The large-scale processing of fruits and vegetables generates substantial quantities of peel waste; along with STL (Spent tea leaves) that remain underutilized despite their potential for conversion into value-added bioproducts. Tannaseis an industrially important enzyme widely applied in food and feed processing, beverage clarification, biochemical industries, and waste treatment. Commercial production of tannase predominantly relies on Submerged fermenta-tion, which involves high operational costs and energy demand. SSF (Solid-state fermentation) represents a cost-effective alternative; however, systematic studies integrating diverse food wastes, statistical optimization, and techno-economic validation remain limited. In particular, comparative evaluation of locally available agro-residues under optimized SSF conditions has not been adequately explored.
This study developed a sustainable and economically viable strategy for tannase production using Aspergillus niger under SSF with fruit and vegetable peels, STL, and wheat bran col-lected from local markets in Kolkata, India. Fermentation parameters; temperature, incubation time, and hydration ratio were initially optimized using a OFAT (One-Factor-At-A-Time) approach, followed by RSM (Response Surface Methodology) with CCD (Central Composite Design). Among the substrates tested, orange peel produced the highest tannase activity (0.0037 ± 0.00018 U/gds) at 30 °C, 9 days, and 1:3 [w/v] hydration ratio, followed by mango peel (0.0035 ± 0.00017 U/gds) and STL (0.0026 ± 0.00016 U/gds). Statistical optimization revealed significant variable interactions and achieved a 1.6-fold enhancement under optimal conditions (8 days, 26 °C, 1:1 hydration ratio; R² = 0.82, p < 0.05). A preliminary tech-no-economic analysis indicated nearly 14-fold cost reduction compared to market prices, demonstrating strong industrial potential.

Needle-free injection technology (NFIT) represents a novel approach for delivering medications without the use of conventional needles, offering a safer, faster, and more convenient alternative. NFIT encompasses a variety of delivery methods, including power sprays, inhalers, skin patches, and oral formulations, and can administer highly viscous or sensitive drugs that are difficult to deliver using traditional needle-syringe systems. These systems have the potential to improve patient compliance, reduce needle-stick injuries, and increase the coverage of mass vaccination programs, particularly in developing regions. Commercially available NFIT devices, such as Bioject®, ZetaJet™, and Vitajet, exemplify the diversity of current technologies, which are classified based on their mechanism of action, type of load, site of delivery, and mode of administration. Despite ongoing challenges related to device stability, safety, and cost, NFIT continues to evolve as a promising platform for painless, efficient, and effective drug delivery. This review highlights the principles, applications, and prospects of NFIT, emphasizing its potential to transform therapeutic administration and public health outcomes.

Metoprolol Succinate is a selective β1-adrenergic receptor blocker widely used in the management of hypertension, angina pectoris, heart failure, and other cardiovascular disorders [cite: 1]. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) of Metoprolol Succinate to achieve rapid drug release, faster onset of action, and improved patient compliance [cite: 2]. Tablets were prepared by the direct compression method using sodium starch glycolate (SSG) as a super disintegrant along with suitable excipients such as lactose and other directly compressible materials [cite: 3].
Preformulation studies indicated satisfactory flow properties of the powder blend with an angle of repose of 28.5°, Carr's index within acceptable limits, and a Hausner ratio of 1.18, confirming suitability for direct compression [cite: 4]. Eight formulations (F1–F8) were prepared by varying the concentration of super disintegrant for formulation optimization [cite: 5]. The prepared tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, thickness, weight variation, wetting time, disintegration time, drug content, and in-vitro dissolution study [cite: 6].
Among all formulations, F4 was selected as the optimized formulation because it showed the best balance between mechanical strength and rapid disintegration [cite: 7]. The optimized formulation exhibited acceptable hardness, friability below 1%, rapid disintegration, and excellent drug release of 99% within 30 minutes [cite: 8]. The enhanced dissolution profile was attributed to the rapid swelling and water absorption capacity of the super disintegrant [cite: 9]. The study concludes that Metoprolol Succinate ODTs prepared by direct compression provide rapid disintegration, improved dissolution characteristics, and better patient convenience, making them a promising alternative to conventional tablets [cite: 10].