Gel System Research Articles

Construction and Mechanism of Janus Nano-Graphite Reinforced Foam Gel System for Plugging Steam in Heavy Oil Reservoirs

High-temperature steam injection is a primary method for viscosity reduction and recovery in heavy oil reservoirs. However, due to the high mobility of steam, channeling often occurs within the reservoir, leading to reduced thermal efficiency and challenges in enhancing oil production. Foam fluids, with their dual advantages of selective plugging and efficient oil displacement, are widely used in steam-injection heavy oil recovery. Nonetheless, conventional foams tend to destabilize under high-temperature conditions, resulting in poor stability and suboptimal plugging performance, which hampers the efficient development of heavy oil resources. To address these technical challenges, this study introduces a foam system reinforced with Janus nano-graphite, a high-temperature stabilizer characterized by its small particle size and thermal resistance. The foaming agents used in the system are sodium α-olefin sulfonate (AOS), an anionic surfactant, and octadecyl hydroxylpropyl sulfobetaine (OHSB), a zwitterionic surfactant. Under conditions of 250 °C and 5 MPa, the foam system achieved a half-life of 47.8 min, 3.4 times longer than conventional foams. Janus nano-graphite forms a multidimensional network structure in the liquid phase, increasing internal friction and enhancing shear viscosity by 1.2 to 1.8 times that of conventional foams. Furthermore, the foam gel system demonstrated effective steam-channeling control in heterogeneous heavy oil reservoirs, particularly in reservoirs with permeability differentials ranging from 3 to 9. These findings suggest that the Janus nano-graphite reinforced foam system holds significant potential for steam-channeling mitigation in heavy oil reservoirs.

MXene Hydrogels for Soft Multifunctional Sensing: A Synthesis-Centric Review.

Intelligent wearable sensors based on MXenes hydrogels are rapidly advancing the frontier of personalized healthcare management. MXenes, a new class of transition metal carbon/nitride synthesized only a decade ago, have proved to be a promising candidate for soft sensors, advanced human-machine interfaces, and biomimicking systems due to their controllable and high electrical conductivity, as well as their unique mechanical properties as derived from their atomistically thin layered structure. In addition, MXenes' biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and antifouling properties render them particularly suitable to synergize with hydrogels into a composite for mechanoelectrical functions. Nonetheless, while the use of MXene as a multifunctional surface or an electrical current collector such as an energy device electrode is prevalent, its incorporation into a gel system for the purpose of sensing is vastly less understood and formalized. This review provides a systematic exposition to the synthesis, property, and application of MXene hydrogels for intelligent wearable sensors. Specific challenges and opportunities on the synthesis of MXene hydrogels and their adoption in practical applications are explicitly analyzed and discussed to facilitate cross gemination across disciplines to advance the potential of MXene multifunctional sensing hydrogels.

Design Formulation of Nanospanlastic Novel Carriers as a Promising Approach to Enhanced Bioavailability in Intranasal Drug Delivery for Sinusitis: Statistical Optimization and In vitro and In vivo Characterization

Background: Most new biologically active chemicals require better water solubility and slower dissolution rates. Cefdinir (CFD) has a very low bioavailability in its crystalline form and is poorly soluble in water. Objective: By preparing cefdinir's spanlastic nanovesicles (SNVs) using the ethanol injection method, the current study has attempted to enhance the drug's solubility and bioavailability using a statistical design approach. Methods: Independent variables, including the nonionic surfactant concentration, edge activator (EA), sonication time, SNVs entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, PDI, and in vitro release, have been evaluated. The best CFD-SNVs were positioned within in situ gel with muco-adhesive properties made of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and deacetylated gellan gum. By contrasting intranasal injection of the produced gel with an IV solution, animal models have been used to investigate CFD's systemic and cerebral dynamics. Results: Statistical analysis has suggested an ideal SNVs formulation with nonionic surfactant (65 mg), EA (15 mg), and sonication (3 min). The sol-gel temperature for forming the mucoad-hesive in situ gel containing SNVs has been found to be 34.03°C, and 18.36 minutes has been the extended mucociliary transit time. Following intranasal injection, compared to SNV dispersion, the gelling system has exhibited higher brain bioavailability (2251.9 ± 75 vs. 5281.6 ± 51%, re-spectively). The gel has also demonstrated effective drug targeting of the brain with higher direct transport percentage indices. Conclusion: Mucoadhesive in situ gel with CFD-loaded SNVs can be administered via the in-tranasal route. To enhance bioavailability in the brain and drug targeting from the nose to the brain, nasal in situ gel loaded with CFD-SNVs could be a new carrier to be employed in sinusitis.

Assessing the Efficacy of Berberine Hydrochloride-loaded Transethosomal Gel System in Treating Dermatophytosis Caused by Trichophyton rubrum in ex-vivo, in-vitro and in-vivo Models.

Dermatophytosis is the most common dermatological disorder worldwide. Many drugs are available in the market for the treatment of dermatophytosis, but they have had limited success due to the stratum corneum barrier, antifungal resistance, drug permeation, drug retention in skin layers, etc. Thus, there is a constant need for new topical compounds that are effective against dermatophytosis. Berberine-hydrochloride is an attractive candidate to become an antifungal drug, and by using nanotechnology, it achieves deeper penetration in skin layers with enhanced permeability through the stratum corneum. In this study, we developed an oleic acid-containing berberine-hydrochloride-loaded transethosomal gel for effective treatment of dermatophytosis by Trichophyton rubrum. Berberine- hydrochloride-loaded transethosomal gels were fabricated using the hot homogenization method, followed by the incorporation of transethosomes into the gel-based system using carbopol 934. Transethosomal gel was characterized by physicochemical properties, in vitro drug release, ex-vivo permeation studies, CLSM visualization, antifungal activity, histopathological evaluation, and dermatokinetic study. Berberine-hydrochloride-loaded transethosomes seemed to be spherical and found in a range between 200-300 nm. Berberine-hydrochloride-loaded transethosomal gel formulation also exhibited controlled ex-vivo permeation of berberine-hydrochloride over 24 hr through excised rat skin, and CLSM confirmed deeper penetration into skin layers. The in vivo study revealed that transethosomal gel had a healing effect on the skin of Wistar rats infected with Trichophyton rubrum and was better than luliconazole cream. The histopathological evaluation confirmed its safety, and the dermatokinetic study showed transethosomal gel superiority over marketed cream. Therefore, the incorporation of berberine hydrochloride-loaded transethosomal nanosystems into the gel has the potential to enhance antifungal activity and permeation through transdermal drug delivery.

Performance of delaying release and reducing adsorption of polyethyleneimine/poly(vinyl sulfonate) polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles in polyacrylamide/polyethyleneimine gel system

Polyacrylamide/Polyethyleneimine (HPAM/PEI) is an environmentally friendly and promising gel system. However, inadequate gelation time and retention of the cross-linker (polyethyleneimine, PEI) during migration pose significant challenges for effective water control treatment in deep reservoirs. Polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (PECs) have demonstrated the ability to efficiently encapsulate PEI, facilitating for its gradual release. To achieve this, a cost-effective polyanionic complex, poly(vinyl sulfonate) (PVS), was employed to form PECs with PEI. By adjusting the mixing ratio of PEI and PVS, stable PECs suspensions with varying charges were successfully produced. These stable PECs exhibited spherical shapes with a particle size distribution ranging from 127.3–442.71 nm, and an average particle size of approximately 200 nm. The encapsulation efficiency of PEI by PECs varied from 64.56 % to 86.14 %. Under different conditions, 55.12 % to 90.26 % of PEI could be released from PECs. Increased temperatures, higher ionic strengths, and greater deviations in pH from the initial state of the PECs suspension all facilitated the release of PEI. The most stable PECs delayed the gelation time of the HPAM/PEI system to 9.5 days, which is twice the base gelation time of 4.5 days. The strength of mature HPAM/PEI (PECs) gels increased by 8.95 Pa in storage modulus (G′) compared to HPAM/PEI at the same concentration, albeit with a reduced linear viscoelastic region. And, the PECs-based delayed crosslinking method does not negatively affect the mechanical strength of the HPAM/PEI gel system, and thus its water control ability, under reservoir conditions. On the other hand, the static adsorption of PEI encapsulated by anionic PECs on sand decreased to one-fourth of that of free PEI (PEI solution). Additionally, the breakthrough of PEI encapsulated in anionic PECs in fractured sandstone cores was significantly advanced compared to free PEI.

A Comprehensive Review of the Evaluation of in Situ Gels

In situ gels are now among the most widely used and widely available systems. These systems minimize drug administration frequency because of their special sol-to-gel transition properties, increasing patient comfort. Other benefits of these systems include easy production, improved adherence, and ease of use. 'Sol-gel' produces a colloidal suspension or solution by hydrolyzing the precursor and then polymerizing it through condensation. These in situ gelling techniques gel at the accomplishment site because they can be administered as solutions. Recently, several researchers developed liposomes, microspheres, nanoemulsions, nanospheres, and other in situ gelling systems. One of the greatest innovative drug delivery methods to date is the "in situ gel" system, which promotes better patient comfort and compliance as well as a prolonged and regulated release of the medication. With in situ gel formation, a variety of natural and synthetic polymers may find application in oral, ophthalmic, transdermal, buccal, intraperitoneal, parenteral, injectable, rectal, and vaginal routes. Research on the in-situ gel system has a lot of potential to offer cutting-edge methods for medication delivery systems.

Engineering water-shut-off operations: Application of rheological time-temperature superposition approach for organically-crosslinked polymer gel systems

Polymer-based gels have been extensively utilized in reservoirs to prevent excessive water production and improve oil recovery. In this study, a sulfonated-hydrolyzed polyacrylamide polymer (HPAM-S) and low-toxic organic crosslinkers (hydroquinone and hexamethylenetetramine) were mixed in brine at specified concentrations to formulate the polymer-crosslinker fluid system. The quantitative rheological analysis, along with the TTS (Time-Temperature Superposition) approach, was examined for the first time to achieve the water shut-off operations in high-temperature reservoirs (90 °C–150 °C). The TTS approach was defined as modelling of the viscosity vs. time data obtained at various temperatures using an appropriate empirical shift factor (at) such that a single master curve is established for the viscosity evolution of the given fluid system. This approach facilitates the prediction of the gelation behavior of polymer-crosslinker fluid systems as a function of time at varied reservoir temperatures especially over time scales that are not experimentally accessible. The time-dependent rheological evolution of the fluid system was experimentally investigated using batch-wise bottle testing methods as well as viscosity and viscoelastic measurements by employing an advanced rheometer. The TTS approach was applied to the obtained rheological data at varied temperatures. The model was validated for an unknown set of temperature vs. viscosity data. Based on the TTS approach, the term ‘gelation time’ was defined as the time required to reach a pre-specified viscosity to signify a transition from the liquid-like state to the solid-like state. The gelation time decreases with increasing temperatures. After the gelation time, at each temperature, a swift increase in the fluid viscosity was observed, indicating the initiation of the rapid crosslinking in the fluid systems. It was found that beyond the gelation time, the batch-wise bottle testing showed (G-I) gel strength (qualitative). Analogously, the visco-elasticity test demonstrated a rapid rise in elastic modulus (G′) beyond the gelation time. An underlying mechanism based on polymer hydrolysis was utilized to explain the evolution of distinct viscous and viscoelastic properties as a function of temperature. Moreover, the modeling predictions for the fluid systems were examined for in-situ rock plugging with the help of core-flood equipment. The core-flooding tests confirmed a 99% reduction in the rock permeability beyond the gelation time. The gelation time values obtained from both the batch-wise bottle testing method and rheological tests for the polymer-crosslinker fluid systems were found in agreement with each other, with a tolerance of (±5%).

Formulation and Physicochemical Evaluation of Spray Gel Containing Cordyline fruticosa L. Leaf Extract for Topical Delivery

Spray gel is a gel system applied through a spray pump, producing small or large liquid droplets. Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Cheval, commonly known as Andong Merah, is a plant with various medicinal properties, including wound healing activity attributed to its flavonoid content. This research aimed to formulate and evaluate the physicochemical properties of a spray gel containing Cordyline fruticosa leaf extract for topical delivery, focusing on the effects of different concentrations of Carbopol 940 as a gelling agent and sorbitol as a humectant. Cordyline fruticosa leaf extract was obtained by maceration using 96% ethanol. Three spray gel formulations were prepared, varying the concentrations of Carbopol 940 (0.4 g, 0.6 g, and 0.8 g) and sorbitol (5 ml, 7.5 ml, and 10 ml). The prepared spray gels were then subjected to physicochemical evaluation, including organoleptic tests (color, odor, and consistency), homogeneity tests, pH measurements, viscosity measurements, spray pattern analysis, and adhesion tests. All spray gel formulations exhibited acceptable physicochemical properties. The formulations were homogeneous, with a pH within the acceptable range for topical applications. The viscosity and adhesion properties varied with the concentrations of Carbopol 940 and sorbitol. The spray pattern analysis revealed a circular spread pattern, with the pressure required for spraying influenced by the viscosity of the formulation. The spray gel formulations containing Cordyline fruticosa leaf extract demonstrated good physicochemical qualities, indicating their potential suitability for topical delivery. Further studies are recommended to optimize the formulation for enhanced stability and therapeutic efficacy.

Formulation of Thermo-Sensitive In Situ Gels Loaded with Dual Spectrum Antibiotics of Azithromycin and Ofloxacin

In situ gels have been developed as an innovative strategy to prolong corneal residence time and enhance drug absorption compared to traditional eye drops. Our study aimed to formulate an ophthalmic in situ gel with a combination of two thermosensitive poloxamers, P407 and P188, in an optimal ratio not only to increase the time of action but also to increase the solubility of selected antibiotics for the treatment of ophthalmic infections. Two BSC II class substances, Azithromycin and Ofloxacin, with different mechanisms of action, have been incorporated into the in situ gel system after determining their solubility. The antibiotics-loaded in situ gel formulation was evaluated for its clarity, pH, rheological properties, and gel characteristics of gelling time, temperature, and capacity. The formulation demonstrated satisfactory clarity, appropriate pH, effective gelation properties in simulated tear fluid, and suitable rheological characteristics. In addition, APIs release insight has been studied through a dissolution test, and the effectivity against sensitive and resistant bacterial strains has been proved through the antimicrobial study. Therefore, our in situ gel system based on thermosensitive poloxamers, with two hydrophobic antibiotics, AZM and OFX, can be considered a valuable approach for ophthalmic drug delivery with an enhancement of the antibiotics bioavailability through increasing the contact time with the ocular surface and enhancing patient compliance.

The Formation Mechanism of Residual Oil and Methods of Enhanced Oil Recovery in a Fractured Low-Permeability Metamorphic Rock Reservoir in Bohai Bay

The oil reservoirs of the metamorphic rocks in Bohai Bay have geological characteristics such as low matrix porosity and permeability, developed natural microfractures, which result in the injection water rapidly advancing along fractures, a fast increase in the water content, and difficulties in extracting the remaining oil. In order to reveal water channeling and the residual oil formation mechanisms in fractured low-permeability reservoirs and solve the water channeling problem, we first analyzed the reservoir development status, then studied the formation mechanism of residual oil using a microfluidic chip device, and formed a method of hierarchical control to effectively control the water channeling problem of fractured reservoirs and maximize the displacement of residual oil. The results show that (1) Due to the low permeability of the reservoir matrix, a large amount of injected water flows along the fracture channel, which leads to the long-term high water cut of some oil wells and the retention of a large amount of crude oil in the matrix. (2) The results of microfluidic experiments show that the distribution of residual oil after water flooding mainly includes five types: blind end of the pore throat, columnar, cluster, flake and film, and residual oil. Among them, sheet-like and clustered residual oil are dominant, accounting for 75~85% and 10~13%, respectively. (3) Based on the characteristics of fracture development in buried-hill reservoirs, a hierarchical control technology of “gel particle + liquid crosslinked gel system” is established. The field application effect predicted that the input–output ratio was 1:3. This study provides a reference for the comprehensive treatment of water channeling in the same type of offshore fractured low-permeability metamorphic rock reservoirs.

Beauveria bassiana associated with a novel biomimetic hydrogel to control Aedes albopictus through lure and kill ovitraps.

Within the framework of sustainable and effective control methods for Aedes albopictus, two different conidial suspensions, BbCS-1 and BbCS-2 (respectively without and with nutrients), were used as solvents for the biopolymers water-soluble 2-hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) and sodium alginate (SA). In this way, two different classes of hydrogels were prepared for each polymer (previously shown to attract tiger mosquito oviposition) to produce HEC-based and SA-based Bb/Gel systems with and without nutrients. The aim was to achieve a long-lasting and cost-effective lure-and-kill oviposition substrate useful for lethal ovitraps. Beauveria bassiana (Bb) survival and growth in the different Bb/Gel systems were monitored for 24 days. Following the growth assay, 24-day-old Bb/Gel systems were tested against Ae. albopictus eggs through a hatching test to evaluate their lethal effect. Gel systems enhance Bb's longevity (up to 24 days) more effectively than standard liquid conidial suspensions, proving that tested HEC- and SA-based hydrogels are not toxic for Bb (biocompatibility) and create a microenvironment suitable to sustain prolonged fungal growth. In particular, the results indicate that gel system based on hydroxyethylcellulose is a suitable delivery substrate for supporting the activity of Bb and is simultaneously effective against Ae. albopictus eggs through a combined mechanism of mechanical effect and fungal action (CM > 90%). The efficacy of Bb gel systems was assessed according to its properties in favouring the growth and vitality of Bb as well as in reducing the Ae. albopictus hatching eggs rate. Further studies, in semi-field and field conditions, will be useful to evaluate the efficacy of Bb/Gel systems on adults in terms of attraction, oviposition, mortality, and potential autodissemination to propose a new tool in precision pest management. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Research on Efficient Electromagnetic Shielding Performance and Modulation Mechanism of Aero/Organo/Hydrogels with Gravity-Induced Asymmetric Gradient Structure.

To eliminate electromagnetic pollution, it is a challenging task to develop highly efficient electromagnetic shielding materials that integrate microwave absorption (MA) performance with high shielding capability and achieve tunability in shielding performance. Asymmetrically structured aero/organo/hydrogels with a progressively changing concentration gradient of liquid metal nanoparticles (LMNPs), induced by gravity, are prepared by integrating the conductive fillers Ti3C2Tx MXene and LMNPs into a dual-network structure composed of polyvinyl alcohol and cellulose nanofibers. Benefiting from the unique structure, which facilitates the absorption-reflection-reabsorption process of electromagnetic waves along with conductive fillers and the porous structure, three types of gels demonstrate efficient shielding performance. HPCML achieves a total shielding effectiveness (SET) of up to 86.9dB and a reflection shielding effectiveness (SER) of as low as 2.85dB. Especially, APCML, with an ultra-low reflection coefficient (R) of 6.4%, achieves compatibility between shielding performance and MA properties. The relationship between dispersing media (air, water, and glycerol/water) and the shielding performance of aero/organo/hydrogels is explored, thereby achieving modulation of the shielding performance of the gel system. The work has paved a clear path for integrating absorption and shielding capabilities into a composite material, thereby providing a prototype of a highly efficient shielding material with MA performance.

Visualizing conformance control mechanisms in high-temperature reservoirs: a microfluidic analysis of Pickering emulsified gel systems

Visualizing conformance control mechanisms in high-temperature reservoirs: a microfluidic analysis of Pickering emulsified gel systems

Fluorinated functional groups enhanced composite in-situ gel electrolytes for high voltage cathode of quasi solid-state lithium battery

Gel electrolyte is an ideal system for improving the cycling stability and safety of lithium metal battery. However, traditional gel system with acrylic ester system is still not suitable for high-voltage battery system limited by its intrinsic structure and unstable interface. The polymer structures with -CF3 modified acrylic ester are proposed to improve the stability of both structure and interface in high-voltage battery systems. The LiF-rich anode-electrolyte interface assisted by fluorine contained in-situ gel electrolyte ensures stable cycling of lithium anode. The quasi-solid state lithium battery assembled with the LiFePO4 can still achieve a capacity retention rate of 81.2 % after 900 cycles at a rate of 1 C. Furthermore, the uniform organic cathode-electrolyte interface constructed by crosslinked -CF3 modified polymer effectively inhibits the corrosion of HF on the cathode material. The interaction between the anion and solvent molecules prevents the continuous decomposition reaction of the electrolyte on the surface of the LiCoO2 cathode at high voltage, which guarantees LiCoO2 battery can still achieve a capacity retention rate of 82.1 % after 500 cycles at a voltage of 4.45V. Design of fluorine contained in-situ polymer gel electrolyte could promote the development of quasi solid-state battery in practical industrial application.

Epidermal growth factor-incorporated hydrogen bond crosslinked hemostatic microparticles capable of timely response to accidental bleeding for prehospital rescue

Prehospital rescue of accidental massive bleeding is crucial for saving lives. However, currently available hemostatic materials are still in infancy in treating accidental bleeding due to the challenges in fully satisfying the complex outdoor hemostatic requirements. Herein, we designed an epidermal growth factor (EGF)- incorporated, microparticle-formed, high-strength, dynamic environment-stable hemostatic gel system for prehospital rescue. Carboxyl and dimethylamide were employed as the hydrogen bond (H-bond) groups and were carefully engineered into the microparticles (DHMs). We demonstrated that the unique H-bond crosslinked micronized structure enabled the DHM-based gelling system to adequately meet the outdoor hemostatic requirements. The stable H-bond groups allow the DHMs to be stored at room temperature and be easily carried around. The small sizes (150–250 μm) of the DHMs enabled the filling of irregular defects, and upon encountering water, these DHMs integrated into hydrogels (DHMs-gels) with high mechanical strength (1.61 MPa), strong tissue adhesiveness (66.5 kPa) and stable performance under dynamic environments. In vivo results showed that the EGF-incorporated DHMs-gels (DHMs-EGF gel) achieved a 100 % survival rate in a simulated rescue process and promoted wound healing. Simultaneously possessing multiple prehospital rescue-required properties, the hemostatic DHMs-EGF may become an effective tool for emergency rescue.

Preparation of Cassia Bean Gum/Soy Protein Isolate Composite Matrix Emulsion Gel and Its Effect on the Stability of Meat Sausage.

The use of plant-derived emulsified gel systems as fat substitutes for meat products has always been an important direction in the development of healthy foods. In this study, a composite matrix emulsion gel was prepared with soy protein isolate (SPI) and different concentrations of cassia bean gum (CG), and then the selected emulsion gel was applied to meat sausage as a fat substitute to explore its stability. Our results showed that the hardness, chewiness, viscosity, shear stress, and G' and G″ moduli of the emulsion gel increased considerably with the cassia bean gum concentration, the thickness of the emulsion gel increased, and the pore size decreased. The gel strength of the 1.75% CG/SPI emulsion gel was the highest, which was 586.91 g. The elasticity was 0.94 mm, the masticability was 452.94 mJ, and the water-holding capacity (WHC) was 98.45%. Then, the 1.75% CG/SPI emulsion gel obtained via screening was applied as a fat substitute in meat sausage. With an increase in the substitution amount, the cooking loss, emulsification stability, pH, color difference, texture, and antioxidant activity of the meat sausage before and after freezing and thawing increased first and then decreased. The indexes of meat sausage with 50% fat replacement were not considerably different from those of full-fat meat sausage. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the application of plant-derived emulsified gel systems as fat substitutes in meat sausage.

Bioinspired smart dual-layer hydrogels system with synchronous solar and thermal radiation modulation for energy-saving all-season temperature regulation

All-season thermal management with zero energy consumption and emissions is more crucial to global decarbonization over traditional energy-intensive cooling/heating systems. However, the static single thermal management for cooling or heating fails to self-regulate the temperature in dynamic seasonal temperature condition. Herein, inspired by the dual-temperature regulation function of the fur color changes on the backs and abdomens of penguins, a smart thermal management composite hydrogel (PNA@H-PM Gel) system was subtly created though an “on-demand” dual-layer structure design strategy. The PNA@H-PM Gel system features synchronous solar and thermal radiation modulation as well as tunable phase transition temperatures to meet the variable seasonal thermal requirements and energy-saving demands via self-adaptive radiative cooling and solar heating regulation. Furthermore, this system demonstrates superb modulations of both the solar reflectance (ΔR = 0.74) and thermal emissivity (ΔE = 0.52) in response to ambient temperature changes, highlighting efficient temperature regulation with average radiative cooling and solar heating effects of 9.6 °C in summer and 6.1 °C in winter, respectively. Moreover, compared to standard building baselines, the PNA@H-PM Gel presents a more substantial energy-saving cooling/heating potentials for energy-efficient buildings across various regions and climates. This novel solution, inspired by penguins in the real world, will offer a fresh approach for producing intelligent, energy-saving thermal management materials, and serve for temperature regulation under dynamic climate conditions and even throughout all seasons.

Fabrication and characterization of potato short amylose, zein, and pectin ternary composite particles stabilized pickering emulsions and their application on nuciferine delivery

Nuciferine exhibits properties such as reducing blood sugar and fat, however, it is hindered by its poor water solubility and low bioavailability. Pickering emulsions can efficiently encapsulate, protect and deliver active ingredients. In recent years, the use of biologically derived natural materials as emulsifiers to construct Pickering emulsions has become a research hotspot. This research utilized an enzymatic hydrolysis technique to produce short amylose. Subsequently, a ternary composite of short amylose (DBS), zein, and pectin (PEC) was formulated to stabilize Pickering emulsion, with the incorporation of nuciferine aiming to enhance the performance of lotus leaves in terms of both stability and bioavailability. The study revealed that varying amounts of DBS addition had a significant impact on the micromorphological structure and functional properties of DBS-Zein-PEC ternary composite particles. Specifically, the addition of 0.4 g of DBS led to a notable reduction in particle size to 735.2 nm and Zeta potential to −29.6 mV, creating a three-dimensional network with a closely packed lamellar structure. Optimal process conditions for preparing Pickering emulsion included a 3-minute homogenization time, rotation speed of 15000 rpm, and 5 % ternary composite particle addition. Under these conditions, O/W Pickering emulsion was successfully prepared, achieving a 90.5 % encapsulation rate for nuciferine. The resulting emulsion exhibited a minimum particle size of 4.09 μm, displayed good storage stability, resistance to salt ions and pH variations, viscous fluid characteristics, tolerance to oral and gastric environments, and slow release of nuciferine in the small intestine, thereby enhancing its bioavailability. These findings offer insights into the loading and delivery of nuciferine and serve as a technical guide for developing highly stable emulsion gel systems.

Thermosensitive multivesicular liposomal hydrogel: a potential platform for loco-regional drug delivery in the treatment of osteomyelitis caused by antibiotic-resistant biofilm-forming bacteria.

Biofilm-mediated osteomyelitis presents significant therapeutic challenges. Given the limitations of existing osteomyelitis treatment approaches, there is a distinct need to develop a localized drug delivery system that is biocompatible, biodegradable, and capable of controlled antibiotic release. Multivesicular liposomes (MVLs), characterized by their non-concentric vesicular structure, distinct composition, and enhanced stability, serve as the system for a robust sustained-release drug delivery platform. In this study, various hydrogel formulations composed of poloxamer 407 and other hydrogels, incorporating vancomycin hydrochloride (VAN HL)-loaded MVLs (VAN HL-MVLs), were prepared and evaluated. The optimized VAN HL-MVL sol-gel system, consisting of poloxamer 407 and hyaluronic acid, successfully maintained drug release for up to 3 weeks and exhibited shear-thinning behavior at 37°C. While complete drug release from MVLs alone took place in 312 h, the hydrogel formulation extended this release to 504 h. The released drug effectively inhibited the Staphylococcus aureus biofilms growth within 24 h and methicillin-resistant S. aureus biofilms within 72 h. It also eradicated preformed biofilms of S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus in 96 and 120 h, respectively. This injectable in situ gel system incorporating VAN HL-MVLs holds potential as an alternative to undergoing multiple surgeries for osteomyelitis treatment and warrants further studies.

New insights into the strengthening of fibre-based emulsion gels by phenolic compounds

Consumer demand for plant-based meat alternatives and health concerns over animal fats have propelled the exploration of edible oil structuring techniques, for mimicking animal fat texture and functionality. In this context, the use of food polymers offers possibilities in conferring viscoelastic properties to oil structured in heterogeneous systems. Many reported examples were predominantly structured by proteins, however, which are sensitive to ionic strength. In this work, we offer an alternative approach through emulsion gel structuring using curdlan and citrus fibre, which are natural and more process-stable food polymers. This work reports insights gained on emulsion gel strengthening with the use of laccase-oxidised phenolic compounds. Our key results reveal the use of laccase-oxidised ferulic acid at millimolar concentration against 10 % (w/w) curdlan to be particularly promising, in that (i) it strengthened inter-triplex network in heat-set curdlan, as supported by the increase in glass transition temperature of curdlan; (ii) it generated quinones as determined by nitro blue tetrazolium-glycinate assay, which could crosslink interfacial fibre having trace nitrogen; and (iii) consequently, the emulsion gel system became stronger against high strain compression. Crosslinking at inter-oil-droplet bridges with well-controlled oil aggregate sizes was pivotal, and this could be optimised with suitable sequencing of formulation steps that keep the aqueous phase viscosity low during emulsification. Overall, our findings provide reference value in the creation of stiff animal fat mimetics out of unsaturated edible oils.