Water Vapor Transmission Research Articles

Recyclable and non‐recyclable packaging films with different barrier properties: Effect of processing and storage time on quality of mashed potato and ground carrot

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate if high barrier recyclable material polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol (PE/EVOH) can be an alternative non‐recyclable polyamides (PA)/PE laminate and also if high barrier is required or recyclable PE material with low barrier properties is good enough to maintain the quality of thermally processed mashed potato and ground carrot. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the PA/PE and PE films decreased after heat treatment, while no change was observed for PE/EVOH films. Food contact did not impact the OTR of PA/PE and PE/EVOH films, while the OTR of PE films decreased. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of PA/PE and PE/EVOH films increased after heat treatment. In general, the WVTR of films increased after food contact. The tensile strength of all films was only reduced up to 3–4 weeks of food contact. After 10 weeks, the PE film showed significantly lower hue values and a larger total color difference than the two other films. Light exposure reduced the hue values and increased total color difference after 6 weeks of storage. The odor and flavor of both mashed potatoes and ground carrots were affected by light exposure. The mashed potato showed a slight reduction in freshness‐odor for all materials with storage time. For flavor, mashed potato and ground carrot showed similar trends; flavor was scored unacceptable when packaged in PE films after 6 weeks, but when packaged in PA/PE and PE/EVOH films, the flavor was still acceptable after 10 weeks of storage.

Enhancing cherry tomato packaging: Evaluation of physicochemical, mechanical, and antibacterial properties in tannic acid and gallic acid crosslinked cellulose/chitosan blend films

The aim of this work was to study the characteristics of composites fabricated from cellulose (CL) and chitosan (CS) blends that were reinforced with different tannic acid (TA) and gallic acid (GA) concentrations. The structure and antibacterial activity of CL/CS composite films were investigated with the addition of TA and GA. The composite films were subjected to mechanical, water contact angle (WCA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and antibacterial activity tests. The FTIR results and the uniform dense SEM images confirmed the interaction of TA and GA with the CL/CS blends. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of films with 5 wt% TA and GA improved by 23.02 %. The tensile strength of the CCTA-3 film was 27.67 MPa, demonstrating higher tensile properties compared to films made from CL and CS blend film (13.20 MPa). The prepared films also showed increased resistance to moisture and water, as indicated by their higher water contact angle (WCA) values (59.43°). The antibacterial activity of the films was effective against food-borne bacteria such as S. aureus and E. coli due to the addition of TA and GA. The shelf-life of cherry tomatoes increased by approximately 15 days when covered in CCTA-3 instead of polyethylene film. Based on the results, CL/CS blend films containing TA could be beneficial for use in active food packaging.

Fabrication of an antibacterial hydrocolloid dressing for the management of wound infection caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria: In Vitro study

The purpose of this study was to fabricate an antibacterial hydrocolloid dressing for the management of infected wounds with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Among hospitalized patients, infections caused by MDR bacteria are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in burn units. A hydrocolloid dressing was fabricated using pectin, gelatin, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as well as 16, 32, and 64 mg/ml of CM11 antibacterial peptide. After the characterization of the hydrocolloid dressing, its antibacterial activity against MDR strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli was investigated. The optimal cross-linking duration using glutaraldehyde vapor was three hours, resulting in a degradation of 28 % after 48 hours. SEM showed the uniform structure of the fabricated dressings. The Young's modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break were 19 kPa, 0.041 MPa, and 180 %, respectively. The water absorption and water vapor transmission rates were 149 % and 464 g/m2/day. The peptide release assay showed that more than 25 % of the peptide was released during 24 hours. The antibacterial activity of the hydrocolloid was dose-dependent, with the highest inhibitory effect at a concentration of 64 µg/ml. Based on the time-killing assay, the peptide in a dose-dependent manner caused a decrease in CFU of the three bacteria after the first 6 hours compared to the control (without treatment) and the dressing without peptide (p ≤ 0.05). However, at a concentration of 64 µg/ml, this reduction was present for up to 24 hours. The results showed that the antibacterial hydrocolloid dressing can be considered as a wound dressing candidate to deal with wound infections.

Synthesis of naringenin schiff base loaded CMC/PVA scaffold as biodegradable wound care materials

Abstract The complex formula of wound care therapy includes effective treatment tactics, infection prevention, wound preconditioning, and germ therapy. By creating ideal circumstances for wound healing, wound dressings are a major factor in lowering the rate at which infections worsen. The persistence of chronic wounds as a significant healthcare challenge necessitates the creation of innovative wound-dressing techniques. This work describes a novel method for creating ternary biodegradable polymers from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). With the addition of Naringin Schiff base, the aqueous mixture of CMC and PVA creates an ideal wound dressing material. The base of Naringin Schiff possesses strong antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics. The goal of this work is to create polymer based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) loaded with Naringin Schiff base for efficient wound care therapy. The 1H, 13C NMR, FT-IR, and Mass spectrometry were used to characterize the Schiff base. The Schiff Base loaded CMC/PVA film was characterized by FT-IR, AFM. Studies such as biodegradability, antimicrobial studies, water absorption capabilities, water vapour transmission rate and dressing pH of the films were also conducted. The promise of biopolymers as better wound dressing material will be highlighted in this work, allowing more efficient wound care.

Chitosan/sodium alginate/ethyl cellulose-based multilayer film incorporated with l-ascorbic acid for improved barrier, mechanical, and antioxidant properties

A bioactive multilayer film (ML) loaded with l-Ascorbic acid (AA) was developed using chitosan (CH), sodium alginate (SA), and ethyl cellulose (EC). Various properties of the films, including morphological, hydrophobic, barrier, mechanical, optical, and antioxidant characteristics, were evaluated and compared to those of monolayer films made from each biopolymer. The cross-sectional analysis via scanning electron microscopy revealed the successful preparation of the ML film with layering of the different biopolymers. For the ML film the resulting water contact angle was observed with an average of 73.86° and the film showed water resistant properties as compared to the individual CH and SA films. The ML film showed the lowest water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) at 54.99 g·d−1·m−2 as compared to the individual films. Moreover, the ML film had the highest tensile strength at 0.56 MPa as compared to the mono-layer films including CH, SA, and EC with TS values of 0.33, 0.24 and 0.17 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, the AA-loaded ML film exhibited significantly higher DPPH scavenging activity at 66.20 %. These findings suggest that the ML film, due to its superior barrier, mechanical, and antioxidant properties has the potential for the applications in active food packaging.

Fabrication of Water-Based Alcoholized Poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) Submicron Particles as Green Coating Agents for Sustainable Paper Packaging.

This work aims to fabricate the water-based suspension of poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) particles by an oil-in-water emulsion technique for use as coating agents to enhance paper-based packaging performances and sustainability. A commercial PBSA resin is functionalized by sizing down an approach via microwave-assisted alcoholysis using propylene glycol (PG). The effect of PBSA/PG feed ratio on the structures, properties, and particle formability of the alcoholized (aPBSA) products is examined. 1H NMR results reveal that the average molecular weight of the aPBSA product decreases to half that of neat PBSA when using a ratio of 24:1 and further decreases to a quarter at 6:1. By using small-size aPBSA, the obtained water-based particles show high stability due to high hydroxyl content and poly(vinyl alcohol) assistance. The suspension is then sprayed on a kraft paper substrate and heated at 60 and 100 °C. SEM results reveal that the submicron aPBSA particles penetrate the paper matrix, filling the paper's pores and forming a protective, smooth layer on the paper surfaces. The coated paper shows high water resistance (Cobb60 value of 19.6 g/m2) and water vapor transmission rate (1160 g/(m2 day)). In addition, the aPBSA-coated layers do not impede the paper's repulping and recycling processes, making it a promising solution for improving the sustainability of paper-based packaging.

Full range fragmentation simulation of nanoflake filler-matrix composite coatings on a polymer substrate

This paper presents a comprehensive experimental and computational study to explore the damage evolution mechanisms of polymer matrix nanocomposite films consisting of rigid ceramic fillers coated on a polymer substrate. The weight ratio of montmorillonite (MMT) fillers in the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix ranges from 30 % to 70 %, and these are applied onto a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. Through experiments, apart from damage behaviors, the water vapor transmission rates are also measured to gain insight into moisture diffusion characteristics with varying weight ratios of fillers. The optimal weight ratio of nanocomposite films consisting of a PVA matrix with MMT fillers can vary depending on the purpose of damage resistance and moisture barrier characteristics. A peridynamic theory is employed to simulate various damage scenarios of bi-layer nanocomposite films. The solution strategy presented incorporates the use of the cut-boundary and finite element methods to reduce substrate thickness and make initial predictions of crack onset strains, respectively, under quasi-static loading conditions. Several damage scenarios are considered for thin and thick PVA films on the PET substrate, as well as weak to strong interfaces between the PET-PVA and PVA-MMT layers. Additionally, different distributions of MMT fillers are also considered by varying the distances between them and inserting inclusions. The peridynamic damage analyses encompass crack initiation, propagation, and final failure stages across a wide range of strains, including various damage modes such as matrix cracking, cracking at the filler-matrix, or matrix-substrate interfaces, leading to the cohesive film cracking and delamination.

Design of High-Performance Electrospun Membranes for Protective Clothing Applications.

The integration of nanomaterials into the textile industry has significantly advanced the development of high-performance fabrics, offering enhanced properties such as UV blocking, fire resistance, breathability, hydrophobicity, antimicrobial activity, and dust rejection. In this context, our research explores the development and characterization of electrospun membranes composed of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and various polyimides (PIs (1-6)), focusing on their application in protective clothing. The combination of phosphorus-containing polyimides and PEEK, along with the electrospinning process, enhances the distinctive properties of both PEEK and polyimides, leading to composite membranes that stand out according to key parameters essential for maintaining physiological balance. The structural and morphological characteristics of these membranes have been evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify the functional groups and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine their morphology. These analyses provide critical insights into these materials' properties, which influence key performance parameters such as moisture management, breathability, and barrier functions. The membranes' breathability and impermeability were assessed through the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), contact angle measurements, water and air permeability, and flame resistance tests. The results obtained indicate that PEEK/polyimide composite membranes meet the complex requirements of modern protective textiles, ensuring both safety and comfort for users through their optimized structural properties and enhanced functional capabilities.

Red cabbage and eggshell powder as active agent on cassava starch-based edible films: its physicochemical properties and application

Purpose This study aims to investigate the application of red cabbage extract in biodegradable composite-based edible film and evaluate its physicochemical characteristics and ability to be used in steamed chicken packaging. Design/methodology/approach Cassava starch, gelatin and glycerol were used as basic materials for edible film. Red cabbage extract was infused, and eggshell powder was also incorporated. The smart edible film formulation consists of six treatments which are C (control: cassava starch + gelatin + glycerol), CE (control + 0.1% eggshell powder), CRA (control + red cabbage A ratio), CERA (control + 0.1% eggshell powder + red cabbage A ratio), CERB (control + 0.1% eggshell powder + red cabbage B ratio) and CERC (control + 0.1% eggshell powder + red cabbage C ratio). Findings The different ratios of red cabbage extract in the formulation of the edible film affected its physicochemical properties (p < 0.05). The range of anthocyanin content were 0.39–11.53 mg cy-3-glu-eq/100 g and phenolic content were 19.87–369.68 mg GAE/100 g. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activity was 12.35%–51.09%. The tensile strength in all treatments was lower than control and adding red cabbage extract decreased the tensile strength. On the other hand, the elongation increased. The water vapor transmission rate was ranged from 158.09 to 191.19 g/m2/24 h. Morphological changes can be observed from scanning electron microscopy and optical data. Furthermore, using steamed chicken as a model, the edible film can show a response through the changes in edible film color, as confirmed by the pH value, total plate count and sensory quality of the stored steamed chicken. Originality/value There is no report available on the infusion of red cabbage extract on the bio composite edible film materials. The result shows a promising packaging material that can be used as an alternative to plastic packaging.

Reliable Simulation Analysis of Interface and SiON Degradation Effects on Water Vapor Barrier in Laminated Thin‐Film Encapsulation

The water vapor barrier performance of laminated thin‐film encapsulations (TFEs) is crucial for ensuring the stability of flexible organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) devices. In this study, the effects of interfaces and SiON degradation on the water vapor barrier performance of TFEs consisting of SiNx and SiON by finite‐element simulation are investigated. In the results, it is illustrated that the interface can significantly hinder water vapor transmission, and the interfacial phase of SiON/SiNx is found to be more effective in impeding water vapor transmission compared to that of SiNx/SiON. The barrier property of TFEs can be weakened by SiON degradation due to oxidation under high temperature and humidity. Among the analyzed four structures, 450 nm SiNx/50 nm SiON/450 nm SiNx/50 nm SiON exhibits the best barrier performance due to strongest interface effects and minimal SiON degradation. These simulation results correlate well with experimental reliability tests, validating the simulation model's reliability. In this study, valuable insights into optimizing TFEs designs for enhanced barrier performances in flexible OLED devices are provided.

Effects of chestnut shell extract and citric acid on the properties of navel orange pomace/chitosan composite films

The improper use of citrus peel and nondegradable plastic film can cause substantial issues, such as environmental pollution and resource waste. Herein, navel orange pomace powder (NOPP) and chitosan (CS) were used as the raw material and film-forming additive, respectively, to prepare biobased composite films. Chestnut shell extract (CHE) and citric acid (CA) were added to the prepared NOPP/CS biobased multifunctional films. Based on ensuring the tensile strength of the film above 10 MPa, the elongation at break of the film can be increased from 19.11 % to 34.93 %, the water contact angle can reach 60°, and the water vapor transmittance can be significantly reduced to approximately 1.1 × 10−10 gs−1m−1Pa−1. Additionally, the antibacterial ability and antioxidant capacity of the composite film were improved. We observed that the multifunctional film could significantly inhibit the browning of fresh-cut apples, where the browning index was maintained between 60 and 65, which was 25 % lower than that of the control. The newly developed film therefore possesses the potential to replace the traditional plastic cling film. This research contributes to the literature regarding the source of raw materials for biobased materials and highlights the value of navel orange processing by-products.

Development of Novel Frontsheets With Protective Coatings to Increase the Durability and Reliability of Glass‐Free Lightweight PV Modules

ABSTRACTIn this work, novel PET‐based frontsheet materials with UV‐cured coatings were developed and investigated. UV‐curing urethane acrylates were selected as innovative, fluorine‐free coating systems. Polyurethane coatings exhibit excellent UV resistance, chemical and moisture resistance and, thus, high durability in outdoor applications. A homogeneous application without coating defects such as bubbles, voids or detachments was achieved. Material tests with cross‐cut tests showed no separation from the PET substrate. The water vapor transmission rates and the physical (optical and thermal) and chemical properties of the novel polymeric frontsheets were measured and compared with uncoated reference systems and products already on the market. The aging‐related changes after irradiation and humid heat storage were investigated and described in detail. Based on this comprehensive study, the newly developed frontsheets can be considered a suitable alternative to polymeric frontsheets with fluorine‐containing top layers.

Physicochemical Characterization and Kinetics Study of Polymer Carriers with Vitamin C for Controlled Release Applications.

This study focuses on the selection and evaluation of a kinetic model for the release of vitamin C from different delivery systems, including microcapsules, hydrogels, and a hybrid system combining both. The microcapsules were synthesized from a 2% sodium alginate solution and with vitamin C incorporated in selected formulations. Hydrogels were obtained through photopolymerization using poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and polyvinyl alcohol, with and without the addition of vitamin C. The hybrid system incorporated the vitamin C-containing microcapsules within the hydrogel matrix. Physicochemical properties, such as density, porosity, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), were evaluated. Kinetic studies of vitamin C release were conducted under dynamic and static conditions, and the experimental data were fitted to six different kinetic models: zero-order, first-order, second-order, Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and Hixson-Crowell. The Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models provided the best fit for most systems, indicating that the release is predominantly controlled by diffusion and, in dynamic conditions, swelling of the matrix. The hybrid system, while exhibiting slower release than the microcapsules and hydrogel alone, demonstrated more controlled and sustained release, which is advantageous for applications requiring prolonged action.

Physical and biological characteristics of electrospun poly (vinyl alcohol) and reduced graphene oxide nanofibrous structure

The fabrication of graphene-based nanocomposites has been a topic of increasing interest due to graphene’s exceptional physical properties and the ability to enhance the properties of various polymeric materials. Evaluating the biocompatibility of these nanocomposites is crucial to ensure their safe and effective use in biomedical applications. This study characterized and assessed the biocompatibility of previously fabricated electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/reduced graphene oxide rGO fibrous structures by conducting a comprehensive assessment of their physical and biological characteristics. Contact angle measurements revealed that adding rGO to electrospun PVA fibers enhanced the surface wettability, improving the fibrous structure’s PBS absorption capacity and degradation behavior. Including the rGO content resulted in a higher water vapor transmission rate, reaching ∼48 g/m2·day for PVA + 0.5 wt.% rGO and ∼45 g/m2·day for PVA + 1.0 wt.% rGO, compared to ∼40 g/m2·day for electrospun PVA fibers. Cell culture studies, including MTT assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity analysis, alizarin red staining, fluorescence microscopy, and SEM analyses, demonstrated that electrospun PVA + 1.0 wt.% rGO nanocomposites exhibited superior cell viability, proliferation, and growth compared to other samples, due to the improved physical properties of the PVA + 1.0 wt.% rGO fibrous structure.

Innovative biopolymers composite based thin film for wound healing applications

Efficient wound and burn healing is crucial for minimising complications, preventing infections, and enhancing overall well-being, necessitating the development of innovative strategies. This study aimed to formulate a novel thin film combining chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, tannic acid, and beeswax for improved wound healing applications. Several formulations, incorporating chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, tannic acid, and beeswax in various percentages, were utilized to deposit thin films via the solvent evaporation technique, Mechanical properties, morphology, antioxidant activity, antibacterial efficacy, and wound healing potential were evaluated. The optimized thin film (M4), composed of 2% chitosan, 2% carboxymethyl cellulose, and 1% tannic acid, along with 0.2% glycerol and 0.2% tween80, exhibited a thickness of 39.0 ± 1.14 μm and a tensile strength of 0.275 ± 0.003 MPa. It demonstrated a swelling degree of 283.0 ± 2.0% and a drug release capacity of 89.4% within 24 h. The film also showed a low contact angle of 40.5° and a water vapour transmission rate of 1912.25 ± 13.10 g m−2 0.24 h−1. FT-IR spectroscopy indicated that chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose were cross-linked through amide linkages, with tannic acid occupying the interstitial spaces and hydrogen bonding stabilizing the structure. Microscopy of M4 revealed a uniform morphology. The film exhibited strong antioxidant activity of (95.17 ± 0.02%) and antibacterial efficiency (80.8%) against S. aureus. In a rabbit model, the film significantly enhanced burn and excision wound recovery, with 90.0 ± 3.3% healing for burns and 88.85 ± 1.7% for infected wounds by day 7. Complete skin regeneration was observed within 10–12 days. The M4 thin film demonstrated exceptional mechanical properties and bioactivity, offering protection against pathogens and promoting efficient wound healing. These findings suggest its potential for further investigation in treating various infections and its role in developing novel therapeutic interventions.

Reversible Photo-Responsive Hydrophobic Coating Synthesized from Lignin-Derivable Molecules on Nanocellulose Films for Packaging Applications.

Paper-based packaging can offer a sustainable replacement for plastics. However, paper provides a poor barrier to water, oxygen and moisture. This study presents a novel renewable lignocellulosic composite made from a hydrophobic photo-reversible coating deposited onto a cellulose nanofiber film that has improved barrier properties and can be reprocessed. Diglycerol and lignin-derivable aldehyde were reacted to form a tetra-functional monomer with photo-responsive unsaturated double bonds that can be converted to covalent cyclobutane rings to create reversibly crosslinkable network upon UV-irradiation. The photo-responsive compound was applied as a thin coating of thickness 2.7±0.4 μm over cellulose nanofiber (CNF) films of thickness 80±19 μm. The surface of the coated films became hydrophobic with a contact angle (CA) of 93.1±1.7° and displayed a low water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) of 16±2 g/m2/day vs. 30.7±1.5° CA and 81±11 g/m2/day WVTR for uncoated CNF films. The coated film is also oleophobic, an attractive feature for food packaging applications. The reversible photo-reaction enables the crosslinked covalent network to be broken down to unsaturated double bonds once exposed to a higher-energy UV irradiation, allowing reprocessing and recycling. The novel coating was developed using a sustainable green synthesis method (process simple E factor 0.9).

Water Vapor-Impermeable AlON/HfOx Bilayer Films Deposited by Hybrid High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering/Radio-Frequency Magnetron Sputtering Processes.

Water vapor-impermeable AlON/HfOx bilayer films were constructed through a hybrid high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) and radio-frequency magnetron sputtering process (RFMS), applied as an encapsulation of flexible electronics such as organic photovoltaics. The deposition of monolithic and amorphous AlON films through HiPIMS was investigated by varying the duty cycles from 5% to 20%. At an accelerated test condition, 60 °C, and 90% relative humidity, a 100 nm thick monolithic AlON film prepared using a duty cycle of 20% exhibited a low water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 0.0903 g m-2 day-1 after testing for 336 h. Furthermore, after introducing a nanocrystalline HfOx film through RFMS, a 214 nm thick AlON/HfOx bilayer film reached the lowest WVTR of 0.0126 g m-2 day-1.

OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESS PARAMETERS FOR ENHANCING THE SKIN PERMEATION EFFICIENCY OF NISOLDIPINE LOADED ULTRA DEFORMABLE VESICLES IN TRANSDERMAL PATCHES

Objective: The study aimed to address the limitations of oral delivery and enhance the bioavailability of nisoldipine (NSD) through the development of transferosomal transdermal patches containing ultra-deformable transferosomes. Methods: NSD, known for its low oral bioavailability and adverse effects, was encapsulated in transferosomes using a thin film hydration method. 17 formulations were made using Box Behnken Design, varying Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), span-80, and stirring speed, and were evaluated for vesicle size, Polydispersity Index (PDI), and Entrapment Efficiency (EE%). The optimal formulation, selected based on these parameters, was combined into Transdermal Patches (TPs). The patches underwent extensive testing for physicochemical properties, in vitro and ex-vivo permeation, and skin irritancy. Results: The results showed transferosomes with Vesicle Sizes (VS) ranging from 124±2.25 to 400±1.55 nm and EE% from 52.88±0.23 to 90.01±1.58%, with Zeta Potentials (ZP) between-48 to-20 mV. The patch thickness (0.66±0.02 mm) and weight per square inch (382.1±1.69 mg) showed consistent manufacturing, while the Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVT) (1.54±0.01g/m²/24h), low moisture content (1.07±0.01%), and regulated moisture absorption (3.78±0.01%) maintained formulation stability. In vitro and ex-vivo permeation indicated superior drug permeation for transferosomal patches (NP) compared to plain nisoldipine patches (NP-N), with permeation directly proportional to PEG-400 concentration. Additionally, the transferosomal patches were found to be free from skin irritation. Conclusion: The optimized Niosoldipine transferosomal patch (NP-3) composition displays good folding endurance (FE) 97.67±0.47, required for transdermal systems, and successfully allows drug permeation (DP) at 86.39±2.64% in a short timescale. Hence, the study concludes that transferosomal patches of NSD offer a promising approach for effective transdermal delivery, potentially improving hypertension management by providing a controlled and prolonged drug release.

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.

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.