Magnolol (MG) is a small-molecule neolignan polyphenolic compound isolated from the genus Magnolia. The anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-diabetic, anti-tumorgenic, anti-neurodegenerative, anti-depressant and anti-microbial properties of MG are well documented in recent literature. These fascinating multiple biological activities of MG encourage research about the development of new delivery and administration approaches able to maximize its potential benefits. This study describes the amino-functionalization of the SBA-15 (Santa Barbara Amorphous) mesoporous matrix by post-synthesis grafting using APTES (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) and the characterization of amino-functionalized mesoporous silica SBA-15 loaded with MG in order to achieve modified drug delivery systems. The amino-functionalization of silica SBA-15 was carried out by grafting by refluxing in dry toluene. The powders obtained were characterized texturally by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis measurements and morphologically by scanning electron microscopy. MG loading degree in the nanoporous matrix was determined by the HPLC method at λ = 290 nm. Results showed that by grafting the amino groups in the silica SBA-15, we obtained amino-functionalized silica SBA-15 with an ordered structure, with specific surfaces and pore sizes that differ from the original matrix, which was reflected in the amount of MG immobilized and release kinetics profile.

The objective of this study was to investigate the airborne viable spore concentrations and identify the fungal species in all indoor spaces from the lending library at the Technical University ''Gheorghe Asachi'' Iaşi, Romania. Samples were collected using the settle plate method and swab samples from PC cooler fan grids as well as from the wall in it's vicinity and from paper/wood fragments. There were no air conditioning systems in the library rooms. The heating systems were standard with an environmental temperature of 20°C in winter, except for the storage area of old/rare books stacks II, where the temperature was below 15°C and the humidity was very high due to water infiltrations in the walls and poor maintenance. More than 296 fungal colonies from over 78 samples were identified, enumerated, and reported. Indoor airborne fungal spore deposition rates were within the range of 419-1,677 CFU/m 2 , with the predominance of genera being Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Cladosporium spp., Alternaria spp. and Chaetomium spp. Approximately ten fungal colonies could not be identified. The PC fans move particles from the low levels (floor) to the air, and are thus responsible for maintaining a constant air velocity and contribute to fungal-spore aerosolization, transport, deposition and resuspension. Book paper and wood furniture are known to be suitable substrates for cellulose degrading fungi.

The study is based on new oral matrix tablets based on Kollidon®SR and chitosan, formulated in order to optimize the low oral bioavailability of amiodarone, a class III antiarrhythmic drug. Pharmacotechnical characterization included the analysis of flowability and compressibility properties (flow time, friction coefficient, angle of repose, Hausner ratio, Carr Index), and of pharmaco-chemical characteristics (mass and dose uniformity, thickness, diameter, mechanical strength, friability, degree of softening, in vitro release profile) of the tablets obtained using direct compression method. The results obtained have shown that both Kollidon®SR and chitosan may be used as matrix forming agents when combined with amiodarone. In vitro dissolution tests revealed that the nine formulations studied provided a prolonged release of amiodarone when compared to an industrial pharmaceutical product formulated as conventional release tablets.

In this study, the effect of polymers on the mechanical properties of ketoprofen extended drug release systems were studied. Many polymers are added in formulation of compressed tablets in order to improve the physicochemical characteristics of the drug release system. The samples were made in the form of cylindrical tablet about 9 mm in diameter, containing different mixtures of drug substances and excipients acording to seven formulations. Cylindrical tablets containing mixtures of ketoprofen and various types of polymers are made by direct compression method. Among the binders used were a series of different polymers like Kollidon va 64, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose. Mechanical parameters such as hardness, mechanical strenght, friability and roughness were studied in order to determine how they are influenced by polymeric binders.

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