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The present study was conducted to fabricate and characterize mucilage-based polymeric networks of Aloe vera for controlled drug release. Aloe vera mucilage was used to develop a polymeric network via the free-radical polymerization method using potassium persulphate as the initiator, N′ N′-Methylene bisacrylamide as the crosslinker, and acrylamide as the monomer. Using varying concentrations of Aloe vera mucilage, crosslinker, and monomer, we developed different formulations. Swelling studies were conducted at pH 1.2 and 7.4. Concentrations of polymer, monomer, and crosslinker were optimized as a function of swelling. Porosity and gel content were calculated for all samples. FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA, and DSC studies were conducted for the characterization of polymeric networks. Thiocolchicoside was used as a model drug to study the in vitro release in acidic and alkaline pH. Various kinetics models were applied by using a DD solver. Increasing content of monomer and crosslinker swelling, porosity, and drug release decreased while gel content increased. An increase in Aloe vera mucilage concentration promotes swelling, porosity, and drug release of the polymeric network but decreases gel content. The FTIR study confirmed the formation of crosslinked networks. SEM indicated that the polymeric network had a porous structure. DSC and XRD studies indicated the entrapment of drugs inside the polymeric networks in amorphous form. The analytical method was validated according to ICH guidelines in terms of linearity, range, LOD, LOQ, accuracy, precision, and robustness. Analysis of drug release mechanism revealed Fickian behavior of all formulations. All these results indicated that the M1 formulation was considered to be the best polymeric network formulation in terms of sustaining drug release patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was carried out to analyze the impact of three different monomers on release of losartan potassium from graft polymeric network prepared through free radical polymerization. N, N-methylene bis acrylamide was used as crosslinker and potassium persulfate as initiator. Losartan potassium as used as model drug because, it has very small plasma half-life and wide range of applications as an effective and efficient ARB (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers) causing lower incidence of side - effects. Influence of three different monomers on swelling and in vitro drug release of the delivery system was evaluated at pH 1.2 and 7.4. The polymeric networks were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis and Scanning electron microscopy. Polymeric network prepared with acrylic acid and methacrylic acid showed pH responsive behavior and while acrylamide based nexus exhibited pH independent style in swelling and drug release. However, among all the formulations, maximum swelling ratio (25.86) and optimal prolonged drug release (82.92%) was observed for GG-co-AA (M2) polymeric network at intestinal pH 7.4. The results indicated that GG-co-AA polymeric network could be an impending pH-sensitive drug delivery system for Losartan potassium. (M2) designated as formulation code with varying acrylic acid contents [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current research study, novel chitosan-based hydrogel was formulated via crosslinking graft copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and chitosan. Potassium persulfate was used as free radical generator in the presence of crosslinker (methylene bis acrylamide (MBA)). FTIR spectroscopy was employed to elucidate structure of hydrogel. Moreover, sample morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal analysis was conducted by using thermogravimetric analysis (DSC/TGA). The influence of reaction variables such as concentration of chitosan (CS), acrylic acid (AA) and MBA was optimized to attain hydrogel with significant swelling capacity. Chitosan-g-AA hydrogel depicted pH responsive attributes and swelling–deswelling pulsatile behavior was recorded at pHs 1.2 and 7.4. This on–off switching makes hydrogel ideal candidate for controlled drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to fabricate and compare pH-sensitive polymeric networks of Artemisia vulgaris- Methacrylic acid using free radical polymerization conventional method and microwave-assisted method. Potassium persulphate and N’ N’- Methylene bisacrylamide were employed as an initiator-crosslinker system. Swelling studies were performed at pH 1.2, 4.5, 6.8 and 7.4. Concentrations of polymer and monomer along with radiation dose were optimized as a function of swelling. Porosity and gel fraction were calculated for all samples. FTIR study confirmed the formation of cross-linked networks. Results of SEM indicated that the microwave irradiated polymeric network had a more porous structure. DSC and XRD study indicated the entrapment of drug inside the polymeric networks in amorphous form. In comparison to the conventional method, the polymeric network prepared by the microwave-assisted method exhibited high swelling ratios, porosity, thermal stability and drug release. These results signify microwave radiations as an effective alternative to the conventional heating method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural mucilages are auspicious biodegradable polymeric materials. The aim of the present research work was to elucidate the characteristics of quince mucilage-based polymeric network for sustained delivery of metprolol tartrate and its toxicity evaluation. Mucilage was extracted by hot water extraction, and characterization of quince mucilage was accomplished by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Different batches of quince mucilage polymeric network were prepared by free radical polymerization by utilizing varying ratios of quince mucilage, acrylamide and crosslinker. Degree of swelling depends on concentration of mucilage, monomer and also on crosslinking density of polymeric network. FTIR illustrates proficient grafting, and morphological (scanning electron microscopy) analysis signified porous design. Hence, quince mucilage-based design was encouraging for sustained delivery of metprolol tartrate and acute toxicity evaluation proved that mucilage-based network was safe for oral drug delivery system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel xanthan gum-co-acrylic acid superabsorbent hydrogel composite was formulated by free radical polymerization reaction of acrylic acid on xanthan gum. Effect of variables like dynamic swelling ratio, equilibrium swelling ratio, drug loading and drug release was investigated. Swelling ratio increases with decrease in crosslinker concentration. Drug release studies were conducted in pH 7.4 and 0.1N HCl. In acidic environment, drug release was low whereas it was sustained release in alkaline. XG4 showed significant swelling and drug release up to 24 hr. Physicochemical evaluation also confirmed it was optimized formulation. Hence XG4-co-AA was optimized for once daily dose of Perindopril Erbumine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The present research work deals with the development of pH‐responsive hydrogel by free radical polymerization in aqueous media to protect the rabeprazole sodium from acidic environment of stomach. Swelling behavior of hydrogels that was observed in buffer of various pH indicated highly pH‐dependent swelling of hydrogels. Characterization of pH‐responsive hydrogels by FTIR, SEM, and thermal analysis revealed that hydrogel has porous structure, favors swelling, drug loading, and drug release at a specific site in gastrointestinal tract and thermally more stable than parent polymer. In comparison with simple drug solution and hydrogel formulations, pharmacokinetic parameters of hydrogels formulations showed a significant difference in Cmax values of (CMC‐g‐AA) CA and the same oral dose of rabeprazole sodium was 87.28 ± 12.671 and 61.263 ± 5.37 ng/mL, respectively, Tmax of graft copolymer matrices CA (4.43 h) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than drug solution (1 h) and area under curves (AUCs) for CA (952.25 ± 191 ng⋅h/mL) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the drug solution (83.67 ± 8.28 ng⋅h/mL) indicated the effect of dosage form would last for longer duration. Thus, in vitro and in vivo drug release studies of hydrogels proved their controlled release behavior with preferential delivery into alkaline pH environment and for a prolonged period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microspheres of new biomaterial arabinoxylan loaded with levosulpiride a model drug were formulated using ionotropic gelation technique. Microspheres were optimized by using different reaction parameters like cross linkers type and concentrations, concentration of biomaterial arabinoxylan, effect of reaction temperature and reaction time and drug loading method. Nine different formulations were formulated. It was observed that best microspheres were formulated using 10 % CaCl2, 3 % arabinoxyaln at 600C temperature and 15 minutes reaction time for curing. Compatibility of arabinoxylan with levosulpiride was tested by using XRD and FTIR techniques. Microsphere formulations were evaluated for percentage yield, flow properties, swelling index, solvent regain and drug release studies. Formulations possessed excellent flow properties as indicated by their angle of repose, Carr's index, Hausner's ratio, tapped density and bulk density. SEM showed that microspheres were almost spherical and had rough surface morphology. Levosulpiride release from biomaterial arabinoxylan followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model showing drug release by diffusion and erosion of polymer. So this study provides a scientific evidence for the use of arabinoxylan as an effective alternative to sodium alginate for microsphere formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid bacteria play vital roles in various fermented foods in Asia. This paper reviews many types of the world's lactic acid fermented foods and discusses the beneficial effects of lactic acid fermentation of food. The lactic acid bacteria associated with foods now include species of the genera Carnobacterium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, Oenococcus, Pediococcus, Streptococcus, Tetragenococcus, Vagococcus and Weissella. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are involved in many fermentation processes of Asian traditional foods, demonstrating their profound effects on improving food quality and food safety. During the past few decades' interest has arisen in the use of the varied antagonistic activities of LAB to extent the shelf-life of protein-rich products such as meats and fish. This review article outlines the main types of LAB fermentation as well as their typical fermented foods such as idli, kishk, sauerkraut, koumiss, Suan-tsai, stinky tofu, Chinese sausage and kefir. The roles of LAB and the reasons for their common presence are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present report is a significant effort to explore detail description of N. Sativa, its pharmacognostic characteristics, morphological characteristics, and mechanism of actions, doses and medicinal uses. Nigella sativa (N. Sativa) is greatest form of healing medicine. It is also known as Prophetic Medicine as its use has been mentioned in Prophetic Hadit, as natural remedy for all the diseases except death. It is recommended on daily basis in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine). Hazrat Abu Hurairah States "I have heard from Rasool Allah (PBUH) that there is cure for every disease in black seeds except death and black seeds are shooneeze". Salim Bin Abdullah narrates with reference to his father Hazrat Abdullah Bin Omar that Rasool Allah (PBUH) said, 'Let all the black seed upon you, these contain cure of all diseases except death'. N. sativa claimed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepato-protective, neuro-protective, gastro-protective and other useful properties. Biological and pharmacological effects are attributed to its two important constituents Thymoquinone (TQ) and Nigella sativa oil (NSO). TQ has interaction with human serum albumin. Seeds containing volatile oils mainly Melanthin showed toxicity at larger doses. This report is a reference for all pharmaceutical researchers, physicians and biologists researching on N.Sativa and will open a door towards novel agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The arabinoxylan from Ispaghula (Plantago ovata) husk has been proven scientifically as potential excipient. However, toxicity study of the arabinoxylan is still lacking. The present study was done to investigate the acute toxicity of arabinoxylan in two animal species.Methods: The mice were exposed to (1 g/kg, 5 g/kg, 10 g/kg) and rabbits (2.5 g/kg, 5 g/kg) of arabinoxylan orally and observed for a period of 14 days. On day 15 hematology, serum biochemistry and necropsy was performed in mice relative organ weight calculated and histological examination was carried out. Primary dermal and eye irritation tests were carried out. Cardiac effects of isolated arabinoxylan were studied on frog heart.Results: The acute administration of the arabinoxylan did not produce mortality or significant changes in, water and food consumption however body weights of mice and rabbits decreased initially with a gradual increase till day 14. Internal organs relative weights were found to be normal. Hematological biochemical and histopathological examination did not show any significant (p < 0.05) change. Primary dermal and eye irritation was not observed in treated rabbits. No change in heart rate and vascular contraction was observed in frog heart.Conclusion: This study has shown that acute administration of arabinoxylan may be safe. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: To fabricate and evaluate oral 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-acrylic acid hydrogels as a drug delivery system for sustained release of nicorandil. Methods: HEMA-co-AA hydrogels using different monomer concentrations were prepared by free radical polymerization. N, N-methylene bis acrylamide (MBA) was used as crosslinker and potassium persulphate (KPS) as initiator. Nicorandil (20 mg) loaded hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) . Swelling ratio, equilibrium swelling (ES), gel content (gc), porosity measurement (P) and in vitro drug release of the delivery system were evaluated. Results: Swelling ratio and ES decreased as AA concentration (%) was reduced from 3.173 to 2.93 (pH 1.2) and 16.42 to 15.01 (pH 7.4) and 68.49 to 65.90 (pH 1.2) and 93.91 to 93.34 (pH 7.4), respectively, while HEMA and MBA showed opposite effects. Gel content (%) and porosity (%) ranged from 83.76 to 88.0, respectively from F1 to F9. With increase monomer content (AA), drug release increased from 85.99 to 89.38 %. However, when the concentrations of HEMA and MBA were raised, drug release decreased. Conclusion: HEMA-co-AA hydrogels are potential pH-sensitive and sustained-release system for nicorandil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology has emerged as the eminent focus of today's research to overcome challenges related to conventional drug delivery systems. A wide spectrum of novel delivery systems has been investigated to improve the therapeutic outcomes of drugs. The polymer-based nanocomposite hydrogels (NCHs) that have evolved as efficient carriers for controlled drug delivery are of particular interest in this regard. Nanocomposites amalgamate the properties of both nanoparticles (NPs) as well as hydrogels, exhibiting superior functionalities over conventional hydrogels. This multiple functionality is based upon advanced mechanical, electrical, optical as well as magnetic properties. Here is a brief overview of the various types of nanocomposites, such as NCHs based on Carbon-bearing nanomaterials, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, and metal and metal-oxide NPs. Accordingly, this article will review numerous ways of preparing these NCHs with particular emphasis on the vast biomedical applications displayed by them in numerous fields such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, bioprinting, biosensing, imaging and gene silencing, cancer therapy, antibacterial therapy, etc. Moreover, various features can be tuned, based on the final application, by controlling the chemical composition of hydrogel network, which may also influence the released conduct. Subsequently, the recent work and future prospects of this newly emerging class of drug delivery system have been enlisted., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Lactic acid bacteria play vital roles in various fermented foods in Asia. This paper reviews many types of the world's lactic acid fermented foods and discusses the beneficial effects of lactic acid fermentation of food. The lactic acid bacteria associated with foods now include species of the genera Carnobacterium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, Oenococcus, Pediococcus, Streptococcus, Tetragenococcus, Vagococcus and Weissella. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are involved in many fermentation processes of Asian traditional foods, demonstrating their profound effects on improving food quality and food safety. During the past few decades' interest has arisen in the use of the varied antagonistic activities of LAB to extent the shelf-life of protein-rich products such as meats and fish. This review article outlines the main types of LAB fermentation as well as their typical fermented foods such as idli, kishk, sauerkraut, koumiss, Suan-tsai, stinky tofu, Chinese sausage and kefir. The roles of LAB and the reasons for their common presence are also discussed.