Castor Oil Research Articles

Terahertz photonic crystal fiber-based edible oil sensor: Performance evaluation and identification

This model introduced an innovative hollow-core optical waveguide with an octagonal core, specifically designed for rapid detection of various food oil contaminations is founded on the principles of Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF). By analyzing the refractive index (RI) variations between pure and contaminated oil, we evaluate other essential optical parameters. The characteristics inherent to the suggested food oil sensor are examined using COMSOL Multiphysics v6.1, employing the Finite Element Method (FEM). Highly precise mesh components are included to provide optimal simulation accuracy. The outcomes from the suggested sensor model demonstrate exceptionally strong relative sensitivity of 98.52 % for castor oil, 98.46 % for sunflower oil, 98.41 % for mustard oil, 98.32 % for olive oil, and 98.03 % for coconut oil, all measured at 2 THz. Additionally, the simulation shows a very low confinement loss of 2.37 × 10−12 cm-1, a numerical aperture of 0.242, effective area of 1.1459 × 10–7 m², and effective material loss of 0.0038 cm-1 for castor oil under optimal structural circumstances. The straightforward design of the PCF in the sensor indicates that it can be implemented with ease, given these standard performance indicators. Therefore, it is anticipated that this sensor will open improved avenues for detection and identification of several distinct food oil contaminations. It can be produced using standard fabrication processes.

Investigating a novel therapeutic composition for dry eye syndrome management: In vitro and in vivo studies

Dry eye syndrome (DES) presents a significant challenge in ophthalmic care, necessitating innovative approaches for effective management. This research article introduces a multifaceted strategy to address DES through the development of ocular inserts utilizing advanced technologies such as hot-melt extrusion (HME) and the CaliCut post-extrusion system. The formulation includes key ingredients targeting different layers of the tear film and associated inflammation, including hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), polyethylene glycol (PEG), castor oil, and dexamethasone. The study incorporates a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach, integrating HME and the precise stretching and cutting technique of CaliCut for manufacturing consistency and dimensional control of the inserts. The developed insert(s) have been systematically characterized for their physicochemical properties, release profile, and in vivo efficacy. In silico molecular docking studies have also been conducted to assess the binding affinities of formulation components with ocular mucin, elucidating their binding affinities. Preliminary results demonstrate promising potential for the developed insert in managing DES, offering preservative-free treatment, sustained drug delivery, and improved patient compliance. This study highlights the integration of advanced technologies and formulation strategies in ocular drug delivery for effective DES management.

In vitro and in vivo pharmacological evaluation of polygonum persicaria l.

The present study was designed to investigate the in vitro antioxidant, cytotoxic, anthelmintic and in vivo analgesic, anti-diarrheal, hypoglycemic and CNS anti-depressant properties of different solvent fractions of methanol extract of leaf and flower of Polygonum persicaria L., a notable medicinal plant in Bangladesh. The crude methanol extracts were partitioned separately to petroleum-ether, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and aqueous fractions. In DPPH scavenging assay for antioxidant test, the aqueous fraction of flower extract showed maximum antioxidant activity with IC50 of 0.60 μg/ml. Most of the fractions revealed prominent lethality (LC50) against brine shrimp nauplii. The test samples also exhibited dose-dependent anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma. The leaf extract and flower extract (200-and 400 mg/kg b.w.) can decrease the painful sensation in mice. Leaf extracts and flower extracts displayed 57.69 and 50% reduction of diarrhea induced by castor oil in mice, respectively. The plant samples exhibited hypoglycemic effect and CNS anti-depressant effect in mice. Based on the possibility of bioactivity, the plant can be thoroughly examined to determine its potential efficacy and to support its traditional uses. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 475-485, 2024 (September)

Ion-selective electrode based on polyurethane-immobilized di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phosphoric acid for low-concentration aqueous Pb2+ detection and quantification

This study used a polyurethane (PU)-based ion selective electrode (ISE) immobilized with di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) to detect and quantify Pb2+ ions at low concentrations (10−10 to 10−1 M) in aqueous solution. PU, synthesized from castor oil (Ricinus communis L.), was utilized as the ISE membrane matrix. The ISE demonstrated a sensitivity of 26.24 ± 0.12 mV/decade, a detection limit of 1.44 × 10−7 M, and a response time of 10 s. We maintained the measurement stability for up to six days of storage.The results of Pb2+ quantification produced by ISE were compared with the results using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), indicating similar Pb2+ concentrations in both artificial and real wastewater samples (calculated t-value < theoretical t-value). Therefore, this ISE is suitable for detecting trace levels of Pb2+ and quantifying them with high accuracy.

Advancing Food Packaging: Exploring Cyto-Toxicity of Shape Memory Polyurethanes

Cytotoxicity is a critical parameter for materials intended for biological applications, such as food packaging. Shape-memory polyurethanes (SMPUs) have garnered significant interest due to their versatile properties and adaptability in synthesis. However, their suitability for biological applications is limited by the use of aromatic isocyanates, such as methylene diphenyl 4,4′-diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI), which are commonly used in SMPU synthesis but can generate carcinogenic compounds upon degradation. In this study, thermo-responsive shape-memory polyurethanes (SMPUs) were synthesized using poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol (PTMG) and castor oil (CO) as a chain extender with four different isocyanates—aromatic (MDI and TDI), aliphatic (hexamethylene diisocyanate [HDI] and isophorone diisocyanate [IPDI])—to evaluate their impact on polyurethane cytotoxicity. Cytotoxicity assays were conducted on the synthesized SMPU samples before and after exposure to light-induced degradation. The results showed that prior to degradation, all samples exhibited cell proliferation rates above 90%. However, after degradation, the SMPUs containing aromatic isocyanates demonstrated a drastic reduction in cell proliferation to values below 10%, whereas the samples with aliphatic isocyanates maintained cell proliferation above 70%. Subsequently, the influence of polyol chain length was assessed using PTMG, with molecular weights of 1000, 650, and 250 g·mol−1. The results indicated that the SMPUs with longer chain lengths exhibited higher cell proliferation rates both before and after degradation. The thermal and mechanical properties of the SMPUs were further characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermomechanical analysis (TMA), providing comprehensive insights into the behavior of these materials.

Experimental and computational investigations of biodiesel production from castor oil using Li-doped salmon fish bone-supported lanthanum oxide catalyst in a micro-reactor

Ensuring efficient and sustainable biodiesel production is essential for addressing environmental concerns and meeting global energy demands. This study aims to optimize the transesterification of castor oil through the development of a distinctive Li-doped-salmon fish bone (SFB)-supported La2O3 composite catalyst within a micro-reactor setup. The optimal catalyst (3 % Li/SFB-La) was thoroughly evaluated for its physicochemical features employing a range of characterization techniques, including XRD, XPS, BET, FESEM, TEM, TGA/DSC, and FT-IR. According to density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the function of Li dopants, which have a lower electronegativity (0.98) compared to La (1.1), is to enhance the charge transfer capability of La sites, thereby increasing their reactivity with triglycerides. In the interim, we determined the optimized reaction conditions: a 6:1 methanol/oil molar ratio and a 5 wt % catalyst loading at 338 K. Under these parameters, an impressive 99.38 % conversion was achieved within 1.5 h. Furthermore, the 3 % Li/SFB-La composite catalyst exhibited remarkable stability, retaining its high activity throughout 7 cycles without any significant loss of efficacy. Moreover, the transesterification reaction kinetics were thoroughly investigated, revealing a reaction rate constant of 1.17 h−1 and an activation energy of 14.46 kJ/mol.

Vegetable oil-derived polyether-polyester thermosets: Solvent-free synthesis and mechanical properties

Vegetable oils differing in the number and kind of reactive chemical sites were investigated as potential feedstock in reactions involving epoxy rings to produce sustainable polymeric thermosets. Sustainable polyether-polyester matrices were synthesized through the mixing of three different vegetable oils (castor, tung and sunflower oil) with maleic anhydride to promote their chemical activation, and subsequently induce the reaction with polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE). The interactions between double bonds and/or hydroxyl groups present in vegetable oils, anhydrides and epoxy rings within a solvent-free medium promote the expected chemical crosslinking, yielding polymeric thermosets that encompass the Green Chemistry tenets. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry tests were employed to validate the chemical reactions taken place during the synthesis, as well as to monitor the kinetics of curing. Moreover, a rheological characterization was conducted to assess the influence of both the vegetable oil and the ratio of reactive components on the ultimate mechanical properties. Although chemical crosslinking was suitably attained in all the systems studied, a more reinforced network with values of the storage modulus (G’) of 54·105 Pa was obtained in those based on tung oil possessing the higher quantity of reactive functional sites; meanwhile, the presence of hydroxyl groups within the vegetable oil structure led to the production of more flexible thermosets (G’ of 6.2·105 Pa).

Life cycle assessment as a circular economy strategy to select eco-efficient raw materials for particleboard production

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is applied for choosing and comparing circular alternatives, comprising a bicomponent polyurethane resin based on castor oil (PU) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) particles to conventional materials using urea formaldehyde (UF) and eucalyptus particles, for the production of 1 m3 of medium-density particleboard (MDP), from cradle-to-gate, with five different formulations. Databases were used in life cycle inventory and the ReCiPe impact method was selected at midpoint level. The eco-efficiency index, based on modulus of rupture and CO2 emissions, revealed that the best condition was the panels using alternative materials, as it can reduce up to 74 % the environmental burdens investigated. The panel using only circular materials showed feasible technical performance according with the physical-mechanical properties considered, generating the best eco-efficiency indicator (0,154 MPa/CO2 eq.). These results build a foundation for reconsidering the selection of raw materials in large-scale MDP production, potentially leading to the adoption of more sustainable practices.

Novel 2D Layered MXene Nanofluids for Enhancing the Convective Heat Transfer Performance of Double-Pipe Heat Exchangers.

This paper proposes a new class of novel 2D layered structured materials, such as MXene (MX), for the synthesis of innovative nanofluids as coolants to evaluate the convective heat transfer performance of a double-pipe heat exchanger (DPHE). Convective heat transfer experiments were successfully conducted in lab-scale fabricated DPHE using low-concentration MXene nanofluids by varying the volume concentration of MXene nanoparticles (0.01-0.05 vol %) in different base fluids. The influence of the MXene nanofluids on various convective heat transfer parameters, such as LMTD, Nusselt number, heat transfer coefficient, and heat transfer rate without using any inserts in the DPHE was experimentally investigated. The results of the experiments revealed that the heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number increase with increasing Reynolds number (Re) and concentration of MXene nanoparticles in the base fluids. Maximum enhancement in heat transfer coefficient (126%) was achieved for methanol-based MXene nanofluids at 0.05 vol %. Moreover, the Nusselt number exhibits a maximum enhancement of ∼50% for methanol- and water-based MXene nanofluids. In contrast, the thermal performance factor was also estimated, and it was observed that water- and methanol- based MXene nanofluids showed higher values than castor oil- and silicone oil-based MXene nanofluids. Finally, the LMTD and heat transfer coefficients were successfully validated using Aspen HYSYS 12.1 software.

Assessment of the Potential Mechanisms of Anti-diarrhoeal Activities of Ethanol Extract of Monoon longifolium Leave in Wistar Rat

Background: Numerous diseases related to diarrhea are the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in underdeveloped countries, accounting for hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Polyalthia longifolia, the false ashoka, commonly referred to as Monoon longifolium is a tree species from Asia. It is commonly found in southern india, Sri Lanka and Nigeria. Polyalthia longifolia has been utilized for decades to treat an extensive variety of illnesses, including diarrhea. Method: The plant was extracted with ethanol using cold maceration. Preliminary qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of ethanol extract of Polyalthia longifolia leaf was conducted using the techniquees of Harbone (1998); Trease and Evans (1978). The Lorke (1983) approach was used to calculate the Median Lethal Dose (LD50). Diarrhea caused by castor oil was produced using the Awouter et al., 1973 method. The testing for gastrointestinal transit was conducted using the Mascolo et al. (1996) technique. The Tietz (1994) method was used to conduct the electrolyte levels assay. The assay for kidney function indicators was conducted using Bartels and Bohmer's (1972) methodology. Results: The results of phytochemical screening showed that alkaloids and tannins occurred in high concentration, flavonoids and steroids occurred in moderate concentration, whereas terpenoids, glycosides and phenolic acid occurred in lowest concentration. The acute toxicity study revealed that the plant extract was not toxic even at the dose of 5000 mg/kg. Groups treated with 200,400, and 600 mg/kg b.w of extract showed significant (P &lt; 0.05) inhibition in the frequency of defecation of wet feces and total fecal output compared with positive control. Similarly, Groups treated with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight of extract demonstrated significant (P &lt; 0.05) antimotility activity when compared with the positive control. However, groups treated with 200,400 and 600mg/kg body weight showed a significant (P &lt; 0.05) increase in chlorine and sodium with corresponding decrease in bicarbonate and potassium level when compared with the positive control. The results from kidney function markers showed that groups treated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg b.w in a dose dependent manner showed a significant (p &lt; 0.05) reduction in creatine and urea when compared with positive control. Conclusion: The ethanol leaf extract of Polyalthia longifolia has considerable antidiarrheal activity on castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility models, confirming the reason for its wide use in traditional treatment of diarrheal conditions.

Synergetic inhibitory effect of isopropyl methylphenol-based agents on biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans.

Dental caries and periodontitis are the most common oral diseases in humans and the main causes of tooth loss. Streptococcus mutans is primarily responsible for dental caries and dental plaque, which are triggered by biofilm formation on the tooth surface. In this study, biofilm inhibition by 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol (IPMP)-based agents, consisting of IPMP and polyoxyethylene-hydrogenated castor oil (POEHCO), was investigated in vitro. Notably, the use of POEHCO in addition to IPMP inhibited S. mutans biofilms more drastically than IPMP alone. Moreover, the effects of IPMP on the expression of biofilm-related genes (gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD) were examined using quantitative real-time PCR. IPMP at sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations significantly downregulated the expression of these genes. These results suggested that the inhibitory effects on biofilm formation were synergistically enhanced by the surfactant and antibiofilm activities of IPMP. Therefore, IPMP-based agents as dentifrices may be useful to prevent oral diseases originating from biofilms.

Fast thermo-responsive thermoset self-healing polymers based on bio-derived Benzoxazine/Epoxidized castor oil copolymers for coating applications

This work emphasized on development of a novel bio-derived self-healing copolymer fabricated from benzoxazine and epoxy resins by varying weight ratios. The bio-derived benzoxazine (E-fa) acted as a healing agent was copolymerized with bio-derived epoxy resin namely epoxidized castor oil (ECO). Three main essential properties of the developed copolymer were systematically investigated: thermal property, mechanical property, and self-healing capacity. The numerical simulation was also used to study and predict the ability of roof coatings based on the developed copolymers. The results showed that the reversible crosslinking reaction occurred and resulted in state transition of the copolymers. The mechanical property i.e., tensile strength and peel strength to stainless steel substrate, were substantially improved with the incorporation of ECO. The increase in E-fa contents can enhance the thermos-responsive healing performance of the copolymers up to 93% via reversible reactions with rapid surface damage healed within 2 min. Furthermore, the experimental and numerical results revealed that the thermo-responsive thermoset self-healing bio-derived benzoxazine/epoxy copolymers have a potential use in coating applications required fast self-healing performance and good mechanical properties.

Application of Response Surface Methodology Experimental Design to Optimize Tribological Lubrication Characteristics

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) has become a standard operation for patients with joint disorders. Despite the fact that the number of procedures is increasing all the time, the short service life of implants remains a persistent concern for researchers. Understanding lubrication may aid in explaining tribological processes that lead to replacements that last well into the third decade of service. Likewise, wear and friction in total knee replacement (TKR) components are among the most common causes of implant failure. As a result, this study will evaluate the feasibility of using the polymer Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) for cartilage replacement in Total Knee Replacement (TKR) using plant-based oils as lubricants. Furthermore, the modifier will be added to plant-based oils as an additive to make them analogous to human bodily fluids. The present paper is applying the Box-Behnken design to optimize the performance and mechanical responses of bio-lubricants toward Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) as a tibial insert for cartilage replacement in Total Knee Replacement (TKR). The main objective of this paper is to develop an optimized method for the selection of plant-based oil parameters using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A three-level three-factor Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to investigate the interactions between the essential factors comprising load (45 kg to 90 kg), speed (60 rpm, 90 rpm and 360 rpm), and concentration (0ml, 5ml and 10ml) of bio-lubricants to accomplish the indicated prospect of using polymer for cartilage replacement. Canola oil, castor oil, and sunflower seed oil are considered vegetable oils, whereas Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is the friction modifier. The parameters are used to create a Box-Behnken design for predicting lubricant anti-wear qualities stated in terms of coefficient of friction, wear rate and frictional force as determined by the pin-on-disk experimental procedure. As a result, the optimization using RSM successfully interpreted the experimental data, according to the analysis of variance, with coefficients of determination of R2 = 0.91 and adjusted R2 = 0.77. The Coefficient of Friction (CoF) and wear rate were investigated following tribological testing. Castor oil had a lower coefficient of friction than canola and sunflower seed oil, according to the findings. In terms of friction reduction, castor oil surpasses canola and sunflower seed oil.

Advancements in Castor Oil‐Derived Smart Materials: A Comprehensive Mini‐Review

AbstractSmart materials encompass a class of materials capable of reorienting themselves in response to external stimuli (heat, light, and chemical), and generate smart properties such as self‐healing (SH) and shape‐memory (SM), etc. Recently, castor oil has emerged as a bio‐renewable feedstock facilitating the synthesis of smart polymers such as polyurethanes and epoxidized castor oil (CO)‐based polymers. Furthermore, fillers and nanomaterials have been added to prepare responsive materials (SH and SM) and drug delivery systems. This review delves into the recent developments in CO‐based smart materials since 2015 under thermal, photo, and chemical stimuli and their applications in coating, adhesive, soft robotics, and drug delivery. Additionally, the challenges and future scopes for the development of castor oil‐based advanced smart materials have been discussed.

A Newly Validated HPLC-DAD Method for the Determination of Ricinoleic Acid (RA) in PLGA Nanocapsules.

The assessment of ricinoleic acid (RA) incorporated into polymeric nanoparticles is a challenge that has not yet been explored. This bioactive compound, the main component of castor oil, has attracted attention in the pharmaceutical field for its valuable anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. This work aims to develop a new and simple analytical method using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) for the identification and quantification of ricinoleic acid, with potential applicability in several other complex systems. The method was validated through analytical parameters, such as linearity, limit of detection and quantification, accuracy, precision, selectivity, and robustness. The physicochemical properties of the nanocapsules were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) to determine their hydrodynamic mean diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP), via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and quantifying the encapsulation efficiency. The proposed analytical method utilized a mobile phase consisting of a 65:35 ratio of acetonitrile to water, acidified with 1.5% phosphoric acid. It successfully depicted a symmetric peak of ricinoleic acid (retention time of 7.5 min) for both the standard and the RA present in the polymeric nanoparticles, enabling the quantification of the drug loaded into the nanocapsules. The nanocapsules containing ricinoleic acid (RA) exhibited an approximate size ranging from 309 nm to 441 nm, a PDI lower than 0.2, ζ values of approximately -30 mV, and high encapsulation efficiency (~99%). Overall, the developed HPLC-DAD procedure provides adequate confidence for the identification and quantification of ricinoleic acid in PLGA nanocapsules and other complex matrices.

Field evaluation of plant oil formulations as potential control measures against the cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley)

The cotton crop is heavily infested by various insect pests, including Phenacoccus solenopsis. Antagonistic plants offer an alternative source of insect biocontrol agents because they contain various bioactive materials, many of which are selective or have no adverse effects on non-target organisms or the environment, unlike synthetic insecticides. Therefore, three locally available plant oils were tested to evaluate their efficacy in reducing P. solenopsis in cotton fields. Statistical analysis showed a highly significant difference (DF = 3, 23; F = 194.42; P = 0.0000) for the reduction of the P. solenopsis population. After the first spray, the highest overall mean reduction of P. solenopsis (61.26±10.69%) was recorded in the cotton plot sprayed with neem oil, followed by castor oil (50.11±10.94%) and mustard oil (38.30±8.39%). After the second spray, the highest overall mean reduction of P. solenopsis (70.01±9.26%) was again observed with neem oil, followed by castor oil (50.51±8.90%) and mustard oil (40.06±8.74%). Furthermore, results concluded that neem oil achieved the highest reduction of P. solenopsis population (84.45%) on the third day, with an overall reduction of 65.64±9.94%. The second-highest reduction (68.96%) with an overall reduction of 50.31±9.9% was recorded in the plot sprayed with castor oil, followed by mustard oil, which reduced the population by 54.05% with an overall reduction of 39.18±8.55%. The results also indicate that the efficacy of neem oil remained effective until the third day after spraying, while on the seventh day, the P. solenopsis population began to increase gradually.

Experimental investigation on performance of bubble-bursting atomization methods for minimum quantity lubrication in face milling tool steel

The metal cutting industry faces challenges in machining hard materials due to high forces and temperatures. This paper introduces bubble-bursting atomization minimum quantity lubrication (BBA-MQL), a novel MQL technique that generates fine biodegradable oil mists for cooling and lubrication. Although the initial results of BBA-MQL are promising, there has not been a comprehensive investigation into its use in machining hard materials, specifically tool steels. Therefore, this study focused on the applicability of BBA-MQL in face milling of AISI P20 + Ni tool steel in comparison with dry cutting and conventional MQL using commercial and vegetable oil. The machining tests were performed at three cutting speeds (50, 80, and 110 m/min), fixed cutting depth (0.2 mm), and feed rate (0.15 mm/tooth). The performance is evaluated by measuring the cutting force, surface quality, cutting temperature, and tool wear. It was found that BBA-MQL decreased cutting force and surface roughness considerably, with the average reductions being 23.2 % and 49.8 % compared with the conventional minimum quantity lubrication. The highest cutting speed of 110 m/min was preferred for achieving the lowest roughness value and cutting force when milling tool steel P20 + Ni. Furthermore, BBA-MQL with castor oil proved more effective compared to conventional MQL in reducing cutting force, showing improved surface finish, reduced cutting temperature, and delayed tool wear.

Enhancement of zein-based films for mango preservation using high-intensity ultrasound and castor oil plasticization

Zein-based films exhibit high efficiency in ethylene adsorption. However, its brittleness limits the practical applications. To address this issue, this study synergizes the plasticizing effects of high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) and castor oil (CO) to reduce the brittleness of zein-based films. The plasticizing mechanism was demonstrated through the formation of new intermolecular hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions, as evidenced by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and zeta potential measurements. The tensile strength of 6 % CO-zein film increased eightfold. Additionally, the freshness of mangoes stored with 6 % CO-zein film significantly improved, extending their shelf life from 5 days to 15 days. Therefore, this study investigated the synergistic plasticization of zein-based films through the addition of CO, based on HIU. It also provides a theoretical basis for fruit packaging.

Induction of Labor Using Castor Oil Cocktail - an Analysis of Real-world Data.

Induction of labor is indicated when benefits of delivery outweigh benefits of prolonged pregnancy, which is not always welcomed by women. Castor oil is accepted as an "old household remedy" for labor induction but is not yet part of the official guidelines. Nevertheless, it is often used, mostly even before the women are admitted to the hospital. Data on its actual benefits and safety are missing. Upon accepting the real-world practice of applying castor oil cocktail for labor induction we added castor oil as one option of labor induction in our clinical routine for multiparous women at term, with a history of at least one vaginal delivery. Here we aimed to generate data on the effectivity and safety of castor oil in labor induction by analyzing the real-world data generated in our cohort. In our retrospective analysis we included data of a cohort of 148 multiparous women induced by castor oil cocktail and of 286 matched controls receiving established methods according to the current guidelines for labor induction. The castor oil cocktail was prepared following a standardized recipe with quality-tested castor oil. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS27.0. Perinatal outcome data including the rate of vaginal deliveries did not differ between groups, except significantly more neonates were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in the group receiving established methods for induction of labor (p=0.01). In 39 women (26%), administration of castor oil cocktail alone failed to induce labor. The time from initiation of labor induction until delivery was significantly shorter in the castor oil cocktail group (p=0.04). Our study demonstrates the safety and effectivity of a castor oil cocktail induction in multiparous women at term in a hospital-based setting using quality-controlled castor oil in a standardized recipe.

Metamaterial enhanced sensor for powder material classification

In this paper, a simple and efficient approach is presented to classify different power materials based on a one port microwave sensor in X-band. This classification focuses on powder materials, unlike prior studies that focused on liquids (castor oil, neem oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, and mahua oil), this classification represents a shift towards powdered materials. The response of the proposed sensor is enhanced by adding a metamaterial (MTM) unit cell of F-shape to focus electromagnetic waves on the sample under test. This metamaterial-based sensor is designed to differentiate between different types of materials based on the corresponding reflection coefficient. The sample under test is included inside a dielectric box inserted inside a rectangular waveguide. The MTM unit cell is added on the front face of this box towards the direction of the incident wave. The resonance frequency depends on the characteristics of the powder material inside the box. The MTM unit cell enhances this resonance to simplify the process of classification of different materials. The measured results show that the proposed sensor can detect a wide range of powder materials, including clay, cement, sand, and mixtures: cement & sand, and clay & sand. The designed sensor can be used in various applications, including detection and classification of different powder materials in industrial applications.