Profiling of phenolic compounds using UPLC–Q-TOF-MS/MS and nephroprotective activity of Indian green leafy vegetable Merremia emarginata (Burm. f.)

The present study aimed at optimization and identification of phenolic compounds from Merremia emarginata (Burm. f.) through RP-HPLC and UPLC–MS/MS. Further, to investigate nephroprotective effect of M. emarginata against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in albino Wistar rats phenolic compound identification was carried out using UPLC–MS/MS in both positive and negative modes of ionization. There are about 29 known and 19 unknown phenolic compounds that have been detected in M. emarginata based on MS/MS fragmentation pattern. The nephrotoxicity was induced by gentamicin in albino Wistar rats through i.p. injection (20 mg/kg of b.wt) and the rats were treated orally with ethanol extract of M. emarginata (150, 200 and 250 mg/kg of b.wt) for fifteen days. Serum biochemical parameters were analyzed and histopathological study was carried out to evaluate nephroprotective activity. The histopathology study shows that compared to the control group, the kidney of the diseased group was highly damaged and the plant extract treated group shows regeneration of glomerular and tubular epithelial cells of damaged kidney.     

Effect of environmental factors [air and UV-C irradiation] on some fresh fruit juices

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of environmental factors (air and UV-C irradiation) on various common fruits juices (lemon, orange, papaya and grape). Total phenolics, total ascorbic acid (AA) content and antioxidant capability were determined in atmospheric air oxidation on fresh fruit juices, and the effect of UV-C irradiation on AA was investigated in both fresh fruit juices and commercial AA using RP-HPLC. The total phenolics content was found to be 92.46?±?1.5, 41.53?±?2.1, 138.56?±?2.3 and 110.54?±?3.9?mg/100?ml of lemon, orange, papaya and grape juices, respectively. DPPH radical–scavenging activity of the fresh juices was 94.53?±?3.1, 82.36?±?2.2, 94.65?±?3.5 and 90.74?±?2.6 percentage, whereas the 1-day-old fruit juices showed reduced scavenging activity when compared to fresh juices. Total phenolic (TP) and DPPH-scavenging activity were significantly decreased in the mean at P?<?0.05 level. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) content of fresh fruit juices was determined through RP-HPLC; fruit juices that were kept in open container for 24 hrs and that were treated with UV irradiation have shown a decrease in AA content, when compared with control fresh juice samples. AA degradation increased with high significant differences at P?<?0.001 level, with the increase in oxidation time in atmospheric air and UV-C radiation.     

Phenolic profiling by UPLC–MS/MS and hepatoprotective activity of Cardiospermum halicacabum against CCl4 induced liver injury in Wistar rats

The hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum (ECH) was evaluated in Wistar rats having liver injury induced by CCl₄. The free radical scavenging activity of ECH was evaluated by ABTS and DPPH assay. Phenolic compounds like luteolin 7-o-glucoronide, apigenin 7-o-glucoronide and chrysoerisol 7-o-glucoronide were identified in ECH by UPLC–MS/MSⁿ analysis. On the other hand, the anti mutagenic effect of ECH was examined using tester strain Salmonella typhimurium TA100 with and without S9 extract. CCl₄ administered Wistar rats exhibited alteration in various biochemical parameters which were significantly (P ? 0.05) restored toward normal level by the therapy of ECH. ECH significantly (P ? 0.05) reduced LPO level in the liver tissue. Treatment with ECH showed curative effect on histopathological alterations and DNA damage in CCl₄ administered rats in a dose dependent manner. Silymarin, a routine hepatoprotective drug was used as reference standard.     

Nanodimensional organostannoxane molecular assemblies

Organooxotin cages, clusters, and coordination polymers containing [Sn 2(mu-O)], [Sn 2(mu-OH)], [Sn 2(mu-O) 2], [Sn 2(mu-OH) 2], and [Sn 3(mu 3-O)(mu-OR) 3] building blocks have been assembled by the reactions of organotin precursors with phosphonic, phosphinic, carboxylic, or sulfonic acids. Various synthetic methodologies including Sn-C bond cleavage reactions and solventless procedures have been utilized to generate several nanodimensional organostannoxane assemblies. The synthesis, structure, and structural interrelationship of these diverse organostannoxane compounds are discussed. The synthetic knowledge gained to prepare specific organostannoxane structural forms in high yields has been utilized for the construction of dendrimer-like molecules. These contain a central stannoxane core and a functional periphery. The functional periphery can be readily modulated to assemble photoactive, electroactive, or multisite coordinating molecules. The synthesis, structure, and potential uses of these compounds are discussed.     

Formulation and optimisation of lamivudine‐loaded Eudragit® S 100 polymer‐coated pectin microspheres for colon‐specific delivery

This investigation is to find a prolonged or delayed drug release system, exclusively for the treatment of hepatitis‐B to reduce the side effects, which arise when conventional solid dose forms are administered. To pursue this goal, lamivudine‐loaded Eudragit‐coated pectin microspheres have been formulated employing water/oil (W/O) emulsion evaporation strategy. The formulation was optimised using a 3⁴ factorial design. A drug to polymer ratio of 1:2, the surfactant of 1 ml, the volume of 50 ml of processing medium with a stirring speed of 2500 rpm were found to be the optimal parameters to obtain the lamivudine‐loaded Eudragit‐coated pectin microspheres formulation with a high drug entrapment efficiency of 89.44% ± 1.44%. The in vitro release kinetics of lamivudine was a suitable fit to the Higuchi model, indicating a diffusion‐controlled release with anomalous transport. The obtained microspheres were then subjected to different characterisation studies, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results of this study clearly indicate that Eudragit‐coated pectin microspheres could be the promising controlled release carriers for colon‐specific delivery of lamivudine in the presence of rat cecal content.     

Modeling and characterization of a SOIMUMP’s hybrid electro thermal actuator

A hybrid electro thermal microactuator is designed and its analytical model is developed. An existing hot and cold beam actuator is added with a gold layer of 0.5 μm thickness, so that the performance of the hybrid electro thermal actuator is improved. The analytical model is validated by comparing the results with 3D finite element model. Further the device is fabricated using SOIMUMPs process and characterized to validate the proposed analytical model. The shape of cold beam is also modified such that it improves the displacement. The results obtained from analytical and experimental models are in good agreement.