Stimuli-responsive glucuronoxylan polysaccharide from quince seeds for biomedical, food packaging, and environmental applications.

Mucilage is a gelatinous mixture of polysaccharides secreted from the seed coat and/or pericarp of many plant seeds when soaked in water. Mucilage affected seed germination while maintaining hydration levels during scarcity. Cydonia oblonga (quince) seeds are natural hydrocolloids extruding biocompatible mucilage mainly composed of polysaccharides. Quince seed mucilage (QSM) has fascinated researchers due to its applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. On a commercial scale, QSM preserved the sensory and physiochemical properties of various products such as yogurt, desserts, cakes, and burgers. QSM is responsive to salts, pH, and solvents and is mainly investigated as edible coatings in the food industry. In tablet formulations, modified and unmodified QSM as a binder sustained the release of various drugs such as cefixime, capecitabine, diclofenac sodium, theophylline, levosulpiride, diphenhydramine, metoprolol tartrate, and acyclovir sodium. QSM acted as a reducing and capping agent to prepare nanoparticles for good antimicrobial resistance, photocatalytic characteristics, and wound-healing potential. The present review discussed the extraction optimization, chemical composition, stimuli-responsiveness, and viscoelastic properties of mucilage. The potential of mucilage in edible films, tissue engineering, and water purification will also be discussed.

Structure, chemical modification, and functional applications of mucilage from Mimosa pudica seeds - A review.

Mimosa pudica (MP) is an ornamental plant due to seismonastic movements that close leaves and fall petioles in response to touch, wind, light, heat, cold, and vibration. The seeds of MP secrete smart, biocompatible, and non-toxic mucilage that has captivated researchers due to its widespread use in various fields such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The mucilage is responsive to pH, salt solutions, and solvents and acts as a binder in tablet formulations for targeted drug delivery. The mucilage is chemically modifiable via acetylation, succinylation, and graft polymerization. Chemically modified MP mucilage appeared supersorbent for heavy metal ion uptake. Nanoparticles synthesized using mucilage as a reducing and capping agent displayed significant antimicrobial and wound-healing potential. Crosslinking of mucilage using citric acid as a crosslinking agent offers a sustained release of drugs. The present review is aimed to discuss extraction optimization, structure, modification, and the stimuli-responsive nature of mucilage. The review article will cover the potential of mucilage as emulsifying, suspending, bio-adhesive, gelling, and thickening agent. The role of mucilage as a capping and reducing agent for nanoparticles will also be discussed.

Pharmacological and Therapeutic Potential of Berbamine: A Potent Alkaloid from Genus Berberis.

Berbamine (Ber) is an active medicinal bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, which is usually obtained from different plants of the genus Berberis (family Berberidaceae) and is used to cure various disorders in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic systems of medicine. Numerous in-vitro and in-vivo studies revealed the apoptotic and cytotoxic potential of Ber against different cell lines (SMMC-7721, A549, MDA-MB-231, and K562) by upregulating pro-apoptotic (Bax, p53) and downregulating anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2, survivin) proteins. Other pharmacological attributes ascribed to Ber included cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-hypercholesterolemic, and anti-allergic. Moreover, the synergistic effect of Ber improved the therapeutic potential of different drugs (paclitaxel (PTL), gemcitabine, dexamethasone, doxorubicin (DOX), and celecoxib) in different models. Various attempts could fabricate biologically active derivatives of Ber, such as 4-chlorobenzoyl berbamine (CBB) and O-4- ethoxyl-butyl-berbamine (EBB). The review focuses on the medicinal applications of Ber, particularly anti-cancer, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory, along with the mechanism of action.

Diffused sunlight assisted green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Cotoneaster nummularia polar extract for antimicrobial and wound healing applications.

The current study reports the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using a polar extract of Cotoneaster nummularia leaves. Various analytical techniques, like UV-Vis spectrophotometry, FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and EDX were employed for characterisation. These techniques confirmed the stability of Ag NPs in solution and endorsed the interaction between different groups and Ag, crystal phase, surface morphology, and size of Ag NPs. UV-Vis spectrophotometer displayed SPR absorption bands ranging from 380 to 470 nm, characteristic of Ag NPs, within 1.0 h exposure to sunlight. XRD and SEM discovered the face-centered cubic crystals of Ag NPs with a 122.8 ± 1.1 nm average diameter. The bands at 525 cm-1 in FT-IR spectrum supported the development of Ag NPs. The Ag NPs showed antimicrobial potential against three pathogenic bacterial strains and two fungal strains. The wound healing results, as studied by tissue re-development and wound closure in rabbits were comparable to standard Sufre tulle® dressing.

Correction: Recent trends in ozone sensing technology.

Correction for 'Recent trends in ozone sensing technology' by Muhammad Mudassir Iqbal et al., Anal. Methods, 2023, 15, 2798-2822, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AY00334E.

Recent trends in ozone sensing technology.

The harmful impact of ozone on humans and the environment makes the development of economical, accurate, and efficient ozone monitoring technologies necessary. Therefore, in the present review, we critically discuss developments in the methods for the synthesis of ozone sensing materials such as metal oxides (Ni, Co, Pd, In, Cu, Zn, Fe, Sn, W, Ti and Mo), carbon nanotubes, organic compounds, perovskites, and quartz. Additionally, the recent advancements and innovations in ozone technology will be discussed. In this review, we focus on assembling ozone-sensing devices and developing related wireless communication, data transferring, and analyzing technologies together with satellite, airborne, and ground-based novel ozone-sensing strategies for monitoring the atmosphere, urban areas, and working environments. Furthermore, the developments in ozone-monitoring miniaturized devices technology will be considered. The effects of different factors, such as spatial-temporal variation, humidity, and calibration, on ozone measurements will also be discussed. It is anticipated that this review will bridge the knowledge gaps among materials chemists, engineers, and industry.

A pH responsive and superporous biocomposite hydrogel of Salvia spinosa polysaccharide-co-methacrylic acid for intelligent drug delivery.

Herein, a drug delivery system (SSH-co-MAA) based on the mucilage from seeds of Salvia spinosa (SSH; polymer) and methacrylic acid (MAA; monomer) is introduced for the controlled delivery of venlafaxine HCl using a sustainable chemical approach. The optimized conditions for the designing of the ideal formulation (M4) of SSH-co-MAA were found to be 2.5% (w/w) of SSH, 30.0% (w/w) of MAA, 0.4% (w/w) of both N,N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA; cross-linker) and potassium persulfate (KPS; initiator). The structure characterization of SSH-co-MAA by Fourier transform infrared and solid-state CP/MAS 13C-NMR spectroscopy has confirmed the grafting of MAA onto SSH. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed that SSH-co-MAA is a stable entity before and after loading of the venlafaxine HCl-loaded SSH-co-MAA (VSSH-co-MAA). Scanning electron microscopy images of SSH-co-MAA after swelling then freeze drying showed the superporous nature of the hydrogel. The gel fraction (%) of SSH-co-MAA depended upon concentration of SSH, MAA, and MBA. The porosity (%) was increased with the increase in the concentration of SSH and decreased with the decrease in the concentration of MAA and MBA. The swelling indices, venlafaxine HCl loading, and release (24 h at the pH of the gastrointestinal tract) from VSSH-co-MAA were found to be dependent on the pH of the swelling media and the concentration of SSH, MAA, and MBA. The release of venlafaxine HCl followed non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Conclusively, SSH-co-MAA is a novel material for potential application in targeted drug delivery applications.

A Smart Hydrogel from Salvia spinosa Seeds: pH Responsiveness, On-off Switching, Sustained Drug Release, and Transit Detection.

BACKGROUND: The use of synthetic and semi-synthetic materials in drug delivery systems has associated drawbacks like costly synthesis, toxicity, and biocompatibility issues. Therefore, there is a need to introduce novel materials to overcome such issues. Naturally occurring and water-swellable polysaccharides are advantageous in overcoming the above-mentioned issues. Therefore, we are reporting a novel hydrogel (SSH) isolated from the seeds of Salvia spinosa as a sustained release material. METHODS: SSH was explored for its pH-dependent and salt-responsive swelling before and after compression in a tablet form. Stimuli-responsive swelling and deswelling were also monitored at pH 7.4 and pH 1.2 in deionized water (DW) and normal saline and DW and ethanol. The sustained-release potential of SSH-based tablets was monitored at gastrointestinal tract (GIT) pH. The transit of SSH tablets was ascertained through an X-ray study. RESULTS: The swelling of SSH in powder and tablet form was found in the order of DW > pH 7.4 > pH 6.8 > pH 1.2. An inverse relation was found between the swelling of SSH and the concentration of the salt solution. The SSH showed stimuli-responsive swelling and de-swelling before and after compression, indicating the unaltered nature of SSH even in a closely packed form, i.e., tablets. Sustained release of theophylline (< 80%) was witnessed at pH 6.8 and 7.4 during the 12 h study following zeroorder kinetics, and radiographic images also showed 9 h retention in GIT. CONCLUSION: These investigations showed the potential of SSH as a pH-sensitive material for sustained and targeted drug delivery.

A dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction followed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography for QuEChERS determination of chlorogenic acid.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of chlorogenic acid (CGA) not only imparts a characteristic flavour to foods but also makes them useful against chronic diseases and metabolic syndromes, especially diabetes mellitus and asthma. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to develop a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) and pragmatic method to analyse CGA in plant-based products by applying dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) followed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography under a diode array detector (RP-HPLC-DAD). METHODOLOGY: The DLLME was carried out using Triton X-100 as a dispersant and ethanol as an extraction solvent, while method development and validation activities were performed on a Shimadzu 10-AT HPLC-DAD system equipped with C-18 columns as stationary phases. RESULTS: The well-resolved peak for the standard CGA was observed at 2.92 min for the mobile phase comprising 0.1% aqueous formic acid-ethanol (22:78 v/v) of pH 3.0 programmed under an isocratic flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The developed method was found to be linear (R2 = 0.9976) over 1-500 µg/mL of CGA concentration at 328 nm. Moreover, the assay was found to be repeatable with RSD ≤ 5.0, and the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.0281 and 0.0853 µg/mL of CGA, respectively. The DLLME offered an overall recovery rate between 97.60% and 99.54% at an acceptable level of reproducibility [relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 5.0]. CONCLUSION: The developed assay was found to be a QuEChERS and pragmatic choice for the high-throughput analysis of CGA in plant-based products/foods. Finally, the analysis revealed the presence of an ample level of CGA in guava fruit in addition to coffee beans and black tea.

Synthesis, nonlinear optical analysis and DFT studies of D-π-D and A-π-A configured Schiff bases derived from bis-phenylenediamine.

Herein, an integral approach has been made towards the exploration of electronic and structural parameters of four synthesized (DMA with an A-π-A configuration and DMM, DAM, and DMD with a D-π-D configuration) and one designed (DMB-D) novel Schiff base compounds. Bis phenylenediamine derivatives were prepared by condensation of 4,5-dimethyl-o-phenylenediamine (1) with various substituted benzaldehydes (2a-d). The structures of compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic techniques, i.e., UV-visible, FT-IR, and NMR spectroscopy. The DFT-based analysis of entitled compounds was performed via density functional theory utilizing the M06-2X functional in conjugation with the 6-311G(d,p) basis set to acquire geometrical parameters, natural bonding orbital (NBO), the density of states (DOS), non-linear optical (NLO), molecular electrostatic potential (MESP), and natural population analyses. The smallest band gap of (5.446 eV) was noted for DMAvia frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis. GRPs were obtained with the aid of E gap values as DMA with the lowest band gap displayed a small magnitude of hardness (2.723 eV) and a large magnitude of softness (0.183 eV). The ß tot values of DMA, DMM, DMB-D, DAM, and DMD were 56.95, 0.43, 2.53, 8.98, and 68.47 times larger than urea (ß tot = 3.71 × 10-31 e.s.u.), respectively. The observed fascinating NLO properties of these novel compounds might be helpful for further advancement in non-linear optics.

Biodiesel Production from Alkali-Catalyzed Transesterification of Tamarindus indica Seed Oil and Optimization of Process Conditions.

Biodiesel is considered a sustainable alternative to petro-diesel owing to several favorable characteristics. However, higher production costs, primarily due to the use of costly edible oils as raw materials, are a chief impediment to its pecuniary feasibility. Exploring non-edible oils as raw material for biodiesel is an attractive strategy that would address the economic constraints associated with biodiesel production. This research aims to optimize the reaction conditions for the production of biodiesel through an alkali-catalyzed transesterification of Tamarindus indica seed oil. The Taguchi method was applied to optimize performance parameters such as alcohol-to-oil molar ratio, catalyst amount, and reaction time. The fatty acid content of both oil and biodiesel was determined using gas chromatography. The optimized conditions of alcohol-to-oil molar ratio (6:1), catalyst (1.5% w/w), and reaction time 1 h afforded biodiesel with 93.5% yield. The most considerable contribution came from the molar ratio of alcohol to oil (75.9%) followed by the amount of catalyst (20.7%). In another case, alcohol to oil molar ratio (9:1), catalyst (1.5% w/w) and reaction time 1.5 h afforded biodiesel 82.5% yield. The fuel properties of Tamarindus indica methyl esters produced under ideal conditions were within ASTM D6751 biodiesel specified limits. Findings of the study indicate that Tamarindus indica may be chosen as a prospective and viable option for large-scale production of biodiesel, making it a substitute for petro-diesel.

Hydrogel assisted synthesis of gold nanoparticles with enhanced microbicidal and in vivo wound healing potential.

The present study reports a hydrogel-based sunlight-assisted synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with enhanced antimicrobial and wound healing potential. The hydrogel extracted from the seeds of Cydonia oblonga was used as a reducing and capping agent to synthesize Au NPs for the first time. The as-synthesized Au NPs were characterized for an average size, shape, surface functionalization, antimicrobial, and wound healing capabilities. The cubic and rectangular-shaped Au NPs with an average edge length of 74 ± 4.57 nm depicted a characteristic surface plasmon resonance band at 560 nm. The hydrogel-based Au NPs inhibited the growth of microorganisms in zones with 12 mm diameter. In-vitro experiments showed that a minimum inhibitory concentration of Au NPs (16 µg/mL) was sufficient to mimic the 95% growth of pathogenic microorganisms in 24 h. In vivo treatment of wounds with Au NPs in murine models revealed a 99% wound closure within 5 days. Quantitative PCR analysis performed to decipher the role of Au NPs in enhanced wound healing showed an increase in the expression levels of NANOG and CD-34 proteins.

Withania somnifera L.: Insights into the phytochemical profile, therapeutic potential, clinical trials, and future prospective.

Withania somnifera L. is a multipurpose medicinal plant of family Solanaceae occurring abundantly in sub-tropical regions of the world. The folk healers used the plant to treat several diseases such as fever, cancer, asthma, diabetes, ulcer, hepatitis, eyesores, arthritis, heart problems, and hemorrhoids. The plant is famous for the anti-cancerous activity, low back pain treatment, and muscle strengthening, which may be attributed to the withanolide alkaloids. W. somnifera is also rich in numerous valued secondary metabolites such as steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, and glycosides. A wide range of preclinical trials such as cardioprotective, anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-depressant, and hypoglycemic have been attributed to various parts of the plant. Different parts of the plant have also been evaluated for the clinical trials such as male infertility, obsessive-compulsive disorder, antianxiety, bone and muscle strengthening potential, hypolipidemic, and antidiabetic. This review focuses on folk medicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological, and nutrapharmaceutical potential of the versatile plant.

Stimuli-responsive/smart tablet formulations (under simulated physiological conditions) for oral drug delivery system based on glucuronoxylan polysaccharide.

Objective: Development of stimuli-responsive intelligent drug delivery system (based on a polysaccharide, glucuronoxylan [GX]) with on-off switching properties under physiological conditions.Significance: As GX exhibits high swelling index and stimuli-responsive swelling/de-swelling properties, therefore, this material appeared highly useful to design pH, solvent and ionic stress-sensitive oral tablet formulations, which offered on-off switching properties. In this way, we could design intelligent/smart drug delivery systems for levosulpiride (LS) and theophylline (TF) with valuable pharmaceutical properties.Methods: GX-based tablet formulations were explored for stimuli-responsive, reversible swelling-deswelling behavior, dynamic swelling, and its kinetics. Tablet surface and channeling after swelling were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Drug release study was performed mimicking the physiological conditions like pH and transit time of gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Radiographic images of tablet path (in vivo) were recorded.Results: GX-based formulations exhibited high swelling in deionized water (DW), pH 6.8 and 7.4 while negligible swelling at pH 1.2. SEM images discovered the presence of microcracks and nanopores on the surface of tablets and showed channeling after swelling of tablets in DW. Sustained drug release was observed and found directly proportional to the concentration of GX in the formulations with negligible release at pH 1.2. In vivo radiographic evaluation indicated the retention of tablets in GIT for 7 h. Hemocompatibility studies showed the non-thrombogenic and non-hemolytic nature of GX.Conclusions: GX-based smart/stimuli-responsive formulations can control/sustain the release of drugs in GIT.

A comprehensive review of phytochemical profile, bioactives for pharmaceuticals, and pharmacological attributes of Azadirachta indica.

Azadirachta indica L. is a multipurpose medicinal tree of family Meliaceae. It occurs in tropical and semitropical regions of the world. Different parts of this miraculous tree are used to treat pyrexia, headache, ulcer, respiratory disorders, cancer, diabetes, leprosy, malaria, dengue, chicken pox, and dermal complications. The tree is popular for its pharmacological attributes such as hypolipidemic, antifertility, microbicidal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antipyretic, hypoglycemic, insecticidal, nematicidal, antiulcer, antioxidant, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and antileishmaniasis properties. A. indica is also rich in various phytochemicals for pharmaceuticals such as alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. The fungicidal potential of the tree is due to the presence of azadirachtin and nimbin. Herein, we have compiled a comprehensive review of phytochemical profile, pharmacological attributes, and therapeutic prospective of this multipurpose tree.

Appraisal of acute oral toxicity of glucuronoxylan hydrogel from Mimosa pudica seeds

Glucuronoxylan hydrogel (GXH) isolated from M. pudica seeds was assessed for acute toxicology in albino mice that were alienated into four groups. Three groups, i.e., II, III and IV received GXH at a dose of 1, 2 and 5 g/kg, respectively while group I was retained untreated and provided routine diet. After administering GXH, mice were examined for vomiting, diarrhea, allergy and tremors for 8 h. All animals were carefully observed for food and water consumption at 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14 day after administering GXH. At the end of studies, blood samples were drawn for investigation of hematological and biochemical parameters. All animals were sacrificed, relative body weight of vital organs was calculated and their histopathology was studied. It was concluded that there was insignificant difference in body weight, behavioral pattern, food and water intake among treated and control groups. Haematology and biochemistry of blood samples from all groups were found analogous. Histopathological evaluation of vital body organs exhibited no lesions in all groups. Ocular, cardiac and dermal safety of GXH was also established on albino rabbits.

Calixarene: A Versatile Material for Drug Design and Applications.

The therapy of various diseases by the drugs entrapped in calixarene derivatives is gaining attraction of researchers nowadays. Calixarenes are macrocyclic nano-baskets which belong to cavitands class of host-guest chemistry. They are the marvelous hosts with distinct hydrophobic three dimensional cavities to entrap and encapsulate biologically active guest drugs. Calixarene and its derivatives develop inclusion complexes with various types of drugs and vitamins for their sustained/targeted release. Calixarene and its derivatives are used as carriers for anti-cancer, anti-convulsant, anti-hypertensive, anthelmentic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antipsychotic drugs. They are the important biocompatible receptors to improve solubility, chemical reactivity and decrease cytotoxicity of poorly soluble drugs in supramolecular chemistry. This review focuses on the calixarene and its derivatives as the state-of-the-art in host-guest interactions for important drugs. We have also critically evaluated calixarenes for the development of prodrugs.

A superporous and superabsorbent glucuronoxylan hydrogel from quince (Cydonia oblanga): Stimuli responsive swelling, on-off switching and drug release.

Current study was designed to investigate micromeritic properties, water absorption capacity, stimuli (pH, ethanol and saline) responsive swelling-deswelling (on-off switching) and controlled drug release from the polysaccharide glucuronoxylan isolated from the seeds of Quince. The water retention capacity of Quince hydrogel (QH) was found admirable. The hydrogel also exhibited privileged swelling in water and basic buffers (pH 6.8 and 7.4) while insignificant swelling in acidic buffer (pH 1.2). The swelling kinetics of QH follows second order. Moreover, QH deswells in salt (KCl and NaCl) solutions and ethanol. SEM of swollen then freeze dried QH revealed hollow channels with an average diameter of 67.8µm. Furthermore, QH sustained the release of levosulpiride (LS) tablet formulation and drug release mechanism was ascertained super case-II transport. These results signify QH a smart material for sustained release formulations.

Cydonia oblonga M., A Medicinal Plant Rich in Phytonutrients for Pharmaceuticals.

Cydonia oblonga M. is a medicinal plant of family Rosaceae which is used to prevent or treat several ailments such as cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, ulcer, respiratory, and urinary infections, etc. Cydonia oblonga commonly known as Quince is rich in useful secondary metabolites such as phenolics, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, sugars, organic acids, and glycosides. A wide range of pharmacological activities like antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular, antidepressant, antidiarrheal, hypolipidemic, diuretic, and hypoglycemic have been ascribed to various parts of C. oblonga. The polysaccharide mucilage, glucuronoxylan extruded from seeds of C. oblonga is used in dermal patches to heal wounds. This review focuses on detailed investigations of high-valued phytochemicals as well as pharmacological and phytomedicinal attributes of the plant.

Mimosa pudica L., a High-Value Medicinal Plant as a Source of Bioactives for Pharmaceuticals.

Mimosa pudica Linn. (Family: Mimosaceae) is used as an ornamental plant due to its thigmonastic and nyctinastic movements. M. pudica is also used to avoid or cure several disorders like cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, obesity, and urinary infections. M. pudica is famous for its anticancer alkaloid, mimosine, along with several valuable secondary metabolites like tannins, steroids, flavonoids, triterpenes, and glycosylflavones. A wide array of pharmacological properties like antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antidiarrheal, hypolipidemic activities, diuretic, antiparasitic, antimalarial, and hypoglycemic have been attributed to different parts of M. pudica. Glucuronoxylan polysaccharide extruded from seeds of M. pudica is used for drug release formulations due to its high swelling index. This review covers a thorough examination of functional bioactives as well as pharmacological and phytomedicinal attributes of the plant with the purpose of exploring its pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potentials.