Comparison of clinical outcomes of Eyecryl toric and Alcon toric intra-ocular lenses – A real world study

Purpose: To compare the visual outcomes and residual astigmatism following implantation of Eyecryl toric versus Alcon AcrySof IQ toric intra?ocular lenses (IOLs). Methods: This retrospective, observational study included 143 eyes of 141 patients who underwent phaco?emulsification, followed by implantation of Eyecryl toric IOL (n = 83 eyes) or Alcon toric IOL (n = 60 eyes) in an eye hospital in South India from 2018 to 2021. At 1 month post?op, the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA), and residual astigmatism of the toric IOL were compared and analyzed. Results: The mean pre?op corneal astigmatism was 2.02 ± 0.81 D and 1.70 ± 0.68 D in the Alcon and Eyecryl groups, respectively (P = 0.005). The mean post?op corneal astigmatism at 1 month was 0.50 ± 0.51 D and 0.36 ± 0.42 D in the Alcon and Eyecryl groups, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between them (P = 0.87). The mean post?op UCVA in logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at 1 month was similar between the groups at 0.17 ± 0.18 and 0.17 ± 0.16 in the Alcon and Eyecryl groups, respectively (P = 0.98). The mean post?op BCVA in logMAR at 1 month was 0.06 ± 0.09 and 0.03 ± 0.10 in the Alcon and Eyecryl groups, respectively (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Both Eyecryl toric and Alcon AcrySof IQ toric IOLs showed comparable post?operative outcomes in terms of UCVA and residual astigmatism. The post?op BCVA was clinically similar between groups but statistically better in the Eyecryl toric group

Enhanced antitumor effect of curcumin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles in Dalton’s ascites lymphoma mice

Curcumin is widely known for its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti inflammatory effects and has been reported to possess anticancerous activity as well. However, its medical application is limited because of poor bioavailability and rapid metabolism. In this study, we encapsulated curcumin in solid lipid nanoparticles and studied its anticancerous effect in Dalton’s Ascites Lymphoma (DAL) mice model. The physicochemical characteristics of curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles (CUR-SLN) were assessed and the anticancer efficacy was determined by in vivo studies. The curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles were synthesized by solvent emulsification evaporation method with particle size less than 100 nm. Antitumor effect of nanocurcumin (50 mg/kg) and curcumin (100 mg/kg) was evaluated in Dalton’s Ascites Lymphoma bearing mice. Pathological and immunohistochemical parameters were studied. Mean survival time and percentage increase in lifespan were assessed. Nanocurcumin group showed more significant influence in reducing tumor volume and weight, inducing apoptosis, reducing angiogenesis and invasion restoring antioxidant parameters and increased mean survival time. Curcumin and nanocurcumin inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (Nf-kB), and thereby proved the pathway by which it induced anti-angiogenic and anti-invasive property.

Benchmarking of different microbes for their biosurfactants antifungal action against plant pathogens

The biotic stress caused by phytopathogens (bacteria, fungus, yeast and insect pests) is a primary factor in yield loss of plants. Biocontrol agents and their active compounds are used to manage such plant pathogens. Here, in our study, we screened four bacterial isolates identified as Bacillus cereus, B. anthracis, B. velezensis and Serratia marcescens after morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization (16s rDNA sequencing) for production of biosurfactant by foam forming activity, oil spreading tests and emulsification activity. Highest foam stability (75 min) and maximum emulsification activity E24% (75%) was observed by B. velezensis strain. Among all the four isolates, Bacillus velezensis strain produced maximum biosurfactant (0.349±0.004 g/50 mL). Biosurfactant of all the four bacterial isolates were checked for fungal inhibiton on PDA plate(s). Bacillus velezensis showed comparatively the highest percent inhibition 58.82, 88.15, 78.45,72.68, 83.96, 75.47, 68.07 and 88.44% against Colletotrichum falcatum, Fusarium oxysporum f sp. ciceri, Helminthosporium maydis, F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp., Helminthosporium oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani, respectively. Bacillus velezensis biosurfactant among all the four bacterial isolates was found to be most effective against the tested phytopathogens

Short-term surgical outcomes of twin-site combined phaco-emulsification and mitomycin-C augmented trabeculectomy in pseudo-exfoliation glaucoma versus primary open-angle glaucoma

Purpose: To compare the short?term outcomes of combined phaco?emulsification with posterior chamber intra?ocular lens and mitomycin augmented trabeculectomy in patients with pseudo?exfoliation glaucoma (PXFG) versus primary open?angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: A total of 144 eyes of 144 patients were enrolled in this prospective interventional comparative study, 72 each of which had PXFG and POAG, respectively. All patients underwent twin?site combined phaco?trabeculectomy at a tertiary eye center in India between December 2017 and December 2018 and were followed up for a period of 12 months. The main outcome measures were intra?ocular pressure (IOP), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), total surgical time, rate of intra?operative and post?operative complications, and the number of ocular hypotensive medications needed. Success rates were determined via Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Results: The mean age was 63.9 ± 7.9 years in the POAG group and 66.4 ± 6.8 years in the PXFG group (P ? 0.04). The baseline BCVA, IOP, and cup?disc ratio were comparable between two groups. Intra?operative complications and post?operative outcomes were comparable between the two groups. There was a significant drop in anti?glaucoma medications in both groups. Six patients, three (4.2%) in each group, were lost to follow?up after 6 months. Three patients (4.2%) in PXFG needed additional glaucoma intervention for controlling IOP, one patient needed a non?valved glaucoma drainage device, and two patients required diode cyclo?photocoagulation within the follow?up period. Conclusion: Patients with PXFG had a longer surgical time than POAG. Similar success and complication rates were observed following combined twin?site phaco?trabeculectomy in both POAG and PXFG at 1 year. Combined glaucoma surgery resulted in good IOP control, improvement in BCVA, and lower requirement of ocular hypotensives in both the groups.

Isolation and characterization of biosurfactant producing bacteria from Mile 2 and Ologe Lagoons, Nigeria

Aims@#This study was aimed to isolate and characterize biosurfactant producing bacteria from Mile 2 and Ologe Lagoon which are sinks for domestic and industrial waste waters and potential source of value added bioresources such as biosurfactants, hydrocarbon degraders and organisms with potential for biotechnological applications.@*Methodology and results@#Physicochemical parameters of the two lagoon waters were analyzed using standard procedures. Bacteria were isolated using enrichment techniques on 1% Escravos light crude oil, palm oil and groundnut oil on mineral salt medium (MSM). Biosurfactant production by the isolates was assayed by hemolytic activity, oil spread test, blue agar test and emulsification activity. Isolates were identified using their colony morphologies and biochemical characteristics, while the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined using multidisc. The physicochemistry of the lagoon water showed high nitrate content of 15.7 mg/L and 19.6 mg/L for Mile 2 and Ologe Lagoon, respectively. Total hydrocarbon content (THC) of both lagoon waters was low, with values 0.53 mg/L for Mile 2 Lagoon and 0.44 mg/L for Ologe Lagoon. The predominant genera of bacteria identified include Micrococcus, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Stomatococcus and Moraxella. A total of 23 bacterial isolates were tested for hemolytic activity, of which 13 showed β-hemolysis which is presumptive for biosurfactant production, 5 showed α-hemolysis and the remaining 5 exhibited γ-hemolysis. Majority of the isolates were positive for oil spread assay and blue agar test (19) indicating production of anionic biosurfactant. The isolates showed good emulsification activity; AGG3 (67.7%), AGG1 (62.3%), AGG2 (60%), AGG4 (60%), MTP2 (56%), AGC4 (54%) and the least emulsification value of 23.3% for strain AGP1. Most of the isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, perfloxacin and showed resistance to septrin and erythromycin.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#This study showed that Mile 2 and Ologe Lagoon are a potential source of biosurfactant producers with diverse emulsification properties and prospective industrial applications. This would have implication for economic empowerment, as well as sustainable and environmentally friendly clean-up technology in both locally and globally.

Formulation optimization of emodin nanostructured lipid carriers by Box-Behnken response surface method and in vitro quality evaluation / 中国中药杂志

Emodin nanostructured lipid carriers(ED-NLC) were prepared and their quality was evaluated in vitro. Based on the results of single-factor experiments, the ED-NLC formulation was optimized by Box-Behnken response surface method with the dosages of emodin, isopropyl myristate and poloxamer 188 as factors and the nanoparticle size, encapsulation efficiency and drug loading as evaluation indexes. Then the evaluation was performed on the morphology, size and in vitro release of the nanoparticles prepared by emulsification-ultrasonic dispersion method in line with the optimal formulation, i.e., 3.27 mg emodin, 148.68 mg isopropyl myristate and 173.48 mg poloxamer 188. Under a transmission electron microscope(TEM), ED-NLC were spherical and their particle size distribution was uniform. The particle size of ED-NLC was(97.02±1.55) nm, the polymer dispersion index 0.21±0.01, the zeta potential(-38.96±0.65) mV, the encapsulation efficiency 90.41%±0.56% and the drug loading 1.55%±0.01%. The results of differential scanning calorimeter(DSC) indicated that emodin may be encapsulated into the nanostructured lipid carriers in molecular or amorphous form. In vitro drug release had obvious characteristics of slow release, which accorded with the first-order drug release equation. The fitting model of Box-Behnken response surface methodology was proved accurate and reliable. The optimal formulation-based ED-NLC featured concentrated particle size distribution and high encapsulation efficiency, which laid a foundation for the follow-up study of ED-NLC in vivo.

Butter whey and corn steep liquor as sole raw materials to obtain a bioemulsifier from Yarrowia lipolytica for food oil-in-water emulsions / Soro de manteiga e milhocina como únicas matérias primas para obter bioemulsificante de Yarrowia lipolytica para emulsões óleo-em-água alimentícias

ABSTRACT: A synthetic medium containing glucose, glycerol, yeast extract (YE), and ammonium sulfate (AS) was compared to several low-cost media in their ability to produce high emulsification index (EI). The goal was to reduce the production costs of an emulsifier with application in food oil-in-water emulsions. To this end, agro-industrial by-products were screened for bioemulsifier production from Yarrowia lipolytica. The statistical analysis showed that the EIs of media containing residual frying oil from palm oil (RFO_palm) or soybean oil (RFO_soy), residual liquid from butter production (butter whey, BWhey) or cheese production (cheese whey, CWhey), supplemented with YE and AS were similar to the EI of the synthetic medium. The replacement of YE by corn steep liquor (CSL) also resulted in similar EI, except for RFO_soy. BWhey was tested with CSL without AS and similar EI (66.8%) was detected in comparison to that of the same medium with AS (66.3%). The cell-free broth obtained after Y. lipolytica growth in BWhey+CSL was successfully used to obtain vegetable oil-in-water emulsions indicating its potential application in food products.

RESUMO: O meio sintético contendo glicose, glicerol, extrato de levedura (YE) e sulfato de amônio (AS) foi comparado a meios de baixo custo para produzir alto índice de emulsificação (EI). Para este fim, os subprodutos agroindustriais foram rastreados quanto à produção de bioemulsificante por Yarrowia lipolytica. A análise estatística mostrou que EI de meios contendo óleo de fritura residual de óleo de palma (RFO_palm) ou óleo de soja (RFO_soy), líquido residual da produção de manteiga (soro de manteiga, BWhey) ou da produção de queijo (soro de queijo, CWhey), suplementado com YE e AS foram semelhantes ao EI do meio sintético. A substituição do YE por milhocina (CSL) também resultou em EI semelhante, exceto no RFO_soy. O BWhey foi testado com CSL sem AS e EI semelhante (66,8%) foi detectado em comparação com o mesmo meio com AS (66,3%). O meio isento de células obtido após o crescimento de Y. lipolytica no meio BWhey + CSL foi utilizado com sucesso para obter emulsões de óleo vegetal em água, indicando sua potencial aplicação em produtos alimentícios.

Preparation，optimization and antibacterial activity of luteolin nanostructured lipid carriers / 中国药科大学学报

@#To prepare and optimize luteolin nanostructured lipid carriers (Lut-NLCs) and investigate their antibacterial activity in vitro. Lut-NLCs were prepared by hot melt emulsification-ultrasonic method. The solid lipid concentration (X1),liquid lipid concentration (X2) and surfactant concentration (X3) were used as independent variables,with the average particle size (Y1) and the encapsulation efficiency (Y2) as the dependent variables. The optimal formulation of Lut-NLCs was obtained through Box-Behnken experiment design. The microstructure of Lut-NLCs was observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM). The in vitro release characteristics of Lut-NLCs were investigated. Furthermore, the in vitro antibacterial activities of luteolin and Lut-NLCs were compared. The formulation composition of Lut-NLCs was optimized as follows:the concentration of the solid lipid, liquid lipid and surfactant were 13.0 mg/mL,15.0 mg/mL,and 15.0 mg/mL,respectively. Three batches of Lut-NLCs were prepared with an average particle size of (210.4±17.3) nm,and an encapsulation efficiency of (88.4±1.2)%. Lut-NLCs were observed to be spheroidal,with a smooth surface and a uniform particle size distribution by TEM. The drug release profiles of Lut-NLCs showed a bursting release in the early stage and a slow and stable release in the later stage. Moreover, the cumulative release amount of drug reached 95% in 12 hours. The results of antibacterial circle experiment showed that the antibacterial effect of Lut-NLCs on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was higher than that of luteolin raw materials. In this study,the formulation of Lut-NLCs prepared by simple preparation process is reasonable,and Lut-NLCs also exhibited the significant in vitro antibacterial activity. It is expected to be an effective way for external application of luteolin.

GC-MS analysis of extraction kinetics of volatile oil from Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma by steam distillation / 中草药

Objective: The experiment was designed to reveal the extraction, distribution and influencing factors of volatile components in the extraction process of volatile oil from Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (ATR). Methods: Volatile oil of ATR was extracted by steam distillation and the extract was collected every 30 min to separate the aromatic water and volatile oil. Results: A total of 56 volatile compounds were determined, of which β-asarone, methyleugenol, cis-methylisoeugenol and γ-asarone were the main characteristic constituents. There were 41 kinds of components distributed only in water, four components only in oil and 11 kinds in both oil and water. Correlation analysis showed that the specific components in water were positively correlated with the dissolution/diffusion of the main components in water, but negatively correlated with the main components in volatile oil. The water solubility of the unique components in water was the highest. The results of radar and PCA showed that the water solubility and boiling point of the specific components in water were very high, the vapor pressure of the common components of oil and water was the highest, and the polar surface areas of the special components in oil were high. Conclusion: Affected by the physical and chemical properties of volatile component, some components specifically distributed in water increased the content of main components in the aromatic water, may resulting in volatile oil extraction process easy to "emulsification", in turn, leading to an important reason for the declining quality of volatile oil.

Clinical Evaluation of Patients Undergoing Phacoemulsification for Dry Eye

Background: “Dry eye” is a multifactorial disease of tears and ocular surface that can be result from aqueous deficiency ormay be evaporative in nature. Dry eye affects individuals worldwide. Long-term epidemiological studies have shown that theincidence rates among the population between ages 43 and 86 years at 5 and 10 years of follow-up to be 13.3% and 21.6%,respectively.Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to assess the incidence and severity pattern of dry eye among patients who haveundergone phacoemulsification.Materials and Methods: A total of 152 patients undergoing phacoemulsification for matured cataracts in the Department ofOphthalmology of KMCT Hospital were included in this study. The incidence of dry eye on day 7 after phacoemulsificationwas assessed using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire. Tear breakup time (TBUT), fluorescein stainingwith Oxford Schema, and Schirmer I test without anesthesia were performed after the questionnaire. The TBUT measures theinterval between the last complete blink and the first appearance of a dry spot or disruption of the tear film.Observations and Results: Among 152 subjects, there were 97 male patients (63.81%) and 55 (36.18%) female patientswith a male to female ratio 1.76:1. The mean age was 57.13 ± 9.50 years. The eldest patient was aged 78 years. On day 7postoperatively, the mean scores of OSDI questionnaire (preoperatively vs. postoperatively was 12.57 vs. 35.10, respectively),TBUT (preoperatively vs. postoperatively was 15.85 ± 1.25 s vs. 13.9 ± 0.70 s), Oxford Schema (preoperatively vs. postoperativelywas Grades 1 vs. 2), and Schirmer I without anesthesia (preoperatively vs. postoperatively was 22.10 ± 5.44 mm at 5 min[15–35 mm] vs. 7.50 ± 2.20 in 55.30% [6.10–9.05], respectively) showed a trend toward dry eye syndrome during the 1st week.Conclusions: Dry eye symptoms can develop immediately after phacoemulsification and the severity can peak on day 7. Bothsymptoms and signs of dry eye can improve over time. However, it is important that ophthalmologists assess dry eye beforeand after phacoemulsification to ensure proper treatment, quality of vision, and quality of life for their patients

Optimisation Of Biosurfactant Production By Serratia Rubidaea Kap Isolated From Oil Contaminated Soil Sample

Surfactants are surface active molecules which play an important role in variousindustrial processes and product formation due to their interfacial properties, biodegradabilityand eco-friendly nature. Many of the chemical surfactants in use today are produced fromnon-renewable petrochemical feedstocks, hence bio surfactants produced by microorganismsusing renewable and cheap substrates are considered as viable alternatives to petroleumbased surfactants. In the current study, the optimization of various parameters for maximumproduction of bio surfactant, by Serratia rubidaea KAP isolated from oil contaminated soilsample, was carried out. Optimum bio surfactant production was obtained in a mediumcontaining; (g %) KH2PO4 (0.3), Na2HPO4 (0.6), yeast extract (0.5), NaCl (0.5), (NH4)2SO4 (0.3),MgSO4.7H2O (2mg), FeSO4.7H2O (0.002), and CaCl2.2H2O (0.006), rice bran oil (5% v/v) with C:N and C: P ratio as 8:1 and 7:1 respectively. The media was adjusted to pH 7.2, inoculated with5% v/v test culture prepared at 0.8O.D600nm, and incubated at 30°C for 96h under agitationspeed of 160rpm. The resulting bio surfactant yield of 1.0g% was achieved, with 0.88g% weightof dry biomass, 56.78% decrease in surface tension of the medium and emulsification index of87.5%. Thus the isolate showed good potential as a bio surfactant-producing bacterium thatcan be used for large scale production using rice bran oil as a cost-effective substrate, as analternative to chemical surfactants.

Colombian propolis as starting material for the preparation of nanostructured lipid carriers

ABSTRACT The value of propolis is scientifically and commercially measured through the content of biologically active molecules as phenolic compounds and flavonoids; on the other hand, a high percentage of waxes in the propolis composition makes it a substandard beekeeping product. Colombian propolis is characterized by a high content of waxes; however, this drawback turns into an advantage when this material is used for preparing lipid nanocarriers. Accordingly, in this research work, a propolis-extracted material obtained by Randall method is characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Then, it is used for obtaining nanostructured lipid carriers by the emulsification-diffusion technique, whose recipe and operating work conditions were established by a Plackett-Burman statistical screening design. The obtained particles exhibit sizes less than 300 nm, polydispersity indices around 0.1, zeta potential values less than ±2 mV, good physical stability and they show to be safe in the in vitro irritation test. Thus, Colombian propolis arises as an attractive natural source for obtaining lipid carriers that could be used in pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries for developing innovative products.

Preparation, characterization and dissolution characteristics of curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles modified with PEG / 中草药

Objective: The sustained release curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles (Cur-SLN) and long circulating solid lipid nanoparticles (LSLN) were prepared, and the physicochemical properties of the two nanoparticles were investigated. Methods: Cur-SLN was prepared by emulsification ultrasonic method, and then the entrapment efficiency and drug loading of Cur-SLN prepared under the optimal formulation were determined. Cur-LSLN was prepared by back-extrapolation method, and the physicochemical properties of Cur-SLN and Cur-LSLN were evaluated by entrapment efficiency, drug loading, particle size, and Zeta potential; DSC was used to analyze, in vitro release characteristics and the transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to observe particle appearance. Results: Based on the optimal conditions, TEM showed that the appearance of Cur-SLN and Cur-LSLN were spherical or nearly spherical, the entrapment efficiency respectively were (89.15 ± 0.66)% and (92.97 ± 0.27)%, drug loading were (1.72 ± 0.08)% and (1.98 ± 0.08)%, average diameters of particles were (144.5 ± 4.1) nm and (155.0 ± 2.6) nm, and the mean Zeta potential were (-23.6 ± 0.2) mV and (-47.8 ± 1.8) mV. Through DSC detection, it can be determined that Cur in nanoparticles had been transformed into amorphous state. In vitro release test showed that the drug release of the two preparations was divided into two stages: burst release phase and sustained released stage, the release rate was fast in 12 h, and the cumulative release of Cur-SLN in 96 h was 86.63%, and Cur-LSLN was 76.98%, so Cur-LSLN showed better sustained-release effect. Conclusion: Cur-SLN and Cur-LSLN can be successfully prepared by emulsification ultrasonic method, and PEG modified nanoparticles have better sustained-release properties and prolong the time of the presence of drug in vivo, providing reference for the development of targeted drugs.

Optimization of Preparation Technology of Celastrol Nanostructured Lipid Carrier and Its Characterization / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To optimize the preparation technology of Celastrol nanostructured lipid carriers （Cel-NLC）， and to characterize it. METHODS： Cel-NLC was prepared by melt-emulsification ultrasonic method. Based on single factor test， using encapsulation rate of Cel as index， the ratio of liquid lipid （the ratio of total mass）， the amount of compound emulsifier and the dose of main drug were optimized by central composite design-response surface methodology. Validation test was conducted. Zeta potential and particle size of Cel-NLC that prepared by optimal prescription were determined by using granularity and Zeta potential analyzer. The morphology of liposome was observed by TEM. RESULTS： The optimal prescription included that the ratio of liquid lipid was 39％；the amount of compound emulsifier was 196 mg；the dose of main drug was 8 mg. The average encapsulation efficiency of 3 batches of Cel-NLC was 87.22％； average particle size was （41.2±1.1） nm，and average Zeta potential was        （－18.4±0.2） mV （n＝3）. It was spherical under electron microscopy. CONCLUSIONS： The optimized technology is simple， stable and feasible， and it is suitable for the preparation of Cel-NLC.

Biosurfactant Production by Bacillus strains isolated from sugar cane mill wastewaters

Abstract Biosurfactants possess diverse chemical properties and provide important characteristics to the producing microorganisms, which can act as surface-actives and emulsifiers of hydrocarbon and others water insoluble substances. Most of them are lipopeptides synthetized by Bacillus. This study evaluated the biosurfactant production by strains of Bacillus previously obtained from liquid residues of sugar-alcohol industry. The bacterial isolates LBPMA: BSC, BSD, J1, J2 and L1 were cultivated in medium that induces production of biosurfactants (Landy medium). During 48 h of incubation, at intervals of 12 h, the total contents of proteins, reducing carbohydrates and surfactant activity of the filtrated growth media free of cells were evaluated. The results showed that these strains use glucose as a source of carbon, energy and for synthesis of surfactant. In this medium (24 h), the best producer of biosurfactant was the strain LBPMA-J2, molecularly identified as Bacillus thuringiensis. Once the supernatant free of cells of this microorganism disperses the oil phase in the water, this strain has potential for being utilized on bioremediation processes.

The investigation of key factors influencing the extraction process of chuanxiong oil by steam distillation / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the key process parameters that affect the extraction of essential oil from Ligusticum chuanxiong by steam distillation. METHODS: Volatile oil and emulsified aromatic water are the products of the extraction process of volatile oil. The nature of volatile oil will directly affect the formation of emulsified aromatic water. The influence of extraction temperature, the ratio of liquid to medicine, medicinal material granularity process parameters on the stability of the emulsified fragrance water and the yield of volatile oil were analyzed, furtherly the corresponding extraction process control model of volatile oil was established to reveal the key technology and parameter during the process of volatile oil extraction and separation. RESULTS: The relative viscosity, relative density, surface tension and contact angle of Ligusticum chuanxiong oil decreased gradually with the increase of temperature, while the interfacial tension increased with the increase of temperature. The liner model of aromatic water TSI and process parameters was TSI = 0. 877 + 0. 230 × extraction temperature - 0. 024 × comminution particle size + 0. 010 × liquid ratio + 0. 292 × condensation temperature + 0. 776 × collection temperature. The liner model of the physicochemical properties of TSI and volatile oil was TSI = 0. 877 - 0. 170 × density + 0. 098 × viscosity - 0. 301 × surface tension + 0. 695 × interfacial tension - 0. 060 × contact angle. The liner model of volatile oil yield and process parameters was that yield = 5. 065 + 0. 258 × extraction temperature + 0. 127 × particle size + 0. 016 × liquid ratio + 0. 264 × condensation temperature + 0. 264 × collection temperature + 0. 502 × TSI. The liner model with the physicochemical properties of volatile oil was the yield = 5. 065 - 0. 196 × density - 0. 167 × viscosity - 0. 201 × surface tension + 0. 153 × interfacial tension - 0. 065 × contact angle. CONCLUSION: TSI and yield of aromatic water of Ligusti-cum chuanxiong are directly proportional to the extraction temperature and comminution particle size of medicinal materials. The yield of volatile oil shows a significant positive correlation with the TSI value, which can reflect the yield of volatile oil and is a specific index that can evaluate the process parameters objectively.

Preparation and Antitumor Activity of Etoposide-loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles / 中国药师

Objective:To prepare solid lipid nanoparticles of etoposide and evaluate the inhibitory rate against Lewis lung cancer cells in mice. Methods:Etoposide-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared by a hot melting emulsification and high pressure homogenization method. The physicochemical properties such as the appearance, microstructure, particle size distribution and zeta potential of the solid lipid nanoparticles were studied. The in vitro release behavior of the solid lipid nanoparticles were evaluated. The inhibitory effect of etoposide-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles and etoposide injection on Lewis lung cancer cells was compared. Results:Etoposide-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles showed a light blue transparent liquid,which was uniformly spherical under the transmission electron microscope. The average particle size was (153.2 ± 32.8) nm, PdI was (0.185 ± 0.031),and the zeta potential was(-17.4 ± 1.1) mV. The solid lipid nanoparticles could delay the drug release and 52.4% of the drug was released in 24 h. Etoposide-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles could significantly inhibit the growth of Lewis lung cancer cells in mice. And the inhibitory rate of the solid lipid nanoparticles was significantly higher than that of etoposide injection (P < 0.05). Conclusion:The solid lipid nanoparticles prepared by hot melting emulsification and high pressure homogenization method have good antitumor effect on Lewis lung cancer cells,which can be used as a new drug delivery system for etoposide with certain application prospect in lung cancer treatment.

Preparation of microparticles of glycyrrhetinic acid complex TOGA-X4 and in vitro release characteristics / 中草药

Objective To prepare TOGA-X4 microparticles with uniform size and good rehydration property and to obtain the stable and reliable preparation process, and evaluate the in vitro release characteristics. Methods With the average particle size, polydispersity index and rehydration as indexes, optimizing the process of antitumor active substance TOGA-X4 microparticles by stainless steel rapid film emulsification method through single factor investigation to investigate the factors influencing the size and dispersion of the drug microparticles and observe the morphology of the particles by scanning electron microscopy. With the cumulative release degree of TOGA-X4 as index, direct drug release method was adopted to determine the cumulative release rate of TOGA-X4 and the size of TOGA-X4 microparticles. The curve of in vitro drug release was fitted with different release model to estimate the in vitro release characteristics of TOGA-X4 raw powders and TOGA-X4 microparticles. Results The optimized preparation technology contained TOGA-X4 mass concentration of 5 mg/mL in oil phase, PVA mass concentration of 30 mg/mL in for aqueous phase, the ratio of oil to water was 1:1, transmembrane pressure at 0.4 MPa, sucrose aqueous solution of 50 mg/mL as freeze-drying protective agent, curing temperature at 70 ℃; Compared with other in vitro release models, the logistic equation was the fittest model to TOGA-X4 microparticles, zero order equation was the fittest model to TOGA-X4. Conclusion The preparation of microparticles by stainless steel rapid film emulsification is simple, stable and reliable, which can improve the dissolution rate of insoluble drugs and has advantages in the preparation of microparticles of poorly water-soluble drugs.

Optimization of prescription and preparation technology of brucine nanostructured lipid carriers / 中草药

Objective To optimize the prescription and preparation technology of brucine nanostructured lipid carriers (B-NLC). Methods The method of "the solvent emulsification ultrasound" was used to prepare B-NLC. The prescription and preparation was optimized using a single factor method combined with central composite design-response surface methodology (CCD-RSM). Results The resultant B-NLC was transparent liquid with light blue opalescence. The optimal conditions were that the dosage of drugs was 1.28 mg, the mass concentration of poloxamer 188 was 1.08%, and the ratio of solid lipid to liquid lipid was 1.45:1. The obtained NLC showed the average particle size of (136.89 ± 4.23) nm with a polydispersity index of 0.289 ± 0.005 and a zeta potential of (-34.46 ± 0.31) mV. The entrapment efficiency was calculated to be (68.98 ± 2.06)%, and the drug loading content was (1.90 ± 0.06)%. Conclusion B-NLC prepared by solvent emulsification ultrasound had a high entrapment efficiency and a narrow particle size distribution. The method was easy and simple and can be used to optimize the prescription and preparation of B-NLC, which provides a foundation for the further in vivo research of brucine.