Adsorption of Chromium on Composite Microspheres of Chitosan and Nano Iron Oxide

The batch removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution using binary composite microspheres of chitosan and nanoparticles of iron oxide under different conditions has been investigated in this study. The influences of initial chromium concentration, contact time, pH, temperature, and solid-liquid ratio have been reported. The adsorption data was fitted well in the Langmuir and Freundlich models and various static parameters were calculated. The mechanism of adsorption was studied by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).     

A Novel Approach for Testing the Hixon‐Crowel Model For In Vitro Release of Vitamin B2 From Chitosan Coated Calcium Alginate Beads

The dynamic release of a model drug (vitamin B₂) from chitosan coated calcium alginate beads has been studied in the media of varying pH and the Hixon‐Crowel model has been applied to the experimental data, using a novel ‘curve area measurement’ (CAM) approach. The two release profiles, namely experimental and ideal, were found to be in close agreement except for the initial phase of the release process.     

Coordination Polymers of Tolylthioureas

The coordination complexes of o- and p-tolylthioureas with Co(II) and Ni(II) have been synthesized and characterized with the help of elemental analysis, infrared and reflectance spectra, and magnetic and thermogravimetric measurements. The complexes are found to be polymeric in nature with an octahedral geometry. A metal-to-ligand ratio of 1:1 was found in all the complexes except for cobalt(II) bromide where it was 1:2. Coordination of two water molecules per metal atom has been found in all the polymers. Relative thermal stability is also discussed.     

Preparation of a Cu(II)‐Immobilized Co‐polymer(CIC) for Effective Removal of Urea

The study describes the preparation of Cu(II)‐immobilized copolymer(CIC) under optimum conditions for the effective removal of urea. The copolymeric hydrogels, synthesized by free‐radical aqueous copolymerization of monomers acrylamide and sodium acrylate, have been analyzed for their Cu(II) uptake behavior. The sorption of Cu(II) into polymer follows a Langmuir–type pattern and amount sorbed depends upon the composition of copolymeric gels, presence of other co‐ions in the solution, pH of the solution, initial concentration of sorbate, degree of crosslinking of the copolymeric hydrogel, temperature of the solution etc. In the preliminary study, the Cu(II) immobilized co‐polymer(CIC) sorbent demonstrated a fair tendency to remove urea from aqueous solutions.     

Photopolymerized Cellulose Acetate/Poly(Acrylic Acid) Semi-IPN Films for Wound Dressing Applications

In this work, semi-IPN films, composed of cellulose acetate(CA) and crosslinked poly(acrylic acid), have been synthesized via benzophenone (BP) induced free radical photo-polymerization of acrylic acid (AAc) in the presence of dissolved cellulose acetate (CA) using N,N’ methylene bisacrylamise (MB) as the crosslinking agent. The mechanical properties were tested for the films having different compositions of MB, CA and AAc in the feed mixtures. The tensile strength (TS) and percent elongation (PE) were found to increase with a concentration of CA in the films, but showed decreasing trends with concentrations of CA in the films. However, with AAc content in the films, the TS increased and PE showed just the opposite trend. The film samples were also studied for water vapor and oxygen permeation studies. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) decreased with MB and CA contents, but showed an increasing trend with AAc contents in the films. Finally, a representative sample showed fair antibacterial and antifungal action against E. coli and Aspergillus flavus when studied using the ‘Zone of inhibition method’.     

Critical Review on Metal-Based Cosmetic Products

Most people utilize cosmetics to enhance or improve their physical appearance, regardless of their gender, race, or age. Heavy metals (HMs) are impurities or ingredients in many cosmetic products. According to recent studies, these metals can result in a variety of skin and health issues. Numerous studies demonstrate that the mismanaged formulation of such products without sufficient standardization of toxic metals throughout the production process is the primary reason for the high level of HM contamination in the samples. In order to prevent human exposure to such dangerous HMs, it is vital to monitor and manage the fate of HMs in cosmetic items, especially unbranded ones. Due to the wasteful interest of producers in making extra profit, the standards are not being imposed. Moreover, consumers are also ready to compromise with the product due to their unawareness of its hazardous impact on their skin and bodies. Short-term results on their looks may cause fatal effects on their health. Another significant issue that requires attention is the lack of safety regulations in the country for evaluating HMs in cosmetic products. Additionally, there is an urgent need to establish acceptable limits for potential impurities in cosmetic products that must be enforced at local levels. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the content of HMs in cosmetics and their effects on several organs and the site of application.