Roberto Russo

Engineering poly(ethylene oxide) buccal films with cyclodextrin: a novel role for an old excipient?

Inspired by the multiple roles cyclodextrins can play in polymeric systems, here we engineered poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) films with (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (CD) as multipurpose ingredient. To shed light on the potential of CD in formulating PEO buccal films for the delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs, we preliminarily assessed thermal and mechanical properties as well as wettability of films prepared at different PEO/CD ratios. PEO/CD platform containing 54% by weight of CD was chosen as the optimized composition since it matched acceptable mechanical properties, in terms of tensile strength and elasticity, with a good wettability. The platform was tested as buccal delivery system for triamcinolone acetonide (TrA), a lipophilic synthetic corticosteroid sparely water soluble. Confocal Raman imaging clearly showed that CD was homogeneously (i.e. molecularly) dispersed in PEO. Nevertheless, homogenous drug distribution in the film without TrA crystallization occurred only in the presence of CD. Finally, CD-containing PEO film placed in simulated buccal fluids provided a useful speed-up of TrA release rate while showing slower dissolution as compared to PEO film. These results, as well as compliance with quality specifications of pharmaceutical manufacturing products, strongly support the soundness of the strategy and prompt toward further applications of PEO/CD films in buccal drug delivery.

Evaluation of Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz meal as an alternative protein source in ruminant rations

BACKGROUNDnCamelina sativa (CS) is an oilseed crop used for biofuel production. By-products from oil extraction are high in protein and can be used in ruminant rations; more information about their nutritive value is required also considering the antinutrional factor content of the by-products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of CS meal genotypes in comparison with canola.nnnRESULTSnTen CS genotypes and one canola cultivar were evaluated. Meals were obtained from seeds after solvent oil extraction. CS average crude protein (CP) content (gu2009kg⁻¹ dry matter) was 457. Numerical differences in lysine and sulfur amino acid content were observed among CS genotypes. Glucosinolate (mmolu2009kg⁻¹) content was higher for CS (23.1) than canola (7.2). Sinapine content (gu2009kg⁻¹) was lower for CS (2.79) than for canola (4.32). Differences were observed among CS genotypes for rumen undegraded protein (RUP). Average RUP (gu2009kg⁻¹ CP) was 316 for CS and 275 for canola.nnnCONCLUSIONSnCS meal has potential for use in ruminant rations as a high-quality protein source. In vivo studies are needed to compare CS with other protein sources used in cattle rations. Implementation of breeding programs for improved meal quality is recommend.

Variability in Seed Traits in a Collection of Cannabis sativa L. Genotypes

The seed of Cannabis sativa L. is an expanding source of proteins and oil for both humans and animals. In this study, the proximate composition of a collection of hemp cultivars and accessions of different geographical origins grown under the same conditions for 1 year was analyzed in order to identify potential accessions to improve hemp cultivars. Fatty acids, tocopherols, and antinutritional components, as well as concentrations of crude protein and oil were quantified. The seed oil concentrations varied between 285 and 360 g kg−1 dry seed (DS), while crude protein ranged between 316 and 356 g kg−1 dry matter (DM). The seed oil was mainly composed of unsaturated fatty acids and, as expected, the dominant fatty acids were linoleic and α-linolenic acid. A high variability among the cultivars and accessions was also detected for polyphenolic content which ranged from 5.88 to 10.63 g kg−1 DM, cv. Felina was the richest, whereas cv. Finola had the lowest polyphenolic content. Regarding antinutritional compounds in seed, a high variability was detected among all genotypes analyzed and phytic acid was particularly abundant (ranging between 43 and 75 g kg−1 DM). In conclusion, our results reveal noticeable differences among hemp seed genotypes for antinutritional components, oil and protein content. Collectively, this study suggests that the hemp seed is an interesting product in terms of protein, oil and antioxidant molecules but a reduction of phytic acid would be desirable for both humans and monogastric animals. The high variability detected among the different genotypes indicates that an improvement of hemp seed might be possible by conventional and/or molecular breeding.

Biochemical Seed Traits of Camelina sativa – An Emerging Oilseed Crop for Biofuel: Environmental and Genetic Influences

Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) is an attractive alternative and sustainable oilseed crop for multipurpose uses, including as a biofuel feedstock. To evaluate the value of C. sativa in Lombardia (north Italy), seven genotypes were cultivated under different climates of two consecutive years and growing seasons; quality and quantity of seed, oil, and flour were analyzed. Genotypes mainly influenced seed weight (0.98–1.56 g/1000 seeds), protein (245-401 mg/g), glucosinolates, and phytic acid. Oil content (27.5%–37.2%) and fatty acid (FA) composition varied with year and growing season among genotypes. Oils were rich in linolenic and linoleic acids (68.4%–80.8%). The monounsaturated acids ranged from 16.4%–25.6%, although erucic acid was much lower at 4.30%. Saturated FAs represented a small fraction. Low free FAs content (0.01%–0.81%) and different amounts of tocopherols (0.44-2.69 μg/mg) in oils depended on years. Correlations among seed and biochemical traits were found. Genotypes with low protein and high phytic acid contents would not be the best for flour quality. Genotypes showing high levels of protein and C18:3/C18:2 fatty acids ratio could be useful for humans and livestock. Genotype with relatively high C18:1 fatty acid content can be used mainly for biofuel production. Altogether, the data indicated that C. sativa cultivation could be promoted as an economically profitable oilseed crop in north Italian environments.

Antioxidants in flour of the oilseed crop Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz

Forty-seven accessions of Camelina sativa (L.) Crants (41 spring and 6 winter forms) were analyzed for antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoids and proanthocyanidins. The antioxidant activity (AA%) was high in camelina accessions and with a significant variability among accessions and between spring and winter forms. The highest antioxidant activities have been observed in some spring accessions (CAM35, CAM173 and CAM268). TPC was high in camelina and significantly different among accessions. Antioxidant activity resulted highly correlated with TPC, while no correlation was observed with flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents. Significant variability was observed among accessions but not between groups (winter and spring) for flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents. These two classes of compounds showed a significant inverse correlation between them suggesting that their synthesis is in competition. The camelina cake can enrich the animal diet of antioxidant compounds (phenolics) and some spring accessions are more promising for future breeding programs.

Measurement of Selective Solar Absorbers Emission and Absorption Coefficients under High Vacuum

Total absorption and emission coefficients of selective solar absorbers are measured under high vacuum conditions from room temperature up to stagnation temperature. Results are useful to determine evacuated solar panel performances in operating conditions.