Search Results (147)

Horticultural substrates based on coconut fibre are among the most commonly used growing media, but with limited durability. This study presents methods for modifying coconut fibre through surface coating with biopolymers, where polymerisation was initiated in the applied solution. Additionally, the suitability of adding pelletised biochar was analysed. A biomonomer derived from wood processing was used both for fibre surface modification and for binding biochar into pellets. Surface modification through biopolymer coating resulted in changes to selected physicochemical properties. It was found that the coating significantly altered the porosity of the substrate. Depending on the type of coconut fibre, the differences in porosity compared to the unmodified substrate ranged from 12 to 24%. This directly influenced bulk density, which is a crucial parameter in the preparation of substrates for plant growth. The surface properties of the modified substrates also affected sorption and retention capacities. From the perspective of plant production, the supply of bioavailable forms of potassium and phosphorus is essential. Coating and the addition of pelletised biochar, regardless of the type of fibre used, significantly increased the release of PO₄³⁻ and K⁺ compared to unmodified substrates. The physiological parameters in plants confirmed the suitability of the modified substrates for plant production. Full article

Nuclear fuel pellets are subject to stress for long periods during the in-pile operation, and this study on high-temperature creep performance is of great significance for predicting the in-pile behaviors and safety evaluation of fuel elements. In the present study, a mixture of ZrC (50 wt%), SiC (46 wt%), and Si (4 wt%) powder was ball-milled for 24 h and then evaporated to obtain ZrC–SiC composite material. ZrC–SiC composite was adopted as the matrix, with ZrO₂ surrogate kernel TRSIO particles and dispersion coated particle fuel pellets prepared with different TRISO packing fractions using the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) process. This study on compressive creep performances was conducted under a temperature range of 1373–2073 K and a stress range of 5–250 MPa, elucidating the creep behavior and mechanism of dispersed coated particles fuel pellets, and obtaining the variation laws of key parameters such as creep stress exponents and activation energy with TRISO packing fraction. The results showed that creep stress exponents of the surrogate fuel pellets are between 0.89 and 2.12. The activation energies for high temperature–low stress creep (1873–2073 K, 5–50 MPa) are 457.81–623.77 kJ/mol, and 135.14–161.59 kJ/mol for low temperature high stress creep (1373–1773 K, 50–250 MPa). Based on the experimental results, a high-temperature creep model was established, providing a valuable reference for the research and application of a ceramic matrix dispersed with coated particle fuels. Full article

Background: Diclofenac (DCF) is a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), but its conventional formulations may have limited efficacy and are associated with adverse effects. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of diclofenac encapsulated in chitosan-coated lipid microvesicles (DCF-m) compared to free DCF in a rat model of subacute inflammation. Method: DCF-m was prepared using L-α-phosphatidylcholine and coated with chitosan (CHIT). Subacute inflammation was induced using the cotton pellet granuloma model, and animals were divided into four groups (n = 5): a negative control group without granuloma receiving vehicle (double-distilled water), a control group with granuloma receiving vehicle, a group with granuloma treated with 15 mg/kg of free DCF, and a group with granuloma treated with 15 mg/kg of DCF-m. Results: Both DCF and DCF-m significantly reduced granuloma mass, body weight gain, and serum inflammatory markers compared to the control group with granuloma. Moreover, DCF-m treatment led to a more pronounced reduction in granulomatous inflammation and a greater enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity than free DCF. Conclusions: These findings suggest that DCF-m exhibits superior anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties compared to conventional diclofenac in a model of subacute inflammation. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the degradation of omeprazole suspension under various pH conditions and to propose recommendations for preparing compounded suspensions. Given the clinical need for alternative dosage forms for pediatric and geriatric patients and those with dysphagia, the research focused on assessing whether modifications in formulation composition—specifically the inclusion of sodium bicarbonate—could improve omeprazole stability, thus enhancing its bioavailability. Methods: Three formulations were prepared: O1, based on crushed enteric-coated pellets from a commercial product; O2, with crushed pellets suspended in an 8% sodium bicarbonate solution with glycerin; and O3, with pure omeprazole suspended in an 8% sodium bicarbonate solution with glycerin. Release studies were conducted using basket or paddle apparatus under conditions simulating fasted (pH 1.2 and 6.8) and fed (pH 6, 4.5, and 3) gastric and intestinal juices at 37 °C over 120 min. At predetermined intervals, samples were withdrawn and analyzed by a validated HPLC method with UV detection to quantify the released omeprazole. Results: The commercial enteric-coated product showed no release at a low pH, confirming its protective coating. In contrast, formulation exhibited significant degradation in acidic environments. The O2 formulation, benefiting from the buffering effect of sodium bicarbonate, showed improved stability compared to O1. Notably, formulation O3 yielded the highest drug recovery, with approximately 74% released at pH 6 and 65% at pH 6.8, demonstrating significantly better performance, as confirmed by statistical analysis (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The composition of omeprazole suspensions substantially influences the drug stability and release profiles. The O3 formulation, based on pure omeprazole with sodium bicarbonate, is recommended for immediate-release suspensions to enhance bioavailability. Further studies are needed to optimize conditions for pediatric use. Full article

This study investigates the enhancement of thermal conductivity in silicon carbide (SiC) matrix pellets for accident-tolerant fuels via atomic layer deposition (ALD) of alumina (Al₂O₃) coatings. Pressure-holding ALD protocols ensured precursor saturation, enabling precise coating control (0.09 nm/cycle). The ALD-coated Al₂O₃ layers on SiC particles were found to be more uniform while minimizing surface oxidation compared to traditional mechanical mixing. Combined with yttria (Y₂O₃) additives and spark plasma sintering (SPS), ALD-coated samples achieved satisfactory densification and thermal performance. Results demonstrated that 5~7 wt.% ALD-Al₂O₃ + Y₂O₃ achieved corrected thermal conductivity enhancements of 14~18% at 100 °C., even with reduced sintering aid content, while maintaining sintered densities above 92% T.D. (theoretical density). This work highlights ALD’s potential in fabricating high-performance, accident-tolerant SiC-based fuels for safer and more efficient nuclear reactors, with implications for future optimization of sintering processes and additive formulations. Full article

Portulaca oleracea L. is an important herb with the same origin in medicine and food. To achieve the precise sowing of P. oleracea, this study employed a mixed experimental design to optimize the pellet formulation of the seeds. Fillers such as kaolin, bentonite, and talcum powder were used, along with binders including polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The physical characteristics and germination properties of the pelletized seeds were evaluated to determine the optimal formulation. The results indicated that, after pelletizing, the seeds exhibited a higher seed viability and vigor, germination rate, and germination index. Specifically, the seed singulation rate correlated positively with the kaolin content, the disintegration rate was proportional to the amount of talcum powder added, and the compression resistance was positively correlated with the bentonite ratio. Using response optimization, the optimal formulation of fillers used for pelletizing P. oleracea seeds was identified as 17% talcum powder, 16% kaolin, and 67% bentonite. Single-factor experiments showed that using PVP as a binder at a mass fraction of 10% resulted in improved pelletizing indices. This study not only optimized the pelletizing formulation of P. oleracea seeds based on physical and germination properties, but also expanded the application of pelletizing in the processing of the seeds of traditional Chinese herbs. It holds significant implications for the mechanized production of small, pelletized seeds of traditional Chinese herbs. Full article

Objectives: Iron-deficiency anemia is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide. Polysaccharide–iron complexes (PICs), as novel organic iron supplements, have garnered increasing attention due to their high bioavailability, minimal gastrointestinal irritation, and favorable tolerability. However, different formulations of PICs can show significant variations in their physicochemical properties and bioavailability. These factors are crucial for clinical efficacy and safety. Methods: This study selected two formulations of polysaccharide–iron complexes: Formulation A (PIC-coated pellets) and Formulation B (PIC powders), with ferrous succinate tablets (Formulation C) used as a control. The focus was on evaluating the molecular weight of the polysaccharides, the levels of free iron, and the dissolution across various dissolution media. Physicochemical properties were compared through particle size analysis, dissolution rate testing, and free iron content determination. Additionally, the pharmacokinetic properties of the two PIC formulations were assessed in a beagle dog model of iron-deficiency anemia. Results: Significant differences were observed in particle appearance and content structure between the two PIC formulations. Formulation A, prepared using pellet technology, exhibited a uniform particle size distribution. Its dissolution rate in acidic environments was significantly lower than that of Formulation B. In simulated gastric fluid, the cumulative iron dissolution rate of Formulation A was less than 15% within two hours, while that of Formulation B exceeded 50%, with substantial batch-to-batch variability. In various dissolution media, Formulation A released 12% of its dissolved iron content in gastric fluid within two hours. In contrast, the absolute free iron content of Formulation B was 8.5 times higher than that of Formulation A in simulated gastric fluid. In the beagle dog model of iron-deficiency anemia, Formulation A showed significantly higher bioavailability, which suggests that the pellet preparation technology improves both the acid resistance and bioavailability of the PIC formulation. Conclusions: The study revealed that Formulation A, prepared using pellet technology, possesses unique quality characteristics. This technology significantly reduces the release of free iron from PICs due to gastric acid action, potentially minimizing gastrointestinal irritation. Moreover, the pellet preparation process improves the acid resistance and bioavailability of PIC formulations, offering a more effective therapeutic option for iron-deficiency anemia. Future research may further explore the potential applications of pellet technology in other iron supplement formulations. Full article

Seed enhancements involve post-harvest modifications that improve germination and plant performance. One form of enhancement involves coatings, which encompasses encrusting, pelleting, and film coats. These coatings may contain agrichemicals, such as fungicides and insecticides, and can foster conformational changes that improve the plantability of small or irregularly shaped seeds. Seed encapsulation using pharmaceutical capsules can be viewed as an extension of seed coatings where seeds and other beneficial agrichemicals can be combined into a single plantable unit. For many crops, direct contact with high levels of conventional fertilizers may induce some level of phytotoxicity, and early studies involving fertilizer-enriched seed coatings resulted in decreased seedling emergence and diminished plant performance. Encapsulation, however, provides greater delivery volumes compared to other coatings and may offer some degree of separation between seeds and potentially phytotoxic agrochemicals. This study considered tomato seed encapsulation with controlled-release fertilizers. In general, seed exposure to gelatin-based capsules delayed germination by 2- to 3- days. Nevertheless, seed encapsulation improved plant performance including increased plant height and dry mass production by as much as 75 and 460%, respectively. These growth responses mitigated any effects attributed to germination delays. Moreover, higher levels of controlled-release fertilizers (≥800 mg) fostered earlier flower induction by up to 3 weeks. Collectively, the results suggest that seed encapsulation can be an effective way to deliver fertilizers to plants in a manner that could reduce overall fertilizer application rates and possibly lessen the quantity of plant nutrient input necessary for tomato cultivation. Full article

Condensed tannins (CTs) in certain leguminous forages can mitigate toxic alkaloid absorption linked to fescue toxicosis due to their high affinity towards various steroidal and protein-like alkaloids. However, their use as feed supplements remains underexplored. This study evaluated the impact of CT-rich sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) pellets on the post-ingestive effects of fescue toxicosis. Twelve steers on wild-type endophyte-infected tall fescue pastures received either sericea lespedeza pellets (LES) or LES with polyethylene glycol (LPEG; negative control) for 12 weeks over three consecutive summers. Body weight, hair coat scores, temperatures (rectal and extremity), cortisol levels, and caudal artery lumen area were measured every four weeks. Steers fed LES showed trends toward higher ADG (p = 0.0999) and reduced hair retention (p = 0.0547) compared to those fed LPEG. Steers on LES also showed hotter tail skin temperatures (p = 0.0053) and cooler rectal temperatures (p < 0.0001) compared to those fed LPEG. LES-fed steers had a 21% larger caudal artery lumen area (p < 0.01), suggesting reduced vasoconstriction. Additionally, LES-fed steers tended to have lower hair cortisol (p = 0.0746), indicating reduced chronic stress. These results suggest that supplementation with CTs may alleviate the post-ingestive effects of fescue toxicosis, potentially by improving blood flow and reducing stress. However, further research is needed to determine whether CTs directly reduce alkaloid absorption, as well as to validate the long-term efficacy of CT supplementation. Full article

Dibenzyltoluene/perhydro-dibenzyltoluene (H₀DBT/H₁₈DBT) is considered a promising liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) pair for the storage and transportation of green hydrogen (H₂). However, at the point of use, the catalytic dehydrogenation of H₁₈DBT is still limited by mass transport limitations. To address this issue, the dehydrogenation of H₁₈DBT was successfully conducted on Pt/Al₂O₃-coated foams in both an unstirred tank reactor and a fixed-bed reactor (FBR). A performance comparison between coated foams and pellets in the tank reactor revealed that H₂ productivities were 12–59% higher in the foam-based reactor than in the pellet-based reactor. Since the textural properties of the foam-supported and pellet-based catalysts were similar, the higher degree of dehydrogenation (DoD) and H₂ productivity achieved by the former were attributed to the geometric properties of the foam structure. Long-term tests performed in the FBR demonstrated the ability of the coated foams to maintain steady activity for >16 h on stream. However, the single-pass DoDs achieved were 34–38%. By recycling the partially dehydrogenated products three times into the FBR, the DoD improved to 63%. The results of this study demonstrated the capabilities of the coated foams in the process intensification of LOHC dehydrogenation reactors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lactoferrin (Lf), a multifunctional iron-binding protein, has considerable potential for use as an active ingredient in food supplements due to its numerous positive effects on health. As Lf is prone to degradation, we aimed to develop a formulation that would ensure sufficient stability of Lf in the gastrointestinal tract and during product storage. Methods: A simple, efficient, and well-established technology that has potential for industrial production was used for the double-coating of neutral pellet cores with an Lf layer and a protective enteric coating. Results: The encapsulation efficiency was 85%, which is among the highest compared to other reported Lf formulations. The results of the dissolution tests performed indicated effective protection of Lf from gastric digestion. A comprehensive stability study showed that the stability was similar regardless of the neutral pellet core used, while a significant influence of temperature, moisture, product composition, and packaging on the stability of Lf were observed, and were therefore considered in the development of the final product. The experimentally determined shelf life is extended from 15 to almost 30 months if the product is stored in a refrigerator instead of at room temperature, which ensures the commercial applicability of the product. Conclusion: We successfully transferred a technology commonly used for small molecules to a protein-containing product, effectively protected it from the destructive effects of gastric juice, and achieved an acceptable shelf life. Full article

The aim of this work is to compare the traditional uniaxial pressing with an innovative shaping technique, Digital Light Processing (DLP), in the preparation of porous mullite (3Al₂O₃·2SiO₂) supports to be functionalized with an active coating for CO₂ capture. Indeed, the fabrication of complex geometries with 3D-printing technologies allows the production of application-targeted solid sorbents with increased potentialities. Therefore, this research focused on the effect of the purity of the selected raw materials and of the microstructural porosity of 3D-printed ceramic substrates on the Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) coating efficiency. Two commercial mullite powders (Mc and Mf) differing in particle size distribution (D₅₀ of 9.19 µm and 4.38 µm, respectively) and iron oxide content (0.67% and 0.38%) were characterized and used to produce the substrates, after ball-milling and calcination. Mc and Mf slurries were prepared with 69 wt% of solid loading and 5 wt% of dispersant: both show rheological behavior suitable for DLP and good printability. DLP 3D-printed and pressed pellets were sintered at three different temperatures: 1350 °C, 1400 °C and 1450 °C. Mf 3D-printed samples show slightly lower geometrical and Archimedes densities, compared to Mc pellets, probably due to the presence of lower Fe₂O₃ amounts and its effect as sintering aid. Mullite substrates were then successfully functionalized with HKUST-1 crystals by a two-step solvothermal synthesis process. Ceramic substrate porosity, depending on the shaping technique and opportunely tuned controlling the sintering temperature, was correlated with the functionalization efficiency in terms of MOFs deposition. Three-dimensional-printed substrates exhibit a higher and more homogeneous HKUST-1 uptake compared to the pressed pellets as DLP introduces desirable porosities able to enhance the functionalization. Therefore, this work provides preliminary guidelines to improve MOFs coating on mullite surfaces for CO₂ capture applications, by opportunely tuning the substrate porosity. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of the present study was to develop lactose-free formulations of rivaroxaban, a novel oral anticoagulant used for the treatment and prevention of blood clotting. As a BCS Class II drug, rivaroxaban is characterized by poor solubility in aqueous media, posing a significant formulation challenge. Methods: To address this, phosphate-based excipients were employed to prepare both traditional single-unit dosage forms (tablets) and modern multiple-unit pellet systems (MUPS). These formulations were successfully developed and thoroughly evaluated for their physical properties and performance. Results: The resulting formulations demonstrated very good mechanical strength, including appropriate hardness and friability, alongside strong chemical stability. Their dissolution profiles met the requirements of the compendial monograph for Rivaroxaban Tablets and were comparable to those of the reference product, Xarelto^® film-coated tablets. Conclusions: This study shows the potential for producing effective, stable, and patient-friendly medications that meet the needs of contemporary society, where an increasing number of individuals suffer from lactose intolerance or seek vegan-friendly alternatives. Full article

An enteric coating plays a crucial role in preventing the disintegration of pharmaceutical dosage forms in the stomach. This is particularly important for drugs unstable at an acidic pH or designed to act in the small intestine. While conventional synthetic polymers have been widely used for enteric coatings, there is growing interest in exploring naturally derived proteins as an alternative. This study focused on two natural polymers: soy protein and whey protein isolates, first by determining the gastro-resistance properties of films prepared from these proteins. Then, appropriate casting solutions were developed to create polymeric films, and their resistance to acidic pH was evaluated using disintegration tests. Second, crate drug pellets coated with the most effective protein-based film were previously prepared, and their performance was assessed using the USP apparatus I (basket). The results demonstrated that the coated pellets (SA and SAG) exhibited excellent gastro-resistance properties. Specifically, the percentage release of the coated pellets met the USP criteria: less than 10% release in the first 2 h under acidic conditions, followed by at least 80% release within 45 min in the buffer phase. In contrast, uncoated pellets showed immediate release, with over 69% of the dye released during the initial 2 h. Notably, the SA and SAG-coated pellets demonstrated remarkable resistance to acidic pH, releasing only 1% and approximately 2% of the dye faster than uncoated pellets. These findings highlight the potential of SA and SAG coating films for efficient delayed release or enteric coating applications. Full article

This study aimed to optimize the pelleting and coating process for red clover seeds, addressing the issue of low pelleting success rates. Through theoretical analysis and experimental research, coating pan fill rate, powder supply quantity, and pelleting time were identified as key factors influencing the pelleting success rate. Single-factor experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of these parameters on the quality of red clover seed pelleting and coating. Based on these results, orthogonal trials were carried out, and response surface analysis was employed to reveal the influence patterns and interactions of each factor. The research results indicate that the factors affecting the pelleting success rate, ranked in order of importance, are coating pan fill rate, pelleting time, and powder supply quantity. Through mathematical model optimization, the optimal combination of process parameters was determined to be coating pan fill rate of 35.9%, powder supply quantity of 160.2 g, and pelleting time of 6.9 s. Under these conditions, a pelleting success rate of 94.3% was achieved in validation experiments. This study provides a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for optimizing the pelleting and coating process of red clover seeds, which is significant for improving seed coating quality and promoting red clover cultivation. Full article