Percentage Swelling Research Articles

Formulation and evaluation of anti-rheumatoid arthritis effects of Ag nanoparticles containing Allium sativum L. Leaf extract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a persistent inflammatory disorder that typically impacts individuals aged 20 to 40. It is characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane, degradation of cartilage, and joint pain among its various symptoms. Researchers have recently developed, analyzed, and altered biomarkers and nanomaterials that are frequently employed to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we have created and formulated a novel therapeutic agent that incorporates silver nanoparticles@Allium sativum L. leaves to treat arthritis. The characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was performed utilizing various techniques. The FE-SEM and TEM images demonstrated that the majority of these nanoparticles exhibited a spherical shape (10 to 50 nm). Additionally, a notable peak at a wavelength of 403 nm in the UV–Vis spectrum confirmed the successful formulation of the Ag NPs. The antioxidant assay revealed that the IC50 values for the silver nanoparticles@Allium sativum L. and BHT in relation to DPPH were 21 and 44 µg/mL, respectively. In vivo assessments were performed utilizing models involving formaldehyde, CFA, and turpentine oil at various dosage levels. Silver nanoparticles@Allium sativum L. exhibited anti-arthritic properties with the most significant potential observed at 1 mg/kg. Data from the CFA model revealed a more substantial protective effect on arthritic lesions and alterations in body weight. The recent results indicates the recovery of rheumatoid arthritis criteria including synovial cavity swelling and edema inhibition percentage in turpentine test, paw diameter in CFA test and paw edema in formaldehyde test. In conclusion, these data support the administration of silver nanoparticles as potent therapeutic agents for rheumatoid arthritis treatment in humans.

Silk fibroin/gelatin electrospun nanofibrous dressing loaded with roxadustat accelerates wound healing in diabetic rats via HIF-1α stabilization

Diabetes presents significant health risks, including diabetic foot ulcers, which can lead to amputation or death if left untreated. It has been acknowledged that hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) dysfunction in diabetic wounds delays healing and tissue repair. This study explores the therapeutic potential of roxadustat (ROX), a novel HIF-1α stabilizer, within an optimized electrospun gelatin/silk fibroin nanofibrous dressing (ROX-NF). The dressing's properties were optimized using a 22 full factorial design, with varied gelatin (GN) and silk fibroin (SF) amounts as factors and responses including degradation, porosity, swelling, drug release, and drug content percentages. In vitro characterization of the optimized ROX-NF showed a degradation rate of 90.24 ± 1.29 %, porosity of 84.41 ± 3.04 %, cumulative drug release of 93.13 ± 3.05 % over 48 h, and a high drug content of 99.12 ± 0.02 %, with structural analyses confirming successful ROX integration within the nanofibrous matrix. Additionally, in vivo evaluation of the optimized ROX-NF in diabetic rat models demonstrated accelerated wound closure, achieving 5.17 ± 1.2 % wound area by day 14 compared to 19.3 ± 2.8 % with ROX dispersion. Histological analysis revealed enhanced collagen deposition, neovascularization, and organized epidermal and dermal layers. Furthermore, PCR, ELISA, and Western blot assays demonstrated a marked upregulation of key wound healing markers, including HIF-1α, TGF-β, VEGF, and collagen I, in the ROX-NF group relative to ROX dispersion. These findings underscore the efficacy of combining ROX with nanofiber characteristics, offering a promising approach for diabetic wound management through accelerated wound closure and enhanced tissue regeneration.

Synthesis and characterization of polyacrylamide-based antibacterial hydrogel nanocomposite

ABSTRACT In this research, the hydrogel nanocomposites based on acryl amide containing penicillin 800, 1200, Ag, and ZnO nanoparticles as wound dressing applications have been studied. In this work, the preparation was done via a reaction of optimal values to produce an antibacterial hydrogel nanocomposite. The hydrogel was obtained in an aqueous medium by using reagents such as acrylamide, potassium persulfate, and methylene bisacrylamide crosslinker, Ag, ZnO nanoparticles, and penicillins and then, the products were dried as white powders. The properties such as swelling rate, pH sensitivity, and high water swelling capacity of the swelling rate study of the hydrogel showed a high absorption rate of water in pH about 3–4. The effect of temperature on the percentage of hydrogel swelling was shown to swell with increasing temperature and the absorption capacity of polyacrylamide hydrogels decreased with increasing NaCl concentration. The chemical structure of hydrogel was confirmed by FTIR spectrum, and the morphology of synthesized hydrogel surfaces was studied via SEM. The antibacterial studies were done in blood, agar, chocolate, and Müller medium via three methods, first on gram-negative bacteria E. coli and Klebsiella, second in urine medium, and third in drug medium. This polymeric blend can be used as a new wound dressing compound.

Surface Treatment of Oak Wood with Silica Dioxide Nanoparticles and Paraloid B72

Wood is a valuable material with incomparable advantages, though it is susceptible to biotic and abiotic factors action that affect it adversely and shorten its service life. In the current study, the surface modification of oak wood is carried out through brief immersion in a solution of acrylic polymer Paraloid B72, in which silica dioxide nanoparticles in the form of nanopowder were dissolved at different contents (1, 2, 3, and 4% w/v of the solution) aiming at the elimination of wood material hygroscopicity, and the protection and improvement of other properties. Specifically, the modified and unmodified wood specimens were characterized in terms of physical characteristics (density, equilibrium moisture content, colour, and surface roughness), hygroscopic properties (swelling and absorption percentage) and accelerated weathering performance using xenon light and cycles of moisturizing and drying. The results revealed the dimensional stability of the samples and a significant increase in the hydrophobicity of the modified wood, as well as a significant increase in the resistance to the ageing/weathering factors of oak wood, which was proportional to the increase in the presence of nanoparticles in the Paraloid B72 solution. The colour of the treated samples slightly changed towards darker shades, more reddish and yellowish (with L* to decrease, while a* and b* to slightly increase), though the treated wood revealed higher colour stability. The surface roughness parameters (Ra, Rq, and Rz) increased significantly, restricting the wide application of the treated wood in indoor or outdoor applications where surface roughness constitutes a critical factor. The findings of the current work contribute not only to the production of longer-lasting wood and timber structures, but also to the conservation of the existing weathered heritage timber structures.

Prediction of resilient modulus with pre-post experimental data of undisturbed subgrade soils using machine learning algorithms

The resilient modulus (MR) of subgrade, which shows relationship between stress and unit deformation of a pavement systems under traffic loads, is a design parameter of the pavement structure. Although a cyclic triaxial test apparatus can be used to directly determine the MR of the subgrade in the laboratory, utilizing prediction models based on easily obtainable soil parameters, is a more efficient method when taking time and cost considerations into account. A comprehensive laboratory testing program is designed to create MR prediction models using machine learning (ML) algorithms. 70 undisturbed soil samples are subjected to MR tests, as well as physical and engineering soil properties tests (water content, field density, specific gravity, gradation, consistency limits, unconfined compressive strength, swell pressure, swell percentage). Soil samples are drilled from a highway that has been in operation for over five years.First, a linear model like MLR is used in the study. Next, nonlinear regression models like RF, GBM, LightGBM, CatBoost, and XGBoost algorithms are used. Research findings showed that nonlinear regression models outperformed linear regression models in predicting the MR (R2 > 0.85), with the XGBoost algorithm yielding the best accuracy (R2 = 0.90). Apart from the primary effects such as confining pressure (σ3) and deviatoric stress (σd), it was found that unconfined compressive strength (qu), natural water content (wn), and swelling percentage (SR) are significant parameters in the prediction of MR among all parameters.

Synthesis and characterizations of a novel hydrogel for adsorptive removal of crystal violet dye from wastewater

Herein, a novel hydrogel (HG-cl-poly(AA)) was synthesized by grafting acrylic acid (AA) onto Hing gum (HG) using methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA) as a cross-linker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator in a hot air oven. The percentage swelling of the hydrogel was examined by optimizing various reaction parameters to ensure its maximum swelling percentage. The formation of crosslinked networks was confirmed using Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The surface area and hydrophilicity of the prepared hydrogel were determined using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analyzer and wettability studies, demonstrating a clear correlation with adsorption. The adsorption of crystal violet (CV) dye on the prepared hydrogel was studied via a batch adsorption system based on the amount of adsorbent, immersion time, pH level, and initial dye concentration. The prepared hydrogel showed a 99% removal rate and an excellent adsorption capacity of 492.61[Formula: see text]mg/g due to the electrostatic, H-bonding, and dipole–dipole interactions between the adsorbent surface and dye molecules. The results were further analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Tempkin isotherm models. The study suggests consistency with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model ([Formula: see text]), further supported by the best data fit with the Langmuir isotherm model ([Formula: see text]). The thermodynamic study results indicated that the adsorption process is endothermic and spontaneous. Regeneration (desorption) studies showed that the prepared hydrogel could remove CV dye from an aqueous solution and maintain the highest adsorption capacity even after multiple adsorption and desorption cycles. Therefore, the prepared HG-cl-poly(AA) hydrogel could be a potential adsorbent for dye removal and have an admirable capacity for cleaning the aquatic environment.

FORMULATION OF PROPOLIS-BASED RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS (RAS) PROTECTIVE PATCH WITH COMBINATION OF PVP AND CELLULOSE MATERIALS

Objective: The objective of this study was to obtain a mucoadhesive patch for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) with propolis, proven propolis’ antibacterial ability against bacteria in the oral cavity, and to obtain the physical characteristics of the produced patch. Methods: The patch was produced using a solvent-casting method. The antibacterial properties were determined by the disc diffusion method against S. mutans, S. oralis, S. sanguinis, and S. gingivalis. The physical characteristics of the patch was determined by examining weight and thickness dimension, swelling, surface pH, and structure observation. Results: The patch was made from 8 formulations with different propolis concentrations, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and the use of cellulose materials (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and Carboxymethylcellulose). The concentrations of propolis used were 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10%. While the ratio of PVP and cellulose material in the formulation is 2:1. Results showed that propolis had a zone of inhibition greater than 2 mm against S. oralis, S. sanguinis, S. mutans, and P. gingivalis bacteria. Patches produced were clear to brown-colored films with high swelling percentage due to hydrophilic polymers used. The patch thickness that is closest to the requirements of the buccal patch was F8 with 0.36+0.04 mm. The mean values of the patches have matched normal salivary pH of 5.5–7. Physically, PVP/CMC formulations were more sticky, and the PVP/HPMC patches were more solid and stronger. Conclusion: A mucoadhesive patch was obtained with a combination of PVP/CMC and PVP/HPMC, tween 80 as a surfactant, glycerin as a plasticizer, peppermint oil as a flavor enhancer and preservative, with the active ingredient propolis.

Influence of the odd‐even effect of dicarboxylic acids as crosslinker on the physicochemical properties of polyvinyl alcohol

AbstractPolyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was crosslinked with a homologous series of four different dicarboxylic acids, HOOC(CH2) n‐2COOH (n = 2 to 5) viz. oxalic acid (OA; C2), malonic acid (MA; C3), succinic acid (SA; C4) and glutaric acid (GA; C5) containing odd and even number of carbon atoms. The characterization and assessment of synthesized crosslinked films were done using ATR‐FTIR, XRD, SEM, AFM, DSC, rheology, percent swelling and sessile drop contact angle. The odd‐even effect of dicarboxylic acids was observed to significantly influence the physicochemical properties of PVA when employed as a crosslinker. PVA films crosslinked using dicarboxylic acids containing an even number of carbon atoms, displayed translucency, roughness, and an irregular matrix. In contrast, films incorporating an odd number of carbon atoms were transparent, homogenous, and densely packed. Furthermore, films containing even acids exhibited relatively lower crystallinity, lower melting temperature (Tm) and displayed an unexpected irregular trend in swelling as crosslinker concentration increased compared to films containing dicarboxylic acids with an odd number of carbon atoms which exhibits a consistent swelling with increasing crosslinker concentration. These results are attributed to the difference in the solubility and crystal structures of the odd‐even series of dicarboxylic acids.

Synthesis of Cellulose-Based Hydrogel-Nanocomposites for Medical Applications.

This study focused on synthesizing a cellulose-based hydrogel nanocomposite as a green hydrogel by adding a microcrystalline cellulose (MC) solution to carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC-Na) with citric acid as a cross-linker. Y2O3 nanoparticles were incorporated during hydrogel preparation in different ratios (0.00% (0 mmol), 0.03% (0.017 mmol), 0.07% (0.04 mmol) and 0.10% (0.44 mmol)). FTIR analysis confirmed the cross-linking reaction, while XRD analysis revealed the hydrogels' amorphous nature and identified sodium citrate crystals formed from the reaction between citric acid and CMC-Na. The swelling test in deionized water (pH 6.5) at 25 °C showed a maximum swelling percentage of 150% after 24 h in the highest nanoparticle ratio. The resulting cellulose hydrogels were flexible and exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The synthesized cellulose-based hydrogel nanocomposites are eco-friendly and suitable for medical applications.

Extraction of micro fibrous cellulose from coconut husk by using chlorine free process: Potential utilization application as a filter aid

Cellulose is one of the most important linear, hydrophobic biopolymers built-up of several units of d-glucopyranose unite through beta-1,4-Glycosidic linkage. Due to these structural features, porous nature, swelling property and strength, cellulose has many industrial and biomedical applications. In this work, we have effectively isolated micro fibrous cellulose from waste coconut husk after removing lignin, hemicellulose, and other impurities by repeated water washings, mechanical, alkali (NaOH) and chlorine free green hydrogen peroxide bleaching. This process provides about 42% w/w white to off white soft micro fibrous long and individual cylindrical rod-like microfibril having fiber size of ∼ 14 µm. The extracted micro fibrous cellulose was evaluated for structural, morphological, crystalline, and thermal properties by using FTIR, SEM, HR-TEM, XRD, and DSC. The swelling capacity of extracted micro fibrous cellulose was investigated at different pH for different contact hours. The maximum percentage swelling capacity (PSC) (991.7%) was observed in 6 h at pH 9.4 which is comparable to PSC obtained (975%) at pH 7.4 in 24 h. The property of porous nature, and high surface area, enable it to use as an eco-friendly filter aid for effective removal of colored impurities from different chemicals and pharmaceutical substances, ensuring high quality purified material.

RSM-CCD directed modeling and optimization of a low-cost adsorbent based on sodium dodecyl sulfate for the selective removal of malachite green and methylene blue dyes: Kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics analysis

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is widely used as a surface modifier to improve the sorption capacity of sorbents due to its high surface area, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and strong affinity for various impurities. The present works aims at investigating the efficiency of hydrogel adsorbent prepared from sodium dodecyl sulfate for treating malachite green (MG) and methylene blue (MB) dyes. An RSM-based central composite design was utilized to optimize the percentage swelling of the four key synthesis parameters: initiator concentration, monomer concentration, crosslinker concentration, and solvent. The optimal process conditions are as follows: 12.5 mM L−1 initiator, 306 mM L−1 monomer, 23 mM L−1 crosslinker, and 14 mM L−1. Additionally, the mechanism of their formation was investigated by various physical methods, viz., FTIR, XRD, Raman, H1-NMR, SEM-EDS, TGA, and BET. The applicability of the adsorbent was examined in detail as a function of time, pH, adsorbent dose, initial dye concentration, and temperature. The optimum conditions are as follows: pH=7, adsorbent amount = 0.1 g/L, and initial dye concentration = 100 mg/L, contact time = 120 min at ambient temperature. The hydrogel exhibits maximum sorption capacities of 137.74 mg g−1 for MG and 373.13 mg g−1 for MB, respectively. The mechanism of dye adsorption has been established, and the kinetic study suggests that the adsorption follows a pseudo-second-order reaction. Furthermore, the adsorption isotherms at different equilibrium conditions fit well with the Langmuir adsorption model, indicating a chemisorption process. Thermodynamic analyses justified the spontaneous and exothermic nature of dye adsorption, primarily through electrostatic interactions. The adsorption–desorption study of the resulting hydrogel exhibited excellent adsorption efficiency of 42.07 % for MG, and 63.35 % for MB, and desorption efficiency of MG was lowered from 55.3 % to 22.63 % and MB from 35.57 % to 18.8 % even after 5 consecutive cycles. Consequently, this sorbent provides a versatile and sustainable solution for treating dyes waste water.

Design and evaluation of fluorescent chitosan-starch hydrogel for drug delivery and sensing applications

Composite bio-based hydrogels have been obtaining a significant attention in recent years as one of the most promising drug delivery systems. In the present study, the preparation of composite chitosan-starch hydrogel using maleic acid as a cross-linker was optimized with the help of response surface methodology. The synthesized hydrogel was fluorescent owing to clustering of large number of functional groups. Different analytical techniques, including XRD, FTIR, SEM, XPS, fluorescence and BET were utilized to characterize the prepared hydrogel. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of non-crystalline hydrogel with random arrangement of macromolecular chains. The composite hydrogel exhibited good swelling percentage with pH sensitivity, hemocompatibility and degradability. BET analysis confirmed that the variation in concentration of crosslinker significantly influences the pore volume of the hydrogel. The synthesized composite chitosan-starch hydrogel was utilized as a prospective candidate for controlling drug release. Cefixime as a model drug was loaded onto the synthesized hydrogel utilizing the swelling diffusion method. SEM micrographs showed uniform distribution of drug molecules in the drug loaded hydrogel. In vitro drug release experiments indicated the swelling dependent drug release behaviour of chitosan-starch hydrogel with higher drug release at pH 7.4 (93.08 %) compared to pH 1.2 (67.85 %). The composite chitosan-starch hydrogel was able to prolong and control the drug release up to 12 h. The drug release from the hydrogel followed Korsmeyer-Peppas and Makoid-Banakar model with Fickian diffusion mechanism. Further, the composite hydrogel displayed excitation dependent fluorescence emission with most intense blue emission band at 425 nm with an excitation wavelength of 350 nm. The inclusion of cefixime drug in the hydrogel matrix significantly reduced the fluorescence intensity; the decrease was linearly correlated to the concentration of the drug. Moreover, the fluorescence emission the chitosan-starch hydrogel was found to be dependent upon pH. The synthesized hydrogel is expected to be a potential candidate for controlled drug release as well as for fluorescent sensing applications.

Effect of Microsphere Concentration on Catechin Release from Microneedle Arrays.

In this work, microspheres were developed by cross-linking glutaraldehyde in an aqueous gelatin solution with a surfactant and solvent. A poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) solution was produced and combined with catechin-loaded microspheres. Different microsphere concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) were applied to the PVA microneedles. The moisture content, particle size, swelling, and drug release percentage of microneedles were studied using various microsphere concentrations. Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations validated the structure of gelatin microspheres as well as their decoration in microneedles. The SEM scans revealed that spherical microspheres with a wrinkled and folded morphology were created, with no physical holes visible on the surface. The gelatin microspheres generated had a mean particle size of 20-30 μm. Ex vivo release analysis indicated that microneedles containing 10% microspheres released the most catechin, with 42.9% at 12 h and 84.4% at 24 h.

Dynamic Mechanical Performance of Sulfate-Bearing Soils Stabilized by Magnesia-Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag

Sulfate soils often caused foundation settlement, uneven deformation, and ground cracking. The distribution of sulfate-bearing soil is extensive, and effective stabilization of sulfate-bearing soil could potentially exert a profound influence on environmental protection. Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS)–magnesia (MgO) can be an effective solution to stabilize sulfate soils. Dynamic cyclic loading can be used to simulate moving vehicles applied on subgrade soils, but studies on the dynamic mechanical properties of sulfate-bearing soil under cyclic loading are limited. In this study, GGBS-MgO was used to treat Ca-sulfate soil and Mg-sulfate soil. The swelling of the specimens was analyzed by a three-dimensional swelling test, and the change in compressive strength of the specimens after immersion was analyzed by an unconfined test. The dynamic elastic properties and energy dissipation of GGBS-MgO-stabilized sulfate soils were evaluated using a fatigue test, and the mineralogy and microstructure of the stabilized soils were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the maximum swelling percentage of stabilized Ca-sulfate soil was achieved when the GGBS:MgO ratio was 6:4, resulting in an expansion rate of 14.211%. In contrast, stabilized Mg-sulfate soil exhibited maximum swelling at GGBS:MgO = 9:1, with a swelling percentage of 5.127%. As the GGBS:MgO ratio decreased, the dynamic elastic modulus of stabilized Ca-sulfate soil diminished from 2.8 MPa to 2.69 MPa, and energy dissipation reduced from 0.02 MJ/m3 to 0.019 MJ/m3. Conversely, the dynamic elastic modulus of stabilized Mg-sulfate soil escalated from 2.16 MPa to 6.12 MPa, while energy dissipation decreased from 0.023 MJ/m3 to 0.004 MJ/m3. After soaking, the dynamic elastic modulus of Ca-sulfate soil peaked (4.01 MPa) and energy dissipation was at its lowest (0.012 MJ/m3) at GGBS:MgO = 9:1. However, stabilized Mg-sulfate soil exhibited superior performance at GGBS:MgO = 6:4, with a dynamic elastic modulus of 0.74 MPa and energy dissipation of 0.05 MJ/m3. CSH increased significantly in the Ca-sulfate soil treated with GGBS-MgO. The generation of ettringite increased with the decrease in the GGBS-MgO ratio after immersion. MSH and less CSH were formed in GGBS-MgO-stabilized Mg-sulfate soil compared to Ca-sulfate soils. In summary, the results of this study provide some references for the improvement and application of sulfate soil in the field of road subgrade.

Synergistic effects of recycled demolition waste and GGBS-FA based geopolymers on the mechanical properties and stabilization mechanism of high plasticity clay

Recycled demolition waste (RDW) and ground granulated blast furnace slag-fly ash-based geopolymer (GFG) are promising materials for treating high-plasticity clay (CH) in highway subgrades. However, the underlying synergistic stabilization mechanisms remain unclear. To elucidate the fundamental mechanisms governing post-treatment soil stabilization, a multi-scale laboratory investigation was undertaken. This investigation encompassed the evaluation of mechanical properties (compaction, California bearing ratio (CBR), and unconfined compressive strength (UCS)) to quantify the enhanced performance of the treated soil. Additionally, microstructural and mineralogical characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to elucidate the microscopic mechanisms responsible for this improvement. The results indicated that the addition of RDW led to a reduction in the optimum moisture content (OMC) while increasing the maximum dry density (MDD) of CH. Moreover, upon incorporating RDW-GFG, the mechanical properties of the cured soil exhibited significant improvement. Specifically, the addition of 25% RDW to CH resulted in a 184% increase in CBR and effective improvement in water stability (immersion swelling percentage is reduced). Furthermore, when 25% RDW and 15% GFG were added to CH, the UCS has increased significantly by 8 times. The addition of RDW effectively enhanced the particle size distribution, compacted the soil, thus increased the shear strength. The results from XRD and SEM analyses revealed that the inclusion of GFG could generate geopolymer cementitious bonding network in the soil matrix. These materials facilitated bonding between CH particles and RDW, filling the pores and densifying the overall structure, thus increasing its strength. The synergy of RDW-GFG substantially improved the highly plastic soil through physicochemical actions, markedly elevating both its strength and water stability. Consequently, the outcomes of this experimental study offer valuable insights for road engineering applications.

Adsorption of Diclofenac Sodium and Tetracycline From Aqueous Solution Using PVA Films Prepared with Modal/Cotton Fiber Wastes

AbstractIn this study, fiber‐polymer composite films were prepared by adding 0.5 g, 1.0 g, and 1.5 g of modal/cotton (50 : 50) waste to 10 % PVA film, and the properties of the films were revealed by SEM, FTIR analyzes and swelling percentage. It is observed that the strength of the bonds in the FTIR analysis decreases when modal/cotton fibers are added to the PVA film. While a 406 % swelling is achieved in the PVA film, the swelling percentages of the films decrease when modal/cotton fibers are added to the PVA film, and a greater swelling is observed at pH 9 compared to pH 5. The adsorption efficiency of tetracycline and diclofenac sodium on the films was researched at different pH levels and film doses. Tetracycline removal reached its highest value at pH 9, while diclofenac sodium removal reached its highest value at pH 5. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were determined for tetracycline and diclofenac sodium adsorption. Tetracycline removal is better described by the Freundlich isotherm model, whereas diclofenac sodium removal fits the Langmuir isotherm model better. As a result, films prepared with modal/cotton waste not only provide tetracycline and diclofenac sodium removal but also contribute to waste recycling by utilizing waste fiber materials.

Investigation of TiO2 Nanoparticles Influence on Tensile Properties and Thermal Stability of Dry and Wet Luffa-Epoxy Nanocomposites.

Recently, progress has been made toward understanding the efficiency of polymer composites with natural fibres. With the hope of enhancing the characteristics of polymer composites supplemented with natural fibres in a watery environment, TiO2 nanoparticles have been used to improve their performance in the field. These nanoparticles were filled in luffa-epoxy components at 1, 3, and 5 % volume fractions. A combination of x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was utilized to conduct the structural examinations. The nanoparticle spread was captured by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Results show that dry nanocomposite's tensile strength and modulus have increased by 74% and, 13%, 137%, and 50% compared with epoxy and 40 vol% luffa-epoxy [E/L] composites, respectively. In wet nanocomposites, maximum reduction in tensile strength and modulus were observed as 27.4% and 16.54%, respectively. The diminished water absorption and thickness swelling percentage of nanocomposites were recorded as 98% and 91.8%, respectively. The onset temperature of these nanocomposites was scattered in the range of 379-393°C, with a maximum char residue of 38%. The increase in the percentage of residue indicates the effectiveness of epoxy's flame retardant, improved thermal stability, diminished water absorption [approximately 2%], and 95% retention of wet composites' tensile properties. These results provided data support for improving the application of nanocomposites in the automobile field.

Effect of Total Electrolyte Concentration and Sodium Adsorption Ratio on Swelling Percentage of Salt Affected Soils in Purna Valley of Maharashtra, India

The present investigation was carried out in the Purna valley of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra to study the effect of total electrolyte concentration and sodium adsorptionratio on swelling percentage of salt affected soils in Purna valley of Maharashtra. The sampling was done in the month of October, 2013. The soil samples were taken from two sites; at the depth of 0-20 cm (surface soil) and 20- 40 cm (sub-surface soil) respectively. For equilibration of soil samples, the synthetic waters were prepared with 4 levels of total electrolyte concentrations (TEC) i.e.10, 20,40,80 meL-1 with three levels of SAR viz., 5, 10 and 15 mmol1/2L-1/2. The increase in swelling percentage was due to the increase in SAR, ESP, levels and also decreases with increasing total electrolyte concentration. The swelling percentage was found to decrease by 27.74 % with increase in TEC levels from 10 to 80meL-1 similarly the swelling percentage was found to increase about 8.94 to 7.81% respectively with increase in SAR levels from 5 to 15 of the equilibrating solution.

Physical and mechanical properties of mycelium-based fiberboards

Mycelium-based fiberboards were evaluated as potential environmentally friendly substitutes for conventional wood-based composites. The goal of this study was to produce and test fiberboards out of yellow pine and poplar fiber mixtures without using any extra adhesive. Pleurotus ostreatus and Ganoderma lucidum fungi were used. The physical and mechanical characteristics of the fiberboards were tested under the influence of two different types of fungi and two different incubation periods. The key findings indicated that the mycelium-based fiberboards had higher water absorption and thickness swelling percentages compared to control boards produced with adhesives. The fiberboards produced from fibers inoculated with Ganoderma lucidum and incubated for 30 days had higher mechanical properties compared to other test fiberboards. This indicated the possibility of utilizing them in specific applications. Although the mycelium-based fiberboards did not fully meet all the EN 622-5 (2009) standard requirements for dry-condition use, the results highlighted their potential in sustainable material development. This study provided useful insights into the utilization of mycelium for the development of mycelium-based fiberboards.

Developing and Evaluating a Novel Drug Delivery System, Calcium-Alginate Beads loaded with Valsartan

Valsartan is one of the most common drugs used by chronic patients in the management of hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy. This present study was conducted with the aim of formulating a long-acting pharmaceutical form by preparing millimeter dimensions’ solid polymeric beads using the Ionotropic Gelation technique by using the polymer “Alginate Sodium” (SA), and Calcium Chloride CaCl2 as a cross-linking agent. Prepared valsartan beads succeeded in the possibility of decreasing dose administration and therefore, reduced immediate release side effects of conventional forms of Valsartan. Valsartan beads were studied using different concentrations of Sodium Alginate and Calcium Chloride to select the optimal formula and then were compared with locally marketed film-coated tables containing Valsartan. The formula (SA 3%, CaCl2 10%) was chosen after conducting several physiochemical tests such as shape and dimensions, swelling index, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and FTIR. FTIR test showed no chemical bonding between Valsartan and other excipients. Selected beads achieved a high percentage of swelling in phosphate buffer solution pH=6.8. Entrapment efficiency was also high at about 80%. Prepared beads followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas release mechanism, and eventually obtained extended-release beads which slowed drug release for 24h, Compared with the film-coated tablets, the in vitro release of valsartan expired after only one hour.