Coupling liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry with ultrasonic nebulization for chromium speciation in rice

Liquid chromatography and dynamic reaction cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry are used in tandem for the determination of chromium compounds in rice powder.

Repurposing of Plasminogen: An Orphan Medicinal Product Suitable for SARS-CoV-2 Inhalable Therapeutics

The SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with pulmonary coagulopathy, which determines the deposition of fibrin in the air spaces and lung parenchyma. The resulting lung lesions compromise patient pulmonary function and increase mortality, or end in permanent lung damage for those who have recovered from the COVID-19 disease. Therefore, local pulmonary fibrinolysis can be efficacious in degrading pre-existing fibrin clots and reducing the conversion of lung lesions into lasting scars. Plasminogen is considered a key player in fibrinolysis processes, and in view of a bench-to-bedside translation, we focused on the aerosolization of an orphan medicinal product (OMP) for ligneous conjunctivitis: human plasminogen (PLG-OMP) eye drops. As such, the sterile and preservative-free solution guarantees the pharmaceutical quality of GMP production and meets the Ph. Eur. requirements of liquid preparations for nebulization. PLG-OMP aerosolization was evaluated both from technological and stability viewpoints, after being submitted to either jet or ultrasonic nebulization. Jet nebulization resulted in a more efficient delivery of an aerosol suitable for pulmonary deposition. The biochemical investigation highlighted substantial protein integrity maintenance with the percentage of native plasminogen band > 90%, in accordance with the quality specifications of PLG-OMP. In a coherent way, the specific activity of plasminogen is maintained within the range 4.8–5.6 IU/mg (PLG-OMP pre-nebulization: 5.0 IU/mg). This is the first study that focuses on the technological and biochemical aspects of aerosolized plasminogen, which could affect both treatment efficacy and clinical dosage delivery. Increasing evidence for the need of local fibrinolytic therapy could merge with the availability of PLG-OMP as an easy handling solution, readily aerosolizable for a fast translation into an extended clinical efficacy assessment in COVID-19 patients.

Synthesis of Natural-Like Snow by Ultrasonic Nebulization of Water: Morphology and Raman Characterization

The current devices used to produce massive amounts of snow (i.e., snow machines) can be improved with concern to both the energy efficiency and the quality of snow. Here we investigate an alternative snow production method based on the ultrasonic nebulization of water and its subsequent condensation on the cold surfaces of a refrigerator. Inspection of the snow samples with a stereo optical microscope shows both dendritic and granular snow morphologies. The characterization of the samples by Raman spectroscopy shows a behavior consistent with that of a natural, low-density snow. Our results indicate that ultrasonic nebulization of water is an effective strategy for producing natural-like snow at the laboratory scale.

Quality and microbiological protection of table eggs by ultrasonic application of acidic electrolyzed water and chitosan

Ultrasonic nebulization was used as a novel method of chitosan (CH) and acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) application on table eggs; effects on preservation, quality and antimicrobial properties were investigated. The effect of the application of CH and AEW alone or in combination on eggs quality was evaluated in terms of weight loss, shell thickness, yolk colour, Haugh units and shell strength. Additionally, the application of CH and AEW as an antimicrobial agent was investigated in order to evaluate their efficacy against Salmonella enteritidis and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). A negative effect was observed by the sole application of AEW on eggshell thickness and strength. Conversely, the combination of AEW and CH improve eggshell strength, as well as avoid water losses. The use of CH alone stable Yolk colour values and Haugh units compared to control eggs during the storage time. The combination of AEW and CH reduced the antimicrobial activity. However, the sole application of CH or EAW was effective depending on the type of inoculation and the strain evaluated.