γ-Cyclodextrin Metal-Organic Frameworks: Do Solvents Make a Difference?

Conventionally, methanol is the solvent of choice in the synthesis of gamma-cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (γ-CD-MOFs), but using ethanol as a replacement could allow for a more food-grade synthesis condition. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare the γ-CD-MOFs synthesised with both methanol and ethanol. The γ-CD-MOFs were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface area and pore measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) of the γ-CD-MOFs were also determined for curcumin, using methanol, ethanol and a mixture of the two as encapsulation solvent. It was found that γ-CD-MOFs synthesised by methanol and ethanol do not differ greatly, the most significant difference being the larger crystal size of γ-CD-MOFs crystallised from ethanol. However, the change in solvent significantly influenced the EE and LC of the crystals. The higher solubility of curcumin in ethanol reduced interactions with the γ-CD-MOFs and resulted in lowered EE and LC. This suggests that different solvents should be used to deliberately manipulate the EE and LC of target compounds for better use of γ-CD-MOFs as their encapsulating and delivery agents

The Cooper-Eromanga petroleum system, Australia: investigation of essential elements and processes

Lowe-Young, Bonnie, Steve (S.I.) Mackie and Rob (R.S.) Heat

Geological controls on hydrocarbon accumulations in the Eromanga Basins, South West Queensland - A petroleum system perspective

B.S. Lowe-Young, S.I. Mackie and R.S. Heat

Implant-Mediated Guided Growth for Coronal Plane Angular Deformity in the Pediatric Patient with Patellofemoral Instability

Pediatric patellofemoral instability is a complex problem, for which there are several anatomic risk factors. Coronal plane malalignment (i.e., genu valgum) is one cause of patellofemoral instability, and treatment of genu valgum has been associated with improved patellofemoral stability. Coronal plane angular deformity correction, typically achieved by distal femoral osteotomy in the adult population, can be achieved with less invasive surgical techniques in pediatric patients using implant-mediated guided growth. By temporarily tethering one side of an open physis to generate differential growth in the coronal plane, valgus malalignment can be corrected. We present our technique for medial distal femoral implant-mediated guided growth using tension band plating for treatment of pediatric patellofemoral instability associated with genu valgum. This technique is minimally invasive, has a low complication rate, and in conjunction with conventional treatment can reduce the risk of recurrent instability