Differential Scanning Calorimetry Analysis Research Articles

Mechanical and Thermal Characteristics of Films from Glycerol Mixed Emulsified Carnauba Wax/Polyvinyl Alcohol

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based films have drawn significant attention owing to their potential applications in various industries. The application of wax to PVA films enhanced their resistance to dissolution and water infiltration. Nevertheless, waxed PVA films often exhibit inadequate mechanical properties owing to crack formation. In this study, we evaluated the impact of glycerol as a plasticizer in varying concentrations of Carnauba wax (CW). The addition of glycerol to the PVA/CW blend led to enhanced mechanical properties compared to the blend without glycerol. The functional group and morphology of the blends confirm glycerol compatibility with PVA/CW films. Glycerol was fully dispersed to form a consistent polymer matrix and equally improved the film’s contact angle. Furthermore, the thermal property from differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis highlights the plasticizing effect of glycerol in PVA/CW films, potentially broadening their use in food packaging and wrapping applications.

Ferric Ions Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Beads: Potentials for Drug Delivery Use

ABSTRACT Introduction and purpose: Despite the attractive properties of hyaluronic acid (HA), The preparation of HA beads is still challenging. This article reports the preparation of pH-sensitive gel HA beads. The ionic gelation method was used to prepare the HA gel beads using ferric ions. This cross-linking type is based on forming coordination bonds, which enhance the mechanical properties of the prepared beads. Methods: The developed beads were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examined the bead's morphology. Furthermore, the potential of HA gel beads as an oral drug delivery system was investigated using metformin as a hydrophilic model drug. The entrapment efficiency and in vitro, release, and release kinetics were evaluated. The crosslinking density and HA concentration effect on drug release and bead swelling capacity under pH 1.2 and 7.4 were also investigated. Results: The entrapment efficiency of metformin in HA beads was found to be 79.56 ± 3.89%. FTIR analysis indicated the ionic interaction between ferric ions and the carboxylic groups on the HA molecule. At the same time, there was no substantial interaction between metformin and the polymeric bead. Morphological evaluation and DSC analysis suggested the successful incorporation of metformin within the beads. The in vitro drug release evaluation showed pH-dependent extended release where the release kinetics followed the first-order mathematical model. Conclusions: This study provides a value-added formulation with the potential for drug delivery use, which can be further investigated for biomedical applications.

Synergistic Effects of Silica and Absorbed Water on the Structure and Properties of Silica Composite Rubber.

To investigate the synergistic effects of silica and absorbed water on the structure and properties of a silica composite rubber (SCR) of cis-1,4-polyisoprene (PI), differential scanning calorimetry analyses were performed. The results show that the specific heat capacity and glass transition point of PI in SCR depend on the silica fraction. In addition, the properties of diffusion and absorption of water change with the silica fractions. The absorbed water exists as nanometer-sized droplets in the polymer networks and affects the glass transition point of PI. It is concluded that the composited silica and absorbed water in SCR exhibit synergistic effects on the structure and thermal properties of SCR.

Development of Mathematical Function Control-Based 3D Printed Tablets and Effect on Drug Release.

The application of 3D printing technology in drug delivery is often limited by the challenges of achieving precise control over drug release profiles. The goal of this study was to apply surface equations to construct 3D printed tablet models, adjust the functional parameters to obtain multiple tablet models and to correlate the model parameters with the in vitro drug release behavior. This study reports the development of 3D-printed tablets using surface geometries controlled by mathematical functions to modulate drug release. Utilizing fused deposition modeling (FDM) coupled with hot-melt extrusion (HME) technology, personalized drug delivery systems were produced using thermoplastic polymers. Different tablet shapes (T1-T5) were produced by varying the depth of the parabolic surface (b = 4, 2, 0, -2, -4mm) to assess the impact of surface curvature on drug dissolution. The T5 formulation, with the greatest surface curvature, demonstrated the fastest drug release, achieving complete release within 4h. In contrast, T1 and T2 tablets exhibited a slower release over approximately 6h. The correlation between surface area and drug release rate was confirmed, supporting the predictions of the Noyes-Whitney equation. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses verified the uniform dispersion of acetaminophen and the consistency of the internal structures, respectively. The precise control of tablet surface geometry effectively tailored drug release profiles, enhancing patient compliance and treatment efficacy. This novel approach offers significant advancements in personalized medicine by providing a highly reproducible and adaptable platform for optimizing drug delivery.

Fabrication and comprehensive evaluation of Zr-based bulk metallic glass matrix composites for biomedical applications

AbstractThe aim of this study is to fabricate Zr-based bulk metallic glass matrix composites (BMG-MCs) for biomedical usage and subject them to a comprehensive and farreaching analysis with respect to their mechanical properties, biocorrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and interactions with biofilms that all may arise from their chemical compositions and unusual disordered internal structure. In this study, we fabricate Zr40Ti15Cu10Ni10Be25, Zr50Ti15Cu10Ni10Be25, and Zr40Ti15Cu10Ni5Si5Be25 alloys and confirm their glassy matrix nature through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The mechanical properties, assessed via nanoindentation, demonstrate the high hardness, strength, and elasticity of the produced materials. Corrosion resistance is investigated in simulated body fluid, with Zr-based BMG-MCs exhibiting superior performance compared to conventional biomedical materials, including 316L stainless steel and Ti6Al4V alloy. Biocompatibility is assessed using human fetal osteoblastic cell line hFOB 1.19, revealing low levels of cytotoxicity. The study also examines the potential for biofilm formation, a critical factor in the success of biomedical implantation, where bacterial infection is a major concern. Our findings suggest, as never reported before, that Zr-based BMG-MCs, with their unique composite glassy structure and excellent physicochemical properties, are promising candidates for various biomedical applications, potentially offering improved performance over traditional metallic biomaterials.

Empirical, computational studies and non-covalent interactions analysis of a novel salt with cadmium transition metal precursor

In this research paper, (C3H5N2)6[CdCl4][CdCl6] was successfully synthesized using a slow evaporation process. The structure was confirmed through single-crystal X-ray crystallography, FT-IR, and thermal analysis. The material was found to crystallize in the tetragonal system (space group I41/a) and the following parameters a = b = 12.0872 (8) Å; c = 24.6985 (16) Å, the crystal packing shows parallel layers of cations and stacks of discrete anions positioned at y = 1/4 and 3/4. The junction between the monoprotonated imidazolium cations and the anions, along with the crystal structure stability, relies on Cl···H−N, and Cl···H−C hydrogen bonds. Computational investigations, conducted using the B3LYP method with 6–311++G(d,p) and LANL2DZ mixed basis set, demonstrated close alignment between the computed and the experimental data, providing insights into the material's geometrical and vibrational properties. The non-covalent interactions were studied through Atoms-In-Molecule (AIM) and Reduced Density Gradient (RDG) analysis and quantitatively using the Hirshfeld surfaces associated with 2D fingerprint plots. Furthermore, thermal stability was assessed through Thermogravimetric and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TG–DSC) analysis.

Sustainable Composites from Waste Polypropylene Added with Thermoset Composite Waste or Recovered Carbon Fibres

In order to limit the ever-increasing consumption of new resources for material formulations, regulations and legislation require us to move from a linear to a circular economy and to find efficient ways to recycle, reuse and recover materials. Taking into account the principles of material circularity and waste reuse, this research study aims to produce thermoplastic composites using two types of industrial waste from neighbouring companies, namely waste polypropylene (wPP) from household production and carbon-fibre-reinforced epoxy composite scrap from a pultrusion company. The industrial scrap of the carbon-fibre-reinforced epoxy composites was either machined/ground to powder (pCFRC) and used directly as a reinforcement agent or subjected to a chemical digestion process to recover the carbon fibres (rCFs). Both pCFRC and rCF, at different weight ratios, were melt-blended with wPP. Prior to melt blending, both pCFRC and rCF were analysed for morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The pCFRC powder contains epoxy resin fragments with spherical to ellipsoidal shape and carbon fibre fragments. The rCFs are clean from the matrix, but they are slightly thicker and corrugated after the matrix digestion. Further, the morphologies of wPP/pCFRC and wPP/rCF were also investigated by SEM, while the thermal behaviour, i.e., transitions and changes in crystallinity, and thermal resistance were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The strength of the interaction between the filler (i.e., pCFRC or rCF) and the wPP matrix and the processability of these composites were assessed by rheological studies. Finally, the mechanical properties of the systems were characterised by tensile tests, and as found, both pCFRC and rCF exert reinforcement effects, although better results were obtained using rCF. The wPP/pCFRC results are more heterogeneous than those of the wPP/rCF due to the presence of epoxy and carbon fibre fragments, and this heterogeneity could be considered responsible for the mechanical behaviour. Further, the presence of both pCFRC and rCF leads to a restriction of polymer chain mobility, which leads to an overall reduction in ductility. All the results obtained suggest that both pCFRC and rCF are good candidates as reinforcing fillers for wPP and that these complex systems could potentially be processed by injection or compression moulding.

Enhancing barrier properties of cellulose propionate films through the integration of ionic liquid: A study on water pressure resistance

This study pioneers the production of porous cellulose propionate (CP) films enhanced with tetrabutylammonium styrenesulfonate ([N4444][SS]), an ionic liquid, to bolster their resistance against water pressure. In contrast to polymer films with ionic liquids that have high moisture permeability, the CP/[N4444][SS] films exhibit remarkable water resistance even under 8 bar pressure. This is due to the physical cross-linking between the [N4444] ions and CP's polar groups, limiting CP chain mobility and thus reducing water interaction. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed these interactions, while scanning electron microscopy revealed a dense, unconnected porous structure. Thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analyses showed that adding [N4444][SS] increases the CP film's glass transition temperature, indicating enhanced thermal stability. Overall, the study demonstrates that integrating an ionic liquid into CP films significantly improves their barrier capabilities against water and pressure, which has broad implications for various industrial applications.

Synergistic effect of diatomaceous earth as a catalyst and terephthalic acid as a co-catalyst on chemical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate via hydrolysis

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most useful commodity polymers that have been used extensively in packaging and textile industry and hence it has become a concerning waste. In this work, diatomaceous earth (DE), terephthalic acid (TPA) and distilled water were used to hydrolyze PET waste from drinking water bottles into TPA and ethylene glycol (EG). TPA can be used as one of the monomers for the synthesis of PET or other industrial applications such as for the synthesis of alkyd resins. Here DE was used as a solid catalyst which can be separated by a simple filtration after the TPA removal, in contrast to the majority of earlier efforts, which used aqueous acid or base catalysts that are difficult to separate. Additionally, commercial TPA, which is used as co-catalyst, can easily be substituted by produced TPA from the PET hydrolysis. The conversion of PET and the yield of TPA, using 5.0 wt % of DE and 3.0 wt % of commercial TPA with a PET:H2O mass ratio of 1.0:3.0, at 185 °C and 11.2 bar was 100 % and 95.40 % respectively, obtained in 2.5 h. TPA product was isolated from the reaction mixture by basic wash and subsequent neutralization and it was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The effects of reaction parameters such as reaction temperature, reaction time, mass ratio of PET:H2O and the catalysts loading on the yield of TPA were studied. The optimized reaction was repeated over seven consecutive reaction cycles using recovered DE to further demonstrate the effectiveness of reused DE and it was found that the outcomes were unaltered. Due to DE's affordability and accessibility, this reaction is a green and convenient way to handle the staggering accumulation of PET waste.

Extraction of Soybean Oil with Pressurized Ethanol: Prospects for a New Processing Approach with an Analysis of the Physical Properties of Crude Oil and Implementation Costs through Scale-Up in an Intermittent Process

New environmentally friendly methods for extracting vegetable oils are in development, with a focus on pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) in an intermittent process. Ethanol, a renewable and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) solvent, is gaining prominence in this process. It is crucial for these methods to maintain the physicochemical characteristics of the extracted oils and be economically viable on a large scale. Using SuperPro Design software v 8.5, a simulation of PLE scaled up to industrial levels was conducted. Measurements of oils extracted with pressurized hexane and ethanol showed minimal density variations, with slightly higher viscosity for ethanol-extracted oil. Accelerated oxidative degradation revealed a longer induction period for hexane-extracted oil, indicating that ethanol-extracted oil degrades more easily. The antioxidant activity of the oil extracted with hexane was lower than that with ethanol. In the differential scanning calorimetry analysis, the oils extracted with hexane and ethanol presented onset melting point temperatures of −43.2 and −36.1 °C, respectively. The economic assessment considered 16 scenarios, showing a return on investment ranging from 9.0 to 133.5% in the first year and payback times from 0.7 to 11.1 years. Scenario 8, involving two 5000 L extractors, ethanol recycling, and an annual production of 3,325,300 L of soybean oil at USD 1.25/L, demonstrated the best return on investment (133.5%) in less than one year. Overall, this study suggests that industrial-scale soybean oil extraction via PLE in an intermittent process can be more cost-effective than conventional methods, making implementation feasible.

The Impact of Activated Carbon–MexOy (Me = Bi, Mo, Zn) Additives on the Thermal Decomposition Kinetics of the Ammonium Nitrate–Magnesium–Nitrocellulose Composite

This research investigates the impact of additives such as activated carbon (AC) combined with metal oxides (Bi2O3, MoO3, and ZnO) on the thermal decomposition kinetics of ammonium nitrate (AN), magnesium (Mg), and nitrocellulose (NC) as a basic AN–Mg–NC composite. To study the thermal properties of the AN–Mg–NC composite with and without the AC–MexOy (Me = Bi, Mo, Zn) additive, a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis was conducted. The DSC results show that the AC–MexOy (Me = Bi, Mo, Zn) additive catalytically affects the basic AN–Mg–NC composite, lowering the peak decomposition temperature (Tmax) from 534.58 K (AN–Mg–NC) to 490.15 K (with the addition of AC), 490.76 K (with AC–Bi2O3), 492.17 K (with AC–MoO3), and 492.38 K (with AC–ZnO) at a heating rate of β equal to 5 K/min. Based on the DSC data, the activation energies (Ea) for the AN–Mg–NC, AN–Mg–NC–AC, and AN–Mg–NC–AC–MexOy (Me = Bi, Mo, Zn) composites were determined using the Kissinger method. The results suggest that incorporating AC and AC–MexOy (Me = Bi, Mo, Zn) additives reduce the decomposition temperatures and activation energies of the basic AN–Mg–NC composite. Specifically, Ea decreased from 99.02 kJ/mol (for AN–Mg–NC) to 93.63 kJ/mol (with addition of AC), 91.45 kJ/mol (with AC–Bi2O3), 91.65 kJ/mol (with AC–MoO3), and 91.76 kJ/mol (with AC–ZnO). These findings underscore the potential of using AC–MexOy (Me = Bi, Mo, Zn) as a catalytic additive to enhance the performance of AN–Mg–NC-based energetic materials, increasing their efficiency and reliability for use in solid propellants.

Preparation and Characterization of Poly(lactic acid)-Based Poly(ethylene glycol) and Daphne Essential Oil-Loaded Smart Nanofibers for Thermal Protection.

Phase change material (PCM) stores latent heat energy, and poly(ethylene glycol) (Mw: 4000) (PEG 4000) is also a solid-liquid PCM. PEG and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) polymers are biodegradable. Essential oils are known as plant extracts with antimicrobial properties. In this study, daphne essential oil (DEO) obtained by the distillation method and PLA/PEG/DEO composite nanofibers were prepared by the electrospinning method with PLA, PEG 4000, and daphne (Laurus nobilis L.) essential oil in certain ratios (100/100/20, 100/120/20, and 100/150/20). DEO showed an antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. Thermal behaviors of the nanofibers were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Morphological features were observed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), crystal behavior by X-ray diffraction analysis, and molecular structures were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Essential oil composition was determined by GC-MS. The thermal decomposition temperatures of the nanofibers were found between 250 and 276 °C, and the latent heat storage energies of nanofibers were 69.06, 86.76, and 96.39 J g-1 at temperatures 59.0 and 54.37 °C. High PCM added fiber was observed as 182 nm diameter with 3.264 μm diameter spheres. The produced nanofiber matrix has the potential to be used in applications such as medicine, textile, and hot food logistics.

MUF-n-Octadecane Phase-Change Microcapsules: Effects of Core pH and Core-Wall Ratio on Morphology and Thermal Properties of Microcapsules.

Phase change energy storage microcapsules were synthesized in situ by using melamine-formaldehyde-urea co-condensation resin (MUF) as wall material, n-octadecane (C18) as core material and styryl-maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA) as emulsifier. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were used to study the effects of emulsifier type, emulsifier dosage, core-wall ratio and pH on the morphology and thermal properties of microcapsules. The results show that the pH of core material and the ratio of core to wall have a great influence on the performance of microcapsules. SMA emulsifiers and MUF are suitable for the encapsulation of C18. When the pH is 4.5 and the core-wall ratio is 2/1, the latent heat and encapsulation efficiency of phase transition reaches 207.3 J g-1 and 84.7%, respectively. The prepared phase-change microcapsules also have good shape stability and thermal stability.

Mechanical and Thermal Degradation-Related Performance of Recycled LDPE from Post-Consumer Waste.

This paper presents research aimed at laboratory experiments on static and cyclic fatigue testing of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) recovered from post-consumer waste in order to develop a recycled product exhibiting satisfactory mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties. The results of the cyclic fatigue tests set up to 80% of the maximum load in static tensile testing demonstrated satisfactory functionality of the recycled material developed by using the injection molding process. There was no significant change in the tensile strength under static and cyclic fatigue tests. Under cyclic loading, there was a quasi-static effect manifested by plastic deformation, and the displacement increased significantly. The static and cyclic tensile tests indicated improvement in the mechanical performance of the recycled LDPE as compared to the virgin material, owing to the high quality of the regranulates. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was conducted to analyze the functional groups in virgin and recycled LDPE samples. The analysis showed no significant change in the transmittance spectra. The thermal degradation performance was also analyzed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). The results were quite similar for both virgin and recycled LDPE.

Performance of Recycled Opaque PET Modified by Reactive Extrusion

A comparative study of the structural integrity of an opaque recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET-O) has been carried out with two types of modified rPET-O by applying reactive extrusion techniques, namely (a) using a multi-epoxide reactive agent (REx-rPET-O) and (b) a 90/10 (wt/wt) rPET-O/polycarbonate (PC) blend. The chemical modifications introduced during reactive extrusion were confirmed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rheological dynamic analysis (RDA). For the quantification of the fracture parameters, an instrumented pendulum impact testing machine was used using specimens in SENB configuration. The structural modifications generated during reactive extrusion promote an increase of between 16 (REx-rPET-O) and 20% (rPET-O/PC) in the stress-intensity factor (KQ) compared to unmodified rPET-O. The most significant differences between both modifications are registered in the “specific work of fracture” (wf) (alternative parameter to the standardized impact strength), where an increase of 61% is reached for the case of rPET-O/PC and only 11% for REx-rPET-O. This trend can be attributed to the type of reactive modification that is generated, namely chain branching (REx-rPET-O) vs. the generation of a random copolymer “in situ” (rPET-O/PC). This copolymer decreases the crystallization capacity and degree of crystalline perfection of rPET-O, promoting an increase in the critical hydrostatic stress conditions for the generation of crazing and crack propagation.

Preparation and study of properties of sorbents based on the fibrous waste of “Bombyx mori” natural silk

The work presents information on obtaining hydrolyzed fibroin powder with high sorption properties under the influence of ultra-high frequency rays from the fibrous waste of the silk industry in an acidic environment, as well as information on its composition, structure, and sorption properties. During the research, it was found that the formation of hydrolyzed fibroin powder is caused by the hydrolysis of alpha- and random chains of fibroin. In differential scanning calorimetry analysis, it was shown that hydrolyzed fibroin is thermally structurally stable up to 210 °C and capable of sorption of gold and silver ions in large quantities. Using the samples obtained by treating the hydrolyzed fibroin powders in different medium solutions, cottonseed oil was whitened, and the peroxide content of the oil was reduced from 12 mmol/kg to 2.2 mmol/kg. By lowering it to this point, it is possible to increase the oil's shelf life.

Effects of galactomannans of varied structural features on the functional characteristics and in vitro digestibility of wheat starch

This study explores the effects of four natural galactomannans (GMs) with varying degrees of branching (fenugreek gum, guar gum, tara gum and locust bean gum) on the functional properties and in vitro digestibility of wheat starch (WS). Results from rapid viscosity analysis (RVA) and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) analysis revealed that GMs with lower branching degrees were correlated with higher paste viscosity, peak viscosity, and greater water-holding capacity in the WS-GM mixtures. Additionally, these lower branching GMs more effectively inhibited amylose leaching during starch gelatinization, leading to a softer gel texture and increased transparency of the mixtures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis demonstrated that starch mixtures containing lower branching GMs exhibited reduced relative crystallinity and enthalpy values during aging. Furthermore, the incorporation of lower branching GMs resulted in decreased starch digestibility in vitro, thereby enhanced resistant starch content. These findings highlight the potential of selectively branched GMs to modulate the functional properties and nutritional profile of WS, providing a promising approach for the development of starch-based products with improved health benefits.

Characterization of Historical and Modern Leathers Using FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX, and Thermal Techniques

Abstract A comprehensive study was conducted on four aged leather pieces of British origin that were utilized in book binding, dating back to the period between 1832 and 1860. The objective of this study was to characterize the thermal, structural, and deterioration properties of these historical leather fragments. Additionally, this study included two newly acquired leather samples of Indian provenance, proposed as potential replacements for this historical leather. The investigative process employed Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Through the FTIR analysis, distinct spectral shifts were identified in the amide A band, indicating a disruption of hydrogen bonding within the aged leather. XRD diffractograms revealed the presence of amorphous phases in the aged leather specimens, signifying the deterioration of their triple helical structure. Notably, DSC analysis provided insight into the denaturation of the collagen-tannin matrix inherent to the historical leather, underlining the transformative effects of time on this intricate material composition. Under SEM analysis, cracks, fibre deterioration, and a general weakening in structural integrity were observed in the aged leather fragments. The EDX data identified one of the new leather samples as chrome-tanned, while the remaining samples exhibited characteristics consistent with vegetable-tanned leather.

Extrusion and Injection Molding of Polyethylene Loaded with Recycled Textiles: Mechanical Performance and Thermal Conductivity

The aim of this project was to assess the thermal conductivity of polyethylene (PE) filled with carbon black (CB), specifically for geothermal pipes. The project explored the potential modification of PE’s thermal conductivity by incorporating recycled textile fibers. Different types of shredded recycled fibers were tested, including two types of polyamide fibers with varying contaminations and one type of polyester fiber. Following several preparation steps, various composite materials were manufactured and compared to bulk PE using various testing methods: Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis (DSC), mechanical testing (flexural and tensile), and laser flash analysis (LFA). The results revealed alterations in the mechanical properties of the composite materials in comparison to PE filled with CB. The LFA tests demonstrated the effectiveness in reducing polymer thermal diffusivity at higher temperatures, particularly when the material was loaded with recycled polyester fillers.

A potential cocrystal strategy to tailor in-vitro dissolution and improve Caco-2 permeability and oral bioavailability of berberine

Berberine hydrochloride (BER), a promising candidate in treating tumors, diabetes and pain management, has relatively low oral absorption and bioavailability due to its low intestinal permeability. To address these challenges, we developed a BER and lornoxicam cocrystal (BLCC) by a solvent evaporation method and characterized it using X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Compared with BER, BLCC exhibited an instant release in pH 1.0 HCl and a sustained release up to 24 h in pH 6.8 buffer solutions and water. The Caco-2 permeability of BLCC has shown a remarkable increase compared to that of BER (i.e., Papp(a→b): 50.30 × 10-7vs 8.82 × 10-7 cm/s), which is attributed to the improved lipophilicity of BER (i.e., log P: 1.29 vs −1.83) and the reduced efflux amount of BER (i.e., ER: 1.71 vs 12.11). Furthermore, BLCC demonstrated a relative bioavailability of 410 % in comparison to the original BER, due to notably enhanced intestinal permeability of BLCC and its continuous dissolution in simulated intestinal fluid. BLCC has the potential to tailor the dissolution behavior, improve intestinal permeability, and boost the bioavailability of BER. This indicates that the cocrystal strategy holds promise as an effective approach to improving the oral absorption and bioavailability of active pharmaceutical molecules with low permeability during drug development.