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Despite a considerable decrease in its incidence worldwide, burns remain the fourth most common type of trauma. The majority of burns are small, with 75% of injuries treated on an outpatient basis. Tilapia skin, as a biological material, has been suggested as an option for the management of burn wounds. After good results were obtained with the use of a glycerolised version of tilapia skin in burned children and adults, it was hypothesised that similar outcomes could be achieved with the use of a lyophilised version of tilapia skin. We report the case of a 33-year-old female patient with scalds to the upper abdomen, and both breasts, arms and forearms. Involvement of 10% of total body surface area with superficial partial thickness burns was calculated. The good adherence of tilapia skin to the wound bed, a 10-day period for complete re-epithelialisation of the wounds and the absence of side effects suggested that the lyophilised version of tilapia skin is effective for burn treatment. Compared with glycerolisation, lyophilisation is thought to permit extended storage of sterile tissue and decreased costs related to distribution and transport, but further studies are needed to confirm this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the development of a hierarchical biofabrication technique suitable to create large but complex structures, such as vascular mimicking grafts, using facile lyophilisation technology amenable to multiple other biomaterial classes. The combination of three fabrication techniques together, namely solvent evaporation, lyophilisation, and crosslinking together allows highly tailorable structures from the microstructure up to the macrostructure, and with the ability to independently crosslink each layer it allows great flexibility to match desired native mechanical properties independently of the micro/macrostructure. We have demonstrated the flexibility of this biofabrication technique by independently optimising each of the layers to create a multi-layered arterial structure with tailored architectural and biophysical/biochemical properties using a collagen-elastin composite. Taken together, the facile biofabrication methodology developed has led to the development of a biomimetic bilayered scaffold suitable for use as a tissue engineered vascular graft (for haemodialysis access or peripheral/coronary bypass), or as an in vitro test platform to examine disease progression, pharmacological toxicity, or cardiovascular medical device testing. The ability to grow large complex tissues such as blood vessels for transplantation is often hampered by the limitations of the selected biofabrication technique. Here, we sought to overcome some of the fabrication limitations for naturally occurring cardiovascular polymers (collagen/elastin) via a hierarchical approach to fabrication where each layer is built upon the previous. This approach enabled the flexibility to modify and tailor each layer's properties independently via control over polymer concentration, microstructure, and crosslinking. This simple approach facilitated us to fabricate multi-layered vascular grafts which were remodelled into high-density vascular tissue after 21-days. The fabrication approach could be translated to a myriad of other tissues while the engineered vascular graft could also be used as a test platform for drugs/medical devices or as a tissue engineering scaffold for vascular grafting for different indications. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to analyze the lung targeting potential of surface engineered mesospheres loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX). Gelatin-based DOX encapsulated mesospheres were prepared using a steric stabilization process and surface modified with mannose, using the amino group present on the surface of the mesospheres. Gelatin-DOX-mesospheres (M1) and gelatin-mannosylated-DOX-mesospheres (M2) were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and % entrapment efficiency which were found respectively 8.7 ± 0.35, 0.671 ± 0.018, 1.74 ± 0.27, and 80.4 ± 1.2 for (M1) and 9.8 ± 0.41, 0.625 ± 0.010, 0.85 ± 0.11, and 75.1 ± 0.7 for (M2). Furthermore, the mesospheres were characterized by FTIR, DSC, SEM, and TEM. In vitro drug release study of optimized formulation was carried out using the dialysis tube method. The cumulative percent drug release was found to be 79.2 ± 0.1% and 69.6 ± 0.52% respectively for gelatin-DOX-mesospheres and gelatin-mannosylated-DOX-mesospheres. In vitro cytotoxicity of formulations was determined using xenograft A-549 tumor cell lines. The cytotoxicity recorded as IC50 was more in the case of M2 compared to M1. In addition, mesospheres exhibited minimal hemolytic toxicity and appear to be promising for sustained drug delivery of DOX to the lungs. Cytotoxicity assay was conducted on the A-549 cell line. The results revealed that gelatin-mannosylated-DOX-mesospheres were maximally cytotoxic as compared to free DOX as well as gelatin-DOX-mesospheres. The lung’s accumulation of drug was measured and found maximum after administration of M2. It may, therefore, be inferred that gelatin-mannosylated-DOX-mesospheres are capable to carry bioactive(s) and can be used specifically to target the lung cancer with minimal side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oral bioavailability of therapeutic proteins is limited by the gastrointestinal barriers. Encapsulation of labile proteins into nanoparticles is a promising strategy. In order to improve the stability of nanoparticles, lyophilisation has been used to remove water molecules from the suspension. Although various cryoprotections were employed in the preparation of lyophilised nanoparticles, the selection of cryoprotectant type and concentration in majority of the developed formulation was not justified. In this study, nanoparticles were fabricated by cationic chitosan and anionic Dz13Scr using complex coacervation. The effect of cryoprotectant types (mannitol, sorbitol, sucrose and trehalose) and their concentrations (1, 3, 5, 7, 10% w/v) on physiochemical properties of nanoparticles were measured. Cellular assays were performed to investigate the impact of selected cryoprotectant on cytotoxicity, glucose consumption, oral absorption mechanism and gastrointestinal permeability. The obtained results revealed that mannitol (7% w/v) could produce nanoparticles with small size (313.2 nm), slight positive charge and uniform size distribution. The addition of cryoprotectant could preserve the bioactivity of entrapped insulin and improve the stability of nanoparticles against mechanical stress during lyophilisation. The gastrointestinal absorption of nanoparticles is associated with both endocytic and paracellular pathways. With the use of 7% mannitol, lyophilised nanoparticles induced a significant glucose uptake in C2C12 cells. This work illustrated the importance of appropriate cryoprotectant in conservation of particle physiochemical properties, structural integrity and bioactivity. An incompatible cryoprotectant and inappropriate concentration could lead to cake collapse and formation of heterogeneous particle size populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice starch is a promising biopolymer for buccal formulations but typical oven drying may promote starch retrogradation that affects mechanical properties. Hence, lyophilisation was proposed here to improve starch product's stability. This study aims to investigate the effects of plasticisers (sorbitol and Tween® 80, T80) on the characteristics and drug release profiles of lyophilised rice starch wafers incorporated with propranolol hydrochloride. The wafers were prepared by lyophilising starch mixture (5% w / v) with plasticiser (0.2 and 0.3 g/g) and drug (10, 20, 30% w /w). Control wafers exhibited loose layers with rough wrinkled surface. Sorbitol resulted in a dense structure with higher puncture strength (PS) but lower water absorption capacity (WAC) while T80 loosened the flakes that reduced PS and increased WAC. Drug inclusion decreased PS and increased WAC of unplasticised wafers. T80-plasticised wafers with drug had a lower PS and higher WAC than sorbitol-plasticised wafers. Particularly, T80-plasticised wafers achieved outstandingly high PS and the lowest WAC at 30% w /w drug. Drug dissolution of wafers relied mainly on the drug crystallinity and WAC at 10 and 30% w /w drug. Plasticisers reduced and increased drug dissolution at 10 and 20%w/w drug, respectively. This study highlights the potential of lyophilisation in preparing rice starch wafers for buccal delivery. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present investigation was development of an efficient technology for obtaining powders from fresh broccoli; determination of the possibility of using domestic production of broccoli as an import-substituting product; development of regulatory documentation for broccoli powders for the food industry. The research was carried out jointly with the representatives of the Federal Scientific cen-ter of vegetable production on an experimental basis in 2016. The domestic Tonus variety of broccoli (Federal Scientific center of vegetable production) and the Maraton F1 hybrid (France), differing in appearance, vegetative period, biochemical and physical characteristics were chosen. Technology of broccoli powder production from domestic and imported products was developed using two methods of drying convection and lyophilization. The gentle drying conditions of broccoli freeze drying compared to convective drying technology provided higher content of both vitamin C and polyphenols in the final powder. Comparative studies of organoleptic and physico-chemical properties of powders obtained from domestic and imported broccoli demonstrated close quality parameters, indicating the possibility of effective domestic broccoli utilization and import substitution. For the first time in the Russian Federation, the "Organization Standard" was developed for regulation of the quality parameters of broccoli powders intended for use in the food industry.

Background: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has gained popularity in craniofacial surgery, as it provides an excellent reservoir of autologous growth factors (GFs) that are essential for bone regeneration. However, the low elastic modulus, short-term clinical application, poor storage potential and limitations in emergency therapy use restrict its more widespread clinical application. This study fabricates lyophilised PRF (Ly-PRF), evaluates its physical and biological properties, and explores its application for craniofacial tissue engineering purposes. Material and methods: A lyophilisation method was applied, and the outcome was evaluated and compared with traditionally prepared PRF. We investigated how lyophilisation affected PRF’s physical characteristics and biological properties by determining: (1) the physical and morphological architecture of Ly-PRF using SEM, and (2) the kinetic release of PDGF-AB using ELISA. Results: Ly-PRF exhibited a dense and homogeneous interconnected 3D fibrin network. Moreover, clusters of morphologically consistent cells of platelets and leukocytes were apparent within Ly-PRF, along with evidence of PDGF-AB release in accordance with previously reports. Conclusions: The protocol established in this study for Ly-PRF preparation demonstrated versatility, and provides a biomaterial with growth factor release for potential use as a craniofacial bioscaffold.

The present study aimed to assess the antimicrobial properties of encapsulated lyophilized powdered extracts of pomegranate peels (PP), avocado peels (AP) and avocado seeds (AS) in vitro and in vivo. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) methods, optical density measurement, and well diffusion assay were used to determine antimicrobial activity against food borne bacteria (Gram− Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Campylobacter jejuni, Pseudomonas putida), (Gram+ Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringens, Lactobacillus plantarum), and fungi (Penicillium expansum and Aspergillus niger) based on a mixture design model. Additionally, the most effective powder was studied in vivo in yogurt, cream cheese, and minced meat burger. The samples that contained high polyphenol content also exhibited higher antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal activity. From the results of the well diffusion, the MIC/MBC, and the cell optical density assays, the antimicrobial activity of the extracts was found to be correlated to the total phenolic content (TPC) of the samples and the type of the microorganism. The pomegranate peels extract presented the higher TPC and antioxidant activity and constitute the highest percentage in the most active antimicrobial mixture. The powders that were tested in vitro showed microbial type-dependent effects in each food model. The results presented here can be further studied in the large-scale industrial production of natural food preservatives.

Magnetic manotheranostics can be a fascinating charm to diagnose a tumour with MRI, and treatment through hyperthermia. This study aims to synthesise and characterise magnetically responsive polymer colloids (MRPCs). Healthy tissue damage done by chemotherapy session could be minimised by MRPCs. For the colloidal formulation of MRPCs, the oil in water emulsion technique was employed with the aid of sonication and stirring. The organic phase of emulsion contained methotrexate (MTX) drug, Eudragit E100 and CoFe2 O4 (synthesised by co‐precipitation) in ethanol, and the aqueous phase contained tween 80 in deionised water. The emulsion was optimised by studying/adjusting two different parameters, i.e. the concentration of constituents and sonication cycles. Multiple formulations were produced at sonication amplitude of 60% at 20 kHz, followed by centrifugation and lyophilisation. Characterisation of MRPCs was done for morphology, size measurement (23–25 nm), surface charge (∼15.12), coercivity (∼1549.6 G), magnetisation (2.6 emu) and retentivity (1.34 emu). Drug release in simulating physiological environment (pH = 7.4), was observed for up to 48 h, and, to determine the best release kinetic mechanism results were compared with kinetic models. Magnetic hyperthermia studies showed that MRPCs achieved an acceptable temperature of 42°C, for hyperthermia treatments in cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freeze‐drying (FD) has been exhaustively tried in several mammalian species as an alternative technique to sperm cryopreservation, but few studies have been done in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The main objective of this study was to compare the protective effect of various antioxidants added to EDTA medium on structural and functional components of FD rabbit spermatozoa and on their status of global DNA methylation. FD media used were composed of basic FD medium (10 mM Tris‐HCl buffer and 50 mM NaCl) supplemented with either 50 mM EDTA alone (EDTA) or added with 105 µM of rosmarinic acid (RA, EDTA‐RA) or 10 µM of melatonin (MLT, EDTA‐MLT). The effect of each medium on the preservation of FD spermatozoon structure was evaluated with light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Global DNA methylation was quantified in all FD sperm samples as well as in fresh spermatozoa. Morphologically, fracture points were evidenced in the neck, mid and principal piece of the spermatozoon tail. No differences in spermatozoon fracture points were evidenced among FD treatments: intact spermatozoa were the largest (p <.01) category, whereas the most frequent (p <.01) injury was the neck fracture, resulting in tailless heads. At SEM, the head of spermatozoa showed a well‐conserved shape and intact membrane in all treatments. DNA methylation status was the same in all FD treatments. In conclusion, supplementation of EDTA, EDTA‐RA and EDTA‐MLT during FD preserved rabbit sperm morphological integrity and methylation status as well. Therefore, the difficulty of getting viable offspring using FD semen is likely unrelated to the impact of the lyophilization process on DNA methylation and morphology of lyophilized spermatozoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nanosistemi, Nanomateriali, Nanotehnologii is the property of G.V. Kurdyumov Institute for Metal Physics, N.A.S.U and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In biomethane potential (BMP) tests, different sources and origins of inocula might cause significant variations in the tests' results, preventing from acquiring a harmonised and standardised evaluation of the different substrates. In this study, a method to produce standardised and storable inocula was elaborated. For the development of the different investigation steps a control sludge originated from a wastewater treatment plant was utilised. Freeze-drying was applied in the framework of this study as a long-term conservation method for the anaerobic inocula. In order to ensure a closed system with anaerobic conditions at all times, a test system was developed to allow accurate and representative mass-balance experiments. The test results demonstrated that inocula conservation and re-suspension in BMP tests is possible; the limit value of the expected methane yield of a positive and lyophilised reference-control, was reached. However, a lag phase of 7–10 days was obtained, possibly due to the damage of microorganisms as a consequence of the conservation process. Further investigations need to be carried out to optimise the conservation process of the produced inocula or an initial preparation phase should be considered to reduce the lag phase. Image 1094 • Producing standardised and storable inocula for biomethane potential tests (MBP). • Lyophilisation was applied as a long-term conservation method for the anaerobic inocula. • Developing a test system to allow accurate and representative mass-balance experiments. • The conservation of inocula, produced under standardised conditions, is possible. • An extended lag phase of 7–10 days within the methane production was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Problems of Cryobiology & Cryomedicine / Problemy Kriobiologii i Kriomediciny is the property of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Institute for Problems of Cryobiology & Cryomedicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present study aimed at assessing the antimicrobial properties of a water and ethanol ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of dry goji berries and of lyophilised powdered pomegranate peel in vitro. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods, turbidity (cell density) measurement, and well diffusion assay were used to determine the antimicrobial activity against several species of foodborne bacteria (Gram – , Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Campylobacter jejuni), (Gram + Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringens), yeasts (Yarrowia lipolytica, Metschnikowia fructicola, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa), and fungi (Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani). Carbohydrate and phenolic contents were measured, and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2΄-Azino-bis-(3-ethyl-benzthiazoline-sulphonic acid)) radical scavenging assays were used for the assessment of antioxidant activity. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrums of all samples were also evaluated in order to determine their chemical profiles. The lyophilised pomegranate peel exhibited the highest antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal activity among all samples, while among the goji berry samples-who had only antibacterial and very little or no antifungal activity—the lyophilised aqueous extract with the lowest content of maltodextrin (2%) and highest phenolic content, had also the highest antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal activity. The antioxidant and antimicrobial bioactivities seemed to be related to the content of polyphenols, the low concentration of maltodextrin in the encapsulated lyophilised samples and the use of optimised ultrasound assisted extraction. Minimum inhibitory concentration or zones of inhibition were in many (but not all) cases lower for the aqueous extracts compared to the ethanol or ethanol/hexane extracts of goji berries. In conclusion, the lyophilized powder of pomegranate peels and the aqueous extracts of goji berries encapsulated with minimal maltodextrin content and high polyphenol content exhibited high antioxidant and antimicrobial activity which could be utilized in food preservation or plant protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The freezing of a stream of free-falling monodispersed droplets was simulated through the development of numerical models in this work. Prediction of the freezing time and temperature transition of a single droplet is beneficial for optimisation of novel continuous spray freeze drying (cSFD) processes. Estimations of the vertical free-falling distance of the droplets in a slip stream and predictions of the chances of droplet coalescence greatly enhance process understanding and can be leveraged to direct equipment design and process development. A design space of droplet diameters in the range from 100 µm to 400 µm and ambient temperatures from -120 °C to -40°C was explored. The rate of supercooling within the design space was predicted to range from 48 to 830°Cs-1 depending on the ambient temperature and droplet size. A comparison of the vertical free-falling distances of solitary droplets and streams of droplets at different temperatures showed that the terminal velocity of a vertically falling stream of droplets is always in excess of the terminal velocity of a solitary droplet of the same size. A difference of 1.35 m was predicted For the free-falling distance of a 400 µm droplet compared to a stream of droplets at -42 °C. A comparison between flow rates for consecutively generated 100 µm droplets showed that droplet coalescence was predicted at 0.05 Lh-1, whilst at 0.02 Lh-1 a separation distance of 23 µm was maintained thus preventing coalescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Squalene-adenosine (SQAd) nanoparticles (NPs) were found to display promising pharmacological activity similar to many other nanomedicines, but their long-term stability was still limited, and their preparation required specific know-how and material. These drawbacks represented important restrictions for their potential use in the clinic. Freeze-drying nanoparticles is commonly presented as a solution to allow colloidal stability, but this process needs to be adapted to each nanoformulation. Hence, we aimed at developing a specific protocol for freeze-drying SQAd NPs while preserving their structural features. NPs were lyophilised, resuspended and analysed by dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy and small-angle scattering. Among four different cryoprotectants, trehalose was found to be the most efficient in preserving NPs physico-chemical characteristics. Interestingly, we identified residual ethanol in NP suspensions as a key parameter which could severely affect the freeze-drying outcome, leading to NPs aggregation. Long-term stability was also assessed. No significant change in size distribution or zeta potential could be detected after three-month storage at 4 °C. Finally, freeze-dried NPs innocuity was checked in vitro on cultured hepatocytes and in vivo on mice. In conclusion, optimisation of freeze-drying conditions resulted in safe lyophilised SQAd NPs that can be easily stored, shipped and simply reconstituted into an injectable form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Soy phosphatidylcholine liposomes encapsulating increasing concentrations of two sea fennel extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) prepared by ultrasonication were freeze-dried, using glycerol as lyoprotectant. Particle properties, water dispersibility, colour, thermal properties and antioxidant capacity (radical scavenging capacity, ferric ion reducing power, Folin-reactive substances) of the liposomal preparations were determined. The freeze-drying process caused an overall increase in particle size and polydispersity index, while the zeta-potential became more electronegative. Both sea fennel extracts were rich in chlorogenic acid (42.61 and 58.48 mg/g for the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively) and showed great antioxidant activity. Vitamin C was identified in the aqueous extract, whereas rutin and rosmarinic acid in the ethanolic one. The entrapment efficiency, determined in the liposomes prepared at the highest extract concentration, was 65.6% and 49.1% for the aqueous extract and the ethanolic extract, respectively. The liposomal antioxidant activity and total phenolic content followed a linear increasing tendency as a result of increasing the extract concentration, irrespective of the type of extract. Higher antioxidant activity was found in the liposomes loaded with the ethanolic extract, in a clear relationship to the greater amount of highly antioxidant phenolic compounds extracted, and also to their lower entrapment efficiency, which caused a greater amount of extract to remain outside the liposome. Both extracts were suitable for producing liposomes with antioxidant properties which could be dried and used to design functional foods. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Larger vesicle size with increasing extract concentration. • Phenolic compounds prevent freeze-drying-induced vesicle damage. • Higher entrapment efficiency with aqueous extract than ethanolic extract. • Higher liposomal antioxidant activity with increasing extract concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Biobanking is a rapidly growing industry, covering diverse fields such as human medicine, farm animal production, laboratory animals record keeping, and wildlife conservation. Presently, biobanking is done almost exclusively by cryopreservation, followed by maintenance of the samples under liquid nitrogen. Cryopreservation has satisfactory efficiency but it comes with a host of problems, and the process is highly species-specific. Like in many other walks of life, we turn to Nature in search for better alternatives. Nature opted for controlled drying rather than water preservation via freezing when long-term preservation is desired, a strategy known as 'anhydrobiosis'. To achieve reversible drying, anhydrobiotic organisms utilise an assortment of protective materials, including disaccharides, late embryogenesis abundant proteins, anhydrin, heat shock protein, and more. Once dry, desiccation-tolerant organisms can survive extended periods of time and be resistant to extreme environmental stressors. Over the past 70 years researchers attempted applying this idea to preserve desiccation-sensitive mammalian cells in the dry form. At present dried cells mostly do not resume biological activity upon rehydration. The DNA, however, is often well preserved to allow utilisation in advanced reproductive techniques. Spermatozoa are by far the most commonly dried cell type, primarily from mice and bulls. A number of drying approaches have been applied, with freeze-drying taking the lead. To date offspring have been produced from dried spermatozoa in mouse, rat, hamster, rabbit, and horse. No offspring were produced from dried somatic cells. Desiccation experiences a sharp increase in interest and research output in recent years. Presented here is an overview of dry preservation, its possible applications, the open questions the field is still facing, and some suggested directions for the future. Highlights • Gametes, embryos, cells and tissue samples are preserved in biobanks, presently primarily by cryopreservation. • Cryopreservation, while often efficient, comes with a host of drawbacks. • Long-term preservation in Nature is done by drying rather than freezing. • Mammalian gametes/cells desiccation research as an alternative preservation paradigm is growing and advancing the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important component in the production of starters for food and biotechnology industries is the ability to store them over a long period without losing their properties. Long-term storage of biological products with the conservation of valuable properties and viability can only be ensured by methods of preservation which are able to inhibit metabolic processes without disturbance to biomaterial integrity. The article describes methods of deep-freezing of biomaterials, freeze-drying, L-drying, in particular their advantages and disadvantages, and gives more concrete description of the lyophilization method. The aim of this research was to choose a method of drying and optimum stabilization parameters for obtaining a starter of direct inoculation. To do this, freeze-drying method allowing the primary cell structure to be fully preserved was used. The experiment indicated that this method makes the object of drying independent from external influences and is able to retain its useful properties over a long period of time. The drying process itself was carried out using domestic freeze-drier INEY-6M". To prepare the drying object for lyophilization bacterial cells were suspended with 20% skimmed milk, 12% solution of sucrose, the serum of animal blood, sorbitol, albumin solution, gelatin solution, peptone, monosodium glutamate and its salts, polyvinylpyrrolidone. The choice of optimum modes of technological process such as freeze temperature, freeze-drying temperature and drying layer thickness was also carried out experimentally. According to the results of the experiment, optimum parameters for freeze-drying were chosen, in particular: freezing temperature of minus 25°C; heating temperature of 25°C; drying time of 240 min; the drying layer thickness of 3.0 mm.

The influence of the drying technique on certain quality attributes of dried grapes was analysed. Five varieties of grape were used in this study (Bezsemenné, Perlette, Vrboska, Beauty seedless, and Jakubské). All the varieties were dried using four methods: drying at 40 °C, combined drying (70, 65, and 60 °C), drying at 70 °C, and lyophilisation. The quality attributes such as total soluble solids, water activity, content of vitamin C, the colour parameters (L*, a*, b*), and microbiological (colony forming units, moulds, yeasts) and sensory (smoothness, gloss, colour, odour, chewability, juiciness, flavour, and overall impression) analysis were determined, depending on the method of drying. Lyophilised grapes from the Jakubské variety had the highest vitamin C content. They contained 0.58 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of dried grapes. However, no significant differences between varieties in vitamin C content were found. This confirmed concerns about the negative impact on the nutritional quality of dried grapes with increasing temperature. The lowest total count of microorganisms (CFU), moulds, and yeasts were determined after using highest drying temperature (70 °C). Higher CFU values were determined in lyophilised grapes, and then followed by grapes dried at 40 °C. Lyophilised grapes and grapes dried at 40 °C achieved the best sensory rating in general. The final product was intended to have a unique appearance while maintaining the evaluated quality parameters.

Freeze drying (Lyophilization) performed at temperature and pressure below the triple point is being practiced for the preservation of virus stocks for longer periods. The present study is aimed to lyophilize adenovirus strain to study its effects on infectivity and viral load. In-house adenovirus reference strain (stock virus) was propagated in Hep-2 cell line in 25cm2 cell culture flasks. In 24-well plates the serial dilutions of stock virus from 10-1 to 10-7 (100μl inoculum) was inoculated in each well with Hep-2 cells for TCID50 titer and viral DNA was extracted separately to determine viral load by Taqman Real Time PCR. Stock virus was lyophilized in 3 lots and stored at RT (25±2°C) and 4°C separately for 1, 4 and 6 months and subjected to TCID50 (for viral infectivity) and viral load assay (for total viral genome copies). Following lyophilisation and storage of adenoviral strains at RT and 4°C separately did not affect significantly on the viral stability, infectivity as well as viral copy number till 4 months. However, storage at RT for 6 months resulted in 1 log reduction in viral copy number. Thus, storage of even lyophilized virus stock would necessitate a temperature of at least 4°C for prolonged periods. The present study could successfully lyophilize adenovirus and retain its infectivity over a period of 6 months when stored at RT and 4°C. No significant difference in the infectivity or TCID50 titer was observed in the lyophilized virus as compared to the stock virus. However, the viral load was observed to increase with lyophilization of the virus over 6 months when stored at 4°C which possibly is due to the concentration of the virus on freeze-drying.

Introduction: An important issue in microbial biotechnology is linkage between screened beneficial strains in laboratory and industry. Therefore, to develop beneficial microbial biocontrol agents; optimization of nutritional and physiological condition for high level production and selection of carrier for final formulation are necessary. In this research we tried to find the best growth condition and suitable formulation for biocontrol Streptomyces rimosus strain C-2012. Materials and methods: For optimization of growth condition of strain C-2012, utilization of carbon sources, growth in different media, effect of temperature, pH and NaCl were investigated. Then the effect of different carriers and additives in final formulation and shelf life of microbial community were studied. Results: Study on utilization of carbon sources showed that glucose, fructose and mannitole were suitable carbon sources for growth and the best initial pH and temperature were 7 and 28°C, respectively. Results showed that the culture medium containing glucose, yeast extract and malt extract was the best medium. Investigation on NaCl effect showed that from 0 up to 300 mM sodium chloride could increase microbial community and salinity more than this range decreased microbial community. Based on the results we found that sand is suitable as microbial carrier comparing hydrogel polymers. Viability test during 36 months showed that formulation with NaCl content could keep 200 times (8*106 cfu/g) more than samples without salinity at last month. Discussion and conclusion: Using suitable carbon sources such as glucose at 28 °C and pH at 7 are important items in optimum growth and preparing final formulation with good level of microbial community. Capability in secondary volatile and liquid metabolites production and fungal pathogen control by Streptomyces rimosus in the presence of NaCl showed that this strain has high potentiality to apply in both normal and saline area. Long shelf life (3 years) without any saprophytic contamination of this strain in final formulation is important in industry and it can prepare a lucrative business.

Copyright of Zywnosc is the property of Polish Society of Food Technologists - Scientific Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The fundamental behaviour of fine-grained geomaterials compacted over a range of moisture content is strongly influenced by the resulting porosity and pore size distribution (PSD) characteristics. The majority of pertinent studies have employed mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) for determining these properties. Since the PSD analysis using MIP technique demands moisture free specimen, it is necessary to select an appropriate sample drying technique that minimises the alteration of soil fabric during sample preparation. In view of this, the present study evaluated the influence of various drying techniques, such as oven-drying, solvent-replacement and freeze-drying, up on the soil fabric in terms of its PSD characteristics. Further, the study investigated the role of placement moisture content on the modifications of soil fabric when soil specimens are compacted over a range of compaction states, using scanning electron microscopy. Based on the obtained results, it is demonstrated that the sample drying using lyophilisation technique is efficacious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was aimed to develop an amphiphilic drug-lipid nano-complex of rutin:egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) to enhance its poor absorption and bioavailability, and investigated the impact of the complex on hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity. Rutin nano-complexes were prepared by solvent evaporation, salting out and lyophilisation methods and compared for the complex formation. For the selected lyophilisation method, principal solvent DMSO, co-solvent (t-butyl alcohol) and rutin:EPC ratios (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3) were selected after optimisation. The properties of the nano-complexes such as complexation, thermal behaviour, surface morphology, molecular crystallinity, particle size, zeta potential, drug content, solubility, in vitro stability study, in vitro drug release, in vitro and in vivo antioxidant study, in vivo hepatoprotective activity and oral bioavailability/pharmacokinetic studies were investigated. Rutin nano-complexes were developed successfully via the lyophilisation method and found to be in nanometric range. Rutin nano-complexes significantly improved the solubility and in vitro drug release, and kinetic studies confirmed the diffusion-controlled release of the drug from the formulation. The nano-complex showed better antioxidant activity in vitro and exhibited well in vitro stability in different pH media. The in vivo study showed better hepatoprotective activity of the formulation compared to pure rutin at the same dose levels with improved oral bioavailability. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated animals (group II) failed to restore the normal levels of serum hepatic marker enzymes and liver antioxidant enzyme compared to the nano-complex-treated animals. The results obtained from solubility, hepatoprotective activity and oral bioavailability studies proved the better efficacy of the nano-complex compared to the pure drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa ubiquitously found in nature. As some species or strains of these FLA are pathogenic for humans and animals, they represent objects of medical and parasitological research worldwide. Storage of valuable FLA strains in laboratories is often time- and energy-consuming and expensive. The shipment of such strains as frozen stocks is cumbersome and challenging in terms of cooling requirements as well as of transport regulations. To overcome these difficulties and challenges in maintenance and transport, we present a new method to generate lyophilised samples of non-cyst-forming FLA (Ripella (Vannella) spp.) and cyst-forming FLA (Acanthamoeba spp.) strains which guarantees a simple mechanism for long-term storage at ambient temperature, as well as easy handling and/or shipment. The survival rate of all FLA lyophilisates after short-term storage (2 months) was comparable to the survival rate of freeze cultures of the respective strains. Furthermore, the viability of Acanthamoeba spp. cysts after storage for 29 months was 20 to 40% following lyophilisation and rehydration, with strain variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract The study presented is a comprehensive overview of commercial parenteral protein formulations, approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), 1995–2018. The objective of this overview was to analyse current trends in the design of commercial parenteral protein products and thereby support formulation scientists in the design of new formulations. The main data source was the publicly available European Public Assessment Reports (EPARs) published by the EMA for each authorised product. An analysis of the percentage of formulations in a liquid and lyophilised form was conducted. In addition, the number of products containing individual excipients, classified into functional categories is provided. Finally, the overview includes comprehensive details of product compositions obtained from EMA, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and product Marketing Authorisation Holder. Data analysis highlighted trends in the number of products approved, and the higher percentage of liquid parenteral protein formulations (66%) compared to lyophilised formulations (34%). This overview identifies the most commonly incorporated excipients employed as buffering agents, stabilisers/bulking agents, surfactants, preservatives and tonicifiers, including their concentration ranges of use in both liquid and lyophilised formulation approaches. Finally, antibody-based formulations were a particular focus of this overview. The relationship between parenteral routes of administration and antibody concentrations in approved products was also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tartary buckwheat achenes are rich in rutin. However, its utilisation as a food is low due to the bitter taste of the products because of the transformation of rutin to quercetin. The aim of this study was to determine the stability of rutin and selected flavonoids, which are influenced by the different sample preparations exposing the achenes to higher temperatures (60 °C, 100 °C, and 140 °C), and also to determine the specificity of the rutin degrading enzymes in Tartary buckwheat. The achenes were directly extracted with methanol pre-extracted with hexane, or lyophilised before extraction. The rutin and quercetin contents were determined by HPLC. The rutin-degrading enzymes in Tartary buckwheat achenes were not inactivated after a heat treatment up to 140 °C acting on them for three hours; neither to lyophilisation nor pre-extraction with hexane. The rutin-degrading enzymes probably caused the deglycosylation of kaempferol-3- O -rutinoside, kaempferol-3- O -β- d -glucoside and piceid. Rutin-degrading enzymes were inactivated with 100% methanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript shows how computational models, mainly based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), can be used to simulate different parts of an industrial freeze-drying equipment and to properly design them; in particular, the freeze-dryer chamber and the duct connecting the chamber with the condenser, with the valves and vanes eventually present are analysed in this work. In Part 1, it will be shown how CFD can be employed to improve specific designs, to perform geometry optimization, to evaluate different design choices and how it is useful to evaluate the effect on product drying and batch variance. Such an approach allows an in-depth process understanding and assessment of the critical aspects of lyophilisation. This can be done by running either steady-state or transient simulations with imposed sublimation rates or with multi-scale approaches. This methodology will be demonstrated on freeze-drying equipment of different sizes, investigating the influence of the equipment geometry and shelf inter-distance. The effect of valve type (butterfly and mushroom) and shape on duct conductance and critical flow conditions will be instead investigated in Part 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript shows how computational models, mainly based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), can be used to simulate different parts of an industrial freeze-drying equipment and to properly design them; in particular in this part the duct connecting the chamber with the condenser, with its valves, is considered, while the chamber design and its effect on drying kinetics have been investigated in Part 1. Such an approach allows a much deeper process understanding and assessment of the critical aspects of lyophilisation. This methodology will be demonstrated on freeze-drying equipment of different sizes, investigating influence of valve type (butterfly and mushroom) and shape on duct conductance and critical flow conditions. The role of the inlet and boundary conditions considered has been assessed, also by modelling the whole apparatus including chamber and condenser, and the influence of the duct diameter has been discussed; the results show a little dependence of the relationship between critical mass flux and chamber pressure on the duct size. Results concerning the fluid dynamics of a simple disk valve, a profiled butterfly valve and a mushroom valve installed in a medium size horizontal condenser are presented. Also in these cases the maximum allowable flow when sonic flow conditions are reached can be described by a correlation similar to that found valid for empty ducts; for the mushroom valve the parameters are dependent on the valve opening length. The possibility to use the equivalent length concept, and to extend the validity of the results obtained for empty ducts will be also discussed. Finally the presence of the inert gas modifies the conductance of the duct, reducing the maximum flow rate of water that can be removed through it before the flow is choked; this also requires a proper over-sizing of the duct (or duct-butterfly valve system). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the primary drying step of the freeze-drying process, mass transfer resistance strongly affects the product temperature, and consequently the final product quality. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the variability of the mass transfer resistance resulting from the dried product layer ( R p ) in a manufacturing batch of vials, and its potential effect on the product temperature, from data obtained in a pilot scale freeze-dryer. Sublimation experiments were run at −25 °C and 10 Pa using two different freezing protocols: with spontaneous or controlled ice nucleation. Five repetitions of each condition were performed. Global (pressure rise test) and local (gravimetric) methods were applied as complementary approaches to estimate R p . The global method allowed to assess variability of the evolution of R p with the dried layer thickness between different experiments whereas the local method informed about R p variability at a fixed time within the vial batch. A product temperature variability of approximately ±4.4 °C was defined for a product dried layer thickness of 5 mm. The present approach can be used to estimate the risk of failure of the process due to mass transfer variability when designing freeze-drying cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolvable microneedles can be employed to deliver DNA to antigen presenting cells within the skin. However, this technology faces two main challenges: the poor transfection efficacy of pDNA following release from the microneedle matrix, and the limited loading capacity of the micron-scale devices. Two-tier delivery systems combining microneedle platforms and DNA delivery vectors have increased efficacy but the challenge of increasing the loading capacity remains. This study utilised lyophilisation to increase the loading of RALA/pDNA nanoparticles within dissolvable PVA microneedles. As a result, delivery was significantly enhanced in vivo into an appropriate range for DNA vaccination (∼50 μg per array). Furthermore, modifying the manufacturing process was not detrimental to the microneedle mechanical properties or cargo functionality. It was demonstrated that arrays retained mechanical and functional stability over short term storage, and were able to elicit gene expression in vitro and in vivo . Finally, treatment with this novel formulation significantly retarded the growth of established tumours, and proved superior to standard intramuscular injection in a preclinical model of cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop a novel buccal bi-layered chronopatch capable of eliciting pulsatile release pattern of drugs treating diseases with circadian rhythm related manifestation. Zaleplon (ZLP) was used as a model drug intended to induce sleep and to treat middle of night insomnia. The chronopatch was prepared adopting double casting technique. The first layer was composed of a controlled release patch containing ZLP-Precirol melt granules intended to release ZLP in a sustained manner to maintain sleep and to prevent early morning awakening. The second layer was composed of a fast release lyophilized buccal disc containing ZLP loaded SNEDDS (Z-SNEDDS) intended for rapid sleep induction. Pharmacokinetic parameters of ZLP from the chronopatch were compared to those of the immediate release capsule, Siesta®, as reference in Mongrel dogs using a randomized crossover design. The appearance of two peaks having two C max and T max proved the pulsatile release pattern. The increase in relative bioavailability of ZLP from the chronopatch was 2.63 folds. The results revealed the ability of the developed ZLP loaded bi-layered chronopatch to be a candidate for overcoming early morning awakening without middle of night dose administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrophobic drugs are facing amajor challenge in dissolution rate enhancement and solubility in aqueous solutions; therefore, a variety of methods have been used to improve dissolution rate and/or solubility of bendroflumethiazide as a model hydrophobic drug. Methods: In this study, twomainmethods (physicalmixing and lyophilisation)were usedwith gluconolactone, hydroxyl propyl γ-ccyclodextrin, and trehalose to explore this challenge. Bendroflumethiazide, practically insoluble in water, was mixed with one of the three excipients gluconolactone, hydroxyl propyl-cyclodextrin, and trehalose in three different ratios 1:1, 1:2, 1:5. To the best of our knowledge, the dissolution of the drug has not been previously enhanced by using either these methods or any of the used excipients. Samples containing drug and each of the excipients were characterized via dissolution testing, Fourier Transform infra-red spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Results: The used methods showed a significant enhancement in dug dissolution rate; physical mixing significantly, p < 0.05, increased the percentage of the drug released with time; for example, bendroflumethiazide dissolution in distilled water was improved from less than 20% to 99.79% within 90 min for physically mixed drug-cyclodextrin 1:5. The lyophilisation process was enhanced and the drug dissolution rate and the highest drug dissolution was achieved for (drug-gluconolactone 1:1) with 98.98% drug release within 90 min. Conclusions: the physical mixing and freeze drying processes significantly increased the percentage of drug release with time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins extracted from the pulp of the fruit of juçara palm (Euterpe edulis Mart.) were microencapsulated with maltodextrin in order to stabilise them. Photoacoustic spectroscopy was used to investigate the photostability of the microencapsulated samples. Complementary differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy measurements were also performed. Lyophilised extract had 14 340.2 mg/L of total anthocyanins, and the microencapsulation effi ciency of 93.6 %. Temperature analysis showed that maltodextrin conferred protection up to 70 °C for 120 min. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the microencapsulated particles had a flake-like morphology with a smooth surface, characteristic of lyophilisation processes. In addition, when added to yogurt, a red colourant was predominant in the samples at pH from 1.5 up to 5.0. Thermal analysis showed a weak interaction between the sample and the encapsulating agent, and photoacoustic data indicated the photostability of the matrix when exposed to light. Yogurts containing microencapsulated anthocyanins showed a more intense pink colour than yogurts treated with pure dye, and sensory analysis demonstrated that they can have good acceptance on the market. Microencapsulation enabled the innovative application of anthocyanins from juçara palm fruit, and complementary techniques allied to the photoacoustic spectroscopy were effective tools for its evaluation.

Poor aqueous solubility is often linked with a poor dissolution rate and ultimately, limited bioavailability of pharmaceutical compounds. This study describes the application of mesoporous materials (Syloid 244 and Syloid AL1) in improving the dissolution rate of a drug with poor aqueous solubility, namely artemether, utilising different processing methods including physical mixing, co-grinding and solid dispersions prepared by solvent evaporation and the lyophilisation technique. The prepared formulations were extensively characterised for their solid-state properties and the drug release attributes were studied. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction confirmed conversion of crystalline artemether into a disordered and amorphous form, whilst no intermolecular interactions were detected between artemether and silica. Both silica grades enhanced the dissolution rate of artemether in comparison with drug alone, for example from 17.43% (± 0.87%) to 71.55% (± 3.57%) after 120 mins with lyophilisation and Syloid 244 at a 1:3 ratio. This enhancement was also dependant on the choice of processing method, for example, co-ground and lyophilised formulations prepared with Syloid 244 at 1:3 ratio produced the most extensive dissolution, thus endorsing the importance of materials as well as choice of formulation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freeze drying microscopy has been used to probe the lyophilisation kinetics of lactose solutions of various concentrations, at temperatures ranging from −50 °C to −30 °C and under a constant pressure of 1 Pa. Sublimation front velocities were determined by recording a sequence of video images of the sublimation and analysing the frontal progression using MATLAB. Initial experiments showed poor reproducibility. To combat this, silver iodide (AgI) was added as an ice nucleator, which raised nucleation temperatures and improved reproducibility when compared to non-AgI experiments. The lower supercooling on nucleation when AgI was used also produced larger ice crystals, which enabled the crystal microstructure of the more dilute samples to be more clearly observed. This showed long thin crystals, and the orientation of these crystals with respect to the direction of the frontal movement strongly affected frontal progression rates, which explained the earlier reproducibility problems. A twin resistance mass transfer model, comprising a fixed edge resistance and a resistance which increased with frontal depth, was able to describe the sublimation kinetics. The edge resistance first increased and then decreased with solids content. The resistance per unit depth increased exponentially with solids content, so much so that there is an optimal solids content in relation to the rate of production of dried material. Resistances were also much higher when crystals were oriented with their major axis perpendicular to the direction of frontal movement. Freeze drying rates were approximately proportional to the saturation vapour pressure of water, however the long-held belief that water vapour pressure is the main driving force for mass transfer in freeze-drying systems may be an oversimplification as this only reflects driving forces in the vapour phase (pores) rather than within the solid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh sprouts constitute an appealing, nutritional and functional food product. The present study profiles the nutritional and bioactive components of quality of fresh sprouts of five select species (barley, lentil, mung bean, radish and wheat) against their postharvest performance during 4 °C cold storage. Moreover, the impact of lyophilisation followed by 30-day ambient storage was assessed on sprouts composition and quality. The highest proteins, P and K contents were observed in radish sprouts. Moreover, radish sprouts demonstrated higher hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activities (HAA and LAA) by 185% and 95%, respectively, than the other species examined. Compositional and quality attributes were however influenced by storage: total soluble solids increased on average by 1.0 °Brix after day 0, while LAA activity decreased by 33% after day 1. Dry matter, proteins and nitrate contents, juice pH and HAA remained stable. Lyophilisation preserved the compositional and quality attributes of fresh sprouts as no significant differences in proteins, nitrate, K and P contents, HAA and LAA were observed compared to fresh sprouts. The current findings highlight genotypic variation and postharvest performance of fresh sprouts with respect to their functional quality and the impact of lyophilisation as an alternative processing application for their preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preservation methods for entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) require effective protocols to ensure uniform processes and to avoid alterations during storage. The aim of this study was to preserve Beauveria bassiana , Metarhizium acridum , M. anisopliae , M. rileyi , Isaria javanica , Hirsutella thompsonii , H. citriformis and Lecanicillium lecanii in mineral oil (MO), sterile water (SW), silica gel (SG), lyophilisation (L), ultracold-freezing at −70 °C, and cryopreservation at −196 °C. The viability and purity of the fungi were then verified: phenotypic characteristics were evaluated qualitatively at 6, 12 and 24 m. Genetic stability was tested by amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) analysis at 24 m. Of the eight species of EPF, three remained viable in SW, five in MO and L, six at −70 °C, seven in SG, and eight at −196 °C. No significant changes were observed in AFLP patterns at 24 m of storage. The most effective preservation methods for EPF were SG, L, −70 and −196 °C. Beauveria bassiana , M. acridum , M. anisopliae , M. rileyi and I. javanica remained stable with all methods, while the remaining species were less compatible. The optimisation of preservation methods for EPF facilitates the development of reliable protocols to ensure their inherent characteristics in culture collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug treatment adherence is one of the biggest issues in tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Including DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short‐course) program, many programs for TB cases have yielded marginal success and the new drug resistance varieties of TB persist. During the 1960s, researchers have projected naphthoquinone–mercuric chloride (N‐M) test as the single most way to objectively track the presence of isoniazid (INH) in urine and hence treatment adherence. INH is metabolised by cytochrome P450s and usually cleared from body within 8 h. Hence, the typical INH levels in biological fluids are within 1–5 μg/ml. The N‐M test practically works at 10–50 μg/ml and the authors developed the sodium polyacrylate (SPA) as a solid surface to improve detection limit of INH by 6–10 fold. The modification involves absorbing the reagents of N‐M test on the SPA surface and lyophilised material is directly used for diagnosis. The dry beads can detect 1–2 μg/ml of INH in saliva. The test performed with spiked as well as clinical samples and the results have good correlation. This new test has a realistic chance of tracking the TB treatment adherence remotely and in that direction a system was projected for implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quercetin is an antioxidant compound with highly promising pharmacological properties against a wide variety of diseases. A major limitation for the clinical application of quercetin is its low bioavailability, due to its low solubility in water. In this work, quercetin is microencapsulated in a surfactant material with the objective of increasing its bioavailability. For this, quercetin is first treated using Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Emulsions in order to precipitate it in nanometric scale in an aqueous suspension, and then this suspension is further treated by Particles from Gas Saturated Solutions (PGSS)-drying technology, to obtain quercetin loaded dried particles in micrometric scale. Soy-bean lecithin and Pluronic L64® are used as surfactant and encapsulating materials. Mircoencapsulation of quercetin by lyophilisation of SFEE-produced aqueous suspensions is also studied in order to compare it with the results of PGSS-drying. Samples are characterized considering encapsulation efficiency, antioxidant activity and Franz-cell measurements of transdermal diffusion of encapsulated quercetin product as assessment of its bioavailability. It is observed that samples encapsulated by SFEE and PGSS-drying are more homogeneous and less crystalline than samples obtained by lyophilisation, which results in a higher transdermal diffusivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytolethal distending toxin ( CDT) producing Campylobacter jejuni species are one of the leading causes of human gastroenteritis worldwide. The main intent of the study was to develop a multiplex PCR assay for the confirmed identification and toxin profiling of C. jejuni. The genes targeted were rpo B as genus specific, hip O for species; cdt A, cdt B, cdt C encoding respective subunit proteins of CDT with Internal Amplification Control ( IAC). To enhance its application as a pre-mixed ready-to-use format, the master mix of developed mPCR was dried by lyophilization and stability was assessed. Thermostabilized reagents showed stability of 1.5 months at room-temperature and upto six months at 4 °C without any loss of functionality. The assay was evaluated on a number of presumptive Campylobacter isolates along with biochemical tests. Results obtained indicated the accurate identification of C. jejuni by developed mPCR format in contrast to misconception associated with biochemical assays. The assay was also tested on spiked samples for its real-time utility. Altogether, the room-temperature storable and ready-to- use mPCR format developed in this study could be preferred for rapid detection and confirmed identification of toxigenic strains of C. jejuni in place of conventional biochemical assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant body of research has considered collagen as a scaffold material for soft tissue regeneration. The main structural component of extra-cellular matrix (ECM), collagen’s advantages over synthetic polymers are numerous. However, for applications where higher stiffness and stability are required, significant cross-linking may affect bioactivity. A carbodiimide (EDC) cross-linking route consumes carboxylate groups that are key to collagen’s essential cell recognition motifs (GxOGER). Fibrinogen was considered as a promising additive as it plays a key role in the process of wound repair and contains RGD integrin binding sites which bind to a variety of cells, growth factors and cytokines. Fibrinogen’s binding sites however, also contain the same carboxylate groups as collagen. We have successfully produced highly interconnected, porous collagen-fibrinogen scaffolds using a lyophilisation technique and micro-computed tomography demonstrated minimal influence of either fibrinogen content or cross-linking concentration on the scaffold structure. The specific biological effect of fibrinogen additions into cross-linked collagen are considered by using films as a model for the struts of bulk scaffolds. By considering various additions of fibrinogen to the collagen film with increasing degrees of cross-linking, this study demonstrates a significant biological advantage with fibrinogen addition across the cross-linking concentrations typically applied to collagen-based scaffolds [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]