Antisolvent Method Research Articles

Characterization of pectin-zein nanoparticles encapsulating tanshinone: Antioxidant activity, controlled release properties, physicochemical stability to environmental stresses

Tanshinone compounds, natural antioxidants found in the roots of Salvia subg Perovskia plants, offer various health benefits and can serve as natural food additives, replacing synthetic antioxidants. In this study, the nanoparticles were created using the antisolvent method, which were then evaluated for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties, as well as their ability to release tanshinone and withstand environmental stress. The results of the study demonstrated a significant improvement in the antioxidant capabilities of tanshinone with the nanoparticle coating. The T/Z/P NPs exhibited enhanced tanshinone release under simulated gastrointestinal conditions compared to T/Z nanoparticles. These nanoparticles displayed remarkable stability against fluctuations in environmental pH and thermal conditions. The study also revealed that the critical flocculation concentration of the system was 0.5 M of salt. Furthermore, the T/Z/P NPs showed good stability during storage at 4°C for 30 days, making them an excellent candidate for use in various food products.

Biopolymer/tannic acid-based nanocomposites system: Stability enhancement of nobiletin

Based on self-assembly coatings guided by hydrogen bonding interaction, nobiletin (NOB)-loaded nanocomposites could be synthesized by the anti-solvent method. In this work, we fabricated controllable nanoaggregates with desired properties from molecular building blocks governed by tannic acid (TA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), selected as the wall materials for embedding NOB. From the results, TA/PEG coating was regulated by the pH conditions, temperatures, and the proportion of coating materials, further affecting the stability of the whole nanocomposite system. Eventually, the optimized samples demonstrated stability for at least 30 days, which was characterized as high-loading efficiency and sustained release properties in-vitro digestion experiments. Taken together, this study paves a new facile stabilization strategy for overcoming some bottlenecks in the storage and treatment of hydrophobic substances, which is expected to facilitate the rational design of polyphenol-based systems with potential in biomedical and environmental applications.

Lignin nanoparticle as a vehicle to load, release, and improve the stability and antioxidant activity of curcumin: Comparison between dropping and pouring regimes

Curcumin (Cur) was loaded in lignin nanoparticles (LNP) via an antisolvent method by pouring (P-) and dropping (D-) regimes, respectively, and Cur-loaded LNP (Cur/LNP) were comparatively characterized. The results indicated that P-Cur/LNP (62–92 nm) was much smaller than D-Cur/LNP (134–139 nm). For both regimes, their maximum loading efficiencies were comparable (91 ± 3%), while dropping regime (236.2 mg/g) demonstrated a higher loading capacity than pouring regime (174.6 mg/g). In both regimes, Cur was loaded in an amorphous form via the hydrophobic, hydrogen-bonding, and π-π interactions with lignin matrix and it demonstrated a controlled release in in vitro digestion test. In comparison, Cur in D-Cur/LNP showed higher stabilities against photodegradation, thermal treatment, and 30-d storage than that in P-Cur/LNP, while P-Cur/LNP concluded a higher antioxidant activity than D-Cur/LNP. The present findings attested that LNP was a valuable tool to stabilize and controlled release of lipophilic phytochemicals as well as improve their bioactivities.

Application of Anti-Solvent Crystallization for High-Purity Potash Production from K-Feldspar Leaching Solution

Potassium-containing feldspars provide a high potential for producing potash, a product with widespread use in agriculture. The present work assesses applying the anti-solvent crystallization method for the purification and recovery of high-purity muriate of potash (KCl) from feldspar leaching solutions. Initially, screening experiments were carried out on a synthetic leaching solution with the aim of analyzing the crystallization behavior of key components. Screening experiments were performed using five anti-solvents, namely methanol, ethanol, acetone, 2-propanol, and ethylene glycol. Acetone and 2-propanol were viable options for crystallization of potassium chloride. Then, the effects of anti-solvent ratio (O/A), time, and anti-solvent addition rate on potassium-chloride crystallization were further investigated using acetone and 2-propanol. A recovery of 83% of potassium was achieved when using acetone at the O/A of 5 with the addition rate of 10 mL/min, at room temperature with a hold time of 180 min. The optimum conditions for 2-propanol were determined to be similar, except for using a 5 mL/min addition rate for 79% recovery. The final muriate of potash products had a purity of over 99.9% using either of the anti-solvent. However, differences in morphology and crystal size of products were observed. Acetone-formed potash crystals were aggregates of cubic crystals with an average size of 3 microns, while 2-propanol-formed potash crystals were 20 microns in size as cubic particles with a hollow core. Despite having almost the same performance in potassium recovery, acetone was found to be a more feasible anti-solvent for potash recovery due to simpler downstream solvent recovery.

Highly Drug-Loaded Nanoaggregate Microparticles for Pulmonary Delivery of Cyclosporin A.

Nanoparticles have the advantages of improving the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs, facilitating the drug across biological barriers, and reducing macrophage phagocytosis in pulmonary drug delivery. However, nanoparticles have a small aerodynamic particle size, which makes it difficult to achieve optimal deposition when delivered directly to the lungs. Therefore, delivering nanoparticles to the lungs effectively has become a popular research topic. Nanoaggregate microparticles were used as a pulmonary drug delivery strategy for the improvement of the bioavailability of cyclosporine A (CsA). The nanoaggregate microparticles were prepared with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as the excipient by combining the anti-solvent method and spray drying process. The physicochemical properties, aerodynamic properties, in vivo pharmacokinetics and inhalation toxicity of nanoaggregate microparticles were systematically evaluated. The optimal nanoparticles exhibited mainly spherical shapes with the particle size and zeta potential of 180.52 nm and -19.8 mV. The nanoaggregate microparticles exhibited irregular shapes with the particle sizes of less than 1.6 µm and drug loading (DL) values higher than 70%. Formulation NM-2 as the optimal nanoaggregate microparticles was suitable for pulmonary drug delivery and probably deposited in the bronchiole and alveolar region, with FPF and MMAD values of 89.62% and 1.74 μm. In addition, inhaled NM-2 had C max and AUC0-∞ values approximately 1.7-fold and 1.8-fold higher than oral cyclosporine soft capsules (Neoral®). The inhalation toxicity study suggested that pulmonary delivery of NM-2 did not result in lung function damage, inflammatory responses, or tissue lesions. The novel nanoaggregate microparticles for pulmonary drug delivery could effectively enhance the relative bioavailability of CsA and had great potential for clinical application.

Pickering emulsion gel of polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich oils stabilized by zein-tannic acid green nanoparticles for storage and oxidation stability enhancement

HypothesisPoor storage stability and oxidative deterioration are the common drawbacks of edible oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). We hypothesized that the natural zein/tannic acid self-assembly nanoparticles (ZT NPs) could be employed as stabilizers to anchor at the oil–water interface, thus constructing Pickering emulsion gel (PKEG) system for three types of PUFA-rich oils, soybean oil (SO), fish oil (FO) and cod liver oil (CLO), to improve the storage and oxidation stability. ExperimentsZT NPs were prepared by the anti-solvent coprecipitation method, and the three-phase contact angle, FT-IR, and XRD were mainly characterized. To observe the shell-core structure and oil–water interface details of SO/FO/CLO PKEGs by confocal laser scanning microscope and cryo-scanning electron microscope. Accelerated oxidation of FO was performed to assess the protective effect of PKEG on lipids. FindingsThe SO, FO, and CLO PKEGs stabilized by 2 % ZT NPs, with oil fraction (φ = 0.5–0.6), were obtained. PKEGs show high viscoelasticity, clear shell-core structure spatial network structure, and ideal storage stability. Under accelerated oxidation, the degree of oxidative rancidity of FO PKEG was obviously lower than that of free FO. Overall, this work opens up new possibilities for using natural PKEG to prevent oxidative deterioration and prolong the shelf-life of PUFA-rich oils.

First-Order Derivative Spectrophotometry for Simultaneous Determination of Vitamin C and Nicotinamide: Application in Quantitative Analysis of Cocrystals.

Vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid, ASC) and the amide form of vitamin B3 nicotinamide (NIC) can form cocrystals through hydrogen bonding. Currently, there is a lack of fast and reliable alternatives for precisely quantifying cocrystal components and their purity. Spectrophotometric analysis for quantifying such vitamin preparations is challenging due to overlapping absorbance bands in a narrow wavelength range in the ultraviolet (UV) region. Moreover, ASC undergoes progressive degradation if not diluted in a proper medium, requiring stability during quantitative analysis. This study adopted a fast, simple, and reliable two-component spectrophotometric assay for simultaneously determining ASC and NIC based on the first-order derivative spectrophotometry (FODS) method using sodium oxalate as a stabilizer for vitamin C. The FODS method showed linearity between 2 and 24 μg·mL-1 and good precision. The standard addition method was employed to validate FODS, with high recovery percentages (96.5 to 102.4% for ASC and 95.3 to 101.9% for NIC). The FODS method was successfully applied to quantify ASC and NIC in bulk powder produced by the gas antisolvent method. The proposed method could estimate cocrystal purity through mass balance regarding the expected 1:1 stoichiometry, confirmed by PXRD and DSC. Cocrystal purity determined by the FODS method (58-100%) aligned well with results from LC-MS (62-100%), with an accuracy exceeding 97%. The FODS method is as sensitive and accurate as high-performance liquid chromatography for simultaneously determining vitamin concentrations deriving from cocrystals. However, it is less costly, more efficient, and a suitable alternative to classical solid-state methods for estimating cocrystal purity.

Complete removal of organophosphate pesticides from wastewaters with sustainable ionic liquid-based aqueous two-phase strategy

Due to extensive food production, organophosphate pesticides (OPs) are widely utilized for crop protection, leading to their presence in the environment. The focus of this study was the design of an efficient aqueous biphasic system (ABS) strategy for OP removal, namely, malathion (MAL), azinphos-methyl (AZM), and chlorpyrifos (CHP) from water. Different ionic liquids (ILs) with symmetrical cations were selected as ABS phase-formers (tetrabutylphosphonium salicylate, tetrabutylammonium salicylate, 1,3-dibutylimidazolium dicyanamide, 1,3-dibutylimidazolium salicylate and 1,3-dibutylimidazolium bromide) with citrate salt as a salting-out agent. Initially, phase diagrams were determined, followed by partition studies revealing that the partition of MAL and CHP aligns with the IL- ABS formation trend, while the AZM partition is governed by specific interactions with ILs. For optimization studies, tetrabutylphosphonium-salicylate i.e. [TBP][Sal]-based ABS was chosen, due to obtained high extraction efficiencies of over 99.3 %. After establishing the effects of pH, temperature, tie-line length, and phase ratio on extraction performance, extraction of OPs from a real wastewater sample further confirmed the effectiveness of the designed method achieving complete removal of each pesticide. Furthermore, recovery of IL was achieved using an antisolvent method to precipitate CHP followed by IL-reuse in three consecutive cycles without efficiency decreased. Finally, it was demonstrated that [TBP][Sal] exhibits low cytotoxic potential, indicating that the presence of low amounts of this IL in aqueous media could be acceptable from ecotoxicological standpoint. This study showcased the exceptional potential of the proposed technology for the efficient and sustainable treatment of wastewater contaminated with OPs, affirming its capability to treat significant wastewater volumes.

Preparation and Characterization of Lignin Nanoparticles from Different Plant Sources.

This article presents new research on producing lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) using the antisolvent nanoprecipitation method. Acetone (90%) served as the lignin solvent and water (100%) as the antisolvent, using five types of lignins from various sources. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including NMR, GPC, FTIR, TEM, and DLS, were employed to assess both lignin and LNP properties. The antioxidant activity of the LNPs was evaluated as well. The results demonstrated the successful formation of spherical nanoparticles below 100 nm with initial lignin concentrations of 1 and 2%w/v. The study highlighted the crucial role of lignin purity in LNP formation and colloidal stability, noting that residual carbohydrates adversely affect efficiency. This method offers a straightforward, environmentally friendly approach using cost-effective solvents, applicable to diverse lignin sources. The innovation of this study lies in its demonstration of a cost-effective and eco-friendly method to produce stable, nanometric-sized spherical LNPs. These LNPs have significant potential as reinforcement materials due to their reinforcing capability, hydrophilicity, and UV absorption. This work underscores the importance of starting material purity for optimizing the process and achieving the desired nanometric dimensions, marking a pioneering advancement in lignin-based nanomaterials.

Micro and nanosizing of Tamsulosin drug via supercritical CO2 antisolvent (SAS) process

Supercritical anti-solvent (SAS) method is a solvent-free approach where supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) is used as anti-solvent and one can control the output particle size without disturbing the nature of the particles. The primary objective of this study is to develop SAS method for the production of Tamsulosin (TML) nanoparticles and investigate the parameters affecting the resultant particle size. In order to optimize the production of nano-sized particles, response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken design (BBD (was used. Using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses, morphologies and mean diameter ranges were examined. To look into how the SAS process affects TML's chemical and physical characteristics, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were further performed. The acquired results demonstrated that the pressure imposes the largest impact on the TML particle production, with the particle size exhibiting an inverse correlation to the pressure. Observations further indicated an increase in particle size with increasing the temperature from 35 to 50 °C. By increasing the flow rate of the drug solution, the average particle size exhibited an initial decrease followed by an increasing trend. Results of the optimization of the SAS process showed that at a pressure, temperature, and injection rate of 25 MPa, 41.3 °C, and 2.9 mL/min, respectively, the TML particles shrink to an average size of 600 nm.

Preparation and Regulation of Natural Amphiphilic Zein Nanoparticles by Microfluidic Technology.

Microfluidic technology, as a continuous and mass preparation method of nanoparticles, has attracted much attention in recent years. In this study, zein nanoparticles (ZNPs) were continuously fabricated in a highly controlled manner by combining a microfluidics platform with the antisolvent method. The impact of ethanol content (60~95%, v/v) and flow rates of inner and outer phases in the microfluidics platform on particle properties were examined. Among all ZNPS, 90%-ZNPs have the highest solubility (32.83%) and the lowest hydrophobicity (90.43), which is the reverse point of the hydrophobicity of ZNPs. Moreover, when the inner phase flow rate was 1.5 mL/h, the particle size decreased significantly from 182.81 nm to 133.13 nm as the outer phase flow rate increased from 10 mL/h to 50 mL/h. The results revealed that ethanol content had significant impacts on hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties of ZNPs. The flow rates of ethanol-water solutions and deionized water (solvent and antisolvent) in the microfluidics platform significantly affected the particle size of ZNPs. These findings demonstrated that the combined application of a microfluidics platform and an antisolvent method could be an effective pathway for precisely controlling the fabrication process of protein nanoparticles and modulating their physicochemical properties.

Effect of Cubic Crystal Morphology on Thermal Characteristics and Mechanical Sensitivity of PYX

To investigate the influence of the cubic crystal morphology on the thermal properties and sensitivity of 2,6-bis(picrylamino)-3,5-dinitropyridine (PYX), cubic PYX (CPYX) crystals were prepared using the antisolvent method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to characterize the morphology, particle size and structure of the prepared products. The thermal behavior, thermal decomposition kinetics, thermal safety parameters and thermal decomposition mechanism of CPYX were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry–thermogravimetry–mass spectrometry–Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (DSC-TG-MS-FT-IR) and in situ FT-IR experiments. Meanwhile, the mechanical sensitivity of CPYX was determined by means of the explosion probability method. The results showed that the product had a smooth cubic morphology and small crystal aspect ratio with an average particle size (d50) of 10.65 μm, but it had no distinct differences from the crystal structure of raw PYX (RPYX). The thermal decomposition peak temperature, the self-accelerating decomposition temperature and the critical temperature of the thermal explosion of CPYX increased by 7.2 °C, 6.1 °C and 10.4 °C, respectively, compared to RPYX. Similarly, the apparent activation energy increased by 15%. Besides these, the impact sensitivity and friction sensitivity of CPYX decreased by 36% and 20%, respectively, compared to RPYX. The decomposition process of CPYX contains two stages. The first stage involves the breakage of N-H bonds and -NO2 groups with the release of CO2, N2O, NO, HCN and H2O, followed by the thermal decomposition of the resulting intermediate and the release of CO2, N2O and HCN in the second stage.

Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Ferroelectric Nanosheets Synthesized by a Room-Temperature Antisolvent Method.

Over the past years, the application potential of ferroelectric nanomaterials with unique physical properties for modern electronics is highlighted to a large extent. However, it is relatively challenging to fabricate inorganic ferroelectric nanomaterials, which is a process depending on a vacuum atmosphere at high temperatures. As significant complements to inorganic ferroelectric nanomaterials, the nanomaterials of molecular ferroelectrics are rarely reported. Here a low-cost room-temperature antisolvent method is used to synthesize free-standing 2D organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite (OIHP) ferroelectric nanosheets (NSs), that is, (CHA)2PbBr4 NSs (CHA = cyclohexylammonium), with an average lateral size of 357.59nm and a thickness ranging from 10 to 70nm. This method shows high repeatability and produces NSs with excellent crystallinity. Moreover, ferroelectric domains in single NSs can be clearly visualized and manipulated using piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). The domain switching and PFM-switching spectroscopy indicate the robust in-plane ferroelectricity of the NSs. This work not only introduces a feasible, low-cost, and scalable method for preparing molecular ferroelectric NSs but also promotes the research on molecular ferroelectric nanomaterials.

Sustainable waterborne polyurethane/lignin nanoparticles composites: Durability meets degradability

Optimizing the durability and degradability of polymers is essential for prolonging their useful life and minimizing their environmental footprint post-use, contributing to a sustainable world; however, durability in many cases conflicts with degradability. In this context, we developed lignin-based waterborne polyurethane (WPU) composites that bypass this dichotomy. Lignin nanoparticles (LNP), derived from enzymatic hydrolysis lignin (EHL), were synthesized using the anti-solvent method and incorporated into WPU emulsions through solution blending. The introduction of 5 wt% LNP notably improved the tensile strength of WPU composites, increasing it from 21.5 MPa to 29.7 MPa, a surge of up to 38 %. Moreover, 5 wt% of LNP significantly enhanced the durability of WPU by reducing creep strain (under a stress of 1 MPa for 3000 s) from 606 % to 70 % with an 88 % decrease, and by increasing molecular weight retention rate from 11 % to 87 % after 15 days of UV exposure. Concurrently, LNP notably accelerated the alkaline degradability of WPU/LNP composites, with weight loss rate increasing from 38 % to 92 % (a 142 % increase) and molecular weight loss from 17 % to 44 % (a 159 % increase), compared to pure WPU. The strategy employed in this study leverages the inherent properties of LNP to offer a promising approach to enhancing polymer sustainability, presenting an effective solution to the significant end-of-life challenge.

Equally Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules Fabricated via N-Ethyl-2-Pyrrolidone Optimized Vacuum-Flash.

Efficiency reduction in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) during the magnification procedure significantly hampers commercialization. Vacuum-flash (VF) has emerged as a promising method to fabricate PSCs with consistent efficiency across scales. However, the slower solvent removal rate of VF compared to the anti-solvent method leads to perovskite films with buried defects. Thus, this work employs low-toxic Lewis base ligand solvent N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP) to improve the nucleation process of perovskite films. NEP, with a mechanism similar to that of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone in FA-based perovskite formation, enhances the solvent removal speed owing to its lower coordination ability. Based on this strategy, p-i-n PSCs with an optimized interface attain a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.19% on an area of 0.08 cm2. The same nucleation process enables perovskite solar modules (PSMs) to achieve a certified PCE of 23.28% on an aperture area of 22.96 cm2, with a high geometric fill factor of 97%, ensuring nearly identical active area PCE (24%) in PSMs as in PSCs. This strategy highlights the potential of NEP as a ligand solvent choice for the commercialization of PSCs.

Oral quercetin nanoparticles in hydrogel microspheres alleviate high-altitude sleep disturbance based on the gut-brain axis

High-altitude sleep disturbance is a common symptom of acute mountain sickness, which can be alleviated via modulation of the gut-brain axis. Quercetin (Que) is used to modulate gut microbiota and serves as a potential drug to regulate the gut-brain axis, but the poor solubility and bioavailability affect its biological functions. Here, Que nanoparticles (QNPs) were prepared with zein using an antisolvent method, and QNP-loaded calcium alginate hydrogel microspheres (QNP@HMs) were prepared using electrospinning technology to improve the gastrointestinal stability and intestinal adhesion of QNPs. In the mouse model of high-altitude sleep disturbance, oral administration of QNP@HMs before the mice entering high altitude prolonged sleep duration, improved blood cell recovery, spontaneous behavior and short-term memory, and reduced such inflammation factors as TNF-α and iNOS. Moreover, QNP@HMs enhanced the abundance of probiotics in the gut, including Lactobacillus and Lachnospira, and reduced intestinal inflammation. However, in the mice after gut sterilization by long-term oral antibiotics, QNP@HMs showed no therapeutic effect. QNP@HMs are a promising medication for the prevention of high-altitude sleep disturbance based on the gut-brain axis.

A versatile bilayer smart packaging based on konjac glucomannan/alginate for maintaining and monitoring seafood freshness

This study introduces a novel multi-functional double-layer intelligent packaging. It focuses on developing a dual-function system capable of real-time monitoring and freshness preservation. Specifically, cellulose nanocrystalline (CNC) was obtained through acid hydrolysis, and then CNC/soybean protein isolate (CNC/SPI) complex colloid particles were prepared via antisolvent method. These particles served as stabilizers to prepare oil-in-water (O/W) cinnamon essential oil Pickering emulsion (CSCEO). The CSCEO was then integrated into the emulsified hydrophobic layer of a konjac glucomannan (Kgm) matrix through intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Finally, alginate (Alg) matrix containing alizarin (Al) as an indicator was added to construct the bilayer structure using a layer-by-layer casting strategy. The inner layer Alg/Al was the pH/NH3-responsive indicator layer, while the outer layer Kgm/CSCEO acted as the high-barrier bacteriostatic layer. The obtained dual-function, double-layer film (Alg/Al-Kgm/CSCEO), which possesses a sensitive, reversible and rapid response towards pH/NH3, shows exceptional antibacterial and antioxidant properties, as well as excellent mechanical property, light-blocking capability and hydrophobicity. For monitoring and maintaining the actual freshness of shrimp, such a bilayer packaging displays smallest change of ∆E and TVB-N (18.65 mg/100 g) even after 72 h, which further highlighting its potential in enhancing food safety and extending shelf life.

Extraction of Natural Food Color from Tomato, Carrot and Turmeric

The demand for natural and healthier food products has increased dramatically in recent years due to growing consumer awareness of the impact food has on health as well as evidence of adverse effects from various ingredients, including some additives. This study evaluates the extraction method, solvent effects, precipitation, identification, purification, and lycopene, carotene, and curcumin content from turmeric, carrot, and tomato. Along-side, tomato, carrot, and turmeric samples were subjected to two different extraction and purification processes: solvent extraction for lycopene and carotene, and alkalization for curcumin. The samples were extracted and purified at room temperature (30ºC) and chilled (4ºC) for a period of three weeks. Tomato extracts had lycopene contents ranging from 0.0153 to 0.0362 mg/100g. obtained carotene content, which was then extracted using a solvent in the range of 61.43 to 81.72 mg/100g. The alkalization process produced a curcumin concentration of 91.17 to 110.41 mg/100g. Comparing the ethyl acetate extraction technique to the anti-solvent method, a greater amount of lycopene (red) and carotene (orange) precipitation was obtained. The maximum amount of curcumin precipitation obtained in lower pH solution. Lower pH is important to maintain the stability of curcumin precipitation. The experience of this research work suggested that lycopene from tomatoes, carotene from carrots, and curcumin from turmeric might be an excellent source to meet the increasing need for natural colorants.

Fabrication of hydrophobic surface from zein-based nanostructure and rosin to functionalize cotton textiles

A double-layer hydrophobic coating based on zein nanoparticles (ZNPs) and rosin was successfully developed as a simple and non-toxic process for textile functionalization. The bottom layer of the coating was a highly rough surface formed by the accumulation of zein nanoparticles prepared with an antisolvent method. The top layer was made of rosin to reduce the surface energy. The fabric treated with ZNPs and rosin (ZNPs/R/cotton) exhibited good hydrophobic behavior with a water contact angle (WCA) of 131.5 ± 2.3° and the hydrophobicity was long-lasting. The micromorphology and chemical composition of hydrophobic cotton fabric surface were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The results demonstrated that zein and rosin deposited on the surface of the fabric to form a rough micro/nano-scale structure. The functional ZNPs/R/cotton retained excellent mechanical properties, air permeability and water vapor permeability. The practical application tests indicated that the fabric displayed good stain resistance ability. Even after 10 soaking cycles and 50 rubbing cycles, the fabric still retained good hydrophobic property with WCAs of 124.7 ± 2.9° and 90.3 ± 3.5°. This work offered a potential method for the clean production of functionalized textiles.

Particle Processing of Acetaminophen Using the Cooling and Anti-solvent Crystallization Methods

Several crystallization strategies are being implemented to enhance the solubility of acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the cooling and anti-solvent crystallization on the properties of acetaminophen. The results showed that the anti-solvent recrystallization produced achieved an impressive yield of up to 41.40%, while the cooling method yielded approximately 2–9%. Through FTIR, XRD, and DSC analysis on the samples, it was discovered that these methods had minimum effects on the molecular and thermal properties of the compound. Furthermore, the methods did not alter the crystallinity of acetaminophen, with crystal form I dominating the products. In addition, processing using the cooling and anti-solvent effectively reduced particle size of acetaminophen from 68.60 μm to 26.92 μm and 28.25 µm, respectively. In conclusion, the solubility of paracetamol in aqueous solutions experienced a significant enhancement. In the unprocessed samples, it measured 0.0107 gram/ml, while the recrystallized samples had an improved range of 0.0123 to 0.0167 g/ml.