Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 626 in total

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  1. Non-dispersive impact technology for powder flow characterization
    Majid AMA, Rahiman MHF, Wong TW
    Int J Pharm, 2021 Aug 10;605:120786.
    PMID: 34111546 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120786
    This study developed a tester where the powder flow was characterized using a low sample mass (2 g) and impact instead of dispersion mechanism to mitigate test space constraint. An impact chamber was established where the test powder bed of seven lactose grades was weight-impacted to produce impact crater and ejecta, and imaged quantitatively to determine crater profiling signature (crater depth), regional topography (ejecta roughness), Otsu threshold (bed continuity) and edge segmentation (bed deformation). The Hausner ratio (HR) and Carr's index (CI) values of lactose, and their powder dispersion distance and surface area characteristics evaluated by gas-pressurized dispersibility test were examined as reference method. The crater signature profiling and regional topography were correlated to HR, CI, dispersive distance and surface area. A poorer powder flow was characterized by higher values of crater signature profiling, regional topography, HR, CI, and lower dispersive distance and surface area. The crater signature profiling and regional topography values were higher with smaller and rougher lactose particles that were cohesive. The powder impact flow is a viable non-dispersive approach to characterize powder flowability using a small sample mass and test space.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  2. Fulltext Valorization of Byproducts of Hemp Multipurpose Crop: Short Non-Aligned Bast Fibers as a Source of Nanocellulose
    Dalle Vacche S, Karunakaran V, Patrucco A, Zoccola M, Douard L, Ronchetti S, et al.
    Molecules, 2021 Aug 04;26(16).
    PMID: 34443315 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164723
    Nanocellulose was extracted from short bast fibers, from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) plants harvested at seed maturity, non-retted, and mechanically decorticated in a defibering apparatus, giving non-aligned fibers. A chemical pretreatment with NaOH and HCl allowed the removal of most of the non-cellulosic components of the fibers. No bleaching was performed. The chemically pretreated fibers were then refined in a beater and treated with a cellulase enzyme, followed by mechanical defibrillation in an ultrafine friction grinder. The fibers were characterized by microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction after each step of the process to understand the evolution of their morphology and composition. The obtained nanocellulose suspension was composed of short nanofibrils with widths of 5-12 nm, stacks of nanofibrils with widths of 20-200 nm, and some larger fibers. The crystallinity index was found to increase from 74% for the raw fibers to 80% for the nanocellulose. The nanocellulose retained a yellowish color, indicating the presence of some residual lignin. The properties of the nanopaper prepared with the hemp nanocellulose were similar to those of nanopapers prepared with wood pulp-derived rod-like nanofibrils.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  3. Fulltext Chemical, Biological and Morphological Properties of Fine Particles during Local Rice Straw Burning Activities
    Ramli NA, Md Yusof NFF, Zarkasi KZ, Suroto A
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 08 02;18(15).
    PMID: 34360485 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18158192
    Rice straw is commonly burned openly after harvesting in Malaysia and many other Asian countries where rice is the main crop. This operation emits a significant amount of air pollution, which can have severe consequences for indoor air quality, public health, and climate change. Therefore, this study focuses on determining the compositions of trace elements and the morphological properties of fine particles. Furthermore, the species of bacteria found in bioaerosol from rice burning activities were discovered in this study. For morphological observation of fine particles, FESEM-EDX was used in this study. Two main categories of particles were found, which were natural particles and anthropogenic particles. The zinc element was found during the morphological observation and was assumed to come from the fertilizer used by the farmers. ICP-OES identifies the concentration of trace elements in the fine particle samples. A cultured method was used in this study by using nutrient agar. From this study, several bacteria were identified: Exiguobavterium indicum, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Desulfonema limicola str. Jadabusan, Exiguobacterium acetylicum, Lysinibacillus macrolides, and Bacillus proteolyticus. This study is important, especially for human health, and further research on the biological composition of aerosols should be conducted to understand the effect of microorganisms on human health.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  4. Fulltext Effects of curcumin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles in MDA-MB231 human breast cancer cells
    Sharma A, Hawthorne S, Jha SK, Jha NK, Kumar D, Girgis S, et al.
    Nanomedicine (Lond), 2021 08;16(20):1763-1773.
    PMID: 34296625 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2021-0066
    Aim: This study was aimed at evaluating the anticancer potential of curcumin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) based nanoparticles (NPs) in MDA-MB231 human breast cancer cells. Methods: Curcumin-loaded PLGA NPs were developed using a modified solvent evaporation technique. Physical characterization was performed on the formulated NPs. Furthermore, in vitro experiments were conducted to study the biological activity of the curcumin-loaded NPs. Results: Curcumin-loaded PLGA NPs demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency and sustained payload release. Moreover, the NPs exhibited a significant reduction in cell viability, cell migration and cell invasion in the MDA-MB231 cells. Conclusion: The study revealed that the formulated curcumin-loaded PLGA NPs possessed significant anti-metastatic properties. The findings showcased the possible potential of curcumin-loaded NPs in the management of debilitating conditions such as cancer. In addition, this study could form the basis for further research and advancements in this area.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  5. Targeted polymeric nanoparticle for anthracycline delivery in hypoxia-induced drug resistance in metastatic breast cancer cells
    Almoustafa HA, Alshawsh MA, Chik Z
    Anticancer Drugs, 2021 Aug 01;32(7):745-754.
    PMID: 33675612 DOI: 10.1097/CAD.0000000000001065
    Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles are intensively studied nanocarriers in drug delivery because of their biodegradability and biochemical characteristics. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating for nanocarriers gives them long circulation time in blood and makes them invisible to the reticuloendothelial system. Breast cancer cells have greater uptake of hyaluronic acid compared to normal cells as it binds to their overexpressed CD44 receptors. Since hypoxia plays an important role in cancer metastasis; we formulated PEG-PLGA nanoparticles coated with hyaluronic acid as targeted delivery system for doxorubicin (DOX) using nanoprecipitation method, and characterized them for chemical composition, size, surface charge, shape, and encapsulation efficiency. Then we tested them in vitro on hypoxia-optimized metastatic breast cancer cells. The nanoparticles were spherical with an average size of about 106 ± 53 nm, a negative surface charge (-15 ± 3 mV), and high encapsulation efficiency (73.3 ± 4.1%). In vitro investigation with hypoxia-elevated CD44 MDA-MB-231 cells showed that hyaluronic acid-targeted nanoparticles maintained their efficacy despite hypoxia-induced drug resistance unlike free DOX and nontargeted nanoparticles. In conclusion, this study revealed a simple third generation nanoparticle formulation for targeted treatment of hypoxia-induced drug resistance in breast cancer metastatic cells. Further, optimization is needed including In vivo efficacy and nanoparticle-specific pharmacokinetic studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  6. Chemosensitivity assessments of curdlan-doped smart nanocomposites containing erlotinib HCl
    Bera H, Abbasi YF, Gajbhiye V, Ping LL, Salve R, Kumar P, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2021 Jun 30;181:169-179.
    PMID: 33775757 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.03.152
    Curdlan (CN)-doped montmorillonite/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N,N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide) [CN/MT/P(NIPA-co-MBA)] smart nanocomposites (NCs) were developed for efficient erlotinib HCl (ERL) delivery to lung cancer cells. The placebo NCs demonstrated excellent biodegradability, pH/thermo-responsive swelling profiles and declined molar mass (M¯c) between the crosslinks with increasing temperature. The XRD, FTIR, DSC, TGA, and SEM analyses revealed the architectural chemistry of these NC scaffolds. The NCs loaded with ERL (F-1-F-3) displayed acceptable diameter (734-1120 nm) and zeta potential (+1.16 to -11.17 mV), outstanding drug entrapping capability (DEE, 78-99%) and sustained biphasic ERL elution patterns (Q8h, 53-91%). The ERL release kinetics of the optimal matrices (F-3) obeyed Higuchi model and their transport occurred through anomalous diffusion. The mucin adsorption behaviour of these matrices followed Freudlich isotherms. As compared to pure ERL, the formulation (F-3) displayed an improved anti-proliferative potential and induced apoptosis more effectively on A549 cells. Thus, the CN-doped smart NCs could be utilized as promising drug-cargoes for lung cancer therapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  7. DNA-RNA complementation on silicon wafer for thyroid cancer determination
    Gopinath SCB, Xuan S
    Biotechnol Appl Biochem, 2021 Jun;68(3):554-559.
    PMID: 32460382 DOI: 10.1002/bab.1961
    One of the current issues with thyroid tumor is early diagnosis as it makes the higher possibility of curing. This research was focused to detect and quantify the level of specific target sequence complementation of miR-222 with capture DNA sequence on interdigitated electrode (IDE) sensor. The aluminum electrode with the gap and finger sizes of 10 µm was fabricated on silicon wafer, further the surface was amine-functionalized for accommodating carboxylated-DNA probe. With DNA-target RNA complementation, the detection limit was attained to be 1 fM as estimated by a linear regression analysis [y = 1.5325x - 2.1171 R² = 0.9065] and the sensitivity was at the similar level. Current responses were higher by increasing the target RNA sequence concentrations. Control experiments with mismatched/noncomplementary sequences were failed to complement the capture DNA sequence immobilized on IDE, indicating the specific target validation. This research helps diagnosing and identifying the progression with thyroid tumor and miRNA being a potential "marker" in atypia diagnosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  8. The impact of carbamazepine crystallinity on carbamazepine-loaded microparticle formulations
    Mawazi SM, Doolaanea AA, Hadi HA, Chatterjee B
    Int J Pharm, 2021 Jun 01;602:120638.
    PMID: 33901596 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120638
    Crystallinity plays a vital role in the pharmaceutical industry. It affects drug manufacturing, development processes, and the stability of pharmaceutical dosage forms. An objective of this study was to measure and analyze the carbamazepine (CBZ) crystallinity before and after formulation. Moreover, it intended to determine the extent to which the crystallinity of CBZ would affect the drug loading, the particle size, and the release of CBZ from the microparticles. The CBZ microparticles were prepared by encapsulating CBZ in ethyl cellulose (EC) polymer using a solvent evaporation method. EC was used here as a release modifier polymer and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as an aqueous phase stabilizer. Factorial design was used to prepare the CBZ microparticle formulations, including polymer concentration, solvent (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate), PVA concentrations factor, the homogenization time, and homogenization speed. The crystallinity of CBZ was calculated utilizing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermal analysis. The crystallinity was calculated from the enthalpy of CBZ. Enthalpy was analyzed from the area under the curve peak of CBZ standard and CBZ-loaded microparticles. DSC and ATR-FTIR assessed the possible interaction between CBZ and excipients in the microparticle. The prepared CBZ microparticles showed various changes in the crystallinity rate of CBZ. The changes in the rate of CBZ crystallinity had different effects on the particle size, the drug loading, and the release of CBZ from the polymer. Statistically, all studied factors significantly affected the crystallinity of CBZ after formulation to microparticles.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  9. Fulltext Facile Synthesis and Characterization of Palm CNF-ZnO Nanocomposites with Antibacterial and Reinforcing Properties
    Supramaniam J, Low DYS, Wong SK, Tan LTH, Leo BF, Goh BH, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2021 May 28;22(11).
    PMID: 34071337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115781
    Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) isolated from plant biomass have attracted considerable interests in polymer engineering. The limitations associated with CNF-based nanocomposites are often linked to the time-consuming preparation methods and lack of desired surface functionalities. Herein, we demonstrate the feasibility of preparing a multifunctional CNF-zinc oxide (CNF-ZnO) nanocomposite with dual antibacterial and reinforcing properties via a facile and efficient ultrasound route. We characterized and examined the antibacterial and mechanical reinforcement performances of our ultrasonically induced nanocomposite. Based on our electron microscopy analyses, the ZnO deposited onto the nanofibrous network had a flake-like morphology with particle sizes ranging between 21 to 34 nm. pH levels between 8-10 led to the formation of ultrafine ZnO particles with a uniform size distribution. The resultant CNF-ZnO composite showed improved thermal stability compared to pure CNF. The composite showed potent inhibitory activities against Gram-positive (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)) and Gram-negative Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) bacteria. A CNF-ZnO-reinforced natural rubber (NR/CNF-ZnO) composite film, which was produced via latex mixing and casting methods, exhibited up to 42% improvement in tensile strength compared with the neat NR. The findings of this study suggest that ultrasonically-synthesized palm CNF-ZnO nanocomposites could find potential applications in the biomedical field and in the development of high strength rubber composites.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  10. Recent progress in research on PM2.5 in subways
    Chang L, Chong WT, Wang X, Pei F, Zhang X, Wang T, et al.
    Environ Sci Process Impacts, 2021 May 26;23(5):642-663.
    PMID: 33889885 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00002k
    Nowadays, PM2.5 concentrations greatly influence indoor air quality in subways and threaten passenger and staff health because PM2.5 not only contains heavy metal elements, but can also carry toxic and harmful substances due to its small size and large specific surface area. Exploring the physicochemical and distribution characteristics of PM2.5 in subways is necessary to limit its concentration and remove it. At present, there are numerous studies on PM2.5 in subways around the world, yet, there is no comprehensive and well-organized review available on this topic. This paper reviews the nearly twenty years of research and over 130 published studies on PM2.5 in subway stations, including aspects such as concentration levels and their influencing factors, physicochemical properties, sources, impacts on health, and mitigation measures. Although many determinants of station PM2.5 concentration have been reported in current studies, e.g., the season, outdoor environment, and station depth, their relative influence is uncertain. The sources of subway PM2.5 include those from the exterior (e.g., road traffic and fuel oil) and the interior (e.g., steel wheels and rails and metallic brake pads), but the proportion of these sources is also unknown. Control strategies of PM mainly include adequate ventilation and filtration, but these measures are often inefficient in removing PM2.5. The impacts of PM2.5 from subways on human health are still poorly understood. Further research should focus on long-term data collection, influencing factors, the mechanism of health impacts, and PM2.5 standards or regulations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  11. Fulltext Microstructural behavior of magnetorheological elastomer undergoing durability evaluation by stress relaxation
    Johari MAF, Mazlan SA, Nasef MM, Ubaidillah U, Nordin NA, Aziz SAA, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2021 May 25;11(1):10936.
    PMID: 34035434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90484-0
    The widespread use of magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) materials in various applications has yet to be limited due to the fact that there are substantial deficiencies in current experimental and theoretical research on its microstructural durability behavior. In this study, MRE composed of silicon rubber (SR) and 70 wt% of micron-sized carbonyl iron particles (CIP) was prepared and subjected to stress relaxation evaluation by torsional shear load. The microstructure and particle distribution of the obtained MRE was evaluated by a field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The influence of constant low strain at 0.01% is the continuing concern within the linear viscoelastic (LVE) region of MRE. Stress relaxation plays a significant role in the life cycle of MRE and revealed that storage modulus was reduced by 8.7%, normal force has weakened by 27%, and stress performance was reduced by 6.88% along approximately 84,000 s test duration time. This time scale was the longest ever reported being undertaken in the MRE stress relaxation study. Novel micro-mechanisms that responsible for the depleted performance of MRE was obtained by microstructurally observation using FESEM and in-phase mode of atomic force microscope (AFM). Attempts have been made to correlate strain localization produced by stress relaxation, with molecular deformation in MRE amorphous matrix. Exceptional attention was focused on the development of molecular slippage, disentanglement, microplasticity, microphase separation, and shear bands. The relation between these microstructural phenomena and the viscoelastic properties of MRE was diffusely defined and discussed. The presented MRE is homogeneous with uniform distribution of CIP. The most significant recent developments of systematic correlation between the effects of microstructural deformation and durability performance of MRE under stress relaxation has been observed and evaluated.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  12. Fulltext Properties and Interfacial Bonding Enhancement of Oil Palm Bio-Ash Nanoparticles Biocomposites
    Abdullah CK, Ismail I, Nurul Fazita MR, Olaiya NG, Nasution H, Oyekanmi AA, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 17;13(10).
    PMID: 34067604 DOI: 10.3390/polym13101615
    The effect of incorporating different loadings of oil palm bio-ash nanoparticles from agriculture waste on the properties of phenol-formaldehyde resin was investigated in this study. The bio-ash filler was used to enhance the performance of phenol-formaldehyde nanocomposites. Phenol-formaldehyde resin filled with oil palm bio-ash nanoparticles was prepared via the in-situ polymerization process to produce nanocomposites. The transmission electron microscope and particle size analyzer result revealed that oil palm bio-ash nanoparticles had a spherical geometry of 90 nm. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction results confirmed the formation of crystalline structure in oil palm bio-ash nanoparticles and phenol-formaldehyde nanocomposites. The thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the presence of oil palm bio-ash nanoparticles enhanced the thermal stability of the nanocomposites. The presence of oil palm bio-ash nanoparticles with 1% loading in phenol-formaldehyde resin enhanced the internal bonding strength of plywood composites. The scanning electron microscope image revealed that phenol-formaldehyde nanocomposites morphology had better uniform distribution and dispersion with 1% oil palm bio-ash nanoparticle loading than other phenol-formaldehyde nanocomposites produced. The nanocomposite has potential use in the development of particle and panel board for industrial applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  13. Biocompatible chitin-encapsulated CdS quantum dots: Fabrication and antibacterial screening
    Lim MJ, Shahri NNM, Taha H, Mahadi AH, Kusrini E, Lim JW, et al.
    Carbohydr Polym, 2021 May 15;260:117806.
    PMID: 33712152 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.117806
    Chitin-encapsulated cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS@CTN QDs) were successfully synthesized from chitin and Cd(NO3)2 precursor using the colloidal chemistry method, toward the development of biocompatible and biodegradable QDs for biomedical applications. CdS@CTN QDs exhibited the nanocrystalline cubic CdS encapsulated by α-chitin. The average particle size of CdS@CTN QDs was estimated using empirical Henglein model to be 3.9 nm, while their crystallite size was predicted using Scherrer equation to be 4.3 nm, slightly larger compared to 3-mercaptopropionic acid-capped CdS QDs (3.2 and 3.6 nm, respectively). The mechanism of formation was interpreted based on the spectroscopic data and X-ray crystal structures of CdS@CTN QDs fabricated at different pH values and mass ratios of chitin to Cd(NO3)2 precursor. As an important step to explore potential biomolecular and biological applications of CdS@CTN QDs, their antibacterial activities were tested against four different bacterial strains; i.e. Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtillus, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  14. Fulltext Development of Porous Epoxy Micro-Beads Using Ammonium Bicarbonate through a Single Epoxy Droplet in Corn Oil
    Leemsuthep A, Zakaria Z, Tanrattanakul V, Ramarad S, Muniyadi M, Jaruga T, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2021 Apr 28;14(9).
    PMID: 33924997 DOI: 10.3390/ma14092282
    This paper explored the effects of ammonium bicarbonate and different ratios of epoxy to polyamide on the formation of porous epoxy micro-beads through a single epoxy droplet. A single drop of a mixture, consisting of epoxy, polyamide, and ammonium bicarbonate, was dropped into heated corn oil at a temperature of 100 °C. An epoxy droplet was formed due to the immiscibility of the epoxy mixture and corn oil. The ammonium bicarbonate within this droplet underwent a decomposition reaction, while the epoxy and polyamide underwent a curing reaction, to form porous epoxy micro-beads. The result showed that the higher ammonium bicarbonate content in the porous, epoxy micro-beads increased the decomposition rate up to 11.52 × 10-3 cm3/s. In addition, a higher total volume of gas was generated when a higher ammonium bicarbonate content was decomposed. This led to the formation of porous epoxy micro-beads with a smaller particle size, lower specific gravity, and better thermal stability. At an epoxy to polyamide ratio of 10:6, many smaller micro-beads, with particle sizes ranging from 201 to 400 μm, were obtained at an ammonium bicarbonate content of 10 phr. Moreover, the porous epoxy micro-beads with open pores were shown to have a low specific gravity of about 0.93 and high thermal stability at a high ammonium bicarbonate content. Based on the findings, it was concluded that porous epoxy micro-beads were successfully produced using a single epoxy droplet in heated corn oil, where their shape and particle size depended on the content of ammonium bicarbonate and the ratio of epoxy to polyamide used.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  15. Fulltext Sesame Oil-Based Nanostructured Lipid Carriers of Nicergoline, Intranasal Delivery System for Brain Targeting of Synergistic Cerebrovascular Protection
    Abourehab MAS, Khames A, Genedy S, Mostafa S, Khaleel MA, Omar MM, et al.
    Pharmaceutics, 2021 Apr 19;13(4).
    PMID: 33921796 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13040581
    Nicergoline (NIC) is a semisynthetic ergot alkaloid derivative applied for treatment of dementia and other cerebrovascular disorders. The efficacy of sesame oil to slow and reverse the symptoms of neurodegenerative cognitive disorders has been proven. This work aimed to formulate and optimize sesame oil-based NIC-nanostructured lipid carriers (NIC-NLCs) for intranasal (IN) delivery with expected synergistic and augmented neuroprotective properties. The NIC-NLC were prepared using sesame oil as a liquid lipid. A three-level, three-factor Box-Behnken design was applied to statistically optimize the effect of sesame oil (%) of the total lipid, surfactant concentration, and sonication time on particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficacy as responses. Solid-state characterization, release profile, and ex vivo nasal permeation in comparison to NIC solution (NIC-SOL) was studied. In vivo bioavailability from optimized NIC-NLC and NIC-SOL following IN and IV administration was evaluated and compared. The optimized NIC-NLC formula showed an average particle size of 111.18 nm, zeta potential of -15.4 mV, 95.11% entrapment efficacy (%), and 4.6% loading capacity. The NIC-NLC formula showed a biphasic, extended-release profile (72% after 48 h). Permeation of the NIC-NLC formula showed a 2.3 enhancement ratio. Bioavailability studies showed a 1.67 and 4.57 fold increase in plasma and brain following IN administration. The results also indicated efficient direct nose-to-brain targeting properties with the brain-targeting efficiency (BTE%) and direct transport percentage (DTP%) of 187.3% and 56.6%, respectively, after IN administration. Thus, sesame oil-based NIC-NLC can be considered as a promising IN delivery system for direct and efficient brain targeting with improved bioavailability and expected augmented neuroprotective action for the treatment of dementia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  16. Preparation and characterization of the encapsulated myrtle extract nanoliposome and nanoniosome without using cholesterol and toxic organic solvents: A comparative study
    Gorjian H, Raftani Amiri Z, Mohammadzadeh Milani J, Ghaffari Khaligh N
    Food Chem, 2021 Apr 16;342:128342.
    PMID: 33092927 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.128342
    Nanoliposome and nanoniosome formulations containing myrtle extract were prepared without using cholesterol and toxic organic solvents for the first time. The formulations had different concentrations of lecithin (5, 7, and 9% w/w) and Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) values (6.76, 8.40, and 9.59). The physicochemical characterization results showed a nearly spherical shape for the prepared nanosamples. The particle sizes, zeta potentials and encapsulation efficiencies for the prepared nanoliposomes and nanoniosomes were at a range of 260-293 nm and 224-520 nm; -33.16 to - 31.16 mV and - 33.3 to - 10.36 mV; and 68-73% and 79-83%, respectively. The formulated nanoniosomes showed better stability during storage time. Besides, the encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release rate of myrtle extract could be controlled by adjusting the lecithin concentration and HLB value. The release of myrtle extract from nanovesicles showed a pH-responsive character. The FTIR analysis confirmed that the myrtle extract was encapsulated in nanovesicles physically.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  17. Fabrication of oil-in-water emulsions as shelf-stable liquid non-dairy creamers: effects of homogenization pressure, oil type, and emulsifier concentration
    Soo YN, Tan CP, Tan PY, Khalid N, Tan TB
    J Sci Food Agric, 2021 Apr;101(6):2455-2462.
    PMID: 33034060 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.10871
    BACKGROUND: The popularity of coffee, the second most consumed beverage in the world, contributes to the high demand for liquid non-dairy creamer (LNDC). In this study, palm olein emulsions (as LNDCs) were investigated as alternatives to the more common soybean oil-based LNDCs. LNDCs were prepared via different homogenization pressures (100-300 bar) using different types of oil (palm olein and soybean oil) and concentrations of DATEM emulsifier (5-20 g kg-1 ).

    RESULTS: Increases in homogenization pressure and emulsifier concentration were observed to have significant (P size, pH, and viscosity) of the LNDCs. Palm olein and soybean oil LNDCs prepared using 15 g kg-1 and 10 g kg-1 DATEM emulsifier, respectively, were determined to be the most stable (as observed throughout a 15-day storage period at ambient temperature of 28 ± 2 °C), with properties closest to those of a commercial LNDC. When added to black coffee, both LNDCs displayed a good whitening effect by increasing the L* value from 26.73 ± 0.16 (black coffee) to ≥40.82 ± 0.56 (black coffee + LNDCs). Sensory evaluation showed that there were no significant (P > 0.05) differences between the prepared and commercial LNDCs in terms of their color, appearance, and overall acceptability.

    CONCLUSION: Shelf-stable LNDCs with qualities comparable to commercial LNDC were successfully fabricated. Valuable insights into the effects of homogenization pressure, oil type, and emulsifier concentration, as well as functionality and consumer acceptance of the LNDCs when added into black coffee, were obtained. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  18. Fulltext Functional Properties and Molecular Degradation of Schizostachyum Brachycladum Bamboo Cellulose Nanofibre in PLA-Chitosan Bionanocomposites
    Rizal S, Saharudin NI, Olaiya NG, Khalil HPSA, Haafiz MKM, Ikramullah I, et al.
    Molecules, 2021 Apr 01;26(7).
    PMID: 33916094 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26072008
    The degradation and mechanical properties of potential polymeric materials used for green manufacturing are significant determinants. In this study, cellulose nanofibre was prepared from Schizostachyum brachycladum bamboo and used as reinforcement in the PLA/chitosan matrix using melt extrusion and compression moulding method. The cellulose nanofibre(CNF) was isolated using supercritical carbon dioxide and high-pressure homogenisation. The isolated CNF was characterised with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FT-IR, zeta potential and particle size analysis. The mechanical, physical, and degradation properties of the resulting biocomposite were studied with moisture content, density, thickness swelling, tensile, flexural, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, and biodegradability analysis. The TEM, FT-IR, and particle size results showed successful isolation of cellulose nanofibre using this method. The result showed that the physical, mechanical, and degradation properties of PLA/chitosan/CNF biocomposite were significantly enhanced with cellulose nanofibre. The density, thickness swelling, and moisture content increased with the addition of CNF. Also, tensile strength and modulus; flexural strength and modulus increased; while the elongation reduced. The carbon residue from the thermal degradation and the glass transition temperature of the PLA/chitosan/CNF biocomposite was observed to increase with the addition of CNF. The result showed that the biocomposite has potential for green and sustainable industrial application.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  19. Encapsulation of caffeine into starch matrices: Bitterness evaluation and suppression mechanism
    Shao M, Li S, Tan CP, Kraithong S, Gao Q, Fu X, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2021 Mar 15;173:118-127.
    PMID: 33444656 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.01.043
    In this study, caffeine (CA) was encapsulated into food-grade starch matrices, including swelled starch (SS), porous starch (PS), and V-type starch (VS). The bitterness of the microcapsules and suppression mechanisms were investigated using an electronic tongue, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and the in vitro release kinetics of CA. All the CA-loaded microcapsules showed a lower bitterness intensity than the control. The MD results proved that the weak interactions between starch and CA resulted in a moderate CA release rate for SS-CA microcapsules. The PS-CA microcapsule presented the longest CA release, up to 40 min, whereas the VS-CA microcapsule completely released CA in 9 min. The CA release rate was found to be related to the microcapsule structure and rehydration properties. A low CA bitterness intensity could be attributed to a delay in the CA release rate and resistance to erosion of the microcapsules. The results of this work are valuable for improving starch-based microcapsules (oral-targeted drug-delivery systems) by suppressing the bitterness of alkaloid compounds.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
  20. Advancements in the preparation and application of monolithic silica columns for efficient separation in liquid chromatography
    Khoo HT, Leow CH
    Talanta, 2021 Mar 01;224:121777.
    PMID: 33379011 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121777
    Fast and efficient separation remains a big challenge in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The need for higher efficiency and resolution in separation is constantly in demand. To achieve that, columns developed are rapidly moving towards having smaller particle sizes and internal diameters (i.d.). However, these parameters will lead to high back-pressure in the system and will burden the pumps of the HPLC instrument. To address this limitation, monolithic columns, especially silica-based monolithic columns have been introduced. These columns are being widely investigated for fast and efficient separation of a wide range of molecules. The present article describes the current methods developed to enhance the column efficiency of particle packed columns and how silica monolithic columns can act as an alternative in overcoming the low permeability of particle packed columns. The fundamental processes behind the fabrication of the monolith including the starting materials and the silica sol-gel process will be discussed. Different monolith derivatization and end-capping processes will be further elaborated and followed by highlights of the performance such monolithic columns in key applications in different fields with various types of matrices.
    Matched MeSH terms: Particle Size
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