Choline salicylate 16% / Glycerol 12.62% ear drops

This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of choline chloride: glycerol-based natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) as a plasticizer, NADES extract (NADESext) of lavender as both plasticizer and active ingredient, as well as the lyophilized extract (LE) of lavender at different concentrations (0.5 %, 1 %, and 2 %) on the physical, mechanical, optical, thermal, barrier, morphological, and antioxidant properties of pectin films. The properties of the films were compared to those of the neat pectin film and the film plasticized with glycerol. The addition of plasticizers and LE increased thickness, water vapor permeability, and elongation at break values of the films while decreasing tensile strength and young modulus. Pectin films plasticized with glycerol, NADES, and NADESext had a similar color property but a lower opacity. The use of LE decreased lightness and increased opacity compared to the films with plasticizers. The addition of plasticizers revealed a smoother surface than neat pectin film while LE triggered the formation of agglomerates on the films. Changes in the FTIR spectra of the films showed some interactions between pectin and polyphenols in LE. The plasticizers had an insignificant effect on the antioxidant capacity of films whereas LE improved antioxidant capacity depending on the concentration. In conclusion, the results suggested that pectin films with NADES and LE could be beneficially used to improve antioxidant packaging technology along with acceptable mechanical properties.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

The molecular distribution at the liquid–vapor interface and evolution of the hydrogen bond interactions in mixtures of glycerol and choline chloride are investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. Nanoscale depth profiles of supersaturated deep eutectic solvent (DES) mixtures up to ∼2 nm measured by ambient-pressure XPS show the enhancement of choline cation (Ch+) concentration by a factor of 2 at the liquid–vapor interface compared to the bulk. In addition, Raman spectral analysis of a wide range of DES mixtures reveals the conversion of gauche-conformer Ch+ into the anti-conformer in relatively lower ChCl concentrations. Finally, the depletion of Ch+ from the interface (probing depth = 0.4 nm) is demonstrated by aerosol-based velocity map imaging XPS measurements of glyceline and water mixtures. The nanostructure of liquid–vapor interfaces and structural rearrangement by hydration can provide critical insight into the molecular origin of the deep eutectic behavior and gas-capturing application of DESs.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Bio-based plastics made of food-safe compostable materials, such as thermoplastic starch (TPS), can be designed into films that have potential to replace many non-biodegradable single-use plastic (SUP) items. TPS film characteristics, such as elongation at break and tensile strength, are largely affected by the choice of the plasticizers used in formulation. Our work identifies the mechanical properties and the chemical structural differences between TPS films made with two different plasticizer mixtures that have not yet been compared alongside one another: deep eutectic solvent choline chloride/urea (1:2) (CC:U) and glycerol with an acetic acid catalyst (AA:G). Potato-based TPS samples were formed by mixing each plasticizer with a consistent amount of potato starch and distilled water with heat. After gelation formation, the viscous TPS mixture was centrifuged to degas and extruded. Films were dried at controlled room temperature. Characterization included the tensile testing of coupons according to ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) standard D638, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), melting point (MP), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The AA:G films displayed significantly higher tensile strength (M = 2.04 ± 1.24 MPa) than the CC:U films (M = 0.18 ± 0.08 MPa); however, the CC:U films had higher elongation at break (M = 47.2 ± 3.6%) than the AA:G films (M = 31.1 ± 12.6%). This can be explained by the difference in functional groups, composition, and the degree of crystallinity evidenced by the FTIR, XRD, MP, and SEM results. Our findings suggest that potato-based TPS films with an AA:G plasticizer mixture hold promise for SUP applications that require more strength, while CC:U films may be more suited for wraps and bags that require flexibility. These innovations can aid to mitigate the environmental impact of harmful plastic waste.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are commonly used in pharmaceutical applications as excellent solubilizers of active substances. This study investigated the tuning of ibuprofen and ketoprofen solubility utilizing DESs containing choline chloride or betaine as hydrogen bond acceptors and various polyols (ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol) as hydrogen bond donors. Experimental solubility data were collected for all DES systems. A machine learning model was developed using COSMO-RS molecular descriptors to predict solubility. All studied DESs exhibited a cosolvency effect, increasing drug solubility at modest concentrations of water. The model accurately predicted solubility for ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and related analogs (flurbiprofen, felbinac, phenylacetic acid, diphenylacetic acid). A machine learning approach utilizing COSMO-RS descriptors enables the rational design and solubility prediction of DES formulations for improved pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract licence: CC BY