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Herein we report the successful fabrication of highly flexible, reversibly stretchable, transparent, and conductive poly­(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite (NC) films with a hydrophobic surface by reinforcing varying amounts, viz., 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 wt %, of calcium zincate (Ca0.2Zn0.8O) nanofillers. The developed nanocomposite films show appreciable UVA screening efficacies as established by a novel (UV-transillumination studies) method. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies reveal a positive interaction between PVA matrix and incorporated nanofiller, while scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies support uniform filler dispersions. The electronic spectral studies substantiate the changes in electronic band structure of composite films leading to appreciable changes in the optoelectronic properties. The fluorescent emission studies reveal dopant-dependent photonic emissions, while the dielectric properties, such as dielectric constant (ε′) and dielectric loss (ε″), increase with an increase in filler volumes up to an optimal filler fraction (2 wt % of Ca0.2Zn0.8O) owing to the segmental motion of polymer chains in addition to interfacial polarization associated with multicomponent systems. The developed films with excellent optoelectronic properties alongside appreciable flexibilities and stretchabilities aid their applications as multifunctional UVA shielding polymeric composites with enhanced photoconductivities.

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The present study envisages the preparation of microspheres containing indomethacin (IM) as model drug and bees wax as carrier, and to compare the in vitro release and pharmacokinetics of prepared IM formulation with commercially available oral formulation MicrocidSR. The microsphere formulations were prepared by meltable emulsified dispersion and cooling induced solidification. Surface morphology of microspheres has been evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM images revealed the spherical shape of microspheres and more than 98.0% of the isolated microspheres were in the size range 115-855 mum. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy studies indicated that the drug after encapsulation with bees wax was stable and compatible. A single dose randomized complete cross over study of IM (75 mg) microspheres was carried out on 8 healthy Albino sheeps. Plasma IM concentrations and other pharmacokinetic parameters obtained were statistically analyzed. The T (max), C (max), AUC(O-24) and T (1/2) values of MicrocidSR and optimized formulation were 3.0 h, 2038 +/- 51.31 ng/ml, 9528 +/- 129.65 ng/ml h(-1), and 2.59 +/- 0.02 h(-1); and 3.2 h, 1940 +/- 22.61 ng/ml, 8751 +/- 41.32 ng/ml h(-1), and 2.68 +/- 0.02 h(-1), respectively. Beeswax microspheres showed controlled release and it can be concluded that both the prepared formulation and MicrocidSR are bioequivalent.

Background: Systemic drug delivery in schizophrenia is a major challenge, owing to the Blood-brain Barrier (BBB) and P-glycoprotein related effects. Consequently, herein an attempt is made to systemically deliver the most desirable schizophrenia drug, Quetiapine Fumarate (QF) via non-invasive intranasal route using Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (NLC) approach. Materials and Methods: The desired QF loaded NLCs were developed using central composite statistical design and the developed formulations were monitored for improving QF bioavailability and their brain targeting efficacies. Results: The optimized formulation displayed a 2-fold increase (compared to virgin QF) in ex-vivo nasal diffusion at the 6 th hr, with no sign of structural damage (upon histopathological examinations). While, QF blood-brain ratio showed 10-fold increase for NLCs administered through nasal route (in comparison to intravenous route), thereby supporting prolonged retention of QF at the site of action. Similarly, the concentration of QF (in the brain) delivered via nasal route exhibited 4-fold increment at all-time points thereby supporting a potential nose to brain transport and effective bypassing of BBB. Conclusion: The results obtained infers that non-invasive intranasal route can be used as a potential alternative to conventional treatment options towards efficient management of schizophrenia.