Awareness of Libyan students and academic staff members of nanotechnology

At the present time, nanotechnology is involved in every aspect of scientific life and its applications are being integrated into the economy, industry, trade and medicine. The world will require a skilled work force of more than two million nanotechnologists by 2015. The rapid advance in all fields of nanotechnology has led to integrate nanotechnology courses in high schools, institutes and university curricula all over the world. However, nanotechnology has not as, yet been integrated within the Libyan curricula at any level. Thus, this study focuses and explores the awareness of the academic staff and students in Tripoli (Alfateh) University about nanotechnology and nanoscience. Moreover their readiness to integrate the basics and applications into Libyan education curricula. The results show that education level and work place have an effect on the knowledge of the participants on nanotechnology, where about 65% of PhD degree holders knew about nanotechnology and were keen to learn and integrate this technology in the education system. Around 40 % of the participants' information about Nanotechnology were gained from the internet while only 17% had obtained information from their own readings. The majority of the participants (60%) supported the idea of introducing nanotechnology studies to the curricula at pre-graduate stage. However, 29% believed that it should be integrated only in postgraduate studies, and only a few of the participants (11.3%) advised that a continuing education program would be the proper way to study nanotechnology. This study showed that relatively little awareness about nanotechnology is seen among Libyan staff members and students. However, the majority of the participants have realized the importance of the field of nanotechnology and its application, and were eager to learn more about this advanced technology. Based on the preliminary study regarding the opinion and readiness of participants of the current study, it is believed that the integration of nanotechnology and nanosciences in Libyan curricula at different levels of education is an inevitable step to meet the very rapid advances in the field of nanotechnology and its application

Spectroscopic characterization of PEG-DNA biocomplexes by FTIR

Understanding the mode involved in the binding of certain molecules to DNA is of prime importance, and PEG offers wide-ranging applications in biological, medical and pharmaceutical contexts. FTIR spectroscopy has been used to characterize how the formed biocomplexes bind or dissociate to/from each other between PEG400-ctDNA under different conditions. Characterization and investigation of the effect of incubation time on PEG400-ctDNA biocomplexes formation were studied through spectroscopic technique FTIR. The influence of time duration and incubation on intermolecular interaction was analysed at three different selected times (Zero, 1hr, and 48 hrs.) at 1:1 PEG400-ctDNA monomer to nucleotide ratio. The experiment was carried out at room temperature 22 °C, with prior vortex stirrer of biocomplex for 10 min to improve homogeneity of sample. The results showed that the binding reaction of PEG400-ctDNA proceeds rapidly through DNA base pairs and phosphate DNA backbone, and complexation was reached after a maximum 1hr after mixing PEG400 and ctDNA at 1:1 ratio. FTIR spectroscopy results suggest that PEG400 binds with ctDNA by weak to moderate biocomplexes formation, with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic contact through DNA base pairs, with minor binding preference towards phosphate backbone of DNA helix. The mode of interaction most likely referred to an interaction through outside groove binding or electrostatic binding modes. FTIR highlighted the significant effect of incubation time on the stable biocomplexes of non-ionic PEG400 and ctDNA. Moreover, FTIR spectroscopy technique was rapid, showed good stability, and is a valuable tool for studying the biological properties of biocomplexes of PEG400 and ctDNA

Nanoemulsion and nanoemulgel as a topical formulation

Nanoemulsion is referred type of emulsion with uniform and extremely small droplet size in the range of 20-200 nm. Nanoemulsion provides numerous advantages over other carrier such as polymeric nanoparticle and liposomes, including low cost preparation procedure, high hydrophilic and lipophilic drug loading system to enhance the longer shelf live upon preserving the therapeutic agents. Incorporating the preparation of nanoemulsion with hydrogel matrix to produce nanoemulgel exhibited by the two separate systems that forming it. Nanoemulgel possesses the properties of thixotropic, non-greasy, effortlessly spreadable, easily be removed, emollient, not staining, soluble in water, longer shelf life, bio-friendly, translucent and agreeable appearance

Formulation and evaluation of Ketoconazole polymeric films for topical application

The objective of the current paper was to prepare and evaluate various polymeric films for fungal infection treatment and its impact on volunteer patients. Different Eudragit polymeric films containing Ketoconazole as antifungal drug were prepared by solvent casting technique. The prepared films were tested for their physico-mechanical properties as tensile strength, physical endurance, elasticity, water vapor permeation and water loss. The release of ketoconazole from the prepared medicated films was examined. It is involved 20 volunteers suffering from legs fungal infection. Ten of the patients used the films and a follow up study was carried out for 14 days, in comparison with other patients who applied ketoconazole medicated ointment, cream gel and Emulgel. The results revealed that films prepared with Eudragit RL 100 containing glyceryl triacetate produced maximum release of ketoconazole both In vitro and In vivo as compared with other topical dosage forms as ointment, cream, gel and Emulgel. Moreover, the films constitute a simple and convenient method for treatment of various fungal infections. As conclusion, the use of antifungal drugs such as Ketoconazole incorporated in polymeric films, the output results provided promised evidence in the treatment of dermatophytosi

Sunscreen behaviors among Libyan society survey

Sunscreen products are available in wide scale for consumers, the topical use products act by either absorbing or scattering the UV radiation. Excessive UV radiation exposure have been shown to be associated with a series of dermatologic disorders, which symptoms may appear instantly, or even developed few years later in life. The objective of this study is to assess the behaviors, application and use- base of sunscreen. A questionnaire-based study was conducted in Tripoli province, Libya. The questionnaire included four broad categories, developed to explore and highlight the main behaviors during the use and application of sunscreen. Questionnaire circulated inside dermatology follow-up clinics and outside hospital. Respondent characteristics pattern reported as a percentages. Data were analyzed from 385 participants who had complete information regarding behaviors and use of sunscreen at Libyan society. With at least 70% of participants using and applying sunscreen, the majority of users were female 87.8%, and their age ranges from 20 to29 years, with frequent use more than 2 times per week. Whereas 57% of participants applied sunscreen as personal protection of their skin. In this survey, the questionnaire-based study provided valuable information about the behaviors and habits of applying sunscreen products. The majority of participants applied sunscreen to protect their skin, the market drives the users about the type of sunscreen and most of the participants gave the medical counsel and recommendation low attention

The relationship between elasticity of polymeric gels and the in vitro release of medicaments

Gels are semi-solid dosage forms that comprise small amount of solids dispersed in relatively large amount of liquid but still having solid-like structure. Rheological properties of gels may affect the release of proposed medicaments from the polymeric gels. The objective of this research was to find the relationship between the elasticity of polymeric gels and the in vitro release of Ketoconazole anti-fungal drug from different types of gel structures. Five types of gel bases were prepared, glycerin of starch, gelatin-glycerin, sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, Carbopol 934 and Eudragit L100. The rheological properties of gels were determined using Rheometer. Whereas the in vitro release of ketoconazole from the mentioned gel bases were determined using Franz Diffusion Cell. The results obtained showed that the higher the elasticity of the gel the more release of the drug

The relation between sunscreen and skin pathochanges mini review

Nowadays, cosmetic products represent the most important non food market sector for producers. Consumers are in continues demand to products for beauty, antiageing, wellness, skin care and sunscreen. Sunscreen help to protect skin from UV rays, either chemically or physically. UV rays are generally consists of three forms UVA, UVB and UVC, and excessive exposure of these radiation may lead to pigment changes, pre-cancerous, cancerous skin, wrinkles and skin aging , along with triggering other adverse light sensitive reactions based on disease etiology and skin prototypes.The possible pathological changes due to use of sunscreen has been reviewed during the exposure to the UV rays. It is vital to protect skin and eyes from damaging effects as the skin is an integral part of our immune system. Moreover, artificial sources of UV rays should be avoided including tanning beds and sunlamps unless use of sunscreen. Surfaces such as sand, snow, concrete and water can reflect up to 85% of UV radiation, when around these surfaces, even when cloud weather because it filters less than 40 % of UV radiation. The used sunscreen products should contain SPF of at least 15 and it is advisable to have enough vitamin D and beta carotene and antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and Selenium when heavily exposed to sun radiation