Modified celluloses improve the proofing performance and quality of bread made with a high content of resistant starch

BACKGROUND

Adding resistant starch (RS) to bread formulations is a promising way of increasing fiber content of white bread. However, the partial replacement of wheat flour (WF) by RS can lead to a decrease in technological quality. The objective of this study was to analyze the performance of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose as improvers of wheat bread with a high level of replacement (30%) with maize RS. The levels of the modified celluloses were 1% and 1.5% (WF + RS basis), and a formulation without modified celluloses was used as control. Proofing time, loaf volume, crumb characteristics (porosity, texture), and bread staling parameters (hardness increase, moisture loss), among other attributes, were analyzed, and principal component analysis was applied to compare samples.

RESULTS

The use of both modified celluloses was effective in improving the quality of breads. Specific volume and crumb porosity were enhanced, particularly at the 1.5% level. Breads with modified celluloses also allowed a higher retention of water and a better preservation of mechanical properties during storage. The principal component analysis projection graph for the first two principal components showed that samples with modified celluloses were clustered by the level of hydrocolloid addition rather than by the type of hydrocolloid used, although all the samples with modified celluloses were close to each other and distant from the control sample without hydrocolloids.

CONCLUSION

The quality decrease resulting from the replacement of WF by a high level of RS can be greatly compensated by the use of structuring agents such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

The influence of hyaluronan addition on thickness, weight, uniformity of mass and water content of mucoadhesive films

Characteristics of the buccal mucoadhesive films (film thickness, film weight, uniformity of mass and moisture content) prepared by solvent casting method were tested in this experimental study. The formulations consisted either of one mucoadhesive polymer (sodium hyaluronate of two different molecular weights and sodium carboxymethylcellulose) or combinations thereof. On the basis of the aforementioned tests, it was determined that water content was influenced by the molecular weight of sodium hyaluronate as well as by the ratio of mucoadhesive polymers in the composition. The composition of the films influences also other tested parameters.Key words: buccal mucoadhesive films solvent casting method sodium hyaluronate sodium carboxymethylcellulose water content.

Synthesis and characterization of carboxymethyl cellulose from office waste paper: a greener approach towards waste management

In the present study, functionalization of mixed office waste (MOW) paper has been carried out to synthesize carboxymethyl cellulose, a most widely used product for various applications. MOW was pulped and deinked prior to carboxymethylation. The deinked pulp yield was 80.62 ± 2.0% with 72.30 ± 1.50% deinkability factor. The deinked pulp was converted to CMC by alkalization followed by etherification using NaOH and ClCH2COONa respectively, in an alcoholic medium. Maximum degree of substitution (DS) (1.07) of prepared CMC was achieved at 50 °C with 0.094 M and 0.108 M concentrations of NaOH and ClCH2COONa respectively for 3h reaction time. The rheological characteristics of 1-3% aqueous solution of optimized CMC product showed the non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behavior. Fourier transform infra red (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) study were used to characterize the CMC product.

Preparation and evaluation of carriers for detection of cholinesterase inhibitors

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to use methods of pharmaceutical technology, and prepare carriers in the form of pellets suitable as a filling of detection tubes for enzymatic detection of cholinesterase inhibitors. The enzymatic detection was based on enzymatic hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine iodide and the subsequent colour reaction of its hydrolysis product with Ellman's reagent. The suitable carriers should be in the form of white, regular and sufficiently mechanically resistant particles of about 1 mm allowing it to capture the enzyme during the impregnation process and ensuring its high activity for enzymatic detection.

METHODS

Carriers consisting of microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, povidone, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose were prepared using extrusion-spheronization method under three different drying conditions in either a hot air oven or a microwave oven. Subsequently, the carriers were impregnated with acetylcholinesterase and their size, shape, mechanical resistance, bulk, tapped and pycnometric density, Hausner ratio, intraparticular and total tapped porosity, and activity were measured and recorded.

RESULTS

In this procedure, carriers with different physical parameters and different acetylcholinesterase activity were evaluated. It was found that higher acetylcholinesterase activity was associated not only with a higher intraparticular porosity but also with more regular particles characterized by high sphericity and low total tapped porosity.

CONCLUSION

This unique finding is important for the preparation of detection tubes based on enzymatic detection which is still irreplaceable especially in the field of detection and analysis of super-toxic cholinesterase inhibitors.

α-(1 → 3)-D-glucans from fruiting bodies of selected macromycetes fungi and the biological activity of their carboxymethylated products

PURPOSE OF WORK

To show biological activity of carboxymethylated α-(1 → 3)-D-glucans isolated from the selected macromycetes fungi on human tumor and normal cells. Water-insoluble, alkali-soluble polysaccharides (WIP) were isolated from fruiting bodies of four macromycetes fungi: Lentinus edodes, Pleurotus ostreatus, Piptoporus betulinus and Laetiporus sulphureus. The structure of the polysaccharides was determined using composition analysis, methylation analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The chemical and spectroscopic investigations indicated that the polysaccharides were an α-(1 → 3)-D-glucans. A biological activity analysis of the carboxymethylated (CM) α-(1 → 3)-D-glucans was based on an assessment of their cytotoxic, mitochondrial metabolism-modulating, and free radical scavenging effects. The cytotoxic activity of the CM-glucans was concentration- and cell-type-dependent. The tested CM-glucans, generally, did not have a free radical scavenging effect. The CM-α-(1 → 3)-D-glucans isolated from the selected macromycetes fungi are biologically active and may therefore be used as diet or therapy supplements.

Influence of carboxymethyl cellulose for the transport of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in clean silica and mineral-coated sands

The transport properties of titanium dioxide (anatase polymorph) nanoparticles encapsulated by carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were evaluated as a function of changes in the solute chemical properties in clean quartz, amorphous aluminum, and iron hydroxide-coated sands. While pristine anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (ANTNPs) were completely immobile, the presence of CMC significantly enhanced their mobility. The magnitude of the surface charge exhibited by the CMC-coated anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (CMC-ANTNPs) significantly exceeded that of the uncoated ANTNPs, thereby leading to a negative surface charge over the pH range investigated (2-10). The mobility of CMC-ANTNPs was retarded by the presence of amorphous Fe and Al hydroxide, Na+ (30 mM), and Ca2+ (30 mM). Removal of CMC-ANTNPs was more significant in the presence of either Ca2+ or Fe-hydroxide. More retardation and incomplete breakthrough of the CMC-ANTNPs was observed in the mineral-coated sands. This is possibly due to an order of magnitude increase in the surface area of mineral-coated sands compared with the clean quartz sand grains and the potential for chelation between CMC bound to ANTNPs and Fe and Al hydroxides. Chemical-colloidal interactions such as chemicomplexation and ligand exchange were the most important factor controlling mobility of CMC-ANTNPs in mineral-coated sands.

Differentiation of carbohydrate gums and mixtures using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics

Guar gum, a nonionic galactomannan, is used as an economical thickener and stabilizer in the food industry and is often combined with xanthan, locust bean gum (LBG), or carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to promote synergistic changes in viscosity or gelling behavior via intermolecular interactions; however, the adulteration of LBG with guar gum is a well-known industrial problem. The ability to identify the purity of gums and concentrations of individual gums in mixtures would be advantageous for quality control in the food industry. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) methods are rapid and require minimum sample preparation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the ability of FTIR techniques to (1) differentiate LBG with a variety of mannose/galactose (M/G) ratios, (2) differentiate guar, LBG, tara, and fenugreek gums, (3) differentiate pure guar gum from guar gum mixed with LBG, xanthan gum, or CMC, (4) quantify LBG, xanthan gum, and CMC in guar gum, and (5) quantify guar gum in LBG. Two FTIR methods were used: diffuse reflectance (DRIFT) on powdered gum samples added to KBr at 5%, w/w, and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) on 1%, w/w, gum solutions. Spectra were collected and then analyzed by multivariate statistical procedures (chemometrics). The DRIFT method provided better discrimination and quantitative results than the ATR method. Canonical variate analysis (CVA) of DRIFT spectra (1200-700 cm(-1)) was able to classify LBG with various M/G ratios, pure galactomannans, and pure versus mixtures of gums with 100% accuracy. Quantification of an individual gum in gum mixtures (0.5-15%, w/w) was possible using partial least-squares (PLS) analysis of DRIFT spectra with R2 > 0.93 and using this approach for quantifying guar gum added to LBG resulted in an R2 > 0.99, RMSEC = 0.29, and RMSEP = 3.31. Therefore, the DRIFT FTIR method could be a useful analytical tool for quality control of select gums and gum mixtures used in the food industry.

Volatile flavor analysis and sensory evaluation of custard desserts varying in type and concentration of carboxymethyl cellulose

The influence of type and concentration of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) on flavor and textural properties of custard desserts was examined. A synthetic strawberry flavor mixture was used to flavor the custards; it comprised 15 volatile flavor compounds. The viscosity of the custards was determined using rheometric measurements. Static headspace gas chromatography and in-nose proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry analyses were conducted to determine the custards' volatile flavor properties. Perceived odor, flavor, and textural properties were assessed in sensory analysis experiments using magnitude estimation against a fixed modulus. Both type and concentration of CMC altered the viscosity of the custards. Softer custards had higher static headspace flavor concentrations. On the contrary, firmer custards demonstrated higher in-nose flavor concentrations. In sensory analysis, firmer custards showed higher thickness and lower sweetness intensities than their low-viscosity counterparts. The thickness perception corresponded to the viscosity of the custards. Removal of sucrose from the custards affected sweetness intensity only and not the intensity of other attributes. Therefore, the influence of the viscosity of the custards on the release of sweet-tasting components is held responsible for the effect on perceived sweetness intensity. Odor intensities were generally higher for the low-viscosity custard, whereas fruity flavor intensities were higher for the firmer custards. Odor intensities correlated with static headspace concentrations and flavor intensities related reasonably well with in-nose concentrations. Opening and closing of the nasal cavity is regarded as an important factor determining the discrepancy between static and in-nose measurements.

Analysis of gums by capillary electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence

Gums were derivatised with the fluorescence reagent, 9-aminopyrene-1,4,6-trisulfonic acid followed by microcentrifuge filtration. The resulting high mass fractions were analysed by capillary electrophoresis (CE) on a polyacrylamide coated capillary with laser induced fluorescence (LIF) detection. A wide pH range of electrolytes was used to study the influences on the electrophoretic mobilities and on the peak shapes of the gums. In this way, the separation of a mixture of five commercial gums, namely iota carrageenan, kappa carrageenan, alginic acid, xanthan and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), could be achieved at pH 3.2 with a 25 mmol/L trisodium citrate buffer. It is also shown that a mixture of Arabic gum, Karaya gum and CMC could be separated at pH 7.8 in a similar buffer.

Antimicrobial properties of silver-containing wound dressings: a microcalorimetric study

The studies reported here have been undertaken to assess the potential use of isothermal microcalorimetry in studying the antimicrobial efficacy of wound dressings that contain antimicrobial agents. The microcalorimetric technique allows non-invasive and non-destructive analysis to be performed directly on a test sample, regardless of whether it is homogeneous or heterogeneous in nature. Microcalorimetry is an established procedure that offers quantitative measurements and has the distinct advantage over traditional antimicrobial test methodologies in that calorimetric measurements are made continuously over real-time, thus the dynamic response of microorganisms to an antimicrobial agent is observed in situ. The results described in this paper are for interaction of two silver-containing wound care products AQUACEL Ag Hydrofiber (ConvaTec, Deeside, UK) and Acticoat 7 with SILCRYST (Smith and Nephew Healthcare, UK) with the wound pathogenic organisms Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Both dressings are shown, microcalorimetrically, to have the capacity to kill these common wound pathogens within 1-2 h of contact. A dose-response study was conducted with the AQUACEL Ag dressing. Microcalorimetry is shown to be rapid, simple and effective in the study of the antimicrobial properties of gel forming wound dressings.

Sample preparation effects in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry of partially depolymerised carboxymethyl cellulose

Sample preparation effects in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) of partially depolymerised carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) have been investigated. The depolymerisation was either enzymatic or acidic. Fractions of enzymatically depolymerised CMC were collected from size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and further investigated by MALDI-TOFMS. 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid was used as matrix, dissolved in H(2)O due to the poor solubility of CMC in suitable organic solvents. The samples were dried by two methods, in ambient atmosphere and at reduced pressure. Under reduced pressure the sample spot homogeneity increased. This drying method, however, produced additional adduct peaks in the mass spectra originating from ion exchange on the CMC oligomers. Analysis of CMC could be performed in both negative and positive ion modes. Mass discrimination and variation in ionisation efficiency were demonstrated by comparing mass spectra with SEC data. Measurements of the degree of substitution (DS) were performed on three CMCs with different DS values, which were depolymerised in trifluoroacetic acid. The three CMCs were easily distinguished from one another, but the obtained DS values deviated from the values supplied by the manufacturer.

Possibilities for recycling cellulases after use in cotton processing: part II: Separation of cellulases from reaction products and released dyestuffs by ultrafiltration

The adsorption and activity of a total cellulase (Trichoderma reesei) was measured and compared on undyed and dyed cotton fabrics. Recovery of enzymes from the reaction mixture and by desorption from the cotton substrate was evaluated. About 80% of the initial protein could be recovered. The removal of released products (soluble reducing sugars and dyes) from the treatment liquor and subsequent concentration of cellulase proteins was performed using an ultrafiltration membrane. Strong protein-dye interactions made it impossible to separate efficiently the dyes from the enzyme-containing treatment liquors. The use of surfactants did not enhance cellulase desorption from cotton fabric. Although anionic surfactants have a deactivating effect on cellulases, this effect seems to be reversible, since after ultrafiltration the cellulase activity was similar to that of enzymes desorbed with buffer only. Humicola insolens cellulases were shown to be much more sensitive to anionic surfactant than T. reesei cellulases. The use of cellulases that bind reversibly to cellulose is suggested for achieving more efficient cellulase recycling and for reducing backstaining by dye-cellulase complexes.

Possibilities for recycling cellulases after use in cotton processing: part I: Effects of end-product inhibition, thermal and mechanical deactivation, and cellulase depletion by adsorption

Preliminary recycling experiments with cellulase enzymes after cotton treatments at 50 degrees C showed that activity remaining in the treatment liquors was reduced by about 80% after five recycling steps. The potential problems of end-product inhibition, thermal and mechanical deactivation, and the loss of some components of the cellulase complex by preferential and or irreversible adsorption to cotton substrates were studied. End-product inhibition studies showed that the build-up of cellobiose and glucose would be expected to cause no more than 40% activity loss after five textile treatment cycles. Thermal and mechanical treatments of cellulases suggested that the enzymes start to be deactivated at 60 degrees C and agitation levels similar to those used in textile processing did not cause significant enzyme deactivation. Analysis of cellulase solutions, by fast protein liquid chromatography, before and after adsorption on cotton fabrics, suggested that the cellobiohydrolase II (Cel6A) content of the cellulase complex was reduced, relative to the other components, by preferential adsorption. This would lead to a marked reduction in activity after several treatment cycles and top-up with pure cellobiohydrolase II would be necessary unless this component is easily recoverable from the treated fabric.

Chemical and topographical analyses of dentine surfaces after Carisolv treatment

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to characterise the surface chemistry of cavities after chemomechanical caries excavation, and also to measure the surface topography after caries removal with Carisolv or burs, followed by acid etching.

METHODS

Fourier transform (FT)-Raman spectroscopy was used to study the relative amounts of organic material and minerals of sound enamel, dentine, and cavities, after caries excavation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) were used for detection of Carisolv substances (i.e. mainly sodium hypochlorite, amino acids, and the gelling agent carboxymethyl cellulose). In total, 19 carious and 11 sound extracted teeth were used for the chemical analyses. Topographic examination of 30 carious extracted teeth was performed with a contact profilometer.

RESULTS

The relative amounts of organic material and minerals did not significantly differ between sound dentine and the cavities after caries removal with burs or Carisolv. The FTIR analyses indicated extremely small amounts of Carisolv substances at the cavity surface, but the LA-ICP-MS analyses did not confirm those findings. Furthermore, the topographical parameters did not significantly differ between etched cavities after caries removal using burs or Carisolv.

CONCLUSIONS

The chemical and topographical analyses in the present study imply that any differences between the cavities after caries excavation with burs or with Carisolv are insignificant.

Enantioselective stabilization of inclusion complexes of metoprolol in carboxymethylated beta-cyclodextrin

The inclusion complexes of metoprolol (MT) and carboxymethyl-beta-cyclodextrin (CMCD) were prepared and the stability constants of the complexes were determined. Binding studies performed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), UV spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis (CE) indicated that a complex with 1:1 stoichiometry is predominant in the solution. The enantiomers of MT possess relatively high affinity towards CMCD with stability constants of 288 and 262 per M for (R)- and (S)-MT, respectively. Through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, MT was predicted to be a bent structure with phenyl ring of MT inserted in the shielding cavity of CMCD during complex formation. The NMR data suggested that the chiral side chain and the methoxyethyl moiety of MT are aligned in the deshielding zone, above and below the CMCD torus ring.

Enantiomer separation by capillary electrophoresis utilizing carboxymethyl derivatives of polysaccharides as chiral selectors

Enantiomer separations of various drugs by capillary electrophoresis (CE) were investigated utilizing carboxymethyl (CM) derivatives of some polysaccharides. Three types of CM-polysaccharides, namely CM-dextran, -amylose and -cellulose were employed as chiral selectors in the CE enantiomer separation. Capability of enantiomer separation by these CM-polysaccharides was compared with that by polysaccharides without CM residues (i.e. native or neutral polysaccharides). Among three selectors employed, CM-dextran and -cellulose showed a relatively wide capability of enantiomer separation. Modification of polysaccharides seems to lead to the enhancement of the capability of enantiomer separation. Degree of substitution greatly affected the capability of enantiomer separation of these polysaccharide derivatives as in the beta-cyclodextrins derivatives.

The effect of refrigeration on the osmolality and pH of nonpreserved artificial tears containing carboxymethylcellulose

INTRODUCTION

Nonpreserved artificial tears (NPAT) are a recommended treatment for dry eye. The manufacturers' instructions state to discard the container after initial opening and use. Some clinicians advocate the use and storage of NPAT in a zip-lock bag in a refrigerator for up to 12 h. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether refrigeration of opened NPAT over a 12-h period had any effect on the pH or osmolality.

METHODS

Forty individual carboxymethylcellulose NPAT samples were used in this study. The initial osmolality and pH of each sample were measured with a vapor pressure osmometer and electronic pH meter. The samples were refrigerated (4 degrees C) in closed zip-lock plastic bags for 12 h. After storage, the pH and osmolality of the samples were measured. The data were statistically analyzed for significant differences using a paired t-test.

RESULTS

The mean initial pH and osmolality before refrigeration were 6.46 pH units and 304.10 mmol/kg, respectively. After refrigeration, the mean pH was 6.44 units, and mean osmolality was 305.87 mmol/kg. Paired t-tests revealed a nonsignificant difference (p > 0.05) for both pH and osmolality.

CONCLUSION

Refrigeration of opened carboxymethylcellulose NPAT stored in closed zip-lock plastic bags does not have a significant effect on the osmolality or pH of the solution. Storage of NPAT containing carboxymethylcellulose is an acceptable practice with regards to stability of pH and osmolality.

Alteration of the fiber and lipid components of a defined-formula diet: effects on stool characteristics, nutrient digestibility, mineral balance, and energy metabolism in humans

Eighteen healthy males with a body weight of 70.0 +/- 3.1 kg consumed three defined-formula diets that varied only in their fiber and/or lipid components: 1) 6.4% fiber (100% soy polysaccharides) and 13.1% lipid [50% medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCTs), 40% corn oil, and 10% soy oil]; 2) 3.4% fiber (75% oat fiber, 17.5% gum arabic, and 7.5% carboxymethylcellulose) and 15.6% lipid (20% MCTs, 50% canola oil, and 30% high oleic acid safflower oil); and 3) 4.4% fiber (same as diet 2) and 14.5% lipid (same as diet 1). Consumption of diet 2 resulted in slightly firmer stools and provided the greatest amount of fecal output per unit fiber intake. Total dietary fiber (TDF) digestibility was lowest for men fed diets 2 and 3, but nitrogen and lipid digestibilities and energy metabolism criteria were not different among diets. Although mineral excretion patterns differed among treatments, fiber and lipid components of the diets appeared not to be responsible for these differences. Results indicate that fecal output can be maintained with a lower intake of a blend of oat fiber, gum arabic, and carboxymethylcellulose compared with soy polysaccharides. Except for TDF digestibility, alteration of amounts and/or sources of fiber and lipid components of defined-formula diets used in this experiment did not alter nutrient digestibility, energy metabolism, or mineral retention.

Quantification of hydrogen peroxide generation by Granuflex (DuoDERM) Hydrocolloid Granules and its constituents (gelatin, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and pectin)

The hydrogen peroxide generating capacity of Granuflex Hydrocolloid Granules and its constituents (porcine gelatin, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and pectin) was examined using the scopoletin-horseradish peroxidase assay in the presence and absence of catalase. Oxygen purging reduced the formation of hydrogen peroxide by 77-96%. The total concentrations of hydrogen peroxide detected were 1.9 x 10(-6), 1.2 x 10(-6) and 2.3 x 10(-6) mol/l for Granuflex, pectin and gelatin (using 0.5% w/v), respectively, after 48 h incubation in a phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, at 37 degrees C. No hydrogen peroxide was formed by sodium carboxymethylcellulose. The results indicate that hydrogen peroxide generation by Granuflex may be ascribed to its gelatin and pectin components, but not to the sodium carboxymethylcellulose. The release of low levels of hydrogen peroxide into the wound environment could conceivably contribute both to the inflammatory phase and to fibroblast proliferation, and hence to the granulation phase of wound healing.

Cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose as a carrier for dissolution rate improvement of drugs

The dissolution rate is often the limiting step in gastrointestinal absorption of water insoluble drugs from solid oral dosage forms. The aim of this work was to use a swellable polymer chosen among superdisintegrants, for improving the dissolution rate of a sparingly soluble drug, loaded on its surface. Nifedipine, which has a very low water solubility, was chosen as a model drug, while cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Ac-Di-Sol) was chosen as the swellable polymer. The Nifedipine/Ac-Di-Sol systems were prepared using two different techniques: evaporation and spraying; in some preparations polyethylene glycol (PEG 1500), or sucrose palmitate (Sucrodet), or dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (Aerosol OT) were added. The results of the dissolution tests showed that the dissolution rate of Nifedipine from the systems prepared increases, particularly in the case of the preparation composed of Ac-Di-Sol plus surfactant agents.

Determination of carboxymethyl-D-glucoses in the product of hydrolytic depolymerization of carboxymethylcellulose by isotachophoresis

Optimal conditions for isotachophoretic separation of carboxymethyl-D-glucoses formed by acidic depolymerization of carboxymethylcellulose were found. 6-O-carboxymethyl-D-glucose, 2-O-carboxymethyl-D-glucose and 3-O-carboxymethyl-D-glucose were identified and determined in the reaction mixture after carboxymethylcellulose hydrolysis. Relative reactivity of hydroxy groups in the glucopyranose unit of cellulose decreased in the following order: O(6)H greater than O(2)H much greater than O(3)H. This was found to be in agreement with the data published by other authors.

Identification of polysaccharides in pharmaceuticals by capillary gas chromatography

A sensitive method for the identification of polysaccharides in pharmaceuticals is described. Polysaccharides are isolated by gel filtration and subsequently hydrolysed. The monomeric carbohydrates obtained are transformed into oxime-trimethylsilyl derivatives and analysed by capillary gas chromatography. Profiles of 13 different natural or semi-synthetic polysaccharides are discussed. The profiles of the hydrolysis products can be used to identify the polysaccharides mentioned above. Possible interferences by other polymers are given. The method can be used to identify most polysaccharides used as pharmaceutical adjuvants.

Thixotropic behavior of a microcrystalline cellulose-sodium carboxymethylcellulose gel

An extensive study has been made of the thixotropic behavior of a microcrystalline cellulose-sodium carboxymethylcellulose gel (2% weight) and of its modification due to physical factors such as agitation time, duration of storage at rest, and temperature. An empirical function, giving thixotropic area variation rate as a function of agitation time, was obtained and found to be practically independent of storage time.

Characterization of sodium carboxymethylcellulose-gelatin complex coacervation by chemical analysis of the coacervate and equilibrium fluid phases

The complex coacervation of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) and gelatin has been characterized by chemical analyses of the coacervate and equilibrium fluid phases. The phenol-sulphuric acid (for SCMC) and Lowry (for gelatin) assays were used. Chemically analysed coacervate yield was used to predict optimum coacervation conditions, which occurred at a SCMC-gelatin mixing ratio of 3:7 at pH 3.5. The effects of pH, colloid mixing ratio and total colloid concentration on coacervate yield and composition were studied. The colloid mixing ratio, at which the peak coacervate yields occurred varied with coacervation pH. Increase in the total colloid concentration suppressed coacervation, resulting in a coacervate of higher water content. A similar coacervation mechanism was seen for two viscosity grades SCMC. However, because of the different degree of substitution of these two grades the SCMC-gelatin coacervates had different SCMC contents.

Characterization of sodium carboxymethylcellulose-gelatin complex coacervation by viscosity, turbidity and coacervate wet weight and volume measurements

A sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) and gelatin coacervation system has been evaluated and characterized and the effects of pH and colloid mixing ratio on the coacervation process investigated. The colloid mixing ratio at which optimum coacervation occurred varied with the coacervation pH. A viscometric investigation of various isohydric SCMC-gelatin mixtures was used to predict optimum conditions for complex coacervation. Optimum coacervation occurred at pH 3.5 at a SCMC-gelatin weight ratio of 3:7 for the SCMC complex coacervation system. Turbidity data confirmed these viscometric results. Coacervate wet weight and volume measurements could not be used to predict optimal coacervation conditions due to changes in the coacervate morphology with mixing ratio. At pH values where coacervation did not occur, the viscosity showed unexpected positive deviations from additive behaviour.

Rheology of fluoride gels

A number of fluoride gels containing a hydroxyalkyl cellulose thickening agent show non-Newtonian rheological behavior in the form of stress thinning (apparent viscosity decreasing with shear rate). Viscosities of 450 to 780 poise at low rates of shear down to 1.0 to 2.0 poise at high rates of shear were obtained. The effect of temperature on viscosity was comparatively small. One gel, containing a noncellulosic thickening agent showed a much more pronounced stress thinning (7,500 poise at low rates). Furthermore, at low rates of shear this material showed pronounced elastic behavior. This may well be clinically advantageous.