Textural and Thermal Properties of the Novel Fucoidan/Nano-Oxides Hybrid Materials with Cosmetic, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Potential

The main purpose of the research was to obtain and study hybrid materials based on three different nano-oxides commonly used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries: Al2O3, TiO2, and ZnO, with the natural bioactive polysaccharide fucoidan. Since the mentioned oxides are largely utilized by industry, there is no doubt that the presented studies are important from an environmental point of view. On the basis of the textural studies (dynamic light scattering DLS, low temperature nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction analysis XRD, scanning electron microscopy SEM) it was proved that the properties of the hybrid materials differ from the pure components of the system. Moreover, the advanced thermal analysis (TG-DTG-DSC) combined with the evolved gas analysis using Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and mass spectrometry were applied to describe the thermal decomposition of fucoidan, oxides and hybrid materials. It was found that the interactions between the polymer and the oxides results in the formation of the hybrid materials due to the functionalization of the nanoparticles surface, and that their thermal stability increased when compared to the pure substrates. Such findings definitely fill the literature void regarding the fucoidan based hybrid materials and help the industrial formulators in the preparation of new products.

Successful Dendrimer and Liposome-Based Strategies to Solubilize an Antiproliferative Pyrazole Otherwise Not Clinically Applicable

Water-soluble formulations of the pyrazole derivative 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-nitrophenylamino)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile (CR232), which were proven to have in vitro antiproliferative effects on different cancer cell lines, were prepared by two diverse nanotechnological approaches. Importantly, without using harmful organic solvents or additives potentially toxic to humans, CR232 was firstly entrapped in a biodegradable fifth-generation dendrimer containing lysine (G5K). CR232-G5K nanoparticles (CR232-G5K NPs) were obtained with high loading (DL%) and encapsulation efficiency (EE%), which showed a complex but quantitative release profile governed by Weibull kinetics. Secondly, starting from hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol, we prepared biocompatible CR232-loaded liposomes (CR232-SUVs), which displayed DL% and EE% values increasing with the increase in the lipids/CR232 ratio initially adopted and showed a constant prolonged release profile ruled by zero-order kinetics. When relevant, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments, as well as potentiometric titrations completed the characterization of the prepared NPs. CR232-G5K NPs were 2311-fold more water-soluble than the pristine CR232, and the CR232-SUVs with the highest DL% were 1764-fold more soluble than the untreated CR232, thus establishing the success of both our strategies.

Characterization and Modification of Clay for Removal of Drinking Water Hardness

Hardness in drinking water is a major problem in domestic usage. It is important to use drinking water within the tolerance limits of hardness. Clay samples obtained from two different areas in Sri Lanka were analysed, modified, and optimized with a view to suppress the hardness in drinking water. Characterization of clay was carried out using XRD (X-ray diffraction spectroscopy), FTIR (Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy), and SEM (Scanning electron microscope). Variation of the adsorption capacity of clay was analysed at different firing temperatures of the clay samples. XRD analysis revealed that both clay types are consisting of Kaolinite as the main constituent. The hardness adsorption efficiency and the retention of hardness adsorption in prolonged cycles has been observed when the clay is heated at different temperatures. In addition, the water hardness adsorption efficiency was enhanced by the cationic modification using sodium chloride. The results further reveals that the Freundlich isotherm is best fit for Ca2+ adsorption on both Biyagama and Deniyaya clay whereas that for the Mg2+ adsorption is Langmuir isotherm. The present study is useful to develop low-cost clay-based materials to minimize water hardness.

Insight into the Crystal Structures and Physical Properties of the Uranium Borides UB1.78±0.02, UB3.61±0.041 and UB11.19±0.13

In this study we reported the synthesis of three polycrystalline uranium borides UB1.78±0.02, UB3.61±0.041, and UB11.19±0.13 and their analyses using chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, SQUID magnetometry, solid-state NMR, and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. We discuss the effects of stoichiometry deviations on the lattice parameters and magnetic properties. We also provide their static and MAS-NMR spectra showing the effects of the 5f-electrons on the 11B shifts. Finally, the FTIR measurements showed the presence of a local disorder.

Casein Micelles as Nanocarriers for Benzydamine Delivery

The aim of the present work was to optimize the process parameters of the nano spray drying technique for the formulation of benzydamine-loaded casein nanoparticles and to investigate the effect of some process variables on the structural and morphological characteristics and release behavior. The obtained particles were characterized in terms of particle size and size distribution, surface morphology, production yield and encapsulation efficiency, drug-polymer compatibility, etc., using dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Production yields of the blank nanoparticles were significantly influenced by the concentration of both casein and the crosslinking agent. The formulated drug-loaded nanoparticles had an average particle size of 135.9 nm to 994.2 nm. Drug loading varied from 16.02% to 57.41% and the encapsulation efficiency was in the range 34.61% to 78.82%. Our study has demonstrated that all the investigated parameters depended greatly on the polymer/drug ratio and the drug release study confirmed the feasibility of the developed nanocarriers for prolonged delivery of benzydamine.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Gold Nanoparticles from Malus viridisand Capsicum annuum as AnticancerAgent

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesied by eco friendly method (green method) through the reduction of aqueous chloroauric acid (HAuCl4.4H2O) solution using apple and pepper (Malusviridis and capsicum annuum) peels extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. AuNPs were characterized using various instrumental techniques including energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Atomic force microscope (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and Zeta-Potential. The synthesized AuNPs was used against breast cancer cell line MCF-7 to compare their biological effect as anticancer agent. Results showed that the AuNPs formed with both plants had a physical charastaristics differ from each other, even in their effects on cancerous cells, where the inhibition rate of AuNPs synthesized using apple (Malusviridis) peel extrac has larger values than Capsicum annuum. The AuNPs formed from synthesized using both plants showed an acceptable stability.

Development of Gelatin/Misoprostol Compounds for Use in Pregnancy Failures

Early abortion is one of the most common complications during pregnancy. However, the frequent handling of the genital region, more precisely the vagina, which causes discomfort to patients in this abortion process due to the frequency of drug insertion, as four pills are inserted every six hours, has led to the search for alternatives to alleviate the suffering caused by this practice in patients who are already in a shaken emotional state. Hence, this work aimed to develop composites of gelatin and misoprostol, using a conventional single-dose drug delivery system. These composites were prepared by freeze/lyophilization technique, by dissolving the gelatin in distilled water, with a concentration of 2.5% (w/v), and misoprostol was incorporated into the gelatin solution at the therapeutic concentration (800 mcg). They were subsequently molded, frozen and lyophilized. The samples of the composites were then crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) 1% (v/v) with respect to the gelatin mass for 5 min. The characterization techniques used were: Optical Microscopy (OM), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetry (TG), Swelling, Biodegradation and Cytotoxicity. In OM it was observed that the addition of the drug improved the cylindrical appearance of the compounds, in comparison with the sample that was composed of only gelatin. There was a reduction in the degree of swelling with the addition of the drug and crosslinking. The cytotoxicity test indicated the biocompatibility of the material. Based on the results obtained in these tests, the composites have therapeutic potential for uterine emptying in pregnancy failures, especially in the first trimester.

Rapid Fleet Condition Analysis through Correlating Basic Vehicle Tracking Data with Engine Oil FT-IR Spectra

Engine oil condition and tribological performance are strongly interrelated. Accordingly, oil condition monitoring is common in various applications. This is especially important, as oil condition depends on the fueling and utilization profile of an internal combustion engine. Common practice involves the measurement of various parameters, such as the total acid number and total base number, oxidation, nitration, viscosity, and elemental composition; thus, it can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. This study provides a methodology for rapid analysis for large vehicle fleets or sample sizes, using only Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy and the subsequent multivariate data analysis offers a rapid alternative to commonly available methods. The described method provides a rapid, cost-efficient, and intuitive approach to uncovering differences in the oil condition. Furthermore, understanding the underlying reasons in engine construction and the resulting chemical degradation is also possible.

Complete Three-Electron Vanadium Redox in NASICON-Type Na3VSc(PO4)3 Electrode Material for Na-Ion Batteries

Here we introduce a new NASICON-type Na3VSc(PO4)3 positive electrode material for Na-ion batteries demonstrating reversible (de)intercalation of 3 Na cations per formula unit within a wide voltage range with complex voltage-composition dependence. The total electrochemical capacity of the material is 170 mAh/g, which corresponds to the complete three-electron V2+/V3+/V4+/V5+ process. All the (de)sodiation stages follow a predominantly solid-solution mechanism, as shown by operando X-ray powder diffraction. The oxidation of vanadium up to +5 upon the charge of Na3VSc(PO4)3 to 4.5 V vs. Na/Na+ causes the significant transformation of the unit cell. According to ex situ Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy it is accompanied by the increasing distortion of the vanadium coordination environment and shortening of the vanadium-oxygen bonds. This leads to the irreversible character of the charge-discharge curve, and the initial structure can be restored after the strong overdischarge to ≈1.5 V vs. Na/Na+.

Effect of 45S5 bioactive glass on the sintering temperature of titanium-hydroxyapatite composite

Titanium (Ti) is widely known for its good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. However, it has poor biocompatibility. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a biocompatible material but has poor mechanical properties. Making Ti-HA composite creates a promising choice of biomaterial in dental and medical applications. However, creating a Ti-HA composite requires sintering at high temperatures which leads to oxidation of Ti. The aim of this study was to reduce the sintering temperature of Ti-HA composite by incorporating 45S5 Bioactive Glass (BG) without compromising the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of the composite. In this study, a Ti-HA-BG composite with wt% of 45-45-10 respectively was produced via powder metallurgy. This was compared with the control composite consisting of 50 wt% Ti- 50 wt% HA. Powders according to the above-mentioned ratio were milled at 200 rpm for 5 hours by using a planetary ball milling machine. Samples were then compacted into cylindrical pellets via uniaxial pressing at 1500 psi and sintered in an atmospheric furnace at 1000 °C, 1100 °C and 1200 °C for 4 hours. Ti-HA and Ti-HA-BG sample characteristics were examined and compared by using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The density and volumetric expansion of the composites were also measured and compared. Results from XRD data indicate the reduction of oxidation of Ti and decomposition of HA in Ti-HA-BG composite at lower temperature in comparison to Ti-HA composite. The density of Ti-HA-BG composites are higher compared to Ti-HA composite while the volumetric expansion of Ti-HA-BG composites is lesser than Ti-HA composite. Therefore, BG is a low melting point additive that acts as a good sintering aid to effectively lower the sintering temperature while maintaining the desired properties of initial components.