Search Results (1,267)

Background: Precision medicine refers to the formulation of personalized drug regimens according to the individual characteristics of patients to achieve optimal efficacy and minimize adverse reactions. Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, has emerged as an optimal solution for precision drug delivery, enabling customizable and the fabrication of multifunctional structures with precise control over morphology and release behavior in pharmaceutics. However, the influence of 3D printing parameters on the printed tablets, especially regarding in vitro and in vivo performance, remains poorly understood, limiting the optimization of manufacturing processes for controlled-release profiles. Objective: To establish the fabrication process of 3D-printed controlled-release tablets via comprehensively understanding the printing parameters using fused deposition modeling (FDM) combined with hot-melt extrusion (HME) technologies. HPMC-AS/HPC-EF was used as the drug delivery matrix and carbamazepine (CBZ) was used as a model drug to investigate the in vitro drug delivery performance of the printed tablets. Methodology: Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to assess the thermal compatibility of CBZ with HPMC-AS/HPC-EF excipients up to 230 °C, surpassing typical processing temperatures (160–200 °C). The formation of stable amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) was validated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), hot-stage polarized light microscopy (PLM), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). A 15-group full factorial design was then used to evaluate the effects of the fan speed (20–100%), platform temperature (40–80 °C), and printing speed (20–100 mm/s) on the tablet properties. Response surface modeling (RSM) with inverse square-root transformation was applied to analyze the dissolution kinetics, specifically t_50% (time for 50% drug release) and Q_4h (drug released at 4 h). Results: TGA confirmed the thermal compatibility of CBZ with HPMC-AS/HPC-EF, enabling stable ASD formation validated by DSC, PLM, and PXRD. The full factorial design revealed that printing speed was the dominant parameter governing dissolution behavior, with high speeds accelerating release and low speeds prolonging release through porosity-modulated diffusion control. RSM quadratic models showed optimal fits for t_50% (R² = 0.9936) and Q_4h (R² = 0.9019), highlighting the predictability of release kinetics via process parameter tuning. This work demonstrates the adaptability of polymer composite AM for tailoring drug release profiles, balancing mechanical integrity, release kinetics, and manufacturing scalability to advance multifunctional 3D-printed drug delivery devices in pharmaceutics. Full article

The discharge of oily wastewater threatens the ecosystem and human health, and the efficient treatment of oily wastewater is confronted with problems of high mass transfer resistance at the oil-water-solid multiphase interface, significant light shielding effect, and easy deactivation of photocatalysts. Although traditional physical separation methods avoid secondary pollution by chemicals and can effectively separate floating oil and dispersed oil, they are ineffective in removing emulsified oil with small particle sizes. To address these complex challenges, photocatalytic technology and photocatalysis-based improved technologies have emerged, offering significant application prospects in degrading organic pollutants in oily wastewater as an environmentally friendly oxidation technology. In this paper, the degradation mechanism, kinetic mechanism, and limitations of conventional photocatalysis technology are briefly discussed. Subsequently, the surface interface modulation functions of metal doping and heterojunction energy band engineering, along with their applications in enhancing the light absorption range and carrier separation efficiency, are reviewed. Focus on typical studies on the separation and degradation of aqueous and oily phases using photocatalytic membrane technology, and illustrate the advantages and mechanisms of photocatalysts loaded on the membranes. Finally, other new approaches and converging technologies in the field are outlined, and the challenges and prospects for the future treatment of oily wastewater are presented. Full article

This study investigates the combined influence of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) with distinct absorption kinetics and extended mixing sequences on the rheological, mechanical, and transport properties of high-performance concrete (HPC). Two SAPs—an ionic acrylamide-co-acrylic acid copolymer (SAP-P) and a non-ionic acrylamide polymer (SAP-B)—were incorporated at an internal curing level of 100%. The impact of extended mixing times (3, 5, and 7 min) following SAP addition was systematically evaluated. Results showed that longer mixing durations led to increased superplasticizer demand and higher plastic viscosity due to continued water absorption by SAPs. However, yield stress remained relatively stable owing to the dispersing effect of the added superplasticizer. Both SAPs significantly enhanced the static yield stress and improved fresh stability, as evidenced by reduced surface settlement. Despite the rheological changes, mechanical properties—including compressive and flexural strengths and modulus of elasticity—were consistently improved, regardless of mixing duration. SAP incorporation also led to notable reductions in autogenous and drying shrinkage, as well as enhanced electrical resistivity, indicating better durability performance. These findings suggest that a 3 min extended mixing time is sufficient for effective SAP dispersion without compromising performance. Full article

Oral delivery of hydrophobic compounds remains challenging due to their poor aqueous solubility and the potential toxicity associated with conventional surfactant-based emulsions. To address these issues, we present a surfactant-free encapsulation strategy using electrosprayed alginate hydrogel beads for the stable and controlled delivery of hydrophobic oils. Hydrophobic compounds were dispersed in high-viscosity alginate solutions without surfactants via ultrasonication, forming kinetically stable oil-in-water dispersions. These mixtures were electrosprayed into calcium chloride baths, yielding monodisperse hydrogel beads. Higher alginate concentrations improved droplet sphericity and suppressed phase separation by enhancing matrix viscosity. The resulting beads exhibited stimuli-responsive degradation and controlled release behavior in response to physiological ionic strength. Dense alginate networks delayed ion exchange and prolonged structural integrity, while elevated external ionic conditions triggered rapid disintegration and immediate payload release. This simple and scalable system offers a biocompatible platform for the oral delivery of lipophilic active compounds without the need for surfactants or complex fabrication steps. Full article

The use of 3D printing holds significant promise to transform the construction industry by enabling automation and customization, although key challenges remain—particularly the control of fresh-state rheology. This study presents a novel formulation that combines potassium-rich biomass fly ash (BFAK) with an air-entraining plasticizer (APA) to optimize the rheological behavior, hydration kinetics, and structural performance of mortars tailored for extrusion-based 3D printing. The results demonstrate that BFAK enhances the yield stress and thixotropy increases, contributing to improved structural stability after extrusion. In parallel, the APA adjusts the viscosity and facilitates material flow through the nozzle. Isothermal calorimetry reveals that BFAK modifies the hydration kinetics, increasing the intensity and delaying the occurrence of the main hydration peak due to the formation of secondary sulfate phases such as Aphthitalite [(K₃Na(SO₄)₂)]. This behavior leads to an extended setting time, which can be modulated by APA to ensure a controlled processing window. Flowability tests show that BFAK reduces the spread diameter, improving cohesion without causing excessive dispersion. Calibration cylinder tests confirm that the formulation with 1.5% APA and 2% BFAK achieves the maximum printable height (35 cm), reflecting superior buildability and load-bearing capacity. These findings underscore the novelty of combining BFAK and APA as a strategy to overcome current rheological limitations in digital construction. The synergistic effect between both additives provides tailored fresh-state properties and structural reliability, advancing the development of a sustainable SMC and printable cementitious materials. Full article

This study investigates two novel algal biosorbents (Ulothrix sp. and Spirogyra sp.) from Djelfa, Algeria, for methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous solutions. A comprehensive characterization, including scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, porosity measurements, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), revealed distinct physicochemical properties. Ulothrix exhibited a surface area of 5.35 m²/g with an average pore diameter of 32.77 nm, whereas Spirogyra showed values of 3.47 m²/g and 20.97 nm for the surface area and average pore diameter, respectively. Despite their modest surface areas, both algae demonstrated effective adsorption capacities (6.94 mg/g for Spirogyra vs. 6.38 mg/g for Ulothrix), with optimal doses of 0.01 g and 0.08 g (for 50 mL of MB solution), respectively. Kinetic analysis confirmed pseudo-second-order adsorption (R² > 0.97), indicating chemisorption dominance. Isotherm data best fit the Sips model (R² = 0.94), suggesting heterogeneous monolayer formation. Thermodynamic studies revealed an endothermic (ΔH° > 0), spontaneous (ΔG° < 0), yet favorable adsorption process, highlighting the potential of these naturally abundant algae as sustainable biosorbents for dye wastewater treatment. Full article

This study investigates the co-pyrolysis behavior of two lignocellulosic biomass blends, bamboo (B), and rice straw (R) with a plastic polyethylene (P). A total of 15 samples, including binary and ternary blends, were analyzed. Firstly, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to reveal high crystallinity in the B25R75 blend (I/I_c = 13.39). Whereas, the polyethylene samples showed persistent ZrP₂O₇ and lazurite phases (I/I_c up to 3.12) attributed to additives introduced during the manufacturing of the commercial plastic feedstock. In addition, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) spectroscopy was performed to characterize the surface morphology and elemental composition of the feedstock. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed at temperatures up to 700 °C at three different heating rates (5, 10, and 20 °C/min) under pyrolysis conditions. Kinetic analysis used TGA data to calculate activation energy via Friedman’s isoconversional method, and the blended samples exhibited a decrease in activation energy compared to the individual components. Furthermore, the study evaluated transient interaction effects among the components by assessing the deviation between experimental and theoretical weight loss. This revealed the presence of significant synergistic behavior in certain binary and ternary blends. The results demonstrate that co-pyrolysis of bamboo and rice straw with polyethylene enhances thermal decomposition efficiency and provides a more favorable energy recovery route. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mammary carcinoma is a common disease in female dogs. Cannabidiol (CBD) can inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in human cancer cells. However, its low solubility in aqueous media requires solvents such as ethanol or dimethylsulfoxide that limit their dosage. Incorporating CBD into oil-in-water nanoemulsions (Nem) can improve its aqueous dispersibility. This study aimed to develop a CBD-Nem formulation and evaluate its effects on canine mammary cancer cell lines (CF41.Mg and IPC366) and non-cancer cells (MDCK). Methods: CBD-Nem was prepared with Miglyol 812 oil and Epikuron 145 V as the surfactant, and was characterized by analyzing size, morphology, zeta potential, release profile, and uptake/internalization. Moreover, the antitumor effects of CBD-Nem were evaluated in cancer cells through viability, proliferation, cell cycle, and migration–invasion assays. Results: CBD-Nem exhibited a monodisperse nanometric population (~150 nm), spherical shape, and negative zeta potential (~−50 mV). The in vitro release kinetics showed slow and sustained delivery at both pH 5.5 and pH 7.4. Rhodamine-Nem, as a fluorescent model of CBD-Nem, was taken up and homogenously internalized in CF41.Mg cells. CBD-Nem decreased the viability of cancer cells with a maximum effect at 50 µM and showed a lower toxicity in MDCK cells. Long-term efficacy (20 days) was evidenced by CBD-Nem at inhibiting colony formation in cancer cells. Furthermore, CBD-Nem reduced the proportion of cells in the G2-M phase, induced apoptosis, and inhibited the migration and invasion of CF41.Mg cells. Conclusions: CBD-Nem exhibited an in vitro antitumor effect, which supports its study in dogs with mammary carcinoma. Full article

The methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) is limited by the slow kinetic process and high reaction energy barrier, significantly restricting the commercial application of DMFCs. Therefore, developing MOR catalysts with high activity and stability is very important. In this paper, oxygen-functionalised activated carbon (FAC) with controllable oxygen-containing functional groups was prepared by adjusting the volume ratio of H₂SO₃/HNO₃ mixed acid, and Pd/AC and Pd/FAC catalysts were synthesised via the hydrazine hydrate reduction method. A series of characterisation techniques and electrochemical performance tests were used to study the catalyst. The results showed that when V(H₂SO₃):V(HNO₃) = 2:3, more defects were generated on the surface of the AC, and more oxygen-containing functional groups represented by C=O and C–OH were attached to the surface of the support, which increased the anchor sites of Pd and improved the dispersion of Pd nanoparticles (Pd NPs) on the support. At the same time, the mass–specific activity of Pd/FAC for MOR was 2320 mA·mg_Pd, which is 1.5 times that of Pd/AC, and the stability was also improved to a certain extent. In situ infrared spectroscopy further confirmed that oxygen functionalisation treatment promoted the formation and transformation of *COOH intermediates, accelerated the transformation of CO_L into CO_B, reduced the poisoning of CO_ads species adsorbed to the catalyst, optimised the reaction path and improved the catalytic kinetic performance. Full article

Organic polymer introduction effectively enhances the toughness, bond strength, and durability of ordinary cement-based materials, and is often used for concrete repair and reinforcement. However, the entrained air effect simultaneously induced by polymer and the inhibitory action on cement hydration kinetics often lead to degradation in mechanical performances of polymer-modified cement-based composite (PMC). Nanomaterials provide unique advantages in enhancing the properties of PMC due to their characteristic ultrahigh specific surface area, quantum effects, and interface modulation capabilities. This review systematically examines recent advances in nano-reinforced PMC (NPMC), elucidating their synergistic optimization mechanisms. The synergistic effects of nanomaterials—nano-nucleation, pore-filling, and templating mechanisms—refine the microstructure, significantly enhancing the mechanical strength, impermeability, and erosion resistance of NPMC. Furthermore, nanomaterials establish interpenetrating network structures (A composite structure composed of polymer networks and other materials interwoven with each other) with polymer cured film (The film formed after the polymer loses water), enhancing load-transfer efficiency through physical and chemical action while optimizing dispersion and compatibility of nanomaterials and polymers. By systematically analyzing the synergy among nanomaterials, polymer, and cement matrix, this work provides valuable insights for advancing high-performance repair materials. Full article

Prostate cancer is a serious, life-threatening condition among men, usually requiring long-term chemotherapy. Due to its high efficacy, bicalutamide, a non-steroidal anti-androgen, has widespread use. However, its poor water solubility, low oral bioavailability, and nonspecific systemic exposure limit its application. To overcome these obstacles, our study explored the potential of non-carboxylated and carboxylated mesoporous carbon nanoparticles (MCN) as advanced drug carriers for bicalutamide (MCN/B and MCN-COOH/B). The physicochemical properties and release behaviour were thoroughly characterized. Functionalization with carboxylic groups significantly improved wettability, dispersion stability, as well as loading efficiency due to enhanced hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions. Moreover, all systems exhibited sustained and near-infrared (NIR) triggered drug release with reduced burst-effect, compared to the release of free bicalutamide. Higher particle size and stronger drug–carrier interactions determined a zero-order kinetics and notably slower release rate of MCN-COOH/B compared to non-functionalized MCN. Cytotoxicity assays on LNCaP prostate cancer cells demonstrated that both MCN/B and MCN-COOH/B possessed comparable antiproliferative activity as free bicalutamide, where MCN-COOH/B exhibited superior efficacy, especially under NIR exposure. These findings suggest that MCN-COOH nanoparticles could be considered as a prospective platform for controlled, NIR-accelerated delivery of bicalutamide in prostate cancer treatment. Full article

The design of emulsions at the nanoscale is a significant application of nanotechnology. For spherical droplets and a given volume of dispersed phase, the nanometre size of droplets inversely increases the total area, $A={\displaystyle \frac{3V}{r}}$, allowing greater contact with organic and inorganic materials during application. In topical applications, not only is cell contact increased, but also permeability in the cell membrane. Nanoemulsions typically achieve kinetic stability rather than thermodynamic stability, so their commercial application requires reasonable resistance to flocculation and coalescence, which can be affected by temperature changes. Therefore, their thermoresponsive characterisation becomes relevant. In this work, we analyse this response in an O/W nanoemulsion of Palmarosa for antibacterial purposes that has already shown stability for one year at controlled room temperature. We now study hysteresis processes and the behaviour of the statistical distribution in droplet size by Dynamic Light Scattering, obtaining remarkable stability under temperature changes up to 50 °C. This includes a maintained chemical composition observed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and the preservation of antibacterial properties analysed through optical density tests on cultures and the Spread-Plate technique for bacteria colony counting. We obtain practically closed hysteresis curves for some tracers of droplet size distributions through controlled thermal cycles between 10 °C and 50 °C, exhibiting a non-linear behaviour in their distribution. In general, the results show notable physical, chemical, and antibacterial stability, suitable for commercial applications. Full article

New bulk chalcogenides from the system (GeTe₆)_1−xCu_x, where x = 5, 10, 15 and 20 mol%, have been synthesized. The structure and composition of the materials were studied using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to analyze the surface morphology of the samples. Some thermal characteristics such as the glass transition, crystallization and melting temperature and some physico-chemical properties such as the density, compactness and molar and free volumes were also determined. The XRD patterns show sharp diffraction peaks, indicating that the synthesized new bulk materials are crystalline. The following four crystal phases were determined: Te, Cu, CuTe and Cu₂GeTe₃. The results from the EDS confirmed the presence of Ge, Te and Cu in the bulk samples in concentrations in good correspondence with those theoretically determined. A layered thin-film material based on Ge₁₄Te₈₁Cu₅, which exhibits lower network compactness compared to the other synthesized new chalcogenides, and the azo polymer PAZO was fabricated, and the kinetics of the photoinduced birefringence at 444 nm was measured. The results indicated an increase in the maximal induced birefringence for the layered structure in comparison to the non-doped azo polymer film. Full article

Combustion processes in compression ignition engines lead to the inevitable generation of nitrogen oxides, which cannot be limited to the currently desired levels just by optimising the in-cylinder processes. Therefore, simulation-based engine development needs to include all engine-related aspects which contribute to tailpipe emissions. Among them, the SCR (selective catalytic reduction) aftertreatment-related processes, such as urea–water solution injection, urea decomposition, mixing, NOx catalytic reduction, and deposits’ formation, are the most challenging, and require as much attention as the processes taking place inside the cylinder. Over the last decade, the urea-SCR aftertreatment systems have evolved from underfloor designs to close-coupled (to the engine) architecture, characterised by the short mixing length. Therefore, they need to be tailor-made for each application. This study presents the CFD-based development of a multi-platform SCR system with a short mixing length for mobile non-road applications, compliant with Stage V NRE-v/c-5 emission standard. It combines multiphase dispersed flow, including wall wetting and urea decomposition kinetic reaction modelling to account for the critical aspects of the SCR system operation. The baseline system’s design was characterised by the severe deposit formation near the mixer’s outlet, which was attributed to the intensive cooling in the mounting area. Moreover, as the simulations suggested, the spray was not appropriately mixed with the surrounding gas in its primary zone. The proposed measures to reduce the wall film formation needed to account for the multi-platform application (ranging from 56 to 130 kW) and large-scale production capability. The performed simulations led to the system design, providing excellent UWS–exhaust gas mixing without a solid deposit formation. The developed system was designed to be manufactured and implemented in large-scale series production. Full article

The content of glutathione in the human body is crucial to human health, so a convenient and efficient method is needed to detect it. Herein, porous coordination network-224 (PCN-224) was modified by polydopamine to prepare polydopamine-modified PCN-224 (PCN-224-PDA) to improve the water dispersibility of the PCN-224. Monodispersed platinum nanoparticles were loaded into the PCN-224-PDA to prepare PCN-224-PDA-Pt. The PCN-224-PDA-Pt showed high peroxidase-like catalytic activity, and its catalytic activity was affected by pH and temperature. The PCN-224-PDA-Pt almost had no hemolysis of red blood cells. In addition, the PCN-224-PDA-Pt showed high affinity for 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine and catalytic efficiency in kinetic studies, and the type of reactive oxygen species generated during the catalytic process was hydroxyl radicals. More importantly, a colorimetric method for glutathione detection was developed based on the peroxidase-like activity of the PCN-224-PDA-Pt. The linear detection range was 1–600 μM and the detection limit reached 0.306 μM. This method shows good anti-interference capabilities and excellent recovery rates, indicating its strong potential for applications in biological detection. Full article