Preparation and characterization of β-elemene-loaded microemulsion

Intravenously injectable emulsion of β-elemene was studied in detail. Both blank and β-elemene-loaded microemulsions were prepared using a simple water titration method. The pseudoternary phase diagram was constructed for the optimization of microemulsion. The loading capacity test, dilutability test, and especially the influence of antioxidants were conducted for further optimization of β-elemene-loaded microemulsion. Transmission electron microscope showed intact and spherical microemulsion droplets. Conductivity and viscosity measurements were used to study the phase behaviors of β-elemene-loaded microemulsions, providing convincing explanation. In vitro release study showed that β-elemene was steadily released until 12?h, which most fitted the first order.     

Preparation and characterization of β-elemene-loaded microemulsion

Intravenously injectable emulsion of β-elemene was studied in detail. Both blank and β-elemene-loaded microemulsions were prepared using a simple water titration method. The pseudoternary phase diagram was constructed for the optimization of microemulsion. The loading capacity test, dilutability test, and especially the influence of antioxidants were conducted for further optimization of β-elemene-loaded microemulsion. Transmission electron microscope showed intact and spherical microemulsion droplets. Conductivity and viscosity measurements were used to study the phase behaviors of β-elemene-loaded microemulsions, providing convincing explanation. In vitro release study showed that β-elemene was steadily released until 12?h, which most fitted the first order.     

Enhanced optoelectronics properties of europium(III) complexes with β-diketone and nitrogen heterocyclic ligands

Preparation and photoluminescence behavior of six new europium complexes with β-diketone 1-(2-hydroxy phenyl)-3-phenylpropane-1,3-dione (HPPP) and bathophenanthroline (batho), 2,2′-bipyridyl (bipy), 2,2′-biquinoline (biq), neocuproin (neo) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) are reported in solid state. The ligand (HPPP) and complexes Eu(HPPP)₃·H₂O (1), Eu(HPPP)₃·phen (2), Eu(HPPP)₃·batho (3), Eu(HPPP)₃·bipy (4), Eu(HPPP)₃·biq (5) and Eu(HPPP)₃·neo (6) were characterized by means of elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR). The optical properties, thermal stability and crystalline nature were investigated by photoluminescence spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and XRD respectively. The emission spectra show narrow intense emission band of central europium (III) metal ion that arise from the high intense ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₀ transition. The introduction of ancillary ligands like batho, bipy, biq, neo, phen enlarged the π-conjugation system in complexes as a result higher luminescence intensity, longer life time (τ) and higher quantum efficiency (η) observed in europium ternary complexes in comparison to Eu(HPPP)₃·H₂O (1). Based on the emission spectra, the luminescence decay curve was measured which indicated that the transfer of energy from HPPP ligand to the europium metal is more efficient in complexes 2–6 than complex 1.     

Preparation and characterization of wollastonite with a β-nucleating surface and its filled isotactic polypropylene composites

To transform α-nucleation into β-nucleation of wollastonite surface for isotactic polypropylene (iPP), the wollastonite with a β-nucleating surface was prepared through the chemical reaction between wollastonite and pimelic acid in both liquid mixing (method A) and powder mixing (method B). The wollastonite with a β-nucleating surface was confirmed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, wide-angle X-ray diffraction under different temperatures, thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The crystallization and melting behavior and the crystalline morphology of iPP composites filled by wollastonite with a β-nucleating surface were investigated by DSC and optical microscopy. The results indicated that wollastonite filled iPP composites predominantly crystallize in the α-phase iPP and iPP composites filled by wollastonite with a β-nucleating surface mainly form β-phase iPP. It is proved that heterogeneous nucleating mechanism has been changed from α-nucleation into β-nucleation of wollastonite surface for iPP crystallization. What deserves to be mentioned is that the nucleation density of flat surface in the end of needle-like wollastonite is higher than that of curved surface of wollastonite.     

Preparation, characterization and mechanical performance of dense β-TCP ceramics with/without magnesium substitution

Beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) powder was prepared by a two-step process: wet precipitation of apatitic tricalcium phosphate [Ca(9)(HPO(4))(PO(4))(5)(OH)] (beta-TCP 'precursor') and calcination of the precursor at 800 degrees C for 3 h to produce beta-TCP. Magnesium-substituted tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCMP) was produced by adding Mg(NO(3))(2) . 6H(2)O into Ca(NO(3))(2) solution as Mg(2+) source before the precipitation step. The transition temperature from beta-TCP to alpha-TCP increases with the increase of Mg(2+) content in beta-TCMP. beta-TCMP with 3 mol.% Mg(2+) has beta-TCP to alpha-TCP transition temperature above 1,300 degrees C. Dense beta-TCMP (3 mol.% Mg(2+)) ceramics ( approximately 99.4% relative density) were produced by pressing the green bodies at 100 MPa and further sintering at 1,250 degrees C for 2 h. The average compressive strength of dense beta-TCP ceramics sintered at 1,100 degrees C is approximately 540 MPa, while that of beta-TCMP (3 mol.% Mg(2+)) ceramics is approximately 430 MPa.     

Binding energies of Eu2+ and Eu3+ ions in β-Ca2SiO4 doped with europium

β-Ca₂SiO₄ doped with Eu²⁺and Eu³⁺was synthesized by solid state reaction. Europium replaces Ca²⁺ ions either as Eu²⁺ or Eu³⁺, both occupying two not equivalent sites; seven fold and eight fold coordinated by O²⁻. β-Ca₂SiO₄:Eu²⁺, β-Ca₂SiO₄:Eu³⁺ and β-Ca₂SiO₄:Eu²⁺, Eu³⁺ samples were investigated by structural and spectroscopic methods. Specifically it has been shown that luminescence spectra of the β-Ca₂SiO₄:Eu²⁺, Eu³⁺ system were a superposition of the Eu²⁺ and Eu³⁺ emission and were independent of temperature from 18 K to ambient. To explain this effect the short distance compensation of the Eu³⁺ replacing Ca²⁺ in the β-Ca₂SiO₄ is discussed. It is argued that such compensation has to causes the conduction and valence bands bend. The existence of stable Eu²⁺ and Eu³⁺ replacing Ca²⁺ ion in lattice is discussed by consideration of the energies of the ground states of the Eu²⁺ and Eu³⁺, the Fermi energy and the energy necessary for creation of compensation defect.     

Preparation and characterization of monodispersed microfloccules of TiO₂ nanoparticles with immobilized multienzymes

Microfloccules of TiO(2) nanoparticles, on which glycerol-dehydrogenase (GDH), 1,3-propanediol-oxidoreductase (PDOR), and glycerol-dehydratase (GDHt) were coimmobilized, were prepared by adsorption-flocculation with polyacrylamide (PAM). The catalytic activity of immobilized enzyme in the glycerol redox reaction system, the enzyme leakage, stabilities of pH and temperature, as well as catalytic kinetics of immobilized enzymes relative to the free enzymes were evaluated. Enzyme loading on the microfloccules as much as 104.1 mg/g TiO(2) (>90% loading efficiency) was obtained under the optimal conditions. PAM played a key role for the formation of microfloccules with relatively homogeneous distribution of size and reducing the enzyme leakage from the microfloccules during the catalysis reaction. The stabilities of GDH against pH and temperature was significantly higher than that those of free GDH. Kinetic study demonstrated that simultaneous NAD(H) regeneration was feasible in glycerol redox system catalysted by these multienzyme microfloccules and the yield of 1, 3-popanediol (1, 3-PD) was up to 11.62 g/L. These results indicated that the porous and easy-separation microfloccules of TiO(2) nanoparticles with immobilized multienzymes were efficient in term of catalytic activity as much as the free enzymes. Moreover, compared with free enzyme, the immobilized multienzymes system exhibited the broader pH, higher temperature stability.     

Thermoluminescence and ESR of boron-stabilized β-dicalcium silicate

Thermoluminescence and ESR in boron-stabilized -dicalcium silicate have been studied before and after ultraviolet irradiation. Most of the results, apart from the electron spin resonance signals from impurity iron and manganese, can be explained on the basis of electron location on the substituent BO₄ groups replacing silicate tetrahedra, with electron capture at this centre being responsible for the thermoluminescence.     

Inclusion complexes of fluorofenidone with β-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin

Background: Fluorofenidone is a novel antifibrotic drug and its aqueous solubility is low. Aim: This study was to prepare and characterize inclusion complexes of fluorofenidone (AKF-PD) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD). Method: The AKF-PD/cyclodextrins (CDs) inclusion complexes were prepared by coprecipitation and freeze-drying, respectively. The solubility enhancement of AKF-PD was evaluated by phase solubility method. Inclusion complexation in solid phase was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The dissolution profiles of AKF-PD/CDs inclusion complexes were investigated and compared with those of their physical mixtures and AKF-PD alone. Results: The phase solubility diagrams of AKF-PD with β-CD and HP-β-CD were of A_L-types, and the solubility of AKF-PD could be increased by 51.5% for β-CD at 0.014 M and 794.0% for HP-β-CD at 0.254 M. The results from XRD and DTA suggested that AKF-PD could form inclusion complex with β-CD or HP-β-CD. The dissolution rate of AKF-PD from the inclusion complexes was much more rapid than AKF-PD alone. Conclusions: The formulation of AKF-PD/CDs inclusion complexes showed superior performance in improving dissolution properties of AKF-PD.     

Preparation and characterization of NASICON with a new sol–gel process

NASICON powders with the composition of Na₃Zr₂Si₂PO₁₂ were synthesized by using a sol–gel method. In the course of synthesis, a different material of oxalic acid was used to modify the synthesis process. The resulted precursors were sintered at the temperatures ranging from 700 to 1000 °C to get NASIOCN powders. X-ray diffractometer (XRD), IR and Raman spectra were employed to characterize the sintered products. Also, the ionic conductivity measurement conducted in the temperatures of 150–300 °C was used to evaluate their electronic properties. Furthermore, CO₂ sensor was prepared based on the pressed NASICON bulk. The relationship between its EMF response and the target gas concentration was checked. The experiment results showed that the NASICON material sintered at 900 °C possessed better properties in comparison with those sintered at other temperatures.     

Preparation, characterization and luminescent properties of europium oxide doped nano LaMn0·9Zn0·1O3+d by sol-gel processing

New compounds of rare earth complex oxides with perovskite structure in a combination of La with Eu ions and Mn with Zn ions, La_1−x Eu _x Mn_0·9Zn_0·1O_3+d (LEMZ) (0·0 ≤ x ≤ 0·32) in A and B sites, respectively were synthesized. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and photoluminescence spectra (PL) were used to characterize the resulting nanoparticles. The powder X-ray diffraction peaks could be indexed as a rhombohedral cell. The results of FT-IR spectra were in agreement with those of XRD. High-quality nanopowders with controlled stoichiometry and microstructure were prepared at a temperature range of 700–800°C for 6 h, with mean particle sizes of ∼ 17·5 nm. Photoluminescence measurements showed Eu³⁺ ions characteristic red emission in crystalline LEMZ powders due to the ⁵ D ₀ → ⁷ F _J (J = 0–6) transitions of the 4f electrons of Eu³⁺ ions. The structure, homogeneity and particle size of the obtained compounds during different stages were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

Preparation and characterization of Sn-doped β-Ga2O3 homoepitaxial films by MOCVD

Journal of Materials Science - Sn-doped gallium oxide (Ga2O3:Sn) films were deposited on β-Ga2O3 (100) substrates by metal organic chemical vapor deposition method. The Sn concentration was...     

Synthesis, characterization and oxide ionic conductivity of β-type solid solution in bismuth oxide doped with ytterbium oxide binary system

In this study, after doping Yb₂O₃ substance to α -Bi₂O₃ substance in the range of 1% ≤ n ≤ 8% in a series of different mole ratios, heat treatment was performed by applying a cascade temperature rise in the range of 700–790 °C for 48 and 120 h and new phases were obtained in the (Bi₂O₃)_1???x (Yb₂O₃) _x system. After 48 h of heat treatment at 750 °C and 120 h of heat treatment at 790 °C, mixtures containing 1–8% mole Yb₂O₃ formed a tetragonal phase. With the help of XRD, crystal systems and lattice parameters of the solid solutions were obtained and their characterization was carried out. Thermal measurements were made by using a simultaneous DTA/TG system. The total conductivity (σ _T) in the β-Bi₂O₃ doped with Yb₂O₃ system was measured using four-probe d.c. method.     

Preparation,characterization and microwave absorption properties of bamboo-like β-SiC nanowhiskers by molten-salt synthesis

Bamboo-like and cubic single-crystalline silicon carbide nanowhiskers (SiC_NWs) were synthesized using multiwalled carbon nanotube via a process of calcination in the molten-salt circumstance. The system was heated to 1,250 °C and maintained for 6 h in argon atmosphere, and obtained the sample. The as-prepared sample was characterized by a series of techniques. Especially, the microwave absorption properties of SiC_NWs/paraffin composites (30 wt%) were investigated over 2–14 GHz. The result shows the optimal reflection loss can reach ?48.1 dB at 13.52 GHz when the thickness of the match is only 1.9 mm. The excellent microwave absorption properties of the SiC_NWs/paraffin composites due to the dielectric loss would make it as a promising candidate for the application of absorbing materials. In addition, a possible growth mechanism of SiC_NWs was also discussed.     

Preparation and characterization of fenofibrate-loaded PLA–PEG microspheres

A series of biodegradable block copolymer of poly(lactide)(PLA)/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were prepared by Ring-Opening polymerization of D, L-lactide, using stannous octoate as a catalyst. By nanoprecipitation method, the PLA-PEG can be made into microspheres containing fenofibrate, which is a kind of important cholesterol-lowering drugs. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the copolymer composition on the size, the entrapment and the release behavior of the fenofibrate loaded microspheres. The microspheres can be achieved with small size below 100 nm, better encapsulation efficiencies of more than 55.3% and slower release rates. The release of fenofibrate from microsphere would reach the balance first, when the microsphere prepared by high proportion of hydrophilic PEG block. And the release property of fenofibrate/PLA-PEG microsphere was better than Lipanthyl (a commercial capsule of fenofibrate). It was observed that the composition of PLA-PEG copolymer played a major role in encapsulation efficiency of microspheres and release rates.     

Preparation and characterization of α-chitin from cicada sloughs

In this study, a new source of insect chitin was proposed. Insect chitin was extracted from cicada sloughs by 1 M HCl and 1 M NaOH treatment for demineralization and deproteinization, respectively. The brown color of this chitin from cicada sloughs was removed using 6% sodium hypochlorite as an oxidizing agent. It was found that the insect chitin extracted from the cicada sloughs has a higher percent recovery than the chitin from rice-field crab shells. The chemical structure and physicochemical properties of α-chitin from cicada sloughs were characterized using elemental analysis (EA), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H NMR), solid-state ¹³C cross-polarization magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/MAS) NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and thermogravimetry (TG). The degree of acetylation (DA) was determined by EA, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C CP/MAS NMR techniques. The DA values of chitin from cicada sloughs were in the range of 97% to 102% depending on each technique. Furthermore, it was found that the DA increased with an increasing thermal property and crystallinity.     

Preparation and Characterization of Albendazole β-Cyclodextrin Complexes

Albendazole (ABZ), mebendazole (MBZ), and ricobendazole (RBZ) are low-soluble anthelmintic benzimidazole carbamate drugs. To increase their aqueous solubility, three different types of β-cyclodextrins (CyDs): β-cyclodextrin (CD), hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD), and methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD) were used. Solubility depended on the type of CyDs. Increased solubility was obtained when the more substituted CyDs (HPCD or MCD) were used instead of nonsubstituted CD. Stability constants were calculated assuming a 1:1 stoichiometry. Calculated stability constant values depended on initial solubility of drug and pH of the medium. Solid ABZ complexes were prepared by coprecipitation and freeze-drying methods. These products were compared with physical mixtures of ABZ and CyDs. The characterization of these products was made by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and drug release studies. True inclusion complexes were obtained only by the freeze-drying method. Drug release studies showed that the freeze-dried inclusion complexes increased the solubility rate of ABZ, although a supersaturation effect was observed when drug release studies were performed in nonsink conditions. A bioavailability study on mice was done with a formulation of ABZ : HPCD complex and was compared to a conventional ABZ suspension. A significantly (p <. 05) shorter T_max of absorption was obtained by using the complex formulation. Greater and significant (p <. 05) differences for AUC and C_max were observed.     

Nickel β-diketonate complexes as precursors for the photochemical deposition of nickel oxide thin films

In this paper we report the utilization of amorphous films of Ni(II) diketonate complexes as precursors for the direct photochemical deposition of thin films of nickel oxides. The UV photolysis of amorphous thin solid films of Ni(PhCOCHCOPr)₂ results in the loss of all ligands from the coordination sphere. The acetylacetone derivative was chosen for the solid state photochemistry because the presence of the long carbon chains or highly branched hydrocarbons substituents, lowers the intermolecular interactions and allows the formation of high quality films upon spin-coating. The surface morphology of the films was observed by scanning electron microscopy and showed excellent quality without islands or other imperfections. The formation of NiO was determined by X-ray difraction and Auger spectroscopy analysis. The photochemical deposition of patterns of NiO was shown to be compatible with standard lithographic techniques by the lithography of 100 × 2 m lines.     

Preparation and optical study of zeolite — AgI inclusion complexes

Preparation of zeolite—AgI inclusion complexes and their optical properties are discussed. The existence of inclusion has been proved by X-ray diffraction and thermoanalytical measurements. Properties of AgI after incorporation into the zeolite lattice were studied by u. v. -vis spectroscopy and laser exposure.