Total drug quantification in prodrugs using an automated elemental analyzer

An analytical characterization study on biofuel obtained from pyrolysis of Madhuca longifolia residues

The current study focuses on examining the characteristics of biofuel obtained from the pyrolysis of Madhuca longifolia residues, since the selected forest residue was primarily motivated by its greater volatile matter content. The study used several analytical techniques to describe pyrolysis oil, char, and gas obtained from slow pyrolysis process conducted between 350 and 600 °C in a fixed-bed reactor. Initially, the effect of process temperature on product distribution was assessed to motivate maximum pyrolysis oil yield and found to be 44.2 wt% at pyrolysis temperature of 475 °C, while the yields of char and gas were 22.1 wt% and 33.7 wt%, respectively. In order to determine the suitability of the feedstock, the Madhuca longifolia residues were analyzed by TGA and FT-IR, which revealed that the feedstock could be a feasible option as an energy source. The characterization of pyrolysis oil, char, and gas has been done through various analytical methods like FT-IR, GC-MS, and gas chromatography. The physicochemical characteristics of the pyrolysis oil sample were examined, and the results showed that the oil is a viscous liquid with a lower heating value than conventional diesel. The FT-IR and GC-MS analysis of pyrolysis oil revealed the presence of increased levels of oxygenated chemicals, acids, and phenol derivatives. The findings of the FT-IR analysis of char indicated the existence of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. The increased carbon content in the char indicated the possibility of using solid fuel. Gas chromatography was used to examine the chemical structure of the pyrolysis gas, and the results showed the existence of combustible elements.

Quantitation of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients in Polymeric Drug Products Using Elemental Analysis

Polymeric prodrugs have gained significant popularity as a strategy to enhance the bioavailability and improve the pharmacokinetic properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). Since the amount of the API in a polymeric prodrug product directly impacts both safety and efficacy, there is a pressing need for robust and accurate analytical methods to quantify the API in these formulations. Presently, drug quantification methods include reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC)-based molecular weight determination. Even though these methods are highly precise and reproducible, a deep understanding of chromatography is required for complex method development, including optimization of the elution profile and selecting the appropriate column and mobile phase. In this chapter, we introduce the automated elemental analyzer for drug quantification, which is simple to use and does not require special method development.

Challenges in the development of nanoparticle-based imaging agents: Characterization and biology

Despite imaging agents being some of the earliest nanomedicines in clinical use, the vast majority of current research and translational activities in the nanomedicine field involves therapeutics, while imaging agents are severely underrepresented. The reasons for this lack of representation are several fold, including difficulties in synthesis and scale-up, biocompatibility issues, lack of suitable tissue/disease selective targeting ligands and receptors, and a high bar for regulatory approval. The recent focus on immunotherapies and personalized medicine, and development of nanoparticle constructs with better tissue distribution and selectivity, provide new opportunities for nanomedicine imaging agent development. This manuscript will provide an overview of trends in imaging nanomedicine characterization and biocompatibility, and new horizons for future development. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > in vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Regulatory and Policy Issues in Nanomedicine.