Ethylcellulose Solution Research Articles

The use of ethyl cellulose film lifts to collect particle traces from exposed adhesive on the edges of duct tape

Environmentally acquired particles (EAP), trapped along the edges of duct tape in the exposed adhesive, are a possible source of information regarding prior exposures of the tape and a possible means to associate duct tape rolls to segments of duct tape that are collected as traces during the investigation of criminal activity. The recovery and separation of EAP is complicated by (1) the need to separate the particles from the adhesive, and (2) the presence of adhesive filler and pigment particles that are part of adhesive formulations. Approaches such as cutting the tape edge, followed by solvent extraction, or swabbing of the duct tape edges using solvents, result in thousands of adhesive filler/pigment particles, overwhelming much smaller numbers of EAP. A recovery method has been developed employing a 10% solution of ethylcellulose (EC) in ethanol. Duct tape segments are pressed onto a glass plate and a bead of the viscous EC solution is pipetted along the edge. After drying, the EC forms a robust film that is peeled away from the tape edge, lifting the EAP along with only very small amounts of adhesive. The film lift (containing EC, duct tape adhesive and EAP) can be examined directly by steromicroscopy and particles of interest can be removed by softening the film using locally applied ethanol. Particles can be examined in situ by transmitted light microscopy using glycerol as a mounting medium to match the EC film. Batch recovery of particles from the film can be achieved by dissolution of the film lift in xylene and washing to remove adhesive residues. Xylene is then removed by washing with ethanol, leaving an ethanol suspension of EAP along with the duct tape filler/pigment particles. Larger particles can be separated by sieving and smaller particles can be recovered by filtration. This method was found to efficiently collect EAP found trapped along the edges of duct tape in the exposed adhesive, as well as for the preparation of these particles for microscopical and instrumental analysis. Limitations, not fully evaluated, include the loss or alteration of some particle types by dissolution, agitation and filtration steps. Further development of this method is expected to provide a means to recover trace particles from the edges of other types of tape and from related adhesive products such as stamps and labels.

Incorporation of bioactive compounds from avocado by-products to ethyl cellulose-reinforced paper for food packaging applications.

Reinforced films were fabricated by impregnating paper in ethyl cellulose solutions. After solvent evaporation, the infused ethyl cellulose acted as binder of the paper microfibres and occupied the pores and cavities, thus improving the mechanical and barrier properties. To prepare active films, avocado by-products from guacamole industrial production were extracted in ethyl acetate. Then, the extract (optimized to be rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids and mainly composed by lipids) was incorporated to the paper reinforced with the highest content of ethyl cellulose. In general, the addition of the avocado by-products extract decreased the water uptake and permeability, improved the wettability, and increased the biodegradability in seawater and the antioxidant capacity. In addition, these films acted as barriers and retainers for Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus. The potentiality of these materials for food packaging was demonstrated by low overall migrations and a similar food preservation to common low-density polyethylene.

Research on topological effect of natural small molecule and high–performance antibacterial air filtration application by electrospinning

The application of natural small molecule (NSM) in electrospun fibers is the key to achieving powerful functionality and sustainable development. However, the lack of understanding regarding the mechanism for loading NSM hinders the advancement of high–performance functional fibers. This work clarified the loading mechanism of NSM in polymer solution by comparing the different behaviors of curcumin (Cur), phloretin (PL), and tea polyphenols (TP) blended ethyl cellulose (EC) solutions. We found that TP may lead to the folding of polymer chains due to its strongest hydrogen bond, which in turn promoted the dispersion of TP along the polymer chain. Therefore, TP could achieve good electrospinnability at the highest loading capacity (16 times the Cur and 4 times the PL). Finally, chitosan was introduced into EC/TP to prepare tree–like nanofibers, achieving high–performance antibacterial air filtration. The filtration efficiency for 0.3 μm NaCl particles, pressure drop, and quality factor were 99.991 %, 85.5 Pa, and 0.1089 Pa−1, respectively. The bacteriostatic rates against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were all 99.99 %. This work will promote the application of NSM and the developments of multifunctional electrospun fibers and high–performance air filters.

Immobilization of α-amylase in ethylcellulose electrospun fibers using emulsion-electrospinning method

α-Amylase encapsulated in water in oil (W/O) emulsion was prepared using poly ethylene glycol (PEG 10000) (2%w/v) as water phase and ethylcellulose (EC) in ethyl acetate as oil phase at the ratio of 10:90 v/v. Next, the electrospun fibers were prepared by mixing enzyme loaded emulsion with EC solution (20%w/v) in acetic acid/ethyl acetate (20:80 v/v) at the 2:1 ratio. The emulsion showed good physical stability. The immobilized enzyme showed high activity across a board range of pHs and temperatures. The storage stability of the immobilized enzyme was 2 fold of free enzyme activity after 45 days. The residual activity of immobilized α–amylase onto of fibers after 10 and 15 repeated cycles, was approximately 100% and 50%, respectively. The results of this study indicated that the α–amylase loaded EC fibers have acceptable activity against harsh conditions and excellent reusability.

Electrospun nanofiber based on Ethyl cellulose/Soy protein isolated integrated with bitter orange peel extract for antimicrobial and antioxidant active food packaging

The present work was aimed to produce a novel bioactive nanofiber (NFs) based on Ethyl cellulose (EC), Soy protein isolated (SPI), and containing Bitter orange peel extract (BOPE) by electrospinning technology. The EC/SPI NFs were formulated with different weight ratios of 1:1, 2:1, and 1:2 denoted as ES11, ES21, and ES12, respectively, and investigated by several analyses. Based on the obtained results, the maximum hydrogen interactions between these two polymers, ES11 NFs offered a uniform morphology without bead with the diameter of 185.33 nm as a result of the compatibility of the polymer solutions of EC and SPI. Moreover, appropriate thermal stability was presented along with more porosity (78%), maximum water vapor transmission rate (657 g/m2.24h), good tensile stress (6.12 MPa), and acceptable water contact angel (82.3°). Therefore, ES11 NFs were selected as the optimal sample for incorporation of the BOPE as the antibacterial and antioxidant agent. According to the antioxidant activity test, the highest concentration (20% wt) of this extract increased the antioxidant activity of NF around 64.7% and also inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria (S. areus, and E. coli). Therefore, the ES11 electrospun NFs containing 20% BOPE can be a beneficial system to increase the safety and quality of foods.

Development of Antimicrobial Nitric Oxide-Releasing Fibers.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a highly reactive gas molecule, exhibiting antimicrobial properties. Because of its reactive nature, it is challenging to store and deliver NO efficiently as a therapeutic agent. The objective of this study was to develop NO-releasing polymeric fibers (NO-fibers), as an effective delivery platform for NO. NO-fibers were fabricated with biopolymer solutions of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and ethylcellulose (EC), and derivatives of N-diazeniumdiolate (NONOate) as NO donor molecules, using an electrospinning system. We evaluated in vitro NO release kinetics, along with antimicrobial effects and cytotoxicity in microorganisms and human cell culture models. We also studied the long-term stability of NONOates in NO-fibers over 12 months. We demonstrated that the NO-fibers could release NO over 24 h, and showed inhibition of the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), without causing cytotoxicity in human cells. NO-fibers were able to store NONOates for over 12 months at room temperature. This study presents the development of NO-fibers, and the feasibility of NO-fibers to efficiently store and deliver NO, which can be further developed as a bandage.

Preparation of butadiene-bridged polymethylsiloxane (BBPMS)/ethyl cellulose (EC) hybrid membranes for gas separation

Hybrid membranes containing different loadings of butadiene-bridged polymethylsiloxane (BBPMS) in ethyl cellulose (EC) were prepared by an one-pot blending method from a non-isolated solution of polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) reaction with butadiene, and a solution of EC in THF. The semi-crosslinked BBPMS and the BBPMS/EC hybrid membranes having good compatibility were characterized by Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The BBPMS/EC hybrid membranes exhibited good membrane forming ability, heat resistance and mechanical properties. It was worth mentioning that the BBPMS/EC blended membranes exhibit good selectivity for CO2/N2 and O2/N2. Specifically, the blended membrane (BBPMS/EC-5:5) showed the highest ideal selectivities for CO2/N2 and O2/N2 were 25.5 (at a CO2 permeability of 175 Barrer) and 4.85 (at a O2 permeability of 33.2 Barrer), respectively. Compared to the pure EC membrane, the ideal CO2/N4 selectivity and the ideal O2/N2 selectivity of the blended membrane (BBPMS/EC-5:5) were increased by 41.8% and 53.0%, respectively. The modification strategy using semi-crosslinked polysiloxanes to enhance gas transfer of EC is promising for fabrication of high performance CO2 and O2 separation membranes.

Handedness Inversion in Chiral Nematic (Ethyl)cellulose Solutions: Effects of Substituents and Temperature

Various acylates and phenylcarbamates of (ethyl)cellulose (EC) were synthesized by acylation and carbanilation, respectively, of the residual hydroxyls of an EC (ethyl DS = 2.50). The acyl substituents adopted were propionyl, butyryl, cyclohexanoyl, and adamantoyl groups, and the phenylcarbamoyl substituents included 3-chlorophenylcarbamoyl, 4-chlorophenylcarbamoyl, 3-methylphenylcarbamoyl, and bare phenylcarbamoyl groups. Chiral nematic mesophases of the EC derivatives, formed in chloroform, acetic acid (AA), and dichloroacetic acid (DCA), were examined by various optical techniques for evaluation of the helical pitch (P) in a set of absolute value and twist sense. The lyotropic samples prepared with DCA (20 °C) always assumed a right-handed chiral nematic structure, regardless of the degree of acyl (or phenylcarbamoyl) substitution (DSAcyl (or DSPC), ≤0.50). The chiral nematic series with AA (20 °C) and chloroform (5 °C) showed an inversion of the twist sense from being left-handed to right-handed, when DSAcyl (or DSPC) of each derivative was increased. The critical DS value for the inversion varied depending on the chain length, bulkiness, and polar nature of the employed substituent. For all of the lyotropic series explored, it was generalized that a temperature elevation strengthens a left-handed twisting power in each chiral nematic mesophase. Reversal of the twist handedness was also observed in a cycle of heating and cooling of some chiral nematics in AA. This was interpreted as being due to compensation in the strength of the two chiral interactions, i.e., steric repulsion and dispersion interaction between mesogenic molecules, contributing in mutually opposite signs to the twisting power (2πP–1) of the mesophase.

Effect of poly(ethylene oxide) on the electrospinning behavior and characteristics of ethyl cellulose composite fibers

Ethylcellulose (EC) is a nontoxic polymer widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications. Previous studies showed that the electrospinning of EC is challenging due to the formation of beads rather than continuous fibers. To overcome this limitation, this study evaluated poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as a process aid to enhance the electrospinning of EC solutions. Fibers were electrospun using free surface electrospinning technique which is more conducive for scale up production than the typical spinneret approach. The effects of PEO content, PEO molecular weight, and aqueous ethanol concentration on EC solutions parameters, spinnability, and fiber morphology were studied. Among the spin dope solutions, neat EC solution had the highest conductivity (38.28 ± 0.47 µS/cm) , but lowest surface tension (42.3 ± 0.1 mN/m) and viscosity (0.331 ± 0.006 Pa.s) values. These properties led to the formation of irregular particulates interweaved with ultrafine fibers of an average diameter of 0.075 ± 0.003 µm. The incorporation of 1% (w/w) PEO (Mw = 100 kDa) in EC solution enhanced its spinnability, where stable polymer jets were observed during the electrospinning process, producing fibers of significantly (p < 0.05) larger average diameter (0.297 ± 0.007 µm). Interactions between EC and PEO in the electrospun were elucidated using Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. This study contributed to the understanding of the effect of PEO on the electrospinnability of EC solutions, which can be useful during the development of EC-PEO nonwovens for specific end use applications.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF LYCOPENE LOADED COLLOIDAL MICROPARTICLES GEL

Objective: The objective of the present investigation was to design and evaluate a gel containing lycopene loaded colloidal microparticles.&#x0D; Methods: The lycopene loaded colloidal microparticles were successfully prepared by Cloud point technique to form colloids using Tween 40 and Tween 60 surfactant solution and then incorporated into microparticles by solvent evaporation method using polymer like HPMC and ethyl cellulose. These colloidal microparticles were evaluated for particle size (PS), drug loading (DL), entrapment efficiency (EE), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Further, these colloidal microparticles were incorporated into a topical formulation i.e., gel. This topical formulation was then evaluated for macroscopic examination, viscosity, drug content, spreadability, antioxidant activity, in vitro permeation and release kinetics.&#x0D; Results: Colloidal microparticles were successfully prepared and the particle size, drug loading and entrapment efficiency were found to be 249.45±14.2 μm, 49.8±0.96 % and 93.4±0.26 % respectively. FTIR study depicted no chemical interaction between pure drug lycopene and other excipients. The topical formulation showed sustained release and followed Korsmeyer-Peppas release kinetics model.&#x0D; Conclusion: The sustained release topical formulation of lycopene was successfully prepared using Tween 40 and Tween 60 surfactant solution and combination of HPMC and ethyl cellulose and evaluated for several parameters.

Water-insoluble polymers as binders for pellet drug layering: Effect on drug release and performance upon compression.

The objective of this study was to investigate the applicability of water-insoluble polymers as binders for pellet drug layering to extend the drug release. Carbamazepine was layered on sugar cores in fluidized bed coater using isopropanol (IPA):water solution or aqueous dispersion of ethylcellulose, polyvinyl acetate or ammonium-methylmethacrylate copolymer. Carbamazepine release was extended with all investigated water-insoluble polymers used as binder, without an additional coating layer. Drug release from pellets layered using IPA:water polymer solutions was dependent on polymer properties such as lipophilicity and pore-forming components, while from those layered with aqueous polymer dispersions, the release was dependent on the completeness of film formation during drug layering. Curing effect was observed only for pellets layered with Aquacoat® ECD and Eudragit® RS 30D. The drug release was not affected by compression when pellets were prepared with the flexible polymers Kollidon® SR or Kollicoat® SR 30D, however, it increased when brittle polymers such as ethylcellulose or Eudragit® RS were used. This problem could be minimized by using a higher amount of the binder, addition of a plasticizer or using polymers of higher viscosity grade. In conclusion, the use of water-insoluble polymers as binder for pellet drug layering is an effective tool to extend the drug release without additional coating step.

Ethylcellulose in Organic Solution or Aqueous Dispersion Form in Designing Taste-Masked Microparticles by the Spray Drying Technique with a Model Bitter Drug: Rupatadine Fumarate.

The taste of drugs is an important factor affecting pharmacotherapy effectiveness, and obtaining formulations with acceptable organoleptic properties is still an ongoing issue in pharmaceutical technology. One of the innovative methods of taste masking is preparation of microparticles by the spray drying technique, utilizing polymers with different physicochemical properties. Rupatadine fumarate (RUP) is one of the newest antihistamines, with an innovative and multidirectional mechanism of action, and an extremely bitter taste. The aim of this work was to investigate the feasibility of utilizing organic or aqueous forms of ethylcellulose (EC) for the preparation of microparticles with RUP by the spray drying technique. Spray dried samples at different drug:polymer ratios were prepared using organic solution (Ethocel®) or aqueous dispersions of EC (Surelease®, Aquacoat® ECD). Evaluation of the taste masking efficacy was performed in vivo in human taste panel, in vitro based on dissolution test, and by self-constructed electronic tongue. It was shown that microparticles obtained from aqueous dispersions of EC have superior pharmaceutical properties in terms of both morphology and taste masking efficacy in comparison to those obtained from organic solution.

Active bi-layer cellulose-based films: development and characterization

This work aims at the development and characterisation of bio-based active bi-layer films by solvent casting and electrospinning in order to be used for setting up active packaging solutions. Ethyl cellulose was used as the main material for the production of a layer on microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) films. This layer was formed with and without the incorporation of cinnamaldehyde (CNMA) which was used as antimicrobial compound. The MFC structures were obtained with a combination of different fibre dimensions and degree of fibrillation resulting in 16 different structures with porosities varying from 33 to 63%. A computational 3D simulation study of the porous structures was performed providing information about thickness, porosity and pore size uniformity and based on that a Picea abies-based MFC structure was selected. Structure characterization was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, and pore dimensions were quantified using an image analysis tool. The bi-layer films chemical properties were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Regarding barrier properties the bi-layer films produced by solvent casting were the ones showing a better barrier capacity. Both solvent casting and electrospinning processing showed to be useful to obtain a more hydrophobic surface (evaluated through contact angle measurements), being the higher values obtained for bi-layer films produced by electrospinning. Regarding colour parameters, the bi-layer films showed to be highly influenced by the production method and by the incorporation of CNMA. Regarding the antimicrobial activity, the bi-layer films with the incorporation of CNMA showed high antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium when the solvent casting method was used. Overall results showed that MFC-based films can be functionalised through the casting or electrospinning of ethyl cellulose solutions, aiming an antimicrobial and hydrophobic bi-layer film based on cellulose.

Combination of coating and injectable hydrogel depot to improve the sustained delivery of insulin

In this study, a sustained insulin delivery system was developed and evaluated with the combination of coating and injectable thermosensitive hydrogel depot. Poloxamer 407 (P407) and poloxamer 188 (P188) was employed as main materials and sodium alginate (SA) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) were incorporated to increase hydrogel strength. Insulin microcrystal was coated in a fluidized bed coater with a 2% (v/v)ethylcellulose (EC) solution. The hydrogels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The gelation temperature and gelation time, syringeability and swelling were measured. Furthermore, the in vivo pharmacodynamic studies and muscular irritation were also evaluated. The results demonstrated that the hydrogels were biocompatible and combination of hydrogels with coated insulin microcrystal had optimum sustained release property for insulin.

Synthesis of soluble oligsiloxane-end-capped hyperbranched polyazomethine and their application to CO2/N2 separation membranes

ABSTRACTThree soluble hyperbranched polyazomethines containing oligosiloxane end group HBP-PAZ-SiOn were successfully synthesized. HBP-PAZ-SiOns were used as modifiers of ethyl cellulose (EC) and polysulfone (PS) membranes. Blend membranes, HBP-PAZ-SiOn/EC and HBP-PAZ-SiOn/PS were prepared by blending the THF solution of HBP-PAZ-SiOn with ethanol solution of EC and dichloromethane solution of PS, respectively. Surprisingly, the permeabilities for CO2 of the blend membranes were more than 15–16 times higher than those of pure EC and PS membranes without any drop of pemselectivity to N2. This unusual improvement has been achieved by both enhancement of diffusivity for carbon dioxide and nitrogen by the oligosiloxane groups and enhancement of affinity of the amino groups with carbon dioxide at the end groups of HBP-PAZ-SiOn.

Fabrication of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 absorber films by selenization of different Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystal coatings

Kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) has been identified as one of the most promising thin film solar cell absorber candidates composed of earth-abundant elements. We demonstrate here an environmentally friendly and scalable solution-based approach to fabricating CZTSSe absorber films with Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanocrystals by a selenization process. In this facile approach, phase pure and single crystal CZTS powders were synthesized with the method of molten salt reactions and dissolved in the nontoxic solution of ethanol and ethyl cellulose, forming a stable ink for depositing precursor films. It was found that the initial ink composition plays an important role in determining the properties of CZTSSe absorber films. All synthesized powders and films were analyzed with respect to their phase component, microstructure and chemical composition. The optoelectronic properties of CZTSSe absorber films investigated by UV–VIS spectrophotometer and Hall effect measurement can well meet the requirements for utilization in thin film solar cells, illustrating that the demonstrated approach has broad application prospects for CZTSSe solar cell production.

Total hemispherical emittance of low temperature curing thermochromic coatings

Thermal control device based on thermochromis plays an important role in spacecrafts thermal management by automatically adjusting its radiative properities in response to large temperature gradients. The thermal management ability was determined by the device surface radiation performance. During the sun shadow, it is required to dissipate heat as little as possible from spacecraft, which is a low emittance device. While, it desired the device emittance is large enough to meet the heat dissipation requirement facing with the direct sunlight. As a type thermochromic material, La1 - x Sr x MnO3 (LSMO) has obtained broad attention because it showed a considerable superiority in saving energy consumption in space thermal management. It can hold the heat at low temperature due to its low emittance behavior, whereas dissipate the excess heat at high temperature for its high emittance properties. In this work, we prepared the La1 - x Sr x MnO3 ( x= 0125, 0.175, and 0.2) nanoparticles by sol-gel method from the precursors such as lanthanum nitrate hexahydrate, strontium nitrate and manganese nitrate solution (50%). LSMO nanoparticles were dispersed homogeneously in a solution of resins. The mixture then was spin-coated on the clean Al substrates. After standing for 10 h, the coating was cured at 120°C. The structure, morphology, and composition analysis of LSMO nanoparticles or coatings were investigated by X-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscopy, and the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, respectively. The total hemispherical emittance of coating was measured by calortmetric method, which test sample was suspended in the center of a liquid nitrogen thermostat. According to the input power, sample temperature, and thermostat temperature, the emittance can be indirectly obtained. Two resins, which is the acrylic resin and the solution of terpineol and ethyl cellulose respectively, was considered to investigated the effect of reslin type on the emittance of coatings. The result of X-ray diffraction shows a single perovskite structure for LSMO nanoparticles at different Sr doped level. A fined LSMO nanoparticle with 50–300 nm, which is detected using scanning electron microscopy, can be obtained by control sol-gel process. The composition analysis results show a comparable stoichiometric ratio. The two resins coating show a different surface morphology, which is more compact in acrylic resin than in the terpineol. Experimental results show that the variation amplitude of coating emittance is 0.45 within the temperature range of 173–370 K. For the acrylic resin coating, the emittance changes from 0.42 at 173 K to 0.85 at 370 K, and it rises from 0.39 at 173 K to 0.83 at 370 K in terpineol resin coating.

A Study of Bubble Electrospinning of Ethylcellulose Ultrafine Fibres

Bubble electrospinning (BE) is a recently-invented simple needleless concept to produce nanofibres. The bubble electrospinning method is not yet well established and there is a need to study the effects of different parameters on the fibre morphology. In the present work, ethylcellulose (EC) was successfully electrospun from 15% EC solution in toluene:ethanol (60:40) by bubble electrospinning. The effects of different parameters such as solution surface to collector distance and applied voltage on the morphology of bubble electrospun EC nanofibres were studied and are discussed below. Bubble electrospun EC fibres showed an increase in diameter as the distance between solution surface and collector increased. However, when the applied voltage was increased, the EC fibre diameter was initially reduced but then increased. The results are discussed in detail in the paper. FTIR analysis of EC powder, solution and fibres were also studied.

Preparation and Swelling Behavior of L-Lactide Interpenetrating Networks

Novel triblock copolymers of poly (L-lactide)-poly (ethylene glycol)-sebacate-poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (L-lactide) were synthesized by Ring-Opening Polymerization of different ratios of L-lactide with other three pre-prepared poly (ethylene glycol)-sebacate-poly (ethylene glycol) polymers, coded A, B and C which had different poly (ethyleneglycol) chain lengths. The copolymers were characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, which indicated that the reaction of ROP took place and led to producing nine triblock copolymers having new different lactide chain lengths (n = 10, 25 and 50), AL10, AL25, AL50,BL10, BL25, BL50, CL10, CL25, and CL50. Nine polymer networks were also prepared from copolymers with sodium alginate S1 - S9 and finally mixed with a solution of hydroxyl ethyl cellulose to form SH1 - SH9.

Synthesis of Surface-Responsive Composite Particles by Dehydration of Water-in-Oil Emulsions.

Organic composite particles were prepared by first emulsifying an aqueous sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solution in a nonaqueous ethylcellulose (EC) solution, followed by dehydrating emulsified water droplets. CMC and EC are both biodegradable nontoxic materials, but have contrasting properties. CMC is a charged water-soluble polymer, while EC is an uncharged interfacially active water-insoluble polymer. The simple preparative method does not consume unnecessary chemical reagents and produces no waste material. The composite particles prepared by dehydrating emulsion droplets are readily dispersed in organic media due to its biwettable surface terminated with interfacially active EC molecules, which allows composite particles to preferentially adsorb at the oil-water droplet interface. The surface of composite particles, furthermore, is water-permeable, which allows water to be absorbed from emulsified droplets. The size, composition, and structure of the synthesized composite particles are ideally suited for absorption of stabilized water droplets from oil-continuous emulsions. The use of the composite absorbent particles, described herein, presents another viable strategy for dewatering water-in-oil emulsions.