A Novel Method for Preparation of Carrageenan/Fish Scale Collagen/Allopurinol Biocomposite Film

Biopolymers such as carrageenan or collagen can be used as carriers for loading a drug to enhance a drug’s bioavailability. In this work, allopurinol was loaded on a carrageenan/collagen blend and the carrageenan/collagen/allopurinol (CCA) biocomposite films were prepared using the ionic gelation method combined with the 3D printing method using carrageenan/collagen/allopurinol gel as a 3D printing ink material. The advantages of the 3D printing method are the ease in shaping the design of films and the ease in controlling the thickness of films. The results of infrared (IR) spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analyses showed that the CCA biocomposite films have a regular structure, and the functional groups of components in the biocomposites can interact with each other. After 30 minutes of immersion in distilled water and pH buffer solution, the biocomposite films swelled and disintegrated. The carrageenan/collagen blend can control the release of allopurinol in simulated body fluids. In addition, the drug release kinetic models reflecting the release process of allopurinol from CCA biocomposite films in simulated body fluids have also been calculated.

Trace Elements in Urban Particulate Matters: Variations in Serum Levels, Inhalation Bioaccessibility, Health and Disease Effects

Trace elements-bound to particulate matters are often become entrained in human respiratory airway, deposited in human nasal cavity and made available for absorption by human tracheobronchial. It has been assumed that variability and bioaccessibility of elements in the serum correlate with some health and diseases. This chapter is a summary of previous works on bioaccessibility of trace elements bound to inhale particulates using different kinds of simulated body fluids. Presented also are evidences of serum variation in some respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (with or without hypertension), emphysema, bronchiectasis and bronchial asthma, non-tuberculose mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Appropriate regulation of magnesium on hydroxyapatite crystallization in simulated body fluids

The regulation effect of Mg2+ on HAP crystallization is closely related to the adding time of Mg2+. The introduction of Mg2+ in the ACP unstable stage is unable to inhibit HAP crystallization.

Role of tribochemistry reactions of B4C on tribofilm growth at a PEEK–steel interface in simulated body fluids

Hydrolysis of B4C particles triggered by friction and deposition of Ca2+ and phosphate ions dominate formation of the barrier layer. The barrier layer endows the PEEK–metal sliding pair enhanced anti-wear and anti-corrosion performance.