Superabsorbent Polymer With Excellent Water/Salt Absorbency And Water Retention, And Fast Swelling Properties For Preventing Soil Water Evaporation

Superabsorbent polymers have important applications in many fields, but insufficiency of water/salt absorbency, water retention, and swelling rate limit its application development. Herein, we fabricated HEC-g-P (AA-co-AMPS)/laterite by aqueous solution polymerization, the structure and morphology of the superabsorbent polymer were characterized by FTIR, SEM and TG/DTG. The optimal water absorbency of the superabsorbent polymer were 1294 g/g, 177 g/g, and 119 g/g in distilled water, tap water, and 0.9 wt% NaCl solution, respectively. The superabsorbent polymer had good water retention and re-swelling properties at different temperatures, and fast water absorption rate, and reached swelling equilibrium at 5 min. The swelling mechanism of the superabsorbent polymer was explained by the pseudo-second-order swelling kinetics model and Ritger-Peppas model. The effect of the amount of hydrogel on the water evaporation rate in soil was studied, and it had a good effect.

Egg White/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Clay Bionanocomposite Hydrogel Adsorbents for Dye Removal

In the current study, bionanocomposite hydrogels based on egg white and polyvinyl alcohol loaded with 0, 4 and 8 wt.% of montmorillonite clay were prepared and utilized as effective adsorbents for removing the methylene blue from aqueous solutions. The structural characteristics of the prepared adsorbents were studied and the gel content, the influence of the pH of the medium on swelling kinetics and the methylene blue diffusion coefficient in the adsorbents were investigated. It was found that the swelling ratio and diffusion coefficient of bionanocomposite hydrogel adsorbents increased either with increasing the pH of the medium or decreasing the loading level of montmorillonite and gel contact had a direct dependency on the montmorillonite content. Taguchi method was utilized to determine the effects of main factors on the batch adsorption process, including the montmorillonite loading level in adsorbent, pH of the solution and dye initial concentration in adsorption solution. The optimum adsorption conditions by the Taguchi method were determined as montmorillonite loading level of 8 wt.%, pH of 9 and methylene blue initial concentration of 5 mg/L. The experimental adsorption results were fitted to the various isotherms and kinetic models. It was shown that intra-particle diffusion was the best model for elucidating adsorbents' behavior in methylene blue removal. It was finally deduced that the prepared bionanocomposite hydrogel adsorbents could be recognized as effective eco-friendly adsorbents for removing the cationic dyes from wastewaters.

Defining Swelling Kinetics in Block Copolymer Thin Films: The Critical Role of Temperature and Vapour Pressure Ramp

We studied the kinetics of swelling in high-χ lamellar-forming poly(styrene)-block- poly(lactic acid) (PS-b-PLA) block copolymer (BCP) by varying the heating rate and monitoring the solvent vapour pressure and the substrate temperature in situ during solvo-thermal vapour annealing (STVA) in an oven, and analysing the resulting morphology. Our results demonstrate that there is not only a solvent vapour pressure threshold (120 kPa), but also that the rate of reaching this pressure threshold has a significant effect on the microphase separation and the resulting morphologies. To study the heating rate effect, identical films were annealed in a tetrahydrofuran (THF) vapour environment under three different ramp regimes, low (rT<1 °C/min), medium (2<rT<3 °C/min) and high (rT>4 °C/min), for 60, 90 and 120 min, respectively, while the solvent vapour pressure and the substrate temperature were measured in real time. The translational order improved significantly with increasing the heating rate. The solvent mass uptake calculated for the different ramp regimes during annealing is linearly proportional to time, indicating that the swelling kinetics followed Case II diffusion. Two stages of the swelling behaviour were observed: (i) diffusion at the initial stages of swelling and (ii) stress relaxation, controlled at later stages. Films with a faster rate of increase in vapour pressure (rP>2 kPa/min) reached the pressure threshold value at an early stage of the swelling and attained a good phase separation. According to our results, highly ordered patterns are only obtained when the volume fraction of the solvent exceeds the polymer volume fraction, i.e., (φs≥φp), during the swelling process, and below this threshold value (φs=0.5), the films did not obtain a good structural order, even at longer annealing times.

Synthesis of Novel Tamarind Gum-co-poly(acrylamidoglycolic acid)-Based pH Responsive Semi-IPN Hydrogels and Their Ag Nanocomposites for Controlled Release of Chemotherapeutics and Inactivation of Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacteria

In this paper, novel pH-responsive, semi-interpenetrating polymer hydrogels based on tamarind gum-co-poly(acrylamidoglycolic acid) (TMGA) polymers were synthesized using simple free radical polymerization in the presence of bis[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate as a crosslinker and potassium persulfate as a initiator. In addition, these hydrogels were used as templates for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (13.4 ± 3.6 nm in diameter, TMGA-Ag) by using leaf extract of Teminalia bellirica as a reducing agent. Swelling kinetics and the equilibrium swelling behavior of the TMGA hydrogels were investigated in various pH environments, and the maximum % of equilibrium swelling behavior observed was 2882 ± 1.2. The synthesized hydrogels and silver nanocomposites were characterized via UV, FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM. TMGA and TMGA-Ag hydrogels were investigated to study the characteristics of drug delivery and antimicrobial study. Doxorubicin hydrochloride, a chemotherapeutic agent successfully encapsulated with maximum encapsulation efficiency, i.e., 69.20 ± 1.2, was used in in vitro release studies in pH physiological and gastric environments at 37 °C. The drug release behavior was examined with kinetic models such as zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, Hixson Crowell and Korsmeyer–Peppas. These release data were best fitted with the Korsemeyer–Peppas transport mechanism, with n = 0.91. The effects of treatment on HCT116 human colon cancer cells were assessed via cell viability and cell cycle analysis. The antimicrobial activity of TMGA-Ag hydrogels was studied against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia. Finally, the results demonstrate that TMGA and TMGA-Ag are promising candidates for anti-cancer drug delivery and the inactivation of pathogenic bacteria, respectively.

Synthesis of Novel Tamarind Gum-co-Poly(Acrylamidoglycolic Acid) based pH Responsive semi-IPN Hydrogels and their Ag Nanocomposites for Controlled Release of Chemotherapeutics and Inactivation of Multi Drug Resistance Bacteria

Novel pH responsive semi-interpenetrating polymer hydrogels based on tamarind gum-co-poly(acrylamidoglycolic acid) (TMGA) polymers have been synthesized using simple free radical polymerization in the presence of bis[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate as a crosslinker and potassium persulfate as a initiator. In addition, these hydrogels have been used as templates for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (13.4&plusmn;3.6 nm in diameter, TMGA-Ag) by using leaf extract of Teminalia bellirica as reducing agent. Swelling kinetics and equilibrium swelling behavior of the TMGA hydrogels have been investigated in various pH environment the maxium % equilibrium swelling behavior observed i.e., 2882&plusmn;1.2. The synthesized hydrogels and silver nanocomposites have been characterized by the UV, FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM. TMGA and TMGA-Ag hydrogels have been investigated to study the characteristics of drug delivery and antimicrobial study. Doxorubicin hydrochloride, a chemotherapeutic agent successfully encapsulated with maximum encapulstaion efficiency i.e., 69.20&plusmn;1.2 and performed in vitro release studies in pH physiological and gastric environment at 37 ℃. The drug release behavior is examined with kinetic models such as zero order, first order, Higuchi, Hixson Crowell, Korsmeyer-Peppas. These release data was the best fitted with the Korsemeyer-Peppas transport mechanism with n=0.91. Treatment effect on HCT116 Cell, human colon cancer cells were assessed with cell viability and cell cycle analysis. Antimicrobial activity of TMGA-Ag hydrogels is studied against to Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia. Finally, the results demonstrate that TMGA and TMGA-Ag are promising candidates for anti-cancer drug delivery and inactivation of pathogenic bacteria, respectively.

Characterization and Topical Study of Aloe Vera Hydrogel on Wound-Healing Process

Wound healing is fundamental to restore the tissue integrity. A topical study of the influence of Aloe vera hydrogel, formulated with 1,2-propanediol (propanediol) and triethanolamine (TEA), on the skin wound-healing process was investigated in female Wistar rats. FTIR spectroscopy confirms the presence of carboxylic acid and methyl ester carboxylate groups related with important compounds that confer the hydrogel a good interaction with proteins and growth factors. SEM images show a microstructure and micro-roughness that promote a good adhesion to the wound. Therefore, the swelling kinetics and the contact angle response contribute to the understanding of the in vivo results of the animal test. The results indicated that the Aloe vera hydrogel, prepared with propanediol and TEA, together with its superficial characteristics, improve its rapid penetration without drying out the treated tissue. This produced a positive influence on inflammation, angiogenesis, and wound contraction, reducing 29% the total healing time, reaching the total closure of the wound in 15 days.

In vitro Digestion and Swelling Kinetics of Thymoquinone-Loaded Pickering Emulsions Incorporated in Alginate-Chitosan Hydrogel Beads

The present work aimed to investigate the swelling behavior, in vitro digestion, and release of a hydrophobic bioactive compound, thymoquinone (TQ), loaded in Pickering emulsion incorporated in alginate-chitosan hydrogel beads using a simulated gastrointestinal model. In this study, oil-in-water Pickering emulsions of uniform micron droplet sizes were formulated using 20% red palm olein and 0.5% (w/v) cellulose nanocrystals-soy protein isolate (CNC/SPI) complex followed by encapsulation within beads. FT-IR was used to characterize the bonding between the alginate, chitosan, and Pickering emulsion. 2% (w/v) alginate-1% (w/v) chitosan hydrogel beads were found to be spherical with higher stability against structural deformation. The alginate-chitosan beads displayed excellent stability in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) with a low water uptake of ~19%. The hydrogel beads demonstrated a high swelling degree (85%) with a superior water uptake capacity of ~593% during intestinal digestion in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). After exposure to SIF, the microstructure transformation was observed, causing erosion and degradation of alginate/chitosan wall materials. The release profile of TQ up to 83% was achieved in intestinal digestion, and the release behavior was dominated by diffusion via the bead swelling process. These results provided useful insight into the design of food-grade colloidal delivery systems using protein-polysaccharide complex-stabilized Pickering emulsions incorporated in alginate-chitosan hydrogel beads.

THE POTENTIAL OF URONIDE HYDROCOLLOIDS FOR THE FORMATION OF SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF HEALTH PRODUCTS FROM HYDROBIONTS

The article presents the theoretical basis and practical aspects of the using of binary compositions of uronid polysaccharides in the technology of culinary products from aquatic organisms in jelly fillings. The relevance of the composition of natural high molecular weight polysaccharides, such as sodium alginate and low-esterified pectin, to promote the improvement of sensory characteristics of culinary products from aquatic organisms in the menu of fish restaurants is shown. The objectives of the study were to obtain a jelly filling of viscous consistency, followed by the formation of a stable, elastic gel for using in the technology of aquatic products. Obtaining a jelly filling involves det-ermining the parameters of the preliminary preparation of hydrocolloids; study of the influence of technological par-ameters on the sensory characteristics of the gel. Creating a dry mixture of sodium alginate and low-esterified pectin with salt and sugar was necessary to ensure the dispersion of particles of dry hydrocolloid powders to prevent sticking when swelling in water at a temperature of 18-20 ° C for 15 minutes. Intense swelling of the mixture occurs in the first 10 minutes of hydration.The degree of swelling reaches 5.8%; further increase in time has almost no effect on the swe-lling process. The swelling kinetics of the hydrocolloid mixture was evaluated by determining the tangent of the angle of inclination tangent to the curve describing the degree of swelling. The rational mass fraction of calcium ions for the formation of a transparent gel of stable, homogeneous, elastic consistency, which is 0.3-0.4% of the 10% solution of calcium chloride, was experimentally established. It was studied that dispersions with a mass fraction of a mixture of alginate: low-esterified pectin substances - 1.8% have a viscous consistency with a dynamic viscosity of less than 0.94 Pa • s, which is important for the implementation of technological operations of transportation and packaging of jelly fillings. The conditions and speed of gelation, which provide the finished culinary products with high sensory cha-racteristics and elastic consistency due to the regulated melting temperature, which is provided by the composition of uronide hydrocolloids, have been studied. It was found that the strength of the gel more than 140 g forms a mixture of hydrocolloids with a mass fraction of from 1.6 to 1.8%.

Thermosensitive Bioadhesive Hydrogels Based on Poly(N-isopropylacrilamide) and Poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic anhydride) for the Controlled Release of Metronidazole in the Vaginal Environment

The development of thermosensitive bioadhesive hydrogels as multifunctional platforms for the controlled delivery of microbicides is a valuable contribution for the in situ treatment of vagina infections. In this work, novel semi-interpenetrating network (s-IPN) hydrogels were prepared by the entrapment of linear poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic anhydride) (PVME-MA) chains within crosslinked 3D structures of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm). The multifunctional platforms were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermal techniques, rheological analysis, swelling kinetic measurements, and bioadhesion tests on porcine skin. The hydrogels exhibited an interconnected porous structure with defined boundaries. An elastic, solid-like behavior was predominant in all formulations. The swelling kinetics were strongly dependent on temperature (25 °C and 37 °C) and pH (7.4 and 4.5) conditions. The s-IPN with the highest content of PVME-MA displayed a significantly higher detachment force (0.413 ± 0.014 N) than the rest of the systems. The metronidazole loading in the s-IPN improved its bioadhesiveness. In vitro experiments showed a sustained release of the antibiotic molecules from the s-IPN up to 48 h (94%) in a medium simulating vaginal fluid, at 37 °C. The thermosensitive and bioadhesive PNIPAAm/PVME-MA systems showed a promising performance for the controlled release of metronidazole in the vaginal environment.