Formulation Optimization and Evaluation of Patented Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Ambrisentan for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Ambrisentan is a new endothelin receptor antagonist extensively used to manage pulmonary or pulmonary arterial hypertension. OBJECTIVE: The therapeutic efficacy of Ambrisentan is limited due to its reduced solubility, higher log P (3.4), and thus less bioavailability. The recent investigation was concentrated on the improvement of solubility, and bioavailability of Ambrisentan for the therapy of hypertension via solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) administered orally. METHODS: XRD evaluated the compatibility of Ambrisentan with lipids with FTIR, DSC, and crystalline nature. The SLN was developed by High-pressure homogenization method. The Glyceryl monostearate and Tween 80 indicated the highest solubility, hence selected. The optimization was performed with Box-Behnken Design considering the concentration of GMS (X1), Tween 80 (X2), stirring speed (X3) as independent factors and particle size (Y1), entrapment efficiency (Y2) as dependent factors. The Patents on the SLN are Indian 202321053691, U.S. Patent, 10,973,798B2, U.S. Patent 10,251,960B2, U.S. Patent 2021/0069121A1 and U.S. Patent 2022/0151945A1. RESULTS: The optimized batch F1 showed particle size (130 nm), ZP (-18.9 mV), and entrapment efficiency (85.73 %). The dual release pattern (prompt and sustained) was achieved with the SLNloaded Ambrisentan for about 24 hours. The lyophilized sample was subjected to SEM, which also revealed a spherical shape of a colloidal dispersion with a particle size of 126 nm. Hence, the F1 batch is highly recommended for solid oral delivery and also for the pilot-plant scale-up. CONCLUSION: A marked improvement in the solubility and dissolution of Ambrisentan was attained with the SLN. Moreover, the sustained delivery via the oral route enabled the patient's comfort, compliance, and therapeutic efficacy.

Quality by Design Approach for the Development of Cariprazine Hydrochloride Loaded Lipid-Based Formulation for Brain Delivery via Intranasal Route.

BACKGROUND: Cariprazine (CPZ) is a third-generation antipsychotic medication that has been approved for treating schizophrenia. This study aimed to develop a cariprazine-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (CPZ-NLCs) to prevent first-pass metabolism and improve bioavailability and site-specific delivery from the nose to the brain. METHOD: The CPZ-NLCs were prepared using melt emulsification. The formulation was optimized using the Box-Behnken design (BBD); where the influence of independent variables on critical quality attributes, such as particle size and entrapment efficiency, was studied. RESULT: The optimized batch (F6) had a particle size of 173.3 ± 0.6 nm and an entrapment efficiency of 96.1 ± 0.57%, respectively. The in vitro release showed >96% release of CPZ from NLC within 30 min. The optimized formulation's ex vivo studies revealed significantly increased CPZ permeability (>75%) in sheep nasal mucosa compared to the CPZ suspension (~26%). The ciliotoxicity study of the nasal mucosa revealed that the CPZ-NLC formulation did not affect the nasal epithelium. The intranasal administration of the formulation achieved 76.14±6.23 µg/ml concentration in the brain which was significantly higher than the oral CPZ suspension administration (30.46±7.24 µg/ml). The developed formulation was stable for 3 months. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that the developed CPZ-NLC could significantly improve the bioavailability with quick delivery to the brain.

Optimized biosynthesis of lytic enzymes by special Trichoderma citrinoviride.

The use of Trichoderma filamentous fungi in the wide concept of biocontrol is still a highly relevant topic. The multifaceted nature of their impact on phytopathogenic microorganisms results from the species diversity and complexity of their antagonistic action. The presented research aimed to determine optimal cultivation conditions of two T. citrinoviride strains for the biosynthesis of major enzymes especially those involved in the biocontrol process. Culture conditions were optimized using a three-factor Box-Behnken design to maximize the yield of chitinase and lichenase. The following independent variables were included in the model: incubation temperature, initial pH, and supplementation with fungal biomass. As a result of statistical optimization, unprecedented activities of extracellular lytic enzyme were achieved. For the B1 and B3 strains, the optimal pH was 3.5 or 7.5, respectively, in the determination of chitinase biosynthesis. It was similar for the biosynthesis of ß-1.3 and ß-1.4 glucanases, but at higher cultivation temperature. The exception was the B3 strain, for which the optimal pH in glucanase biosynthesis was 5.5. The most stimulating culture temperature in the process of chitinase biosynthesis and ß-1.3 and ß-1.4 glucanases was above 25 °C. In that, the levels of enzyme biosynthesis and corresponding composition culture environment were confirmed to be strain-dependent.

Utilization of opium poppy seed oil for biodiesel production: A parametric characterization and statistical optimization.

Consuming traditional petroleum-derived diesel fuel has long been associated with issues such as the depletion of natural energy resources. To solve these challenges, an alternate source like as biodiesel is an appealing option. Seed oils have long been recognized as an abundant and diverse source of biodiesel. In this study, poppy seed oil from the poppy (Papaver somniferum) was investigated for biodiesel production. Poppy seed biodiesel was generated and refined using acid-pretreated esterification with sulphuric acid prior to transesterification, as well as single-step alkaline catalyzed transesterification with methanol and potassium hydroxide. Finally, the percentage yield was compared. Using Statistica, the Box-Behnken design was applied to optimize process variables like time, temperature, catalyst concentration, and methanol-oil ratio to produce maximum yield. The relationship of process variables was also shown with the help of the Response Surface Methodology. A maximum yield of 94.87 % was obtained at optimized conditions, i.e., 90min reaction time, 60 °C of temperature, 0.25 mg of catalyst concentration, and 3v/v% alcohol-oil ratio. The fuel properties of biodiesel produced, such as acid value, moisture content, saponification value, iodine value, specific gravity, percentage of free fatty acids, refractive index, viscosity, boiling point, and peroxide value, were measured and compared with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6751 and European Standards (EN) 14214. Further results were studied and discussed using Fourier Transfer Infrared (FTIR) analysis, which showed maximum similarity of raw material to formed biodiesel. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed to identify and quantify various fatty acid methyl esters. The results obtained were in accordance with various international standards for biodiesel fuel. Thus, poppy seeds can be used to obtain biodiesel.

Effective synthesis and characterization of citric acid cross-linking of modified ferrous metal-organic framework and chitosan nanocomposite sponge for Th(IV) elimination: Adsorption isotherms, kinetic analysis, and optimization by Box-Behnken design.

This research presents a novel nanocomposite of ferrous metal-organic framework (Fe(II)-MOF) that has been encapsulated with chitosan matrix, leading to the development of a new adsorbent referred to as NH2-Fe(II)-MOF@CSC composite sponge. This composite sponge has shown effectiveness in removing radioactive thorium (IV) contamination from water sources. The adsorbent underwent characterization using techniques including FTIR, PXRD, BET analysis, and SEM. The adsorbent has a high surface area of 1360.8 m2/g. The most effective conditions for adsorbing Th(IV) were found to be a pH of 5, using 0.02 g of adsorbent dose per 25 mL, and maintaining a contact time of 100 min. The composite sponge demonstrated an impressive maximum adsorption capacity of 618.8 mg/g for Th(IV). The adsorption process was fitted to Langmuir isothermally and kinetically fitted to pseudo-second-order. Nonetheless, the relatively low adsorption energy of 6.22 kJ/mol suggests that the main adsorption mechanism is physisorption, which is marked by weaker van der Waals forces. This discovery could have implications for the material's potential for easy regeneration. In the analysis of the influence of temperature on the adsorption of Th(IV), it was discovered that the adsorption process is endothermic because the positive ΔHo value was 24.48 kJ.mol-1. Furthermore, a positive ΔSo value of 87.46 J.mol-1 K-1 suggests the existence of disorder at the solid-solution interface. Conversely, a temperature rise resulted in a higher negatively charged ΔGo, indicating that the adsorption process is spontaneous. The research also examined the mechanism of interaction, such as π-π interaction, hydrogen bonding, pore filling, and electrostatic interaction. It was noted that the adsorbent can be efficiently used for a maximum of six cycles, demonstrating its economic viability. The adsorption outcomes were optimized using the Box Behnken design (BBD).

Acoustic resonance technology and quality by design approach facilitate the development of the robust tetrandrine nano-delivery system.

The aim of this study was to develop a sufficiently robust tetrandrine (Tet) nano-delivery system using acoustic resonance (AR) technology and freeze-drying technology. This system can effectively improve the solubility and dissolution properties of Tet, along with high stability and scale-up adaptability. Firstly, 54 stabilizers were screened simultaneously in a high-throughput manner with the help of AR technology to fully explore the optimal prescription space of tetrandrine nanosuspension (Tet-NS). The Plackett-Burman design was used to screen for critical variables severely affecting the quality of Tet-NS. The Box-Behnken design was used to investigate and optimize critical variables to obtain optimal nanosuspensions. The optimal prescription was successfully scaled up by 100 times, which was the initial exploration of its commercial scale production. Solidification studies have shown that formulations with 2.44% fructose as the cryoprotectant have excellent redispersibility. Compared with pure Tet, Tet in Tet-NS showed a significant increase in solubility and dissolution rate in water. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) demonstrated that no significant interactions occurred between the drug and excipients in Tet-NS. Powder x-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD) indicated that some of the Tet transformed into amorphous state during the preparation process. In short-term stability study, Tet-NS successfully maintained its physical stability. In summary, under the guidance of the QbD concept, this study rapidly developed Tet-NS using acoustic resonance technology, which can effectively improve the solubility and dissolution properties of Tet. During the development of Tet-NS, AR technology has demonstrated high particle size reduction capability, the ability to process multiple sets of formulations in parallel, and excellent scale-up capability. Meanwhile, the method and concept of this study are not limited to Tet, but also applicable to other poorly water-soluble drugs.

Novel algae-chitosan/alginate beads for efficient basic Fuchsin removal: Synthesis, characterization, adsorption study, mechanism, and optimization.

In this study, utilized algae activated with citric acid and lime juice to develop a novel bioadsorbent, The Algae@CS/Alginate beads were formed by encapsulating the activated algae with chitosan and alginate, producing a nanocomposite that is efficient in removing Basic Fuchsin (BF) dye from water. The beads were characterized by means of a diversity of techniques, such as FTIR, XRD, XPS, SEM and determination the surface area via N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm that permitted that the adsorbent has high surface area 124.43 m2/g. The electrical properties of the BF, including its structure and reactivity, were determined by density functional theory (DFT). The MEP data and the molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO), as well as the sites of the electrophilic besides nucleophilic attack places, correspond fairly well, according to DFT. The adsorption process was fitted to Langmuir isothermally, and kinetically to pseudo-second-order (PSOE) model. The adsorption mechanism was identified as chemisorption with an adsorption energy of 32.6 kJ/mol. Thermodynamic research shows that the BF adsorption process by Algae@CS/Alginate beads is spontaneous and endothermic because of the positive ΔHo and negative ΔGo. Through numerical optimization of the programmed, the ideal conditions for adsorption were strongminded to be a pH of 8, a dosage of 0.02 g/25 mL for Algae@CS/Alginate beads, and a concentration of 367.27 mg/g of BF. Using the least amount of intended experiments, the adsorption procedure was optimized by the request of Box-Behnken design (BBD) and answer surface methodology (RSM) in Design-Expert software. Adsorbent reusability test results showed that, following eight successive cycles of adsorption and desorption, the adsorbent was stable and that removal efficacy had not decreased. It additionally demonstrated good efficacy, no alteration in chemical conformation, and the same XRD and FTIR data before and after recycle. Analyze the interaction between the Algae@CS/Alginate beads and the BF.

Fabrication of Luteolin Nanoemulsion by Box-Behnken Design to Enhance its Oral Absorption Via Lymphatic Transport.

Intestinal lymphatic transport offers an alternative and effective way to deliver drugs, such as avoiding first-pass metabolism, enhancing oral bioavailability, and facilitating the treatment of targeted lymphoid-related diseases. However, the clinical use of luteolin (LUT) is limited by its poor water solubility and low bioavailability, and enhancing lymphatic transport by nanoemulsion may be an efficient way to enhance its oral bioavailability. The objective of this work is to prepare the luteolin nanoemulsions (LUT NEs), optimized its preparation parameters by using Box-Behnken design optimization (BBD) and evaluated it in vitro and in vivo. An Caco-2 / Raji B cell co-incubation monolayer model was established to simulate the M-cell pathway, and the differences in the transmembrane transport of LUT and NEs were compared. Cycloheximide (CHX) was utilized to establish rat chylomicron (CM) blocking model, and for investigating the influence of pharmacokinetic parameters in rats thereafter. The results showed that LUT NEs have good stability, the particle sizes were about 23.87 ± 0.57 nm. Compared with LUT suspension, The Papp of LUT NEs was enhanced for 3.5-folds, the oral bioavailability was increased by about 2.97-folds. In addition, after binding with chylomicron, the oral bioavailability of LUT NEs was decreased for about 30% (AUC 0-∞ (µg/L*h): 5.356 ± 1.144 vs 3.753 ± 0.188). These results demonstrated that NEs could enhance the oral absorption of luteolin via lymphatic transport routes.

Synthesis of nanogeopolymer adsorbent and its application and reusability in the removal of methylene blue from wastewater using response surface methodology (RSM).

Organic dyestuff are mostly toxic compounds that pose serious dangers to the environment. Adsorption using low-cost adsorbents is the most favorable method for its economic aspects. Recently, geopolymers have been introduced as an effective adsorbent for dyes and heavy metals. In this investigation, the synthesis of geopolymers from fired brick waste (Homra) was studied with full characterization using X-ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Energy dispersive X-ray, Scanning electron microscope tests and Transmission electron microscopy. The synthesized nano-Homra geopolymer (NHGP) was then subjected to the removal of one of the most used basic dyes, Methylene Blue (MB). Adsorption optimization was applied using Response surface methodology to study dye adsorption by the synthesized nano-geopolymer. The independent variables studied were: temperature, contact time, and concentration of dye in the elimination process, which were varied in the range of (25-60 ℃), (10-180 min), and (20-300 mg/L) respectively. The results obtained from ANOVA indicated that the maximum removal efficiency of 95% and adsorption capacity of 80.65 mg/g at a temperature of 59 ℃, contact time of 163 min, and an initial concentration of 254 mg/L. The results showed that the data obtained from the adsorption of MB onto NHGP was compatible with the Pseudo second order (R2 = 0.9838) and Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.9882).

Inverse design of chemoenzymatic epoxidation of soyabean oil through artificial intelligence-driven experimental approach.

This paper presents an inverse design methodology that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI)-driven experiments to optimize the chemoenzymatic epoxidation of soyabean oil using hydrogen peroxide and lipase (Novozym 435). First, experiments are conducted using a systematic 3-level, 5-factor Box-Behnken design to explore the effect of input parameters on oxirane oxygen content (OOC (%)). Based on these experiments, various AI models are trained, with the support vector regression (SVR) model being found to be the most accurate. SVR is then used as a fitness function in particle swarm optimization, and the suggested optimal conditions, upon experimental validation, resulted in a maximum OOC of 7.19 % (∼98.5 % relative conversion of oil to epoxy). The results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach over existing methods. This framework offers a general intensified process optimization strategy with minimal resource utilization that can be applied to any other process.

​Statistical-based optimization and mechanism assessments of Arsenic (III)​ adsorption by ZnO-Halloysite nanocomposite​.

Arsenic contamination in aqueous media is a serious environmental problem, especially in developing countries. In this research, the Box-Behnken response surface methodology was used to optimize the most relevant variables affecting arsenic adsorption on the ZnO-halloysite surface, including temperature, adsorbent dosage, pH, contact time, and As (III) initial concentration. The regression analysis indicated that the experimental data were appropriately fitted to a quadratic model with the adjusted R-squared value (R2) of 0.982 for As(III) adsorption capacity and a linear model with R2 of 0.931 for As(III) removal. The p-values for both adsorption capacity and removal efficiency were below 0.05, with F-values of 116.91 and 115.58, respectively, supporting the model's validity. The optimum conditions for maximum removal of As(III) were determined through numerical and graphical optimization using the desirability function. It was found that the optimum conditions for adsorption were pH = 7.99, contact time of 3.99 h, As(III) initial concentration of 49.96 mg/L, and adsorbent dosage of 0.135 g/40 ml. The accuracy of the optimization procedure was confirmed by a confirmatory experiment, which showed a maximum arsenic removal of 91.31% and an adsorption capacity of 12.63 mg/g under optimized conditions. Moreover, XPS analysis was performed at different pH levels to investigate the As (III) adsorption mechanism. The results demonstrated that As(III) adsorption occurs at acidic and neutral pH levels. On the other hand, when pH is increased to 8, As (III) oxidizes to As (V), and then adsorption occurs.

Selective microextraction of erythrosine (E127) in foodstuffs using a new generation high-density type-V deep eutectic solvent.

A novel and selective (deep eutectic solvent) DES-based microextraction method was established for the first time, utilizing a synthesized new generation High-Density Type-V DES for monitoring the dye Erythrosine (E127) in various foodstuffs and drugs. Type-V DES was created from acetophenone and diphenylamine at 3:1 M ratio. The pH, DES amount, and vortex time were optimized using Box-Behnken Design (BBD) of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The quadratic microextraction model with R2 = 0.9982 was obtained. The limit of detection, preconcentration factor and linear dynamic range were determined to be 12 µg/L, 50 and 41-4000 µg/L, respectively. Effects of matrix components were examined. The developed High-Density Type-V Deep Eutectic Solvent Microextraction (HD-V-DES-ME) method was applied to foodstuffs and drugs to monitor their E127 contents and subsequently validated by applying spiked tests to real samples, with recoveries ranging between 94 and 101 %. The indexes of environmental friendliness and practicality for the method were evaluated using the Analytical GREEnness metric approach tool (AGREE) and the Blue Applicability Grade Index tool (BAGI), respectively.

Analytical quality by design-based stability-indicating high performance liquid chromatography method for the estimation of evogliptin tartrate in bulk and tablet dosage form.

The present study utilized Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) approach to develop a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for estimating evogliptin tartrate using design expert software. The key parameters were methodically optimized, contours were plotted, and stability was evaluated using various forced degradation conditions. Using an Agilent HPLC system with a photo diode array (PDA) detector along with Fortis C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) effectively separated the drug from its degradants. The mobile phase used was methanol: water (pH adjusted to 3.0, 76:24; v/v) at 0.8 mL/min flow rate. Evogliptin was eluted at 2.98 min, at a detection wavelength of 267 nm. The proposed method was found to be specific, precise, linear and robust. The drug was sensitive to acidic, basic, oxidative, thermal, and photodegradation resolving six degradation products. Thus, the developed AQbD-based stability-indicating HPLC method is applicable in analyzing evogliptin in bulk, tablet dosage form and stability samples.

Formulation and optimization of surfactant-modified chitosan nanoparticles loaded with cefdinir for novel topical drug delivery: Elevating wound healing efficacy with enhanced antibacterial properties.

Burn wounds remain a significant global health concern, frequently exacerbated by bacterial infections that hinder healing and raise morbidity rates. Cefdinir, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, is used to treat various conditions, but it has limitations such as low water solubility, limited bioavailability, and a short biological half-life. This study aimed to fabricate and optimize novel surfactant-based Cefdinir-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CFD-CSNPs) for enhancing topical CFD delivery and efficacy in burn healing. Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was employed to develop optimized CFD-CSNPs using Design Expert® software, where the independent factors were chitosan concentration, chitosan: sodium tripolyphosphate ratio, pH, and surfactant type. Particle size PS, zeta potential ZP, Polydispersity index PDI, and entrapment efficiency EE% were evaluated as dependent factors. CFD-CSNPs were produced using the ionic gelation method. The optimized formula was determined and then examined for further in vitro and in vivo assessments. The optimized CFD-CSNPs exhibited acceptable PS, PDI, and ZP values. The EE% of CFD from CSNPs reached 57.89 % ± 1.66. TEM analysis revealed spherical morphology. In vitro release studies demonstrated a biphasic release profile up to (75.5 % ± 3.8) over 48 hrs. The optimized CFD-CSNPs showed improved antimicrobial efficacy against the tested microorganisms, exhibiting superior performance for both biofilm prevention and eradication. Enhanced wound healing activity was achieved by the optimized CFD-CSNPs in both in vitro and in vivo studies as confirmed by scratch wound assay and skin burn mice model. The current study advocates the efficacy of the innovative topical application of CFD-CSNPs for wound healing purposes and treatment of wound infections.

Rational design of a Nano-Antibiotic chitosan hydrogel for the bacterial infection Therapy: In vitro & ex vivo Assessments.

In modern times, many antibiotics have become less effective as microorganisms develop resistance. Besides antibiotic resistance, another bacterial strategy that contributes to the capacity to withstand antimicrobials is biofilm formation. Because of these bacterial survival strategies, the desired response cannot be achieved with conventional treatment. Considering the limited discovery of new compounds, the most logical approach is to reconstruct existing antimicrobial molecules with nano-drug delivery systems. With this scientific approach, the aim of the study is to develop a novel nano-antibiotic hydrogel formulation containing silver nanoparticles, chitosan, and amoxicillin. Endodontic disease was used as a model of biofilm-mediated infection, and the antibacterial activity of nano-antibiotic hydrogel was evaluated with the E. faecalis standard bacterial strain. By adopting the Box-Behnken design for the optimisation of formulation variables, an innovative pharmaceutical formulation with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity was successfully obtained. Further characterisation studies, including nanoparticle characterisation, in vitro cytotoxicity, and ex vivo activity studies, were carried out on dental samples using the optimised formulation. All results were compared with antimicrobial agents routinely used in endodontic treatment. The findings mainly conclude that the optimised nano-antibiotic hydrogel may be an alternative antimicrobial formulation since it is non-cytotoxic and exhibits high antibiofilm activity.

Purification, characterization of laccase from Pleurotus ostreatus HK35, and optimization for congo red biodecolorization using Box-Behnken design.

This study is the first report on purification, characterization, and application of laccase derived from the white-rot fungus, Pleurotus ostreatus HK35 (Hungary strain), in Congo Red decolorization. The purification process involved ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis, anion exchange chromatography, and ultrafiltration, yielding a specific laccase activity of 15.26 U/mg and a 30.21% recovery rate. The purified enzyme, with a molecular weight of approximately 34 kilodaltons, displayed optimal activity at a temperature of 60 °C and pH 4.0 when using 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) as a substrate. The enzyme maintained over 82.02 ± 1.01% of its activity at temperatures up to 50 °C after 180 min but displayed less than 5% of its activity at 60 and 70 °C. Notably, the enzyme's activity was significantly enhanced by Pb(NO3)2, whereas ß-mercaptoethanol completely inhibited the activity. Utilizing the Box-Behnken design, we optimized Congo Red decolorization efficiency to 91.05 ± 0.82% at 100 mg/L Congo Red, 1.5 mM mediator concentration, and 1.6 U/mL laccase activity. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) suggested the model was significant, and all variables significantly influenced decolorization efficiency. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03926-7.

Optimized Eco-Friendly Foam Materials: A Study on the Effects of Sodium Alginate, Cellulose, and Activated Carbon.

This study focuses on optimizing the physical and mechanical properties of foam materials produced with the addition of sodium alginate as the matrix, and cellulose and activated carbon as fillers. Foam materials, valued for their lightweight and insulation properties, are typically produced from synthetic polymers that pose environmental risks. To mitigate these concerns, this study investigates the potential of natural, biodegradable polymers. Various foam formulations were tested to evaluate their density, compression modulus, and thermal conductivity. The results indicated that an increase in activated carbon content enhanced thermal stability, as indicated by higher Ti% and Tmax% values. Additionally, a higher concentration of sodium alginate and activated carbon resulted in higher foam density and compressive modulus, while cellulose exhibited a more intricate role in the material's behavior. In the optimal formula, where the sum of the component percentages totals 7.6%, the percentages (e.g., 0.5% sodium alginate, 5% cellulose, and 2.1% activated carbon) are calculated based on the weight/volume (w/v) ratio of each component in the water used to prepare the foam mixture. These results indicate that natural and biodegradable polymers can be used to develop high-performance, eco-friendly foam materials.

Treatment of table olive processing wastewater with US/UV processes.

Agroindustry factory's such as the table olive industry etc. that gain importance in the economies of Mediterranean countries. Conventional treatment methods are not effective for treating table olive processing wastewater due to its unique composition. Ultrasound/Ultraviolet light (US/UV) oxidation was used to treat wastewater of table olive industry to improve hydroxyl radicals and enhance organic compound removals. A statistical experimental design was used on table olive processing wastewater to examine the effects of the UV/US oxidation process. The highest removal efficiency for chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon, color, suspended solids and phenol were obtained as 64 %, 52 % 60 %, 87.5 % and 22.3 %, respectively. These results were obtained under optimal conditions of 20 min reaction time for ultrasound process, intensity of 50 W/cm2, and 20 min reaction time for ultraviolet process in the US/UV process. The study also showed that the ultrasound/ultraviolet oxidation process resulted in small reaction time and low chemical requirements. Sludge production and operational cost decreased at best experimental conditions due to small reaction time and low chemical requirement.

Effect of oxygen generating nanozymes on indocyanine green and IR 820 mediated phototherapy against oral cancer.

The hypoxic environment within a solid tumor is a limitation to the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy. Here, we demonstrate the use of oxygen generating nanozymes (CeO2, Fe3O4, and MnO2) to improve the photodynamic effect. The optimized combination of process parameters for irradiation was obtained using the Box Behnken experimental design. Indocyanine green, IR 820, and their different combinations with oxygen generators were studied for their effect on oral carcinoma. Dynamic light scattering technique showed the average particle size of CeO2, MnO2, and Fe3O4 to be 211 ± 16, and 157 ± 28, 143 ± 19 nm with PDI of 0.23, 0.28 and 0.20 and a zeta potential of -2.6 ± 0.45, -2.4 ± 0.60 and  -6.1 ± 0.23 mV, respectively. The formation of metal oxides was confirmed using UV-visible, FTIR, and X-ray photon spectroscopies. The amount of dissolved oxygen produced by CeO2, MnO2, and Fe3O4 in the presence of H2O2 within 2 min was 1.7 ± 0.15, 1.7 ± 0.16, and 1.4 ± 0.12 mg/l, respectively. Growth inhibition studies in the FaDu oral carcinoma spheroid model showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in growth reduction from 81 ± 2.9 and 88 ± 2.1% to 97 ± 1.2 and 99 ± 1.0% for ICG and IR 820, respectively, after irradiation (808 nm laser, 1 W/cm2, 5 min) in the presence of CeO2 (25 µg/ml). In conclusion, oxygen-generating nanozymes can improve the photodynamic effect of ICG and IR 820.

Minimizing anti-nutritional factors in wet protein extraction from Swedish faba beans through the application of response surface methodology.

Faba beans, rich in protein and ideal for Swedish cultivation, are limited in food industry use due to anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) that hinder nutrient absorption. An extraction method was developed in our study to mitigate ANFs in faba beans, using aqueous alkaline methods and isoelectric precipitation with differential salt concentration. This method yielded 15.8 g of protein per 100 g of flour, with a protein concentration exceeding 83% of the total extract. It reduced ANFs like phytic acid (28.0%), lectins (87.5%), vicine (98.5%), and convicine (99.7%). Extraction conditions were optimized using response surface methodology, identifying pH 6, 2 h, and 20 °C as the most effective parameters, achieving an 86% reduction in phytic acid, closely matched the model's predictions (R2 = 0.945). This method effectively reduced ANFs, offering a sustainable approach for producing proteins suitable for diverse food products, including plant-based alternatives.