Application of Statistical Tooling Techniques for Designing of Carvedilol Nanolipid Transferosomes and its Dermatopharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Studies.

BACKGROUND: The hypothesis is to augment the bioavailability and therapeutic potential of low bioavailable Carvedilol (25-35%) through Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (NLC) loaded Transdermal patch (Nanolipid Transferosomes). METHODS: Box-Behnken design was designed to formulate NLC through a hot homogenization technique. About 17 formulations (C1-C17) were formulated by varying the critical material attribute and critical process parameter. Optimization was done based on its critical quality attributes like particle size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency. Selected NLC (C16) has been fabricated into a transdermal patch through solvent evaporation technique and estimated for thickness, weight variation, moisture content, folding endurance, drug content, in vitro drug release, ex vivo skin permeation studies 48 hrs, in vitro drug release kinetic studies and skin irritation studies. In vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic study parameters were compared between carvedilol loaded NLC transdermal patch and a conventional formulation (Coreg CR). RESULTS: NLC (C16) was selected as the best formulation based on desirable, less particle size (201.1 ± 2.02 nm), more zeta potential (-37.2 ± 1.84mV) and maximum entrapment efficiency (87.54 ± 1.84%). Experimental investigations of in vivo dermatopharmacokinetic data shown statistically significant changes (p<0.05) in the parameter (increased AUC0-α, MRT with decreased Cmax, Tmax) when administered through the transdermal patch and on compared to the conventional dosage form. It was observed that there was a significant change with p<0.05 among the pharmacokinetic factors of conventional Carvedilol formulation, Carvedilol NLC and Carvedilol NLC loaded Transdermal patch with a maximum time of peak plasma concentration (Tmax) of 4 hrs, 8 hrs and 8 hrs; maximum peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of 0.258 µg/ml, 0.208 µg/ml and 0.108 µg/ml. Area Under Curve (AUC0-α) was established to be 125.127 µg/ml/h, 132.576 µg/ml.h and 841.032 µg/ml.h. Mean Residence Time (MRT0- α) of the drug was established to be 17 hrs, 19 hrs and 82 hrs, respectively. This data reveals the impact of NLC on the enhancement of bioavailability through a transdermal patch. In vivo pharmacodynamic studies confirm that NLC loaded transdermal patch (Nanolipid Transferosomes) shows a significant control in blood pressure for 48 hrs when compared to the conventional dosage form. CONCLUSION: This research data concludes that NLC loaded transdermal patch (Nanolipid Transferosomes) was a suitable candidate to enhance the bioavailability of low bioavailable drug-like Carvedilol. Lay Summary: It was inferred from the literature that NLC filled transdermal patches were a novel strategy to increase the solubility and permeability of Carvedilol, which has less bioavailability. It reveals that there was no reproducible preparation for the NLC. It also reveals that the option of formulation and process parameters for the formation of NLC is not clearly justified. On account of this, an uniquely validated and optimized formulation technique was developed for NLC with low soluble and poorly bioavailable carvedilol, tested in Albino wistar rats for enhancement of bioavailability, the same study has been performed and proved.

Development of wood apple shell (Feronia acidissima) powder biosorbent and its application for the removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solution.

A biosorbent was prepared by using wood apple shell (WAS) powder and studied its application for the removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solution by a batch method. The biosorbent was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and elemental analysis. WAS is principally made up of lignin and cellulose, containing functional groups such as alcoholic, ketonic, and carboxylic groups which can be involved in complexation reactions with Cd(II). The effect of experimental parameters like initial pH, contact time, metal ion concentration, and sorbent dose on adsorption was investigated. The optimum pH for biosorption of Cd(II) onto WAS was found to be pH 5.0 and the quantitative removal of Cd(II) ions was achieved in 30 min. The kinetic study showed that the biosorption process followed the pseudo-second-order rate. Experimental data were analyzed by Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models. Desorption studies were carried out using HCl solution.

Synthesis, spectral characterization and antioxidant activity studies of a bidentate Schiff base, 5-methyl thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde-carbohydrazone and its Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes.

A new Schiff base bidentate ligand (L), 5-methyl thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde-carbohydrazone and its metal (Cu(II), Cd(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II)) complexes with general stoichiometry [M(L)2X2] (where X=Cl) were synthesized. The ligand and its metal complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, 1H NMR, ESR spectral analyses, and molar conductance studies. The molar conductance data revealed that all the metal chelates are non-electrolytes. IR spectra showed that ligand (L) is coordinated to the metal ions in a bidentate manner with N and O donor sites of the azomethine-N, and carbonyl-O. ESR and UV-Vis spectral data showed that the geometrical structure of the complexes are Orthorhombic. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the ligand and its complexes was determined by hydroxyl radical scavenging, DPPH, NO, reducing power methods in vitro. The obtained IC50 value of the DPPH activity for the copper complex (IC50=66.4 µm) was higher than other compounds. Microbial assay of the above complexes against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Rhizocotonia bataticola and Alternaria alternata showed that copper complex exhibited higher activity than the other complexes.

A stability-indicating liquid chromatographic method for Lomustine.

A simple, inexpensive and rapid liquid chromatography (LC) method has been developed for the quantitative determination of Lomustine, an chemotherapy drug. Degradation studies were performed on the bulk drug by heating to 60 °C, exposure to UV light at an energy of 200 Wh/m(2)and to visible light at an illumination of not less than 1.2 million lux hours, acid (0.1N hydrochloric acid), base (0.1N sodium hydroxide) aqueous hydrolysis and oxidation with 6.0% (v/v) hydrogen peroxide. Good resolution between the peaks corresponding to impurities produced during synthesis, degradation products and the analyte was achieved on a Symmetry C 8 LC column using a mobile phase consisting of a mixture of aqueous potassium dihydrogen phosphate and acetonitrile. The degradation samples were assayed against the reference standard of Lomustine and the mass balance in each case was close to 99.9%. Validation of the method was carried out as per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) requirements.

Biosorption of Pb2+ from aqueous solutions by Moringa oleifera bark: equilibrium and kinetic studies.

Biosorption of Pb(2+) from aqueous solution by biomass prepared from Moringa oleifera bark (MOB), an agricultural solid waste has been studied. Parameters that influence the biosorption such as pH, biosorbent dose, contact time and concentration of metal ion were investigated. The experimental equilibrium adsorption data were tested by four widely used two-parameter equations, the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) and Temkin isotherms. Results indicated that the data of Pb(2+) adsorption onto MOB were best fit by the Freundlich model. The adsorption capacity (Q(m)) calculated from the Langmuir isotherm was 34.6mgPb(2+)g(-1) at an initial pH of 5.0. Adsorption kinetics data were analyzed using the pseudo-first-, pseudo-second-order equations and intraparticle diffusion models. The results indicated that the adsorption kinetic data were best described by pseudo-second-order model. Infrared (IR) spectral analysis revealed that the lead ions were chelated to hydroxyl and/or carboxyl functional groups present on the surface of MOB. Biosorbent was effective in removing lead in the presence of common metal ions like Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) present in water. Desorption studies were carried out with dilute hydrochloric acid for quantitative recovery of the metal ion as well as to regenerate the adsorbent. Based on the results obtained such as good uptake capacity, rapid kinetics, and its low cost, M. oleifera bark appears to be a promising biosorbent material for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater/effluents.

Removal of some metal ions by activated carbon prepared from Phaseolus aureus hulls.

Removal of lead [Pb(II)], zinc [Zn(II)], copper [Cu(II)], and cadmium [Cd(II)] from aqueous solutions using activated carbon prepared from Phaseolus aureus hulls (ACPAH), an agricultural waste was studied. The influence of various parameters such as effect of pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, and initial concentration of metal ions on the removal was evaluated by batch method. The removal of metal ions by ACPAH was pH dependent and the optimum pH values were 7.0, 8.0, 7.0 and 6.0 for Cu(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), and Pb(II), respectively. The sorption isotherms were studied using Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R), and Temkin isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity values of ACPAH for metal ions were 21.8 mg g(-1) for Pb(II), 21.2 mg g(-1) for Zn(II), 19.5 mg g(-1) for Cu(II), and 15.7 mg g(-1) for Cd(II). The experiments demonstrated that the removal of metal ions followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Desorption experiments were carried out using HCl solution with a view to regenerate the spent adsorbent and to recover the adsorbed metal ions.

Oxidative degradation and associated mineralization of catechol, hydroquinone and resorcinol catalyzed by birnessite.

Abiotic degradation and mineralization of catechol, hydroquinone, and resorcinol catalyzed by birnessite (delta-MnO2) was investigated. Studies were carried out by monitoring changes of pE versus time and pH versus time of the reaction systems during the initial 10 h reaction period and release of CO2 and associated reactions at the end of a 90 h reaction period. The reactions under anoxic condition were compared with aeration condition. The reactions were carried out in suspensions at initial pH of 6.0 under air and N2 atmosphere at room temperature and free of microbial activity. These results indicated that kinetic-related changes of pE versus time and pH versus time were dependent on structural characteristics of phenolic compound and aeration or anoxic condition in the reaction system. The sequence of the mineralization of phenolic compounds catalyzed by delta-MnO2 in presence of air expressed by CO2 release was catechol > hydroquinone > or = resorcinol and the differences were significant. However, under an N2 atmosphere the amounts of CO2 released were drastically reduced with insignificant differences among the three reaction systems. Further, phenolic compound degradations, dissolved and adsorbed Mn, and oxidation state of Mn in delta-MnO2 were also determined to elucidate the catalytic efficacy mediated by both O2 and delta-MnO2 in the reaction systems.

Removal of mercury from aqueous solutions using activated carbon prepared from agricultural by-product/waste.

Removal of mercury from aqueous solutions using activated carbon prepared from Ceiba pentandra hulls, Phaseolus aureus hulls and Cicer arietinum waste was investigated. The influence of various parameters such as effect of pH, contact time, initial metal ion concentration and adsorbent dose for the removal of mercury was studied using a batch process. The experiments demonstrated that the adsorption process corresponds to the pseudo-second-order-kinetic models and the equilibrium adsorption data fit the Freundlich isotherm model well. The prepared adsorbents ACCPH, ACPAH and ACCAW had removal capacities of 25.88 mg/g, 23.66 mg/g and 22.88 mg/g, respectively, at an initial Hg(II) concentration of 40 mg/L. The order of Hg(II) removal capacities of these three adsorbents was ACCPH>ACPAH>ACCAW. The adsorption behavior of the activated carbon is explained on the basis of its chemical nature. The feasibility of regeneration of spent activated carbon adsorbents for recovery of Hg(II) and reuse of the adsorbent was determined using HCl solution.

Mobility of adsorbed arsenic in two calcareous soils as influenced by water extract of compost.

The mobility of arsenic (As) in soil affects both the bio-toxicity of As and the groundwater quality, which in turn indirectly affects the quality of edible part of crops and human health, if the crops were irrigated with As contaminated groundwater. A vertical soil column simulates the depth of a soil profile in a real soil environment. Thus soil column experiment is much more pertinent to soil environment than a batch experiment to simulate solute movement as well as leaching through soil profile. A laboratory soil column experiment was conducted to determine the extent of As leaching from soil percolated with influent that contained organic substances. The water extract of compost (WEC) was used as the source of organic substances. The results of As breakthrough curves (BTCs) showed that less pore volumes of influents were required to reach the relative concentration ratio of 1 (C/C0=1) for the two calcareous soils treated with influent that contained WEC. The concentrations of As in the column effluents of soils percolated with 0.01M KCl in WEC were significantly higher than those percolated with 0.01M KCl with the same volumes of effluents collected. This clearly indicates that dissolved as well as deprotonated organic substances which are negatively charged have higher potential for competing the adsorption sites with As on soils, leading to increasing mobility of As in soil and associated environments. Further, it is observed that the characteristics of soil components related to As adsorption affected the adsorption as well as desorption processes and subsequent mobility of As in soil environment as influenced by organic substances.

Activated carbon from Ceiba pentandra hulls, an agricultural waste, as an adsorbent in the removal of lead and zinc from aqueous solutions.

The ability of low-cost activated carbon prepared from Ceiba pentandra hulls, an agricultural waste material, for the removal of lead and zinc from aqueous solutions has been investigated. In the batch tests experimental parameters were studied, including solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and initial metal ions concentration. The adsorbent exhibited good sorption potential at pH 6.0. Maximum removal of lead (99.5%) and of zinc (99.1%) with 10 g/l of sorbent was observed at 50 mg/L sorbate concentration. Removals of about 60-70% occurred in 10 min, and equilibrium was attained at around 50 min for both metals. The functional groups (CO, SO,-OH) present on the carbon surface were responsible for the adsorption of metal ions. The adsorption parameters were analysed using both the Freundlich and Langmuir models. The data are better fitted by the Freundlich isotherm as compared to Langmuir model, and the adsorption capacities for lead and zinc were 25.5 and 24.1 mg/g, respectively. Kinetics of adsorption obeyed a second order rate equation and the rate constant was found to be 2.71 x 10(-2) and 2.08 x 10(-2) g/mg/min for lead and zinc, respectively. The desorption studies were carried out using dilute HCl, and the effect of HCl concentration on desorption was studied. Maximum desorptions of 85% for lead and 78% for zinc were attained with 0.15 M HCl.

Characterization of humic substances derived from swine manure-based compost and correlation of their characteristics with reactivities with heavy metals.

Various composts contain a significant amount of humic substances including humic acid (HA) and fulvic acids (FAs). The FA fraction in soils is considered to be sensitive to agronomic and environmental factors. In this study, three fractions of humic substances, HA (MW > 1000 Da), FA (MW > 1000 Da), and FA (MW < 1000 Da) were extracted from swine manure-based compost and characterized, and then, their reactivities were correlated with heavy metals. Compositions of the three fractions of humic substances were characterized by elemental and total acidity analyses and electron spin resonance (ESR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance with cross-polarization and magic-angle spinning spectroscopic techniques. Elemental analyses indicated that HA has higher contents of C, H, N, and S than those of FAs. However, FA (MW > 1000) and especially FA (MW < 1000) have higher contents of O than that of HA (MW > 1000). The g values of the ESR spectra of the three fractions showed that the organic free radical characteristics and the widths of the spectra and free radical concentrations of the three fractions are significantly different. The FTIR spectra indicated that HA (MW > 1000) is abundant in C=C bonds while FA (MW > 1000), especially FA (MW < 1000), are abundant in C=O bonds. In addition, 13C NMR spectra indicate that carboxyl contents of FA (MW > 1000), especially FA (MW < 1000), are higher than that of HA (MW > 1000). The sequence of the reactivity in terms of acidic functional groups was FA (MW < 1000) > FA (MW > 1000) > HA (MW > 1000). Elemental and functional group compositions of the three fractions significantly correlated with reported reactivities with heavy metals. The application of swine manure-based compost containing HA and FAs fractions to soil and associated environments may thus significantly affect the concerned reactions with organic and inorganic compounds including pollutants.

Influence of fertilizers applied to a paddy-upland rotation on characteristics of soil organic carbon and humic acids.

The qualitative and quantitative characteristics of soil organic carbon (SOC) and related humic acids (HAs) extracted from the soils of field plots were investigated after 8 years of annual paddy (Oryza sativa L.) and upland maize (Zea mays L.) rotation with various fertilizations. Seven fertilization treatments were selected: Ck (no inputs); Chem (chemical fertilizer of NPK); Comp (swine compost); Comp + 33% of Chem N rate; Comp + 67% of Chem N rate; GM (legume green manure) + 33% of Chem N rate; and peat + 33% of Chem N rate. Organic and inorganic nitrogen inputs of six treatments were equivalent with respect of nitrogen content, but Comp, GM, and peat treatments were complemented with various amounts of inorganic N. After harvest of the eighth paddy crop, surface soil samples collected from the plots were subjected to soil characterizations and extraction of humic substances, which were used for chemical, spectroscopic (FTIR, 13C NMR, ESR, X-ray diffractometry), delta13C, and 14C dating analyses. The yields of HAs extracted from the seven treatments were significantly different. Treatment containing persistent organic compound such as the peat + 33% N treatment increased the humification process in topsoils and produced higher yield of HA. Spectroscopic analyses revealed that fertilization treatments changed the functional groups, alkyl C, crystalline characteristics, and delta13C ratios of HAs and turnover rate of SOC considerably. The SOC of the peat + 33% N treatment had the highest mean residence time of 3100 years. Various fertilizer treatments are correlated with turnover rate of SOC and related HAs, which are associated with concerned carbon sequestration as well as mitigation of CO2 emission in the soil environment.

Sorption of cadmium and zinc from aqueous solutions by zeolite 4A, zeolite 13X and bentonite.

The sorption and desorption of cadmium and zinc on zeolite 4A, zeolite 13X and bentonite has been studied using batch sorption studies. Parameters such as equilibrium time, effect of pH and sorbent dose were studied. The sorbents exhibited good sorption potential for cadmium and zinc with a peak value at pH 6.0 and 6.5, respectively. The sorption followed the Freundlich sorption model. More than 70% sorption occurred within 20 min and equilibrium was attained at around 90 min for the three sorbents. The metals sorption by zeolite 4A was higher than that by zeolite 13X and bentonite. The desorption studies were carried out using NaCl solution and the effect of NaCl concentration on desorption was also studied. Maximum desorption of 76% for cadmium and 80% for zinc occurred with 10% NaCl.

Removal of copper and cadmium from the aqueous solutions by activated carbon derived from Ceiba pentandra hulls.

Activated carbon prepared from Ceiba pentandra hulls, an agricultural solid waste by-product, for the removal of copper and cadmium from aqueous solutions has been studied. Parameters such as equilibrium time, effect of pH and adsorbent dose on removal were studied. The adsorbent exhibited good sorption potential for copper and cadmium at pH 6.0. C=O and S=O functional groups present on the carbon surface were the adsorption sites to remove metal ions from solution. The experimental data was analysed by both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity of copper and cadmium was calculated from Langmuir isotherm and found to be 20.8 and 19.5 mg/g, respectively. The sorption kinetics of the copper and cadmium have been analysed by Lagergren pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The desorption studies were carried out using dilute hydrochloric acid solution and the effect of HCl concentration on desorption was also studied. Maximum desorption of 90% for copper and 88% for cadmium occurred with 0.2 M HCl.

Sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of propoxur using 4-aminoantipyrine.

The use of 4-aminoantipyrine for the colorimetric determination of propoxur in pesticide formulations and water samples is described. The method is based on the alkaline hydrolysis of the pesticide and the resultant phenol is reacted with 4-aminoantipyrine in the presence of an oxidizing agent. The resultant colored dye is extracted into chloroform and the absorbance measured at 472 nm.

Photometric determination of malathion with molybdenum.

A photometric method for the determination of malathion is described. Malathion dissolved in carbon tetrachloride is hydrolysed at room temperature with sodium ethoxide to dimethyl dithiophosphate (DMDTP) and fumarate. The DMDTP is converted into a molybdenum-DMDTP complex and determined spectrometrically.