Element specific scattering techniques known as anomalous small-angle x-ray scattering have been employed in the analysis of the thallium counterion distribution in aqueous salt-free polyacrylate solutions with the molar concentration of 25mM. The pure-resonant scattering contribution of the Tl+-counterions was deduced explicitly, thereby revealing the existence of a hexagonal lattice structure, as suggested by de Gennes etal. About 75% of the Tl+-counterions are localized in the cylinders of the hexagonal lattice structure. A cylinder axis of 12.1nm was deduced, giving, in combination with the amount of monomer units inside the cylinder, a length of the monomer unit of 0.66nm, indicating strong stretching of the polyanions. The stability criterion of Lindemann is served, thus explaining the stability of the liquid crystalline phase. From the mixed-resonant and the non-resonant scattering contribution, the monomer volume of 0.1111nm3 was deduced.

Recent advance in synthesis of monodisperse porous poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) microspheres for chromatographic separation.

To solve the problem of rapid decline in crude oil production, polymer microspheres have been applied for petroleum reservoir enhanced oil recovery. However, conventional polymer microspheres exhibit inadequate resistance to temperature in high-temperature reservoirs. Microspheres with enhanced temperature resistance were synthesized via water-soluble phenolic resin (PF) and acrylamide (AM) monomers, employing N,N-methylene bis acrylamide as a cross-linking agent, Span-80 as an emulsifier, and potassium persulfate as an initiator. The inverse suspension polymerization method was adopted. The effects of the cross-linking ratio and the monomer ratio on the particle size are investigated, and the swelling behavior of microsphere is studied. The temperature resistance of AM/PF microspheres is investigated by IR, microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Results demonstrate that PF incorporation significantly enhances the microsphere temperature resistance. AM/PF microspheres withstand 150 days at 140 °C, fulfilling deep profile control requirements in high-temperature reservoirs. For AM/PF microspheres, the temperature resistance duration decreases with an extended PF reaction time. AM/PF microspheres exhibit gradual swelling, requiring approximately 10 days to achieve a swelling ratio of 34.25 at 140 °C. The degradation process of microspheres at high temperatures is discussed according to the microstructure variations of the microspheres at 140 °C. Double-cross-linked AM/PF particles facilitate improved application of deep profile control and flooding technology by petroleum engineers.

在催化反应中，催化剂活性和选择性的提高不仅能够增加目标产物的产率，还可在减少反应过程复杂程度的同时节约反应能耗、降低副产物的生成。分子印迹技术（MIT）作为一种优异的催化剂制备技术，可用于制备具有高活性、高选择性和热稳定性的分子印迹催化剂（MIC），能够有效解决上述问题。分子印迹催化剂结合生物酶催化的原理，在分子印迹催化剂中构筑具有特定催化活性位点及空间构型的分子印迹空穴，赋予其优异的分子识别能力，充分利用可逆共价相互作用、静电引力、氢键等相互作用筛分反应底物、反应中间体以及反应产物的结构和官能团，以实现特定的反应过程并高选择性地得到目标产物。本文主要综述了分子印迹技术在热催化领域中的相关研究，阐述了分子印迹技术的基本原理、相关理论及其发展历程，介绍了本体聚合、液相悬浮聚合、沉淀聚合和表面分子印迹等典型的分子印迹催化剂合成方法、分子印迹催化剂的结构表征技术（傅里叶变换红外光谱、有机元素组成分析、高分辨质谱仪等），随后重点展示了分子印迹催化剂（包括贵金属、非贵金属、无金属催化剂等）在水解反应、氧化反应、还原反应、偶联反应、聚合物反应器等催化反应中的研究进展，还简要陈述了分子印迹技术在光/电催化、人工酶催化以及传感器、吸附分离等其他领域的应用，最后总结了分子印迹技术在催化领域应用中存在的若干问题并展望了其未来发展趋势。

Tuning re-entrant phase behavior of silica nanoparticles in polymer suspension via interplay of interactions

In the article “Revolutionizing Drug Delivery: The Impact of Microsponges in Pharmaceutical Research”, published in Drug Delivery Letters [1], the citation for Figure (3) was inadvertently omitted in the original version of the manuscript. This omission has now been corrected. The original article can be found online at: https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/142406 Details of the correction are as follows: Original: 4. PREPARATION OF MICROSPONGES Drug loading in microsponges can occur through two processes: liquid-liquid suspension polymerization and quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion techniques. The choice between these methods depends on the physicochemical characteristics of the specific drug intended for loading [22, 23]. Corrected: 4. PREPARATION OF MICROSPONGES Drug loading in microsponges can occur through two processes: liquid-liquid suspension polymerization and quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion techniques. The choice between these methods depends on the physicochemical characteristics of the specific drug intended for loading (Fig. 3) [22, 23]. We regret the error and apologize to readers.

Polyelectrolyte microspheres based on a polymer containing sulfonate groups are considered promising drug delivery systems for encapsulating drugs and ensuring their prolonged release. In this study, gel microparticles based on various sulfonate-containing polymers were formed, and their potential as drug delivery systems was evaluated, particularly for the controlled administration of the cytotoxic anthracycline antibiotic doxorubicin and the antifungal drug fuchsine. An undeniable advantage of such gel microspheres is the presence in their structure of sulfonate groups localized both in the surface layer and in the volume. The main monomers used were styrene-4-sulfonic acid sodium salt and 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium salt; spherical, porous microparticles were obtained via free-radical reverse suspension polymerization. Microsphere properties (size, porosity, pore structure, electrical surface properties, and swelling) were tailored by changing the nature of the sulfonate, using a comonomer (vinyl acetate or ethyl acrylate), adding a co-solvent, or modulating the crosslinker composition, which influenced drug loading efficiency (doxorubicin, fuchsine). The gel-like structure of the microspheres was confirmed, and the sulfonate groups were found to be distributed throughout both the surface layer and the internal volume of the microspheres. A comparison was also made with non-porous polymer particles containing sulfonate groups. The sorption capacity of the gel microspheres for doxorubicin was 2.2 mmol/g, significantly higher than the 0.4 mmol/g observed for the non-porous reference particles. The obtained values of doxorubicin sorption on gel microspheres are over 60 times higher than the values reported in the literature.

ABSTRACT Optimization of leg dimensions, including thickness, is essential for maximizing output powers of thermoelectric (TE) generators. However, fabricating thick and uniform active films with conjugated polymers remains challenging, as doping processes are limited either by reduced solubility in polymer‐dopant blend solutions or by a trade‐off between dopant diffusion and doping stability. Here, a vacuum filtration method is introduced to fabricate tens‐of‐micrometers‐thick films within a few seconds by selectively collecting large, doped polymer particles from a polymer‐dopant suspension. The polymer particles form smooth, thick, uniformly doped, and highly flexible TE films via interparticle coalescence, while the short‐conjugated polymers and inactive dopants are effectively removed during filtration, thereby greatly enhancing the TE performance. The ≈60‐µm‐thick doped polymer films are integrated to fabricate fingertip‐sized TE generators, which exhibit high output powers up to 2.00 µW at Δ T = 15.2 K, yielding a record‐high normalized areal power density (209 µW m −2 K −2 ) and enabling successful electronic device operations using body heat. It is believed that the vacuum filtration method offers a new experimental protocol for fabricating organic TE generators as well as for gaining deep insights into the effects of solution‐state doping on the electrical and structural properties of conjugated polymers.

Multiple removal mechanism of EDTA-Enteromorpha-Chitosan-based hydrogel for organic/inorganic cation-anion complex pollution.

Based on the Pontryagin maximum principle, the problem of the high-speed heating of the feedstock in a batch reactor with a stirrer used in the process of suspension polymerization of styrene has been posed and solved. A mathematical description of the control object with a flow diagram, a system of assumptions that simplify the creation of a model, a mathematical model of the control object, the formulation of the optimal control problem and the solutions obtained are given

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is one of the most widely used polymers due to its strength, low cost, and light weight. Industrial production is mainly conducted by suspension polymerization, which facilitates the control of the emissions of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), a known carcinogen. However, the process consumes large amounts of water and energy and generates residual compounds such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polymerization initiators, which must be properly managed to mitigate environmental impacts. To improve sustainability, this study applied mass- and energy-integration strategies together with a zero-liquid-discharge (ZLD) water-regeneration system that uses sequential aerobic and anaerobic reactors to recirculate process water with reduced PVA. Although these measures reduce resource consumption, they can displace or intensify other impacts; therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of the system is necessary. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to quantify and compare the potential environmental impacts (PEIs) of the improved PVC production process through a scenario-based assessment using a waste reduction algorithm (WAR). This is applied to four operating scenarios in order to identify the stages and flows that contribute most to the environmental burden. According to our literature review, there is limited published evidence that simultaneously combines mass/energy integration and a ZLD system in PVC processes; thus, this work provides an integrated assessment useful for industrial design. The environmental performance of the improved process was evaluated using WAR GUI software (v 1.0.17, which quantifies PEIs in categories such as toxicity, climate change, and acidification. Four scenarios were compared: Case 1 (excluding both product and energy), Case 2 (product only), Case 3 (energy only), and Case 4 (product and energy). The total PEI increased from 2.46 PEI/day in Case 1 to 6230 PEI/day in Case 4, with the largest contributions from acidification (5140 PEI/day) and global warming (496 PEI/day), mainly due to natural gas consumption (5184 GJ/day). In contrast, Cases 1 and 2 showed negative PEI values (−3160 and −2660 PEI/day), indicating that converting the toxic VCM (LD50: 500 mg/kg; ATP: 26 mg/L) into PVC (LD50: 2000 mg/kg; ATP: 100 mg/L) can reduce the environmental burden in certain respects. In addition, the ZLD system contributed to maintaining low aquatic toxicity in Case 4 (90.70 PEI/day).

A novel mesoporous spherical chelating lignin-based adsorbent was successfully synthesized via inverse suspension polymerization using sulfate pine pulping black liquor as raw material, followed by graft copolymerization with acrylonitrile and subsequent amination. The obtained aminated cyanoethyl spherical lignin resin (ACSLR) exhibited a well-defined porous morphology and abundant active sites, as confirmed by SEM and FT-IR. Adsorption experiments demonstrated high Pb2+ uptake capacity (63.98 mg·g−1) under optimal conditions (pH = 5.5, 2.0 g·L−1 adsorbent dosage, and 150 mg·L−1 initial concentration of Pb2+ solution). The adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating monolayer chemisorption dominated by amino and cyano groups. This work provides a sustainable strategy for valorizing industrial lignin waste into efficient adsorbents for heavy metal removal, highlighting its potential for practical wastewater treatment applications.

Background: pH-sensitive hydrogel microspheres have gained increasing attention as advanced drug delivery systems because of their ability to modulate drug release in response to physiological conditions. Nifedipine, a widely prescribed calcium channel blocker for hypertension and angina pectoris, suffers from low oral bioavailability, rapid first-pass metabolism, and short systemic residence time. These limitations often necessitate frequent dosing and contribute to variable therapeutic response, underscoring the need for a sustained-release delivery approach. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate pH-sensitive butyl acrylate-co-itaconic acid (p(BA-co-IA)) hydrogel microspheres for sustained oral delivery of nifedipine and to assess their in vivo pharmacokinetic performance. Methods: Nifedipine-loaded p(BA-co-IA) hydrogel microspheres were synthesized using a modified suspension polymerization method. In vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation was conducted in healthy male albino rabbits following oral administration of nifedipine standard solution and hydrogel microspheres at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Plasma nifedipine concentrations were quantified using a validated reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using compartmental analysis. Results: The hydrogel microspheres demonstrated a delayed absorption profile with a higher Tmax (4.98 ± 0.43 h) compared with the standard solution (1.216 ± 0.02 h). Peak plasma concentration was lower for the microspheres (1.43 ± 0.08 µg/mL) than for the standard formulation (2.24 ± 0.01 µg/mL). The elimination half-life was prolonged for the microspheres (4.42 ± 0.96 h versus 2.24 ± 0.5 h), and systemic exposure was markedly enhanced, as reflected by a higher AUC₀–∞ (19.6 ± 0.9 µg·h/mL compared with 10.92 ± 0.16 µg·h/mL). Drug levels remained detectable for up to 24 hours following administration of the sustained-release formulation. Conclusion: The findings confirmed that pH-sensitive p(BA-co-IA) hydrogel microspheres provided sustained release and improved oral bioavailability of nifedipine, supporting their potential as a promising delivery system for long-term antihypertensive therapy.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the adsorption performance of humic acid-functionalized lignin-based microspheres (HA@LGMS) in eliminating Acid Orange 7 (AO7) and tetracycline (TC) contaminants from wastewater. Lignin, a residual material from pulp manufacturing processes, was utilized to synthesize lignin-based microspheres (LGMS) via reversed-phase suspension polymerization. Subsequently, humic acid was incorporated into LGMS to enhance their adsorption capacity. Comprehensive material characterization involving SEM, FTIR, XPS, etc. revealed the structural features and surface chemistry of the microspheres. Systematic batch adsorption studies examined the adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics of AO7 and TC onto HA@LGMS. Analysis demonstrated chemisorption-driven mechanisms supplemented by boundary layer diffusion and pore penetration phenomena. The adsorption processes were spontaneous and endothermic, with higher temperatures favoring adsorption. HA@LGMS exhibited high adsorption capacities for AO7 (434.81 mg/g) and TC (93.98 mg/g), outperforming many existing adsorbents. The adsorbent also demonstrated excellent reusability and stability in multiple adsorption-desorption cycles. Moreover, HA@LGMS effectively removed AO7 and TC from real water samples, highlighting its potential for practical wastewater treatment applications. This study provides a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the removal of dyes and antibiotics from wastewater using lignin-based materials.

Polyurethanes arewidely used in adhesive applications, but theirconventional synthesis relies on hazardous isocyanates and often solvent-basedformulations. In this work, waterborne polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs)were synthesized from 1,6-hexanediol bis­(cyclic carbonate) and bio-basedPriamine 1075 via catalyst-free suspension polymerization in water.Pristine cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) acted as the sole stabilizers,eliminating the need for petroleum-derived surfactants while simultaneouslyserving as reinforcing nanofillers. Stable monomer-in-water emulsionswere obtained with CNC loadings up to 200 mg mL–1 per monomer, corresponding to ∼17 wt % CNCs in the finaldried nanocomposites. In the latex state, CNCs were located at theparticle surfaces, ensuring colloidal stability, while in the driedPHU/CNC nanocomposites they were uniformly distributed throughoutthe matrix, yielding adhesives with markedly enhanced performance.The nanocomposites exhibited up to 680% and 340% increases in probetack adhesion strength and lap-shear strength, respectively, comparedwith surfactant Tween 80-stabilized waterborne PHUs, reachingperformance levels comparable to commercial pressure-sensitive adhesives.These findings demonstrate that combining bio-based monomers withCNC stabilization offers a robust strategy for producing sustainable,high-performance PHU adhesives consistent with green chemistry principles.

Microsponge drug delivery systems represent an innovative approach to enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of anti-inflammatory drugs through controlled release, improved bioavailability, and targeted delivery. These porous polymeric microspheres, ranging from 5 to 300 μm, encapsulate active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to achieve sustained drug release, minimizing systemic side effects and dosing frequency. Chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and psoriasis, often require prolonged treatment, but conventional therapies such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids are limited by systemic toxicity and frequent administration. Microsponges address these challenges by enhancing drug stability, increasing retention at the target site, and reducing systemic exposure. Advanced fabrication techniques, including emulsion solvent diffusion, liquid-liquid suspension polymerization, and electrohydrodynamic atomization, allow precise control over microsponge properties, optimizing drug loading and release kinetics. In arthritis, microsponges extend anti-inflammatory activity; in IBD, they enable colon-specific delivery; and in psoriasis, they enhance drug penetration through keratinized plaques. These systems improve patient compliance by reducing dosing frequency and minimizing adverse effects. Despite their promise, further research is needed to optimize formulations, evaluate long-term safety, and fully explore their potential in managing chronic inflammatory diseases. Microsponge technology offers a transformative platform for improving therapeutic outcomes, paving the way for innovative treatments in pharmaceutical and clinical applications.

The suspension polymerization of HEMA/PVP compositions in the presence of drugs was studied. The influence of drug type and concentration on polymerization kinetics, particle size, and sorption–desorption properties was determined. A one-step synthesis method was developed for obtaining hydrogel carriers for controlled drug release. It was established that in the presence of drugs (thiotriazoline, omeprazole, isoniazid, amlodipine benzoate), it was possible to carry out suspension polymerization of HEMA compositions with PVP and obtain spherical polymer particles with sizes of 0.2-0.7 mm.

We study the emerging self-organization in active ring suspensions, focusing on how the rings' orientational order and geometric entanglement vary with density and spatial confinement. To quantify entanglement, we introduce the wrapping number, a pairwise measure of ring interpenetration, while orientational order is characterized by the alignment of the normal vectors to the rings' osculating planes. Both wrapping number and alignment distinguish active from passive systems, and their combination aptly identifies the self-organized states that emerge with the onset of activity. Mutual-information analysis reveals a significant correlation between the alignment and wrapping number across all considered active conditions. However, self-organization displays a nonmonotonic dependence on the activity-induced entanglement. Specifically, moderate wrapping stabilizes contacts of neighboring aligned rings, while excessive entanglement disrupts the alignment. We show that this competition arises because an increasing entanglement interferes with the planar conformations required to form aligned stacks. Given the simplicity of this microscopic mechanism, analogous effects may occur more generally in polymer systems, where the degree of entanglement is regulated by out-of-equilibrium effects.

Introduction: The Microsponge Drug Delivery System (MDDS) is a biocompatible platform for targeted delivery of poorly soluble or unstable drugs via various routes. This review highlights the composition, preparation methods, applications, and future prospects of this delivery system. Methods: This review is based on a comprehensive literature survey examining the development and applications of the MDDS. Data were gathered from books, scientific reports, peer-reviewed articles, review papers, and patent databases. Relevant information was critically analyzed and synthesized to assess current progress and emerging trends in MDDS. Results: The literature reveals significant progress in MDDS, with suspension polymerization and emulsion solvent diffusion as key methods. Microsponges efficiently encapsulate various drugs, offering improved stability and controlled release. Growing patents and products reflect rising interest and development in this field. Discussion: MDDS offers advantages over conventional systems, including improved stability, controlled release, fewer side effects, and better patient compliance. Microsponges outperform microspheres and liposomes in entrapment efficiency, strength, and drug loading. Challenges, such as scalability and limited clinical application, remain; however, advances in polymer science and nanotechnology may help overcome these issues. Growing patents and research support their potential in personalized and targeted therapies. Conclusion: This review outlines the key aspects of MDDS, including its formulation, benefits, limitations, applications, and recent advancements. MDDS offers promising improvements in drug stability, targeting, and efficacy over conventional systems. However, wider clinical use depends on overcoming challenges like scalability, regulation, and safety. Continued innovation could establish microsponges as a vital tool in future drug delivery.

Suspension polymerization is a complex heterogeneous process used to produce polymeric beads, where the evolving viscosity of the dispersed phase critically influences final product properties. However, real-time monitoring of this process is challenging due to its dynamic and multiphase nature. Soft sensing technology offers a noninvasive approach to estimate key process parameters in real time, particularly when direct measurements are difficult or unreliable. This study investigates the use of calorimetry-based soft sensors to monitor viscosity changes during suspension polymerization, utilizing real-time process temperature and torque measurements from a reaction calorimeter. The approach integrates both thermal and mechanical responses of the system to infer the evolving viscosity during the process. An Extended Kalman Filter is employed to fuse process measurements with model equations, providing robust viscosity estimates throughout the batch. The estimated viscosity serves as a secondary indicator to infer average molecular weight and particle size using established empirical correlations. Unlike traditional models that rely heavily on kinetic expressions, the proposed estimator relies on the physical interactions among torque, conversion, and viscosity. Validation studies confirm that the predictions have strong agreement with expected trends and experimental data, demonstrating the potential of the developed model as a reliable tool for in situ monitoring.