Polyterephathalamide microcapsules were prepared by interfacial polycondensation reaction between diamino acids and a diacid chloride, the formulation conditions were optimized by varying parameters like mode of emulsification, time of emulsification, concentration of emulsifying agent, time of polymerization and phase volume ratio till microcapsules of desired particle size range were obtained. These microcapsules are suggested as carriers for the anticancer drug, 5-Fluorouracil, for the purpose of drug targeting.

Adhesive matrix patches containing estradiol and oleic acid (as skin permeation enhancer); and Eudragit matrix patches containing triacetin and citric acid were prepared and evaluated in terms of their uniformity, skin irritation and in vitro skin permeation. The adhesive matrix patches caused only “very slight reddening� of rabbit skin which was less as compared to marketed control, Adhesive Tape, U.S.P., which caused moderate to severe reddening. The Eudragit matrix patches caused “very slight to well defined erythema�. The in vitro skin permeation rates of estradiol through guinea-pig skin form both adhesive matrix and Eudragit matrix patches were faster than from the reservoir type Estraderm® patch.

Partially purified acylase from Xanthomonas compestris (X, compestris) catalyzed the condensation of 7-amino des acetoxy cephalosporanic acid (7-ADCA) and D(-) alpha amino phenyl glycine to form cephalexin. At pH 6.2, 46% of 7-ADCA was converted to cephalexin in 45 minutes. Immobilization of this enzyme, by initial adsorption on bentonite followed by entrapment in alginate beads, helped to stablize the enzyme and rendered the biocatalyst reusable.

Lupeol was isolated form the petroleum ether fraction of ethanol extract of the leaves of ixora coccinea (Fam.Rubiaceae). Pharmacological studies showed that lupeol is having anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced paw oedema in albino rats and anti-mitotic activity in a preliminary cytotoxic study using the “Allium test� of Leavan.

Some new 1-[(3,4-dihydro-3-oxo-2H-1, 4-benzoxazin-2yl) acetyl]-3, 4-disubstituted pyrazoles (II) and 1-[(3,4-dihydro –3-oxo-2H-1, 4- benzoxazin – 2yl)-3-methyl pyrazolin-5-ones (III) have been synthesized and tested for their (II) antimicrobial activity. Some of the exhibit a significant antimicrobial activity, compound lla has been found to possess antihistaminic activity.

The ethanol extract of Amoora rohituka stem bark showed Cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cell lines derived from human mammary adenocarcinoma with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 30 m/ml, but with no activity against HEp-2 from a tummour of the larynx.

Cellulose acetate microcapsules of indomethacin and diclofenac were prepared by emulsification – coacervation (Ec) and emulsification-solvent evaporation (ESE) methods. Microcapsules prepared by ESE method were denser, less permeable, and showed slower release than those prepared by EC method. In both the cases drug release depended on wall thickness and size of the microcapsules and followed first order kinetics.