Improvement of 6-gingerol production in ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) plants by mutation breeding using gamma irradiation.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a valuable culinary and medicinal plant. The compound 6-gingerol is the main gingerol in ginger rhizomes and it possesses interesting pharmacological and physiological properties. Mutation breeding involved using low doses of gamma radiation (5-30 Gy) to increase the genetic variability in ginger rhizomes (M1 generation). Ginger plants selected from the next generation (M2) were characterized and subjected to quantitative analysis for 6-gingerol content using HPLC of ginger extracts. M2 offspring from a parent ginger rhizome irradiated with 20 Gy was found to have a high 6-gingerol content (38.4 ± 0.01 mg/g methanol extract in comparison to 22.1 ± 0.03 mg/g methanol extract in non-irradiated control samples). Radiation induced genetic variability was also probed and confirmed using RAPD-PCR analysis. This research demonstrates the potential for ginger improvement and to our knowledge is the first to report the use of gamma radiation in breeding ginger plants with enhanced 6-gingerol content.

Photodegradation of gaseous toluene and disinfection of airborne microorganisms from polluted air using immobilized TiO2 nanoparticle photocatalyst-based filter.

Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) has been described as an advanced technology to remove toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and airborne microorganisms from indoor air environments. This technique is economic, stable, safe, and capable to remove a wide variety of organic contaminants under UV irradiation. This study presents a case study on the effect of a fabricated filter in the removal of toluene at 26 mg/L and disinfection of ambient air under a given operating condition. The principal goals of this study were to synthesize Ag nanoparticles/TiO2 filter for the first time via the deposition of Ag nanoparticles on a commercial immobilized TiO2 tissue sheet by impregnation technique and to investigate the performance of this prepared Ag/TiO2 tissue based filter system for toluene removal as well as to remove airborne microorganisms from indoor air. The results illustrated that under the experimental conditions, Ag/TiO2-based filter was able to disinfect well the microorganisms. The performance of Ag/TiO2 filter shows two different stages; the first one is a slight adsorption phase in dark with approximately 15% of toluene removal within 60 min. The second stage is a photooxidation phase under UV irradiation in which the toluene removal efficiency was significantly enhanced with extension of the operational time and reached 97% during this stage. Additionally, the Ag/TiO2 filter has a higher disinfection capacity of airborne microorganisms that completely removed to reach 100% after 300 min of application. This filter could be practically introduced as an effective system in industrial, hospital, and home applications for air purification. Graphical abstract.

Transdermal fennel essential oil nanoemulsions with promising hepatic dysfunction healing effect: in vitro and in vivo study.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is a member of family Apiaceae. Trans-anethole, the major component of Fennel essential oil (FEO), possesses antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. Transdermal nanoemulsions (NEs) are advanced colloidal systems for systemic and controlled drug delivery through the stratum corneum barrier. FEO NEs were prepared using the oil Lauroglycol™ 90, as it provides a larger NE existence zone than Captex® 300, in the constructed phase diagrams. Six systems were prepared using Tween20/propylene glycol (S/CoS) in the ratios 2:1 and 3:1 with oil to S/CoS mass ratios 1:9, 2:8 and 3:7. Physicochemical characterization revealed optimum properties regarding thermodynamic stability, droplet size and pH with a Newtonian flow pattern. In vitro permeation study in rat skin revealed the highest cumulative amount permeated (µg/cm2), flux and permeability coefficient values for F4 made up of 2% FEO, 4.67% Lauroglycol™ 90, 60% S/CoS in the ratio 3:1. Results of the in vivo hepatic dysfunction study in rats indicate promising significant amelioration of liver function reflected in ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, albumin, malondialdehyde and ammonia plasma levels. The results signify the promising approach of FEO NEs in achieving remedy of liver toxicity. The most promising effect is inherent to F4 which imparts a more positive effect than FEO.

Biofiltration technology for the removal of toluene from polluted air using Streptomyces griseus.

Biofiltration technology has been recognized as a promising biotechnology for treating the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in polluted air. This study aims to investigate the performance of a biofiltration system of Streptomyces griseus sp. DSM-40759 immobilized on activated carbon (PICA S23) towards the adsorption and degradation of toluene vapour as well as to regenerate the activated carbon in situ. The batch studies were performed using nutrient agar medium and basal salt medium (BSM) for microbial growth. Initially the pre-cultures were incubated at a temperature of 28°C on a rotary shaker at 150 rpm. After two days, the strain S. griseus DSM-40759 was immobilized on a known weight of activated carbon (12 g). The results of biofilter performance showed three different stages with a quick adsorption phase with approximately 95% of toluene removal after 70 min, a slow biotransformation phase by immobilized cells. In the later, the removal efficiency decreased significantly with the extension of time and reached 60% during this stage. Moreover, a final quick removal phase by the immobilized cells had an average removal efficiency of toluene around 95% after 500 min. The toluene degradation was found to be more than 84% after the second cycle and the biofilter was still capable of removing additional toluene. Thus, the results demonstrated the feasibility and reusability of a new biofilter system for toluene removal as well as extending the activated carbon's capacity and this could be a potential solution to reuse the activated carbon in industrial application.

Benzocaine loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: Formulation design, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of local anesthetic effect.

The aim of the present work is the development and evaluation of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) as carrier system for topical delivery of benzocaine (BZC) improving its local anesthesia aiming to produce a fast acting and long lasting topical formulation. BZC loaded SLNs were prepared using a full factorial design to study the influence of the type of polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester surfactants as well as their concentration as independent variables on the particle size, entrapment efficacy and zeta potential selected as dependent variables. Design of experiment (DOE) and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted to assess the optimization of the developed formulations. The results indicated that the fatty acid chain length of tested surfactants and their concentration had a significant effect on the studied responses. The optimized formulations were spherical in shape of mean particle diameters<350 nm with negatively charged surface <-20mV. Particles were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder diffraction confirming the amorphous nature and the uniformity of drug inclusion in the lipid matrix. Optimized BZC-SLNs were incorporated into hydrogels characterized by a pseudoplastic non-Newtonian behavior. In vitro release study revealed an apparently biphasic release process with sustained release profile following Higuchi kinetics. BZC loaded SLNs hydrogels showed more potent anesthetic effect compared to BZC hydrogel evaluated using tail-flick analgesimeter, confirming significant improvement in both the intensity and duration of anesthetic effect. The above results proved that SLNs represent good candidates to encapsulate BZC improving its therapeutic efficacy for the topical treatment of pain.

Boswellia carterii liquisolid systems with promoted anti-inflammatory activity.

Boswellia carterii (BC) Birdwood oleogum resin is an ancient remedy of inflammation processes known since Ancient Egyptian time. Of boswellic acids, 3-acetyl-11-keto-ß-boswellic acid (AKBA) is the most potent anti-inflammatory active principle. Liquisolid systems of the biologically active fraction of BC oleogum resin were prepared for improving dissolution properties using low dose oral delivery to achieve enhanced anti-inflammatory activity, in comparison with the standard oral anti-inflammatory; Indomethacin. AKBA was assayed, employing an accurate and sensitive HPLC method. Detection was carried out at 210 nm using UV/Vis detector. A solubility study for the bioactive fraction was conducted. Microcrystalline cellulose and Aeroperl®300 Pharma were used as carrier and coating materials. Angle of slide, liquid load factor and Carr's flow index were estimated. Six systems were prepared using polyethylene glycol 400, solvent and two drug loading concentrations; 20 and 40 %. For each concentration, three carrier: coat ratios were dispensed; 20:1, 10:1, and 5:1. Dissolution study was performed and two systems were selected for characterization and in vivo evaluation by investigating upper GIT ulcerogenic effect and anti-inflammatory efficacy in rats. Results indicate absence of ulcers and significantly higher and prolonged anti-inflammatory efficacy for formulations F1 and F2, with carrier: coat ratio, 5:1 and drug loads of 20 and 40 %, respectively, compared with standard oral indomethacin. We conclude higher efficacy of BC bioactive fraction liquisolids compared with Indomethacin with greater safety on GIT, longer duration of action and hence better patient compliance.

Transdermal microemulsions of Boswellia carterii Bird: formulation, characterization and in vivo evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity.

CONTEXT: Boswellia species are trees (family: Bruseraceae) found in India, Northern Africa and the Middle East. OBJECTIVE: This study aims at formulating low dose biologically active fraction from the oleogum resin of Boswellia carterii (BC) in transdermal (TD) microemulsions (MEs) to acquire promoted anti-inflammatory efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bioactive fraction of the oleogum resin of BC was tested for solubility in different components. The most efficient were selected for constructing phase diagrams for ME preparation. The bioactive fraction was assayed by high performance liquid chromatography for 3-acetyl-11-keto-ß-boswellic acid (AKBA), at 210 nm. The bioactive fraction was incorporated in 6 MEs. ME systems were evaluated for drug content and optimized systems were tested for characterization, permeation, skin irritancy and in vivo evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Two systems were selected; ME1 and ME4 composed of Tween 80: PEG 400 at 1:1 and 2:1 ratio, with oil content 7.78 and 17.5%, respectively. The systems showed high encapsulation efficiency >83%, small droplet size <100 nm, and suitable pH for topical application. Permeation parameters for ME1 were higher compared to ME4. Both MEs were non irritant. ME1 showed significantly higher anti-inflammatory activity versus the standard TD anti-inflammatory piroxicam. CONCLUSIONS: Optimized TD BC MEs could be used as a safe, effective and long acting alternative to oral anti-inflammatories, providing higher and prolonged efficacy and better patient compliance.

Characterization and regulation of new secondary metabolites from Aspergillus ochraceus M18 obtained by UV mutagenesis.

UV irradiation of Aspergillus ochraceus NRRL 3174 conidia led to stable mutations in ochratoxin and penicillic-acid pathways. These mutants, especially M18, produced an unexpectedly large number of new metabolites. Two new compounds were purified by TLC and HPLC and their chemical structures were determined. They are 2,10-dimethyl 4-hydroxy-6-oxo-4-undecen-7-yne (1) and 4-(3-methyl-2- butenyl) oxy 1-phenyl acetic acid (2). Compound 1 is very active against Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, but inactive against Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. However, compound 2 has no antibiotic activity. The production of 1 was generally associated with growth, whereas that of compound 2 was dissociated from growth. The biosynthesis of these 2 metabolites was influenced by the sources of carbon and nitrogen.