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Physico-chemical removal of iron from semi-aerobic landfill leachate by limestone filter

Aziz HA, Yusoff MS, Adlan MN, Adnan NH, Alias S

Waste Manag, 2004;24(4):353-8.
PMID: 15081062

Limestone has been proven effective in removing metals from water and wastewater. A literature review indicated that limestone is capable of removing heavy metals such as Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Fe and Mn are through a batch process or by filtration technique. The removal capability is reported at up to 90%. However, to date most of the studies have been focused on synthetic wastewater. The present study attempts to investigate the suitability of limestone to attenuate total iron (Fe) from semi aerobic leachate at Pulau Burung Landfill Site in Penang, Malaysia. Iron was found in significant quantities at the landfill site. The study also aims to establish the Fe isotherm and breakthrough time of the proposed limestone filter for post-treatment to the migrating landfill leachate before its release to the environment. The Fe isotherms were established using a batch equilibrium test, while the breakthrough characteristics were determined using continuous flow permeating through a limestone column. The latter was used in order to simulate the continuous flow of leachate that would occur in the proposed limestone filter. The limestone media used in the experiment contain more than 90% CaCO3 with particle sizes ranging from 2 to 4 mm. Four filter columns (each 150 mm in diameter and 1000 mm depth) were installed at the landfill site. Metal loadings were kept below 0.5 kg /m3 day and the experiment was run continuously for 30 days. Initial results indicated that 90% of Fe can be removed from the leachate based on retention time of 57.8 min and surface loading of 12.2 m3/m2 day. For the batch study on the Fe isotherm, the results indicated that limestone is potentially useful as an alternative leachate treatment system at a relatively low cost.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Effect of Carbopol and polyvinylpyrrolidone on the mechanical, rheological, and release properties of bioadhesive polyethylene glycol gels

Tan YT, Peh KK, Al-Hanbali O

AAPS PharmSciTech, 2000;1(3):E24.
PMID: 14727910

This study examined the mechanical (hardness, compressibility, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness) and rheological (zero-rate viscosity and thixotropy) properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG) gels that contain different ratios of Carbopol 934P (CP) and polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVP). Mechanical properties were examined using a texture analyzer (TA-XT2), and rheological properties were examined using a rheometer (Rheomat 115A). In addition, lidocaine release from gels was evaluated using a release apparatus simulating the buccal condition. The results indicated that an increase in CP concentration significantly increased gel compressibility, hardness, and adhesiveness, factors that affect ease of gel removal from container, ease of gel application onto mucosal membrane, and gel bioadhesion. However, CP concentration was negatively correlated with gel cohesiveness, a factor representing structural reformation. In contrast, PVP concentration was negatively correlated with gel hardness and compressibility, but positively correlated with gel cohesiveness. All PEG gels exhibited pseudoplastic flow with thixotropy, indicating a general loss of consistency with increased shearing stress. Drug release T50% was affected by the flow rate of the simulated saliva solution. A reduction in the flow rate caused a slower drug release and hence a higher T50% value. In addition, drug release was significantly reduced as the concentrations of CP and PVP increased because of the increase in zero-rate viscosity of the gels. Response surfaces and contour plots of the dependent variables further substantiated that various combinations of CP and PVP in the PEG gels offered a wide range of mechanical, rheological, and drug-release characteristics. A combination of CP and PVP with complementary physical properties resulted in a prolonged buccal drug delivery.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Inclusion complexation of artemisinin with alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins

Wong JW, Yuen KH

Drug Dev Ind Pharm, 2003 Oct;29(9):1035-44.
PMID: 14606667

The present study was conducted to investigate the inclusion complexation of artemisinin (ART) with natural cyclodextrins (CyD), namely alpha-, beta-, and gamma-CyDs with the aim of improving its solubility and dissolution rate. Complex formation in aqueous solution and solid state was studied by solubility analysis, dissolution, and thermal analysis. Solubility diagrams indicated that the complexation of ART and the three CyDs occurred at a molar ratio of 1:1, and showed a remarkable increase in ART solubility. Moreover, the thermodynamic parameters calculated by using the van't Hoff equation revealed that the complexation process was associated with negative enthalpy of formation and occurred spontaneously. The complexation capability of CyDs with ART increased in the order of alpha- < gamma- < beta-CyDs and could be ascribed to the structural compatibility between the molecular size of ART and the diameter of the CyD cavities. Dissolution profiles of the three complexes demonstrated an increased rate and extent of dissolution compared with those of their respective physical mixtures and a commercial preparation. In solid-state analysis, using differential scanning calorimetry, the gamma-CyD was capable of complexing the highest percentage of ART, followed by beta- and alpha-CyDs. The respective estimated percentage of ART complexed by the CyDs were 85%, 40%, and 12%.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Fulltext Edible films from seaweed (kappaphycus alvarezii)

Siah, W.M., Aminah, A., Ishak, A.

International Food Research Journal, 2015;22(6):2230-2236.
MyJurnal

A new patent pending process is proposed in this study to produce edible film directly from seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii). Seaweed together with other ingredients has been used to produce the film through casting technique. Physical and mechanical tests were performed on the edible films to examine the thickness, colour, transparency, solubility, tensile strength,
elongation at break, water permeability rate, oxygen permeability rate and surface morphology. Produced film was transparent, stretchable, sealable and have basic properties as a film for food packaging. This study suggests that the edible film could be used as novel materials in food industry as sachet/pouch/bag for instant coffee, breakfast cereals drinks, seasoning powder,
candies etc; as wrapper for seasoning cube and chocolate; as interleaf for frozen foods such as burger patties to avoid the patties from sticking together; and also as material for edible logo in bakeries products. Other than that, the edible film also could be used in pharmaceutical industry as functional strips such as oral freshener strips and drug strips. In cosmetic and toiletries industries, the edible film could be used to produce facial mask and bag for pre-portioned detergent. Compared with edible film developed earlier using alginate and carrageenan, film developed in this research used seaweed directly. The developed film reduced the need to extract the alginate and carrageenan, making material preparation easier and cheaper.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Haemolytic, oedema and haemorrhage inducing activities of tentacular extract of the blubber jellyfish (Catostylus mosaicus)

Azila N, Siao FK, Othman I

Comp Biochem Physiol C Comp Pharmacol Toxicol, 1991;99(1-2):153-6.
PMID: 1675964

1. An extract prepared from the tentacle of the jellyfish (CE), Catostylus mosaicus exhibited haemolytic, oedema and haemorrhage-inducing activities. 2. Acetone treatment of the tentacle extract produced an acetone soluble extract (AE) which showed an increase in specific haemolytic and haemorrhagic activities by 25- and 120-fold respectively; the minimum oedema dose was reduced by 30-fold. 3. The AE caused a rapid onset of oedema in the mouse foot pad. The effect was long-lasting, reaching a maximum in about 30 min after injection and sustained up to 4 hr. 4. Fractionation of the AE on Q-Sepharose gave 4 bound fractions which induced oedema and haemorrhage; however only 3 of the fractions exhibited haemolytic activity.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Thermal, mechanical, and physical properties of seaweed/sugar palm fibre reinforced thermoplastic sugar palm Starch/Agar hybrid composites

Jumaidin R, Sapuan SM, Jawaid M, Ishak MR, Sahari J

Int J Biol Macromol, 2017 Apr;97:606-615.
PMID: 28109810 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.01.079

The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of sugar palm fibre (SPF) on the mechanical, thermal and physical properties of seaweed/thermoplastic sugar palm starch agar (TPSA) composites. Hybridized seaweed/SPF filler at weight ratio of 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 were prepared using TPSA as a matrix. Mechanical, thermal and physical properties of hybrid composites were carried out. Obtained results indicated that hybrid composites display improved tensile and flexural properties accompanied with lower impact resistance. The highest tensile (17.74MPa) and flexural strength (31.24MPa) was obtained from hybrid composite with 50:50 ratio of seaweed/SPF. Good fibre-matrix bonding was evident in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph of the hybrid composites' tensile fracture. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis showed increase in intermolecular hydrogen bonding following the addition of SPF. Thermal stability of hybrid composites was enhanced, indicated by a higher onset degradation temperature (259°C) for 25:75 seaweed/SPF composites than the individual seaweed composites (253°C). Water absorption, thickness swelling, water solubility, and soil burial tests showed higher water and biodegradation resistance of the hybrid composites. Overall, the hybridization of SPF with seaweed/TPSA composites enhances the properties of the biocomposites for short-life application; that is, disposable tray, plate, etc.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Fulltext Effect of orange sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) flour on the physical properties of fried extruded fish crackers

Cheow, C.S., Noorakmar, A.W., Norizzah, A.R., Mohd Zahid, A., Ruzaina, I.

International Food Research Journal, 2012;19(2):657-664.
MyJurnal

The effects of orange sweet potato flour addition to tapioca starch on the expansion, oil absorption,
bulk density, water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), hardness and colour of fried extruded fish crackers were investigated. The microstructure properties were assessed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and the sensory properties of fried extruded fish crackers were determined by quantitative descriptive analysis method. The shape and texture of the product were similar to that of normal breakfast cereal. Light brownish and slightly harder texture was obtained with addition of orange sweet potato flour to tapioca starch in the fried extruded fish crackers. The bulk density and water solubility index (WSI) increased with the increase in orange sweet potato flour addition. However, water absorption index (WAI), linear expansion, expansion ratio, volume expansion and oil absorption decreased as the amount of orange sweet potato increased. The microstructure studies revealed that fried extruded fish crackers with high percentage of orange sweet potato flour had small air cells and thick cell wall. The fried extruded fish crackers with 30% fish, 14% orange sweet potato flour and 56% tapioca starch had high crispiness score and accepted by the trained panellists.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Fulltext Synthesis of silica fine particle by the addition of a non-ionic surfactant

Mohd Nazri Idris, Hazizan Md. Akil, Zainal Arifin Ahmad

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2007;2005(1):29-33.
MyJurnal

Sodium silicate was used to synthesize silica fine particles at room temperature using non-ionic surfactant of triethanolamine (TEA), dissolution salt and precipitating agent. The experiments were conducted by different composition of precursor material, nonionic surfactant and dissolution salt concentrations through the sol-gel process. Various particle sizes in the range 100-300nm were synthesized. The particle size of silica powders were analyzed via Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier Transformation Infrared (FTIR). The result has demonstrated that the particle size can be controlled by changing the ratio of non-ionic surfactant and dissolution salt or the sodium silicate concentration.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Fulltext Removal of dissolved organic carbon from peat swamp runoff using assorted tropical agriculture biomass

Sim, F.S., Mohd Irwan Lu, N.A.L., Lee, Z.E.T., Mohamed, M.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2015;23(1):51-59.
MyJurnal

In this study, agriculture biomass was used to remove dissolved organic matter from peat swamp runoff. The functional groups and morphological properties of 6 tropical agriculture biomasses (coconut husk, rice husk, empty fruit bunch, sago hampas, saw dust and banana trunk) in their raw and citric acid–treated states were examined. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed that various biomasses were typically characterised with lignocellulosic compounds. The spectra analysis further demonstrated that citric acid treatment resulted in the dissolution of lignin and hemicelluloses to various extents where carboxyl groups were also introduced. These changes hypothetically suggest improved adsorption ability. Treatment of peat swamp runoff with various untreated biomasses showed no adsorption. With the modified biomass, adsorption was evidenced, with rice husk illustrating the highest removal efficiency of 60% to 65%.The biosorbent can be used in the water treatment process especially for treating water with a high dissolved organic matter content. The spent sorbent can be subsequently applied as a soil conditioner as the dissolved organic fraction, commonly known as humic matter, possesses important agricultural value.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Synthesis and formulation studies of griseofulvin analogues with improved solubility and metabolic stability

Petersen AB, Andersen NS, Konotop G, Hanafiah NH, Raab MS, Krämer A, et al.

Eur J Med Chem, 2017 Apr 21;130:240-247.
PMID: 28258034 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.02.055

Griseofulvin (1) is an important antifungal agent that has recently received attention due to its antiproliferative activity in mammalian cancer cells. Comprehensive SAR studies have led to the identification of 2'-benzyloxy griseofulvin 2, a more potent analogue with low micromolar anticancer potency in vitro. Analogue 2 was also shown to retard tumor growth through inhibition of centrosomal clustering in murine xenograft models of colon cancer and multiple myeloma. However, similar to griseofulvin, compound 2 exhibited poor metabolic stability and aqueous solubility. In order to improve the poor pharmacokinetic properties, 11 griseofulvin analogues were synthesized and evaluated for biological activity and physiological stabilities including SGF, plasma, and metabolic stability. Finally, the most promising compounds were investigated in respect to thermodynamic solubility and formulation studies. The 2'-benzylamine analogue 10 proved to be the most promising compound with low μM in vitro anticancer potency, a 200-fold increase in PBS solubility over compound 2, and with improved metabolic stability. Furthermore, this analogue proved compatible with formulations suitable for both oral and intravenous administration. Finally, 2'-benzylamine analogue 10 was confirmed to induce G2/M cell cycle arrest in vitro.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Relating in vitro/in vivo data of two controlled-release metformin formulations

Yuen KH, Peh KK, Tan BL

Drug Dev Ind Pharm, 1999 May;25(5):613-8.
PMID: 10219530

This study was conducted to compare the bioavailability of two controlled-release metformin preparations (Diabetmin Retard and Glucophage Retard) and also to correlate the in vitro and in vivo data obtained with the two preparations. Twelve healthy volunteers participated in the study, conducted according to a completely randomized, two-way crossover design. The preparations were compared using area under the plasma concentration-time curve AUC0-infinity, time to reach peak plasma concentration Tmax, and peak plasma concentration Cmax, while correlation was determined between in vitro release and in vivo absorption. Diabetmin Retard demonstrated a slower rate of in vitro release, but a faster rate of in vivo absorption than Glucophage Retard. However, the in vivo absorption of both products was found to be slower than that of drug released in vitro. A satisfactory relationship could be established between the in vitro and in vivo results, but there was no rank order correlation. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two preparations in the parameters AUC0-infinity and Cmax. However, a slight but statistically significant difference was observed between the Tmax values, but it may not be therapeutically significant. Moreover, the 90% confidence interval for the ratio of the logarithmic transformed AUC0-infinity values, as well as the logarithmic transformed Cmax values, of Diabetmin Retard over those of Glucophage Retard was within the acceptance criteria of 0.80-1.25.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Mixed polymer coating for modified release from coated spheroids

Tan YT, Heng PW, Wan LS

Pharm Dev Technol, 1999;4(4):561-70.
PMID: 10578511

Modified-release drug spheroids coated with an aqueous mixture of high-viscosity hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) were formulated. The preparation of core drug spheroids and the coating procedures were performed using the rotary processor and a bottom-spray fluidized bed, respectively. Dissolution studies indicated that incorporation of suitable additives, such as poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and poly(ethylene glycol) 400 (PEG) improved the flexibility and integrity of the coat layer by retarding the drug release. An increase in coating levels applied generally retarded the release rate of the drug. However, the ratio of HPMC to NaCMC in the mixed, plasticized polymeric coat played a more dominant role in determining the dissolution T50% values. The optimal ratio of HPMC to NaCMC for prolonged drug release was found to be 3:1, whereas an increase in the amount of NaCMC in the mixed polymer coat only increased drug release. The synergistic viscosity effect of HPMC and NaCMC in retarding drug release rate was greater in distilled water than in dissolution media of pH 1 and 7.2. Cross-sectional view of the scanning electron micrograph showed that all of the coated spheroids exhibited a well-fused, continuous, and distinct layer of coating film. The drug release kinetics followed a biexponential first-order kinetic model.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Recent update of toxicity aspects of nanoparticulate systems for drug delivery

Patnaik S, Gorain B, Padhi S, Choudhury H, Gabr GA, Md S, et al.

Eur J Pharm Biopharm, 2021 Apr;161:100-119.
PMID: 33639254 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2021.02.010

Potential research outcomes on nanotechnology-based novel drug delivery systems since the past few decades attracted the attention of the researchers to overcome the limitations of conventional deliveries. Apart from possessing enhanced solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs, the targeting potential of the carriers facilitates longer circulation and site-specific delivery of the entrapped therapeutics. The practice of these delivery systems, therefore, helps in maximizing bioavailability, improving pharmacokinetics profile, pharmacodynamics activity and biodistribution of the entrapped drug(s). In addition to focusing on the positive side, evaluation of nanoparticulate systems for toxicity is a crucial parameter for its biomedical applications. Due to the size of nanoparticles, they easily traverse through biological barriers and may be accumulated in the body, where the ingredients incorporated in the formulation development might accumulate and/or produce toxic manifestation, leading to cause severe health hazards. Therefore, the toxic profile of these delivery systems needs to be evaluated at the molecular, cellular, tissue and organ level. This review offers a comprehensive presentation of toxicity aspects of the constituents of nanoparticular based drug delivery systems, which would be beneficial for future researchers to develop nanoparticulate delivery vehicles for the improvement of delivery approaches in a safer way.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Improving oral bioavailability of medicinal herbal compounds through lipid-based formulations - A Scoping Review

Tan OJ, Loo HL, Thiagarajah G, Palanisamy UD, Sundralingam U

Phytomedicine, 2021 Sep;90:153651.
PMID: 34340903 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153651

BACKGROUND: Although numerous medicinal herbal compounds demonstrate promising therapeutic potential, their clinical application is often limited by their poor oral bioavailability. To circumvent this barrier, various lipid-based herbal formulations have been developed and trialled with promising experimental results.
PURPOSE: This scoping review aims to describe the effect of lipid-based formulations on the oral bioavailability of herbal compounds.
METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across three electronic databases (Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library) between January 2010 and January 2021 to identify relevant studies. The articles were rigorously screened for eligibility. Data from eligible studies were then extracted and collated for synthesis and descriptive analysis using Covidence.
RESULTS: A total of 109 studies were included in the present review: 105 animal studies and four clinical trials. Among the formulations investigated, 50% were emulsions, 34% lipid particulate systems, 12% vesicular systems, and 4% were other types of lipid-based formulations. Within the emulsion system classification, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems were observed to produce the best improvements in oral bioavailability, followed by mixed micellar formulations. The introduction of composite lipid-based formulations and the use of uncommon surfactants such as sodium oleate in emulsion preparation was shown to consistently enhance the bioavailability of herbal compounds with poor oral absorption. Interestingly, the lipid-based formulations of magnesium lithospermate B and Pulsatilla chinensis produced an absolute bioavailability greater than 100% indicating the possibility of prolonged systemic circulation. With respect to chemical conjugation, D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) was the most frequently used and significantly improved the bioavailability of its phytoconstituents.
CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that there is no distinct lipid-based formulation superior to the other. Bioavailability improvements were largely dependent on the nature of the phytoconstituents. This scoping review, however, provided a detailed summary of the most up-to-date evidence on phytoconstituents formulated into lipid preparations and their oral bioavailability. We conclude that a systematic review and meta-analysis between bioavailability improvements of individual phytoconstituents (such as kaempferol, morin and myricetin) in various lipid-based formulations will provide a more detailed association. Such a review will be highly beneficial for both researchers and herbal manufacturers.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Fulltext Development and Evaluation of 1'-Acetoxychavicol Acetate (ACA)-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Prostate Cancer Therapy

Subramaniam B, Arshad NM, Malagobadan S, Misran M, Nyamathulla S, Mun KS, et al.

Pharmaceutics, 2021 Mar 24;13(4).
PMID: 33804975 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13040439

1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) extracted from the rhizomes of Alpinia conchigera Griff (Zingiberaceae) has been shown to deregulate the NF-ĸB signaling pathway and induce apoptosis-mediated cell death in many cancer types. However, ACA is a hydrophobic ester, with poor solubility in an aqueous medium, limited bioavailability, and nonspecific targeting in vivo. To address these problems, ACA was encapsulated in a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) anchored with plerixafor octahydrochloride (AMD3100) to promote targeted delivery towards C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4)-expressing prostate cancer cells. The NLC was prepared using the melt and high sheer homogenization method, and it exhibited ideal physico-chemical properties, successful encapsulation and modification, and sustained rate of drug release. Furthermore, it demonstrated time-based and improved cellular uptake, and improved cytotoxic and anti-metastatic properties on PC-3 cells in vitro. Additionally, the in vivo animal tumor model revealed significant anti-tumor efficacy and reduction in pro-tumorigenic markers in comparison to the placebo, without affecting the weight and physiological states of the nude mice. Overall, ACA-loaded NLC with AMD3100 surface modification was successfully prepared with evidence of substantial anti-cancer efficacy. These results suggest the potential use of AMD3100-modified NLCs as a targeting carrier for cytotoxic drugs towards CXCR4-expressing cancer cells.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Thermoplastic starch/beeswax blend: Characterization on thermal mechanical and moisture absorption properties

Diyana ZN, Jumaidin R, Selamat MZ, Suan MSM

Int J Biol Macromol, 2021 Nov 01;190:224-232.
PMID: 34481857 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.08.201

Cassava starch has acquired many attentions owing to its ability to be developed as thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS) where it can be obtained in low cost, making it to be one of alternatives to substitute petroleum-based plastic. An attempt was made to investigate the thermal, mechanical and moisture absorption properties of thermoplastic cassava starch blending with beeswax (TPCS-BW) fabricated using hot moulding compression method in the range of beeswax loading from 0, 2.5, 5 to 10 wt%. Addition of beeswax has significantly reduced tensile strength, elongation and flexural strength while improving tensile modulus and flexural modulus until 5 wt% beeswax. Incorporation of 10 wt% beeswax has successfully produced the lowest value of moisture absorption and water solubility among the bio-composite which might be attributed to the beeswax's hydrophobic properties in improving water barrier of the TPCS-BW bio-composite. Furthermore, the addition of beeswax resulted in the appearance of irregular and rough fractured surface. Meanwhile, fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy presented that incorporation of beeswax in the mixture has considerably improve hydrogen bonding of blends indicating good interaction between starch and beeswax. Hence, beeswax with an appropriate loading value able to improve the functional properties of TPCS-BW bio-composite.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Fulltext Choline Chloride-urea Deep Eutectic Mixture Water for the Synthesis of an Amphiphilic Compound of Glyceryl Monocaffeate

Gonawan FN, Bakar PNMA, Kamaruddin AH

J Oleo Sci, 2021 Oct 05;70(10):1437-1445.
PMID: 34497176 DOI: 10.5650/jos.ess21010

The Lipase-catalyzed synthesis of glyceryl monocaffeate (GMC) in choline chloride-urea of natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) media is reported to provide amphiphilic character to caffeic acid (CA). The modification of CA into GMC could potentially increase its solubility and widen the application of CA's biological activities in water and oil-based systems. The high conversion was achieved when the reaction was carried out with the addition of more than 20 %v/v water, at a high molar ratio of glycerol and 40°C. It was found that the lipase-catalyzed transesterification of ethyl caffeate (EC) and glycerol in choline chloride-urea of DES media obeyed ping-pong bi-bi mechanism with Vmax = 10.9 mmol.min-1, KmEC = 126.5 mmol and KmGly = 1842.7 mmol.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Designing cellulose hydrogels from non-woody biomass

Wong LC, Leh CP, Goh CF

Carbohydr Polym, 2021 Jul 15;264:118036.
PMID: 33910744 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118036

Hydrogels are an attractive system for a myriad of applications. While most hydrogels are usually formed from synthetic materials, lignocellulosic biomass appears as a sustainable alternative for hydrogel development. The valorization of biomass, especially the non-woody biomass to meet the growing demand of the substitution of synthetics and to leverage its benefits for cellulose hydrogel fabrication is attractive. This review aims to present an overview of advances in hydrogel development from non-woody biomass, especially using native cellulose. The review will cover the overall process from cellulose depolymerization, dissolution to crosslinking reaction and the related mechanisms where known. Hydrogel design is heavily affected by the cellulose solubility, crosslinking method and the related processing conditions apart from biomass type and cellulose purity. Hence, the important parameters for rational designs of hydrogels with desired properties, particularly porosity, transparency and swelling characteristics will be discussed. Current challenges and future perspectives will also be highlighted.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Physicochemical and functional properties of Alcalase-extracted protein hydrolysate from oil palm leaves

Hau EH, Teh SS, Yeo SK, Mah SH

J Sci Food Agric, 2022 Jan 15;102(1):233-240.
PMID: 34081335 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11350

BACKGROUND: The oil palm tree produces 90% of wastes and the limited usage of these wastes causes a major disposal problem in the mills. Nevertheless, these by-products have a large amount of nutritional components. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the physicochemical and functional properties of protein hydrolysates (PH) from oil palm leaves (OPL) extracted using different concentrations of Alcalase (0-10%) at 2 h of hydrolysis time.
RESULTS: Fourier transform infrared spectral analyses showed that the enzymatic hydrolysis altered functional groups of OPL where a secondary amine was present in the PH. Changes were also observed in the thermal stability where the enthalpy heat obtained for PH (933.93-1142.57 J g-1 ) was much lower than OPL (7854.11 J g-1 ). The results showed that the PH extracted by 8% Alcalase exhibited absolute zeta potential, as well as a high emulsifying activity index (70.64 m2 g-1 of protein) and emulsion stability index (60.58 min). Furthermore, this PH showed higher solubility (96.32%) and emulsifying properties compared to other PHs. It is also comparable with commercial plant proteins, indicating that 8% Alcalase is an optimum concentration for hydrolysis.
CONCLUSION: In summary, the physicochemical and functional properties of PH extracted from OPL showed good functional properties, suggesting that it can be used as an alternative plant protein in food industries. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility
Fulltext PH-responsive strontium nanoparticles for targeted gene therapy against mammary carcinoma cells

Bakhtiar A, Chowdhury EH

Asian J Pharm Sci, 2021 Mar;16(2):236-252.
PMID: 33995617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2020.11.002

Genetic intervention via the delivery of functional genes such as plasmid DNA (pDNA) and short-interfering RNA (siRNA) offers a great way to treat many single or multiple genetic defects effectively, including mammary carcinoma. Delivery of naked therapeutic genes or siRNAs is, however, short-lived due to biological clearance by scavenging nucleases and circulating monocytes. Low cellular internalization of negatively-charged nucleic acids further causes low transfection or silencing activity. Development of safe and effectual gene vectors is therefore undeniably crucial to the success of nucleic acid delivery. Inorganic nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention in the recent years due to their high loading capacity and encapsulation activity. Here we introduce strontium salt-based nanoparticles, namely, strontium sulfate, strontium sulfite and strontium fluoride as new inorganic nanocarriers. Generated strontium salt particles were found to be nanosized with high affinity towards negatively-charged pDNA and siRNA. Degradation of the particles was seen with a drop in pH, suggesting their capacity to respond to pH change and undergo dissolution at endosomal pH to release the genetic materials. While the particles are relatively nontoxic towards the cells, siRNA-loaded SrF2 and SrSO3 particles exerted superior transgene expression and knockdown activity of MAPK and AKT, leading to inhibition of their phosphorylation to a distinctive extent in both MCF-7 and 4T1 cells. Strontium salt nanoparticles have thus emerged as a promising tool for applications in cancer gene therapy.

Matched MeSH terms: Solubility

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