Novel anionic surfactant-modified chlorhexidine and its potent antimicrobial properties.

Chlorhexidine dodecyl sulfate (CHX-DS) was synthesized and characterized via single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, 1H nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY), and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The solid-state structure, comprising a 1 : 2 stoichiometric ratio of chlorhexidine cations [C22H30Cl2N10]2+ to dodecyl sulfate anions [C12H25SO4]-, is the first report of chlorhexidine isolated with a surfactant. CHX-DS exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and demonstrates superior efficacy for reducing bacteria-generated volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) as compared to chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of CHX-DS were 7.5, 2.5, 2.5, and 10 µM for S. enterica, E. coli, S. aureus, and S. mutans, respectively. Furthermore, MIC assays for E. coli and S. mutans demonstrate that CHX-DS and CHX exhibit a statistically significant efficacy enhancement in 2.5 µM treatment as compared to CHG. CHX-DS was incorporated into SBA-15, a mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) framework, and its release was qualitatively measured via UV-vis in aqueous media, which suggests its potential as an advanced functional material for drug delivery applications.

"Gloppiness" Phenomena and a Computer Vision Method to Quantify It.

In this study, we present a rapid, cost-effective Python-driven computer vision approach to quantify the prevalent "gloppiness" phenomenon observed in complex fluids and gels. We discovered that rheology measurements obtained from commercial shear rheometers do show some hints, but do not exhibit a strong correlation with the extent of "gloppiness". To measure the "gloppiness" level of laboratory-produced shower gel samples, we employed the rupture time of jetting flow and found a significant correlation with data gathered from the technical insight panelist team. While fully comprehending the "gloppiness" phenomenon remains a complex challenge, the Python-based computer vision technique utilizing jetting flow offers a promising, efficient, and affordable solution for assessing the degree of "gloppiness" for commercial liquid and gel products in the industry.

Visual assessment and rheological characterization of shape retention of products on a surface.

A device to measure the height loss of a sample extruded from a syringe on a surface is described thus emulating toothpaste extrusion from a tube with the goal to predict shape retention of the extruded ribbon. Correlations with rheological tests are considered with a special focus on experiments more likely to be implementable in an industrial environment. In agreement with previous studies, the instantaneous viscosity maximum measured in a stress ramp test is a good predictor of ribbon height loss. Up- and down-shear flow curves of the thixotropic loop were fitted with a generalized Casson equation and the correlations of the fitting parameters with the height loss were also considered. Yield stress extracted from the up-shear flow curve as well as the shape of the curve is found to define the ribbon height loss as well as the degree of thixotropy which may be quantified by the width of the loop or simply as the ratio of viscosities at low shear rate.

Cetylpyridinium Trichlorostannate: Synthesis, Antimicrobial Properties, and Controlled-Release Properties via Electrical Resistance Tomography.

Cetylpyridinium trichlorostannate (CPC-Sn), comprising cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and stannous chloride, was synthesized and characterized via single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements indicating stoichiometry of C21H38NSnCl3 where the molecules are arranged in a 1:1 ratio with a cetylpyridinium cation and a [SnCl3]- anion. CPC-Sn has shown potential for application as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, to reduce bacteria-generated volatile sulfur compounds and to produce advanced functional materials. In order to investigate its controlled-release properties, electrical resistance tomography was implemented. The results demonstrate that CPC-Sn exhibits extended-release properties in an aqueous environment as opposed to the CPC counterpart.