Sol-gel Transition of Methylcellulose Solution in the Coexistence of Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Bromide and Sodium Chloride

The sol-gel transition of methylcellulose （MC） solution in the presence of NaCl and hexade- cyltrimethylammonium bromide （HTAB）, together with MC/NaCl solution in the presence of HTAB and MC/HATB solution in the presence of NaCl, was investigated by the rheological measurements. It has been found that the sol-gel transition temperature of MC solution decreases linearly with the concentration of NaCl in solution but increases linearly with the concentration of HTAB in solution, respectively. However, the sol-gel transition temperature of MC/NaCl solution in the presence of HTAB keeps the same value, independent of the concentration of HTAB in solution. On the other hand, the sol-gel transition temperature of MC/HTAB solution decreases linearly with the concentration of NaCl in solution. The experimental results suggest that, for MC/NaCl solution in the presence of HTAB, the salt- induced spherical micelles of HTAB should have formed in bulk solution. For MC solution in the absence of NaC1, no spherical micelles have been formed in bulk solution, though the concentration of HTAB in our experiment is almost one order of magnitude higher than the critical mieelle concentration of HTAB in polymer-free solution. In fact, due to adsorption of HTAB on MC chains, the realconcentration of HTAB in bulk solution, is much less than the apparent concentration of HTAB dissolved in MC solution.

In vitro Evaluation of Lysozyme-loaded Microspheres in Thermosensitive Methylcellulose-based Hydrogel

Long-terrn injectable microspheres have some inherent disadvantages such as migration of microspheres from the originalsite an.d the burst effect. In order to avoid these problems, microsphere-loaded thermosensitive, hydrogel system was designed and expected to achieve a zero-order release Of biomolecular drugs in relativehigh initial drug loadings. Lysozyme, an antibacterial protein usually used to reduce prosthetic valve endocarditis,was selected as the model drug. Poly （DL-lactide-co-glycolide） （PLGA） microspheres, prepared by solvent evaporation method, were employee to encapsulate lysozyme and dispersed into thermosensitive pre-gel solution containing methylcellulose （MC）, polyethylene glycol （PEG）, sodium citrate （SC）, and sodium alginate （SA）. The mixture could act asadrug reservoir by.performing sol-gel transition rapidly if the temperature was raised from roomtemperature to 37℃. The in vitro release results showed that the burst effect was avoided due to strengthening ofdiffusion resistance in the gel. The formulation was able.to deliver lysozy.me for over.30 daysin a nearly zero-order release profile with a rate of 32.8μg.d^-1 which exhibits its remarkable potential for effective aoolication in long-term drug delivery.

Graft Copolymerization of Ethyl Acrylate onto Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Using Potassium Persulfate as Initiator

With potassium persulfate (KPS) as initiator, graft copolymerization of ethyl acrylate (EA) onto water-soluble hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was investigated in aqueous medium. Effects of monomer concentration, initiator concentration, matrix concentration, and reaction temperature on the percentage of grafting (G) and grafting efficiency (G_E) were studied. The results show that G and G_E values both increase with the the increase of EA concentration and KPS concentration; when raising HPMC concentration from 0.12 mmol/L to 0.47 mmol/L, G decreases, while G_E increases;and when raising reaction temperature from 50 ℃ to 65 ℃,G increases, but G_E decreases. In addition, the graft copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods.

Facile preparation of methylcellulose/poly(vinyl alcohol)physical complex hydrogels with tunable thermosensitivity

Novel complex hydrogels of methylcellulose （MC） and poly（vinyl alcohol） （PVA） with wide-spectrum thermoresponsivity were prepared via physical and mild process. Thermal phase transition of MC/PVA hydrogels exhibited two forms including sol/sol to gel/sol and sol/gel to gel/gel. The phase transition temperature of MC/PVA solution ranged from 38,7 to 60.6 ℃ and was able to be adjusted by simply changing the feeding ratios of two components. The interior morphology of MC/PVA gels was examined with fluorescence analysis and scanning electron microscopy analysis, which showed that MC was well dispersed in matrix before and after thermally gelling.

Large enhancements in gelation behavior of wheat gliadins by incorporation of low concentrations of methylcellulose

Influence of non-gelling methylcellulose （MC） on gelation behavior of wheat gliadins in 13 wt% alkaline propanol/water （50：50, v/v） solution was investigated using dynamic theological time sweep test. Increasing MC concentration （CMC） up to CMC = 1 wt% caused a significant reduction in gelation time （tget） of the solution and an increase in loss tangent （tan δ） value of the resultant gel at T 〈 30 ℃.

Effect of β-Cyclodextrin Upon the Sol-gel Transition of Methylcellulose Solutions in the Presence of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate

The sol-gel transition temperature of methylcellulose （MC） solution in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate （SDS） as well as the mixtures of SDS and β-cyclodextrin （β-CD） was mea- sured, and the effect of the two competing interactions, the hydrophobic interaction between SDS and MC and the inclusion interaction between SDS and β-CD, upon the sol-gel transition of MC solution was studied. It has been found that the inclusion interaction between SDS and β-CD is much greater than the hydrophobic interaction between SDS and MC. As a result, in the coexistence of SDS and β-CD, the sol-gel transition temperature of MC solution keeps the same value, independent of the concentration of SDS in solution on con- dition that the concentration of SDS is less than β-CD. Our experimental results not only suggest that the effect of SDS upon the sol-gel transition of MC solution can be screened by β-CD completely but also indicate the inclusion ratio of SDS to β-CD can be determined quantitatively by using rheological measurement. The inclusion ratio of SDS to β-CD is 1：1, which is in good agreement with the inclusion ratio of SDS to β-CD in the presence of poly（vincyl pyrrolidone） determined by the viscosity measurement but is critically different from the inclusion ratio of SDS to β-CD in the presence of the oppositely charged polyelec-trolyte by using the rheological measurement, mainly due to the reason that the mechanism of the interaction between SDS and MC is critically different from the mechanism of the interaction between SDS and the oppositely charged polyelectrolyte.

Influence of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose edible coating on fresh-keeping and storability of tomato

The effect of application of cellulose-based edible coating, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) to mature-green tomatoes on the firmness and color was investigated. Tomatoes were stored at 20℃ for up to 18 days. Firmness decreased as storage time increased in all treatments. However, application of HPMC edible coating delayed softening of tomatoes during 18 days of storage at 20℃ . At days 7, 13 and 18,the firmness of tomatoes coated with HPMC was significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) greater than the firmness of uncoated tomatoes. The study also confirmed that HPMC coatings could significantly (P≤0.05) delay the changes in color of tomatoes stored at 20℃ . The ripening of tomatoes from the pink stage to the red stage was successfully retarded. HPMC coating could extend the shelf life of fresh tomatoes. The retardation of the rate of loss of firmness could reduce the economic loss that would result from spoilage by mechanical injury during transportation of tomatoes.

Microencapsulation of Fish Oil by Simple Coacervation of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

To improve the oxidative stability and application of fish oil, it was microencapsulated by simple coacervation followed by spray drying. Simple coacervation took place by adding malt dextrin into the emulsion of fish oil and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose （HPMC） solution. Influences of several process parameters on the microencapsulation were evaluated and the oxidative stability and microstructure of microcapsules were analyzed. Results showed that the coacervation could be observed only when dextrose equivalent value （DE value） of malt dextrin, concentration of HPMC solution and fish oil percentage in microcapsules were no more than 20. 5% and 40%, respectively. Moreover, microencapsulation efficiency was higher at HPMC solution concentration of 4% and fish oil percentage of less than 30%. The oxidative stability of fish oil was improved by the microencapsulation and done best in the ease of replacing malt dextrin by 40% with acacia. Scanning electronic microscopic photographs showed that the microcapsule obtained was a round, smooth and hollow microcapsule with its wall made up of innumerable small and solid submicrocapsules with the core of fish oil.

EFFECT OF ORTHO-METHOXYCINNAMIC ACID ON THE SOL-GEL TRANSITION OF METHYLCELLULOSE SOLUTIONS IN THE PRESENCE OF CETYLTRIMETHYLAMMONIUM BROMIDE

The sol-gel transition of methylcellulose （MC） solutions in the presence of ortho-methoxycinnamic acid （OMCA） or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide （CTAB） and in the coexistence of OMCA and CTAB was determined by the rheological measurement. It has been found that the sol-gel transition temperature of MC solutions increases linearly with the concentration of either OMCA or CTAB in solution, respectively. However, in the coexistence of OMCA and CTAB, the sol-gel transition temperature of MC solutions remains invariable, independent of the concentration of CTAB in solution. The experimental results show that OMCA has priority to adsorb on the methyl group of MC chains to form polymer-bound aggregates. In particular, these aggregates inhibit the hydrophobic interaction between CTAB and the methyl group of MC chains completely. Taking into account the fact that OMCA is almost insoluble in MC-free solutions but dissolves very well in aqueous MC solutions, we propose the formation of the core-shell architecture prompted by OMCA and the methyl group of MC chains, with the methyl group of MC chains serving as the core and the self-assembly of OMCA molecules serving as the shell. Obviously, the formation of the core-shell structure increases the solubility of OMCA, improves the stability of methyl groups of MC chains at high temperatures and inhibits the hydrophobic interaction between CTAB and the methyl group of MC chains in solution. The abnormal behavior relating to the sol-gel transition of MC solutions in the presence of OMCA or in the coexistence of OMCA and CTAB is therefore explained. Upon UV irradiation, the sol-gel transition temperature of MC solutions in the presence of OMCA, or in the coexistence of OMCA and CTAB, decreases notably. However, the dependence of the sol-gel transition temperature of MC solutions as a function of OMCA concentration, or CTAB concentration in the presence of OMCA, does not change after UV irradiation.

Buccal administration of mucoadhesive blend films saturated with propranolol loaded nanoparticles

The aims of this study were to prepare and characterize hydroxypropyl methylcellulose(HPMC)/polycarbophil(PC) mucoadhesive blend films saturated with propranolol hydrochloride(PNL)-loaded nanoparticles to improve permeability of drugs that undergo firstpass metabolism. An ionic cross-linking method and film casting technique was used to prepare nanoparticles and mucoadhesive blend films, respectively. Increasing concentrations of PNL(70, 80, 90 mg/film) in HPMC/PC blend films containing PNL-loaded nanoparticles(PN-films) and HPMC/PC blend films containing PNL(80 mg/film) without nanoparticles(PPfilms) were prepared to test swelling, mucoadhesiveness, release, permeation and physicochemical properties. Scanning electron microscope(SEM) images showed a partially smooth surface with a wrinkled occurrence and spherically shaped, well-dispersed nanoparticles on the surface of PN-films containing PNL 80 mg/film(PN-films-80). The size of the nanoparticles on the surface of PN-films-80 was around 100 nm, which was similar to the nanoparticle size observed using light scattering technique. The swelling index(SI)of all PN-films and PP-films increased greatly in the first period time(10–20 min) and reached swelling equilibrium at 20 min and 30 min, respectively. For the PN-films, the concentration of PNL influenced the mucoadhesive properties and tended to be higher when the amount of PNL increased. Immediate release of all blend film formulations was found in early time points(10–30 min). After 120 min, the release of PN-films-70 was lower than the other PNfilms. Permeation studies using porcine buccal mucosa showed that inclusion of nanoparticles in the films increased the permeability of PNL compared to PP-films. Therefore, buccal administration of mucoadhesive blend films containing PNL-loaded nanoparticles could be a promising approach for drugs that undergo first-pass metabolism.

Development and evaluation of Panax notoginseng saponins contained in an in situ pHtriggered gelling system for sustained ocular posterior segment drug delivery

Objective:This study aimed to lay the foundation for the research on Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS)in pH-sensitive in situ gel and the development and improvement of related preparations.Methods:We used Carbopol■940,a commonly used pH-sensitive polymer,and the thickener hydroxypropyl methylcellulose(HPMC E4M)as an ophthalmic gel matrix to prepare an ophthalmic in situ gel of PNS.In addition,formula optimization was performed by assessing gelling capability with the results of in vitro release studies.In vitro(corneal permeation,rheological,and stability)and in vivo(ocular irritation and preliminary pharmacokinetics in the vitreous)studies were also performed.Results:The results demonstrated that the in situ gelling systems containing PNS showed a sustained release of the drug,making it an ideal ocular delivery system for improving posterior ocular bioavailability.Conclusions:This study lays the foundation for the research of PNS contained in an in situ pH-triggered gel as well as the development and improvement of related preparations.It concurrently traditional Chinese medicine with a contemporary in situ gelling approach to provide new directions for the treatment of posterior ocular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy.

Study on Preparation of Temperature-sensitive Injectable Hydrogel

To get a sort of new scaffold material for soft tissue reconstruction,we have prepared XLHA-PNIPAAm and XLHA-MC injectable hydrogels through blending crosslinked HA(XLHA) and two temperature-sensitive materials differed in degradation poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)(PNIPAAm) and methylcellulose(MC),respectively.We tested the injectablility,enzymatic biodegradability,temperature-sensitivity,structure cytotoxicity and hemolysis of the two injectable hydrogels.Our research has successfully obtained the preparation condition of XLHA-PNIPAAm injectable hydrogel,and verified that adding non-degradable material PNIPAAm can postpone the degradation of HA more effectively than degradable material MC.PNIPAAm prepared with 5 kGy dose radiation,MBAAm/NIPAAm(M/M)=0.015,monomer concentration=3% produced XLHA-PNIPAAm with slowest enzymatic biodegradability.DSC results showed that temperature-sensitivity of the XLHA-PNIPAAm was more stable than that of XLHA-MC.Two composite hydrogels were qualified in cytotoxicity and hemolysis tests and the biocompatibility of XLHA-PNIPAAm hydrogel showed better than XLHA-MC hydrogel.

Nicotine transdermal patch for smoking cessation using combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers as matrix film formers

One of the most popular nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs)available in the market nowadays is the nicotine patches, which provide a source of nicotine to reduce the withdrawal symptoms experienced when smoking is stopped. Nicotine transdermal patch to satisfy addicted smoker’s cravings as oninvasive, self medicated therefore patient compliance and less frequent administration than oral was investigated to contain2 layers;backing layer, adhesive with drug layer.

Development,characterization and solubility enhancement of comparative dissolution study of second generation of solid dispersions and microspheres for poorly water soluble drug

The poor dissolution characteristics of water-insoluble drugs are a major challenge for pharmaceutical scientists.Reduction of the particle size/increase in the surface area of the drug is a widely used and relatively simple method for increasing dissolution rates.The objective of this study was to improve solubility,release and comparability of dissolution of a poorly soluble drug using two different types of formulations(solid dispersions and microspheres).Hydrochlorothiazide was used as a model drug.The solid dispersions and microspheres were prepared by solvent evaporation method using ethyl cellulose,hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in different drug-to-carrier ratios(1:1,1:2 w:w).The prepared formulations were evaluated for interaction study by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,differential scanning calorimetry,percentage of practical yield,drug loading,surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy,optical microscopy and in-vitro release studies.The results showed no interaction between the drug and polymer,amorphous state of solid dispersions and microspheres,percentage yield of 42.53%to 78.10%,drug content of 99.60%to 99.64%,good spherical appearance in formulation VI and significant increase in the dissolution rate.

Effect of HPMC on the Piezoresistivity of Smart Concrete Aggregate with Z Shape

Cement mortar with carbon fiber(CFc)and resin-cement mortar with carbon fiber(CFrc)were used as inner and outer cores of smart aggregate with Z shape,respectively,which was used as the basic perception units to prepare smart concrete aggregate with a mosaic structure(SAMS).The hydroxpropyl methylcellulose(HPMC)was taken into consideration to improve the properties of mortar;by using HPMC,the structure of SAMS was optimized and its mechanical and electrical properties were evaluated.The experimental results show that the toughness of mortar could be improved by the complex that formed by epoxy resin,and the effect of HPMC on the flexibility of CFc was greater than that on the flexibility of CFrc;the feasible designing indicates that the CFc-Z core and CFrc-Z core could be used as inner and outer cores of SAMS.When the proposed dosages of HPMC in inner and outer cores are 0.35wt%and 0.2wt%,respectively,it could give an effective prediction for the damage of concrete during the loading process.

Adsorption of Toluene on Film Membranes of Chitosan/Nа-CMC

The sorption properties of films on bases of chitosan and sodium carboxyl methylcellulose (Na-CMC) with toluene have been checked. The sorption rate, sorption thermodynamics and isothermal properties of toluene molecules in chitosan/Na-CMC films are analyzed by adsorption-calorimetric method. Thus, it was found that toluene is adsorbed on the chitosan/Na-CMC film by the same patterns of sorption of aromatic compounds, due to the process of penetration of toluene molecules into the network of chitosan macromolecules and this is preceded by the absorption process by the surface of the chitosan/Na-CMC film.

Application of three-dimensional culture systems to study mammalian spermatogenesis, with an emphasis on the rhesus monkey （Macaca mulatta）

In vitro culture of spermatogonial stem cells （SSCs） has generally been performed using two-dimensional （2D） culture systems; however, such cultures have not led to the development of complete spermatogenesis. It seems that 2D systems do not replicate optimal conditions of the seminiferous tubules （including those generated by the SSC niche） and necessary for spermatogenesis. Recently, one of our laboratories has been able to induce proliferation and differentiation of mouse testicular germ cells to meiotic and postmeiotic stages including generation of sperm in a 3D soft agar culture system （SACS） and a 3D methylcellulose culture system （MCS）. It was suggested that SACS and MCS form a special 3D microenvironment that mimics germ cell niche formation in the seminiferous tubules, and thus permits mouse spermatogenesis in vitro. In this review, we （1） provide a brief overview of the differences in spermatogenesis in rodents and primates, （2） summarize data related to attempts to generate sperm in vitro, （3） report for the first time formation of colonies/clusters of cells and differentiation of meiotic （expression of CREM-1） and postmeiotic （expression of acrosin） germ cells from undifferentiated spermatogonia isolated from the testis of prepubertal rhesus monkeys and cultured in SACS and MCS, and （4） indicate research needed to optimize 3D systems for in vitro primate spermatogenesis and for possible future application to man.

Effects of simvastatin gel on bone regeneration in alveolar defects in miniature pigs

Currently, the most commonly used treatment methods for repairing alveolar furcation defects are periodontal guided tissue regeneration （GTR） and bone grafting. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of simvastatin/methylcellulose gel on bone regeneration in alveolar defects in miniature pigs. Methods Alveolar defects were produced in 32 teeth （the third and fourth premolars） of 4 miniature pigs. The 32 experimental teeth were divided into 5 groups comprising control （C） and treatment （T） teeth： （1） empty defects without gel （group CO, n=4）; （2） defects injected with methylcellulose gel （group C1, n=4）; （3） defects injected with 0.5 rag/50 pl simvastatin/methylcellulose gel （group T1, n=8）; （4） defects injected with 1.5 mg/50 μl simvastatin/methylcellulose gel （group T2, n=8）; and （5） defects injected with 2.2 mg/50 μl simvastatin/methylcellulose gel （group T3, n=8）. Every week after surgery, the furcation sites were injected once with gel. At the eighth week afte（ surgery, the 4 pigs were sacrificed and underwent macroscopic observation, descriptive histologic examination, and regenerate bone quantitative histologic examination. Results At 8 weeks after surgery, the defect sites in the treatment groups were completely filled in with new bone and fibrous tissue. There was little new bone in the CO and C1 groups, and only a small number of osteoblasts and proliferative vessels could be seen on microscopic examination. Conclusions Miniature pigs are an ideal experimental animal for establishing a model of alveolar defects using a surgical method. Local application of simvastatin/methylcellulose gel can stimulate the regeneration of alveolar bone in furcation defect sites, because it promotes the proliferation of osteoblasts. The best dose of simvastatin gel to stimulate bone regeneration is 0.5 mg.

Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Cu-Incorporated MCM-41 with Spheres-within-a-Sphere Hollow Structure

Cu-incorporated ordered hexagonal mesoporous silicates （Cu-MCM-41） with spheres-within-a-sphere hollow structure have been synthesized using thermoreversible polymer hydrogel methylcellulose （MC） and cationic surfactant as co-templates, which have been characterized by scanning electron micrograph （SEM）, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, transmission electron micrograph （TEM）, and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. The obtained results indicate that the morphology of Cu-incorporated MCM-41 materials is ＂spheres-within-a-sphere＂ hollow structure, which is very similar to that of the alveolus. In benzene hydroxylation with H2O2, the hollow spheres show much higher catalytic activity than particles of Cu-MCM-41.

Optimization of unit operations for microencapsulating ferrous fumarate during scale-up of double fortification of salt with iron and iodine

Objectives:This study evaluates factors responsible for the floating of iron premix in double fortified salt(DFS),which initially affected the large-scale implementation of the salt fortification program in India,and provides solutions to the scale-up of the technology.Materials and Methods:To mitigate this time-sensitive scale-up challenge.First,the iron premix samples were obtained from the industrial scale-up pilot studies in India,evaluated for the impact of the amount of coating material(5 per cent,7.5 per cent,and 10 per cent(in weight)),type of formulation(soy stearin,SEPIFILM and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose),amount of titanium dioxide(25-35 per cent(in weight))used for color masking;Second,we studied the effect of change in the composition of the coating,from 10 per cent(in weight)soy stearin to a double coat with 5 per cent(in weight)hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and 5 per cent soy stearin or 10 per cent soy stearin and 1 per cent(in weight)lecithin mixture,on particle density,floating or sinking property of the iron premix,and on the stability of iodine in the DFS.Results:It was observed that the hydrophobic nature and the amount of soy stearin used for coating caused the floating issue.The double coating with 5 per cent hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and 5 per cent soy stearin was preferred because lecithin in soy stearin enhanced the moisture-aided adverse interaction between iron and iodine.Shelf-life storage studies proved over 80 per cent iodine retention after 12 months of storage in the DFS formulated with iron premix double-coated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and soy stearin.Conclusion:This proffered solution enabled the full implementation of the double fortification program in India.