Terpyridine Based Heteroleptic Ruthenium Complexes: Influence of Donor and Acceptor Ligands in Photosensitization

We report heteroleptic ruthenium complexes of terpyridine (tpy) ligands with directly linked carboxylic acid anchors. These complexes feature methyl or methoxy-substituted ^4′−Phtpy as donor ligands. We prepared these heteroleptic complexes from the ruthenium (II) precursor via a milder route to preclude the homoleptic complex formation. The donor−acceptor arrangement of tpy ligands in these ruthenium complexes renders visible light absorption giving metal and ligand-to-ligand charge transfer excitations at c.a. 490 nm. We evaluate the effect of the tpy donor substituents on the light-harvesting ability in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) and compare their photosensitizing ability with heteroleptic complexes bearing phenyl spacer at the acceptor end. Further, scrutinizing their photovoltaic performance, we studied their electron transfer kinetics in DSSCs using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This paper presents the structure-photosensitization relationship of these heteroleptic ruthenium complexes through a combined experimental and computational approach.     

Simulation of particle/fluid flows in vertical circular pipes

A two fluid continuum model is applied to the simulation of steady fully developed particle/fluid flow in a vertical circular pipe. Both closed form and numerical solutions are obtained to the associated governing equations. These solutions are compared to the predictions of another two fluid continuum model. These comparisons are used to illustrate the differences in the predictions of two widely used models, even in the fundamental problem of steady flow in a circular pipe.     

Formulation performance window for manufacturing cellulose-based sustained-release mini-matrices of highly water-soluble drug via hot-melt extrusion technology

The aim of the proposed work was to develop robust hot-melt extrusion (HME) process for fabricating sustained-release mini-matrices (pellets) of a highly water-soluble drug, tramadol hydrochloride. The current work was designed to identify a formulation window with target functional performances such as streamlined processability and sustained-release profile with alcohol-resistant properties. HME was used to perform screening tests of various drug loadings and excipients to determine the acceptable limit of each independent component (critical material attributes, CMAs) in the Design of Experiment (DoE). It was observed that the ratio of hydrophobic (ethyl cellulose, EC; Compritol^® ATO 888, C888) to hydrophilic (hydroxypropyl cellulose, HPC) components were critical factors evaluated using DoE. The processing temperature (105–175 °C) was identified as a critical process parameter. FTIR chemical imaging was used to assess the drug-matrix interaction, confirming a homogeneous drug distribution inside the polymer-lipid matrix system. SEM analysis and FTIR results were also in close agreement. Finally, a feasible formulation window containing EC, C888, and HPC in the ratios of 40:20:10 with the desired quality target product profile was successfully developed. Hydroalcoholic dissolution studies revealed safe and sustained-release of tramadol that resisted drug release variations for the first few hours in alcohol. The developed mini-matrices followed the Peppas–Sahlin model indicating a combination of Fickian diffusion and swelling mechanisms. Herein we conclude, a successful blueprint technology for the development of alcohol-resistant mini-matrices of tramadol hydrochloride via HME to provide once-a-day therapy for pain management, consequently reducing the dosing frequency.

Graphical abstract