Enhancement of Anticorrosive Performance of Cardanol Based Polyurethane Coatings by Incorporating Magnetic Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles.

The present investigation demonstrates renewable cardanol-based polyol for the formulation of nanocomposite polyurethane (PU) coatings. The functional and structural features of cardanol polyol and nanoparticles were studied using FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. The magnetic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (MHAPs) were dispersed 1-5% in PU formulations to develop nanocomposite anticorrosive coatings. An increase in the strength of MHAP increased the anticorrosive performance as examined by immersion and electrochemical methods. The nanocomposite PU coatings showed good coating properties, viz., gloss, pencil hardness, flexibility, cross-cut adhesion, and chemical resistance. Additionally, the coatings were also studied for surface morphology, wetting, and thermal properties by scanning electron microscope (SEM), contact angle, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The hydrophobic nature of PU coatings increased by the addition of MHAP, and an optimum result (105°) was observed in 3% loading. The developed coatings revealed its hydrophobic nature with excellent anticorrosive performance.

Standardization of topical preparations for finger-tip unit-Awareness and attitudes among pharmacists and dermatologists and suggestions to improve standardization of topical drug dosing-A two-phase cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Standardization of topical therapy dosage is important to ensure optimum use and dosage of topical medications. One of the concepts frequently used in the standardization of topical treatment is the Finger-tip unit (FTU). While practitioners, both dermatologists and pharmacists, are generally aware of FTU, practical use is less. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate views and practices related to FTU among both dermatology and pharmacy faculty and to elicit and validate suggestions for improving standardization. METHODS: We surveyed a group of Dermatologists and Pharmacists-in two phases-in phase 1 (n = 44), an electronic survey was used as a tool to understand their practices regarding FTU, and to obtain suggestions regarding standardization of topical medication delivery. In phase 2 (n = 40), the main suggestions for improvement were resent to the group to rate and validate the same. RESULTS: The awareness of FTU was high among the experts, but practical use of the FTU for patient counselling was less frequent. The group gave suggestions to standardize applications. All these suggestions got high ratings on both feasibility and possible effectiveness in the second phase, with the highest rating being for the suggestion of "Placing QR codes on ointment/cream tubes which link to websites with educational materials/ videos on FTU/topical drug dosing." CONCLUSION: Awareness regarding FTU is high among both dermatologists and pharmacists, however practical use is less. Strategies to improve standardization of topical drug dosing can be formulated through collaboration involving both dermatologists and pharmacists.

Rapidly Dissolving Microneedle Patches for Transdermal Iron Replenishment Therapy.

The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is predominant in women and children especially in developing countries. The disorder affects cognitive functions and physical activity. Although oral iron supplementation and parenteral therapy remains the preferred choice of treatment, gastric side effects and risk of iron overload decreases adherence to therapy. Transdermal route is an established approach, which circumvents the side effects associated with conventional therapy. In this project, an attempt was made to investigate the use of rapidly dissolving microneedles loaded with ferric pyrophosphate (FPP) as a potential therapeutic approach for management of IDA. Microneedle array patches were made using the micromolding technique and tested in vitro using rat skin to check the duration required for dissolution/disappearance of needles. The ability of FPP-loaded microneedles to replenish iron was investigated in anemic rats. Rats were fed iron-deficient diet for 5 weeks to induce IDA following which microneedle treatment was initiated. Recovery of rats from anemic state was monitored by measuring hematological and biochemical parameters. Results from in vivo study displayed significant improvements in hemoglobin and serum iron levels after 2-week treatment with FPP-loaded microneedles. The study effectively demonstrated the potential of microneedle-mediated iron replenishment for treatment of IDA.

Controlled-release injectable containing terbinafine/PLGA microspheres for onychomycosis treatment.

Controlled-release drug delivery systems based on biodegradable polymers have been extensively evaluated for use in localized drug delivery. In the present study, intralesionally injectable poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres for controlled release of terbinafine hydrochloride (TH) was developed for treating fungal toe/finger nail infections. TH-PLGA microspheres were formulated using O/W emulsification and modified solvent extraction/evaporation technique. Microspheres were evaluated for particle size and size distribution, encapsulation efficiency, surface, and morphology. The in vitro drug release profile was studied in aqueous media as well as in 1% agar gel. Microspheres system was also evaluated in excised cadaver toe model, and extent of TH accumulation in nail bed, nail plate, and nail matrix was measured at different time points. Microspheres were found to provide consistent and sustained TH release. Intralesional administration of controlled-release microspheres can be a potential alternative mode of treating fungus-infected toe and/or finger nails.