Gel Mixture Research Articles

The Effects of Polymerization on the Performance of Viologen-Based Electrochromic Devices

In this work, electrochromic devices were prepared using the redox couple ethyl viologen diperchlorate and 1,1′-diethyl ferrocene in propylene carbonate as an aprotic solvent to facilitate ions separation and diffusion inside the devices. Electrochromic devices were made using electrochromic gel mixtures at the concentrations of 55%, 60% and 65% with respect to the bisphenol A polymer. In particular, two sets of gels were made: one set contained the bisphenol A not-polymerized while and the second one contained the polymerized polymer. Different techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry, UV-vis-NIR, and Raman spectroscopy, were used to study such systems to understand the differences in terms of performances between the different sets of electrochromic devices. Cyclic voltammetry confirmed that the oxidation process of the 1,1′-diethyl ferrocene and the reduction of the ethyl viologen diperchlorate occurred at about 0.4 V. Interesting variations in the transmittances were found between the two groups of samples. The best values of CE were provided by the electrochromic devices based on the polymerized electrochromic gel mixture at a concentration of 60% (EM60). The EM60 device result was CE = 92.82 C/cm2 in the visible region and CE = 80.38 C/cm2 in the near–infrared region, confirming that these devices can be used for energy-saving applications. A structural characterization of the materials used in the two sets of electrochromic devices was made using Raman spectroscopy, and the analysis supports the electrochemical models used to explain the processes involved during operation of the electrochromic systems.

Composition Tuning of Semi-Open Cell Carriers via Phase Freeze-Shrink Self-Molding.

Extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking microsized cell carriers featuring a semi-isolated chamber facilitate the study of cellular heterogeneity as well as intercellular communication. However, the semiopen shaping of the designated gel mixture remains unattainable with current methods. We report an oil-phase freeze-shrink self-molding mechanism for generating size- and composition-tunable cradle-shaped microgels (microcradles) from water-in-oil droplets. The universality of this shape transition principle is demonstrated with six types of polysaccharides dispersed in a poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) or methacrylate gelatin (GelMA) matrix. By doping the microcradles with the major ECM component, hyaluronic acid sodium, we demonstrate a label-free selective culture of CD44 receptor-rich cells and the formation of cell spheroids within 3 days. This cryo-induced cradle-shaping strategy enables the functionalization of microcarriers for selective cell culture, thereby allowing them to be used for intercellular communication, drug delivery, and the construction of structural units for osteogenesis and 3D printing.

Burn Wound Healing Activity of Hydroxyethylcellulose Gels with Different Water Extracts Obtained from Various Medicinal Plants in Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Infected Rabbits.

Burn injuries represent a significant problem in clinical practice due to the high risk of infection and the prolonged healing process. Recently, more attention has been given to natural remedies such as water extracts of various medicinal plants, which possess anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Satureja montana L. and other water extracts in a burn wound model. The study involved male Californian rabbits (n = 52) divided into eight groups. Burn wounds were modeled on the animals and subsequently treated with gels based on Satureja montana L. and other water extracts. The reparative potential of the epidermis (assessed by Ki-67 expression), the state of local immunity (measured by the number of CD-45 cells), and the anti-inflammatory role of mast cells (measured by tryptase levels) were evaluated. Bacteriological and morphological studies were conducted. The most pronounced bactericidal, reparative, and immunostimulatory effects were observed after the treatment using a gel mixture of water extracts from Satureja montana L., Salvia sclarea, Coriandrum sativum L., and Lavandula angustifolia in equal proportions (1:1:1:1). The other gels also demonstrated high efficacy in treating burn wounds, especially when using a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to several antibiotics. Immunohistochemical studies showed a significant increase in the number of Ki-67-positive cells in the basal layer of the epidermis and a decrease in the number of CD-45-positive cells, indicating improved proliferative activity and reduced inflammation. This study confirms the hypothesis that the use of water extract mixtures significantly enhances the reparative potential, improves the immune response in the treatment of burns, and promotes wound healing. These findings pave the way for further research and the application of complex phytotherapeutic agents, specifically water extracts of medicinal plants containing phenols and antioxidants in burn wound therapy.

Improvement in scar appearance with the usage of silicone gel containing vitamin C for pediatric Asian patients

Background Silicone gel has been introduced as a preventive measure for scarring, yet there is limited objective evidence supporting its effectiveness in the healing of pediatric traumatic scars. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of silicone gel enriched with vitamin C on facial scars in Asian pediatric patients.Methods Pediatric patients aged 3 months to 12 years who underwent debridement and primary repair for simple facial lacerations were included in this study. A topical silicone gel mixture containing vitamin C was applied from the time of stitch removal until 6 months post-operation. Scars were evaluated at baseline, 1-, 3-, and 6-month post-application using a simplified version of the Vancouver Scar Scale, which assessed vascularity, pigmentation, and height. Scar color and pigmentation were quantified using a spectrophotometer, with comparisons to the symmetrical area on the opposite side of the scar. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Student t-test and repeated-measures analysis of variance, with post hoc testing for pairwise comparisons.Results Of the participants, 33 were men, and 19 were women. By 6 months, there was a significant improvement in the scar score on the Vancouver Scar Scale across all parameters. The erythema index showed a statistically significant decrease at each timeline (P<0.001). Similarly, the melanin index demonstrated a significant difference between the baseline and 6 months (P<0.001).Conclusions The topical application of silicone gel containing vitamin C significantly improved the appearance of fine surgical scars on the face in Asian pediatric patients.

Formulation and evaluation of antifungal herbal gel using Aloe Vera and Betel leaves extract for the treatment of candidiasis

The primary objective of the current study was to develop and evaluate an antifungal herbal gel for the treatment of candidiasis using an extract from aloe vera and betel leaves. Herbal remedies are now widely used for both medicinal and commercial reasons. The antibacterial gel made from herbal plants works better than synthetic medications and has fewer side effects. Aloe vera belongs to the Asphodelaceae family, which also includes Aloe barbadensis. One species in the Piper betle L. family of Piperaceae is the betel leaf. Aloe vera and betel leaf products, such as plant branches, roots, and leaves, have also been shown to be abundant in phytochemicals. The most popular herbs for treating fungus infections are aloe vera and betel leaves, which also contain potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract was prepared by the maceration method. Carbopol 940 was used as a gelling agent to create the gel formulation. Candida albicans has been used to test its antifungal properties. Evaluation:The pH, viscosity, homogeneity, grittiness, extrudability, spreadability, antifungal activity and in vitro drug release research were assessed for the optimally designed herbal gel. Results:In comparison to marketed 1% clotrimazole gel 25 mm and marketed herbal gel 20 mm, the aloe vera and betelleaf extract herbal gel (S4 Batch) was found to be brown in color, homogenous, had good extrudability, no grittiness, pH 6.8, viscosity of 3424±0.45, spreadability of 4.3±0.3, and zone of inhibition of 23 mm. After being stored for 60 days, the herbal gel mixture, including extracts of aloe vera, tulsi, and peppermint leaves, did not alter in appearance. The pH has not changed in two months.

Supramolecular Gels Based on C3-Symmetric Amides: Application in Anion-Sensing and Removal of Dyes from Water.

We modified C3-symmetric benzene-1,3,5-tris-amide (BTA) by introducing flexible linkers in order to generate an N-centered BTA (N-BTA) molecule. The N-BTA compound formed gels in alcohols and aqueous mixtures of high-polar solvents. Rheological studies showed that the DMSO/water (1:1, v/v) gels were mechanically stronger compared to other gels, and a similar trend was observed for thermal stability. Powder X-ray analysis of the xerogel obtained from various aqueous gels revealed that the packing modes of the gelators in these systems were similar. The stimuli-responsive properties of the N-BTA towards sodium/potassium salts indicated that the gel network collapsed in the presence of more nucleophilic anions such as cyanide, fluoride, and chloride salts at the MGC, but the gel network was intact when in contact with nitrate, sulphate, acetate, bromide, and iodide salts, indicating the anion-responsive properties of N-BTA gels. Anion-induced gel formation was observed for less nucleophilic anions below the MGC of N-BTA. The ability of N-BTA gels to act as an adsorbent for hazardous anionic and cationic dyes in water was evaluated. The results indicated that the ethanolic gels of N-BTA successfully absorbed methylene blue and methyl orange dyes from water. This work demonstrates the potential of the N-BTA gelator to act as a stimuli-responsive material and a promising candidate for water purification.

Characterization of Chinese shrimp (Fenneropenaeus chinensis) powder and corn starch composite gels as dysphagia diet

In the present study, the effects of corn starch (CS) on the properties of Chinese shrimp (Fenneropenaeus chinensis) powder (SP) were characterized to explore the feasibility of developing dysphagia diet. The SP/CS gels were prepared by adding CS at different concentrations. The SP/CS mixture presented low gel properties at CS concentrations ranging from 12 to 48 mg/mL, but did demonstrate gelation behavior with the highest G′ value of 1134.2 Pa and a water holding capacity of 90% at 60 mg/mL. As the CS concentration increased, the stability of the SP/CS mixture also improved, as evidenced by the significantly reduced relaxation times T22 and T23, enhanced gel network formation, and the presence of hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions between SP and CS. Furthermore, the international dysphagia diet standardisation initiative (IDDSI) swallowing level of the SP/CS mixtures were 2, 3, 4, and 5 at CS concentrations of 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 mg/ml, respectively. The SP/CS-60 mixture gel was considered suitable for dysphagia patients. These findings suggest that the gel properties of SP can be modified by CS, and that the SP/CS mixture gels have the potential to be used as a texture-modified diet with high-quality protein for dysphagia patients.

Experimental Study of Friction Factor Reduction by Adding Aloe Vera Gel in Pipes Transporting Dams Sediments

The phenomenon of siltation represents an enormous risk for the lifespan and safety of dams, and there are several methods for evacuating sediments, of which the hydraulic dredging technique is the most widely used. But during this operation there are load loss exists so it is necessary to find solutions to reduce it. The purpose of this work is to use the Aloe Vera gel as a load loss reducer during hydraulic dredging of dams. To carry out this study, a rheumatic characterization of dams sediments and dams sediments - Aloe Vera gel mixtures was carried out using a torque controlled rheometer (Discovery Hybrid Rheometer DHR2 from TA instrument) and a hydraulic study carried out on a closed-circuit installation comprising three pipes of different diameters and lengths, supplied by a centrifugal pump driven by a variable speed Diesel engine. The experimental work was carried in pipe of diameter D1=36.16 mm and length L1 = 12.24 m with the quantity of Aloe Vera 2 to 10 wt% and different speed of rotation of pump. The flow curves as a function of dose of Aloe Vera added to dam sediments were analysed by the Casson model. The calibration of installation has been fitted by the Blasius equation. The addition of Aloe Vera gel with a quantity range between 2 and 10 wt% to dams sediments of 40 wt% and 45 wt% induces an decrease in the yield stress and the viscosity infinite of dams sediments. The study also demonstrated that adding of 6 wt% of sodium tripolyphosphate to 40 wt% and 45 wt% dam sediments decreased the friction factor by 75% and 85% respectively

Effect of MoS2 on Simple and Novel PEG/κ-Carrageenan Hydrogels for TNBC Cancer Drug Delivery

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a two-dimensional inorganic molecule, has lately been studied in medical research with regard to carrying pharmaceuticals due to its distinctive characteristics. A biodegradable polymer system applicable in cancer drug delivery can be created with the addition of MoS2. In our research described in this paper, we investigated the influence of the amount of MoS2 on the characteristics and performance of our novel gel blend. It was aimed to prepare a new gel blend, which we thought would have the potential to be used as a stimulus-sensitive, polymeric hydrogel as a carrier in the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) drug delivery system, with the MoS2 added to the polyethylene glycol (PEG)/κ-carrageenan combination. This 2D material (MoS2) impacted the hydrogel by improving the transmittance, swelling, and elasticity performance compared to the normal no MoS2 structure of the polymeric gel. The polymer blend characteristics were mainly tested using UV-VIS spectrophotometry and gravimetric analysis. The varied properties of these gel mixtures were investigated using five different mass ratios of MoS2. The 5 mg MoS2/(PEG)/κ-carrageenan gel was the best sample investigated in terms of the elasticity. The results of the study demonstrated that our gel system can be utilized for precisely targeted and regulated delivery of cancer drugs. To create preliminary data for this near future goal, the release mechanism of the Doxorubicin drug loaded into the produced gel were examined.

Effect of sodium hypochlorite gel on bacteria associated with periodontal disease

ObjectivesAn adjunct in non-surgical periodontal therapy might be sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)–based agents. The purpose of the present in vitro study was to get deeper knowledge on the influence of different parameters as time after mixing, pH, and chemical composition of an amino acid 0.475% NaOCl (AA-NaOCl) gel consisting of two components on its anti-biofilm activity.Materials and methodsSix-species biofilms were cultured for 5 days, before AA-NaOCl gel was applied. In the different series, the influence of the time after mixing of the two components before application, of the concentration of NaOCl in the gel mixture, of the pH of the gel mixture, and of an exchange of the amino acid component by hyaluronic acid (HA), was analyzed.ResultsMixing time point experiments showed that the AA-NaOCl gel is capable of statistically significantly reducing colony-forming unit (cfu) counts up to 30 min after mixing, but only up to 20 min after mixing the reduction was more than 2 log10 cfu. The pH experiments indicate that a reduced pH results in a reduced activity of the NaOCl formulation. NaOCl concentrations in the formulation in the range from 0.475 to 0.2% provide adequate activity on biofilms. A HA/NaOCl gel was equally active against the biofilm as the AA-NaOCl gel.ConclusionMixing of the components should be made in a timeframe of 20 min before applications. An optimization of the composition of the NaOCl formulation might be possible and should be a topic in further in vitro studies.Clinical relevanceThe AA-NaOCl gel formulation can be mixed up to 20 min before application. Further, the study indicates that the composition of the NaOCl gel formulation can be optimized.

Eutectic mixture of local anesthetics and amethocaine as topical anesthetics in pediatrics: a meta-analysis.

Pediatric patients often receive topical anesthesia before skin procedures in the Emergency Department, with EMLA cream and amethocaine gel being common choices. The most effective option remains a subject of debate. Our goal was to compare EMLA cream with amethocaine gel in pediatric patients undergoing topical anesthesia, focusing on outcomes: first-attempt cannulation success, child-reported visual analogue scale (VAS) score, parent-reported VAS score, observed pain score, child-reported absence of pain, and child-reported acceptable anesthesia. A database search for studies comparing EMLA cream and amethocaine gel in pediatric topical anesthesia was conducted. Two reviewers extracted and cross-verified data, with a third ensuring accuracy. Using R software, a pairwise meta-analysis was performed via the Mantel-Haenszel method. Outcomes were pooled as risk ratios or standard mean differences with 95% confidence intervals using the random-effects model. Amethocaine gel surpasses EMLA cream in child-reported pain absence and first cannulation success. No significant differences were found in child-reported acceptable anesthesia or observed pain scores. Similarly, child- and parent-reported VAS scores showed no variations between EMLA and amethocaine. This analysis favors amethocaine gel for pediatric topical anesthesia. Further large randomized trials comparing EMLA cream and amethocaine gel in pediatric patients are warranted. Procedural pain is a major concern for pediatric patients, their families, and physicians. Topical anesthesia is routinely given prior to children undergoing skin-related procedures in the Emergency Department. In pediatric patients, topical anesthetics such as eutectic mixture of local anesthetics cream and amethocaine gel have proved to be pioneering in pain reduction, but the most effective method is often disputed. Presently, this is the most comprehensive pooled analysis of trials comparing EMLA cream and amethocaine gel in pediatric patients undergoing topical anesthesia. Amethocaine performed better with regards to child-reported absence of pain and first attempt cannulation success.

Polysaccharide Composite Alginate-Pectin Hydrogels as a Basis for Developing Wound Healing Materials.

This article presents materials that highlight the bioengineering potential of polymeric systems of natural origin based on biodegradable polysaccharides, with applications in creating modern products for localized wound healing. Exploring the unique biological and physicochemical properties of polysaccharides offers a promising avenue for the atraumatic, controlled restoration of damaged tissues in extensive wounds. The study focused on alginate, pectin, and a hydrogel composed of their mixture in a 1:1 ratio. Atomic force microscopy data revealed that the two-component gel exhibits greater cohesion and is characterized by the presence of filament-like elements. The dynamic light scattering method indicated that this structural change results in a reduction in the damping of acoustic modes in the gel mixture compared to the component gels. Raman spectroscopy research on these gels revealed the emergence of new bonds between the components' molecules, contributing to the observed effects. The biocompatibility of the gels was evaluated using dental pulp stem cells, demonstrating that all the gels exhibit biocompatibility.

Preparation of paeoniflorin-glycyrrhizic acid complex transethosome gel and its preventive and therapeutic effects on melasma

Paeoniflorin (PF) and glycyrrhizic acid (GL) have skin beautifying effects of anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, inhibition of melanin formation, and reduction of skin pigmentation. To improve the transdermal permeability of PF and GL in transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) and enhance their anti-melasma efficacy, PF-GL transethosome (PF-GL-TE) was prepared by ethanol injection method, and finally gelled with carbomer-940 to form PF-GL-TE gel. Consequently, the obtained PF-GL-TE is small and uniform, with an average particle size and a PDI value of about 167.9 nm and 0.102. PF-GL-TE gel showed sustained release behavior and high transdermal permeability in vitro release and transdermal tests. Meanwhile, PF-GL-TE gel played significant preventive effects on melasma induced by progesterone injection and ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) irradiation. According to the results of H&E staining and Masson staining of rat skin, PF-GL-TE gel can alleviate the skin inflammation of and reduce the loss of collagen fibers of back skin in the melasma model rats. Compared with the PF-GL mixture gel, PF-GL-TE gel significantly attenuated the oxidative damage of liver and skin by increasing the activity of SOD and reducing the content of MDA. The results of Western blot showed that PF-GL-TE gel might down-regulate melanin-related proteins expressions of MITF/TYR/TRP1 and TRP2 to prevent and treat melasma. These findings indicate that PF-GL-TE gel is an effective TDDS for delivering PF and GL into the skin, providing a promising preparation for effective prevention and treatment of melasma.

Hybrid binders based on volcanic pumice: Effect of the chemical composition on strength and microstructures

This research focused on pastes of hybrid binders (HB-VP) based on precursors of Volcanic pumice (VP, 25–75 %) and portland cement (PC, 25–75 %), activated with 4–12 wt% Na2SO4 and Ca(OH)2 in various molar ratios Na2SO4:Ca(OH)2. The experimental work and results were based on the surface response method and statistical tools, which indicated that the %VP influenced the early strength for up to 28 days and that the activators influenced the 90 and 180-day strength. SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR and NMR indicated heterogeneous microstructures, with complex mixtures of cementitious gels like C-S-H with ettringite; HB-VP with 50 % VP showed Al into bridging positions in C-A-S-H, while for 75 % crosslinked C-(A)-S-H structures were noted. The chemical composition of the reaction products varied depending on the surrounding precursor. The CO2 emissions and strength of the HB-VP are competitive relative to other reported binders, and appear to be a suitable sustainable replacement of the Portland Cement.

Valorization of waste concrete powder (WCP) through silica fume incorporation to enhance the reactivity and hydration characteristics

The aim of this study is to utilize the bulk proportion of waste concrete powder (WCP) as cementitious material in the fabrication of binder, and to investigate the impact of silica fume on the reactivity and hydration characteristics of thermomechanical activated WCP. A 29 Silicon Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis confirmed the presence of reactive silica in the activated WCP. Various blends were prepared with a 50%–80% substitution of type CEM I 52.5 N cement. The combination of activated WCP and silica fume improved the reactivity of the binder blend and achieved a compressive strength comparable to cement. Mineralogical analysis revealed the development of secondary C–S–H gels in mixtures containing silica fumes and activated WCP, which is the result of a secondary hydration reaction between portlandite and reactive silica. The use of life cycle analysis software for the replacement of 60 wt % of cement with activated WCP was found to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80.42% due to the use of less cement, an environmentally friendly WCP activation process, even when considering the addition of 10% silica fume. This innovative approach not only enhances WCP reactivity and mechanical strength but also significantly contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions. By elucidating the formation mechanisms and environmental benefits, this study paves the way for a more eco-conscious and efficient construction methodology, promoting the vision of a greener future.

Multiple Hydrogen Bonding-Assisted High-Strength Hydrogel of Silica/Polyacrylamide Nanocomposite Cross-Linked with Polyethylenimine.

The nanocomposite gel system has been successfully applied as a water shutoff agent to enhance oil recovery (EOR) or for plugging to control lost circulation events. In this study, the silica/polyacrylamide nanocomposite was synthesized via in situ free radical polymerization of acrylamide (AM) monomers in the presence of silica nanoparticles. The composite was cross-linked with polyethylenimine to prepare a high-strength hydrogel. The viscosity test was conducted to determine the gelation time of the gel. Rheological measurements and sand pack breakthrough pressure tests were carried out to measure the gel strength. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests were adopted to characterize the structure and morphology of the gel. The results show that compared to polyacrylamide (PAM) gel, the gelation time of the nanocomposite gel will decrease with increasing gel elasticity modulus, and the breakthrough pressure of the nanocomposite gel is 29.82 MPa, which increased by 65%. As shown in the ATR-FTIR test, this can be attributed to the presence of multiple hydrogen bonds for the PAM molecule with both silica and quartz sand particles. In the composite gel, hydrogen bonding mainly forms between the O atoms of PAM and the H atom on the surface of silica, enhancing gel strength and elasticity modulus with more cross-linking density and less porosity. Moreover, H bonding between additional -NH2 of PAM and quartz sand particles helps improve gel plugging pressure. However, in the silica and PAM mixture gel, the H bonding of silica occupies -NH2 of PAM, which became unavailable to attach on the sand surface, reducing the breakthrough pressure by 30%, although it can enhance the rheological strength. This study suggests that in situ composite of silica in PAM can not only greatly improve gel rheological strength but also help maintain the strong adhesion of PAM molecules onto quartz sand, resulting in better plugging performance in the sand reservoir.

Effects of Al content and particle size on the combustion characteristic of hydrogen peroxide gel and micron-aluminum mixtures

As a novel green and high-performance propellants, H2O2/H2O/Al propellants have the potential to solve the pollution problem faced by composite solid propellants while maintaining high performance. However, the drawback that it cannot be ignited at a low oxidizer-to-fuel weight ratio (O/F) and a low pressure hinders its further development. Fortunately, this ignition defect was addressed by the mixture of hydrogen peroxide gel and micron-Al in our recent work. In this paper, the effects of Al content and particle size on the combustion characteristic of burning surface propagation and combustion products of the mixture were investigated. Combustion experiments were conducted in a windowed pressure vessel, using mixtures with three mixing ratios (fuel-lean, stoichiometric, and fuel-rich) and Al particle diameters between 1 and 12 μm. The burning surface propagation was captured by a high-speed camera. The particle size distribution, component, and morphology of combustion products were characterized by laser particle size analyzer, X-ray powder diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. And it is the first time that the combustion properties of H2O2/H2O/Al propellants (including H2O/Al propellants) are studied from the prospective of particle size distribution of combustion products. Results showed that with the decrease of Al content and the increase of particle diameter, the combustion intensity of the mixture decreased, resulting in the agglomeration of melted Al droplets on the burning surface. When the Al content was decreased to O/F = 1.7, Al particles in the mixture were no longer further oxidized in the process of combustion. When the Al particle diameter was increased to 7–10 μm, burning rates of the mixture at O/F = 1.7–1.1 tended to be stable. The combustion of mixtures containing 3–7 μm was kinetically controlled. From the prospective of variable burning rate and efficient combustion, the appropriate Al content in the mixture was O/F = 1.7–1.1, and the Al particle diameter should be kept within 1–7 μm.

Multiscale assessment of performance of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) reinforced with virgin and recycled carbon fibers

The carbon fibers (CFs) recovered from end-of-life CFRP scraps via pyrolysis have recently aroused ascending interest due to their highly retained fiber strength and lowered carbon footprint. However, the utilization of recycled CFs (rCFs) within cementitious matrices, as well as the exploration of their interfacial interactions, remains notably limited. In this study, we have first time incorporated rCFs into sustainable Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) composite and comprehensively investigated the microstructural changes and physical characteristics of LC3-blended mixtures. The incorporation of LC3 results in a reduction in setting times and the flowability of fresh mortar, accompanied by a decrease in cumulative heat release. Analytical analysis indicated the generation of a substantial quantity of ettringite crystallites and highly polymerized C-A-S-H gel in LC3 mixtures, which benefited the enhancement of flexural strengths but increased the micropores in the matrices. Compromised compressive strengths, with reductions ranging from 5% to 46%, were observed upon the incorporation of LC3, aligning closely with the porosity findings. Measurements of autogenous shrinkage revealed an expansion tendency as LC3 proportions increased, likely attributed to bleeding and ettringite formation. A thorough investigation into the properties of CFs after undergoing thermal recycling was undertaken. A quantitative assessment of the bonding at the fiber-cement interface revealed a progressive reduction in bond strength for both virgin and recycled CFs, diminishing from 5.1 MPa and 2.5 MPa to 0.4 MPa and 0.5 MPa, respectively, along with the addition of LC3 content. Our findings have provided a comprehensive understanding of the hydration and microstructure evolution within LC3 blends, as well as the influence of CF additions on the matrices’ properties.

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY TEST OF CALCIUM HYDROXIDE AND MAULI BANANA (Musa acuminata) STEM EXTRACT GEL MIXTURE AGAINST Enterococcus faecalis

Background: The use of calcium hydroxide as an intracanal medicament has several weaknesses that can cause side effects, including chronic inflammation in the periapical tissue and resistance to several bacteria, one of which is Enterococcus faecalis. The bacteria are the most resistant microorganism to calcium hydroxide due to a high pH tolerance capability. This weakness is the reason for finding alternative materials that can combine with calcium hydroxide. Mauli banana stem has bioactive compounds such as tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, combined with calcium hydroxide may exhibit good characteristics as an intracanal medicament. Purpose: To analyze the antibacterial activity of the calcium hydroxide and mauli banana (Musa acuminata) stem extract gel mixture against Enterococcus faecalis. Methods: The research is a pure experimental study with a post-test only with control group design that uses 4 treatment groups, including calcium hydroxide and mauli banana stem extract gel mixture at a concentration of 25%; 37,5%; 50%; and control with each of 9 replications. The parameter measured was the diameter of the inhibition zone that formed on Mueller Hinton Agar. Result: One Way Anova and Bonferroni Post Hoc tests showed significant differences between each treatment group. Conclusion: The mixture of calcium hydroxide and mauli banana stem extract gel had antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. The mixture of calcium hydroxide and mauli banana stem extract gel at 50% concentration obtained the highest inhibition zone. Keywords: Antibacterial activity, Calcium hydroxide, Enterococcus faecalis, Musa acuminata

An Overview on Emulgel

The goal of the study was to create an emulgel utilising a gelling ingredient. The phrase "emulgel" refers to a mixture of gel and emulsion. Emulgel is a promising hydrophobic drug delivery method. The emulsion was made and then added to the gel base. Rheological tests, spreading coefficient tests, bioadhesion strength tests, skin irritation tests, in vitro release tests, ex vivo release tests, anti-inflammatory activity tests, and analgesic activity tests were all performed on the formulations. As a result, it may be stated that topical emulgel has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.