UV-vis Imaging Research Articles

Synergistic Enhancement of Diagnostic Imaging: Synthesis and Preliminary Safety Evaluation of Gadolinium-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots as Dual-Contrast Agent.

The present study explores the synthesis and bio-safety evaluation of gadolinium-doped carbon quantum dots (GCQDs) as a potential dual-contrast agent for diagnostic imaging. GCQDs exhibit both fluorescent and magnetic properties, making them suitable for UV-Vis and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The synthesis of GCQDs was achieved via hydrothermal treatment, incorporating gadolinium into the carbon quantum dot matrix. The magnetic properties of GCQDs were analyzed, showing significantly enhanced values compared to gadobutrol, a common MRI contrast agent. However, synthesis constraints limit the gadolinium content achievable in nanodots. To assess the safety of GCQDs, their effects on the embryonic development of zebrafish (Danio rerio) were examined. Various concentrations of GCQDs were tested, observing mortality rates, hatchability, malformations, heartbeats, spontaneous movement, and GCQDs uptake. Dialysis studies indicated that gadolinium ions are incorporated into the internal structure of the carbon nanodots. Zebrafish toxicity tests revealed that while survival rates were comparable to control groups, hatchability decreased significantly with higher gadolinium concentrations in GCQDs. Fluorescence microscopy showed no statistical differences in the fluorescence intensity between groups. These findings suggest that GCQDs could serve as an effective dual-contrast agent, combining the optical imaging capabilities of CQDs with the enhanced MRI contrast provided by gadolinium. This study underscores the need for further research on the synthesis methods and biological interactions of GCQDs to ensure their safety and efficacy in medical applications.

Assessment of subcutaneously administered insulins using in vitro release cartridge: Medium composition and albumin binding

Biotherapeutics is the fastest growing class of drugs administered by subcutaneous injection. In vitro release testing mimicking physiological conditions at the injection site may guide formulation development and improve biopredictive capabilities. Here, anin vitrorelease cartridge (IVR cartridge) comprising a porous agarose matrix emulating subcutaneous tissue was explored. The objective was to assess effects of medium composition and incorporation of human serum albumin into the matrix. Drug disappearance was assessed for solution, suspension and in situ precipitating insulin products (Actrapid, Levemir, Tresiba, Mixtard 30, Insulatard, Lantus) using the flow-based cartridge. UV–Vis imaging and light microscopy visualized dissolution, precipitation and albumin binding phenomena at the injection site. Divalent cations present in the release medium resulted in slower insulin disappearance for suspension-based and in situ precipitating insulins. Albumin-binding acylated insulin analogs exhibited rapid disappearance from the cartridge; however, sustained retention was achieved by coupling albumin to the matrix. An in vitro-in vivorelation was established for the non-albumin-binding insulins.The IVR cartridge is flexible with potential in formulation development as shown by the ability to accommodate solutions, suspensions, and in situ forming formulations while tailoring of the system to probe in vivo relevant medium effects and tissue constituent interactions.

Development of UV-Vis Imaging Compatible Chromatographic Matrix with Application for Injectable Formulation Characterization.

Transport within human tissue matrices, e.g., the subcutaneous tissue, exhibits some resemblance to chromatographic processes. Here, a porous matrix comprising agarose beads compatible with UV-vis imaging was developed for a parallel piped rectangular flow cell (4 mm light path). Introduction of high-molecular weight dextrans (Mr ∼ 200000 and ∼500000) at 10% (w/v) rendered imaging possible by providing optical clearing of the turbid porous matrix, resulting in improved transmittance as well as resolution (from 400 to 180 μm) at 280 nm, as well as 520 nm. The interplay between diffusive and convective transport at 0 < Pe ≤ 28 was visualized at 280 nm upon injection of dexamethasone suspensions. Real-time UV-vis imaging showed in-flow cell the effect of incorporating ion-exchange resins on the retention of infliximab, lysozyme, and α-lactalbumin. The ion-exchange matrix may serve as a surrogate for polyelectrolytes in the subcutaneous tissue, assessing the potential role of electrostatic interactions of biotherapeutics upon injection. UV-vis imaging of size-exclusion chromatographic matrixes may be of interest in its own right and potentially develop into a characterization tool for injectables.

Numerical Mechanistic Modelling of Drug Release from Solvent-Removal Zein-Based In Situ Gel.

The development of effective drug delivery systems remains a focus of extensive research to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Among these, in situ forming gels (ISG) have emerged as a promising avenue for controlled drug release. This research focuses on the mathematical modeling of levofloxacin HCl (Lv) release from zein-based ISG using the cup method, aiming to mimic the environment of a periodontal pocket. The drug release behavior of the ISGs was investigated through experimental observations and numerical simulations employing forward and central difference formula. Notably, the experimental data for drug release from the 20% w/w zein-based ISG formulations closely aligned with the simulations obtained from numerical mechanistic modeling. In summary, 20% w/w zein-based ISG formulations demonstrated nearly complete drug release with the maximum drug concentration at the edge of the matrix phase values consistently around 100-105%, while 25% w/w zein-based ISG formulations exhibited somewhat lower drug release extents, with values ranging from 70-90%. Additionally, the rate of drug transport from the polymer matrix to the external phase influenced initial release rates, resulting in a slower release. The utilization of glycerol formal as a solvent extended drug release further than dimethyl sulfoxide, thanks to denser matrices formed by high-loading polymers that acted as robust barriers to solvent removal and drug diffusion. Furthermore, UV-vis imaging was utilized to visualize the matrix formation process and solvent diffusion within the ISGs. The imaging results offered valuable insights into the matrix formation kinetics, controlled drug release mechanisms, and the influence of solvent properties on drug diffusion. The combination of mathematical modeling and experimental visualization provides a comprehensive understanding of drug release from zein-based ISGs and offers a foundation for tailored drug delivery strategies.

Impact of differential quantity of iron oxide nanoparticles incorporated feed on growth, biochemical and haematological characteristics of Mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala

The present study deals with the impact of differential quantity of iron oxide nanoparticles incorporated feed on the growth, biochemical and haematological characteristics of Mrigal. Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesised and characterized by using 5 UV-Vis spectroscopy(UV-Vis ) , Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDAX), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) andVibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). Six experimental feeds were prepared by using a fish meal, groundnut oil cake, wheat flour, tapioca flour and differential quantities of iron oxide nanoparticles such as 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg/100g. Feed utilization, biochemical and haematological characteristics of Mrigal were estimated after 21 days. UV-VIS Image spectra show that iron oxide nanoparticles were measured at a wavelength of “328 nm”. SEM image shows the morphological formation of iron oxide nanoparticles and was observed at the wavelength of 1μm.EDAX spectrum recorded on the iron oxide nanoparticles is shown as two peaks located between 0.2KeV and 6.4KeV. XRD results were obtained for the crystal nature of iron oxide nanoparticles and the average size is 20 nm. FT-IR spectrum of iron oxide nanoparticles was analyzed in the range from 4000-500 cm-1.VSM results revealed that saturation magnetization (MS) is 1.019 emu/gm present in iron oxide nanoparticles. The feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency, growth, and relative growth rate of Mrigal were higher in Ex. Feed III. The gross and net growth efficiency of Mrigal were higher in Ex. Feed I. All the blood parameters were gradually increased from Feed I to VI. The total protein, carbohydrate and lipids of Mrigal’s muscle, gill and liver of Mrigal is higher in Feed VI containing 50mg of iron oxide nanoparticles.

Investigation of diclofenac release and dynamic structural behavior of non-lamellar liquid crystal formulations during in situ formation by UV–Vis imaging and SAXS

In situ formation of high viscous inverse lyotropic non-lamellar liquid crystalline phases is a promising approach for sustained drug delivery in the joint. The in situ forming process on exposure of two diclofenac-loaded preformulations to aqueous media was characterized with respect to depot size and shape, initial release and structural transitions using UV–Vis imaging and spatially and time-resolved synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The preformulations consisted of 10 % (w/w) ethanol, 10 % (w/w) water and a binary lipid mixture of glycerol monooleate (GMO):1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-(1-glycerol) (DOPG) or GMO:medium chain triglycerides (MCT). Upon injection of preformulations into an employed injection-cell containing excess of bio-relevant medium, rapid generation of liquid crystalline depots was observed. UV–Vis images and constructed 2D SAXS maps of the injection-cell showed depots with different shapes and sizes, and features with high nanostructural heterogeneity. More extensive swelling of the GMO:DOPG-based preformulation was observed compared to the GMO:MCT-based preformulation. The UV image analysis found that a higher amount of diclofenac was released in the image area after 20 h from the GMO:MCT depot compared to the GMO:DOPG depot. The injection-cell setup employing UV–Vis imaging and synchrotron SAXS constitutes an attractive approach for evaluating the in situ forming processes of liquid crystalline depots.

An in vitro gel-based system for characterizing and predicting the long-term performance of PLGA in situ forming implants

In situ forming implants are exposed to an extracellular matrix resembling a gel rather than aqueous solution upon subcutaneous administration. The aim of study was to develop a gel-based release testing system for characterizing the long-term in vitro behavior of in situ forming implants. The gel-based system consisted of an agarose gel mimicking the subcutaneous injection site and a receiver layer comprising phosphate buffer. Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) in situ forming implants containing leuprolide acetate as the model peptide and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or triacetin as co-solvent were investigated. The gel-based release testing system discriminated between the formulations. Accelerated release data obtained at elevated temperatures were able to predict real-time release applying the Arrhenius equation. Monitoring of the microenvironmental pH of the implants was performed by UV–Vis imaging in the gel-based system at 50 °C. A pH drop (from pH 7.4 to 6.7 for the NMP and DMSO implants, to pH 5.5 for the triacetin implants) within the first day was observed, followed by an increase to pH ∼7.4. The gel-based system coupled with UV imaging offered opportunity for detailed evaluation and prediction of the in vitro performance of long-acting injectables, facilitating future development of in situ depot forming delivery systems.

Structural characterization of green synthesized magnetic mesoporous Fe3O4NPs@ME

Mesoporous magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) were synthesized by using the leaf extract of Mussaenda erythrophylla (ME) by a cheap and simple method – green synthesis. The synthesized Fe3O4NPs@ME were characterized by various techniques. A strong absorption spectrum without any specific peak in the UV–vis image designated the formation of iron-containing nanoparticles. XRD image confirmed the presence of only magnetite and the purity was ascertained by the absence of other forms of iron-containing nanoparticles. The average crystallite size was calculated as 18.58 nm and the lattice parameter was 8.38 Å which was close to the magnetite standards. FE-SEM image portrayed spherical aggregates and EDS showed signature peaks for Fe and O elements. XPS image showed the presence of peaks for oxygen, ferrous, and ferric ions which are consistent with magnetite along with carbon on the surface. Mesoporous structure (5.78 nm) was affirmed by BET results which showed a higher surface area (174.15 m2/g) than the commercial one. The FTIR bands obtained at 454.25 and 667.39 cm−1 corresponded to the distinctive Fe–O linkage, substantiating the formation of magnetite. The stability of the magnetite at very high temperature was validated by TGA results which showed a 15% total reduction in weight. The magnetite showed superparamagnetism with a low saturation magnetization value (5.14 emu/g) which confirmed the existence of non-magnetic surface layers arising from the phytomolecules residing in the leaf extract of M. erythrophylla. Hence, the pure, crystalline, and mesoporous Fe3O4NPs@ME with large surface area obtained by the above-mentioned facile procedure will surely make an impact in many areas such as catalysis, adsorption, and biomedical engineering.

Towards functional characterization of excipients for oral solid dosage forms using UV–vis imaging. Liberation, release and dissolution

The purpose of this study was to investigate whole-dosage form UV–vis imaging as a potential tool for functional characterization of excipients used in solid oral dosage forms. To this end, tablets (average mass 260.0 mg, 224.5 mg and 222.1 mg) containing theophylline anhydrate (20 % w/w), 1% (w/w) magnesium stearate, and 79 % (w/w) of either microcrystalline cellulose (MCC, Avicel PH 101) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC, Methocel K15 M or K100 M) were prepared as model systems. Drug liberation from tablets was studied in 0.01 M HCl at 37 °C using a Sirius SDi2 equipped with a USP IV type flow cell comprising a UV–vis imaging detector operating at 255 nm and 520 nm. The effluent from the flow cell was passed through a downstream spectrophotometer, and UV–vis spectra in the wavelength range 200–800 nm were recorded every 2 min. The erosion and swelling behavior of the MCC tablets and HPMC K15 M and K100 M tablets were visualized in real time. The swelling of HPMC K15 M and K100 M containing tablets was assessed quantitatively as changes in tablet diameter measured at 520 nm, and was clearly distinguished from the swelling of the MCC tablets. Namely, an increment of 2.5 mm in diameter was determined for the HPMC tablets while the MCC tablets increased by 0.5–1 mm in diameter. Gel layers of variable thickness were observed only for the HPMC K15 M and K100 M tablets. In addition, a relatively high initial liberation rate of theophylline was found for the MCC tablets as compared to the HPMC tablets. UV–vis imaging revealed features of liberation not revealed by simply measuring drug concentration in the dissolution media or by visual assessment. It may be sufficiently sensitive to be further developed for functional characterization of excipients and provide insights into drug-excipient interactions likely to be useful in formulation development.

Initial Leuprolide Acetate Release from Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) in Situ Forming Implants as Studied by Ultraviolet-Visible Imaging.

The initial drug release from in situ forming implants is affected by factors such as the physicochemical properties of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, the type of the excipients utilized, and the surrounding environment. The feasibility of UV-vis imaging for characterization of the initial behavior of poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)/1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) in situ forming implants was investigated. The in vitro release of leuprolide acetate (LA) and implant formation in real time were monitored using dual-wavelength imaging at 280 and 525 nm, respectively, in matrices based on agarose gel and hyaluronic acid (HA) solution emulating the subcutaneous matrix. Three hours upon injection of the pre-formulation, approximately 15% of the total amount of LA administered was found in the agarose gel, while 5% was released from the implant into the HA solution. Concurrently, more extensive swelling of the implants in the HA solution as compared to implants in the agarose gel was observed. Transport of both LA and the solvent NMP was investigated using UV-vis imaging in a small-scale cell where the geometry of the formulation was controlled, showing a linear correlation between drug release and solvent escape. Light microscopy showed that the microstructures of the resulting implants in agarose gel and HA solution were different, which may be attributed to the different solvent exchange rates. UV imaging was also used to examine the interaction of LA with the release medium by characterizing the diffusion of LA in agarose gel, HA solution, and phosphate buffered saline. The reduced LA diffusivity in HA solution as compared to agarose gel and the LA distribution coefficient in the agarose gel-HA system indicated the presence of interactions between LA and HA. Our findings show that the external environment affects the solvent exchange kinetics for in situ forming implants in vitro, resulting in different types of initial release behavior. UV-vis imaging in combination with biorelevant matrices may offer an interesting approach in the development of in situ forming implant delivery systems.

Treatments of a phthalocyanine-based green ink for tattoo removal purposes: generation of toxic fragments and potentially harmful morphologies.

Since tattoos became overwhelmingly fashionable worldwide, the demand for removal has proportionally increased, Nd:YAG Q-switch laser being the most commonly used tool for the purpose. In this framework we investigated the composition and products of laser treatment of green tattoo ink, the Green Concentrate from Eternal. The ink characterization has been carried out by IR, UV-Vis, EDX spectroscopies, and SEM imaging. It revealed the presence of the pigment PG7, rather than PG36 as reported on the bottle label, along with non-fully halogenated analogues. The morphology is an extended sheath with embedded grains. Subsequent laser treatments were performed on both dried and extracted inks, dispersed either in water or in propan-2-ol, chosen for their different polarities, as it is the case in the skin layers. The products were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM imaging, and dynamic light scattering. The outcome is a complex fragmentation pattern that depends both on the solvent and on the initial aggregation state. The fragment compounds are toxic at various degrees according to the Classification Labelling and Packaging regulations. Several shapes of aggregates are produced as an effect of both downsizing and re-aggregation, with potentially harmful aspect ratios.

UV-vis Imaging of Piroxicam Supersaturation, Precipitation, and Dissolution in a Flow-Through Setup.

Evaluation of drug precipitation is important in order to address challenges regarding low and variable bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs, to assess potential risk of patient safety with infusion therapy, and to explore injectable in situ suspension-forming drug delivery systems. Generally, drug precipitation is assessed in vitro through solution concentration analysis methods. Dual-wavelength UV-vis imaging is a novel imaging technique that may provide an opportunity for simultaneously monitoring changes in both solution and solid phases during precipitation. In the present study, a multimodal approach integrating UV-vis imaging, light microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy was developed for characterization of piroxicam supersaturation, precipitation, and dissolution in a flow-through setup. A solution of piroxicam dissolved in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone was injected into a flowing aqueous environment (pH 7.4), causing piroxicam to precipitate. Imaging at 405 and 280 nm monitored piroxicam concentration distributions during precipitation and revealed different supersaturation levels dependent on the initial concentration of the piroxicam solution. The combination with imaging at 525 nm, light microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy measurements demonstrated concentration-dependent precipitation and the formation, growth, and dissolution of individual particles. Results emphasize the importance of the specific hydrodynamic conditions on the piroxicam precipitation. The approach used may facilitate comprehensive understanding of drug precipitation and dissolution processes and may be developed further into a basic tool for formulation screening and development.

Concomitant monitoring of implant formation and drug release of in situ forming poly (lactide-co-glycolide acid) implants in a hydrogel matrix mimicking the subcutis using UV–vis imaging

For poly (lactide-co-glycolide acid) (PLGA)-based in situ forming implants, the rate of implant formation plays an important role in determining the overall drug release kinetics. Currently, in vitro techniques capable of characterizing the processes of drug release and implant formation at the same time are not available. A hydrogel-based in vitro experimental setup was recently developed requiring only microliter of formulation and forming a closed system potentially suitable for interfacing with various spectroscopic techniques. The aim of the present proof-of-concept study was to investigate the feasibility of concomitant UV imaging, Vis imaging and light microscopy for detailed characterization of the behavior of in situ forming PLGA implants in the hydrogel matrix mimicking the subcutis. The model compounds, piroxicam and α-lactalbumin were added to PLGA-1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and PLGA-triacetin solutions. Upon bringing the PLGA-solvent-compound pre-formulation in contact with the hydrogel, Vis imaging and light microscopy were applied to visualize the depot formation and UV imaging was used to quantify drug transport in the hydrogel. As compared to piroxicam, the α-lactalbumin invoked an acceleration of phase separation and an increase of implant size. α-Lactalbumin was released faster from the PLGA-1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone system than the PLGA-triacetin system opposite to the piroxicam release pattern. A linear relationship between the rate of implant formation and initial compound release within the first 4h was established for the PLGA-NMP systems. This implies that phase separation may be one of the controlling factors in drug release. The rate of implant formation may be an important parameter for predicting and tailoring drug release. The approach combining UV imaging, Vis imaging and light microscopy may facilitate understanding of release processes and holds potential for becoming a useful tool in formulation development of in situ forming implants.

Unveiling the Aggregation of Lycopene in Vitro and in Vivo: UV-Vis, Resonance Raman, and Raman Imaging Studies.

The present study investigates the structure of lycopene aggregates both in vitro and in vivo using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and Raman spectroscopies. The electronic absorption bands of the J- and H-aggregates in vitro shift to lower and higher energies, respectively, compared to that of the lycopene monomer. Along with these results, the frequencies of the ν1 Raman bands were shifted to lower and higher frequencies, respectively. By plotting the frequencies of the ν1 Raman band against the S0 → S2 transition energy, a linear relationship between the data set with different aggregation conformations can be obtained. Therefore, the band positions depending on the different conformations can be explained based on the idea that the effective conjugated C═C chain lengths within lycopene molecules are different due to the environmental effect (site-shift effect) caused by the aggregation conformation. Applying this knowledge to the in vivo measurement of a tomato fruit sample, the relationship between the aggregation conformation of lycopene and the spectral patterns observed in the UV-vis as well as Raman spectra in different parts of tomato fruits was discussed in detail. The results showed that the concentration of lycopene (particularly that of the J-aggregate) specifically increased, whereas that of chlorophyll decreased, with ripening. Furthermore, Raman imaging indicated that lycopene with different aggregate conformations was distributed inhomogeneously, even within one sample. The layer formation in tomato tissues with high concentrations of J- and H-aggregates was successfully visualized. In this manner, the presence of lycopene distributions with different aggregate conformations was unveiled in vivo.

Phase separation of in situ forming poly (lactide-co-glycolide acid) implants investigated using a hydrogel-based subcutaneous tissue surrogate and UV–vis imaging

Phase separation of in situ forming poly (lactide-co-glycolide acid) (PLGA) implants with agarose hydrogels as the provider of nonsolvent (water) mimicking subcutaneous tissue was investigated using a novel UV–vis imaging-based analytical platform. In situ forming implants of PLGA-1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and PLGA-triacetin representing fast and slow phase separating systems, respectively, were evaluated using this platform. Upon contact with the agarose hydrogel, the phase separation of the systems was followed by the study of changes in light transmission and absorbance as a function of time and position. For the PLGA-1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone system, the rate of spatial phase separation was determined and found to decrease with increasing the PLGA concentration from 20% to 40% (w/w). Hydrogels with different agarose concentrations (1% and 10% (w/v)) were prepared for providing the nonsolvent, water, to the in situ forming PLGA implants simulating the injection site environment. The resulting implant morphology depended on the stiffness of hydrogel matrix, indicating that the matrix in which implants are formed is of importance. Overall, the work showed that the UV–vis imaging-based platform with an agarose hydrogel mimicking the subcutaneous tissue holds potential in providing bio-relevant and mechanistic information on the phase separation processes of in situ forming implants.

Tuneable textile cleaning and disinfection process based on supercritical CO2 and Pickering emulsions

A tuneable green process of textile cleaning is being optimized. The cleaning is achieved with supercritical carbon dioxide and an aqueous suspension as co-solvent. We managed to lower the operational pressure and examine the effect of the Ca(OH)2 concentration on the cleaning result. Soil and colour migration, particle size distribution and their possible effect on the cleaning result as well as the CaCO3 particle deposition have been studied. The optimal operational pressure is 150bar at 40°C while the proposed Ca(OH)2 concentration is 5% w/w. The cleaning efficiencies reported on olive rabbit skin glue and beetroot paste are 97%, 99% and 97% respectively. No colour and/or soil migration to other parts of the textiles was observed. The optimized process has been successfully applied on textiles infected with Aspergillus Niger fungi. The combination of the exposure of the textile in a Ca(OH)2 aqueous dispersion and the exposure in scCO2 and CaCO3 particles produced in situ leads to textile⿿s disinfection. No chemical disinfectants are used nor required. The proposed, optimized process is a tuneable green cleaning process which can be easily adjusted to any type of soiling. Characterization of the soiled and cleaned textiles was performed by means of weight loss (soil removal efficiency), colour measurements, optical microscopy, XRF analysis, UV⿿vis absorption and imaging techniques.

GEOMETRIC CALIBRATION OF THE CLEMENTINE UVVIS CAMERA USING IMAGES ACQUIRED BY THE LUNAR RECONNAISSANCE ORBITER

Abstract. The Clementine UVVIS camera returned over half a million images while in orbit around the Moon in 1994. Since the Clementine mission, our knowledge of lunar topography, gravity, and the location of features on the surface has vastly improved with the success of the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission and ongoing Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission. In particular, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) has returned over a million images of the Moon since entering orbit in 2009. With the aid of improved ephemeris and on-orbit calibration, the LROC team created a series of precise and accurate global maps. With the updated reference frame, older lunar maps, such as those generated from Clementine UVVIS images, are misaligned making cross-mission analysis difficult. In this study, we use feature-based matching routines to refine and recalibrate the interior and exterior orientation parameters of the Clementine UVVIS camera. After applying these updates and rigorous orthorectification, we are able generate precise and accurate maps from UVVIS images to help support lunar science and future cross-mission investigations.

GEOMETRIC CALIBRATION OF THE CLEMENTINE UVVIS CAMERA USING IMAGES ACQUIRED BY THE LUNAR RECONNAISSANCE ORBITER

The Clementine UVVIS camera returned over half a million images while in orbit around the Moon in 1994. Since the Clementine mission, our knowledge of lunar topography, gravity, and the location of features on the surface has vastly improved with the success of the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission and ongoing Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission. In particular, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) has returned over a million images of the Moon since entering orbit in 2009. With the aid of improved ephemeris and on-orbit calibration, the LROC team created a series of precise and accurate global maps. With the updated reference frame, older lunar maps, such as those generated from Clementine UVVIS images, are misaligned making cross-mission analysis difficult. In this study, we use feature-based matching routines to refine and recalibrate the interior and exterior orientation parameters of the Clementine UVVIS camera. After applying these updates and rigorous orthorectification, we are able generate precise and accurate maps from UVVIS images to help support lunar science and future cross-mission investigations.

Real-time UV imaging identifies the role of pH in insulin dissolution behavior in hydrogel-based subcutaneous tissue surrogate

For parenteral biopharmaceuticals, subcutaneous diffusion and, in the case of solid implants or suspensions, dissolution may govern the clinical profile of the drug product. Insight into the dissolution and diffusion processes of biopharmaceuticals after parenteral administration is fundamental in the development of new protein drug formulations. Using insulin as a model compound, the aim of this work was to develop a UV imaging-based method to study the real-time dissolution and diffusion behavior of solid protein drugs under stagnant conditions in a hydrogel matrix mimicking the subcutaneous tissue. Dissolution of proteins and peptides is a complex phenomenon as it may be coupled to the complicated acid base properties of these substances. UV imaging allowed the real-time dissolution and diffusion processes of insulin at different pH values and of different insulins to be studied. Dissolution rates were obtained, and the quantitative performance of the developed UV imaging method was verified. It was shown that the UV imaging dissolution method was able to differentiate between the behavior of different insulins and that human insulin dissolution was highly dependent on pH. pH effects in the microenvironment of the human insulin compacts at pH 7.40 and 3.00 were observed by UV–Vis imaging, explaining the different dissolution kinetics of human insulin at pH 7.40 and 3.00 as compared to pH 5.40. In conclusion, UV–Vis imaging may be a useful tool for studying dissolution, diffusion and pH effects in the vicinity of solid protein drug in a hydrogel matrix with the aim of achieving a better understanding of in vivo dissolution processes.

One-step synthesis of polyaniline fibers with double-soft templates and evaluation of their doping process

In this paper, we have developed a simple, facile, and efficient approach to synthesize polyaniline fibers (PANI fibers) from aniline in the presence of (NH4)2S2O8 with sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) and L-camphorsulfonic acid (L-CSA) as double templates. The chemical constituents of the composites are characterized by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results demonstrate that the PANI fibers were synthesized successfully. The morphology of the composites was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM and UV-Vis images show an interesting growth and doping process. Moreover, cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used to characterize the electrochemical properties of PANI microfibers. They also give a pair of redox peaks and have better operation stability, which indicates that the composites show distinct electrochemical performance. So the PANI microfibers would have potential applications in the fields of analytical chemistry, bioanalysis, etc.