Hydrophobic and metallophobic surfaces: Highly stable non-wetting inorganic surfaces based on lanthanum phosphate nanorods

Metal oxides, in general, are known to exhibit significant wettability towards water molecules because of the high feasibility of synergetic hydrogen-bonding interactions possible at the solid-water interface. Here we show that the nano sized phosphates of rare earth materials (Rare Earth Phosphates, REPs), LaPO 4 in particular, exhibit without any chemical modification, unique combination of intrinsic properties including remarkable hydrophobicity that could be retained even after exposure to extreme temperatures and harsh hydrothermal conditions. Transparent nanocoatings of LaPO 4 as well as mixture of other REPs on glass surfaces are shown to display notable hydrophobicity with water contact angle (WCA) value of 120° while sintered and polished monoliths manifested WCA greater than 105°. Significantly, these materials in the form of coatings and monoliths also exhibit complete non-wettability and inertness towards molten metals like Ag, Zn, and Al well above their melting points. These properties, coupled with their excellent chemical and thermal stability, ease of processing, machinability and their versatile photo-physical and emission properties, render LaPO 4 and other REP ceramics utility in diverse applications

Stability and Release Kinetics of an Advanced Gliclazide-Cholic Acid Formulation: The Use of Artificial-Cell Microencapsulation in Slow Release Targeted Oral Delivery of Antidiabetics

Introduction: In previous studies carried out in our laboratory, a bile acid (BA) formulation exerted a hypoglycaemic effect in a rat model of type-1 diabetes (T1D). When the antidiabetic drug gliclazide (G) was added to the bile acid, it augmented the hypoglycaemic effect. In a recent study, we designed a new formulation of gliclazide-cholic acid (G-CA), with good structural properties, excipient compatibility and exhibits pseudoplastic-thixotropic characteristics. The aim of this study is to test the slow release and pH-controlled properties of this new formulation. The aim is also to examine the effect of CA on G release kinetics at various pH values and different temperatures. Method: Microencapsulation was carried out using our Buchi-based microencapsulating system developed in our laboratory. Using sodium alginate (SA) polymer, both formulations were prepared: G-SA (control) and G-CA-SA (test) at a constant ratio (1:3:30), respectively. Microcapsules were examined for efficiency, size, release kinetics, stability and swelling studies at pH 1.5, pH 3, pH 7.4 and pH 7.8 and temperatures of 20 and 30 °C. Results: The new formulation is further optimised by the addition of CA. CA reduced microcapsule swelling of the microcapsules at pH 7.8 and pH 3 at 30 °C and pH 3 at 20 °C, and, even though microcapsule size remains similar after CA addition, percent G release was enhanced at high pH values (pH 7.4 and pH 7.8, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The new formulation exhibits colon-targeted delivery and the addition of CA prolonged G release suggesting its suitability for the sustained and targeted delivery of G and CA to the lower intestine

Phytochemical evaluation and Pharmacological screening of Cuscuta reflexa roxburg on anti-arthritic activity

Cuscuta reflexa Roxb, a rootless, leafless, twining annual parasite with a wide variety of species, is an extensive climber found in temperate and tropical regions. It is widely used in Ayurvedic (traditional medicine native to the Indian subcontinent) medicine to relieve and treat many diseases. There are numerous countries in which it is widely used for treating urination disorders, bilious disorders, diabetic disorders, and inflammatory diseases, including Afghanistan, Malaysia, India, and China. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic properties of the methanolic extract of Cuscuta reflexa Roxburg. A variety of phytoconstituents are found in it, such as alkaloids, tannins, coumarins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and saponins. These phytoconstituents are screened by various conformation tests. The anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated in vivo in rats using CFAComplete Fruend’s adjuvant induced polyarthritis model. This study shows that methanolic extract at a concentration of 400mg/kg inhibits arthritic activity. This result was compared with the standard drug, prednisolone 5mg/kg. The anti-arthritic activity of Cuscuta reflexa Roxberg was evaluated by considering paw volume, paw thickness and body weight. Visual criteria were used to monitor the morphological features of arthritis such as redness, swelling, erythema. The scores were recorded during these specific days of the project- 1, 4, 10, 14, 17 and 21. The test compound at 200mg/kg doesn’t show any anti-arthritic property, but at the dose of 400mg/kg it proved its significant action to reduce the inflammation and pain induced by complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). Based on the systemic analysis, the extract maintained normal joint parameters and greatly restored the normal architecture of the joints in animals. Thus, Cuscuta reflexa Roxburg would be an interesting source for antiarthritic activity.</jats:p

Liver-targeted cyclosporine A-encapsulated poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles inhibit hepatitis C virus replication

KR Jyothi,1 Jagadish Beloor,2 Ara Jo,1 Minh Nam Nguyen,1 Tae Gyu Choi,1 Jin-Hwan Kim,1 Salima Akter,1 Sang-Kyung Lee,2 Chi Hoon Maeng,3 Hyung Hwan Baik,1 Insug Kang,1 Joohun Ha,1 Sung Soo Kim1 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of&nbsp;Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 2Department of Bioengineering and Institute for Bioengineering and Biopharmaceutical Research, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; 3Department of&nbsp;Medical Oncology and Hematology, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea Abstract: Therapeutic options for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have been limited by drug resistance and adverse side effects. Targeting the host factor cyclophilin A (CypA), which is essential for HCV replication, offers a promising strategy for antiviral therapy. However, due to its immunosuppressive activity and severe side effects, clinical application of cyclosporine A (CsA) has been limited as an antiviral agent. To overcome these drawbacks, we have successfully developed a liver-specific, sustained drug delivery system by conjugating the liver-targeting peptide (LTP) to PEGylated CsA-encapsulated poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles. Furthermore, our delivery system exhibited high specificity to liver, thus contributing to the reduced immunosuppressive effect and toxicity profile of CsA. Finally, targeted nanoparticles were able to effectively inhibit viral replication in vitro and in an HCV mouse model. As a proof of principle, we herein show that our delivery system is able to negate the adverse effects of CsA and produce therapeutic effects in an HCV mouse model.Keywords: HCV, liver-targeting peptide, targeted drug deliver