Xylene is a hydrophobic and aromatic organic compound widely used as a solvent in various industries and medical technologies. While its use is of a practical and economic significance, it is also considered as a highly toxic compound and a severe source of pollution, especially when it is discharged into nature. The aim of our study was to contribute toward xylene biodegradation using microorganisms that belong to the Streptomyces group. These microorganisms have been subject of an increasing interest in basic research and in biotechnology applications. Our current research is primarily focused on the biodegradation and removal of xylene using free and immobilized Streptomyces sp. AB1 strain, isolated from the Mitidja plain soils (north of Algeria). The follow up of xylene removal kinetics showed higher elimination rates in medium containing xylene as the sole source of carbon (200 and 300 mg l⁻¹). Biodegradation percentage varies between 80 and 99%. GC spectra showed changes during incubation time which is an indication of a microbial attack. Production of biodegradation metabolites was also detected in the medium. In a similar way, the Streptomyces sp. AB1 strain was encapsulated in sodium alginate beads, the result of these investigation shows high xylene removal rate (90%) from contaminated water and that Streptomyces sp. AB1 can regenerate sodium alginate beads without loss of sorption capacity.

Although niflumic acid (NA) is one of the most used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it suffers from poor solubility, low bioavailability, and significant adverse effects. To address these limitations, the complexation of NA with cyclodextrins (CDs) is a promising strategy. However, complexing CDs with low molecular weight drugs like NA can lead to low CE. This study explores the development of inclusion complexes of NA with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (2HP-β-CD), including the effect of converting NA to its sodium salt (NAs) and adding hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) on complex formation. Inclusion complexes were prepared using co-evaporation solvent and freeze-drying methods, and their CE and Ks were determined through a phase solubility study. The complexes were characterized using physicochemical analyses, including FT-IR, DSC, SEM, XRD, DLS, UV-Vis, ¹H-NMR, and ¹H-ROESY. The dissolution profiles of the complexes were also evaluated. The analyses confirmed complex formation for all systems, demonstrating drug–cyclodextrin interactions, amorphous drug states, morphological changes, and improved solubility and dissolution profiles. The NAs-2HP-β-CD-HPMC complex exhibited the highest CE and Ks values, a 1:1 host-guest molar ratio, and the best dissolution profile. The results indicate that the NAs-2HP-β-CD-HPMC complex has potential for delivering NA, which might enhance its therapeutic effectiveness and minimize side effects.