Preparation and characterization of PAA/ GG-zeolite nano-composite hydrogel for agricultural applications

The worldwide water crisis has become adverse in recent times, affecting water usage in various fields, including industries, agriculture, and domestic. This research aims to produce a nano-composite hydrogel based on natural materials using zeolite and guar gum (Zeolite-GG). For the development of PAA/GG-Zeolite nano-composite hydrogel (PGZ nano-composite hydrogel), acrylic acid (AA) act as monomer, polyethylene glycol (PEG-600) act as a crosslinker and potassium persulfate (KPS) used as the initiator. The developed nano-composite material has been characterised using numerous tests such as, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX). The size range from 30.76 to 62.01 nm is found in SEM analysis. The Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis confirms that the material consists of a spherical shape with a size range of 56.40 nm–82.70 nm.Moreover, the EDX test confirms the existence of Potassium (60.20%), Carbon (20.03%), and Oxygen (19.76%) in the synthesized material. Furthermore, the presence of material functional groups and thermal stability was verified using FTIR and TGA, respectively. The swelling index of developed hydrogel is found to be 92.50 mL per gram. The synthesized PGZ Nano-composite hydrogel has enough potential to act as a nutrient carrier and soil conditioning agent in agriculture, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions, due to its higher Potassium (K) content and high water absorption capacity.     

Acylhydrazone-modified guar gum material for the highly effective removal of oily sewage

Oily sewage poses a serious environmental risk normally; thus, herein, the modified guar gum (GG-SH) was prepared through rapid condensation reaction between polysaccharide and stearic hydrazide. GG-SH exhibited high removal efficiency of crude oil, the maximum adsorption capacity was calculated to be 2157.3 mg?g-1. The kinetics and isotherm statistical theories showed that the sorption of crude oil onto GG-SH was governed by pseudo-second-order, and Langmuir models, respectively. The removal rate was still high after six cycles of regeneration, indicating an outstanding technique to prepare polysaccharide-based material for the oily sewage treatment with high efficiency and recyclability.     

Development,characterization, swelling,and network parameters of amino acid grafted guar gum based pH responsive polymeric hydrogels

This study includes the synthesis of graft copolymer (GG-g-PAPA) from N-Acryloyl-L-phenylalanine (APA) and guar gum through free radical polymerization. Then, the novel pH sensitive GG-g-PAPA-cl-(PHEA-co-PAMPS) [GGAH] polymeric hydrogels were synthesized by employing free radical cross-linking polymerization using graft copolymer, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS), and 2-hydroxy ethyl acrylate (HEA). The GGAH hydrogels were characterized using FTIR and SEM. Swelling studies of GGAH hydrogels were performed in distilled water, pH 1.2, and pH 7.4 solutions. The network and swelling kinetic parameters of GGAH hydrogels are also calculated.     

Synthesis of a New Hydrogel,Based on Guar Gum,for Controlled Drug Release

Summary: Guar gum (GG) polymer was crosslinked in order to obtain a new hydrogel. The GG hydrogel has been characterized by means of FT-IR spectroscopy, the determination of the water content, at different pH values, rheological measurements and in vitro release studies. The GG hydrogel shows a maximum water uptake at acid and basic pH values. The mechanical properties are investigated in order to verify the thixotropic behaviour of the material. In vitro release studies are conducted to evaluate the application of the GG hydrogel as a matrix for controlled drug release.     

Effect of pre‐treatment of sugarcane bagasse on the cellulose solution and application for the cellulose hydrogel films

Sugarcane bagasse was used as a cellulose resource, and the transparent cellulose hydrogel films were obtained from the purified cellulose by phase inversion process without chemical cross‐linking, when the dissolved cellulose in lithium chloride/N,N‐dimethyl acetamide was transformed into the solid film. On these processes, bagasse was pre‐treated by 10 wt% sodium hydroxide in the absence and presence of bleaching of 10 vol% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution in order to obtain cellulose fibers. Here, the bleaching temperature was varied from 40 to 50°C. The effect of pre‐treatment conditions on the resultant cellulose solution and hydrogel films was investigated. It was seen that strong bleaching removed most of lignin component from the bagasse. However, viscosity and size exclusion chromatogram of the cellulose indicated that this operation decreased average molecular weight of the cellulose fibers from 2.1 × 10⁶ to 4.8 × 10⁵. These property changes of fibers also caused increase of water content and weakening of mechanical strength of the resultant hydrogels. In addition, scanning probe microscopy in wet state revealed that the porous fiber network structure in the hydrogel was greatly influenced by bleaching with NaOCl. The average pore size of fiber network was decreased from 8.1 to 5.9 nm as the NaOCl treatment was at 50°C, because of expanded fibers in the swollen hydrogel. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of millimeter‐sized hydrogel beads by inverse Pickering polymerization using starch‐based nanoparticles as emulsifier

The preparation of millimeter‐sized poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) hydrogel beads via inverse Pickering emulsion polymerization using starch‐based nanoparticles (SNPs) as stabilizers is reported. Amphiphilic starch is fabricated by the introduction of butyl glycidyl ether groups and palmitate groups, and the hydrophobically modified SNPs are fabricated by a nanoprecipitation process. The obtained SNPs could adsorb at oil‐water interfaces to stabilize an inverse Pickering emulsion, and the effects of oil/water volume fraction ratio and SNP concentration on emulsions are comprehensively studied. Poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) hydrogel beads with a size of approximately 1 mm are obtained by inverse Pickering emulsion polymerization stabilized by SNPs. The morphology and structure of hydrogel beads are extensively investigated, which confirms that SNPs locate on the surface of hydrogel beads and act as emulsifiers and network structures present inside the beads. Polymerization is also detected to investigate the potential formation mechanism of hydrogel beads. The pH‐responsive property of hydrogel beads and its potential application for drug delivery are also explored.     

Surface modification by deposition of IPA plasma and gellan gum/chitosan hybrid hydrogel onto thermoplastic polyurethane for controlled release of N‐acetylcysteine

A thin film system composed of gellan gum and chitosan was fabricated through a combination of polyelectrolyte blend and hybrid hydrogel gelation for controlled release of drug. In this study, precursor isopropyl alcohol (IPA) was used to plasma deposit on the surface of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to form a hydrophilic film. The features of the thin film were evaluated using water contact angle (WCA) measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR), UV/Vis spectroscopy, and studies of controlled release of drugs. The hybrid hydrogel, pH‐sensitive, was tested at pH values of 1.2 and 7.4 of buffer solution and at a temperature of 37°C to observe its swelling ratio and drug delivery properties with N‐acetylcysteine as a drug material for controlled release. Furthermore, at pH 7.4, the hybrid hydrogel has an outstanding release ratio of up to about 90% absorption amounts of N‐acetylcysteine after 8 hr. The mechanism of drug release from thin film devices (n = 0.684) is anomalous (non‐Fickian) transport, the value of n lies between 0.43 and 0.85.     

Application of solid phase microextraction for the determination of soil fumigants in water and soil samples

The potential of solid phase microextraction (SPME) for the determination of the soil fumigants 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-DCP) and methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) in environmental samples such as soil and water samples has been investigated. Direct immersion SPME followed by GC/ECD/NPD analysis allowed the rapid determination of the two fumigants in water samples, with very little sample manipulation, giving an LOD of 0.5 microg L(-1). Precision, calculated as relative standard deviation (RSD) for six replicates at three concentration levels, was found to be lower than 20% at the concentration levels tested. For the analysis of soil samples, headspace (HS)-SPME combined with GC/ECD/NPD analysis has been applied. Quantification using matrix-matched calibration curves allowed determination of both analytes (MITC and 1-3-DCP) with a LOD of 0.1 microg kg(-1) (RSD < 10%) for the two concentration levels assayed (0.02 and 0.2 mg kg(-1)). The HS-SPME procedure developed in this paper was applied to soil samples from experimental green house plots treated with metham-Na, a soil disinfestation agent that decomposes in soil to MITC. The absence of sample manipulation as well as the low solvent consumption in SPME methodology are among the main advantages of this analytical approach.     

A diffuse‐interface modeling for liquid solution–solid gel phase transition of physical hydrogel with nonlinear deformation

A diffuse‐interface model is presented in this paper for simulation of the evolution of phase transition between the liquid solution and solid gel states for physical hydrogel with nonlinear deformation. The present domain covers the gel and solution states as well as a diffuse interface between them. They are indicated by the crosslink density in such a way that the solution phase is identified as the state when the crosslink density is small, while the gel as the state if the crosslink density becomes large. In this work, a novel order parameter is thus defined as the crosslink density, which is homogeneous in each distinct phase and smoothly varies over the interface from one phase to another. In this model, the constitutive equations, imposed on the two distinct phases and the interface, are formulated by the second law of thermodynamics, which are in the same form as those derived by a different approach. The present constitutive equations include a novel Ginzburg–Landau type of free energy with a double‐well profile, which accounts for the effect of crosslink density. The present governing equations include the equilibrium of forces, the conservations of mass and energy, and an additional kinetic equation imposed for phase transition, in which nonlinear deformation is considered. The equilibrium state is investigated numerically, where two stable phases are observed in the free energy profile. As case studies, a spherically symmetrical solution‐gel phase transition is simulated numerically for analysis of the phase transition of physical hydrogel.     

Methods for the extraction of microplastics in complex solid,water and biota samples

The widespread distribution of plastics, their persistence and ability to act as a vector of toxic chemicals has rendered them concerning emergent pollutants. The quantification of these contaminants is highly relevant for the evaluation of anthropogenic impacts on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and dependent of the efficacy of methods to separate microplastics from environmental matrices. Little information is available about the microplastic extraction methods on complex samples – i.e. samples with multiple types of matrices. Herein, methods for the separation of microplastics from complex samples are summarized and discussed based on their advantages and drawbacks focused on a comparative analysis of their efficiency on organic matter removal, polymer recovery and preservation of plastic integrity. The efficiency on microplastic recovery and organic matter reduction, as well as the examination of the effects of treatments on plastics are closely linked to the density and digestion approaches selected, the polymer features and the environmental matrix analyzed. High-density salt solutions are more effective for density separation, while oxidative methods have recurrently shown better rates of organic matter reduction (particularly in vegetal-rich samples) and plastic recovery, with little impact on plastics, while 10 % KOH has been described as highly efficient in samples containing animal organic matter. This comparative analysis highlights the benefits and limitations of different approaches for the analysis of microplastics in complex samples which may be helpful for the optimization and harmonization of the methods.     

Synthesis,characterization and evaluation of semi‐IPN hydrogels consisted of poly(methacrylic acid) and guar gum for colon‐specific drug delivery

The semi‐IPN hydrogels consisting of poly(methacrylic acid) and guar gum (GG) are prepared at room temperature using water as solvent. 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) is entrapped in the hydrogel in the synthesis of hydrogel and all entrapment efficiencies are found above 85%. The hydrogel shows excellent pH‐sensitivity. It exhibited minimum swelling in an acidic pH medium through the formation of a complex hydrogen‐bonded structure and maximal swelling due to the electrostatic repulsion due to the ionization of the carboxylic groups in pH 7.4 medium. The degradation in vitro shows that the degree of degradation (R%) depended on the concentration of cross‐linking agent and content of GG. The hydrogel shows a minimum release of 5‐ASA due to the complex hydrogen bonded structure of the hydrogels in the medium of pH 2.2. The enzymatic degradation of hydrogels by cecal bacteria can accelerate the release of 5‐ASA entrapped in the hydrogel in pH 7.4 medium. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tragacanth gum‐based pH‐responsive magnetic hydrogels for “smart” chemo/hyperthermia therapy of solid tumors

The drug delivery performances of pH‐responsive magnetic hydrogels (MHs) composed of tragacanth gum (TG), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated in terms of physicochemical as well as biological features. The fabricated drug delivery systems (DDSs) were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The synthesized MHs were loaded with doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox) as a universal model anti‐cancer drug. The MHs showed excellent Dox loading and encapsulation efficiencies, mainly due to strong hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction between the drug and polymeric matrix, as well as porous micro‐structures of the fabricated MHs. The drug‐loaded MHs showed negligible drug release values in physiological condition. In contrast, in cancerous condition (pH 5.0), both MHs exhibited highest drug release values that qualified them as “smart” DDSs. The cytocompatibilities of the MHs as well as the cytotoxicity of the Dox‐loaded MHs were investigated against human epidermoid‐like carcinoma (Hela) cells through MTT assay. In addition, hyperthermia therapy induced by Fe₃O₄ NPs was applied to locally raise temperature inside the Hela cells at 45 ± 3°C to promote cell death. As a result, the Dox‐loaded MHs can be considered as potential DDSs for chemo/hyperthermia therapy of solid tumors.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Phenylene-vinylene Based Chromophores for Singlet Oxygen Generation

A series of symmetrical and unsymmetrical phenylene-vinylene （PV） based chro- mophores with the molecular configuration of donor-π-donor （D-g-D） were prepared and characterized. Iodine was first introduced into the Jr-conjugation backbone of the PV based chromophores in order to study the heavy atom effect on their linear absorption, two-photon absorption （TPA） properties, as well as singlet oxygen generation properties. TPA cross-sections of these chromophores were investigated by using the two-photon excited fluorescence method. The unsymmetrical chromophores were found to have larger TPA cross-section values compared to their symmetrical counterparts. For one of the unsymmetrical chromophores with the iodine incorporation, a large TPA cross section value with quenched emission was found. The decreased fluorescence quantum yield of a molecule can be ascribed to the increased intersystem crossing, which is favorable for enhancing the singlet oxygen generation. Therefore, the unsymmetrical PV based chromophores with heavy atom incorporation are promising singlet oxygen sensitizers for the photodynamic therapy application.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(ethylene glycol)‐based thermo‐responsive polyurethane hydrogels for controlled drug release

The thermo‐responsiveness, swelling and mechanical properties of a series of novel poly(ester‐ether urethane) hydrogels have been investigated. These thermo‐sensitive hydrogels were obtained by combining hydrophobic biodegradable poly(ε‐caprolactone) diols and hydrophilic two‐, three‐ and four‐arm hydroxyl terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) of various molecular weights, using hexamethylene diisocyanate, dichloroethane as solvent and a tin‐based catalyst. The use of multifunctional PEGs leads to the formation of covalent crosslinking points allowing an additional control of the swelling capability. Thus, it was found that tuning the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance and the crosslinking degree by changing the composition, the swelling and the thermo‐responsive behavior of these hydrogels could be modulated. The obtained hydrogels showed a volume transition at around room temperature. Therefore, and taking into account their biocompatibility, these hydrogels show promising properties for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery. Thus, the loading and release of diltiazem hydrochloride, an antihypertensive drug used as model, were investigated. These new PEG polyurethane hydrogels were able to incorporate a high amount of drug providing a sustained release after an initial burst effect. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of Fluorinated Urchin-like Serried Hydroxyapatite with Improved Water Sorption-Solubility and Bioactivity for Dental Composites

Fluorine is present in the hydroxyapatite mineral in natural tooth enamel, which plays a key role in the prevention of dental caries. The aim of this study is to synthetize the fluorinated urchin-like serried hydroxyapatite(FnUHA) particles with different degrees of fluorine substitution and explore the effect of the fluorine element on the water absorption-solubility, mechanical strength, and biological activity of dental composites. The obtained FnUHA particles were further modified with 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane(γ-MPS) to get the silanized FnUHA(SFnUHA) particles, which were then used as the reinforcement for dental composites. The morphology, compositional elements, and structure of the FnUHA were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), X-ray diffractometer(XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), respectively. The mechanical properties of the SFnUHA reinforced composites with different filler loadings were measured with a universal testing machine. The results demonstrated that the 50%(mass fraction) SF5UHA filled composite exhibited the acceptable flexural strength and compressive strength, giving the respective improvements of 56.3% and 30.8% compared with those of the 50% SUHA filled composite. In addition, this composite also presented lower water absorption-solubility, better in vitro bioactivity, and excellent cell viability. Therefore, fluorinated hydroxyapatite is a promising filler to improve the mechanical properties and functionality of dental composites.