Displaying publications 161 - 180 of 577 in total

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  1. Nag M, Lahiri D, Mukherjee D, Banerjee R, Garai S, Sarkar T, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jul 30;13(15).
    PMID: 34372136 DOI: 10.3390/polym13152533
    The biggest challenge in the present-day healthcare scenario is the rapid emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance due to the rampant use of antibiotics in daily therapeutics. Such drug resistance is associated with the enhancement of microbial virulence and the acquisition of the ability to evade the host's immune response under the shelter of a biofilm. Quorum sensing (QS) is the mechanism by which the microbial colonies in a biofilm modulate and intercept communication without direct interaction. Hence, the eradication of biofilms through hindering this communication will lead to the successful management of drug resistance and may be a novel target for antimicrobial chemotherapy. Chitosan shows microbicidal activities by acting electrostatically with its positively charged amino groups, which interact with anionic moieties on microbial species, causing enhanced membrane permeability and eventual cell death. Therefore, nanoparticles (NPs) prepared with chitosan possess a positive surface charge and mucoadhesive properties that can adhere to microbial mucus membranes and release their drug load in a constant release manner. As the success in therapeutics depends on the targeted delivery of drugs, chitosan nanomaterial, which displays low toxicity, can be safely used for eradicating a biofilm through attenuating the quorum sensing (QS). Since the anti-biofilm potential of chitosan and its nano-derivatives are reported for various microorganisms, these can be used as attractive tools for combating chronic infections and for the preparation of functionalized nanomaterials for different medical devices, such as orthodontic appliances. This mini-review focuses on the mechanism of the downregulation of quorum sensing using functionalized chitosan nanomaterials and the future prospects of its applications.
  2. Sa'adon S, Ansari MNM, Razak SIA, Anand JS, Nayan NHM, Ismail AE, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jul 27;13(15).
    PMID: 34372062 DOI: 10.3390/polym13152459
    The aim of this study is to prepare a dual layer polyvinyl (PVA) patch using a combination of electrospinning techniques and cryogelation (freeze-thaw process) then subsequently to investigate the effect of freeze-thaw cycles, nanofiber thickness, and diclofenac sodium (DS) loading on the physicochemical and mechanical properties and formulation of dual layer PVA patches composed of electrospun PVA nanofibers and PVA cryogel. After the successful preparation of the dual layer PVA patch, the prepared patch was subjected to investigation to assess the effect of freeze-thaw cycles, nanofiber thickness and percentages of DS loading on the morphology, physiochemical and mechanical properties. Various spectroscopic techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), water contact angle, and tensile tests were used to evaluate the physicochemical and mechanical properties of prepared dual layer PVA patches. The morphological structures of the dual layer PVA patch demonstrated the effectiveness of both techniques. The effect of freeze-thaw cycles, nanofiber thickness, and DS percentage loading on the crystallinity of a dual layer PVA patch was investigated using XRD analysis. The presence of a distinct DS peak in the FTIR spectrum indicates the compatibility of DS in a dual layer PVA patch through in-situ loading. All prepared patches were considered highly hydrophilic because the data obtained was less than 90°. The increasing saturation of DS within the PVA matrix increases the tensile strength of prepared patches, however decreased its elasticity. Evidently, the increasing of electrospun PVA nanofibers thickness, freeze-thaw cycles, and the DS saturation has improved the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the DS medicated dual layer PVA patches, making them a promising biomaterial for transdermal drug delivery applications.
  3. Allami T, Alamiery A, Nassir MH, Kadhum AH
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jul 27;13(15).
    PMID: 34372071 DOI: 10.3390/polym13152467
    The effect of the soft and hard polyurethane (PU) segments caused by the hydrogen link in phase-separation kinetics was studied to investigate the morphological annealing of PU and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The significance of the segmented PUs is to achieve enough stability for further applications in biomedical and environmental fields. In addition, other research focuses on widening the plastic features and adjusting the PU-polyimide ratio to create elastomer of the poly(urethane-imide). Regarding TPU- and PU-nanocomposite, numerous studies investigated the incorporation of inorganic nanofillers such as carbon or clay to incorporating TPU-nanocomposite in several applications. Additionally, the complete exfoliation was observed up to 5% and 3% of TPU-clay modified with 12 amino lauric acid and benzidine, respectively. PU-nanocomposite of 5 wt.% Cloisite®30B showed an increase in modulus and tensile strength by 110% and 160%, respectively. However, the nanocomposite PU-0.5 wt.% Carbone Nanotubes (CNTs) show an increase in the tensile modulus by 30% to 90% for blown and flat films, respectively. Coating PU influences stress-strain behavior because of the interaction between the soft segment and physical crosslinkers. The thermophysical properties of the TPU matrix have shown two glass transition temperatures (Tg's) corresponding to the soft and the hard segment. Adding a small amount of tethered clay shifts Tg for both segments by 44 °C and 13 °C, respectively, while adding clay from 1 to 5 wt.% results in increasing the thermal stability of TPU composite from 12 to 34 °C, respectively. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to investigate the phase structure of PU dispersion, showing an increase in thermal stability, solubility, and flexibility. Regarding the electrical properties, the maximum piezoresistivity (10 S/m) of 7.4 wt.% MWCNT was enhanced by 92.92%. The chemical structure of the PU-CNT composite has shown a degree of agglomeration under disruption of the sp2 carbon structure. However, with extended graphene loading to 5.7 wt.%, piezoresistivity could hit 10-1 S/m, less than 100 times that of PU. In addition to electrical properties, the acoustic behavior of MWCNT (0.35 wt.%)/SiO2 (0.2 wt.%)/PU has shown sound absorption of 80 dB compared to the PU foam sample. Other nanofillers, such as SiO2, TiO2, ZnO, Al2O3, were studied showing an improvement in the thermal stability of the polymer and enhancing scratch and abrasion resistance.
  4. Mudri NH, Abdullah LC, Aung MM, Biak DRA, Tajau R
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jul 28;13(15).
    PMID: 34372093 DOI: 10.3390/polym13152490
    Jatropha oil-based polyol (JOL) was prepared from crude Jatropha oil via an epoxidation and hydroxylation reaction. During the isocyanation step, two different types of diisocyanates; 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (2,4-TDI) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), were introduced to produce Jatropha oil-based polyurethane acrylates (JPUA). The products were named JPUA-TDI and JPUA-IPDI, respectively. The success of the stepwise reactions of the resins was confirmed using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to support the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis that was reported in the previous study. For JPUA-TDI, the presence of a signal at 7.94 ppm evidenced the possible side reactions between urethane linkages with secondary amine that resulted in an aryl-urea group (Ar-NH-COO-). Meanwhile, the peak of 2.89 ppm was assigned to the α-position of methylene to the carbamate (-CH2NHCOO) group in the JPUA-IPDI. From the rheological study, JO and JPUA-IPDI in pure form were classified as Newtonian fluids, while JPUA-TDI showed non-Newtonian behaviour with pseudoplastic or shear thinning behaviour at room temperature. At elevated temperatures, the JO, JPUA-IPDI mixture and JPUA-TDI mixture exhibited reductions in viscosity and shear stress as the shear rate increased. The JO and JPUA-IPDI mixture maintained Newtonian fluid behaviour at all temperature ranges. Meanwhile, the JPUA-TDI mixture showed shear thickening at 25 °C and shear thinning at 40 °C, 60 °C and 80 °C. The master curve graph based on the shear rate for the JO, JPUA-TDI mixture and JPUA-IPDI mixture at 25 °C, 40 °C, 60 °C and 80 °C was developed as a fluid behaviour reference for future storage and processing conditions during the encapsulation process. The encapsulation process can be conducted to fabricate a self-healing coating based on a microcapsule triggered either by air or ultra-violet (UV) radiation.
  5. Masoud F, Sapuan SM, Ariffin MKAM, Nukman Y, Bayraktar E
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jul 31;13(15).
    PMID: 34372145 DOI: 10.3390/polym13152543
    In this research, the effect of processing input parameters on the kerf taper angle response of three various material thicknesses of sugar palm fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composite was investigated as an output parameter from abrasive waterjet and laser beam cutting techniques. The main purpose of the study is to obtain data that includes the optimum input parameters in cutting the composite utilizing these two unconventional techniques to avoid some defects that arise when using traditional cutting methods for cutting the composites, and then make a comparison to determine which is the most appropriate technique regarding the kerf taper angle response that is desired to be reduced. In the laser beam cutting process, traverse speed, laser power, and assist gas pressure were selected as the variable input parameters to optimize the kerf taper angle. While the water pressure, traverse speed, and stand-off-distance were the input variable parameters in the case of waterjet cutting process, with fixing of all the other input parameters in both cutting techniques. The levels of the input parameters that provide the optimal response of the kerf taper angle were determined using Taguchi's approach, and the significance of input parameters was determined by computing the max-min variance of the average of the signal to-noise ratio (S/N) for each parameter. The contribution of each input processing parameter to the effects on kerf taper angle was determined using analysis of variation (ANOVA). Compared with the results that were extrapolated in the previous studies, both processes achieved acceptable results in terms of the response of the kerf taper angle, noting that the average values produced from the laser cutting process are much lower than those resulting from the waterjet cutting process, which gives an advantage to the laser cutting technique.
  6. Mahmood H, Shakeel A, Abdullah A, Khan MI, Moniruzzaman M
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jul 29;13(15).
    PMID: 34372105 DOI: 10.3390/polym13152504
    The thermal kinetic modeling is crucial for development of sustainable processes where lignocellulosic fuels are a part of chemical system and their thermal degradation eventuates. In this paper, thermal decomposition of three lignocellulosic materials (bagasse, rice husk, and wheat straw) was obtained by the thermogravimetric (TG) technique and kinetics was analyzed by both model-fitting and isoconversional (model-free) methods to compare their effectiveness. Two models selected from each class include Arrhenius and Coats-Redfern (model-fitting), and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) and Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) (model-free). The formal model-fitting approach simulating the thermal decomposition of solids by assuming a fixed mechanism was found to be unduly facile. However, activation energy (E) values calculated from two model-fitting techniques were considerably different from each other with a percentage difference in the range of 1.36% to 7.65%. Particularly, both model-fitting methods predicted different reaction mechanism for thermal disintegration of lignocellulosic materials (two-dimensional diffusion (D2) by Arrhenius and one-dimensional diffusion (D1) by Coat-Redfern method). Conversely, the model-free routine offers a transformation of mechanism and activation energy values throughout reaction and is, therefore, more authentic to illustrate the complexity of thermal disintegration of lignocellulosic particles. Based on the model-free kinetic analysis, the lignocellulosic materials may be devised in following order of activation energy: rice husk > bagasse > wheat straw, by both KAS and FWO methods with a percentage difference no more than 0.84% for fractional conversion up to 0.7. Isoconversional approach could be recommended as more realistic and precise for modeling non-isothermal kinetics of lignocellulosic residues compared to model-fitting approach.
  7. Eid Alajmi A, Alotaibi JG, Yousif BF, Nirmal U
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jul 25;13(15).
    PMID: 34372047 DOI: 10.3390/polym13152444
    To reduce the emission of harmful materials into the ecosystem, researchers have been exploring the potential of manufacturing polymeric composites based on natural fibres. Although the large area of application of these materials has encouraged investigations of their performance under various loading conditions, less research has been conducted on their tribological behaviour. Hence, in this study, tribological tests were conducted on epoxy composites based on bamboo fibres. The wear performance of bamboo fibre reinforced epoxy was tested using various operating parameters, and the worn surfaces were examined using optical microscopy. The results revealed that the specific wear rate of the composites reduced since the epoxy was reinforced with bamboo fibres. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed different wear mechanisms and damages.
  8. Suhot MA, Hassan MZ, Aziz SA, Md Daud MY
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jul 21;13(15).
    PMID: 34371993 DOI: 10.3390/polym13152391
    Recently, because of the rising population, carbon overloading, and environmental distress, human beings have needed to increase awareness and responsibility for the reduction of agricultural waste. The utilization of agricultural waste as a filler material in reinforced polymers is a fascinating discovery. This review paper attempts to study the physical, mechanical, and thermal behavior of rice husk (RH) as a fiber for reinforcing various synthetic polymers, based on recent studies, conducted between 2017 and 2021. It also highlights that advanced modification techniques could further improve the performance of composites by tailoring the physical and chemical substances of the fiber or matrix. The thermal properties, including flame-retardance and thermal behavior, are also discussed. The characteristics of the fiber-matrix interaction between RH and the polymer matrix provide essential insights into the future-ready applications of this agricultural waste fiber. The way forward in researching RH polymer composites is finally reviewed.
  9. Basik AA, Sanglier JJ, Yeo CT, Sudesh K
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jun 17;13(12).
    PMID: 34204568 DOI: 10.3390/polym13121989
    Rubber is an essential part of our daily lives with thousands of rubber-based products being made and used. Natural rubber undergoes chemical processes and structural modifications, while synthetic rubber, mainly synthetized from petroleum by-products are difficult to degrade safely and sustainably. The most prominent group of biological rubber degraders are Actinobacteria. Rubber degrading Actinobacteria contain rubber degrading genes or rubber oxygenase known as latex clearing protein (lcp). Rubber is a polymer consisting of isoprene, each containing one double bond. The degradation of rubber first takes place when lcp enzyme cleaves the isoprene double bond, breaking them down into the sole carbon and energy source to be utilized by the bacteria. Actinobacteria grow in diverse environments, and lcp gene containing strains have been detected from various sources including soil, water, human, animal, and plant samples. This review entails the occurrence, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular characteristics of Actinobacteria with respect to its rubber degrading ability, and discusses possible technological applications based on the activity of Actinobacteria for treating rubber waste in a more environmentally responsible manner.
  10. Husain A, Al-Zahrani SA, Al Otaibi A, Khan I, Mujahid Ali Khan M, Alosaimi AM, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 31;13(11).
    PMID: 34073027 DOI: 10.3390/polym13111829
    Polypyrrole (PPy) and polypyrrole/cerium oxide nanocomposite (PPy/CeO2) were prepared by the chemical oxidative method in an aqueous medium using anhydrous ferric chloride (FeCl3) as an oxidant. The successful formulation of materials was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmittance electron microscopy (TEM). A four-in-line probe device was used for studying DC electrical conductivity and ammonia vapor sensing properties of PPy and PPy/CeO2. The significant improvement in both the conductivity and sensing parameters of PPy/CeO2 compared to pristine PPy reveals some synergistic/electronic interaction between PPy and cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) working at molecular levels. The initial conductivity (i.e., conductivity at room temperature) was found to be 0.152 Scm-1 and 1.295 Scm-1 for PPy and PPy/CeO2, respectively. Also, PPy/CeO2 showed much better conductivity retention than pristine PPy under both the isothermal and cyclic ageing conditions. Ammonia vapor sensing was carried out at different concentration (0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 vol %). The sensing response of PPy/CeO2 varied with varying concentrations. At 0.5 vol % ammonia concentration, the % sensing response of PPy and PPy/CeO2 sensor was found to be 39.1% and 93.4%, respectively. The sensing efficiency of the PPy/CeO2 sensor was also evaluated at 0.4. 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.03, and 0.01 vol % ammonia concentration in terms of % sensing response, response/recovery time, reversibility, selectivity as well as stability at room temperature.
  11. Vaithanomsat P, Kongsin K, Trakunjae C, Boonyarit J, Jarerat A, Sudesh K, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 26;13(11).
    PMID: 34073164 DOI: 10.3390/polym13111733
    This paper is aimed at investigating the usage of biosynthesized poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3-HB)) for a coating on pineapple leaf fiber paper (PLFP). For this purpose, (P(3-HB)) was produced by Rhodococcus pyridinivorans BSRT1-1, a highly potential P(3-HB) producing bacterium, with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 6.07 × 10 -5 g/mol. This biosynthesized P(3-HB) at 7.5% (w/v) was then coated on PLFP through the dip-coating technique with chloroform used as a solvent. The respective coated PLFP showed that P(3-HB) could be well coated all over on the PLFP surface as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The brightness and mechanical properties of PLFP could be improved by coating with biosynthesized P(3-HB) in comparison to commercially available P(3-HB) and non-coated PLFP. Furthermore, coating of P(3-HB) significantly increased the water drop penetration time on the surface of PLFP and was similar to that of the commercial P(3-HB) with the same content. The results showed that all the coated PLPF samples can be degraded under the soil burial test conditions. We have demonstrated that the P(3-HB) coated PLFP paper has the ability to prevent water drop penetration and could undergo biodegradation. Taken together, the P(3-HB) coated PLFP can be applied as a promising biodegradable paper packaging.
  12. Harussani MM, Sapuan SM, Rashid U, Khalina A
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 24;13(11).
    PMID: 34073691 DOI: 10.3390/polym13111707
    Slow pyrolysis using a batch reactor at 450 °C was applied to the polypropylene (PP) powder derived from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) isolation gown waste to yield char briquettes, using sugar palm starch (SPS) and a manual hydraulic press. These studies are significant because of reductions in plastic waste from the preparation of barbecue coal due to environmental sustainability. The results presented here include the physical, morphological, thermal, combustion, and mechanical properties of char when reinforced with various percentages of SPS loadings (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40%), which act as a matrix/binder to produce char/sugar palm starch (C/SPS) composites. The physical and morphological characteristics of C/SPS composites were determined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). On the other hand, the thermal and combustion properties of the C/SPS briquettes were studied via thermogravimetric and bomb calorimeter analysis. The results show that the compressive strength of the briquettes increased as the SPS loading increased, whereas the higher heating values (HHV) reduced. The findings indicate that C-80/SPS-20 briquettes presented excellent combustion characteristics (1,761,430 J/g) with satisfactory mechanical strength (1.463 MPa) in the compression test. Thus, C-80/SPS-20 briquettes are the most suitable composites for domestic and commercial uses.
  13. Mukhair HM, Abdullah AH, Zainal Z, Lim HN
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 27;13(11).
    PMID: 34071758 DOI: 10.3390/polym13111746
    In the present study, we explored the effectiveness of PES-Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 film photocatalyst in degrading methyl orange dye under visible light irradiation. The PES-Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 film photocatalyst was prepared via a non-solvent-induced phase inversion process and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser scanning microscopy (LSM), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), UV-diffuse reflectance (DRS), and water contact angle. The incorporation of the Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 composite into the PES matrix improved the pristine PES film's hydrophilicity, as evidenced by the reduction of water contact angle from 79.03° to 54.33° for a film containing 15 wt % of Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 composite. The film's photoactivity showed that 13 wt % was the best loading of Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 composite, and the degradation performance was maintained up to three cycles. The •O2- and h+ were the predominant species responsible for the methyl orange degradation.
  14. Chohan JS, Mittal N, Kumar R, Singh S, Sharma S, Dwivedi SP, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 23;13(11).
    PMID: 34070964 DOI: 10.3390/polym13111702
    Fused filament fabrication (FFF) has numerous process parameters that influence the mechanical strength of parts. Hence, many optimization studies are performed using conventional tools and algorithms. Although studies have also been performed using advanced algorithms, limited research has been reported in which variants of the naked mole-rat algorithm (NMRA) are implemented for solving the optimization issues of manufacturing processes. This study was performed to scrutinize optimum parameters and their levels to attain maximum impact strength, flexural strength and tensile strength based on five different FFF process parameters. The algorithm yielded better results than other studies and successfully achieved a maximum response, which may be helpful to enhance the mechanical strength of FFF parts. The study opens a plethora of research prospects for implementing NMRA in manufacturing. Moreover, the findings may help identify critical parametric levels for the fabrication of customized products at the commercial level and help to attain the objectives of Industry 4.0.
  15. Oyekanmi AA, Kumar USU, H P S AK, Olaiya NG, Amirul AA, Rahman AA, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 20;13(10).
    PMID: 34065404 DOI: 10.3390/polym13101664
    Antimicrobial irradiated seaweed-neem biocomposite films were synthesized in this study. The storage functional properties of the films were investigated. Characterization of the prepared films was conducted using SEM, FT-IR, contact angle, and antimicrobial test. The macroscopic and microscopic including the analysis of the functional group and the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry test revealed the main active constituents present in the neem extract, which was used an essential component of the fabricated films. Neem leaves' extracts with 5% w/w concentration were incorporated into the matrix of seaweed biopolymer and the seaweed-neem bio-composite film were irradiated with different dosages of gamma radiation (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 kGy). The tensile, thermal, and the antimicrobial properties of the films were studied. The results revealed that the irradiated films exhibited improved functional properties compared to the control film at 1.5 kGy radiation dosage. The tensile strength, tensile modulus, and toughness exhibited by the films increased, while the elongation of the irradiated bio-composite film decreased compared to the control film. The morphology of the irradiated films demonstrated a smoother surface compared to the control and provided surface intermolecular interaction of the neem-seaweed matrix. The film indicated an optimum storage stability under ambient conditions and demonstrated no significant changes in the visual appearance. However, an increase in the moisture content was exhibited by the film, and the hydrophobic properties was retained until nine months of the storage period. The study of the films antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus (SA), and Bacillus subtilis (BS) indicated improved resistance to bacterial activities after the incorporation of neem leaves extract and gamma irradiation. The fabricated irradiated seaweed-neem bio-composite film could be used as an excellent sustainable packaging material due to its effective storage stability.
  16. Boey JY, Mohamad L, Khok YS, Tay GS, Baidurah S
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 12;13(10).
    PMID: 34065779 DOI: 10.3390/polym13101544
    Overconsumption of plastic goods and improper handling of petroleum-derived plastic waste have brought a plethora of negative impacts to the environment, ecosystem and human health due to its recalcitrance to degradation. These drawbacks become the main driving force behind finding biopolymers with the degradable properties. With the advancement in biopolymer research, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and poly(lacyic acid) (PLA) and its composites have been alluded to as a potential alternative to replace the petrochemical counterpart. This review highlights the current synthesis process and application of PHAs and PLA and its composites for food packaging materials and coatings. These biopolymers can be further ameliorated to enhance their applicability and are discussed by including the current commercially available packaging products. Factors influencing biodegradation are outlined in the latter part of this review. The main aim of this review article is to organize the scattered available information on various aspects of PHAs and PLA, and its composites for packaging application purposes. It is evident from a literature survey of about 140 recently published papers from the past 15 years that PLA and PHA show excellent physical properties as potential food packaging materials.
  17. Mohd Basri MS, Liew Min Ren B, A Talib R, Zakaria R, Kamarudin SH
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 14;13(10).
    PMID: 34069259 DOI: 10.3390/polym13101581
    Dry mangosteen leaves are one of the raw materials used to produce marker ink. However, research using this free and abundant resource is rather limited. The less efficient one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) approach was mostly used in past studies on plant-based marker ink. The use of statistical analysis and the regression coefficient model (mathematical model) was considered essential in predicting the best combination of factors in formulating mangosteen leaf-based marker ink. Ideally, ink should have maximum color lightness, minimum viscosity, and fast-drying speed. The objective of this study to study the effect of glycerol and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) on the color lightness and viscosity of mangosteen-leaves-based marker ink. The viscosity, color lightness, and drying properties of the ink were tested, the significant effect of glycerol and CMC (responses) on ink properties was identified and the prediction model on the optimum value of the responses was developed by using response surface methodology (RSM). The microstructure of mangosteen leaves was analyzed to study the surface morphology and cell structure during dye extraction. A low amount of glycerol used was found to increase the value of color lightness. A decrease in CMC amounts resulted in low viscosity of marker ink. The optimum formulation for the ink can be achieved when the weight percents of glycerol, benzalkonium chloride, ferrous sulphate, and CMC are set at 5, 5, 1, and 3, respectively. SEM micrographs showed the greatest amount of cell wall structure collapse on samples boiled with the lowest amount of glycerol.
  18. Mustafa NS, Akhmal NH, Izman S, Ab Talib MH, Shaiful AIM, Omar MNB, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 14;13(10).
    PMID: 34069101 DOI: 10.3390/polym13101584
    The design of a scaffold of bone tissue engineering plays an important role in ensuring cell viability and cell growth. Therefore, it is a necessity to produce an ideal scaffold by predicting and simulating the properties of the scaffold. Hence, the computational method should be adopted since it has a huge potential to be used in the implementation of the scaffold of bone tissue engineering. To explore the field of computational method in the area of bone tissue engineering, this paper provides an overview of the usage of a computational method in designing a unit cell of bone tissue engineering scaffold. In order to design a unit cell of the scaffold, we discussed two categories of unit cells that can be used to design a feasible scaffold, which are non-parametric and parametric designs. These designs were later described and being categorised into multiple types according to their characteristics, such as circular structures and Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures. The advantages and disadvantages of these designs were discussed. Moreover, this paper also represents some software that was used in simulating and designing the bone tissue scaffold. The challenges and future work recommendations had also been included in this paper.
  19. Rahman ML, Wong ZJ, Sarjadi MS, Joseph CG, Arshad SE, Musta B, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 06;13(9).
    PMID: 34066308 DOI: 10.3390/polym13091486
    Toxic metals in the industrial wastewaters have been liable for drastic pollution hence a powerful and economical treatment technology is needed for water purification. For this reason, some pure cellulosic materials were derived from waste fiber to obtain an economical adsorbent for wastewater treatment. Conversion of cellulose into grafting materials such as poly(methyl acrylate)-grafted cellulose was performed by free radical grafting process. Consequently, poly(hydroxamic acid) ligand was produced from the grafted cellulose. The intermediate products and poly(hydroxamic acid) ligand were analyzed by FT-IR, FE-SEM, TEM, EDX, and XPS spectroscopy. The adsorption capacity (qe) of some toxic metals ions by the polymer ligand was found to be excellent, e.g., copper capacity (qe) was 346.7 mg·g-1 at pH 6. On the other hand, several metal ions such as cobalt chromium and nickel also demonstrated noteworthy sorption capacity at pH 6. The adsorption mechanism obeyed the pseudo second-order rate kinetic model due to the satisfactory correlated experimental sorption values (qe). Langmuir model isotherm study showed the significant correlation coefficient with all metal ions (R2 > 0.99), indicating that the single or monolayer adsorption was the dominant mode on the surface of the adsorbent. This polymer ligand showed good properties on reusability. The result shows that the adsorbent may be recycled for 6 cycles without any dropping of starting sorption capabilities. This polymeric ligand showed outstanding toxic metals removal magnitude, up to 90-99% of toxic metal ions can be removed from industrial wastewater.
    Matched MeSH terms: Polymers
  20. Malviya R, Tyagi A, Fuloria S, Subramaniyan V, Sathasivam K, Sundram S, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 May 10;13(9).
    PMID: 34068768 DOI: 10.3390/polym13091531
    Transdermal drug delivery is used to deliver a drug by eliminating the first-pass metabolism, which increases the bioavailability of the drug. The present study aims to formulate the chitosan-tamarind seed polysaccharide composite films and evaluate for the delivery of protein/peptide molecules. Nine formulations were prepared and evaluated by using different parameters, such as physical appearance, folding endurance, thickness of film, surface pH, weight variation, drug content, surface morphology, percentage moisture intake and uptake, drug release kinetics, and drug permeability. The film weight variance was observed between 0.34 ± 0.002 to 0.47 ± 0.003 g. The drug level of the prepared films was found to be between 96 ± 1.21 and 98 ± 1.33μg. Their intake of moisture ranged between 2.83 ± 0.002 and 3.76 ± 0.001 (%). The moisture absorption of the films ranged from 5.33 ± 0.22 to 10.02 ± 0.61 (%). SEM images revealed a smooth film surface, while minor cracks were found in the film after permeation tests. During the first 4 days, drug release was between 13.75 ± 1.64% and 22.54 ± 1.34% and from day 5 to day 6, it was between 72.67 ± 2.13% and 78.33 ± 3.13%. Drug permeation during the first 4 days was 15.78 ± 1.23 %. Drug permeation (%) during the first 4 days was between 15.78 ± 1.23 and 22.49 ± 1.29 and from day 5 to day 6, it was between 71.49 ± 3.21 and 77.93 ± 3.20.
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