Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Research Articles

Improvement of dispersants on nano carbon black-modified cement paste: performance, microstructure and carbon footprint

The agglomeration of nano carbon black (NCB), driven by its high specific surface energy, limits the fundamental performance of cementitious materials and hinders the broader application of functional cementitious materials in engineering domains. NCB-modified cement (NC) has a low snow-melting efficiency, resulting in high energy consumption and excessive CO2 emissions. Herein, this study innovatively proposed a method of using dispersants to overcome the above issue and systematically introduced the effects of three dispersants, polycarboxylic acid superplasticizer (PCE), tannic acid (TA), and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), on NC. The dispersity of dispersant-NCB suspension was analyzed firstly, and then the performance of fresh paste, mechanical properties, resistivity, snow-melting speed and LCA of NC were explored. Experimental results indicated that, in terms of suspension stability, SDS was the most effective, followed by TA, while PCE exhibited the least efficacy. Furthermore, all three dispersants improved the fluidity of NC to varying degrees. However, PCE and TA demonstrated a retardation effect on the setting time, whereas SDS facilitated a reduction in the setting time of NC. From the point of view of mechanical properties, the use of these dispersants not only augmented the mechanical strength of the NC but also decreased its electrical resistivity. The uniform dispersion of SDS at the microstructural level of NCB had also been found. When the PCE content is 0.2%, TA content is 0.4%, and SDS content is 0.4%, the mechanical strength and resistivity of NC were the best. NC with dispersant TA melted snow three times faster than the control group, reducing snow-melting energy consumption. Moreover, LCA analysis showed that the addition of dispersants also reduced carbon emissions.

Spatially Coded Transformations in Gradient‐Dependent Protocell Morphogenesis

AbstractChemical gradients provide spatiotemporal signaling fields in various cellular processes, driving complex dynamic behaviours such as differentiation and spatial organization. Here we employ opposing gradients of two artificial morphogens (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium phosphotungstate (polyoxometalate; POM)) to systematically investigate morphological differentiation in organized populations of coacervate microdroplet‐based protocells. Using a matrix of 16 sets of counter‐diffusive gradients, we classify the differentiated protocells into five phenotypes and encode their spontaneous organization into different spatially patterned protocell consortia using a 3‐bit binary information system. We show that a predominant SDS gradient produces a diversity of differentiated phenotypes to generate complex spatially coded 2D protocell organizations. In contrast, a prevailing POM gradient decreases morphological differentiation, resulting in population homogenization. Our results improve our understanding of gradient concentration‐dependent collective responses in synthetic microscale agents and provide a step to a new spatially resolved information encoding method with 3‐bit binary outputs.

Comparing Alternative Non-Selective Herbicides in Oregon and New Mexico

Abstract Municipalities are considering alternatives to traditional herbicides for suppressing weeds and vegetation in areas frequented by the public. Two field experiments were conducted to test the efficacy of alternative non-selective herbicides: one in Corvallis, Oregon, on a mixed lawn of perennial ryegrass, annual bluegrass, and broadleaf weeds, and another experiment in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on a predominantly bermudagrass lawn with broadleaf weeds. The experimental objective was to quantify and compare the effects of repeated applications of ten non-selective herbicides to terminate a lawn with mixed vegetation. Applications were made every two weeks for four applications starting on 15 April 2022 in Corvallis and 26 May 2022 in Las Cruces. Data collected included the percent green cover over time calculated using an area under the percent green cover progress curve (AUPGCPC), the percent green cover at the conclusion of the experiment, and the change in monocot and dicot density over the course of the experiment. All treatments resulted in a lower AUPGCPC compared to water only except for mint oil + sodium lauryl sulfate + potassium sorbate. The only treatments with an average percent green cover less than 50% was a combination of ammoniated soap of fatty acids + maleic hydrazide (47% green cover) in Corvallis and pelargonic acid (38%) in Las Cruces, suggesting that more applications would be needed to terminate the lawn under similar circumstances. At the conclusion of the experiment, the water only plots averaged 90% and 93% green cover in Corvallis and Las Cruces, respectively. The change of monocot and dicot densities over the course of the experiment indicated that some of the products tested may be more sensitive to dicots, or in some cases monocots, suggesting a potential for future selective herbicide research in certain locations and climates.

Micellar solubility and co‐solubilization of fragrance raw materials in sodium dodecyl sulfate and polysorbate 20 surfactant systems

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this work was to investigate the solubility and co‐solubilization of fragrance raw materials (FRMs) in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and polysorbate 20 (P20) surfactant micellar systems, which can advance our knowledge of multi‐solute micellar solubilization and fragrance olfactory performance from product matrices containing the surfactants.MethodsThe transfer of individual FRMs and binary FRM mixtures into micellar phases was quantified by UV–VIS differential spectroscopy and evaluated in terms of the standard Gibbs free energy change and micelle‐water partition coefficient. Co‐solubilization effects were further evaluated by the deviation ratio.ResultsAnionic SDS was found overall to be a more efficient solubilizer than nonionic P20. On an individual basis, micellar solubilization generally increased with solute lipophilicity but was additionally impacted by solute rigidity and steric effects. Micellar solubilization was favoured for more rigid structures and less favoured for FRMs that exhibited larger molecular rotation and steric hindrance. For multi‐solute systems, three co‐solubilization effects were observed: (i) inhibitive effect in which micellar partitioning of both solutes decreased, (ii) an inverse effect where partitioning of one solute increased while the other decreased and (iii) synergistic effect in which partitioning of both solutes increased. During co‐solubilization in P20 micelles, many FRMs competed for solubilization between the polyoxyethylene chains in the outer layer of the micelle, thereby resulting in an inhibitory effect for both solutes. Co‐solubilization of FRM binary mixtures in SDS micelles often resulted in a synergistic increase in micellar solubility, possibly due to micellar swelling, thereby facilitating partitioning of additional solutes into the micelle. An inverse effect in which the micellar solubility of one solute increased, while the other decreased was observed in both surfactant systems with varying degrees of partitioning depending on the composition of the FRM mixture.ConclusionsThe results of this study provide valuable insights into the impact of FRM composition on multi‐solute partitioning behaviour and the impact of surfactant type on co‐solubilization in micellar solutions.

Whey proteins from camel's milk have higher in vitro wound‐healing effect than whey proteins from cow's milk

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe effectiveness of whey obtained by either enzyme (sweet) or acid treatment on wound healing remains unclear. This study investigated the effectiveness of camel and bovine whey prepared enzymatically (CSW and BSW) or by pH reduction (CAW and BAW). After removing the cream from milk, HCl or rennet was used to remove casein, resulting in acid or sweet whey, respectively, followed by lactose removal using dialysis. Casein removal was verified by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Wound‐healing activity was measured in vitro on HT‐29 cells by scratch assay. All four whey samples (0–1000 mg L−1) were applied on the cells, and the closure of the cell‐free scratched areas was monitored for 48 h.RESULTSAll whey samples increased the cell migration significantly (P < 0.05) to help close the cell‐free areas as an indication of wound healing compared to the negative control. However, the closure amounts between the highest dose (1000 mg L−1) and the control were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Acid whey samples significantly (P < 0.05) elevated the closure speed compared to the sweet whey samples. The highest closure percentage (64.69%) was achieved after treatment with 10 mg L−1 CAW for 48 h. Between the sweet whey samples, BSW was significantly (P < 0.05) more effective in closing the cell‐free zone compared to CSW.CONCLUSIONThis study investigated the wound‐healing potential of camel and bovine whey in vitro by comparing their effects on HT‐29 cell migration. CAW showed the greatest activity and may find uses as a treatment agent in wound healing. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Insights into larval development and protein biochemical alterations of Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) following Beauveria bassiana and Solanum lycopersicum treatments

BackgroundThe polyphagous notorious pest, black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), cause significant production losses due to its distinctive feeding and hiding behavior, making it particularly challenging to control it with conventional methods. Therefore, sustainable agriculture demands more effective and environmentally safe pest control solutions. This study aimed to investigate the toxicity of two insecticide alternatives, the entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) Beauveria bassiana and Solanum lycopersicum extract (Tomato plant crude extract, TPCE), using two bioassay methods: the poisoned bait method and the leaf dipping method. In addition, the impact of these biological tools on larval development and protein profiles was evaluated.ResultsThe bait application of both tested materials exhibited higher toxicity than the leaf dipping method, as indicated by the toxicity index. The LC50 values for B. bassiana were 1.6 × 10⁸ and 1.8 × 10⁶ conidia ml−1 using the leaf dipping method and poisoned baits method, respectively. For TPCE, the LC50 values were 4.35 and 1.51 mg ml−1 for the same methods, respectively. In addition, sublethal concentrations of both materials altered the larval and pupal durations. B. bassiana significantly reduced the concentration of larval hemolymph protein. A maximum of 12 protein bands in the control sample, with molecular weights (Mw) ranging between 35 and 120 kDa, were detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE). In B. bassiana-treated larvae, ten bands were detected with Mw ranging from 35 to 120 kDa. At least seven bands were detected in TPCE-treated larvae, with Mw ranging from 35 to 97 kDa.ConclusionsThe findings of this study can be integrated into management programs for A. ipsilon. In addition, the availability of B. bassiana and TPCE in Egypt and their cost-effectiveness as insecticide alternatives support their use in the management programs of this critical pest. These methods are particularly effective when applied in bait form.Graphical

Retention of nickel, cobalt and chromium in skin at conditions mimicking intense hand hygiene practices using water, soap, and hand-disinfectant in vitro

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, increased hand hygiene practices using water, soap and hand disinfectants, became prevalent, particularly among frontline workers. This study investigates the impact of these practices on the skin’s ability to retain the allergenic metals nickel, cobalt, and chromium. The study constitutes three parts: (I) creating an impaired skin barrier, (II) exposing treated and untreated skin to nickel alone, and (III) in co-exposure with cobalt and chromium.MethodsUsing full-thickness skin from stillborn piglets, in vitro experiments were conducted to assess retention of metals in skin at conditions mimicking intense hand hygiene practices. Treatment of skin with varying concentrations of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), to impair its barrier integrity was assessed. This was followed by exposure of treated and untreated skin to the metals, that were dissolved in Milli-Q water, 0.5% SLS, and ethanol respectively.ResultsResults showed that pre-treatment with 5% SLS impaired the skin barrier with regards to the measure of trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). Metal amounts retained in the skin were generally higher in treated than untreated skin. The highest amounts of metal retained in skin were observed for exposure to nickel in ethanol. Co-exposure to nickel, cobalt, and chromium in 0.5% SLS resulted in the highest amounts of total metal retention.ConclusionsThe in vitro findings highlight the increased risk of metal retention in skin due to an impaired barrier. The SLS concentration used in the current study corresponds to those used in many hand hygiene products. Hence, occupational settings with frequent exposure to water, soap and disinfectants need to consider protective measures not only for the irritant exposures themselves but also simultaneous exposure to allergenic metals.

Immune response to topical sodium lauryl sulfate differs from classical irritant and allergic contact dermatitis.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is used as a control irritant in patch testing for allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). However, up to 20% of those tested react to SLS, whereby the pathophysiological basis of this reaction is still unclear. To mimic patch test reactions, we repeatedly applied SLS to the skin of wild-type mice. Reactions were compared with those in a classical ACD model induced by oxazolone and an irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) model induced by croton oil. Skin inflammation was assessed with ear thickness measurements, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and flow cytometry. Topical SLS treatment was further investigated in Flg/Hrnr-/-, Myd88/Tlr3-/-, and Rag1-/- mouse models. All three compounds caused ear swelling with different courses. Oxazolone treatment, compared with the ICD model, resulted in a greater influx of immune cells (CD4+, MHCII+, CD11b+). Similarly, SLS did not induce immune cell infiltration or expression of selected inflammatory and regulatory cytokines. SLS induced the most pronounced keratinocyte proliferation. Compared with wild-type mice, topical SLS application did not increase ear swelling in skin barrier deficient Flg/Hrnr-/- mice, but led to significantly delayed swelling in mice with defects in innate or adaptive immune functions (Myd88/Tlr3-/-, Rag1-/-). SLS-induced contact dermatitis differed from classical ACD and ICD, as it elicited less pronounced immune alterations. Skin barrier impairment does not affect SLS-induced contact dermatitis, whereas both innate and adaptive components are involved in SLS skin reactions.

In Vitro Spermatogenesis on Human Decellularized Testicular Matrix Plates Following Exosome Treatment in a Dynamic Culture System.

Testicular tissue engineering for in vitro spermatogenesis aims to restore fertility, focusing on challenges like efficiency, ethical concerns, and the need for a deeper biological understanding. The use of decellularized scaffolds led to better cell seeding and differentiation, and exosomes led to enhanced spermatogenesis. Also, the dynamic culture systems are being explored to replicate in vivo conditions more accurately. In this study, we aimed to utilize a perfusion mini-bioreactor for the dynamic culture of mouse spermatogonial stem cells on decellularized testicular matrix plates supplemented with exosomes. Our goal was to assess the progression of the spermatogenesis process through histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular analyses over four weeks. Human testicular tissues were decellularized using 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate and were then fabricated into thin plates using a cryostat. Sertoli and spermatogonial stem cells were isolated from neonate mouse testis and seeded onto the decellularized testicular matrix plates. A mini-perfusion bioreactor was employed to create dynamic culture conditions. Also, MSCs-derived exosomes were introduced to the culture medium, alone or in combination with a spermatogenic medium containing numerous chemical factors. The histological, IHC, and molecular analyses were performed at the end of the experiment. Our decellularization procedure successfully preserved the ECM components, while eliminating native cells. The isolated cells expressed PLZF and VIMENTIN markers, confirming the presence of SSCs and Sertoli cells. The seeded scaffolds exhibited proper homing, viability, proliferation, and differentiation of the cells towards in vitro spermatogenesis. Also, exosome treatment is capable of enhancing the spermatogenic potential of SSCs. Our findings indicate that the dynamic culture system significantly promoted the proliferation and differentiation of SSCs into mature spermatozoa. The use of exosomes further enhanced these effects, as evidenced by improved cellular viability, reduced apoptosis, and advanced spermatogenesis to the elongated spermatid stage. The combined treatment of exosomes and spermatogenic medium showed a synergistic effect, yielding superior outcomes in terms of sperm cell maturity and functionality. This study underscores the potential of combining decellularized testicular matrices with exosome therapy in a dynamic culture set up to advance the field of reproductive biology and fertility restoration.

Pathogenesis-related protein, thaumatin-like protein 1b is a transdermal sensitizing allergen of mango fruits in mouse models

ABSTRACT Food allergens can enter the skin and increase the susceptibility to food allergies by producing immunoglobulin (Ig) E. Mango is a popular fruit worldwide and known to be allergenic. Dermal sensitization may occur around the oral cavity during ingestion of mangoes. However, to date, no allergenic proteins in mangoes have been shown to cause dermal sensitization in humans or animal models. Therefore, we aimed to identify mango proteins that sensitize mice percutaneously. The occiput of BALB/c mice was shaved, and a crude mango extract containing sodium dodecyl sulfate was applied to the skin. Mango protein-specific IgE and IgG1 were produced in response to this treatment. Proteins in mangoes that bind to mouse IgG1 and IgE were purified and identified as thaumatin-like protein 1b (TLP1b). This is the first study to identify TLP1b, a pan-allergen belonging to a family of pathogenesis-related proteins, as a mango allergen causing transdermal sensitization in mice.

Gas-liquid interface properties of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon surfactants and their mixed foams: Molecular dynamics simulations and experimental studies

This paper focuses on the gas-liquid interface characteristics of short-chain fluorocarbon surfactant FS-50 and hydrocarbon surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and their mixed systems. The foam properties of SDS, FS-50, and their mixed solutions were experimentally determined. Then, based on the molecular dynamics simulation method, the interaction mechanism of surfactant molecules at the gas-liquid interface was simulated and analyzed by constructing a foam-liquid membrane system containing surfactant molecules and water molecules. The experimental results show that FS-50 can effectively enhance the foam stability when the concentration is lower than 0.16 wt% and the mixing ratio with SDS is not more than 1:1; the simulation results show that FS-50 can change the arrangement of SDS molecules at the gas-liquid interface. Simultaneously, there is a competitive adsorption phenomenon between FS-50 and SDS at the gas-liquid interface. The low mixing ratio FS-50 can increase the thickness of the gas-liquid interface of the mixed system and the ability of SDS to form hydrogen bonds with water, enhance the water-locking ability of SDS, and further improve the stability of the foam liquid film. The interaction mechanism between short-chain fluorocarbons and SDS surfactants at the gas-liquid interface was revealed by simulation, which provided theoretical guidance for optimizing the performance of the foam liquid film.

Synthesis of short-chain fluorocarbon surfactant: Enhancing surface and foam performance through hydrocarbon surfactants compounding

The research of short-chain fluorocarbon surfactants is crucial in effectively and environmentally extinguishing petrochemical fires. In this study, a short-chain fluorocarbon surfactant named 2H,2H-perfluorooctanoic acid sodium salt (PFH-CA) was synthesized, and then characterized its chemical structure, thermal stability, surface activity, and foam property. Subsequently, PFH-CA was compounded with hydrocarbon surfactants including sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DTAC), and N,N-dimethyldodecylamine-N-oxid (OB-2) at different molar ratios. The surface tension, interaction parameters, and foam property of the PFH-CA/hydrocarbon surfactant compounding systems were investigated. The analysis indicates that PFH-CA exhibits excellent surface activity and thermal stability concomitant with poor foam property. Introducing SDS, DTAC, and OB-2 enhances the foam performance and reduces the consumption of PFH-CA through synergistic interactions. Especially, PFH-CA/DTAC (1:4) system possesses the strongest interactions and the best performance, with critical micelle concentration (CMC) and surface tension at CMC (γCMC) of 0.11 mmol/L and 20.90 mN/m, respectively. When concentration of PFH-CA exceeds 0.5 mmol/L, the foaming ability and foam stability stabilize at 30 cm and 90 %, respectively. The enhanced performance of PFH-CA/DTAC system is attributed to the electrostatic attraction between anionic and cationic surfactants, which facilitates the formation of micelles, subsequently leading to better surface activity and foam properties.

Comparative Study of Physicochemical Properties on Corneal Stromal Lenticules Following Four Decellularization Methods

This study compares the physicochemical properties of corneal stromal lenticules following decellularization via four methods. Human corneal stromal lenticules, derived from small incision lenticule extraction surgery, underwent decellularization with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Triton X-100 (Tx) combined with SDS, trypsin-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (TE), or NaCl with deoxyribonuclease (DNase), respectively. Lenticule DNA and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents, immunofluorescence staining intensity of cell nuclei and collagen, transparency, biomechanics, histological structure, and immunogenicity were examined in each group and compared with fresh lenticules. All decellularized groups exhibited effective cell removal, with no significant decrease in GAG contents (all P > 0.05). DNA contents decreased in all decellularization groups (all P < 0.01), most notably in the SDS and Tx+SDS groups. Additionally, collagen I and IV fluorescence intensity was reduced in the TE group only (P < 0.0001). Histological staining revealed close similarity in collagen arrangement between the Tx+SDS group and fresh lenticules. Collagen fiber density increased while spacing and diameter decreased in all decellularized groups (all P < 0.05), with partial collagen degradation in the TE group. Light transmittance remained above 60% in the visible light spectrum in all groups. The Young's modulus or elastic modulus did not decrease significantly among decellularized lenticules (all P > 0.05). Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR, HLA-ABC, and CD45 expression decreased in the Tx+SDS and NaCl+DNase groups (all P < 0.001). Although all four decellularization methods showed varying decellularization efficacy, Tx+SDS effectively removed cells without damaging corneal morphology, extracellular matrix, or biomechanics, indicating its potential for lenticule storage, transplantation, and bio-scaffold fabrication.

Impact of Surfactants on Solution Behavior and Membrane Transport of Amorphous Solid Dispersions

The purpose of the study was to develop an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) of a poorly soluble compound (AK100) and investigate the impact of different surfactants on its dissolution, supersaturation and membrane transport. The solubility of the AK100 was determined in crystalline and amorphous form in the absence and presence of three surfactants at different concentrations: sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), polysorbate 80 (PS80) and D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS). The relation between solubility and surfactant solubilization was evaluated using a computational model. The ASD powder was prepared by solvent evaporation for non-sink dissolution experiments with and without the pre-dissolved surfactants. A transport study with Caco-2 cells was conducted to evaluate the impact of surfactants-based formulation on membrane transport. Both the corresponding crystalline and amorphous solubility of AK100 increased linearly as a function of the surfactant concentrations. The supersaturation was maintained for at least three hours in absence of surfactant and in presence of TPGS, whereas supersaturation declined with SDS and PS80. As expected, the membrane flux of the AK100 was higher for the ASD than for the crystalline powder, and further increased with increased concentration of TPGS. The supersaturation ratio based on the activity-based calculation from Caco-2 cells study was always higher than that of the concentration-based one for the amorphous and crystalline forms of AK100. This study shows how additional solubilizing excipients during formulation development can improve the resulting dissolution and phase behavior of supersaturated drug solution.

Investigation of the synergistic effects of SiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles with SDS and CTAB surfactants on the stability and improving phase behavior of water-oil emulsions

The stability of emulsions is a significant challenge across various industries, including food, pharmaceutical, and petroleum. Surface-active agents utilized for enhanced oil recovery often exhibit inadequate performance under high salinity reservoir conditions, presenting a critical barrier to effective emulsion stabilization. Furthermore, due to the extreme hydrophilic or hydrophobic nature of nanoparticles (NPs), they are not effective in stabilizing emulsions on their own. To address this limitation, a minimal quantity of surfactant was introduced into the NPs to improve their wettability and achieve dual wettability. This research has examined the synergistic effects of SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ NPs combined with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactants on water-oil emulsion stability. This approach enhanced emulsion stability by combining the stabilizing effects of both the NPs and the surfactants, an aspect that has not been previously addressed in phase behavior studies through the examination of the interactions and surface behavior of surfactant-nanoparticle complexes at the oil-water interface. Several experiments, including phase behavior, FT-IR, zeta potential, contact angle, and interfacial tension (IFT) tests, were performed to evaluate the interaction of surfactants with NPs. The results demonstrate that combining NPs with surfactants, especially those with opposite charges, significantly reduces IFT to the order of 10−6 mN/m, which can overcome capillary pressure, and enhances optimal salinity levels even up to 75000 ppm. Interactions between CTAB-SiO₂ and SDS-Al₂O₃ notably improve the hydrophobicity of NPs, resulting in IFT reductions of 11.4 and 7 mN/m, respectively, compared to NPs alone.

Mesoscale modeling on the influence of surfactants on seepage law during water injection in coal

To investigate the mesoscopic influence of surfactants on seepage law during water injection in coal seam, this paper innovatively establishes a fluid transport lattice Boltzmann (LBM) model by incorporating the seepage resistance generated from the porous media and external forces, which embodies the impact of wettability degree resulted from cocamidopropyl betaine (CAB), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and coconutt diethanol amide (CDEA) reagents at a 0.1% concentration. The main conclusions derived from this investigation are as follows: Firstly, as the lattice number in the X direction increases, the average seepage velocities in coal samples treated by deionized water, 0.1% CAB, 0.1% SDS, and 0.1% CDEA reagents (Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4) exhibit three distinct stages: rapid decline, slow decline, and steady decline; in comparison to raw coal sample, modified coal samples demonstrate decreases of 20.84%, 33.91%, and 61.70%, respectively. Secondly, the critical values of displacement pressure difference exist during the phenomenon that modified reagents spread out in the entire flow channel, which are 3.5 MPa, 3.5 MPa, and 5.2 MPa, respectively, for coal samples Nos. 2, 3, and 4; this signifies that surpassing these critical values help prevent issues such as blank belts within the wetting range and insufficient dust control. Finally, at a displacement pressure difference of 0.01 (lattice unit), the average velocity ratios for samples (Nos. 2, 3, and 4) are 0.78, 0.56, and 0.37(lattice unit), respectively; notably, the water flow velocities in modified coal samples are lower compared to that in raw coal sample, indicating that the addition of surfactants impede the seepage process of water injection in coal seam. Moreover, when the displacement pressure difference reaches 0.03 (lattice unit), the velocity ratio of CDEA-modified coal sample exceeds 100%; this means that when the displacement pressure difference surpasses 15.6 MPa, the water injection effect of CDEA-modified coal sample begins to be improved. These research findings offer a theoretical basis for enhancing water injection technology in coal mines.

One-step development of photothermal omniphobic membrane for vacuum membrane distillation towards sustainable water desalination using solar energy

Nowadays, development of photothermal omniphobic membranes (POMs) for water desalination using solar energy has gained considerable attention to face water and energy challenges in a sustainable way. Scientists have been developing POM via different techniques based on photothermal component loading and surface energy reduction, all of which suffer from multi-step processes. Obviously, researchers and especially industrial developers aspire to one-step techniques that make the production process highly accelerated and economical. In this study, a one-step technique to develop POMs is demonstrate, using which the omniphobic and photothermal properties are simultaneously imparted to the membrane through being integrated with the membrane fabrication process. The technique works based on elaborate design of membrane surface chemistry and roughness via electrospinning of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/poly(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl acrylate) (PPFOA) blend solution containing carbon black nanoparticles (CB NPs). Optimum concentrations for PPFOA and CB NPs with respect to the PVDF weight were obtained as 60 and 15 wt%, respectively. The developed membrane exhibited permeate flux and salt rejection as high as 2.94 kg/m2·h and > 98 %, respectively, under one sun radiation. Evaporation rate and efficiency of the developed membrane were calculated as 1.49 kg/m2.h and 83.5 %, respectively. The membrane exhibited stable long-term performance for 600 min in contact with the sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.8 mM)-containing NaCl aqueous solution (3.5 wt%). Besides single-step implementation, the introduced technique benefits from endowing the entire membrane structure with omniphobic and photothermal properties not only the membrane surface. This can drastically improve the membrane performance and life time.

Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis-Like Skin Changes Induced by the Application of Absorbent Pads Containing Bacteria and Artificial Urine in Rats.

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is one of the most serious complications in older people with incontinence. Controlling urine property in absorbent pads could be effective for preventing IAD caused by bacterial urine. However, no animal model has been established to evaluate their effectiveness. This study aimed to induce IAD-like skin changes using absorbent pads containing bacterial urine and to confirm their pathophysiology in rats. Hairless Wistar Yagi rats were divided into the bacteria-containing urine (BU) and the bacteria-free urine (U) groups. A 10-h-attachment of absorbent pads containing artificial urine with/without bacteria to the skin pretreated with sodium lauryl sulfate was performed repeatedly for 5 days. Macroscopic findings and skin barrier function were examined every day, and histological changes, inflammatory responses and bacterial quantification in tissue samples were examined on Day 5. The BU group exhibited significant skin redness from Day 3, significant elevation of transepidermal water loss from Day 1, and histological changes, including significantly thickened epidermis, abnormal keratinocyte differentiation and erythrocyte leakage. Inflammation, confirmed by higher myeloperoxidase-positive cells, elevated tumour necrosis factor-α expression, and vascular endothelial damage, indicated by CD31 and pentraxin 3-positive cells, were observed in the BU group. The bacterial quantification showed no significant difference between the groups. IAD-like skin changes including histological changes and inflammation were suggested to be caused by urine properties altered by bacteria. This study proposed a new animal model for evaluating the effectiveness of absorbent pads in controlling the urine properties of bacterial urine on preventing IAD.

Brain drug delivery from the nasal olfactory region is enhanced using lauroylcholine chloride: An estimation using in vivo PET imaging

IntroductionIntranasal (IN) administration, often referred to as nose-to-brain (N2B) drug delivery, is an attractive approach for delivering drugs to the central nervous system. However, the efficacy of this method is limited because of the small size of the nasal olfactory region, which limits the drug dosage. Using permeation enhancers could improve drug delivery from this region to the brain, though their effects are not fully understood. We therefore investigated the effects of co-administration of permeation enhancers on N2B drug delivery of a model drug domperidone, a peripherally acting dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) blocker. MethodsWe conducted in vitro permeability assays to evaluate the effects of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a classical permeation enhancer, and lauroylcholine chloride (LCC) on domperidone permeation in human nasal mucosa-derived cells. We also used the D2R ligand [11C]raclopride to assess the in vivo effects of LCC on domperidone delivery in the rat brain using a positron emission tomography (PET) competition paradigm. In comparative PET experiments, we tested the effects of intravenously administered domperidone without LCC co-administration. ResultsLCC effectively improved nasal mucosal permeation of domperidone in vitro compared to SLS. In rat IN administration experiments, striatal [11C]raclopride uptake was significantly decreased by the addition of LCC to domperidone. On the other hand, intravenously administered domperidone with or without intranasally administered LCC did not decrease [11C]raclopride brain uptake, suggesting a lesser influence of peripheral domperidone on [11C]raclopride brain uptake. PET studies showed that striatal D2R occupancy of domperidone was increased 2.4-fold by co-administration of LCC. ConclusionLCC effectively enhances the domperidone delivery from the rat olfactory region to the brain, probably not via a circulating blood. The combination of permeation enhancers and olfactory region-selective drug administration could be effective for N2B drug delivery.

Revealing the influence mechanism of pre-fermentation degree and storage temperature fluctuations on frozen steamed bread dough quality

This study investigated the effects of pre-fermentation degree and storage temperature fluctuations on the gas cells, gluten protein, rheological properties of frozen dough, and quality of steamed bread. Three pre-fermentation degrees and four fluctuating temperatures (−10 °C, 0 °C, 10 °C, and 25 °C) were used. The gas cell size increased with the pre-fermentation degree; however, the gas cells merged and ruptured during temperature fluctuations. Sodium dodecyl sulfate extraction protein content and free sulfhydryl content increased by 3.07 % and 33.62 %, respectively, in the medium pre-fermentation group at 25 °C compared with those at −10 °C. The maximum strain of dough increased as pre-fermentation degree and fluctuating temperatures increased. The specific volumes of steamed bread with medium pre-fermentation degree were 1.87 mL/g at −10 °C and 1.47 mL/g at 25 °C. In conclusion, higher temperature fluctuations exceeding the freezing point exacerbated the dough and steamed bread quality, particularly in high pre-fermentation degree dough.