Synergistic Enzyme Cocktail to Enhance Hydrolysis of Steam Exploded Wheat Straw at Pilot Scale

Multiple enzymes are required for efficient hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass and no wild type organism is capable of producing all enzymes in desired levels. In this study, steam explosion of wheat straw was carried out at pilot scale and a synthetic enzyme mixture (EnzMix) was developed by partially replacing the cellulase with critical dosages of commercially available accessory enzymes (β-glucosidase, xylanase and laccase) through central composite design. Highest degree of synergism (DS) was observed with β-glucosidase (1.68) followed by xylanase (1.36). Finally, benchmarking of EnzMix (Celluclast, β-glucosidase and xylanase in a protein ratio of 20.40: 38.43: 41.16, respectively) and other leading commercial enzymes was carried out. Interestingly, hydrolysis improved by 75% at 6 h and 30% at 24 h, respectively in comparison of control. By this approach, 25% reduction in enzyme dosage was observed for obtaining the same hydrolysis yield with opitimized enzyme cocktail. Thus, development of enzyme cocktail is an effective and sustainable approach for high hydrolysis efficiency

Development and challenges of herbal injectables – a possible emerging area of drug delivery

Herbal drugs have been employed in the treatment of diseases since ancient time. People have confidence in their efficacy and safety even today. The main reason for the popularity of these drugs is their limited side-effects when consumed in the prescribed quantity. Despite their comparatively safe nature, their bioavailability and long gestation period remain challenging. This can be remedied by administering these drugs through parenteral routes in the form of herbal injectables. This article aims to draw the attention of the researcher toward the formulation and development of herbal injectables. Besides, the emphasis has given to the current scenario, challenges and perspectives of herbal injectables.</jats:p

Recent Developments and Potential for Clinical Use of Casein as a Drug Carrier

Background: The development of drug delivery carriers is the key area of research in the field of novel drug delivery systems. To date, a long list of carriers has been identified for this purpose but the deliveries of poorly water-soluble active substances are still facing challenges and hence, such substances are pharmacologically unsafe and economically incompetent. Objective: This article aims to review the applications of casein as a drug carrier and its potential for clinical use. Methods: The relevant literature on the casein protein was collected from authentic online scientific databases like PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar using different keywords including “casein”, “drug delivery system”, “drug carrier” and “bioavailability”. The articles and books accessed online have been thoroughly reviewed and the most relevant reports on casein as a drug carrier have only been included in the present study. Results: Casein is a milk protein that has many structural and physicochemical properties which facilitate its functionality in delivery systems. Moreover, its amphiphilic nature makes it the most suitable carrier for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs without showing any toxic effects. The carriers obtained from natural sources are trustworthy over synthetic carriers and in the demand of the market due to their easy availability, low-cost factor, bio-friendly and nontoxic nature. Conclusion: Casein was found to be an effective natural drug carrier in various delivery systems due to its unique applications in improving the bioavailability and efficacy of a drug. </jats:sec