Application Of Wax 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.

Citral-thymol based synergistic shellac coatings enhanced shelf life of Kinnow fruit stored under low temperature conditions

Microbial spoilage incurs the main cause of reduced shelf life of Kinnow during storage and transportation. This study aimed to evaluate the postharvest application of plant-derived citral and thymol-based shellac wax coatings on ‘Kinnow’ mandarin under controlled conditions (5–7 °C, 90–95 % relative humidity (RH)) over a 75-day storage period. The fruit were coated with shellac wax (SH) supplemented with citral (1.0 %, CSH), thymol (1.0 %, TSH) and citral-thymol combined formulation (1.0 %, CTSH (1:1)). Rheology studies revealed that the Herschel–Bulkley model was the best fit for all coating solutions, ensuring desirable spreadability and adhesion. The CTSH-coating outperformed all other treatments by reducing mean spoilage to 0.46% as compared to commercial shellac (6.71%) over a period of 75 days under cold store conditions. The treated fruit could control the physiological weight loss to 5.73 % as compared to commercial SH coatings (7.62 %) for 60 days. The study concluded that CTSH-coated Kinnow fruit can be stored up to 60 days under cold store conditions at 5–7 °C and 90–95 % RH with acceptable fruit quality (sensory score 7.83). The activities of cell wall degrading enzymes such as Pectin methylesterase (PME) and cellulase were also found to be retarded, contributing to prolonged shelf life. Therefore, these coatings may offer a green substitute to the synthetic analogues, with no health side effects for extending the postharvest shelf life of Kinnow up to 60 days under cold store conditions.

Responses of GP3 and MD2 pineapple clones to the postharvest application of wax and chitosan-based coatings

The maintenance of fresh pineapple shelf life is a significant challenge in the market. In this context, coating is a good method used to maintain the quality of the fruits during storage. Since the materials required for the process are dependent on imported products, there is a need to develop alternatives from locally available resources. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the responses of GP3 and MD2 pineapple clones to different materials as post-harvest treatments, including Sta-Fresh 2952, OE6012, palm stearin, and chitosan. The treatments were stored at 7°C and observed on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. The results showed that GP3 clones were more susceptible to internal browning (IB) disorders, leading to an early onset on day 14 compared to MD2. Furthermore, a Brix value of 13.9% and vitamin C content of 52 ppm were reported at the end of storage, which were significantly lower compared to MD2 with 16.4% and 586 ppm, respectively. Based on these findings, the quality of GP3 clones was not suitable for consumption as fresh pineapple. The coating could not prevent IB disorders or respiration rate but had significant effects on fruit weight loss. Meanwhile, the Sta-Fresh 2952 treatment consistently reduced weight loss by 11.8% over 35 days of shelf life.

Efficacy and Safety of Bone Wax Application at Different Time Points to Reduce Postoperative Blood Loss in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

In addition to the surface hemorrhage of cancellous bone after large-area osteotomy, the intramedullary hemorrhage after the reamed knee joint is also a major cause of postoperative bleeding after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of bone wax application at different time points of prone hemorrhage to reduce perioperative blood loss. From August 2023 to December 2023, 150 patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA were included in this prospective, randomized controlled trial, patients were randomly divided into three groups: group A, after autogenous osteotomy plug was used to fill the femoral medullary cavity, the residual space was sealed with bone wax and the exposed cancellous bone surface around the prosthesis was coated with bone wax after the prosthesis adhesion; group B, only the exposed cancellous bone surface around the prosthesis was coated with bone wax; and group C, no bone wax was used. The primary outcome was total perioperative blood loss. Secondary outcomes included occult blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin reduction, blood transfusion rate, lower limb diameter, and knee function, while length of hospital stay was recorded. Tertiary outcomes included the incidence of postoperative related adverse events. The total blood loss in group A (551.5 ± 224.5 mL) and group B (656.3 ± 267.7 mL) was significantly lower than that in group C (755.3 ± 248.3 ml, p < 0.001), and the total blood loss in group A was also lower than that in group B (p < 0.05). There were also significant differences in the reduction of hemoglobin level and hidden blood loss among the three groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant improvement in postoperative lower limb swelling, knee joint activity and hospitalization time; there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications such as thromboembolism. The use of bone wax in TKA can safely and effectively reduce perioperative blood loss and hemoglobin drop rate, and multiple use at time points during the operation when blood loss is prone to occur can produce more significant hemostatic effect.

Development and characterization of wax–bovine bone protein-grapeseed oil composite oleogels: Experimental and molecular simulation studies

Three new types of composite oleogel formulations were designed. Specifically, oleogels were prepared using 90% grapeseed oil as the oil phase and carnauba wax (CW)/beeswax/rice bran wax–bovine bone protein (BBP) as gelators. All samples were solid and had an oil-binding capacity of >90%. BBP addition considerably improved the waxy texture of the oleogel and had an important effect on the crystalline network. X-ray diffractometry indicated that BBP increased the β'-crystal content. All samples showed sol-gel thermodynamic behavior under temperature scanning. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and molecular docking confirmed the formation of noncovalent interactions dominated by van der Waals forces during the development of the oleogel. The optimal components of the three oleogels exhibited an excellent effect of slowing down the release of free fatty acids. This study could serve as a reference for the development and application of wax–protein as a new binary gelator in the food industry.

CO2 Laser-labeling on Fresh Produce: Evaluating Postharvest Quality, Microbial Safety, and Economic Analysis

Fresh produce is traditionally labeled with plastic price lookup (PLU) stickers that are attached to the produce surface using edible glue. However, both the stickers and glue are environmental contaminants, and the stickers can still easily detach from the produce surface during handling and disrupt traceability. An alternative method of labeling, the CO2 laser-labeling technology (LLT), has been gaining attention in recent years. However, engraving Quick Response (QR) code using LLT is unique, and the performance of this technology varies from produce item to produce item, and information on its effects on postharvest quality, microbial safety, and economic feasibility has not been reported. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of laser-labeling technology on (1) postharvest quality, (2) microbial safety, and (3) economic analysis of this technology. Three horticultural crops, ‘Red Delicious’ apple (Malus pumila), green bell pepper (Capsicum annuum), and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) were procured from a local grocery store. Each produce was engraved with a Quick Response (QR) code or 6-digit alphanumerical (text) code using the commercially available Trotec Speedy 300 CO2 laser engraver, followed by the application of edible wax. Fresh weight loss for laser-printed produce was higher compared to controls, but no difference in visual quality ratings was observed. The laser-labeled produce was assessed for microbial contamination by artificially inoculating rifampicin-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) log10 6 CFU/mL to the labeled fruit. The results showed that the population of rifampicin-resistant E. coli was statistically higher in all three products labeled with text code compared to the nontreated controls. The QR-coded treatments were similar to the controls. The wax application did not affect the microbial attachment on the laser-labeled produce. The CO2 laser labeling technology has the potential for industrial application.

Design and Development of a Cost-Effective Transnasal Skull Base Bone Wax Applicator: A Technical Note.

Bone wax is an important hemostatic agent used in neurosurgical practice from more than a century. It acts by mechanical tamponade effect to stop the oozing from cancellous bone. Bone wax application over the skull surface over the vertex is easy and can be applied with fingers. In deeper areas, one uses dissector to apply the bone wax; however, it becomes difficult at times to apply in transnasal surgery using the same dissectors. Author designed a cost-effective 20-cm-long different angled bone wax applicator for skull base transnasal surgery. This applicator is cost-effective and not described previously in English literature.

Evaluation of the operational curve for heat storage technology using n-octacosane/low-density as a binding material

Heat storage technology has a critical role for a number of applications involving renewable thermal energy (such as solar water heater). The application of wax (n-octacosane/OCT) as a medium for storing heat brings many positive influences for the system. However, the operational curve is undesirable for the OCT-based energy storage, which makes it necessary to use a binding material. The present work employed LD-class polymer (LDPE) and linear-LDPE as binding materials for OCT. The mixture is prepared through mechanical hot stirring, which comes into two categories: SOCT1 (OCT/LD) and SOCT2 (OCT/LLD). The assessment through the calorimetry method shows an increment in transition temperature for SOCT with a value of 2.1 °C and 5.5 °C. This contributes to the variation of fusion energy for solid-liquid change for both materials, which amounted to 132.05 J/g (SOCT1) and 113.4 J/g (SOCT2). Another assessment related to its chemical and structural phase demonstrates that SOCT has an identical structure to OCT, indicating that SOCT is mixed physically. At the operational level, SOCT is more optimal than OCT according to the indicator related to charge and discharge duration for energy exchange. SOCT1 demonstrates a short plateau line as the indication of a steady transition between 65.4–67.9 °C, while SOCT2 indicates the average heating rate, which is higher than for single OCT. The heat releasing curve for SOCT1 varies at a lower value between 1.92 °C/min and 0.77 °C/min, while SOCT2 has the lowest variation, which is only 0.17 °C/min. Moreover, the self-insulation for SOCT2 has the lowest rate, which is only 0.3 °C/min. The evaluation and analysis from this work show that SOCT is reliable to increase the operational curve of OCT and can be implemented for thermal systems

1-MCP treatment improves the postharvest quality of Jinxiu yellow peach by regulating cuticular wax composition and gene expression during cold storage.

This study aimed to analyze the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment on the postharvest quality, epidermal wax morphology, composition, and gene expression of Jinxiu yellow peach during cold storage. The results showed that 1-MCP treatment could maintain the postharvest quality of peach fruit as compared to control (CK) during cold storage. The wax crystals of peach fruit were better retained by 1-MCP, and they still existed in 0.6 and 0.9 µL/L 1-MCP treated fruit at 36 days. The total wax content in all the fruit increased first and then decreased during cold storage. Meanwhile, n-alkanes and primary alcohols were the main wax components. Compared to CK, 1-MCP treatment could delay the reduction of wax content during cold storage. The correlation analysis indicated that the postharvest quality of yellow peach was mainly affected by the contents of fatty acids and triterpenoids in cuticular wax. The transcriptomics results revealed PpaCER1, PpaKCS, PpaKCR1, PpaCYP86B1, PpaFAR, PpaSS2, and PpaSQE1 played the important roles in the formation of peach fruit wax. 1-MCP treatment upregulated PpaCER1 (18785414, 18786441, and 18787644), PpaKCS (18774919, 18789438, and 18793503), PpaKCR1 (18790432), and PpaCYP86B1 (18789815) to deposit more n-alkanes and fatty acids during cold storage. This study could provide a new perspective for regulating the postharvest quality of yellow peach in view of the application of cuticular wax. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: 'Jinxiu' yellow peach fruit is favorable among consumers because of its high commercial value. However, it ripens and deteriorates rapidly during storage, leading to serious economic loss and consumer disappointment. The effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment on the postharvest quality, epidermal wax morphology, composition, and genes regulation of 'Jinxiu' yellow peach during cold storage was assessed. Compared to control, 1-MCP treatment could retain the storage quality of yellow peach by affecting cuticular wax composition and gene expression. This study could provide new perspective for regulating the postharvest quality of yellow peach in view of the application of cuticular wax.

Application of Soy Wax Phase Change Material as Thermal Energy Storage in Wall Building

High solar radiation in the tropics area buildings and inappropriate selection of building materials cause an increase in room temperature which interferes with thermal comfort. This study aims to reduce the absorption of heat received in the building with the modification of building walls by adding Phase Change Material (PCM) as Thermal Energy Storage (TES). Soy wax is an organic PCM that is abundant in Indonesia, cheap, and has a melting point of 43.92°C and a freezing point of 38.49°C, which are the range of solar heat radiation in buildings. The application of soy wax on the walls of the building is carried out using a prototype room 80x105x60 cm made of Plywood with a 1 cm thickness of soy wax in the middle of the wall. The test was carried out by comparing the prototype without and with a layer of soy wax pack on the wall. Based on the tests carried out for 24 hours, it was found that the addition of soy wax on the prototype wall can decrease the room temperature to 37°C from 41°C during the day. The use of soy wax can absorb the heat received by the building by 10% at peak load and has a small heat transfer rate of 15.56 W so the heat transferred into the room is small. Soy wax walls function as insulators on the walls and can withstand heat absorbed from outside the building so that it is not completely transferred into the room.

Assessing the impact of despination and wax application on long-term cold stored cactus pears

Glochids and spines on cactus pears represent the main constraint that limit cactus pear consumption, thus their elimination is of pivotal importance for commercialization. Their removal causes abrasions and a reduction of epicuticular wax, which increase mass loss and microbiological spoilage. To mitigate the negative impact of glochids removal, in this study, ‘Gialla’ cactus pears of the second bloom, after despination through rotating brushes, were sprayed with two coating materials: Citrashine or Protégé at 33, 50 or 100%. Fruit were then stored at 20 °C for 1 week or at 6 °C for 4 or 8 weeks followed by 3 or 7 d at 20 °C to simulate marketing conditions. Weight loss, overall appearance and decay incidence were significantly higher in despined fruit compared to control fruit and coated fruit. When applied at 33% Protégé coating showed an overall beneficial effect that contributed to reduce mass loss, decay incidence and to improve fruit appearance without affecting chemical or sensory quality. Protégé at 50% and 100% reduced weight loss but resulted phytotoxic and worsened fruit appearance and had a negative impact on the percentage of marketable fruit, besides increasing the degradation of juice chemical compounds and altering sensory attributes. Citrashine had a good impact on preventing decay slowing down mass loss and overall appearance but altered the chemical and the eating quality as Protégé coating when applied at 50% or 100%.However, in fruit directly placed in simulated marketing conditions at 20 °C, despination neither altered fruit quality nor reduced fruit marketability. Thus, replacement of epicuticular waxes lost by despination with coatings can be beneficial for long term storage of cactus pear, provided that the applied material is not phytotoxic and does not impair the fruit gas exchange.

Reduction Foodborne Pathogens and Surrogate Microorganism on Citrus Fruits after Lab- and Pilot-scale Finishing Wax Application

After finishing waxes are applied, citrus fruits are typically dried at 32–60°C for 2–3 min before final packing. The survival of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 was evaluated under laboratory conditions on lemons after applying one of four finishing waxes (F4, F6, F8, and F15) followed by an ambient hold or heated (50 or 60°C) drying step. The reduction of inoculated microorganisms during drying was significantly influenced by wax type and temperature, with greater reductions at higher temperatures. Greater reductions after waxing and drying at 60°C were observed with L. monocytogenes (2.84–4.44 log) than with Salmonella (1.65–3.67 log), and with Salmonella than with E. faecium (0.99–2.93 log). The survival of Salmonella inoculated at 5.8–5.9 log/fruit on lemons and oranges after applying wax F6 and drying at 60°C was evaluated during storage at 4 and 22°C. The reductions of Salmonella after waxing and drying were 1.7 log; additional reductions during storage at 4 or 22°C were 1.40–1.43 or 0.18–0.29 log, respectively, on waxed lemons, and 0.56–1.02 or 0.54–0.57 log, respectively, on waxed oranges. Under pilot-scale packinghouse conditions with wax F4, mean and minimum reductions of E. faecium ranged from 2.15 to 2.89 and 1.64 to 2.12 log, respectively. However, E. faecium was recovered by whole-fruit enrichment (limit of detection: 0.60 log CFU/lemon) but not by plating (LOD: 1.3 log CFU/lemon) from uninoculated lemons run with or after the inoculated lemons. The findings should provide useful information to establish and implement packinghouse food safety plans.

Transcription factors and plant hormones mediate wax metabolism in response to drought stress.

Plants have, throughout evolution, developed a hydrophobic cuticle to protect them from various stresses in the terrestrial environment. The cuticle layer is mainly composed of cutin and cuticular wax, a mixture of very-long-chain fatty acids and their derivatives. With the progress of transcriptome sequencing and other research methods, the key enzymes, transporters and regulatory factors in wax synthesis and metabolism have been gradually identified, especially the study on the regulation of wax metabolism by transcription factors and others in response to plant stress has become a hot topic. Drought is a major abiotic stress that limits plant growth and crop productivity. Plant epidermal wax prevents non-stomatal water loss and improves water use efficiency to adapt to arid environments. In this study, the ways of wax synthesis, transport, metabolism and regulation at different levels are reviewed. At the same time, the regulation of wax by different transcription factors and plant hormones in response to drought is elaborated, and key research questions and important directions for future solutions are proposed to enhance the potential application of epidermal wax in agriculture and the environment.

Topical application of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.) wax enhances the synthesis of pro-collagen III and hyaluronic acid and reduces inflammation in the ex-vivo human skin organ culture model.

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis L.) wax was previously reported to increase cutaneous wound healing, ameliorate acne and psoriasis manifestations, and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. However, its potential cosmetic properties have not been fully investigated. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities of jojoba wax and its impact on the synthesis of extracellular components following topical application. The fatty acid and fatty alcohol profiles of two industrial and two lab-scale cold-press jojoba waxes were analyzed along with total tocopherol and phytosterol content. The dermo-cosmetic effect of all jojoba wax preparations was evaluated ex-vivo, using the human skin organ culture model, which emulates key features of intact tissue. The ability of jojoba wax to reduce secreted levels of key pro-inflammatory cytokines and the safety of the applications in the ex-vivo model were evaluated. In addition, the impact on the synthesis of pro-collagen and hyaluronic acid levels upon treatment was investigated. The results demonstrate that topically applied jojoba wax can reduce LPS-induced secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα by approx. 30% compared to untreated skin. This effect was enhanced when treatment was combined with low non-toxic levels of Triton X-100, and its efficacy was similar to the anti-inflammatory activity of dexamethasone used as a positive control. In addition, mRNA and protein levels of collagen III and synthesis of hyaluronic acid were markedly increased upon topical application of jojoba. Moreover, the enhanced content of extracellular matrix (ECM) components correlated with the enhanced expression of TGFβ1. Collectively, our results further demonstrate that jojoba can reduce local skin inflammation, and this effect may be increased by emulsifier which increases its bioavailability. In addition, the finding that topical application of jojoba wax enhances the synthesis of pro-collagen and hyaluronic acid and may be beneficial in the treatment of age-related manifestations.

Inactivation of foodborne pathogens on gala apples by application of antimicrobial waxes

Inactivation of foodborne pathogens on gala apples by application of antimicrobial waxes

Chempaka: A Flora Motif as Design Identity in Batik Chempaka, PPDK Merbok

Batik Malaysia refers to the traditional Malaysian art of batik-making which includes the application of wax and dyes to cloth to produce elaborate patterns and design. Batik has a long history in Malaysia and is a key part of the country’s cultural legacy, representing its identity and customs. This paper discusses the floral motif as design identity and production of the Chempaka flower motif. It explores the history and cultural significance of the Chempaka flower motif in batik making and how it has been adapted to create modern design. Overall, the paper concludes with the importance of the Cempaka flower motif as a design identity and the need to preserve its cultural significance in the batik industry.

Handmade batik with tuberose motifs as creative home industry idea

Batik tulis is a rich cultural heritage of Indonesia, encompassing traditional values and artistic expressions. However, in some regions, there has been a decline in interest and skills in batik tulis making, along with the threat of plagiarism of local batik motifs. Therefore, efforts are needed to develop creative innovations in batik tulis production and ensure the sustainability of local batik traditions. Desa Doplang faces challenges in enhancing the skills of its residents in creating batik tulis with the motif of Polyanthes Tuberosa L., preserving the authenticity and originality of batik motifs, and improving economic well-being through increased production and sales of batik tulis. The Community Engagement Program (PKM) is designed to address these challenges through intensive mentoring, quality control, and efforts to prevent plagiarism. Through technical and creative training, the residents of Desa Doplang have acquired the skills required to produce batik tulis with the motif of Polyanthes Tuberosa L. Mentoring is provided at every stage of production, including the application of wax, dyeing, and the final boiling process. Feedback and constructive advice are given to improve the quality and authenticity of the batik tulis produced. Quality control measures are implemented to ensure that each batik tulis product meets the established quality standards. Additionally, through socialization and education, awareness regarding the importance of authenticity and originality of batik motifs is heightened. The program utilizes a community development, empowerment, and engagement approach. As a result, the program has successfully enhanced the skills of the residents of Desa Doplang in batik tulis production, increased cultural appreciation, and improved economic well-being through enhanced production and sales of batik tulis. The quality of the batik tulis produced has shown continuous improvement alongside the enhancement of skills. Moreover, the program has successfully preserved the local tradition of batik making and strengthened the position of batik tulis with the motif of Polyanthes Tuberosa L. as the flagship product of Desa Doplang. Another positive impact is the increase in the residents' income through the sale of batik tulis at better prices.

1188 The Effect of Bone Wax Application in Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review

Abstract Aim There is limited and conflicting evidence on whether bone wax usage in cardiac surgery increases infection risk. A systematic review was conducted to examine cardiac surgery postoperative outcomes following bone wax application. Method This systematic review was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were searched for studies evaluating perioperative bone wax usage in the English language. All relevant synonyms of “Cardiac Surgery”, “Bone wax”, “Infection”, and “Healing” were used to identify papers. The outcomes of interest were wound infection, sternal dehiscence, postoperative sternal bleeding, postoperative chest drainage and mortality. Results From the 66 articles found, 5 were included following full-text screening. No statistically significant difference in infection risk between the bone wax (BW) and comparator groups existed. However, the evidence suggests bone wax significantly increases the risk of sternal dehiscence. Studies reporting postoperative bleeding showed a significantly greater mean volume in the BW group. All studies reporting postoperative chest drainage (n = 3) showed a greater mean volume in the BW group, of which two were significant. Of the three papers reporting mortality, two showed an increased risk in the BW group. Conclusions Current evidence indicates no significant association between bone wax and wound infection. Bone wax is associated with a greater risk of sternal dehiscence, postoperative sternal bleeding, postoperative chest drainage and mortality. Greater emphasis should be placed on bone wax alternatives in clinical practice. Limited data necessitates larger studies, and for clearer guidelines to be established around them.

Composition and physicochemical properties of corn wax

AbstractCorn wax, as a kind of vegetable wax, is a by‐product of the corn oil industry. In this study, the corn wax was obtained from the corn oil refineries and purified by solvent defatting and bleaching. The composition and physicochemical properties of corn wax were studied to provide theoretical guidance for the production and application of corn wax. The results showed that the purity of corn wax was higher than 95%, and the corn wax ester ranged from C42 to C58, with C46, C44, and C48 being predominant. The carbon number of fatty acids was in the range of 16–30, with a higher proportion of C20, C22, and C24. The fatty alcohols varied from C20 to C32 and were dominated by C22, C24, C30, and C23. The physicochemical properties of corn wax were also determined and compared with other vegetable and animal waxes to get a more comprehensive understanding of corn wax. The results showed that the water content, iodine number, saponification number, and melting point of corn wax were 0.03 ± 0.01%, 6.77 ± 0.85 g/100 g, 74.31 ± 3.49 mg/g and 77.28 ± 7.89°C respectively. Corn wax was a green and healthy natural resource, which has great application potential in food, health care, and medicine.

A Simple Technique to Prevent Screw Stripping During Hardware Removal Using Bone Wax.

Hardware removal is a common procedure in orthopedics, but it can be challenging and time-consuming. Difficulties in screw removal may arise due to bone growth or cement covering the screw heads, leading to screw damage, and increased surgical time. In this article, we describe a simple and inexpensive technique utilizing bone wax to protect screw heads from bone growth or cement, facilitating future implant removal. The application of bone wax over screw heads acts as a barrier, preventing bone growth or cement from engaging with the screw heads.