Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogel from Seeds of Artemisia vulgaris: Extraction Optimization by Box-Behnken Design, pH-Responsiveness, and Sustained Drug Release

The current research work focuses on the extraction and optimization of the hydrogel (AVM) from the seeds of Artemisia vulgaris using Box–Behnken design-response surface methodology (BBD-RSM). The AVM was obtained through a hot water extraction process. The influence of different factors, including pH (U = 4 to 10), temperature (V = 25 to 110 °C), seed/water ratio, i.e., S/W ratio (W = 1/10 to 1/70 w/v), and seed/water contact time, i.e., S/W time (X = 1 to 12 h) on the yield of AVM was evaluated. The p-value for the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was found to be \u3c0.001, indicating that the yield of AVM mainly depended on the abovementioned factors. The highest yield of AVM, i.e., 15.86%, was found at a pH of 7.12, temperature of 80.04 °C, S/W ratio of 1/33.24 w/v, and S/W time of 8.73 h according to Design-Expert Software. The study of the pH-responsive behavior of AVM in tablet form (formulation AVT3) revealed that AVM is a pH-responsive material with significantly high swelling at pH 7.4. However, less swelling was witnessed at pH 1.2. Moreover, AVM was found to be a sustained release material for esomeprazole at pH 7.4 for 12 h. The drug release from AVT3 was according to the super case-II transport mechanism and zero-order kinetics

Active Carbon-Based Electrode Materials from Petroleum Waste for Supercapacitors

A supercapacitor is an energy-storage device able to store and release energy at fast rates with an extended cycle life; thus, it is used in various electrical appliances. Carbon materials prepared above 800 °C of activation temperatures are generally employed as an electrode material for supercapacitors. Herein, we report carbon materials prepared from a low-cost petroleum waste carbon precursor that was activated using KOH, MgO, and Ca(OH)2 only at 400 °C. Electrode materials using low-temperature activated carbons were prepared with commercial ink as a binder. The cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge were employed for the electrochemical performance of the electrodes, and studied in a 3-electrode system in 1 M solutions of potassium nitrate (KNO3) as electrolyte; in addition, the supercapacitive performance was identified in a potential window range of 0.0–1.0 V. The best-performance activated carbon derived from vacuum residue with a specific surface area of 1250.6 m2/g exhibited a specific capacitance of 91.91 F/g

Anandamide Reuptake Inhibitor (VDM11) as a Possible Candidate for COVID-19 Associated Depression; a Combination of Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and In Vivo Experimental Analysis

Objective: Post-COVID 19 depression has gained much attention due to the increasing percentage of depressive symptoms reported by COVID-19 survivors. Among many factors postulated to be responsible for this depression, neuroinflammation gained the most attention. Therefore, in current work, we selected an anandamide reuptake inhibitor, VDM11, as a possible candidate for managing post-COVID depression. Methods: The role of VDM11 in attenuating neuroinflammation was established by using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and an in vivo LPS-induced depression model. Results: The results of network pharmacology revealed that among all the genes that can be targeted by VDM11, 47 genes were directly linked to the pathophysiology of depression. Additionally, on the basis of protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis, the top 10 hub genes probably responsible for VDM11 antidepressant attribute were screened. These genes include MAPK3, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, PPARG, MAPK1, CNR1, MTOR, NR3C1, and IGF1R. These genes were also enriched in GO and KEGG analysis. Molecular docking was carried out with top five hub genes screened by PPI network and KEGG analysis which showed that VDM11 interacts well with these targets. The antidepressant potential of VDM11 was also assessed by employing a LPS-induced depression model. Animals provided with VDM11 demonstrated increased exploration time and spontaneous alterations in elevated plus and Y maze models. Additionally, the level of astrocyte marker GFAP, microglia marker CD11b, and proinflammatory cytokines, including TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6, in the hippocampus were significantly reduced by VDM11, further strengthening its role in neuroinflammation. Conclusion: VDM11, an anandamide reuptake inhibitor, might serve as a possible candidate for post-COVID depression, probably by modulating neuroinflammation. However, detailed pharmacological studies are required to validate these outcomes

Antibiotic-Loaded Psyllium Husk Hemicellulose and Gelatin-Based Polymeric Films for Wound Dressing Application

Wound infections are one of the major reasons for the delay in the healing of chronic wounds and can be overcome by developing effective wound dressings capable of absorbing exudate, providing local antibiotic release, and improving patient comfort. Arabinoxylan (AX) is a major hemicellulose present in psyllium seed husk (PSH) and exhibits promising characteristics for developing film dressings. Herein, AX-gelatin (GL) films were prepared by blending AX, gelatin (GL), glycerol, and gentamicin (antibiotic). Initially, the optimal quantities of AX, GL, and glycerol for preparing transparent, bubble-free, smooth, and foldable AX-GL films were found. Physiochemical, thermal, morphological, drug release, and antibacterial characteristics of the AX-GL films were evaluated to investigate their suitability as wound dressings. The findings suggested that the mechanical, water vapor transmission, morphological, and expansion characteristics of the optimized AX-GL films were within the required range for wound dressing. The results of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analyses suggested chemical compatibility among the ingredients of the films. In in vitro drug release and antibacterial activity experiments, gentamicin (GM)-loaded AX-GL films released approximately 89% of the GM in 24 h and exhibited better antibacterial activity than standard GM solution. These results suggest that AX-GL films could serve as a promising dressing to protect against wound infections

Antibiotic-Loaded Psyllium Husk Hemicellulose and Gelatin-Based Polymeric Films for Wound Dressing Application

Wound infections are one of the major reasons for the delay in the healing of chronic wounds and can be overcome by developing effective wound dressings capable of absorbing exudate, providing local antibiotic release, and improving patient comfort. Arabinoxylan (AX) is a major hemicellulose present in psyllium seed husk (PSH) and exhibits promising characteristics for developing film dressings. Herein, AX-gelatin (GL) films were prepared by blending AX, gelatin (GL), glycerol, and gentamicin (antibiotic). Initially, the optimal quantities of AX, GL, and glycerol for preparing transparent, bubble-free, smooth, and foldable AX-GL films were found. Physiochemical, thermal, morphological, drug release, and antibacterial characteristics of the AX-GL films were evaluated to investigate their suitability as wound dressings. The findings suggested that the mechanical, water vapor transmission, morphological, and expansion characteristics of the optimized AX-GL films were within the required range for wound dressing. The results of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analyses suggested chemical compatibility among the ingredients of the films. In in vitro drug release and antibacterial activity experiments, gentamicin (GM)-loaded AX-GL films released approximately 89% of the GM in 24 h and exhibited better antibacterial activity than standard GM solution. These results suggest that AX-GL films could serve as a promising dressing to protect against wound infections