Ethanol Solution Research Articles

Ionic Conductivity and Aggregation Behavior of N,N-Dimethylethanolammonium Carboxylate Protic Ionic Liquids in Aqueous, Ethanolic, and Acetonitrile Solutions

Ionic Conductivity and Aggregation Behavior of N,N-Dimethylethanolammonium Carboxylate Protic Ionic Liquids in Aqueous, Ethanolic, and Acetonitrile Solutions

Electrospun fibers of zein and pea protein to create high-quality fibrous structures in meat analogs

IntroductionThe importance of developing plant-based meat similar to animal meat lies in the fact that sensory similarity is a crucial factor in encouraging consumers to adopt this alternative.MethodologyThe present study reports the morphology, hydrophilicity, and thermal analysis of different fibers obtained by the electrospinning method. In the first step of this work, zein and zein/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in 80% aqueous ethanol solution with varying concentrations of these polymers were investigated.Results and DiscussionIt was observed that the diameters of the electrospun fibers are related to the concentration and viscosity of the solutions. Moreover, the addition of small percentages of PEO makes the fibers more hydrophilic and leads to an increase in the polymeric solution viscosity. Because of its low toxicity, PEO is used in various edible products. In the second step of this work, an ideal zein/PEO combination was found to allow the pea protein (PP) to be electrospun. Adding PP to the zein/PEO blend (20:1) leads to a more hydrophilic fiber and improves thermal stability. The results suggest that the zein/PEO and zein/PEO/PP blends can offer an innovative solution to enhance the texture and appearance of plant-based meats. These simulated electrospun fibers can mimic the fibers in animal meat and are a potential alternative to provide a sensory experience as close to animal meat as possible.

High-Temperature Behavior of Pd/MgO Catalysts Prepared via Various Sol–Gel Approaches

A series of Pd/MgO catalysts based on nanocrystalline MgO were prepared via different sol–gel approaches. In the first two cases, palladium was introduced during the gel preparation, followed by drying it in supercritical or ambient conditions. In the third case, aerogel-prepared MgO was impregnated with an ethanol solution of Pd(NO3)2. The prepared catalysts differ in particle size and oxidation state of palladium. The catalytic performance and thermal stability of the samples were examined in a model reaction of CO oxidation at prompt thermal aging conditions. The as-prepared and aged materials were characterized by low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and ethane hydrogenolysis testing reaction. The highest initial activity (T50 = 103 °C) was demonstrated by the impregnated sample, containing Pd0 particles of 3 nm in size. The lowest T50 value (215 °C) after aging at 1000 °C was demonstrated by the impregnated Pd/MgO-WI sample. The high-temperature behavior of the catalysts was found to be affected by the initial oxidation state and dispersion of Pd. Two deactivation mechanisms, such as the agglomeration of Pd particles and migration of small Pd species into the bulk of the MgO support with the formation of Pd-MgO solid solutions, were discussed.

Therapeutic effect of topical tamoxifen in murine cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major.

Iran is one of the endemic regions of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania major. There is no protective vaccine available against CL available, and the most effective strategy is a definitive treatment. Topical medications can be an excellent option for this purpose. Tamoxifen, a cancer control drug, has properties such as inducing cell apoptosis and anti-parasitic activity, which can be useful in controlling eukaryotic parasites such as Leishmania. The present study was conducted to investigate this theory in experimental CL caused by L. major. Forty female BALB/c mice aged 4 to 6 weeks were infected by injecting 1 × 106 L. major metacyclics (MRHO/IR/75/ER) in the base of the tail. After the appearance of Leishmania nodules, mice were divided into five test and control groups. Two drug formulations were used: tamoxifen 1% in ethanol and tamoxifen citrate ointment 0.1%. The effectiveness of each formula was evaluated by determining the mean size of the ulcers and parasite burden after a 28-day treatment period. Both formulations showed reduced ulcer mean sizes. However, only the tamoxifen citrate ointment group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction (P = 0.049). The parasite burden decreased by 40.83% for the ointment group and 33.67% for the ethanol solution. Other control groups showed lesser reductions. This study partially demonstrated the effectiveness of topical tamoxifen on CL lesions in a murine model. It can provide a basis for further research on the therapeutic effects of different topical tamoxifen formulations.

Synthesis of some new transition metal complexes derived from tellurated formazanes

A novel series of organotellurium compounds based on formazane derivatives with a general formula of ArTeBr3 4 and Ar2TeBr2 5 [Ar = 2-[{4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl}{4-nitrophenyldiazenyl}methylene amino]-5-nitrophenyl] were synthesized by refluxing mercurated formazane derivative ArHgCl with TeBr4 in two different mole ratios of 1:1 and 2:1, respectively, in dry dioxane solvent under an argon atmosphere. Compounds ArTeBr3 and Ar2TeBr2 were then reduced by the action of an ethanolic solution of hydrazine hydrate to obtain Ar2Te2 6 and Ar2Te 7, respectively. The ligand properties of bis(2-[{4-hydroxy-3-methoxy phenyl}{4-nitrophenyl diazenyl}methylene amino]-5-nitrophenyl) telluride (7) were examined toward several metal ions through its reaction with K2PtCl4, PdCl2 · 2 H2O, K2PtCl6, RhCl3 · 3 H2O, CoCl3 · 6 H2O and NiCl2, respectively. These compounds were characterized by FTIR, UV-Vis,1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry as well as by elemental analysis, thermal analysis, magnetic susceptibility and molar conductivity. The identification of the synthesized complexes 8-13 proved that the complexes of Pt(II), Pd(II) and Ni(II) have square pyramidal geometries and are diamagnetic, while the complexes of Pt(IV), Rh(III) and Co(III) have octahedral shapes with the same magnetic behavior. The telluride 7 behaves as a neutral pentadentate ligand.

In the arm-in-cage test, topical repellents activate mosquitoes to disengage upon contact instead of repelling them at distance

Topical repellents provide protection against mosquito bites and their efficacy is often assessed using the arm-in-cage test. The arm-in-cage test estimates the repellent’s protection time by exposing a repellent-treated forearm to host-seeking mosquitoes inside a cage at regular intervals until the first confirmed mosquito bite. However, the test does not reveal the repellents’ behavioural mode of action. To understand how mosquitoes interact with topical repellents in the arm-in-cage test, we used a 3D infrared video camera system to track individual Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi females during exposure to either a repellent-treated or an untreated forearm. The repellents tested were 20% (m/m) ethanolic solutions of N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, p-menthane-3,8-diol, icaridin and ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate. All four repellents substantially reduced the number of bites compared to an untreated forearm, while the flight trajectories indicate that the repellents do not prevent skin contact as the mosquitoes made multiple brief contacts with the treated forearm. We conclude that, in the context of the arm-in-cage test, topical repellents activate mosquitoes to disengage from the forearm with undirected displacements upon contact rather than being repelled at distance by volatile odorants.

Experimental and numerical study of characteristic parameters of Taylor bubble in vertical pipe under short-time gas injection

Purpose This study aims to investigate the formation and characteristics of Taylor bubbles resulting from short-time gas injection in liquid-conveying pipelines. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for optimizing pipeline efficiency and enhancing production safety. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted short-time gas injection experiments in a vertical rectangular pipe, focusing on Taylor bubble formation time and stable length. Computational fluid dynamics simulations using large eddy simulation and volume of fluid models were used to complement the experiments. Findings Results reveal that the stable length of Taylor bubbles is significantly influenced by gas injection velocity and duration. Specifically, high injection velocity and duration lead to increased bubble aggregation and recirculation region capture, extending the stable length. Additionally, a higher injection velocity accelerates reaching the critical local gas volume fraction, thereby reducing formation time. The developed fitting formulas for stable length and formation time show good agreement with experimental data, with average errors of 6.5% and 7.39%, respectively. The predicted values of the formulas in glycerol-water and ethanol solutions are also in good agreement with the simulation results. Originality/value This research provides new insights into Taylor bubble dynamics under short-time gas injection, offering predictive formulas for bubble formation time and stable length. These findings are valuable for optimizing industrial pipeline designs and mitigating potential safety issues.

Ultrasensitive liquid sensor based on an embedded microchannel bulk acoustic wave resonator

The high-frequency and high-quality factor characteristics of bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators have significantly advanced their application in sensing technologies. In this work, a fluidic sensor based on a BAW resonator structure is fabricated and investigated. Embedded microchannels are formed beneath the active area of the BAW device without the need for external processes. As liquid flows through the microchannel, pressure is exerted on the upper wall (piezoelectric film) of the microchannel, which causes a shift in the resonant frequency. Using density functional theory, we revealed the intrinsic mechanism by which piezoelectric film deformation influences BAW resonator performance. Theoretically, the upwardly convex piezoelectric film caused by liquid flow can increase the resonant frequency. The experimental results obtained with ethanol solutions of different concentrations reveal that the sensor, which operates at a high resonant frequency of 2.225 GHz, achieves a remarkable sensitivity of 5.1 MHz/% (221 ppm/%), with an ultrahigh linearity of 0.995. This study reveals the intrinsic mechanism of liquid sensing based on BAW resonators, highlights the potential of AlN/Al0.8Sc0.2N composite film BAW resonators in liquid sensing applications and offers insights for future research and development in this field.

Conservation of Yuan Dynasty Caisson Paintings in the Puzhao Temple, Hancheng, Shaanxi Province, China

Caisson paintings are an integral part of the unique interior decoration ceiling of traditional Chinese architecture. There are a large number of Yuan Dynasty caisson paintings in the Puzhao Temple, in Hancheng, Shaanxi Province, China. These caisson paintings have exquisite patterns and rich colors, which are rare artistic treasures of the Yuan Dynasty. In the history of nearly 700 years, due to various environmental and human factors, the caisson paintings have experienced various degradation; for example, the paper of the caisson paintings is acidified, the surface is polluted, the color is faded, mottled, and it is difficult to identify. Therefore, their protection is vital. In order to ensure the scientific and targeted development of the protection scheme, this study conducted a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the paper fibers, pigments, adhesives, wood supports, and pollutants of the caisson paintings and carried out a series of protection experiments in the field and laboratory, providing a step-by-step review of the protection treatment application for the caisson paintings. Mechanical and wet cleaning were used to remove the pollutants. The caisson painting was deacidified with a barium hydroxide ethanol solution, and the paper and pigments of the caisson painting were strengthened with water-based fluorine. Several conservation problems, such as the removal of pollutants, the deacidification of acidified paper, and the reinforcement of flaking paper and pigments, were solved. Meanwhile, good conservation and restoration results for caisson paintings were obtained. This research method of combining theory and practice has greatly improved the scientificity and success rate of conservation work. These research results provide valuable experience and reference for other caisson paintings in similar environments.

Pharmacokinetics of intramuscular L-carvone in sheep.

To measure and model concentrations of the analgesic L-carvone, a natural component of spearmint, over time when administered IM to sheep and to characterize L-carvone's effects on CBCs and clinical biochemistry panels. L-carvone formulated as a 50% solution (v/v) in ethanol and propylene glycol was administered at 71.6 mg/kg IM, split between each semitendinosus muscle in 6 sheep. Venous blood was sampled over 24 hours, and plasma was separated by centrifugation. Additional blood was collected for CBC and serum biochemical analysis, and tissues were sampled after euthanasia. L-carvone concentrations in plasma and tissue homogenates were measured using HPLC-MS-MS. Plasma pharmacokinetic data were described using a nonlinear mixed effects model. Complete blood count and biochemistry data were compared to baseline values using repeated-measures ANOVA and Holm-Šidák tests (P < .05). Maximum plasma concentrations ranged from 0.28 to 1.93 µg/mL and occurred within 9 to 15 minutes after injection. Pharmacokinetics were best described using 2 compartments. Elimination half-life was 33.7 minutes and 390.2 minutes in the central and peripheral compartments, respectively. Mild increases in neutrophil count and significant increases in creatinine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase were associated with injection site myonecrosis. No physical examination, behavioral, or other clinically significant laboratory changes were noted. Intramuscular L-carvone exhibits rapid time to peak concentration, relatively slow plasma elimination, and low tissue concentrations after 24 hours. L-carvone exhibits a favorable pharmacokinetic profile for an analgesic drug. A new L-carvone formulation or administration route is needed to reduce inflammation and necrosis at the injection site.

Synthesis, structural study, antimicrobial activity and theoretical treatment of Cr(III), Ni(II), Pt(IV) and Zn(II) complexes with 2-hydroxy-4-Nitro phenyl piperonalidene

The complexes of the 2-hydroxy-4-Nitro phenyl piperonalidene with metal ions Cr(III), Ni(II), Pt(IV) and Zn(II) were prepared in ethanolic solution. These complexes were characterized by spectroscopic methods, conductivity, metal analyses and magnetic moment measurements. The nature of the complexes formed in ethanolic solution was study following the molar ratio method. From the spectral studies, monomer structures proposed for the nickel (II) and Zinc (II) complexes while dimeric structures for the chromium (III) and platinum (IV) were proposed. Octahedral geometry was suggested for all prepared complexes except zinc (II) has tetrahedral geometry, Structural geometries of these compounds were also suggested in gas phase by using hyper chem-8 program for the molecular mechanics and semi-empirical calculations. The heat of formation and binding energy for the prepared compounds was calculated by using PM3 and AMBER methods. The method of PM3 was used for evaluate the vibration spectra for the imine and starting material as authentic compound. Preliminary in vitro tests for antibacterial and antifungal activity show that most of the prepared compounds display good activity to (Staphylococcus aureus), (Escherichia coli) and (Candida albicans).

Synthesis of New Heterocyclic Derivatives from 4-(3, 5-Dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-ylazo)- benzoic acid

In this work pyrazolin derivatives were prepared from the diazonium chloride salt of 4-aminobenzoic acid. Azo compounds were prepared from the reaction of an ethanolic solution of sodium acetate and calculated amount of active methylene compound namely, acetyl acetone to obtain the corresponding hydrazono derivative (1). Cyclocondensation reaction of compounds (1) with hydrazine hydrate and phenyl hydrazine in boiling ethanol affording the corresponding pyrazoline-5-one derivatives of 4-aminobenzoic acid (2,3). Then compound (3) was reacted with thionyl chloride to give the corresponding acid chloride derivative(4), followed by conversion into the corresponding acid hydrazide derivative (5) carboxylic acid thiosemicarbazide (11), esters (14,15), thioesters (16,17) and amides (18,19), when treated hydrazine hydrate, thiosemicarbazide, alcohols, alkylthiol and secondary amines in dry refluxing benzene; respectively. Schiff's bases (6-8) were prepared by refluxing of compound (5) with different aldehydes and ketons, then two compounds from the Schiff's bases were cyclized with ?-mercapto acetic acid to give (9 and 10). Furthermore, 1,2,4-triazole derivative (12) have been also prepared by refluxing thiosemicarbazide derivative with sodium hydroxide solution (4%) followed acidification of the result using (10%)hydrolic acid. Moreover, a thiadiazole derivative (13) has been prepared by treatment of thiosemicarbazide derivative with concentrated sulfuric acid as cyclyzing agent. Finally, oxadiazole derivative (20) has prepared by condensation of its acid hydrazide derivative with carbon disulfide in basic medium.

Experience of using transvaginal sclerotherapy in the treatment of ovarian endometriomas

BACKGROUND: Ethanol sclerotherapy is an effective and a safe surgical treatment method for ovarian endometrioma (OMA). Destruction with 95% ethanol solution of the capsule allows minimal impact on the ovarian reserve. However, this method should be thoroughly evaluated for the possibility to be used more frequently in practice. AIM: To determine the indications for the use of transvaginal sclerotherapy in surgical treatment of OMA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between October 2021 and October 2023, 17 patients with OMA were operated at the Moscow Regional Research Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with sclerotherapy performed by transvaginal access. Clinical manifestations included pelvic pain (76.4%), dysmenorrhea (82.3%), dyspareunia (47.0%), bowel symptoms (35.3%), polymenorrhea (47.0%), and infertility (64.7%). Eleven (64.7%) of the patients had been previously operated because of ОМА. RESULTS: Postoperative anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels were slightly reduced (mean difference before and after the surgery was 0.47 ng/ml). The mean antral follicle count in the both ovaries were 10.8 before surgery and 8.6 after surgery. The volume of the ovary decreased from 2 to 6 times after sclerotherapy of the endometrioma. Symptoms recurred in four women. Six (35.2%) recurrences of endometrioma were noted with ultrasound control after 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Endometrioid detritus in the cyst capsule was not detected in 64.8% of cases. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results indicates the use of sclerotherapy by transvaginal access with ultrasound control for the treatment of endometriomas in women of reproductive age and patients planning pregnancy by ART with any level of ovarian reserve and recurrent, previously histologically confirmed, symptomatic endometriomas in women of reproductive age with no plans for pregnancy presently with a reduced ovarian reserve (AMH 1.2 ng/ml) and with any level of ovarian reserve but with symptomatic endometrioma in the preserved ovary. Transvaginal access is applicable for symptomatic endometriomas in women who had undergone several operations in the past.

PEDOT:PSS Films With Very High Thermoelectric Properties Through Water‐Swollen Assisted Reduction With a Tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene Solution

AbstractThermoelectric (TE) materials have attracted significant attention because they can be used to directly harvest waste heat into electricity. Organic TE materials like poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) have advantages including high mechanical flexibility, low cost, and low intrinsic thermal conductivity. However, their TE properties are notably inferior to their inorganic counterparts. Here, PEDOT:PSS films with very high thermoelectric properties through the sequential treatments with H2SO4, water, and ethanol solution of tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene (TDAE) are reported for the first time. The PEDOT:PSS films can exhibit a Seebeck coefficient of 58.2 µV K−1 and electrical conductivity of 1552 S cm−1, and the corresponding power factor is 526 µW m−1 K−2. The water treatment prior to the TDAE solution treatment is crucial for the high TE properties of PEDOT:PSS films. Without the water treatment, the control PEDOT:PSS films exhibit a Seebeck coefficient of only 32.4 µV K−1 and electrical conductivity of 1124 S cm−1, and the corresponding power factor is only 118 µW m−1 K−2. The effect of the water treatment on the Seebeck coefficient is attributed to the swelling of PEDOT:PSS films, which facilitates the penetration of TDAE from solution into the polymer films and thus the reduction of PEDOT:PSS.

Synthesis, Characterization and Identification of Mononuclear Transition Metals Complexes 1, 3-Bis-((5-methyl-1H-Imidazol-4-yl) Methyleneamino) Propan-2-ol Ligand

The ligand 1,3-bis-((5-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methyleneamino)propan-2-ol (H3L) derived from 1,3-diaminopropan-2-ol and 5-methyl-1H-imidazole-4-carbaldehyde has been synthetized and used to prepare five complexes in which the ligand acts in tetradentate fashion. Complexes formulated as [Mn(H3L)(H2O)2].2SCN (1), [(Co(H3L)].2SCN (2), [(Ni(H3L)].2SCN (3), [(Cu(H3L)(NO3)].(NO3).2H2O (4), and [(Zn(H3L)].2SCN (5) were synthesized by mixing an equimolar amount of an methanol solution containing the appropriate nitrate salt and KSCN, in 1:2 ratio, in the case of 1, 2, 3 and 5 and an ethanol solution containing the appropriate ligand H3L. The complex 4 has been synthetized in the absence of KSCN. In all the complexes the ligand acts in its neutral form and in tetradentate fashion, its hydroxy group remaining free and non-deprotonated. The ligand is coordinated to metal ion through two azomethine nitrogen atoms and two pyrazole sp2 nitrogen atoms. The complexes are characterized by elemental analysis, conductance and room temperature magnetic moments measurements, UV–Vis and IR spectroscopic studies. The structure of the copper(II) complex 4 is confirmed by X-ray diffraction. 4 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with unit cell dimensions a = 8.5459 (3) Å, b = 10.9177 (3) Å, c = 22.4562 (6) Å, b = 96.954 (3)°, V = 2079.79 (11) Å3, Z = 4, R1 = 0.050 and wR2 = 0.131. The CuII cation in N4O inner is situated in a distorted square pyramidal environment.

One‐Step Nitrogen Fixation by a Magnetic Field Stabilized Glow Discharge (MSGD) With Ethanol Solution and Nitrogen

One‐Step Nitrogen Fixation by a Magnetic Field Stabilized Glow Discharge (MSGD) With Ethanol Solution and Nitrogen

Accelerated Ten-Gram-Scale Synthesis of One-Component Multifunctional Sequence-Defined Ionizable Amphiphilic Janus Dendrimer 97.

One-component multifunctional sequence-defined ionizable amphiphilic Janus dendrimers (IAJDs) were discovered in our laboratories in 2021 to represent a new class of synthetic vectors for the targeted delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA). They coassemble with mRNA by simple injection of their ethanol solution into a pH 4 acetate buffer containing the nucleic acid into monodisperse dendrimersome nanoparticles (DNPs) with predictable dimensions. DNPs are competitive with 4-component lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), which are used in commercial COVID-19 vaccines, except that IAJDs are prepared in fewer reaction steps than each individual component of the LNPs. This simple methodology for the synthesis of IAJDs and their coassembly with mRNA into DNPs, together with the precise placement of their individual components and indefinite stability at room temperature in air, make them attractive candidates for the development of nanomedicine-based targeted mRNA delivery. Access to the large-scale synthesis of IAJDs without the need for sophisticated technologies, instrumentation, and synthetic skills is expected to open numerous new opportunities worldwide in nanomedicine. The goal of this publication is to report an accelerated ten-gram-scale synthesis of IAJD97 from inexpensive food additives obtained from renewable plant phenolic acid starting materials by methodologies accessible to any laboratory. This accelerated synthesis can be accomplished in 4 days. We expect that the work reported here will impact the field of nanomedicine in both developed and less developed countries.

Functionalisation of the Aluminium Surface by CuCl2 Chemical Etching and Perfluoro Silane Grafting: Enhanced Corrosion Protection and Improved Anti-Icing Behaviour

This study aimed to prepare a facile hierarchical aluminium surface using a two-step process consisting of chemical etching in selected concentrations of CuCl2 solution and surface grafting through immersion in an ethanol solution containing 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane. The goal was to achieve superhydrophobic characteristics on the aluminium surface, including enhanced corrosion resistance, efficient self-cleaning ability, and improved anti-icing performance. The surface characterisation of the untreated aluminium and treated in CuCl2 solutions of different concentrations was performed using contact profilometry, optical tensiometry, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy to determine the surface topography, wettability, morphology, and surface composition. The corrosion properties were evaluated using potentiodynamic measurements in simulated acid rain solution and salt-spray test according to ASTM B117-22. In addition, self-cleaning and anti-icing tests were performed on superhydrophobic surfaces prepared under optimal conditions. The results showed that the nano-/micro-structured etched aluminium surface with an optimal 0.5 M concentration of CuCl2 grafted with a perfluoroalkyl silane film achieved superhydrophobic characteristics, with water droplets exhibiting efficient corrosion protection, self-cleaning ability, and improved anti-icing performance with decreased ice nucleation temperature and up to 545% increased freezing delay.

Optimization and characterization of a dose-controllable orodispersible dexamethasone film for personalized medicine

Decadron® tablets are commercially available in 0.5 and 4 mg formulations, often requiring the use of multiple tablets or fractional doses when the required dosage is unavailable. This practice can lead to inaccuracies and handling difficulties associated with tablet splitting and crushing tablets into powder. This study aimed to develop an orodispersible dexamethasone film that would allow precise dose control and overcome these challenges. The film formulation was optimized by dissolving varying amounts of hypromellose, glycerol, and dexamethasone in ethanolic solutions. These solutions were cast and dried at different thicknesses. Statistical optimization using the design of experiments was used to determine the ideal film composition. The optimized films met pharmaceutical standards, with a mass variation ≦ 2 %, thickness variation ≦ 2.5 %, and disintegration time ≦ 20 s. The uniform distribution of dexamethasone within the film enabled easy content control based on the film area. Dissolution testing indicated that the dissolution behavior of the film formulation behaved similarly to commercial tablets for up to 90 min. In conclusion, the developed orodispersible film offers precise dexamethasone dose control and addresses the limitations of tablet splitting, positioning it as a promising candidate for personalized medicine applications.

Enhancing flux rates and energy efficiency in membrane distillation through stearic acid-electrosprayed membranes

This study investigates the effects of stearic acid-electrosprayed coatings on commercial PTFE, PVDF, and PA membrane substrates for membrane distillation (MD). Drawing inspiration from prior research involving carbon nanotube modifications, stearic acid was selected for its ability to increase hydrophobicity and reduce heat transfer resistance. The stearic acid was electrosprayed from an ethanol solution onto the substrates, which were subsequently characterized by contact angle, liquid entry pressure, and thickness measurements. The results showed a notable flux increase of 131% for PTFE and 17% for PVDF, but a decrease of 56% for PA. A heat transfer model suggests that stearic acid improves flux by lowering heat transfer resistance in PTFE and PVDF substrates. This study highlights the potential of stearic acid coatings to enhance MD performance, providing valuable insights into improving flux and energy efficiency in MD applications.