Extraction of microcrystalline cellulose from Washingtonia fibre and its characterization

Washingtonia is a desert plant with great sustainability and renewability in nature and is abundantly cultivated across global urban regions. Its fibre biomass comprises cellulose as the major structural part, and this is why it can be potentially utilized as an alternative biomaterial for manufacturing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) products that can be widely applied in industrial fields. In the present study, NaOH-treated Washingtonia fibre (WAKL), NaClO2-treated Washingtonia fibre (WBLH), and Washingtonia microcrystalline cellulose (WMCC) were extracted through combined treatments of alkalization, bleaching, and acidic hydrolysis, respectively. The obtained chemically treated fibre samples were subjected to characterization to investigate their morphology, physico-chemistry, and thermal stability. In a morphological examination, the large bunch WAKL fibre reduced into small size WMCC fibrils, evidencing that the lignin and hemicellulose components were greatly eliminated through chemical dissolution. The elemental composition revealed that almost all impurities of anions and cations had been removed, particularly for the WMCC sample, showing its high purity of cellulose content. Additionally, the WMCC sample could attain at 25% yield, giving it the advantage for feasible economic production. Furthermore, the physicochemical analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared-ray (FTIR), indicated the presence of a crystalline cellulose region within the WMCC structure, which had promoted it with high crystallinity of 72.6% as examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). As for thermal analysis, WMCC showed greater thermal stability comparing to WAKL and WBLC samples at high temperature. Therefore, Washingtonia fibre can be a reliable biosubstituent to replace other plant material for MCC production in the future

Influence of additives (inorganic/organic) on the clouding behavior of amphiphilic drug solutions: Some thermodynamic studies

AbstractHerein we provide a detailed result about the effect of various additives, viz. inorganic salts, quaternary ammonium bromides (QABs) and amino acids on clouding behavior of amphiphilic drug amitriptyline hydrochloride (AMT). The continuous increase in the cloud point (CP) of drug by increase in inorganic salt concentration and the magnitude of increases rely upon the position of the salts in Hofmeister series and hydrated radii. The QABs also influence continuous increase in the CP, which is illustrated in terms of the alkyl chain length of peculiar QAB. The effect of amino acids on CP of the drug solution is dependent upon the characteristics (acidic, basic, polar or nonpolar) of particular amino acids. The overall behavior of additives has been analyzed and discussed on the basis of electrostatic repulsion or interaction, micellar growth, and mixed micelle formation between the ingredients. In addition to this, thermodynamic parameters are also evaluated

Acetone sensor based on solvothermally prepared ZnO doped with Co3O4 nanorods

This paper describes a reliable and sensitive method for sensing dissolved acetone using doped nanomaterials. Large-scale synthesis of ZnO nanorods (NRs) doped with Co(3)O(4) was accomplished by a solvothermal method at low temperature. The doped NRs were characterized in terms of their morphological, structural, and optical properties by using field-emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive system, UV-Vis., Fourier transform IR, X-ray diffraction, and Xray photoelectron spectroscopy. The calcinated (at 400 °C) doped NRs are shown to be an attractive semiconductor nanomaterial for detecting acetone in aqueous solution using silver electrodes. The sensor exhibits excellent sensitivity, stability and reproducibility. The calibration plot is linear over a large concentration range (66.8 μM to 0.133 mM), displays high sensitivity (~3.58 μA cm(−2) mM(−1)) and a low detection limit (~14.7 ± 0.2 μM; at SNR of 3). [Figure: see text

Mixed Micellization, Thermodynamic and Adsorption Behavior of Tetracaine Hydrochloride in the Presence of Cationic Gemini/Conventional Surfactants

In this approach, tensiometry and UV-visible techniques are used to determine the effect of cationic gemini and conventional surfactants on tetracaine hydrochloride (TCH), an anesthetic drug. We have estimated micellar, interfacial, and energetic constraints. To gain a deep understanding of their mixed association behavior, the outputs were examined using different theoretical models. The critical micelle concentration for single and mixed amphiphiles was estimated. The cmc values of mixed amphiphiles were found between the individual amphiphiles due to strong attractive interaction (synergism) between the components after mixing. The non-ideal behavior of mixtures was confirmed by the larger values of ideal cmc than the experimental cmc values. The negative values of interaction parameter (β) and values of activity coefficients less than unity indicate strong synergistic interaction between drug and surfactant. The stability of the mixed systems is demonstrated by the negative Gibbs free energy of micellization and excess free energy of micellization. In contrast to a single chain surfactant, a double chain surfactant (gemini) exhibits better interactions with the drug. Spectral measurements (UV-visible spectra) were used to monitor the binding of the drug with surfactant (conventional as well as gemini). Studying these mixed aggregates could help to optimize their compositions and find synergistic properties between TCH monomers and surfactants

Extraction of Microcrystalline Cellulose from Washingtonia Fibre and Its Characterization

Washingtonia is a desert plant with great sustainability and renewability in nature and is abundantly cultivated across global urban regions. Its fibre biomass comprises cellulose as the major structural part, and this is why it can be potentially utilized as an alternative biomaterial for manufacturing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) products that can be widely applied in industrial fields. In the present study, NaOH-treated Washingtonia fibre (WAKL), NaClO2-treated Washingtonia fibre (WBLH), and Washingtonia microcrystalline cellulose (WMCC) were extracted through combined treatments of alkalization, bleaching, and acidic hydrolysis, respectively. The obtained chemically treated fibre samples were subjected to characterization to investigate their morphology, physico-chemistry, and thermal stability. In a morphological examination, the large bunch WAKL fibre reduced into small size WMCC fibrils, evidencing that the lignin and hemicellulose components were greatly eliminated through chemical dissolution. The elemental composition revealed that almost all impurities of anions and cations had been removed, particularly for the WMCC sample, showing its high purity of cellulose content. Additionally, the WMCC sample could attain at 25% yield, giving it the advantage for feasible economic production. Furthermore, the physicochemical analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared-ray (FTIR), indicated the presence of a crystalline cellulose region within the WMCC structure, which had promoted it with high crystallinity of 72.6% as examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). As for thermal analysis, WMCC showed greater thermal stability comparing to WAKL and WBLC samples at high temperature. Therefore, Washingtonia fibre can be a reliable biosubstituent to replace other plant material for MCC production in the future

Interaction of TX-100 and Antidepressant Imipramine Hydrochloride Drug Mixture: Surface Tension, 1H NMR, and FT-IR Investigation

Interfacial interaction amongst the antidepressant drug-imipramine hydrochloride (IMP) and pharmaceutical excipient (triton X-100 (TX-100-nonionic surfactant)) mixed system of five various ratios in dissimilar media (H2O/50 mmol·kg−1 NaCl/250 mmol·kg−1 urea) was investigated through the surface tension method. In addition, in the aqueous solution, the 1H-NMR, as well as FT-IR studies of the studied pure and mixed system were also explored and deliberated thoroughly. In NaCl media, properties of pure/mixed interfacial surfaces enhanced as compared with the aqueous system, and consequently the synergism/attractive interaction among constituents (IMP and TX-100) grew, whereas in urea (U) media a reverse effect was detected. Surface excess concentration (Γmax), composition of surfactant at mixed monolayer (X1σ), activity coefficient (f1σ (TX-100) and f2σ (IMP)), etc. were determined and discussed thoroughly. At mixed interfacial surfaces interaction, parameter (βσ) reveals the attractive/synergism among the components. The Gibbs energy of adsorption (ΔGadso) value attained was negative throughout all employed media viewing the spontaneity of the adsorption process. The 1H NMR spectroscopy was also employed to examine the molecular interaction of IMP and TX-100 in an aqueous system. FT-IR method as well illustrated the interaction amongst the component. The findings of the current study proposed that TX-100 surfactant could act as an efficient drug delivery vehicle for an antidepressant drug. Gels can be used as drug dosage forms due to recent improvements in the design of surfactant systems. Release mechanism of drugs from surfactant/polymer gels is dependent upon the microstructures of the gels and the state of the drugs within the system

Interaction of Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride with Cationic and Anionic Surfactants: Mixed Micellization and Binding Studies

The focus of the present work is to evaluate the interactions of an anti-allergic drug (diphenhydramine hydrochloride, DPH) with anionic (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS) and cationic (cetylpyridinium chloride, CPC) surfactants in the aqueous medium. The mixed micellization behavior and surface properties of drug-surfactant mixtures have been examined by surface tension measurements. Various theoretical approaches were applied to explore the synergistic or non-ideal behavior of the current mixed systems. Furthermore, the binding studies of drug with surfactants have been elaborated by UV–visible spectroscopy. Benesi–Hildebrand (B-H) theory was used to compute stoichiometric ratio, binding constant, and free energy change for the drug-surfactant mixtures. The outputs are deliberated taking into consideration the use of surfactants as capable drug delivery agents for DPH and hence advance bioavailability

Binary Mixtures of Sodium Salt of Ibuprofen and Selected Bile Salts: Interface, Micellar, Thermodynamic, and Spectroscopic Study

With the intention to explore bile salts applications as drug delivery vehicles, the mixed interfacial as well as micellar behavior of the sodium salt of ibuprofen (NaIbuF) and bile salts mixtures in aqueous/electrolyte solutions has been evaluated by tensiometric method at 298.15 K. Bile salts (sodium cholate (NaC) and sodium deoxycholate (NaDC)) used in the present study are anionic in nature and form small micelles. Various theoretical models such as Clint, Rubingh, and Rosen were utilized to acquire information concerning the nature of interaction among the components in the solution as well as at the interface. Because of the presence of inorganic salt (100 mmol·kg^–1 NaCl) a decrease in the surface charge of the micelles takes place and ensuing micellization occurs at poorer concentration. The value of the micellar mole fraction (<i>X</i>₁^m) is found to be greater for NaIbuF + NaDC mixtures in comparison to NaIbuF + NaC mixtures, signifying that participation of NaDC is greater in mixed micelles as compared to NaC. An attractive interaction was obtained in the micelle and at the interface, because it is obvious from interaction parameters (β^m, β^σ). The values of Δ<i>G</i>⁰_m for all systems was negative in the absence as well as in the occurrence of salt. Micelle aggregation number (<i>N</i>_agg), estimated by means of steady-state fluorescence quenching studies, suggests that the contribution of bile salts was always greater than that of the NaIbuF. The micropolarity (<i>I</i>₁/<i>I</i>₃), Stern–Volmer binding constants (<i>K</i>_sv), and dielectric constant (<i>D</i>_exp) of mixtures also supported the synergistic behavior of the drug–bile salts mixed systems

Synergistic Interaction and Binding Efficiency of Tetracaine Hydrochloride (Anesthetic Drug) with Anionic Surfactants in the Presence of NaCl Solution Using Surface Tension and UV–Visible Spectroscopic Methods

Surfactants are ubiquitous materials that are used in diverse formulations of various products. For instance, they improve the formulation of gel by improving its wetting and rheological properties. Here, we describe the effects of anionic surfactants on an anesthetic drug, tetracaine hydrochloride (TCH), in NaCl solution with tensiometry and UV–visible techniques. Various micellar, interfacial, and thermodynamic parameters were estimated. The outputs were examined by using different theoretical models to attain a profound knowledge of drug–surfactant mixtures. The presence of attractive interactions among drug and surfactant monomers (synergism) in mixed micelle was inferred. However, it was found that sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) showed greater interactions with the drug in comparison to sodium lauryl sarcosine (SLS). The binding of the drug with surfactants was monitored with a spectroscopic technique (UV–visible spectra). The results of this study could help optimize the compositions of these mixed aggregates and find the synergism between monomers of different used amphiphiles