Search Results (224)

Since it is expensive and takes considerable time to synthesize a new drug or improve an old one, a drug carrier can be used instead for control and targeted release of the drug. In this study, hydrogel beads were used as drug carriers for the controlled release of doxorubicin hydrochloride. Aiming to incorporate doxorubicin hydrochloride into hydrogel, various metal crosslinked alginate beads were prepared. Doxorubicin hydrochloride was incorporated by adsorption into the beads and studied the factors affecting the adsorption of drug onto the hydrogel beads. The results showed that ferric crosslinked alginate (Fe(III)–Alg) and stannous crosslinked alginate (Sn-Alg) hydrogel beads had a better adsorption percentage which was more than 21%. The amount of hydrogel, time, drug concentration, and pH of the solution all influenced the adsorption percentage. Hence, the adsorption was the best at neutral pH after 24 h when 100 mg of Fe(III)–Alg was added to the drug. Moreover, the release of the drug at different body simulation pH was investigated. The time and pH of the solution influenced the drug release where maximum drug release percentage was 82.822% after 25 h when the solution’s pH was 1.52. This system is assumed to follow the Higuchi kinetic release model. Full article

By combining the superior capacity of graphene oxide with alginate matrix in a nanohybrid aerogel structure, great potential can be developed for technical features and use in areas such as biomedicine. The aim of this study is the production of graphene oxide incorporated nanohybrid aerogels using ambient pressure drying technique for drug loading and release. The produced nanostructures were identified with electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, and spectroscopic techniques. The surface area of the nanomaterials was examined by methylene blue method. Drug adsorption capacity of the nanohybrid aerogels was investigated by conducting batch adsorption studies using the model drug diclofenac sodium (DS). The equilibrium time of drug adsorption was determined and adsorption kinetics were modeled. The adsorption equilibrium time of the drug on the adsorbent was found to be 3 h. Equilibrium data were modeled by using the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherms and according to the Langmuir isotherm, the maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 20.83 mg/g. Results showed the potential of the produced nanohybrid aerogels to be used as drug adsorbents for drug delivery applications. The results obtained from this study will be useful in drug production and treatment. Full article

The release of industrial wastewater containing synthetic dyes poses a major environmental issue because of their toxicity and persistence. Among treatment options, natural materials, specifically chitosan–polyvinyl alcohol (chitosan–PVA) hydrogel, have shown high effectiveness in dye removal due to their abundant functional groups and proven adsorption capacity. However, optimizing these systems experimentally is often time-consuming and requires many resources. This study introduces an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict the adsorption capacity ($q_e$) and the time needed to reach equilibrium during the removal of tartrazine dye using chitosan–PVA hydrogel beads of different mean sizes, categorized as small, medium and large (2.1, 2.5, and 3.2 mm, respectively) at temperatures of 10, 30, and 50 °C The ANN model was compared with traditional kinetic models: pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich. Results showed that the ANN outperformed conventional models in predicting $q_e$ and equilibrium time, especially for small beads at 10 °C, where it predicted $q_e$ = 945 mg/g in 40 h with an $R^2$ of $0.9428$. Across all conditions, the ANN achieved strong correlation coefficients ($R^2>0.94$) and significantly shortened prediction times. Although the pseudo-second-order model achieved high $R^2$ values (up to $0.9929$), it took over 72 h to reach equilibrium prediction. These results demonstrate that ANN-based modeling can reduce experimental effort by up to 50% in prediction time while maintaining high predictive accuracy ($R^2>0.94$), offering a sustainable and efficient approach for designing wastewater treatment processes. Full article

Phosphorus (P) scarcity and pollution demand sustainable recovery strategies. This study engineered a functional straw biochar (F-SBC) from corn straw through synergistic KOH activation and MgCl₂ modification for efficient P recovery and slow release. Characterization revealed that KOH pretreatment expanded pore size and enhanced MgO loading. Batch adsorption experiments demonstrated F-SBC achieved a remarkable P adsorption capacity of 24.70 ± 0.57 mg·g⁻¹, and exhibited > 95% removal efficiency across pH 5~9. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, and isotherms fitted the Langmuir model, indicating chemisorption-dominated monolayer adsorption. Mechanistic studies identified synergistic contributions from chemical precipitation, inner-sphere complexation, bi-metallic electrostatic attraction, and physical confinement. F-SBC exhibited slow-release properties, alongside sustained adsorption capacity. Competitive anions (HCO₃⁻/CO₃²⁻) significantly promoted desorption, while Cl⁻ showed minimal impact. This KOH/MgCl₂ co-modification strategy creates a cost-effective, regenerable biochar with superior P recovery and controlled-release potential, advancing sustainable P management from agricultural waste towards a circular bioeconomy. Full article

Despite the prevalence and toxicity of heavy metals in the environment, arsenic and cobalt are of particular concern due to their high mobility and bioaccumulation potential, particularly in contaminated groundwater. Herein, we studied the adsorption behavior of commercially available sorbents, including Fluorosorb-100 (FS-100), Fluorosorb-200 (FS-200), and Filtrasorb-400 (F-400), for the removal of arsenite (As(III)) and cobalt (Co(II)), aiming at the selection of filter media in terms of future groundwater remediation. Kinetic analysis revealed that As(III) adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model, while Co(II) showed mixed first- and second-order behavior, reflecting sorbent-dependent mechanisms. Equilibrium isotherm modeling revealed strong correlations with both Langmuir and Freundlich models, confirming heterogeneous adsorption sites and multilayer interactions. FS-100 demonstrated the highest affinity for As(III) (qₘ = 0.46 mg/g) and F-400 exhibited the greatest adsorption capacity for Co(II) (qₘ = 1.00 mg/g), while FS-200 consistently showed relatively weaker adsorption for both metals. Desorption studies indicated predominantly irreversible binding, with minimal release of As(III) from F-400 and Co(II) from FS-200 and F-400, even at high concentrations. Overall, these findings highlight that commercially available sorbents can effectively capture arsenite and cobalt, offering cost-effective and scalable options for heavy-metal removal in groundwater remediation systems under realistic environmental conditions. Full article

The development of advanced drug delivery systems is essential for improving therapeutic efficacy, particularly in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. This study investigates zinc-modified mordenite zeolite (MR-ZN) as a novel platform for the controlled delivery of donepezil (DPZ), a cholinesterase inhibitor. Natural mordenite was modified with zinc, enhancing its surface area from 62.1 to 85.4 m²/g and improving its adsorption properties. Donepezil was successfully loaded at two doses (10 mg and 23 mg), achieving high loading efficiencies of 95% and 94%, respectively. Adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model (R² > 0.99), indicating that chemisorption predominates through coordination between DPZ functional groups and Zn²⁺ sites, while complementary physisorption via hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions also contributes to molecular stabilization within the zeolite framework. In vitro release studies under simulated gastrointestinal conditions demonstrated sustained and pH-responsive release profile with 80% and 82% of donepezil released after 24 h for 10 mg and 23 mg formulations, respectively. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations revealed favorable adsorption energy (−26.4 kJ/mol), while Bader and Electron Localization Function (ELF) analyses confirmed hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions without compromising the zeolite framework. These findings validate MR-ZN as structurally stable, efficient, cost-effective and biocompatible matrix for oral drug delivery. The combination of experimental data and theoretical modeling supports its potential to improve bioavailability and therapeutic performance in neurodegenerative treatment. Full article

Alkylic molecules are found as some of the main components of natural essential oils. These essential oils offer several therapeutic properties in skin treatments and cosmetics. Systems providing controlled release of these molecules through the skin tissue are a challenge for their applications. This work explores some properties of the crystal structure of α-pinene and the adsorption and desorption of five terpenoid components of essential oils, such as α-pinene, limonene, β-ocimene, β-caryophyllene, and β-elemene, in the confined surfaces provided by natural clay minerals, particularly montmorillonite (MNT). These terpenoids have a methyl-ethenyl group as their common structural feature. Molecular modelling calculations have been applied at the atomic scale, including force fields, quantum mechanical methods, and molecular dynamics simulations. We calculated the crystallographic and spectroscopic properties of the α-pinene crystal via density functional theory (DFT)-level calculations, which were very close to the known experimental data. Moreover, this work explored the adsorption and desorption of these molecules in confined surfaces provided by MNT. Molecular dynamics simulations also showed the adsorption of these organics in the confined interlayer space of MNT at room temperature and allowed us to know the diffusion coefficient of these adsorbates in this material. The direct adsorption process of these molecules in the vapour phase is not energetically favourable, suggesting the use of non-aqueous solvents and kinetics and thermodynamic conditions for this process. However, the release of these molecules into aqueous media are energetically favourable, predicting that MNT–essential oil can be an excellent pharmaceutical formulation to be delivered in skin as a bioactive preparation with anti-inflammatory or cosmetic power. This research was performed to predict possible therapeutic applications for future experimental works. Full article

The low aqueous solubility of many new drug candidates, a key challenge in oral drug development, has been effectively addressed by liquid self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS). However, the inherent instability and manufacturing limitations of liquid formulations have prompted significant research into solid SEDDS. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent advancements in solid SEDDS, focusing on the pivotal roles of solid carriers and solidification techniques. We examine a wide range of carrier materials, including mesoporous silica, polymers, mesoporous carbon, porous carbonate salts, and clay-based materials, highlighting how their physicochemical properties can be leveraged to control drug loading, release kinetics, and in vivo performance. We also detail the various solidification methods, such as spray drying, hot melt extrusion, adsorption, and 3D printing, and their impact on the final product’s quality and scalability. Furthermore, this review explores applications of solid SEDDS, including controlled release, mucoadhesive technology, and targeted drug delivery, as well as the key commercial challenges and future perspectives. By synthesizing these diverse aspects, this paper serves as a valuable resource for designing high-performance solid SEDDS with enhanced stability, bioavailability, and functional versatility. Full article

Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (1,1-Dimethylhydrazine, UDMH) is widely used as a high-performance liquid rocket propellant for the space industry globally. The release and leakage of UDMH into the environment, especially the soil environment, pose serious threats to ecosystems and human beings. In order to reveal the hazards of UDMH to soil and facilitate subsequent remediation, the adsorption behavior of UDMH in typical soil (yellow-brown soil, red soil, and black soil) matrices was explored, the environmental fate and toxicity of UDMH were presented by simulation calculation, and the phytotoxicity was evaluated by germination assay in the present study. The results showed that the adsorption performance of red soil, yellow-brown soil, and black soil for UDMH increased sequentially by integrating the findings from kinetic and thermodynamic studies. A highly significant correlation between the physicochemical and adsorption parameters for various soil matrices indicated a considerable impact of soil physicochemical properties on the adsorption behavior of UDMH in soils. The environmental fate simulation calculation indicated that UDMH and its transformation products were prone to being dissolved in soil water and migrating; however, once these compounds were present in the surface layer of dry soil, severe ecological and environmental pollution would occur. Based on a thorough evaluation of the toxicity parameters, formaldehyde dimethylhydrazone has been identified as demonstrating the most pronounced environmental toxicity profile, thus warranting prioritized attention. The results of a germination assay demonstrated that more than 100 mg·kg⁻¹ of UDMH in the soil would lead to strong phytotoxicity to plants, and more than 200 mg·kg⁻¹ of UDMH would significantly affect the early germination of seeds. Hence, this research provided helpful insights and theoretical support for the environmental fate and remediation of UDMH. Full article

Periodontitis is a chronic oral inflammatory disease whose treatment is often hindered by poor drug retention, prolonged therapeutic regimens, and the rise of antibiotic resistance. In this study, we developed a Hydrogel@ZIF-8@metronidazole (Hydrogel@ZIF-8@MNZ) nanocomposite dressing for targeted, sustained, and in situ antimicrobial therapy. This system integrates ZIF-8, a pH-responsive metal–organic framework, with the antimicrobial agent metronidazole (MNZ), encapsulated within a crosslinked hydrogel matrix to enhance stability and retention in the oral environment. Drug release studies demonstrated that MNZ release was significantly accelerated under acidic conditions (pH 5.0), mimicking the periodontal microenvironment. The Hydrogel@ZIF-8 composite achieved a maximum MNZ adsorption capacity of 132.45 mg·g⁻¹, with a spontaneous and exothermic uptake process best described by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, suggesting chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. The nanoplatform exhibited strong pH-responsive behavior, with enhanced drug release under acidic conditions and potent dose-dependent bactericidal activity against Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn). At the highest tested concentration, bacterial survival was reduced to approximately 30%, with extensive membrane disruption observed through live/dead fluorescence microscopy. In summary, the stimuli-responsive Hydrogel@ZIF-8@MNZ nanocomposite offers an intelligent and effective therapeutic strategy for periodontitis. By tailoring its action to the disease microenvironment, this platform enables sustained and localized antibacterial therapy, addressing major challenges in the treatment of chronic oral infections. Full article

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) play vital roles in crop growth. However, conventional fertilizers exhibit low utilization efficiency, making them prone to causing resource wastage and water eutrophication. Although metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown great potential for application in controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs), currently reported MOF-based CRFs suffer from low nutrient content, which limits their further application. To address this issue, this study synthesized a series of hierarchically porous MOFs, denoted as MIL-156(X), using sodium acetate as a modulator under hydrothermal conditions. These materials were subsequently loaded with urea and phosphate from aqueous solution to form MOFs-based CRFs (N-P-MIL-156(X)). Results indicate that MIL-156(X) retain microporous integrity while incorporating abundant mesopores. Increasing modulator content reduced particle size and average pore diameter but increased specific surface area and adsorption capacity for urea and phosphate. MIL-156-H (with a high modulator content addition) exhibited the highest adsorption capacity, conforming to Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics. The adsorption mechanisms of urea and phosphate involved hydrogen bonding and the formation of Ca intra-spherical complexes, respectively. N-P-MIL-156-H contained 10.8% N and 16.3% P₂O₅, with sustained release durations exceeding 42 days (N) and 56 days (P₂O₅) in an aqueous solution. Pot trials demonstrated significantly higher nutrient use efficiency (N-44.8%, P₂O₅-16.56%) and a 12.22% yield increase compared to conventional fertilization (N-35.6%, P₂O₅-13.32%). Thus, N-P-MIL-156-H-based fertilization significantly promotes rice growth and N/P utilization efficiency, offering a promising strategy for developing controlled-release fertilizers and improving nutrient management. Full article

Phosphorus-based compounds play a crucial role in agricultural productivity. However, excessive phosphorus discharge into water bodies contributes to eutrophication. This study proposes a circular approach for phosphorus recovery and reuse through the thermal valorization of Posidonia oceanica residues, an abundant marine biomass along Mediterranean coasts. After energy recovery from this waste (12.3 MJ kg⁻¹), the resulting ash was assessed as an effective adsorbent for aqueous phosphorus removal. Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate adsorption kinetics and equilibrium, considering the influence of key operational variables, such as temperature, pH, and adsorbent dosage. Under optimal conditions, the material achieved a maximum retention of approximately 55–60 mgP g⁻¹. The Freundlich model successfully describes the equilibrium isotherm data, indicating a heterogeneous adsorbent and an overall endothermic process. Phosphorus removal was favored at basic pH values (9.5–10.5), where the monohydrogen phosphate predominates. Leaching tests further revealed that saturated material releases phosphorus and other minerals in a manner clearly dependent on the final pH, with higher phosphorus release under more acidic conditions. These results suggest that Posidonia ash could serve as a low-cost adsorbent while also acting as a potential phosphorus source in soils. Full article

Hydrogen has been explored as a greener alternative for greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) is a favorable hydrogen carrier due to its high hydrogen content, safe handling, and rapid hydrogen release. This work presents a novel synthesis of the catalyst CoFe₂O₄/Fe₂O₃ using nanocellulose fibers (TCNF) as reactive templates for metal adsorption and subsequent calcination. The resulting material was tested for H₂ production from basic NaBH₄ aqueous solutions (10–55 °C). The catalyst’s composition is 74.8 wt% CoFe₂O₄, 25 wt% Fe₂O₃, and 0.2 wt% Fe₂(SO₄)₃ with agglomerated spheroidal particles (15–20 nm) and homogeneous Fe and Co distribution. The catalyst produced 1785 mL of H₂ in 15 min at 25 °C (50 mg catalyst, 4.0% NaBH₄, and 2.5 wt% NaOH), close to the stoichiometric maximum (2086 mL). The maximum H₂ generation rate (HGR) reached 3.55 L min⁻¹ g_cat⁻¹ at 40 °C. Activation energies were determined using empirical (38.4 ± 5.3 kJ mol⁻¹) and Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) models (42.2 ± 5.8 kJ mol⁻¹), consistent with values for other Co-ferrite catalysts. Kinetic data fitted better to the L–H model, suggesting that boron complex adsorption precedes H₂ evolution. Full article

Excessive release of ammonium (NH₄⁺) into aquatic ecosystems can promote eutrophication. In this study, the natural adsorbents, coal (C) prepared from Hawthorn (Acacia caven) and coal fly ash obtained from C, were used to remove NH₄⁺ from aqueous systems through batch adsorption–desorption studies. Both adsorbents were physically and chemically characterized, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and zeta potential were used to understand the surface functional groups and surface charge characteristics. CFA showed a higher pH, BET specific surface area, electrical conductivity and higher % values for CaO and MgO than C. Kinetic studies of NH₄⁺ adsorption at pH = 4.5 for both materials fitted the pseudo-second-order model giving the r² of 0.970–0.983 and the χ² of 0.008–0.005 and at pH = 6.5 only for C with the r² of 0.986 and the χ² of 0.013. Meanwhile, the adsorption isotherm data at pH = 4.5 for both materials and 6.5 for CFA complied with the Freundlich model (r² > 0.965 and χ² < 0.012), suggesting that NH₄⁺ adsorption onto both adsorbents at those pH values occurred through the formation of a multilayer adsorption on heterogeneous surfaces. This indicates that the dominant adsorption of both adsorbents was physisorption with no site-specific interaction. Based on these results, CFA is proposed as a promising and economical material for the removal of NH₄⁺ from aqueous systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cervical cancer remains a major health challenge, especially in low-resource regions with limited diagnostic and advanced treatment options. Nanotechnology-based strategies offer promising alternatives to conventional chemotherapy by reducing systemic toxicity and enabling site-specific delivery. Methods: In this study, halloysite (Hall) was functionalized with green-synthesized 2 wt% zinc oxide (GZn) and silver (GAg) nanoparticles (NPs) using Tribulus terrestris extract (25 mM) to enhance cisplatin (Cp) and carboplatin (Cbpt) delivery for targeted cervical cancer therapy. Results: Structural and morphological analyses confirmed the successful integration of GZn and GAg NPs into the Hall without compromising its tubular integrity. Cp or Cbpt adsorption studies with varying times (0.15–12 h), as well as drug/Hall ratios (10–50) and pH levels (5; 6.6; 7.4; 9.0; and 10.5), revealed greater Cp adsorption than Cbpt, attributed to its higher reactivity and affinity toward the Hall surface. pH-responsive release studies biphasic drug release for non-PEGYlated formulations, with Cp (14% with 2 h) and Cbpt (10% with 0.5 h), whereas PEGYlated systems exhibited sustained release under acidic tumor-like conditions, achieving 14% in 72 h for Cp and 4.5% in 72 h for Cbpt. Release kinetics followed either Fickian or non-Fickian diffusion depending on pH and drug type, with the Korsmeyer–Peppas model offering a strong fit (R² > 0.85). In vitro assays revealed that Cbpt/GZn-Hall/PEG, Cp/GZn-Hall/PEG, and Cbpt/GAg-Hall/PEG induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity against HeLa while sparing HFF-1 fibroblasts. Conclusions: These findings indicate that green-synthesized nanohybrids are promising carriers for targeted Cp and Cbpt delivery, warranting further in vivo evaluation for cervical cancer therapy. Full article