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Antipsychotics are a class of psychiatric medication that is primarily effective at reducing psychosis symptoms, particularly in schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. This study aims to formulate mixtures of the antipsychotic drugs quetiapine fumarate (QUE), nortriptyline (NOR), propranolol (PROP) and haloperidol (HAL) with excipients urea, niacin (NIA) and niacinamide (NIM) to obtain an enhanced bioavailability and therapeutic effect. The mixtures were prepared by the solvent method and are characterized by various analytical techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry, wide angle X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and dissolution studies. Out of the various mixtures that have been prepared and tested, five of them showed eutectic behavior and their eutectic points are as follows: quetiapine fumarate-urea (QUE-UREA) 20-80, w/w; nortriptyline-niacin (NOR-NIA) 70-30, w/w; propranolol-niacin (PROP-NIA) 80-20, w/w; propranolol-niacinamide (PROP-NIM) 40-60, w/w; and haloperidol-niacinamide (HAL-NIM) 20-80, w/w. DSC investigation has revealed the formation of an eutectic system and the phase diagrams and Tamman's triangle construction along with the hot-stage microscopy confirmed their melting points. PXRD study indicated no chemical interaction between either of the mixtures, while SEM study showed the size reduction in these mixtures that has been achieved. In vitro studies of the five mixtures showed an appreciable increase in the dissolution rate compared to that of the drug alone. In conclusion, five simple eutectic mixtures have been formulated by the solvent method and were found to show better dissolution rates than that of the pure form of the drugs, thus improving the bioavailability of these poorly water-soluble drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have observed unique variations in AC electrical conductivity of solids when studied with respect to temperature, time, and frequency. A wide range of solids were examined for this study e.g., organics, polymers, carbohydrates, active pharmacy ingredients (APIs), and amino acids. The observed dielectric analysis conductivity for this great number of organic materials follows an Arrhenius plot of log polar ionic conductivity which is linearly related to reciprocal temperature and the correlation of coefficient is 0.992-0.999. These experimental observations support the polaron hopping conduction model. Experimental results clearly show novel dielectric behavior of a linear increase in a log ionic conductivity versus temperature in the pre-melt/solid-state transition regions. We have differentiated the solids which show the conductivity variations in pre-melt from those which do not. Isothermal dielectric analysis was used to study the cause of this variation in solids which yielded the measure of behavior, i.e., the polarization time property. We have also studied the effect of various experimental factors (e.g., moisture and purity) on the results. Correlating dielectric with calorimetric analyses gave us a better understanding of solid-state properties. Calorimetric analysis was used to assure that the observed variations in the solid-state properties are not due to moisture or impurities present in the sample. The ASTM E698 'purity method' was employed to verify the purity of the chemicals. Activation energies were calculated based on Arrhenius behavior to better interpret the solid-state properties. As the different chemicals were heat-cool cycled they were more amorphous, as evidenced by the decreasing activation energy for charge transfer with an increasing amorphous content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria affects over 500 million people worldwide leading to 1-2 million deaths each year, the majority of whom are children. Four Plasmodium species cause malaria in humans. To properly diagnose, and correctly treat malarial infections, accurate diagnosis of infection is required. Proper diagnosis of infection will result in a reduction of morbidity, mortality, and of drug resistant parasites. However, the current tests for malaria diagnosis do not efficiently identify the appropriate human and parasite biomarkers associated with disease. Detection of specific inflammatory mediators such as cytokines associated with malaria pathogenesis will aid the determination of disease progression, disease prognosis, and the early diagnosis of malaria infection. In this study, we used dielectric thermal analysis (DETA), thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to characterize five human cytokines (IL-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10), to demonstrate how their thermoanalytical properties can be investigated for sensor design. Analysis for DETA was performed at a frequency range of 0.1-300,000 Hz. Permittivity and loss factor measurements were used to calculate tan δ values. Peak frequencies were used to determine dielectric signatures for each cytokine. The peak frequencies were different for each cytokine analyzed. In addition, activation energies were frequency dependent for IL-2 but frequency independent for the remaining four cytokines. Cytokines were also examined using DSC which established variance in heat of crystallization and heat of fusion of solvent among the five cytokines. A noticeable differentiation was observed with IL-1α among the other four cytokines when analyzed using trend analysis. Detection of unique dielectric signals will aid development of sensitive dielectric sensors capable of detecting cytokines in various human samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological and thermodynamic transitions in drugs as well as their amorphous and crystalline content in the solid state have been distinguished by thermal analytical techniques, which include dielectric analysis (DEA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and macro-photomicrography. These techniques were used successfully to establish a structure versus property relationship with the United States Pharmacopeia standard set of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) drugs. A distinguishing method is the DSC determination of the amorphous and crystalline content which is based on the fusion properties of the specific drug and its recrystallization. The DSC technique to determine the crystalline and amorphous content is based on a series of heat and cool cycles to evaluate the drugs ability to recrystallize. To enhance the amorphous portion, the API is heated above its melting temperature and cooled with liquid nitrogen to −120 °C (153 K). Alternatively a sample is program heated and cooled by DSC at a rate of 10 °C min. DEA measures the crystalline solid and amorphous liquid API electrical ionic conductivity. The DEA ionic conductivity is repeatable and differentiates the solid crystalline drug with a low conductivity level (10pS cm) and a high conductivity level associated with the amorphous liquid (10pS cm). The DSC sets the analytical transition temperature range from melting to recrystallization. However, analysis of the DEA ionic conductivity cycle establishes the quantitative amorphous and crystalline content in the solid state at frequencies of 0.10-1.00 Hz and to greater than 30 °C below the melting transition as the peak melting temperature. This describes the 'activation energy method.' An Arrhenius plot, log ionic conductivity versus reciprocal temperature (K), of the pre-melt DEA transition yields frequency dependent activation energy ( E, J mol) for the complex charging in the solid state. The amorphous content is inversely proportional to the E where the E for the crystalline form is higher and lower for the amorphous form with a standard deviation of ±2%. There was a good agreement between the DSC crystalline melting, recrystallization, and the solid state DEA conductivity method with relevant microscopic evaluation. An alternate technique to determine amorphous and crystalline content has been established for the drugs of interest based on an obvious amorphous and crystalline state identified by macro-photomicrography and compared to the conductivity variations. This second 'empirical method' correlates well with the 'activation energy' method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A standard protocol was developed to determine the water content by thermal analysis of milk of magnesia (MoM). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG) were used in a novel manner for examining the physical characteristics of the commercial pharmaceutical suspensions. Moisture analyzer and oven-dry methods validate the proposed protocol. MoM consists primarily of water and magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)]. Experimental design of the thermal analysis parameters were considered including sample size, flowing atmosphere, sample pan, and heating rate for both DSC and TG. The results established the optimum conditions for minimizing heat and mass transfer effect. Sample sizes used were: (5-15 mg) for DSC and (30-50 mg) for TG. DSC analysis used crimped crucibles with a pinhole, which allowed maximum resolution and gave well-defined mass (water) loss. TG analysis used a heating rate of 10 °C/min in an atmosphere of nitrogen. The heat of crystallization, heat of fusion, and heat of vaporization of unbound water are 334, 334, and 2,257 Jg, respectively (Mitra et al. Proc NATAS Annu Conf Therm Anal Appl 30:203-208, ). The DSC average water content of (MoM) was 80 wt% for name brand and 89.5 wt% for generic brand, based on the relative crystallization, melting and vaporization heats/Jg of distilled water in the recently purchased (2011) MoM samples. The TG showed a two-step process, losing water at 80-135 °C for unbound water and bound water (MgO·HO) at 376-404 °C, yielding a total average water loss of 91.9 % for name brand and 90.7 % for generic brand by mass. The difference between the high-temperature TG and the lower-temperature DSC can be attributed for the decomposition of magnesium hydroxide or MgO·HO. Therefore in performing this new approach to water analysis by heating to a high temperature decomposed the magnesium hydroxide residue. It was determined that the TG method was the most accurate for determining bound and unbound water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current United States Pharmacopeia (USP) test for the disintegration of drug tablets does not measure initial disintegration times and does not adequately describe tablet disintegration mechanisms. An Isothermal Mechanical Analysis (IsoTMA) method meeting USP specifications has been developed to measure the initial time and rate of drug disintegration. TMA monitors the physical dimension of the formulated drug tablet as a function of time, temperature, applied stress, and pH. TMA can be used to measure the swelling, shrinkage, or disintegration of a formulated tablet in a specified fluid. The focus of this study is to validate an efficient and precise IsoTMA method to measure dimensional stability of solid dose tablets. The precision of the method along with the effect of pH (1-10) and temperature (25-37 °C) on the rate of delivery was determined for nine drugs. Graphical representations of dimensional changes over time were created and compared. Drug delivery in a specific liquid medium was measured by UV analysis for the active pharmaceutical ingredient. An increase in temperature decreased the disintegration time and increased the disintegration rate (mm/min). For the drugs that are studied in this article, pH did not have an appreciable effect on the rate of disintegration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel dielectric behavior of a linear increase in ionic conductivity prior to melt temperature was observed for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), organic chemicals, amino acids, and carbohydrates. Though, there are solids like polyolefins and long chain organic compounds (tetracosane, pentacosane) which do not exhibit this premelt behavior (i.e., the temperature where the onset of increase in ionic conductivity to melt temperature). We have discovered novel electrical conductivity properties and other physical analytical variations which can lead to unique synthetic routes of certain chemical entities. The above-mentioned unique variations are not related to solid-solid transitions which are quite often observed in pharmaceutical crystalline solids. These new properties are related to amorphous crystalline behavior of a solid. We have also studied the effect of various experimental variables: such as amount of mass tested, applied frequency at a given electric field and heating rate, which results in varying the onset temperature of the increase in ionic conductivity. Melting of the solids was correlated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Activation energies for all the solids were measured in the premelt region using an Arrhenius plot at a specific frequency since we observed changes in the conductivity with frequency. This study focused on frequencies 0.1 to 10 Hz, since the conductivity at these frequencies related to surface analysis. This new physical properties are leading to new electro synthetic procedures to modify or prepare chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytokines are small regulatory proteins secreted mostly by cells of the immune system. Cytokines participate in anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory processes in the body and in responses to host exposure to pathogens. In this study, the thermal behavior of human recombinant cytokines and soluble cytokine receptors; IFNγ, TNFα, IL-1 receptor antagonist, soluble TNF-receptor types 1 and 2, and sIL-2 receptor α were analyzed by dielectric thermal analysis at 37 °C and by thermogravimetry. Measurements were performed at a frequency range of 0.1-300,000 Hz. Permittivity and loss factor measurements were used to calculate mobility of charges (tan δ values) in the proteins from Debye plots. Peak frequencies and polarization times were used to determine dielectric signatures for each cytokine and receptor. Peak frequencies and polarization times were obtained for each cytokine and receptor analyzed. Detection of unique dielectric signatures of the proteins will aid development of sensitive dielectric sensors capable of detecting cytokines and soluble cytokine receptors in various human samples for malaria diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytokines and soluble cytokine receptors serve as important protein biomarkers for chronic and infectious disease diagnosis. The development of biosensors capable of detecting cytokines or their soluble receptors in patient bodily fluids is a growing area of research. In an ongoing series of studies to understand the thermal analytical behavior of cytokines and their soluble receptors, dielectric thermal analysis (DETA) and thermogravimetry (TG) were used in investigations to determine if differentiations based on dielectric properties (e.g., conductivity) of the proteins could be identified. Permittivity (ε′) and dielectric loss factor (ε″) measurements were performed over a frequency range of 0.1-300,000 Hz. Up to 20 min, water associated with the samples was conductive, interacting with the proteins and affecting the temperature-dependent relaxation spectra of proteins. A trend analysis revealed differences between surface charge at 0.1 Hz and bulk charge at 300,000 Hz. In addition, the greatest change detected among proteins was due to the conductivity (dielectric loss factor). Beyond a 20 min drying time, the observed conductivity was due to intrinsic properties of the proteins with limited dependence on frequency. A 100% water loss was obtained for samples within 20-30 min by TG. Sample drying by TG could serve as a preparatory step in drying protein samples for further DETA and DSC analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three aldohexose monosaccharides, d-glucose, d-mannose, and d-galactose, were examined by scanning temperature dielectric analysis (DEA) from ambient temperatures through their melts. Phase transitions, including glass transition ( T) and melting temperature ( T), were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The monosaccharides were found to exhibit thermally-induced dielectric loss spectra in their amorphous-solid phase before melting. Activation energies for electrical charging of each of the monosaccharides were calculated from an Arrhenius plot of the tan delta ( e″/ e′, dielectric loss factor/relative permittivity) peak frequency versus reciprocal temperature in Kelvin. The DEA profiles were also correlated with the DSC phase diagrams, showing the changes in electrical behavior associated with solid-solid and solid-liquid transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) of crystalline drugs and excipients in their pre-melt temperature range performed in this study corroborate their newly found linear dielectric conductivity properties with temperature. TMA of crystalline active pharmacy ingredients (APIs) or excipients shows softening at 30-100 °C below the calorimetric melting phase transition, which is also observed by dielectric analysis (DEA). Acetophenetidin melts at 135 °C as measured calorimetrically by DSC, but softens under a low mechanical stress at 95 °C. At this pre-melting temperature, the crystals collapse under the applied load, and the TMA probe shows rapid displacement. The mechanical properties yield a softening structure and cause a dimensionally slow disintegration resulting in a sharp dimensional change at the melting point. In order to incorporate these findings into a structure-property relationship, several United States Pharmacopeia (USP) melting-point standard drugs were evaluated by TMA, DSC, and DEA, and compared to the USP standard melt temperatures. The USP standard melt temperature for vanillin (80 °C) [], acetophenetidin (135 °C) [], and caffeine (235 °C) [] are easily verified calorimetrically via DSC. The combined thermal analysis techniques allow for a wide variety of the newly discovered physical properties of drugs and excipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal properties of some shedded snake skins in comparison with human skins are represented by thermogravimetry (TG), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), and differential thermal analysis (DTA) to predict process condition as dermal pathway for administration of drugs or it be used as model membranes for permeation studies. Thermal behavior by TG/DTG and DTA curves for four kinds of shedded snake skins as Boelens Python (BP), Eastern Indigo Snake (EIS), Emerald Tree Boa (ETB), and Cascavel (CBR) were similar in relation to their decomposition temperatures at 100 °C and 230-400 °C of its constituents, however, their properties were different in the residue content (inorganic or carbonaceous substances). Similar thermal properties were also exhibited by human skins' samples, however, they presented different residue and constituents' content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in science and technology are now at the heart of the global economy, but the number of students earning degrees in the sciences, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields has stalled. According to the National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE), programs have been initiated nationwide to nurture interest in the sciences, including research competitions, co-ops and internships, and K-12 STEM education. Senior thermal analysis scientists are not only researchers, they are role models, mentors and teachers intimately involved in the recruitment and training of young scientists. The authors present guidelines for thermal analysis research project planning for high school students, undergraduate students and master's and doctoral candidates. Project planning includes developmentally appropriate techniques, methods, instruments, scope and significance. Case studies illustrate examples of short-term, concrete materials analysis projects tailored to younger student researchers, as well as master's level projects making significant contributions to the state of the science and innovative doctoral research. In addition to designing projects for students at all levels, senior thermal analysis scientists can use specific teaching and training techniques to help young scientists develop their abilities in the lab and at the podium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the polymerization of dental monomers catalyzed by synthesized acylphosphine oxides in a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) cell. This research focuses on establishing a relationship between radicals generated by the acylphosphine oxide photoinitiators and the kinetic reaction rates of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and acrylamide (ACM), a model monomer. The thermal stability of mono- and di-acylphosphine oxides was examined by DSC. Endothermic melting and exothermic polymerization reactions initiated with the two initiators were recorded. The acrylamide model system laid the ground work for the critical evaluation of the synthesized new initiators of mono (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) diphenylphosphine oxide, and bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phenylphosphine oxide. The bis(acyl) phosphine oxide photoinitiator was more reactive than the mono-(acyl) phosphine oxide with methyl methacrylates under laboratory conditions. In exothermic reactions, temperatures rose higher and more rapidly for bis(acyl) phosphine oxide initiated reactions than mono-(acyl) phosphine oxide initiated reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A eutectic is formed from a mixture of two or more solids and has a melting point lower than that of each of its constituents. It is generally represented by a phase diagram where the liquid and solid phases impact upon each other with a value known as the eutectic point. In pharmaceuticals, poor water solubility is a major obstacle for releasing new dosage forms into the market. Eutectic formation overcomes these problems. Preparation of a phase diagram by Differential Scanning Calorimetry can determine eutectic properties, but it is tedious. A modified Van’t Hoff (VH) equation was used in this study. Devalina Law developed a dimensionless index for the VH equation. The difference in melting points of an excipient polymer and drug are divided by the slope of the VH equation. In previous studies, five excipient–drug compositions were evaluated. The final index relationship was in good agreement except for the salt, quinine sulfate. In order to test the validity of the VH index, further studies of PEG with acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen, diflunisal, dimenhydrinate, ketoconazole, and mefenamic acid were performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eugenol is an allyl chain-substituted guaiacol in the biosynthesized phenylpropanoid compound class derived from Syzygium aromaticum L. and widely used in folk medicine. Nonetheless, its pharmacological use is limited by some problems, such as instability when exposed to light and high temperature. In order to enhance stability, the eugenol molecule was structurally modified, resulting in eugenyl acetate. The eugenyl acetate’s thermal behavior and crystal structure was then characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and compared to a commercial sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal properties of verapamil hydrochloride (VRP) and its physical association as binary mixtures with some common excipients were evaluated. Thermogravimetry (TG) was used to determine the thermal mass loss, as well as to study the kinetics of VRP thermal decomposition, using the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa model. Based on their frequent use in pharmacy, five different excipients (microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and talc) were blended with VRP. Samples were prepared by mixing the analyte and excipients in a proportion of 1:1 (m/m). DSC curves for pure VRP presented an endothermic event at 143 ± 2 °C (ΔHmelt = 132 ± 4 J g−1), which corresponds to the melting (literature Tm = 143.7 °C, ΔHmelt = 130.6 J g−1). Comparisons among the observed results for each compound and their binary physical mixtures presented no relevant changes. This suggests no interaction between the drug and excipient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric Thermal Analysis (DETA) of drugs, proteins and amino acids reveals a strongly linear conductivity increase prior to and peaking at the melt, associated with dielectric viscoelastic properties of the material. Premelt onset and peak are shown to depend on thermal history. Comparisons of neat amino acid samples to samples heated to 150 °C; dried in a desiccator; or heated above their melting point and cooled show significant premelt and melt shifts. Melts are also correlated with phase transitions observed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Activation energies attributed to charging in the premelt for amino acids were typically 250 J/mole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eugenol is the main volatile compound extracted oil from clove bud, Syzygium aromaticum L., and used in traditional medicine, as a bactericide, fungicide, anesthetic, and others. Its extraction was performed using hydrodistillation which is the most common extraction technique. Its components and thermal behavior were evaluated using gas chromatography (GC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which provide a better characterization of these natural compounds. This extracted product was compared to the standard eugenol results. The GC results suggested ~90% eugenol was found in the total extracted oil, and some of its boiling characteristics were 270.1 °C for peak temperature and 244.1 J g−1 for the enthalpy variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term goal of this investigation is to study the effects of increased cholesterol levels on the molecular activity of membrane-bound enzymes such as nitric oxide synthase, that are critical in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. In this particular investigation, we used differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dielectric thermal analysis (DETA) to study the effect of added cholesterol on melting/recrystallization and dielectric behavior, respectively, of phosphatidylcholine (PC) bilayered thin films. We also used electrochemical methods to investigate the effect of added cholesterol on the redox behavior of the oxygenase domain of nitric oxide synthase as a probe embedded in the PC films. The results show that added cholesterol in the PC films seems to depress the molecular dynamics as indicated by lowered current responses in the presence of cholesterol as well as a slight increase of the transition temperature in the overall two-phase regime behavior observed in PC–cholesterol films. These results are rationalized in the context of the general DSC and DETA behaviors of the PC–chol films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This biomaterials overview for selecting polymers for medical devices focuses on polymer materials, properties and performance. An improved understanding of thermoplastics and thermoset properties is accomplished by thermal analysis for device applications. The medical applications and requirements as well as the oxidative and mechanical stability of currently used polymers in devices are discussed. The tools used to aid the ranking of the thermoplastics and thermosets are differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) as well as a number of key ASTM polymer tests. This paper will spotlight the thermal and mechanical characterization of the bio-compatible polymers e.g., olefins, nylon, polyacetals, polyvinyl chloride and polyesters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal analytical study of most hydrophobic and hydrophilic D/L amino acids reveals significant hydropathy index correlation between the presence of water and crystalline amino acids. The TG derivative mass profiles for arginine and lysine (hydrophilic acids) at various time intervals of atmospheric exposure, show two distinct peaks, one between 50 and 60°C (unbound water), and one close to 100°C (bound-like water). The DSC heat-cool profiles for lysine and arginine confirmed the presence of these multiple waters with two heats of vaporization. The absence of these patterns from the TG and DSC for cysteine and phenylalanine (hydrophobic acids) further supports the conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric analysis (DEA), supported by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD) and photomicrography, reveal the chiral difference in the amino acids. The acids are classified as dielectric materials based on their structure, relating chirality to the vector sum of the average dipole moment, composed of the constant optical (electronic) and infra-red (atomic) polarizabilities, as well as dipole orientation. This study encompasses 14 L-and D-amino acid isomers. Physical properties recorded include AC electrical conductivity, charge transfer complexes, melting, recrystallization, amorphous and crystalline phases, and relaxation spectra, activation energies and polarization times for the electrical charging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This project investigated the interaction between poly- L-lactic acid (PLLA) and several therapeutic agents. Low percentage crystallinity PLLA (melt-pressed, molded and drawn) was studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterize the crystallinity and thermal properties in a thermal cycling process. Repeatable melting and crystallization events were observed. The thermal properties of a drug-polymer combination using PLLA and an acidic, basic, neutral and zwitterionic material were investigated. A sufficient quantity of the drug must be present in the polymer to be observed thermally. Release of atropine sulfate from a PLLA tablet showed a two-phase process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhanced oil recovery process is based on the injection of chemical products (e.g. polymers, surfactants, gases) or thermal energy (originating from the injection of e.g. steam, hot water, in situ combustion) to recover crude oil. One of these processes use polymer solution to mobilize the oil in the reservoir. In this work the thermal decomposition kinetic of xanthan gum, guar gum and a blend (50/50 mass/mass%) was studied according to Ozawa–Flynn–Wall method. According to the kinetic analysis, the studied systems were copmpatible. The rheological behavior of the samples was studied in distilled water and seawater at different temperatures. Only the blend was studied in distilled water presented synergism (enhancement in material properties like stability and viscosity) which was confirmed through rheology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a thermal analytical tool for preformulation studies. Extrapolated melting temperature ( T P) and heat of fusion (Δ H f) can be used as parameters for optimizing the DSC performance. Two model pharmaceuticals acetaminophen and nicotinamide are used in this study. Using a factorial design for the experimental model and matrix analysis the results, the effect of sample mass, heating rate and the nitrogen flow rate were evaluated on the Δ H f values and T P values. Two levels for each of the procedural variables were used as a balanced experimental design with two sample sizes, two heating rates and two nitrogen flow rates. It was found that the change in the heating rate caused significant changes in the Δ H f values but not the T p values for acetaminophen. However, no significant effect was found for the T p value but Δ H f value was affected to a certain extent for nicotinamide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five poorly soluble drugs namely hydrochlorothiazide, menadione, propylthiouracil, quinine sulfate and sulfamerazine were used to evaluate the ability of an index (Ic) based on the van't Hoff equation to predict the eutectic composition at a higher heating rate than previously published. The term Ic is a dimensionless index which has been defined in the literature and is used to predict eutectic composition. This current work uses this study to determine if the correlation holds true at the higher heating rate of 10°C min-1. The maximum deviation was observed for quinine sulfate, for which the predicted eutectic composition was 10% lower than what was observed with the DSC. It can be concluded that the Index developed here has a good correlation with the experimentally determined eutectic composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a semi-crystalline, optically active, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymer that has been utilized extensively in biomedical applications as an implantable artificial cell scaffold material. In its crystalline form, PLLA is piezoelectric and it has been implicated in the enhancement of electromechanically induced osteogenesis in vivo. In its amorphous state, however, PLLA does not exhibit piezoelectricity. By uniaxially cold-drawing the polymer, PLLA can be endowed with varying degrees of piezoelectricity. It is important to understand the crystalline architecture of drawn PLLA so that the osteogenic potential imparted by piezoelectricity, if any, can be differentiated from the effects of sample crystallinity. In our work we investigate the induced crystallinity for samples of drawn PLLA at draw ratios between 1.0 and 5.5 by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). As long-range molecular ordering occurs along the draw axis, we observe an increase in the average percent crystallinity up to a draw ratio of 5.0 and a slight decrease at a draw ratio of 5.5. More importantly, we observe significant heterogeneity in the crystalline content along the draw axis of standard dumbbells cut from PLLA and cold-drawn to representative draw ratios of 2.5 and 4.0. On average, the highest percent crystallinity occurs nearest the dumbbell center, but the maximum crystallinity is independent of draw ratio. Therefore, the draw ratio should not be considered a semi-quantitative estimate of localized PLLA crystallinity and point-to-point analysis of crystallinity in PLLA samples is required for constructing scaffolds with enhanced cell growth properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to identify the degradative process which folic acid undergoes in the solid-state under thermal stress. In order to facilitate the process, the various pieces of the chemical structure, namely, p-amino benzoic acid, pterin and glutamic acid as both its d- and l-isomers were investigated as separate entities. These structured solid-state pieces were then compared to the composite solid state folic acid degradative curves in order to identify the peaks seen and provide direction for the interpolation of the degradative mechanism. It was observed that none of the structural pieces could be superimposed as assumed earlier and hence an attempt was made to identify the decomposition products using various analytical techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction which suggested that the glutamic acid fragment is lost first as evidenced by acid loss and amide enhancement in the IR spectra. The vitamin was ultimately degrading to carbon fragments and that further identification was not necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A family of single source precursors, for the spray chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of chalcopyrite thin films (CuInS2), has been synthesized in good yields (ca. 65%). Newly synthesized compounds include [{L}2Cu(SR)2In(SR)2], (R=alkyl, aryl; L=neutral donor ligand). The use of the single source precursors provides an attractive alternative over conventionally used multi-source precursors, which are often toxic, air sensitive and pyrophoric. However, it is desirable that these thin films be processed on flexible polymer substrates such as KaptonTM. Therefore, milder deposition temperatures are needed to maintain the structural integrity of the underlying polymer substrates. By selective manipulation of the steric and electronic properties of the precursor, milder processing temperatures may be employed, while mainting the desired stoichiometry of the deposited films. Elucidation of the structures have been confirmed by the use of NMR. Thermal analytical techniques, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG), have been employed to determine thermal profiles of each candidate compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is an optically active, biocompatible and biodegradable polymer that has been widely investigated as an artificial cell scaffold material. In its most crystalline form, PLLA is highly anisotropic and is one of the most piezoelectric polymers known. Conversely, amorphous PLLA exhibits little, if any, piezoelectric behavior. Compression molded PLLA films can be endowed with varying amounts of crystalline character and piezoelectricity by uniaxially stretching the polymer in a hot air bath. Understanding the precise crystalline architecture of PLLA that results from tensile drawing is important for constructing cell scaffolds that have highly tailored biodegradation and cell guiding properties. In our work here, we investigate the changes in the thermal properties of PLLA at draw ratios between 1.0 and 5.5 using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The crystallinity of the compression molded undrawn starting material is characterized using X-ray diffraction. Our DSC results show an increase in percent crystallinity with increasing draw up to a draw ratio of 4.0. At greater draw ratios, there is a decrease in the crystalline character exhibited by PLLA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snake skin is a viable and readily available material as a model for human skin. Pharmaceutical applications use shed snake skin to study the effects of sunscreens on exposure to UV radiation (e.g. benzophenone on Boa integument). In order to understand the effects of radiation or drug transport through this model skin, one must determine its basic physical properties. This preliminary study evaluated two types of snake skin, namely Cuban Boa a `dark' skin (Epicrates angulifer) and Green tree python a `light' skin (Morelia viridis). Previous studies by other investigators have used pig, rabbit and snake skin as a human skin substitute. The structure of both snake skins was comparable based on IR spectroscopy and were functionally amino acids and moisture. Photomicrography by light and scanning electron microscopy revealed strong anatomic similarities. Morphologically there were two structures visible, namely a cellular and hinge-fibrous area. The thermal techniques indicated a phase transition at 35-75°C, which is associated with lipid melting. There was an 8 and 12% mass loss for the light skin and dark skin, respectively, which is interpreted, in part, as moisture loss at <100°C. The physical and analytical properties establish a base line that will be used in the future to differentiate various sunscreen types, such as benzophenone and octyl salicylate. Study was also done to determine the effect of an application of a commercially available sunscreen using SEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at determining the kinetics of evaporation and establishing vapor pressure curves for both single and multi-component systems by thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Essential oils (e.g. lavender oil, orange oil, clove oil and eucalyptus oil, etc.) are typically multi-component systems consisting of various volatile pure components (e.g. linalyl acetate, limonene, cinnarnaldehyde, etc.) which resemble single component systems. In this study linalyl acetate was taken as the calibration compound for TG. The vapor pressure curves for the pure substances were plotted using TG and vapor pressure plots for clove oil and eucalyptus oil were constructed using DSC. The thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the pure compounds were compared to that of the multi-component systems to quantitatively and qualitatively measure the influence of different compounds on each other. The k-value from the vapor pressure data for linalyl acetate was calculated as 112006 Pa kg0.5 mol0.5 s-1 m-2 K-0.5. The vapor pressure values were used to determine the Antoine constants using the SPSS 10.0 software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A commercial set of polymers has been characterized by TG-DTA, DSC, TMA, FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Thermal and mechanical stability, as well as the polymer glass transition temperature, Tg, and melt temperature, Tm, have been documented. There is a good correlation between measured Tg and Tm values and published data. The degree of polymer crystallinity for polyethylene has been verified by XRD. The credibility and stability of these reference polymers is based on a comparison of their thermal properties, over a wide range of temperatures from two versions of a reference set, published in 1979 (A) and 1994 (B). The thermal properties and crystallinity of these polymers have stood the test of time and are reliable, readily available and consistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]