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Membranes Jan 2024This study investigated the influence of various plasticizers commonly used in the manufacture of polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs), such as 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether...
This study investigated the influence of various plasticizers commonly used in the manufacture of polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs), such as 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE), phthalates, adipates, and sebacates on the mechanical, thermal, and transport properties of membranes. Additionally, butyl stearate (BTS), chosen for its non-toxic nature compared to phthalates and its cost-effectiveness relative to adipates and sebacates, was evaluated as a plasticizer in PIMs for the first time. All plasticizers were incorporated in PIMs made of either cellulose triacetate (CTA) or poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) as the base polymers and the task-specific ionic liquid trioctylmethylammonium thiosalicylate (TOMATS) as the carrier. The plasticizers were found to significantly affect the characteristics of membrane hydrophilicity, mechanical flexibility, and thermal stability. Transport experiments using Hg(II) as a model target ion revealed that, for CTA-based PIMs, the plasticizer did not significantly affect transport efficiency. However, for PVC-based PIMs, BTS exhibited better efficiency when compared to NPOE. These findings highlight the potential of BTS as an attractive alternative to currently used plasticizers in PVC-based PIM formulations.
PubMed: 38248709
DOI: 10.3390/membranes14010019 -
Gels (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023This study explores the influence of temperature-time conditions, surfactants, and varied waste compositions on the curing of geopolymer gels, a foam formation with the...
This study explores the influence of temperature-time conditions, surfactants, and varied waste compositions on the curing of geopolymer gels, a foam formation with the properties of porous geopolymers. Findings reveal that a 6 h curing period leads to a density of 435 kg/m and strength of 0.66 MPa, with notable improvements at 12 h. Comparing 12 to 24 h curing, differences in characteristics remain within 5%, highlighting the 12 h period as more energy-efficient. Sodium stearate-based samples exhibit excellent properties, significantly boosting strength while maintaining overall properties. Microwave curing achieves the lowest density (291 kg/m) and closely parallels properties of samples cured conventionally for 12 h. However, it leads to complete destruction in sodium stearate-modified gels due to the Dumas reaction, making it unsuitable above 200 °C. Optimal properties emerge from compositions using sodium stearate and oven curing, achieving densities of 334 kg/m and strengths of 1.08 MPa (Severodvinsk CHPP-1) and 373 kg/m and 1.17 MPa (Novocherkassk SDPP). Although microwave curing allows for high energy efficiency, its high temperature demands necessitate careful material selection. This study offers insight into enhancing geopolymer properties while emphasizing the importance of tailored curing methods for sustainable material development.
PubMed: 38247742
DOI: 10.3390/gels10010019 -
International Journal of Molecular... Dec 2023Exploring silver-based and carbon-based nanomaterials' excellent intrinsic antipathogenic effects represents an attractive alternative for fabricating anti-infective...
Exploring silver-based and carbon-based nanomaterials' excellent intrinsic antipathogenic effects represents an attractive alternative for fabricating anti-infective formulations. Using chemical synthesis protocols, stearate-conjugated silver (Ag@C) nanoparticles and graphene oxide nanosheets (nGOs) were herein obtained and investigated in terms of composition and microstructure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations revealed the formation of nanomaterials with desirable physical properties, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the high purity of synthesized nanomaterials. Further, laser-processed Ag@C-nGO coatings were developed, optimized, and evaluated in terms of biological and microbiological outcomes. The highly biocompatible Ag@C-nGO nanostructured coatings proved suitable candidates for the local modulation of biofilm-associated periprosthetic infections.
Topics: Silver; Nanostructures; Graphite; Oxides; Silver Compounds
PubMed: 38203420
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010246 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024Arbidol hydrochloride is an antiviral product widely used in Russia and China for the treatment of, among other diseases, influenza. In recent years, it has turned out...
DSC, TGA-FTIR and FTIR Assisted by Chemometric Factor Analysis and PXRD in Assessing the Incompatibility of the Antiviral Drug Arbidol Hydrochloride with Pharmaceutical Excipients.
Arbidol hydrochloride is an antiviral product widely used in Russia and China for the treatment of, among other diseases, influenza. In recent years, it has turned out to be highly effective against COVID-19. However, there is little knowledge about its physicochemical properties and its behavior in the presence of various pharmaceutical excipients, which could be useful in the development of new preparations by increasing its solubility and bioavailability. For this reason, binary mixtures composed of arbidol hydrochloride and selected pharmaceutical excipients such as chitosan, polyvinylpyrrolione K-30 and magnesium stearate were prepared and subjected to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry combined with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TGA-FTIR) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) analyses. In order to obtain clarity in the interpretation of the outcomes, chemometric calculations with factor analysis (FA) were used. Additionally, a powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and an intrinsic dissolution rate study were performed for arbidol hydrochloride itself and in the presence of excipients. As a result of the study, it was revealed that arbidol hydrochloride may undergo polymorphic transformations and be incompatible with chitosan and magnesium stearate. However, mixing arbidol hydrochloride with polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30 guarantees the obtaining of durable and safe pharmaceutical preparations.
Topics: Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; Chemometrics; Chitosan; Excipients; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; X-Ray Diffraction; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Hydrochloric Acid; Antiviral Agents; Indoles; Sulfides
PubMed: 38202847
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010264 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023The present work proposes the optimization of enzymatic synthesis of alkyl stearates using stearic acid, alkyl alcohols (C-OH, C-OH, C-OH, C-OH and C-OH) and lipase by...
The present work proposes the optimization of enzymatic synthesis of alkyl stearates using stearic acid, alkyl alcohols (C-OH, C-OH, C-OH, C-OH and C-OH) and lipase by a L (3) Taguchi-type design of experiments. Four variables were evaluated (reaction time, temperature, kU of lipase and alcohol:stearic acid molar ratio), ensuring that all variables were critical. In optimal conditions, five stearates were obtained with conversions > 90%. The obtained products were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Additionally, the defoaming capacity of the five stearates was evaluated, obtaining better performance for the compound synthesized from C-OH alcohol.
PubMed: 38202778
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010195 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024Different structural composition ratios of sucrose stearates with hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance (HLB) values ranging from 1 to 16 on lipolysis in emulsion were...
Different structural composition ratios of sucrose stearates with hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance (HLB) values ranging from 1 to 16 on lipolysis in emulsion were investigated using a simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Results showed a direct correlation between the HLB values of sucrose stearates and the lipolysis rate of emulsions, and a lower HLB value led to diminished lipolysis in the GIT simulation model. Mechanism study indicated that poor emulsifying capacity of sucrose stearates and lipolysis of sucrose stearates with lower HLB value inhibited the digestive behavior of oil. In addition, monoester was mainly hydrolyzed in the gastric phase, whereas sucrose polyesters caused lipolysis in the intestinal phase using an in vitro digestive model and HPLC analysis, further suppressing lipid digestion. Furthermore, a decrease in cell cytotoxicity and proinflammatory effects on Caco-2 and Raw264.7 were observed post-digestion, respectively. This work offers important insights into the effects of the degree of esterification of sucrose stearate on lipid digestion behavior in oil-in-water emulsions.
PubMed: 38201202
DOI: 10.3390/foods13010175 -
International Journal of Pharmaceutics Feb 2024The majority of tablets manufactured contain lubricants to reduce friction during ejection. However, especially for plastically deforming materials, e.g.,...
The majority of tablets manufactured contain lubricants to reduce friction during ejection. However, especially for plastically deforming materials, e.g., microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), the internal addition of lubricants is known to reduce tablet tensile strength. This reduction is caused by the surface coverage by lubricant particles, the extent of which depends on both process and formulation parameters. Previously published models to predict the lubrication effect on mechanical strength do not account for changes in the excipient particle size. In this study, the impact of both lubricant concentration and mixing time on the tensile strength of tablets consisting of three different grades of MCC and four grades of magnesium stearate (MgSt) was evaluated. By taking into account the particle size of the applied excipients, a unifying relationship between the theoretically estimated surface coverage and compactibility reduction was identified. Evaluating the dispersion kinetics of MgSt as a function of time reveals a substantial impact of the initial surface coverage on the dispersion rate, while the minimal tensile strength was found to be comparable for the majority of formulations. In summary, the presented work extends the knowledge of lubricant dispersion and facilitates the reduction of necessary experiments during the development of new tablet formulations.
Topics: Particle Size; Excipients; Stearic Acids; Tablets; Lubricants; Tensile Strength; Cellulose
PubMed: 38190952
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123792 -
BMC Gastroenterology Jan 2024Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort, and changes in bowel habits. The mechanism...
BACKGROUND
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort, and changes in bowel habits. The mechanism underlying IBS remains unclear, and little evidence exists for clarifying the causal relationship between blood metabolites and IBS.
METHODS
We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study using two samples. Exposure data for 7824 Europeans were extracted from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on metabolite levels. The IBS GWAS data from the GWAS database were used for the initial analysis. The primary analysis of causal relationships was conducted using inverse-variance weighting (IVW) with MR-Egger and weighted medians as supplementary analyses. Sensitivity analyses were performed using a combination of the Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier, and leave-one-out analysis. For significant associations, replication and meta-analyses were performed using additional independent IBS case GWAS data released by the FinnGen Consortium R9. To identify the metabolites, score regression, confounding analysis, and reverse MR were performed to further assess the causal relationships between the metabolites.
RESULTS
After rigorous screening, we identified four known metabolites to be associated with IBS (stearate, odds ratio [OR]: 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59-0.92; arginine, OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.07-1.74; 1-palmitoylglycerol, OR:1.49, 95% CI: 1.07-2.07; 1-palmitoylglycerophosphoinositol, OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.71-0.99).
CONCLUSIONS
MR analysis revealed a causal relationship between the four metabolites and IBS, providing preliminary evidence for the pathogenesis of IBS. Our results provide novel insights into the potential biomarkers of IBS.
Topics: Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Genome-Wide Association Study; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Abdominal Pain; Causality
PubMed: 38182988
DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-03111-9 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... Dec 2023Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects approximately 13% of the global population. However, the pathogenesis of GERD has not been fully elucidated. The...
BACKGROUND
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects approximately 13% of the global population. However, the pathogenesis of GERD has not been fully elucidated. The development of metabolomics as a branch of systems biology in recent years has opened up new avenues for the investigation of disease processes. As a powerful statistical tool, Mendelian randomization (MR) is widely used to explore the causal relationship between exposure and outcome.
AIM
To analyze of the relationship between 486 blood metabolites and GERD.
METHODS
Two-sample MR analysis was used to assess the causal relationship between blood metabolites and GERD. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 486 metabolites was the exposure, and two different GWAS datasets of GERD were used as endpoints for the base analysis and replication and meta-analysis. Bonferroni correction is used to determine causal correlation features ( < 1.03 × 10). The results were subjected to sensitivity analysis to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Using the MR Steiger filtration method to detect whether there is a reverse causal relationship between metabolites and GERD. In addition, metabolic pathway analysis was conducted using the online database based MetaboAnalyst 5.0 software.
RESULTS
In MR analysis, four blood metabolites are negatively correlated with GERD: Levulinate (4-oxovalerate), stearate (18:0), adrenate (22:4n6) and p-acetamidophenylglucuronide. However, we also found a positive correlation between four blood metabolites and GERD: Kynurenine, 1-linoleoylglycerophosphoethanolamine, butyrylcarnitine and guanosine. And bonferroni correction showed that butyrylcarnitine (odd ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-1.16, = 7.71 × 10) was the most reliable causal metabolite. In addition, one significant pathways, the "glycerophospholipid metabolism" pathway, can be involved in the pathogenesis of GERD.
CONCLUSION
Our study found through the integration of genomics and metabolomics that butyrylcarnitine may be a potential biomarker for GERD, which will help further elucidate the pathogenesis of GERD and better guide its treatment. At the same time, this also contributes to early screening and prevention of GERD. However, the results of this study require further confirmation from both basic and clinical real-world studies.
PubMed: 38173433
DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i12.2169 -
Tropical Life Sciences Research Jun 2023Malaria still remains a life-threatening parasitic disease with universal targets set for control and elimination. This study aimed to evaluate the antimalarial...
Malaria still remains a life-threatening parasitic disease with universal targets set for control and elimination. This study aimed to evaluate the antimalarial susceptibility of isolates and to selected antimalarial agents and column chromatographic subfractions of leaves extract and FTIR and GCMS of SF8. Trager and Jensen as well as World Health Organisation (WHO) standardised micro-test system methods were used to determine susceptibility on the patients' blood samples; Column chromatographic procedure was carried out to obtain 11 pooled fractions; FTIR and GCMS were used to determine functional groups and phytochemicals respectively. anti-plasmodial activity against clinical isolates had IC range of 1.03 μg/mL-7.63 μg/mL while their IC against ranges from 4.32 μg/mL-7.89 μg/mL. Subfraction 8 (SF8) had the least IC of 4.32 μg/mL. The FTIR spectrum showed the presence of isoprenoid, alcohol, phenol, alkane, alkenes, ester, carboxylic acids, aromatics and nitro compounds while GCMS identified dodecanoic acid, methyl ester; carotol; hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester; 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester (oleic acid); methyl stearate; heptadecanoic acid, 16-methyl-, methyl ester; all with their antimalarial reported activities. In conclusion, has a great potential for drug development against malaria parasite since it inhibited schizont growth and possesses phytocompounds with antimalarial report.
PubMed: 38144385
DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2023.34.2.14