Loading Capacity Research Articles

Integrating kinetic dynamics into sculpture and pottery for improved artistic form and structural stability

This study investigates the impact of integrating kinetic dynamics into creating sculptures and pottery to enhance structural stability and artistic form. Traditional methods often prioritize aesthetics over structural resilience, whereas this research aims to assess whether kinetic principles can improve both aspects. Art pieces were divided into two groups: one created using traditional techniques (Control Group) and another using kinetic dynamics (experimental group). Key variables such as stress resistance, load capacity, aesthetic fluidity, and durability under environmental stressors were measured. The experimental group exhibited a significant improvement in stress resistance, with a mean increase of 22.4% compared to the Control Group (p = 0.0001). Aesthetic fluidity scores were also higher in the experimental group, averaging 8.6 compared to 7.0 in the Control Group (p = 0.00001). Additionally, the experimental group demonstrated superior durability, with a 16.7% increase in strength retention under humidity, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical vibrations (p = 0.00001). These key findings suggest that integrating kinetic dynamics enhances the structural integrity of sculptures and pottery and improves their aesthetic appeal and environmental resilience. The results provide a compelling case for applying kinetic principles in art, offering new opportunities for artists to create visually striking and durable works.

Breaking Mass Transport Limit for Hydrogen Evolution-Inhibited and Dendrite-Free Aqueous Zn Batteries.

It is commonly accepted that batteries perform better at low current densities below the mass-transport limit, which restricts their current rate and capacity. Here, it is demonstrated that the performance of Zn metal electrodes can be dramatically enhanced at current densities and cut-off capacities exceeding the mass-transport limit by using pulsed-current protocols. These protocols achieve cumulative plating/stripping capacities of 11.0 Ah cm-2 and 3.8 Ah cm-2 at record-high current densities of 80 and 160 mA cm-2, respectively. The study identifies and understands the promoted (002)-textured Zn growth and suppressed hydrogen evolution based on the thermodynamics and kinetics of competing reactions. Furthermore, the over-limiting pulsed-current protocol enables long-life Zn batteries with high mass loading (29 mgcathode cm-2) and high areal capacity (7.9 mAh cm-2), outperforming cells using constant-current protocols at equivalent energy and time costs. The work provides a comprehensive understanding of the current-capacity-performance relationship in Zn plating/stripping and offers an effective strategy for dendrite-free metal batteries that meet practical requirements for high capacity and high current rates.

Research on rotational rollback suppression of diamond-shaped active locking flexure mechanism (ALFM) driven by piezoelectric wafers

Abstract Piezoelectric actuators have a wide range of applications in many areas due to their advantages of fast response speed, high resolution, compact and simple structure, diverse configurations, and resistance to electromagnetic interference. However, existing piezoelectric actuators generally have large fallback, and a few researchers have applied the ALFM to the fallback suppression of actuators. In this paper, an ALFM using a piezoelectric wafer as the driving source is innovatively designed, and the structure and dimensions are simulated and optimized using Finite Element Method, according to which the piezoelectric wafer-type ALFM is used to design a new inertial piezoelectric actuator that can suppress backward movement. The motion principle of the piezoelectric actuator is theoretically analyzed, followed by the establishment of the machine dynamics model of the piezoelectric actuator and simulation with MATLAB/simulink to verify the reasonableness of the dynamics model. Finally, a series of experiments are carried out on the processed drive model, and the results show that the maximum accuracy of the actuator is 8.5 μrad, and the maximum load capacity is 160 g. The comparison experiments at 30 Hz and 40 Hz with and without the ALFM prove that the locking mechanism does supress the actuator from backing off to a certain extent, which verifies the reasonableness of the scheme proposed in this paper.

Preparation of DOX-TPP/HA-ss-OA Nanoparticles, Investigation of Drug Release Behavior In Vitro, and Evaluation of Anti-proliferative Activity In Vitro.

This study aimed to develop and characterize DOX-TPP/HA-ss-OA nanoparticles, utilizing the mitochondria-targeting prodrug doxorubicin-triphenylphosphine (DOXTPP) and a reduction-sensitive amphiphilic polymer, hyaluronic acid-disulfide-oleic acid (HAss- OA). The research focused on evaluating the drug release behavior of these nanoparticles under varying glutathione (GSH) concentrations and their anti-tumor activity in vitro. DOX-TPP/HA-ss-OA nanoparticles were prepared using probe ultrasound technology. The study examined the impact of different organic solvents on drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency to determine the optimal conditions. A single-factor experimental design was used to optimize the formulation process. Key parameters, including particle size and zeta potential, were measured to assess nanoparticle stability and performance. The dynamic dialysis method was employed to evaluate the reduction-sensitive drug release characteristics in media with different GSH concentrations. The MTT assay was used to analyze the growth-inhibitory effects of the nanoparticles on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and drug-resistant cells (MCF-7/ADR). The optimized preparation process for DOX-TPP/HA-ss-OA nanoparticles included a drug dosage of 2.0 mg, an oil-to-water volume ratio of 1:5, ultrasonic power of 500 W, and ultrasonic time of 15 minutes. The nanoparticles had an average particle size of 203.72 ± 2.30 nm and a zeta potential of 25.82 ± 0.58 mV, indicating favorable stability and effective drug delivery properties. The nanoparticles exhibited a slow, sustained release of DOX-TPP in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and accelerated release in high GSH concentrations, demonstrating reduction-responsive drug release. In vitro studies showed that DOX-TPP/HA-ss-OA nanoparticles significantly inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADR cells in a dosedependent manner, with enhanced efficacy compared to free DOX and other formulations. DOX-TPP/HA-ss-OA nanoparticles demonstrate excellent reduction sensitivity, effective tumor cell growth inhibition in vitro, and the ability to overcome drug resistance. Including particle size and zeta potential measurements supports their suitability as drug carriers, highlighting their potential for targeted cancer therapy and further development.

Encapsulation of Rifampicin in Solid Lipid Nanoparticles by Microwave‐Assisted Microemulsion Method

AbstractRifampicin (RF) is a potent antibiotic, but its clinical effectiveness is limited by poor water solubility and stability. To overcome these limitations, RF is encapsulated in solid‐lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) using a one‐pot microwave microemulsion method. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize RF‐loaded SLNs, evaluating their physicochemical characteristics and antimicrobial efficacy. The synthesized SLNs exhibit particle sizes ranging from 150 to 200 nm, with a high encapsulation efficiency of ≈55% and high loading capacity. The particles are imaged by cryogenic‐transmission electron microscopy and found to be circular and elongated, with RF homogenously distributed throughout the particles. The RF‐loaded SLNs demonstrate potent antimicrobial activity, as evidenced by disc diffusion assays. The SLNs exhibits a sustained drug release profile, highlighting their potential as an effective drug delivery system for antimicrobial treatment. These findings suggest that SLNs can enhance the stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of hydrophobic drugs like RF.

Fabrication of interfacial crystallized oleogel emulsion for quercetin delivery with enhanced environmental stability and bioaccessibility.

Quercetin is a flavonoid compound with numerous bioactivities. However, the low solubility, easy degradation and low bioaccessibility limit its application. In this study, a novel interfacial crystallized oleogel emulsion was fabricated, where beeswax was used as the oleogelator, for quercetin encapsulation with enhanced stability and bioaccessibility. The process of interfacial crystallization was investigated using interfacial rheology and polarized microscopy, with a positive correlation between crystal density and beeswax content in the oil phase. Emulsion stability was directly linked to beeswax concentration in the oil phase, with 100 mg g-1 showing enhanced stability under storage, UVB light exposure and ionic conditions. Beeswax addition significantly increased the quercetin loading capacity of the emulsion; particularly, at a 200 mg g-1 beeswax concentration, the loading capacity was improved by 285.55%, and the environmental stability was enhanced against UV light and Ca2+. Ultimately, in vitro simulated digestion experiment indicated improved bioaccessibility of quercetin. This strategy significantly enriched the formulation of oleogel emulsion and its potential applications in delivering bioactive ingredients with high environmental vulnerability. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ultrasound‐Responsive Lipid Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy and Controlled Drug Release in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer

AbstractMultifunctional drug delivery systems offer tremendous potential for improving antitumor efficacy, precise drug targeting, and controlled drug release in treating non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, the study develops a novel tumor‐targeting ultrasound‐responsive lipid nanoparticle (TUSL) platform capable of responding to external stimulation, enabling precise drug delivery with controlled release at the tumor site while minimizing systemic exposure and side effects. The TUSL platform is designed to carry doxorubicin (DOX) and tetrandrine (TET), specifically for drug‐resistant NSCLC. The developed TUSL exhibits a nano sized spherical structure with a hydrodynamic size of 141.8 nm, accommodating anti‐cancer drugs with loading capacities of 3.8% and 6.2% for TET and DOX, respectively. TUSL is engineered to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) while demonstrating an ultrasound‐triggered drug release profile. Through the generation of CO2 bubbles upon ultrasound stimulation, the TUSL enhances DOX and TET internalization into tumor cells. In tumor‐bearing mice, TUSL administration demonstrates a superior tumor accumulation with minimal off‐target toxicity. The combined treatment with DOX and TET within TUSL exhibits synergistic effects, effectively inhibiting the growth of drug‐resistant NSCLC tumors. These findings highlight the efficacy of the EGFR‐targeted TUSL formulation in overcoming drug resistance and enhancing therapeutic outcomes in NSCLC.

Exploring Enzyme Encapsulation Efficiency in MOFs Using Eco-Friendly Approaches.

The encapsulation of protein enzymes in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has been recognized as an effective enzyme immobilization approach. In this study, we demonstrated the influence of enzyme amount and the isoelectric points (pI) of different enzymes on the enzyme loading capacity in both mechanochemical (ball-milling) and water-based approaches. We found that increasing enzyme amounts enhances MOF enzyme loading without compromising activity, while the MOF shell protects encapsulated enzymes from proteinase K degradation through its size-sheltering mechanism. However, an excess of enzymes can hinder the formation of ZIF-90. Moreover, enzymes with low pI values (e. g., catalase, pI 5.4) facilitate encapsulation in MOFs, whereas enzymes with high pI values (e. g., lysozyme, pI 11.35) are more challenging to encapsulate. The simulation results revealed that increasing the enzyme amounts and pI values raises the activation energy necessary for MOF formation. This study highlights the crucial role of enzyme properties in the encapsulation process within MOFs, providing valuable insights for fabricating enzyme-MOF biocomposites for diverse applications, such as protein drug delivery.

Development, characterization, and comparison of chitosan microparticles as a carrier system for black bean protein hydrolysates with antioxidant capacity.

Peptides in black bean protein hydrolysates (BPHs) exert antioxidant capacity. However, peptides are prone to degradation during processing and digestion. Chitosan (Ch) can protect them and provide a delayed release. This work develops and compares two drying methods producing porous structured Ch microparticles (MPs) as carriers for antioxidant BPH. Ch gels were obtained by ionic gelation and dried by supercritical CO2 solvent displacement or fast-freeze-drying methods. The resulting aerogels and fast-freeze-dried MPs were structurally characterized, and their swelling and release profiles were obtained at pH 1.2 and 7.4. The antioxidant capacity of systems was determined by 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethyl-benzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and superoxide radical assays. The results showed BPH-Ch best complexation conditions occurring at a pH of 4.5 and a 4:1 BPH/Ch ratio. The particle size of the complex was 1047.6nm, and the entrapment efficiency and loading capacity were 28.2% and 54.3%, respectively. At pH 1.2 and 7.4, the release rate of BPH was lower in aerogel than in fast-freeze-dried MPs. Besides, entrapment BPH in Ch significantly reduced the ABTS antioxidant activity IC50 from 35.1µM Trolox equivalents (TE)/mg to 250.7 and 406.2µM TE/mg for Ch fast-freeze-dried and aerogels, respectively. Superoxide radical inhibition IC50 ranged from 74.6 to 92.9mM ascorbic acid equivalents/mg in the different samples. BPH-loaded aerogels presented lower specific surface area (94.7 vs. 138.6m2/g, p<0.05) and higher average pore size (26.4 vs. 19.8nm) than Ch aerogels. Ch aerogel is a promising carrier for delaying the release of common bean antioxidant peptides useful for developing functional foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This novel system could act as an ingredient to incorporate antioxidant compounds in different formats to develop delayed-release nutraceuticals and functional foods, such as bakery, dairy products, or beverages. Along, antioxidant peptide-loaded aerogels could be used as a slow-release system for compounds acting as natural preserving antioxidants for food applications such as raw meat products or high-fat foods.

Selective Extraction of Terbium Using Functionalized Metal–Organic Framework-Based Solvent-Impregnated Mixed-Matrix Membranes

Advancements in membrane separation techniques will expand the applications and requirements for highly specialized, inventive, efficient, and resistant separation materials. The selective separation of rare earth elements (REEs) is one of the expanding applications of membrane-based techniques, as their use is becoming more widespread. Membrane techniques are becoming increasingly desired as environmentally friendly, straightforward methods for treating wastewater and separating metals. For the separation of REEs, an innovative impregnated mixed-matrix membrane (IMMM) technique was developed in this study. It provides a selective, efficient, and reusable method that is suitable for industrial applications. Terbium was selectively adsorbed from other REEs using organophosphorus IMMM with a loading capacity of 113.2 mg/g in 3 h and was reused three times without destroying the initial membrane. Solvent impregnation is thought to offer specific chelation sites that are selective for terbium separation.

Development of a Load‐Bearing, Terrain‐Adaptive Hexapod Robot With Chebyshev‐Linkage Legs

ABSTRACTThis study introduces an exploratory design for a hexapod load‐carrying robot, aiming to address challenges commonly associated with quadruped robots, including limited load capacity and high control complexity. By leveraging a Chebyshev linkage‐based overconstrained leg‐foot architecture that combines high rigidity and low friction, along with a multi‐drive system for lateral movement, we propose a robot with improved adaptability to diverse terrains, such as snow, sand, puddles, ice, and deserts. This versatility suggests potential applications in areas such as factory inspection, field reconnaissance and transport, and desert exploration. Using static and dynamic analyses, we evaluated the leg structure's stress distribution and motion requirements, employing simulations in Workbench and Adams to cross‐validate our theoretical calculations. The development of a prototype and its subsequent testing under various environmental conditions aimed to demonstrate the design's practicality and the robot's operational capabilities in real‐world settings. Although the findings indicate progress toward enhancing load‐bearing capabilities and terrain adaptability with reduced control complexity, further research and development are necessary to fully realize the potential of such robotic systems in practical applications.

Design and Test of a Traction Side-Pull Square Straw Bale Pick-Up-and-Stack Truck

To address the issues of limited one-time loading capacity, single functionality, and low automation level in existing square straw bale pickers, a large automated square straw bale pick-up-and-stack truck that integrates picking, stacking, transporting, and bundling functions has been developed, combining the technical advantages of one-time field removal and storage of bales. We innovatively designed a side-pulling traction mechanism that can realize the rapid transition between the transporting state and working state of the machine; a picking device that can complete the continuous action of forking, lifting, turning positioning, and de-forking; and a bundling device that can realize the adjustment of the attitude of square straw bales. Response surface tests were conducted on the prototype to determine the key structural and operational parameters, using the bundle completion rate and regular bale rate as evaluation indicators. Regression and significance tests were performed on the machine’s forward speed, chassis frame offset, and the ground clearance of the fork tine to determine the influence and priority of these factors on the evaluation indicators. Through multi-objective function optimization of the regression model, the optimal parameter combination was found to be a machine forward speed of 15.5 km/h, a chassis frame offset of 2126 mm, and a fork tine ground clearance of 225 mm, resulting in a bundle completion rate of 98.85% and a regular bale rate of 96.96%. Subsequent field tests with the optimized parameters showed that at a machine forward speed of 15.5 km/h, a chassis frame offset of 2126 mm, and a fork tine ground clearance of 225 mm, the bundle completion rate was 98.37% and the regular bale rate was 95.83%, meeting the relevant design requirements. This study can provide a reference for the design and development of straw collection and storage machinery.

Robotic destructive and nondestructive testing of concrete structures

Structural elements may develop defects due to severe environmental conditions. Nondestructive testing is a common method for structural evaluations; however, these structures may be inaccessible or located in unsafe areas. In this paper, a Sawyer robot was employed to carry nondestructive testing (NDT) sensors such as Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) and Impact Echo (IE). The experiment comprised twelve reinforced concrete beams divided into four groups: Control (without defects), Void, Corrosion, and Debonding. The beams underwent three-point bending tests, with loads distributed across three levels: 50 %, 75 %, and 100 % of the failure load. Robotic and handheld IE and GPR tests were conducted, with IE performed before the actual test and GPR conducted before, during, and after the tests. Load-displacement diagrams were subsequently generated. The comparison between robotic and handheld tests demonstrated the high accuracy of the robotic NDT and indicated that the defects led to reduced load capacity and increased crack propagation.

Quality by design optimization of formulation variables and process parameters for enhanced transdermal delivery of nanosuspension.

This investigation aims to fabricate, characterize, and optimize organogel containing andrographolide nanosuspension to enhance transdermal drug delivery into and across the skinin vitro. We identified the critical material attributes (CMAs) and critical process parameters (CPPs) that impact key characteristics of andrographolide nanosuspension using a systematic quality-by-design approach. We prepared andrographolide nanosuspension using the wet milling technique and evaluated various properties of the formulations. The CMAs were types and concentrations of polymers, types and concentrations of surfactants, drug concentration, and lipid concentration. The CPPs were volume of milling media and milling duration. Mean particle size, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, and drug loading capacity as critical quality attributes were selected in the design for the evaluation and optimization of the formulations. Furthermore, we developed and evaluated organogel formulation to carry andrographolide nanosuspension 0.05% w/w. Drug release and permeation studies were conducted to assess the drug release kinetics and transdermal delivery of andrographolide. We presented the alteration in the average particle size, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, drug-loading capacity, and drug release among various formulations to select the optimal parameters. The permeation study indicated that organogel delivered markedly more drug into the receptor fluid and skin tissue than DMSO gel (n = 3, p < 0.05). This enhancement in transdermal drug delivery was demonstrated by cumulative drug permeation after 24h, steady-state flux, permeability coefficient, and predicted steady-state plasma concentration. Drug quantity in skin layers, total delivery, delivery efficiency, and topical selectivity were also reported. Conclusively, andrographolide nanosuspension-loaded organogel significantly increased transdermal drug delivery in vitro.

The Influence of the Ratio of Circumference to Cross-Sectional Area of Tensile Bars on the Fatigue Life of Additive Manufactured AISI 316L Steel

The static and dynamic loading capacities of components depend on the stress level to which the material is exposed. The fatigue behavior of materials manufactured using additive technology is accompanied by a pronounced scatter between the number of cycles at the same stress level, which is significantly greater than the scatter from a material with the same chemical composition, e.g., AISI 316L, but produced by rolling or forging. An important reason lies in the fact that fatigue cracks are initiated almost always below the material surface of the loaded specimen. Thus, in the article, assuming that a crack will always initiate below the surface, we analyzed the fatigue behavior of specimens with the same bearing cross section but with a different number of bearing rods. With a larger number of rods, the circumference around the supporting part of the rods was 1.73 times larger. Thus, experimental fatigue of specimens with different sizes showed that the dynamic loading capacity of components with a smaller number of bars is significantly greater and can be monitored by individual stress levels. Although there are no significant differences in loading capacity under static and low-cycle loading of materials manufactured with additive technologies, in high-cycle fatigue it has been shown that the ratio between the circumference and the loading cross section of tensile-loaded rods plays an important role in the lifetime. This finding is important for setting a strategy for manufacturing components with additive technologies. It shows that a better dynamic loading capacity can be obtained with a larger loading cross section.

Green synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives using copper(II)-supported on alginate hydrogel beads

The study addresses the challenge of developing sustainable and efficient catalytic systems for the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives, which are of significant importance in the field of medicinal chemistry due to their diverse biological activities. The objective is to develop a recyclable and environmentally friendly catalyst utilizing copper(II)-loaded alginate hydrogel beads, which can facilitate the synthesis of these compounds while minimizing environmental impact. The preparation process entails crosslinking sodium alginate with copper(II) ions to form hydrogel beads, which are then washed and characterized through techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and Zeta potential to analyses the morphology, composition and porosity of the beads. The catalytic performance is evaluated through recycling tests, which demonstrate the catalyst's ability to maintain selectivity and activity over multiple reaction cycles. The Cu(II)-Alg hydrogel beads were used for synthesizing substituted benzimidazole derivatives in a water-ethanol solvent at room temperature. This method offers significant advantages, including extremely mild reaction conditions, short reaction times (<1 h), high yields (70–94 %), and ease of processing. The most significant results indicate that the Cu(II)-alginate catalyst exhibits a high loading capacity and retains its catalytic efficiency for at least 3 cycles, thereby highlighting its potential for sustainable applications in organic synthesis.

Dynamic characterization of plasma and combustion wave interactions during millisecond-nanosecond combined laser-induced enhanced damage on fused silica

Fused silica, which is widely used in optical systems, limits the load capacity of the optical system when it is damaged by laser irradiation. In this paper, a combined millisecond-nanosecond pulsed laser induced triple combustion wave dynamics model for fused silica generation is developed. The relationship between pulse delay and the dynamic propagation of plasma and combustion waves induced by combined laser-induced fused silica was studied from three aspects: theory, simulation, and experiment. The results show that the energy deposition of the nanosecond laser injects energy into the dilute plasma, which increases the speed of the double-burning wave to form a triple-burning wave. In addition, it was found that the combined effect of viscous shear between the plasma plume and the air exacerbates the degree of imbalance in the Knudsen layer instantaneously releasing pressure and increasing the complexity of plasma and combustion wave propagation, recoil pressure produces a more complex crack network on the fused silica surface. The results provide a better understanding of the propagation properties of plasma and triple-burning waves during combined millisecond-nanosecond induced fused silica damage.

Resource Recovery from Abandoned Mine Drainage Galleries via Ion Exchange: A Case Study from Freiberg Mining Area, Germany

The discharge of metal-loaded mining-influenced waters can significantly pollute downstream water bodies for many kilometers. Addressing this issue at the earliest discharge point is crucial to prevent further contamination of the natural environment. Additionally, recovering metals from these discharges and other sources of contamination can reduce the environmental impacts of mining and support the circular economy by providing secondary raw materials. This study focused on optimizing zinc recovery from mining-influenced water in the Freiberg mining region in Germany, where significant loads of zinc are released into the Elbe River. By employing pretreatment techniques, conducting 100 mL scale ion-exchange column experiments, and refining the regeneration process, we aimed to identify optimal conditions for efficient zinc removal and recovery. Initial tests showed that aminophosphonic functionalized TP 260 resin had a high affinity for aluminum, occupying 93% of the resin’s capacity, while zinc capacity was limited to 0.2 eq/L. To improve zinc recovery, selective precipitation of aluminum at pH 6.0 was introduced as a pretreatment step. This significantly increased the zinc loading capacity of the resin to 1 eq/L. Under optimal conditions, a concentrated zinc solution of 18.5 g/L was obtained with 100% recovery. Sulfuric acid proved more effective than hydrochloric acid in eluting zinc from the resin. Further analysis using SEM-EDX revealed residual acid on the resin, indicating a need for additional study on long-term resin performance and capacity variation. The research also highlighted the environmental impact of the Freiberg mining area, where three drainage galleries currently contribute nearly 85 tons of zinc annually to the Elbe River. This study underscores the feasibility of efficient zinc recovery from these point sources of pollution using advanced ion-exchange processes, contributing to circular economy efforts and environmental conservation.

Development of polymer-encapsulated microparticles of a lipophilic API-IL and its lipid based formulations for enhanced solubilisation

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient-Ionic liquids (API-ILs) have the potential to improve the bioavailability of BCS Class IV Drugs. However, the problematic physical handling properties of room temperature API-ILs have impaired clinical and commercial exploitation to date. Lipid-based formulations (LBFs) are used to improve the absorption of drugs with limited bioavailability. Nonetheless, LBFs face limitations such as low drug loading capacity and sub-par physical stability. A platform for transforming API-ILs into solid forms at high loadings via spray encapsulation with polymers has been developed and previously demonstrated for hydrophilic API-ILs. The current work demonstrates that this platform technology can be applied to a lipophilic API-IL of the BCS Class IV API, chlorpromazine, and to multi-component solutions comprising API-IL and a LBF. Furthermore, solidification of a type IIIB, liquid LBF was achieved via spray encapsulation with cellulose- and methacrylate- based polymers for the first time. The spray-encapsulated formulations had excellent physical handling properties, and successfully eluted the API-IL in aqueous media. The chlorpromazine release profiles from the API-IL, the API-IL containing LBF, and the solidified formulations, were evaluated in vitro using phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) and fasted state simulated intestinal fluid (FaSSIF). Spray-encapsulated formulations exhibited improved release profiles compared to the liquid formulations. Overall, these findings indicate that phase-separated, polymeric, solid formulations of liquid API forms represent a promising platform technology for developing oral solid dosage forms of poorly bioavailable drugs.

Testing the strength of thin feather-edge monolithic multilayered zirconia crowns: A pilot study with a novel acoustic test

Intoduction: Limited research has explored the mechanical characteristics of recently introduced multilayered monolithic zirconia (MZC) crowns with feather-edge margins design. Moreover, most of the conventional techniques for evaluating the mechanical behavior of brittle dental ceramics rely on destructive tests, making it impossible to precisely evaluate real strength values due to premature crack initiation detection failure. Objectives: The main objective of the study was to assess the load capacity of translucent multilayered monolithic zirconia crowns with feather-edge margin thicknesses of 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm. Additionally, the research introduced a novel non-destructive acoustic emission testing (AET) technique in the laboratory to identify early cracks in dental ceramics. Methods: Forty multilayered zirconia crowns produced using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology were evenly divided into two groups, each with distinct feather-edge margin thicknesses: 0.5 mm (group 1) and 0.4 mm (group 2). These crowns were securely cemented onto customized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) dies using a universal restorative glass ionomer. Subsequently, the crowns underwent a compressive axial loading test, controlled by an innovative AET crack detection system rooted in the principles of non-destructive laboratory testing. Fractographic analysis was conducted to determine the location of crack or eventual fracture. Results: The proportion of MZCs with a crack was statistically higher than the proportion with a fracture in the whole sample (p&lt;0.001). In addition, the results showed that the crowns in group 1 exhibited higher loading values than those in group 2. The mean loading capacity in group was 911.2 N ± 614.7 N. Two locations of crack and fracture were registered: occlusal and marginal. No statistical association was observed between the two groups for the location of cracks or fractures. Conclusions: The feather-edge crowns with a 0.5 mm margin thickness had a higher loading capacity than those with a 0.4 mm. However, the latter supports loads that exceed occlusal force in the oral cavity suggesting that 0.4 mm feathered edge MZCs may be a valid and less invasive alternative to thicker margins. The novel load-to-fracture AET setup proved effective in detecting early crack initiation, suggesting it as a promising method for assessing the mechanical properties of brittle materials prior to failure, potentially impacting the field of dentistry. However more advanced research is needed to enhance the accuracy of the proposed technique. Clinical implications: The examined MZC demonstrates the ability to withstand occlusal forces in a patient’s mouth, offering clinical practitioners the option of embracing minimally invasive dentistry through the use of 0.4 mm feather-edge MZC in their treatment options. Furthermore, the positive results from the innovative acoustic emission testing technique, facilitating early crack detection, indicate a promising future for studying the behavior of brittle materials in dental laboratory testing.