Preparation of Solid Dispersions of Simvastatin and Soluplus Using a Single-Step Organic Solvent-Free Supercritical Fluid Process for the Drug Solubility and Dissolution Rate Enhancement

The study was designed to investigate the feasibility of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) processing for the preparation of simvastatin (SIM) solid dispersions (SDs) in Soluplus® (SOL) at temperatures below polymer’s glass transition. The SIM content in the SDs experimental design was kept at 10, 20 and 30% to study the effect of the drug–polymer ratio on the successful preparation of SDs. The SIM–SOL formulations, physical mixtures (PMs) and SDs were evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dissolution studies. The scCO2 processing conditions and drug–polymer ratio were found to influence the physicochemical properties of the drug in formulated SDs. SIM is a highly crystalline drug; however, physicochemical characterisation carried out by SEM, DSC, and XRD demonstrated the presence of SIM in amorphous nature within the SDs. The SIM–SOL SDs showed enhanced drug dissolution rates, with 100% being released within 45 min. Moreover, the drug dissolution from SDs was faster and higher in comparison to PMs. In conclusion, this study shows that SIM–SOL dispersions can be successfully prepared using a solvent-free supercritical fluid process to enhance dissolution rate of the drug.

Personalised Tasted Masked Chewable 3D Printed Fruit-Chews for Paediatric Patients

The development of personalised paediatric dosage forms using 3D printing technologies has gained significant interest over the last few years. In the current study extruded filaments of the highly bitter Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride (DPH) were fabricated by using suitable hydrophilic carries such as hydroxypropyl cellulose (Klucel ELFTM) and a non-ionic surfactant (Gelucire 48/16TM) combined with sweetener (Sucralose) and strawberry flavour grades. The thermoplastic filaments were used to print 3D fruit-chew designs by Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology. Physicochemical characterisation confirmed the formation of glass solution where DPH was molecularly dispersed within the hydrophilic carriers. DPH was released rapidly from the 3D printed fruit-chew designs with >85% within the first 30 min. Trained panellists performed a full taste and sensory evaluation of the sweetener intensity and the strawberry aroma. The evaluation showed complete taste masking of the bitter DPH and revealed a synergistic effect of the sweetener and the strawberry flavour with enhanced sweet strawberry, fruity and aftertaste perception. The findings of the study can be used for the development of paediatric dosage forms with enhanced organoleptic properties, palatability and medication adherence.

Evaluation of the long-term compressive strength development of the sewage sludge ash/metakaolin-based geopolymer

This paper aimed to evaluate the long-term compressive strength development of the sewage sludge ash/metakaolin (SSA/MK)-based geopolymer. SSA/MK-based geopolymeric mortars and pastes were produced at 25ºC with different SSA contents (0 - 30 wt.%). Compressive strength tests were run within the 3-720 curing days range. A physicochemical characterisation (X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy) was performed in geopolymeric pastes. All the geopolymeric mortars presented a compressive strength gain with curing time. The mortars with all the SSA evaluated contents (10, 20, 30 wt.%) developed a compressive strength over 40 MPa after 720 curing days at 25ºC. The maximum compressive strength of the mortars with SSA was approximately 61 MPa (10 wt.% of SSA), similarly to the reference mortar (100% MK-based geopolymer). The microstructure analyses showed that the SSA/MK-based geopolymer presented a dense microstructure with N-A-S-H gel formation.

Lepidium sativum: A potential functional food

Lepidium sativum Linn. (family Cruciferae) is an edible herb that is botanically related to watercress and mustard, having their peppery, tangy taste and odour. Traditionally L. sativum seeds are used to treat wounds, sprains, asthma, bronchitis, cough and is considered useful as abortifacient, aphrodisiac, antibacterial, diuretic, expectorant, gastrointestinal stimulant, gastroprotective, laxative and stomachic. Many of these traditional uses have been scientifically validated using different in vitro and in vivo studies and in this review are compiled in an inclusive manner. Seeds are reported to be rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids, proteins, triterpenoids, steroids and saponin glycosides possessing different pharmacological activities. Aim of the study: This study is an effort to collate complete scientific literature published till March 2021 in order to generate a succinct summation on the distribution, traditional beneficial potential, chemical constituents, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of this coveted species of genus Lepidium. Materials and Methods: Exploring assorted scientific databases. Results: The present methodically compiled review article accentuates medicinal and nutritional significance of this highly valued plant by focusing on various aspects of the plant such as the, physicochemical characterisation and pharmacological studies that validates folklore uses. Thus, this annotated script on L. sativum would be a handy tool to explore the future prospective of research on this traditional plant.

Physicochemical characterisation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated land of Guru Gobind Singh refinery’s peripheral area, Punjab

Petroleum hydrocarbons are a critical environmental contaminant and pose a serious hazard to the living system as petroleum hydrocarbons are identified as carcinogenic and neurotoxic organic pollutants. Therefore, remedial methods are required to dispose of it. With a modern understanding of nature and microorganisms, bioremediation is the preferred method for soil pollution control. However, before the implementation of successful bioremediation technology, it is required to assess various physico-chemical parameters of contaminated soil. In the present study, various physico-chemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, water holding capacity, organic carbon, organic matter, available nitrogen, carbonate, bicarbonate, potassium and sodium contents of the petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil were estimated. The results suggested a rise in all the estimated parameters for the petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil.

Development of synbiotic added sucrose-free mango nectar as a potential substrate for Lactobacillus casei: Physicochemical characterisation and consumer acceptability during storage

The study was carried out to evaluate the viability of probiotic bacteria as well as physicochemical and sensory characteristics of synbiotic added sucrose-free mango nectar. The mango nectar samples were prepared incorporating different concentrations of inulin and stevia (0, 2 and 4% w/w) and stored for 45 days at 4 °C. The results indicated that the growth of Lactobacillus casei was strongly influenced by the beverage composition. Therefore, the addition of inulin and stevia had a positive effect on the viability of L. casei, especially with 2% w/w inulin or inulin in combination with stevia. However, bacterial viability reduced during storage. According to the results, pH and total soluble solid content of the samples decreased during storage; however, the viscosity values of mango nectars were elevated by the addition of inulin and stevia. Additionally, all beverages were considered a suitable medium to keep the L. casei survival above the minimum recommended value (106–107 CFU mL−1) during storage. In general, it can be concluded that the sample containing 2% inulin and 2% stevia in combination provided the best viability of L. casei with acceptable physicochemical properties and sensory characteristics that could be introduced as synbiotic and low-calorie mango nectar.