectroscopy (ECS) with a redox couple are label-free approaches for biosensor development, but doubts arise regarding interpretability when a redox couple is employed (redox EIS) due to interactions between electroactive probes and interfacial charges or forced potential. Here, we demonstrated redoxless ECS for directly determining surfactant adsorption on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs), validated through a simulation of equivalent circuits and the electrochemistry of electronic dummy cells. Redoxless ECS provides excellent capacitance plot loci for quantifying the interfacial permittivity of di-electric layers on electrode surfaces. Redoxless ECS was compared with redox EIS/ECS, revealing a favorable discrimination of interfacial capacitances under both low and high SDS coverage on SPCEs and demonstrating potential for probeless (reagentless) sensing. Furthermore, the proposed method was applied in an electrolyte without a redox couple and bare electrodes, obtaining a high performance for the adsorption of surfactants Tween-20, Triton-X100, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and tetrapropylammonium bromide. This approach offers a simple and straightforward means for a semi-quantitative evaluation of small molecule interactions with electrode surfaces. Our proposed approach may serve as a starting point for future probeless (reagentless) and label-free biosensors based on electrochemistry, eliminating disturbance with surface charge properties and minimizing forced potential bias by avoiding redox couples. An unambiguous and quantitative determination of physicochemical properties of biochemically recognizable layers will be relevant for biosensor development.

Improvement of aggregation behavior, toxicity and antimicrobial properties of hydroxypiperidinium surfactants by the formation of mixed micelles with Tween 80

The aggregation behavior of mixed micellar solutions based on cationic hexadecylpiperidinium surfactants containing one or two hydroxy substituents and nonionic surfactant Tween 80 have been investigated by tensiometric, fluorimetric, and dynamic light scattering methods. The values of the critical micelle concentration were determined at varying component ratio. Based on the data obtained and their analysis using the Clint’s and Rubingh’s models one can conclude about a negative deviation from the ideal mixing (synergistic effect). It has been found out that the piperidinium surfactants, both in individually form and in mixed compositions with 0.5 molar fraction of nonionic surfactant showed high antimicrobial activity comparable to that of commercial antibiotics, while the presence of Tween 80 significantly reduced the acute toxicity of the system. A study of the membranotropic properties of piperidinium surfactants and the mixed systems, as well as an analysis of their effect on the permeability of the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane of Staphylococcus aureus suggested that the antimicrobial effect was not associated with the destruction of the cell membrane, but was due to specific interactions of surfactants with cell components.

Effect of Surfactant Formula on the Film Forming Capacity, Wettability, and Preservation Properties of Electrically Sprayed Sodium Alginate Coats.

Surfactants are always added to coating formulations to ensure good adhesion of edible coatings to a product's surface and to maintain freshness. In this study, the effects of the mix surfactants Tween 20 and Span 80 with different hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) values on the film-forming ability, wettability, and preservation capacity of blueberry sodium alginate coating were investigated. The results indicated that Tween 20 obviously ensured favorable wettability and improved the uniformity and mechanical properties of the resulting film. While the addition of Span 80 reduced the mean particle size of the coating, enhanced the water resistance of the film, and helped to reduce blueberry weight loss. A sodium alginate coating with low viscosity and medium HLB could better inhibit the galactose, sucrose, and linoleic acid metabolism of blueberries, reduce the consumption of phenols, promote the accumulation of flavonoids, and thus display superior coating performance. In summary, sodium alginate coating with medium HLB had comprehensive advantages in film-forming ability and wettability and was conducive to the fresh-keeping role.

Adapted method for rapid detection and quantification of pathogen Campylobacter jejuni from environmental water samples.

Building on a previously developed workflow for rapid and sensitive pathogen detection by qPCR, this work has established a sample treatment strategy that produces consistent quantification efficiencies (QEs) for Campylobacter jejuni against a complex and highly variable sample matrix from a suburban river. The individual treatments most effective at minimizing the inhibitory effects of the sample matrix were pH buffering with HEPES (50mM, pH 5.7) and addition of the surfactant Tween 20 (2% v/v). Unexpectedly, sample acidification (pH 4-5) resulting from the use of aged Tween 20 that had undergone partial hydrolysis, appeared to play a key role in enhancing QE. This effect could be replicated by direct pH adjustment with dilute hydrochloric acid and may be linked to the solubilization and removal of inhibitory particles at an acidic pH. While the effectiveness of each individual treatment method varied, a combined treatment of either HEPES buffer + Tween 20, or direct pH adjustment + Tween 20, consistently produced QEs of 60%-70% and up to 100%, respectively, over a sampling period of one year. The consistency and scalability of this workflow make it a suitable alternative to culture-based ISO methods for detecting Campylobacter spp.