Water Vapor Transmission Rate Research Articles

Development of Ultrathin, Breathable, Waterproof, and Durable Nanonet‐Supported Ionogel Sensors for Electrophysiological Monitoring

AbstractIonogel has gained attention as a promising material for flexible electronic skin (e‐skin), due to its exceptional conductivity, compositional stability, and biocompatibility. Nevertheless, establishing a seamless interface between ionogel and human skin remains a significant challenge. This study presents the design and fabrication of a nanonet‐supported ionogel with a thickness of ≈16 µm, marking it the thinnest ionogel reported to date. This ultrathin ionogel exhibits remarkable toughness (5.51 MJ m−3), a broad strain range (0–375%), and impressive fatigue resistance, enduring over 3000 cycles. Additionally, it offers excellent water resistance and a high water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), supporting perspiration and enhancing skin breathability. Moreover, the ultrathin ionogel has potential as a carrier in transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS), highlighting its suitability for biomedical applications. Wearable devices incorporating this ultrathin ionogel facilitate continuous, sensitive, and highly accurate monitoring of physiological signals, positioning it as a promising material for future flexible e‐skin material.

Synthesis and evaluation of self‐healing polyvinyl alcohol‐tannic acid membranes for skin bio‐applications

AbstractAutonomic self‐healing films have shown limited mechanical strength, hindering their application as biomaterials, particularly in skin bioengineering. To address this challenge, we developed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐tannic acid (TA)‐based membranes with improved self‐healing properties and strong mechanical performance. Using a blade coating method and freeze–thaw cycles (−10°C for 1 h, followed by room temperature thawing), the synthesized membranes demonstrated a tensile strength of 8.8 MPa before healing and 7.6 MPa after healing, achieving an 88% healing efficiency. Membrane thickness showed a slight reduction from 465 to 432 μm posthealing. After 3000 bending cycles at a 1 cm radius, the membranes maintained flexibility with no significant changes in water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) (7.66 g/m2·day) or oxygen transmission rate (OTR) (0.13 cm3/m2·day·bar). These results underscore the membranes' suitability for dynamic skin environments, combining robust mechanical properties with excellent self‐healing capabilities. The PVA‐TA membranes present a promising solution for advanced skin bioengineering applications.

Development of κ-carrageenan-based transparent and absorbent biodegradable films for wound dressing applications

Wound healing remains a critical challenge in healthcare, requiring advanced wound dressings with superior properties like transparency, absorbency, and biocompatibility. However, gaps exist in the use of marine-derived biopolymers for sustainable dressings. This study addresses this gap by combining κ-carrageenan (KC) with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) to develop transparent and absorbent biodegradable films through solvent casting and lyophilization techniques. Lyophilized films exhibited superior absorbency (9.17 g/cm2) and moisture management, with a water vapour transmission rate of 3990.67 g/m2/24 h, while solvent-cast films showed 78 % transmittance, enabling wound visualization. Mechanical testing revealed high tensile strength (31.5 MPa) and folding endurance (410 folds), ensuring durability. In vitro bactericidal assays confirmed efficacy against MRSA and E. coli, and in vivo tests on Wistar rats showed complete wound healing within 16 days with 91.1 % closure, outperforming untreated controls (76.7 %). This is the first study to explore lyophilized KC-PVP films for wound dressing applications, demonstrating potential for drug release, absorbency, and biodegradability. The innovative combination of biopolymers and fabrication techniques offers a sustainable, high-performance solution for wound care.

Fish oil-containing edible films with active film incorporated with extract of Psidium guajava leaves: preparation and characterization of double-layered edible film

The utilization of zein and gum arabic has grown in an attempt to formulate wall materials based on protein–polysaccharide complexes. This mixture provides a versatile delivery system for hydrophilic (guava leaf extract, GLE) or lipophilic (fish oil, FO) bioactive compounds, and it can be used as an edible film-forming polymer. This study was undertaken to characterize FO-containing edible films that were double-layered with a film containing GLE. Modified zein and gum arabic solutions (MG complex) were mixed at a ratio of 1:1.5 (v/v), adjusted to pH 5, added with glycerol (20% of the complex) and FO (5% of the complex), and finally adjusted to pH 5. This was prepared as the bottom/lower layer. The upper/active layer was prepared by mixing MG complex, glycerol, and GLE (1, 3, and 5% w/v of the complex). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in GLE were 15.81 mg GAE/g extract and 6.99 mg QE/g extract, respectively. The IC50 of the DPPH radical scavenging activity of GLE was 26.86 ppm with antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli of 9.83 and 12.55 mm. The total plate counts of double-layered films containing GLE were retained below 3 log CFU/g during 28-day storage. The peroxide values of these films were dimmed for no more than 9.08 meq/kg sample on day 28 of storage. Thickness (872.00-971.67 μm), water vapor transmission rate (12.99-17.04 g/m2/day), tensile strength (1.56-2.02 kPa), elongation at break (61.53-75.41%), glass transition (52.74-57.50°C), melting peak (131.59-142.35°C), inhibition against B. subtilis (33.67-40.58 mm), and inhibition against E. coli (2.05-9.04 mm) were obtained by double-layered films. GLE can be successfully incorporated into the active layer of a double-layer film to improve its characteristics while significantly slowing down the microbial contamination and oxidation rate. MG complex and FO can also contribute to the performance of the edible film.

Performance analysis of biodegradable composite using polyvinyl alcohol and pomegranate peel powder for sustainable dry packaging applications

This study focuses on the fabrication of a biodegradable dry packaging material for fruits, vegetables, and flowers, with an emphasis on affordability for street vendors. Approximately 55% of waste originates from packaging materials. To address this issue, a biodegradable Polyvinyl alcohol/Pomegranate peel powder (PVA/PPP) composite film was fabricated. The PVA, a water-soluble synthetic biodegradable polymer, served as the matrix, while PPP, an agro-waste product, was used as the filler. The PVA/PPP films were characterized through optical microscopy, FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, moisture absorption analysis, water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), water vapour permeability (WVP), and oxygen permeability testing. The inclusion of PPP enhanced the film’s properties via increasing moisture absorption by 85%, reducing PVA crystallinity index from 33.2 to 17.5%, percentage crystallinity reduced from 73.90 to 0.57%, lowering WVTR from 0.063 to 0.042 g/h.m2, low oxygen permeability and improving thermal stability up to 423 °C. Additionally, the pH of PPP (4.5) contributed to microbial resistance. The fabricated PVA/PPP films were fully biodegradable and produced via green synthesis without any hazardous chemicals. The use of PPP as a filler not only improved film performance but also reduced environmental hazard, demonstrating the material’s suitability for sustainable packaging applications.

Improved mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of halloysite nanotubes and nanocellulose incorporated PVA-PEO films: For food packaging applications

This work presents a novel polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanocomposite with halloysite nanotube (HNT)-nanocellulose (NC) hybrid filler to tailor the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. PVA-PEO/ HNT-NC nanocomposites are characterized using various analytical techniques such as FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, and SEM. The study evaluated the impact of hybrid filler on water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), moisture retention capacity (MRC), peroxide value (POV), and mechanical properties. The simultaneous application of 3 wt% HNT and 5 wt% NC resulted in a 20 % increase in tensile strength and approximately two-fold increase in Young's modulus, with a maximum degradation temperature increase of 22° C and 16° C in the second and third stages, respectively. Compared to the pure blend, the nanocomposite exhibited a 67 % (26.7 ± 0.6 mEq/kg) improvement in oxygen barrier performance, while maintaining a low WVTR and good MRC, demonstrating their suitability for packaging applications.

Phase-Changeable Metafabric Enables Dynamic Subambient Humidity and Thermal Regulation.

A promising approach to prevent heat- and cold-related illnesses is the integration of zero-energy input control technology into personal thermal management (PTM) systems while reducing energy consumption. However, achieving optimal wearing comfort while maintaining subambient metabolic temperatures using thermally regulating materials without an energy supply remains challenging. In this study, we provide a simple and reliable methodology to produce a phase-changeable metafabric made of thermoplastic polyurethane and phase change capsule (PCC) particles with high moisture permeability and thermal comfort. This approach skillfully incorporates spray-formed PCC particles into a three-dimensional nanofibrous aggregate, forming a stable self-entangled network structure in a single step through simultaneous humidity-assisted electrospraying and electrospinning processes. Additionally, the metafabric demonstrates prominent water resistance and superhydrophobicity, which are attributed to the integration of PCC particles and nanofibers, resulting in the formation of a microporous/nanoporous structure resembling the surface of a lotus leaf. As a result, the phase-changeable metafabric shows an active and passive thermal control performance, with a water vapor transmittance rate of 13.1 kg m-2 d-1 and a phase change enthalpy of 115.05 J g-1 even after 100 thermal cycles. Furthermore, it displays excellent waterproofing capability, characterized by a water contact angle of 158.7° and the ability to withstand a high hydrostatic pressure of 87 kPa. In addition, the metafabric exhibits a good mechanical performance, boasting a tensile strength of 10.5 MPa. Overall, the proposed economical metafabric is an exemplary candidate material for next-generation PTM systems.

Fabrication and Characterization of Biocompatible Multilayered Elastomer Hybrid with Enhanced Water Permeation Resistance for Packaging of Implantable Biomedical Devices

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of hexadecyl-modified SiO2 (HD-SiO2) nanoparticles and their application in the fabrication of a multilayered elastomer hybrid sheet to enhance water resistance in implantable biomedical devices. The surface modification of SiO2 nanoparticles was confirmed via FT-IR and TGA analyses, showing the successful grafting of hydrophobic hexadecyl groups. FE-SEM and DLS analyses revealed spherical HD-SiO2 nanoparticles with an average size of 360 nm. A multilayered elastomer hybrid sheet, consisting of a PDMS-based circuit-protecting body, a water resistance layer of HD-SiO2, a planarization layer, and a biocompatible layer of polydopamine, was fabricated and characterized. The water resistance layer exhibited superhydrophobic properties, with a water contact angle of 154.7° and a 27% reduction in water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) compared to the circuit-protecting body alone. The device packaged with both the circuit-protecting body and water resistance layer demonstrated a tenfold increase in operational lifespan in water medium compared to the device without the water resistance layer. Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation tests on human dermal fibroblast cells (HDFn) confirmed the biocompatibility of the multilayered sheet, with no significant cytotoxicity observed over 48 h.

Spray-Coated Ultrathin and Porous Films for Physiological Sensing and Force Detection.

Epidermal electronics employed on human skin for the long term require good breathability and nonforeign wearing. In this work, we combine phase separation and spray coating to fabricate a porous and ultrathin electrode within minutes as well as micrometer-scale porous pressure sensors. The resulting electrodes show a water vapor transmission rate of 18.4 mg·cm-2·h-1, sheet resistance of 5.2 Ω/sq, and thickness below 5 μm. The introduction of the biogel further reduced the electrode-skin impedance, which is lower than that of the commercial gel electrode, indicating that the electrode can have a high degree of conformal contact with the skin. The epidermal electronics prepared by this strategy exhibit an excellent performance in force sensing. Such results strongly prove the efficiency and practicality of the strategy.

Development of Novel Cardanol-Derived Reactive Dispersing Agents for Bio-Based Anionic–Nonionic Waterborne Polyurethane

This study successfully developed a bio-based, photocurable, anionic–nonionic dual-functional chain extender, and sulfonated cardanol-based polyethylene glycol (SCP), derived from renewable resources—cardanol and polyethylene glycol—for application in waterborne polyurethane dispersions (WPUDs). Utilizing SCP as a chain extender, WPUDs were prepared through a typical acetone process with poly(butylene adipate) (PBA), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and ethylene diamine (EDA) at a constant NCO/OH ratio of 1:1. This research focused on the effects of polyethylene glycol molecular weight and SCP dosage on the particle size, stability, and film-forming properties of the WPUD. Optimal dispersion stability and film-forming performance were achieved with a polyethylene glycol molecular weight of 1500 and a PBA to SCP molar ratio of 4:1, yielding a particle size of 0.326 ± 0.010 μm and excellent storage stability over six months. The resulting WPU coatings exhibited a tensile strength of 11.4 MPa, which increased to 16.8 MPa after UV irradiation owing to the formation of a semi-interpenetrating network via the photopolymerization of cardanol’s unsaturated side chains. UV cross-linking also enhanced water resistance, reducing the water absorption rate (WAR) from 18.68% to 4.21% and the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) from 6.59 × 10−5 g·m⁻¹·Pa⁻¹·d⁻¹ to 2.26 × 10⁻⁵ g·m⁻¹·Pa⁻¹·d⁻¹, while also improving thermal stability. These findings demonstrate that SCP offers a sustainable and effective solution for developing high-performance WPU coatings.

Use of nanocelluloses from orange peel and ZnO as hybrid nanofiller in developing functionalized starch nanocomposite for edible coatings

AbstractThis study explores the formulations of orange peel nanocelluloses (NC) with tailored dimensions for the development of functionalized nanocomposites coatings on green chilies. In the present century, the valorization of agro‐waste, specifically orange peel for developing NC facilitated sustainable packaging such as edible films and coatings with improved properties has received importance. As, this approach aligns with the sustainable development goals, including reduced food waste and agro waste. For the work, the derived orange peel celluloses were acid hydrolyzed using sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) to deliver cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and cellulose nanoparticles (CNP), respectively. The fabricated CNP and CNF were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The FESEM morphology showed the formation of CNP with diameter ranges from 42.4 to 108 nm and formation of CNF with diameter ranged from 27.4 to 50.5 nm. The creation of the functionalized nanocomposite was done by reinforcing with hybrid nanofillers consisting CNF, CNP consecutively with ZnO in corn starch for tailormade packaging properties in terms of mechanical, physicochemical, optical, thermal properties, and so on. The results reveal improved tensile strength, and reduced water vapor transmission rates of nanocomposite with the addition of hybrid nanofillers. Additionally, green chilies were coated with the functionalized nanocomposites prepared by different concentrations of nanofillers. The storage analysis was performed in terms of weight loss, total chlorophyll content, and microbiological analysis. The developed coatings were found to be effective in extending the shelf life of green chilies. The control samples showed significantly higher weight loss compared to coated ones. The coated samples showed significantly better firmness and total chlorophyll content after 20 days of storage. In comparison to other coatings, NC and ZnO incorporated starch‐based coating was found to be the most effective in maintaining the quality of fresh green chilies throughout the storage. Thus, incorporating NC and ZnO in starch‐based films and coatings presents a promising avenue for sustainable packaging and preservation.Highlights Agro‐waste orange peel was valorized to develop sustainable food packaging. Orange peel‐based nanocellulose was developed using H2SO4 and HCl. Nanocomposite film was developed using hybrid nanofillers. Nanocomposites provide tailored properties due to the nanofillers. Developed nanocomposite was used as edible coatings on green chilies.

Development and preservative applications of polysaccharide-based bilayer packaging films: Enhanced functional properties through metal-phenolic network-coated zein nanoparticles and biomimetic hydrophobic surfaces

This study develops an innovative bilayer biomimetic hydrophobic film, tailored to provide a sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solution for fresh produce. The outer layer, crafted from chitosan, utilized polydimethylsiloxane templating to mimic the ultra-hydrophobic surface of a lotus leaf, achieving a water contact angle exceeding 130°. The inner layer comprised sodium alginate and zein nanoparticles, enriched with citral and fortified by a metal-phenolic network to facilitate uniform dispersion and controlled release of bioactive agents. The structural design of the film significantly improved mechanical properties, evidenced by a maximum tensile strength of 29.3 ± 3.6 MPa, and enhanced hydrophobicity, reducing water solubility to 28.3 ± 1.5% and substantially decreasing water absorption. The barrier functionality of film was also strengthened, demonstrated by a lowered water vapor transmission rate of 289.3 ± 1.5 g m−2 24 h−1, and it supported extended citral release in acidic media up to 70 h. Moreover, the film exhibited robust antioxidant and antibacterial properties. In practical tests, it effectively mitigated weight loss, browning, and hardness degradation in fresh-cut apples and lotus roots, concurrently inhibiting microbial growth and extending shelf life. This study presents an effective strategy for enhancing the hydrophobicity and bioactivity of bio-based films, contributing valuable insights to the field of sustainable food packaging.

Composite PLA films incorporated with micro/nano boron nitride for sustainable food packaging

This study aims to develop polylactic acid (PLA) based composite films with improved mechanical and barrier properties through incorporation of micro boron nitride (BN) and nano boron nitride (NBN). PLA-based films were produced using BN and NBN at varying concentrations (1 – 10% (w/w)), and characterized in terms of physical (color and thickness), mechanical (tensile strength, elongation at break, and heat seal strength), barrier (water vapor transmission rate (WVTR)), antimicrobial, and morphological properties. ΔE and whiteness of the composite PLA films increased, while transparency decreased with increased BN and NBN concentrations. Compared to the control PLA films, the tensile strength of the 1% BN or NBN added films increased by 28% or 40%, respectively. Adding BN and NBN to the PLA matrix significantly reduced the WVTR (p ≤ 0.05). Antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli was not detected. Multivariate data analysis enabled discrimination of composite PLA films based on simultaneous evaluation of their specific film characteristics. This study reveals the ideal film formulation to produce boron nitride incorporated composite PLA films with proper properties, holding potential to be used as an alternative biodegradable material for sustainable packaging of foods to replace petroleum-based materials.

Enhanced wound healing with biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticle-incorporated carboxymethyl cellulose/polyvinylpyrrolidone nanocomposite hydrogels.

Contemporary wound dressings lack antibacterial properties, exhibit a low water vapour transmission rate, and demonstrate inadequate porosity. In order to overcome these limitations, scientists have employed water hyacinth to produce carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). CMC/PVP nanocomposite films containing biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnOs) were synthesised using cost effective solution-casting technique. As the proportion of nZnOs in the film increased, swelling and water permeability decreased, whereas mechanical stability improved. Dynamic light scattering testing and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that the particle size was around 50.7 nm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed that nZnOs were distributed uniformly in the polymer matrix. Cell viability against Vero cells was greater than 94%, and a substantial zone of inhibition against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria was observed. Wounds of albino mice were treated with CMC/PVP and CMC/PVP/nZnO (6%) nanocomposite hydrogels and healed in 20 and 12 days, respectively, as demonstrated by wound healing assay and histological staining. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that the novel nanocomposite hydrogels exhibit improved cell viability and wound healing features. Therefore, they could be exploited as promising skin wound dressing materials.

Enhanced Antimicrobial and Degradable Properties of Silver Nanoparticles‐Reinforced Chitosan‐Indian Gooseberry Films for Sustainable Food Packaging

AbstractThis study focuses on creating a biodegradable film composed of chitosan, Indian Gooseberry (IG) extract, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), designed to enhance antimicrobial properties and improve food preservation. The presence of AgNPs and IG extract not only dramatically exhibits 99% efficiency in the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P), but also achieves this within a remarkably short time interval of ≈20 min. This potent antimicrobial action is attributed to the synergistic effect between the bioactive compounds in the IG extract and the nanoscale silver particles, which together create a highly hostile environment for microbial growth. Moreover, this synergy contributes to 313.94% water vapor transmittance rate and the complete biodegradability of the composite film (93.42% at the end of the second month), ensuring that it leaves no harmful residues in the environment post‐use. The reinforced film exhibits improved hydrophobicity (55.43%), which is crucial for protecting food products from moisture and extending their shelf life. Specifically, the film has been tested as a packaging material for bread, showing a significant extension in shelf life by effectively preventing mold growth and retaining freshness for an extended period (14 days).

Development and Characterization of Lime-Based Mortars Modified with Graphene Nanoplatelets

Materials for the conservation of cultural heritage must meet specific demands, such as high durability, service life, and compatibility with other materials used in the original building structures. Due to their low permeability to water and water vapor and their high rigidity, the use of Portland cement (PC) mortars, despite their high mechanical resistance and durability, does not represent an appropriate solution for the repair of historic masonry and structures. Their incompatibility with the original materials used in the past, often on a lime basis, is therefore a serious deficiency for their application. On the other hand, lime-based mortars, compared to PC-based materials, are more susceptible to mechanical stress, but they possess high porosity, a high water vapor transmission rate, and moderate liquid water transport. This study aims at the development of two types of lime-based mortars, calcium lime (CL) and hydraulic lime (HL). The modification of mortars was conducted with a carbon-based nanoadditive and graphene nanoplatelets (GNs) in three dosages: 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% of the binder weight. The enhancement of CL mortars by GNs greatly increased mechanical strength and affected heat transport characteristics, while other characteristics such as porosity, water absorption, and drying rate remained almost similar. The application of GNs to HL not only enhanced the strength of mortars but also decreased their porosity, influenced pore size distribution, and other dependent characteristics. It can be concluded that the use of graphene nanoplatelets as an additive of lime-based composites can be considered a promising method to reinforce and functionalize these composite materials. The improved mechanical resistance while maintaining other properties may be favorable in view of the increasing requirements of building materials and may prolong the life span of building constructions.

Improving Hydrophobicity and Water Vapor Barrier Properties in Paper Using Cellulose Nanofiber-Stabilized Cocoa Butter and PLA Emulsions

This study explores the use of cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-stabilized Pickering emulsions for paper coatings, focusing on their rheological properties and effects on hydrophilicity and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). Two types of Pickering emulsions, oil-in-water (O/W), were stabilized with 1 wt% CNF extracted from fique by-products. The oily phases of the emulsions were composed of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and cocoa butter (CB). The physical stability, viscosity, and viscoelasticity of the emulsions were characterized. The emulsions were applied to the surfaces of Bond and Kraft papers using the rod-coating method. The coating process involved first applying a layer of the PLA emulsion followed by a layer of the CB emulsion. The coated papers were then evaluated by FE-SEM, contact angle, adhesion work, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). The results indicated that the coatings effectively produced a slightly hydrophobic surface on the papers, with contact angles approaching 90°. Initially, Kraft paper exhibited a WVTR value of 29.20 ± 1.13 g/m2·h, which significantly decreased to 7.06 ± 2.80 g/m2·h after coating, representing a reduction of 75.82%. Similarly, natural Bond paper showed a WVTR value of 30.56 ± 0.34 g/m2·h, which decreased to 14.37 ± 5.91 g/m2·h after coating, indicating a reduction of 47.02%. These findings demonstrate the potential of CNF-stabilized Pickering emulsions for enhancing the performance of paper coatings in terms of hydrophobicity and moisture barrier properties. The approach of this study aligns with global sustainability goals in packaging materials combining the use of PLA and CB to develop a waterborne coating to enhance the moisture barrier properties, demonstrated by a substantial reduction in water vapor transmission rates, and an improved hydrophobicity of coated papers.

Progress in Biopolymer Coatings for Achieving Sustainable Paper and Paperboard Packaging for Food Applications: A Brief Review

ABSTRACTPaper and paperboard are cellulosic materials used to manufacture food packaging. However, their low resistance to water and fat, as well as their poor barrier properties have limited their packaging applications as food contact materials. The current review analyses the use of biopolymeric coatings as an alternative to improve surface and barrier properties in paper and paperboard with focus in food sector application. Advances in coated paper (board) can be classified into three groups: (1) coatings manufactured with a single biopolymer; (2) coatings manufactured with composite biopolymers; and (3) biopolymeric coatings incorporated with bioactive molecules or nanoparticles. The use of a single or composite biopolymer coating improved the mechanical, barrier properties, and grease resistance. In contrast, the use of chemical compounds and nanoparticles has imparted active properties (antibacterial and ethylene scavengers) in the resulting coating paper (board). The water vapour transmission rate has been reduced with the use of biopolymeric coatings. Future studies should focus on applying coated paper (board) in foods with a special interest in food self‐life, migration, and toxicity.

Capparis sepiaria-Loaded Sodium Alginate Single- and Double-Layer Membrane Composites for Wound Healing.

Background: Effective wound dressing is the key solution to combating the increased death rate and prolonged hospital stay common to patients with wounds. Methods: Sodium alginate-based single- and double-layer membranes incorporated with Capparis sepiaria root extract were designed using the solvent-casting method from a combination of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Pluronic F127 (PF127), and gum acacia. Results: The successful preparation of the membranes and loading of the extract were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The prepared membranes were biodegradable and non-toxic to human skin cells (HaCaT), with high biocompatibility of 92 to 112% cell viability and good hemocompatibility with absorbance ranging from 0.17 to 0.30. The membrane's highest water vapor transmission rate was 1654.7333 ± 0.736 g/m2/day and the highest % porosity was 76%. The membranes supported cellular adhesion and migration, with the highest closure being 68% after 4 days compared with the commercial wound dressings. This membrane exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against the pathogens responsible for wound infections. Conclusions: The distinct features of the membranes make them promising wound dressings for treating infected wounds.

Heat-confinement, water-resistance, and moisture-release electrospun membrane based on aerogel filler incorporation

The maintenance of a comparatively stable human body temperature through heating is essential for numerous physiological activities. However, the majority of the existing heating strategies are inefficient and wasteful in terms of energy usage, while also falling short in sufficiently protecting the human body against environmental hazards. Fabrics possessed the abilities to retain heat, repel water, and permit moisture to travel through are in high demand, which are essential for energy conservation and protective purposes. Herein, we introduce a highly efficient approach for producing electrospun membranes that exhibit excellent properties of heat confinement, water repellency, and moisture release properties, achieved by incorporating SiO2 aerogel fillers into interconnected nanofibers. As a result, the obtained aerogel filler incorporation membrane (AFIM) composed of PVDF@SiO2 exhibited a reduced thermal conductivity and reinforced moisture-release capability, leading to a 2 °C increase in temperature differential over its cotton counterpart and a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 26.83 kg•m−2day−1. This work offers insights into the advancement of the thermoregulatory textiles to conserve energy and prevent waterlogging in future challenging conditions.