Optimal ultrasonication process time remains constant for a specific nanoemulsion size reduction system

This paper theorizes the existence of a constant optimum ultrasound process time for any size-reduction operation, independent of process parameters, and dependent on product parameters. We test the concept using the case of ‘ultrasonic preparation of oil-in-water nanoemulsions’ as model system. The system parameters during ultrasonication of a hempseed oil nanoemulsion was evaluated by a response surface methodology, comprising lecithin and poloxamer-188 as surfactants. Results revealed that the particle size and emulsion stability was affected significantly (p < 0.05) by all product parameters (content of hempseed oil-oil phase, lecithin and polaxamer-surfactants); but was not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by process parameter (‘ultrasonication process time’). Next, other process parameters (emulsion volume and ultrasonic amplitude) were tested using kinetic experiments. Magnitude of particle size reduction decreased with increasing ‘ultrasonication process time’ according to a first order relationship, until a minimum particle size was reached; beyond which ultrasonication no longer resulted in detectable decrease in particle size. It was found that the optimal ultrasonication process time (defined as time taken to achieve 99% of the ‘maximum possible size reduction’) was 10 min, and was roughly constant regardless of the process parameters (sample volume and ultrasonic amplitude). Finally, the existence of this constant optimal ultrasonication process time was proven for another emulsion system (olive oil and tween 80). Based on the results of these case studies, it could be theorized that a constant optimum ultrasonication process time exists for the ultrasonication-based size-reduction processes, dependent only on product parameters.

Ultrasonic Preparation and Reactivity of 4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole Derivatives

: The regiospecific synthesis of 1H-pyrazole derivatives has been accomplished through the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of aryldiazoalkane to but-3-en-2-one. A convenient and inexpensive ultrasound-assisted preparation of cyclopropenes in good yields has been realized. The effect of solvent, ultrasonic power, frequency, reaction time and temperature of cyclopropenation were studied and the order of yield indicates Ultrasound, 25 KHz > Ultrasound, 40 KHz > conventional synthesis method.

Evaluation of Crack Formation and Propagation with Ultrasonic Root-End Preparation and Obturation Using a Digital Microscope and Optical Coherence Tomography

Objective. This study is aimed at determining (1) the effect of root-end resection, ultrasonic root-end preparation, and root-end filling on the incidence of crack formation and propagation by using a digital microscope (DM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) and (2) the performance of OCT on the detection of cracks by comparing with microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) as a reference standard. Methodology. Thirty extracted lower incisors were endodontically treated and subjected to root-end resection and ultrasonic root-end cavity preparation. Then, the teeth were divided into three groups (n=10, each), and the root-end cavity was either left unfilled or filled with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or super-EBA. The resected surface was observed with OCT and DM after the root-end resection, ultrasonic root-end preparation, and root-end filling, and the frequency of incomplete and complete cracks were recorded. The observation was repeated after two weeks, one month, and two months, and micro-CT scans after two months were taken as the gold standard. Results. The DM results show dentinal crack formation in 47% of the samples following root-end resection and in 87% following ultrasonic preparation. After the ultrasonic preparation, no existing crack propagated to a complete crack, but new cracks were formed. MTA and super-EBA had no effect on crack formation. The Spearman correlation coefficient between OCT and DM was 0.186 (very weak correlation; p=0.015). Sensitivity and specificity in comparison to micro-CT were 0.50 and 0.55 in OCT and 1.00 and 0.35 in DM, respectively. McNemar’s test showed a significant difference between OCT and DM (p<0.05). Conclusion. Apical resection and ultrasonic preparation could form dentinal cracks. OCT and DM showed different detection frequencies of cracks with very weak correlation. DM showed superior sensitivity compared with OCT.