Search Results (1,636)

Stabilization/solidification (S/S) is an effective method used to reduce the leaching of heavy metals from soils, which is a serious environmental problem when soil is contaminated with heavy metals. In this study, a new stabilizing agent consisting of acetate-ethylene copolymer emulsion (VAE)-hydrated calcium silicate-polycarboxylate (V-CSH-PCE), water-soluble thiourea-formaldehyde (WTF) resins, cement, and fly ash was prepared for the solidification of heavy metal-contaminated soil under low-temperature conditions. The results showed that the agents significantly enhanced the compressive properties of the soil. When 10% cement, 8% fly ash, 1.5% V-CSH-PCE, and 0.5% WTF were added, the compressive strength of the subsoil after 1 day of curing was 0.3755 MPa, which was nearly 12 times higher compared with a blank sample. Meanwhile, the leaching concentrations of Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Cr³⁺ in the substrate were 2.52, 1.12, 1.32, and 0.51 mg/L, respectively, which were lower than the leaching standard of “Hazardous Waste Identification Standard Leaching Toxicity Identification (GB 5085.3-2007)”. In addition, the compressive strength of the soil after 1 day of curing at a low temperature (4 °C) was 0.2915 MPa, which was 30.9% higher compared with the soil without the V-CSH-PCE. The results showed that the cement-fly ash-(V-CSH-PCE)-WTF mixture has good application prospects in improving the compressive strength of soil and stabilizing heavy metal ions. Full article

Capsules with microparticle shells became of great interest due to their potential in many fields. Those capsules can be fabricated at high temperatures from particle-stabilized emulsions (Pickering emulsions) by sintering together particles that cover droplets. One of the problems with such an approach is accurately controlling whether particles are already sintered and creating the rigid capsule shell of a capsule. Here, we propose using a non-destructive ultrasound method for monitoring Pickering emulsion-based capsules prepared using heating under an alternating magnetic field. The polyethylene microparticles that were responsive to temperatures higher than 112 °C were used as droplet stabilizers together with iron oxide nanoparticles. During the coalescence of the droplets, facilitated by an external electric field, the ultrasonic attenuation increased, giving evidence that the ultrasound method detects structural changes in Pickering emulsions. The main change was the difference in the droplets’ size, which was also observed via optical microscopy. The attenuation of ultrasound increased even more when measured after magnetic heating for the same concentration of particle stabilizers. Simultaneously, the values of ultrasonic velocity did not exhibit similar variety. The results show that the values of the attenuation coefficient can be used for a quantitative evaluation of the capsule formation process. Full article

Curcumin is a well-known and widely used substance of natural origin. It has also been found to be helpful in the treatment of liver diseases. Unfortunately, curcumin has very low bioavailability and a sensitivity to external agents. Improving these parameters is the subject of many studies. One way to overcome these problems may be to use Phosal^® Curcumin as a source of curcumin and encapsulate this dispersion into a nanoemulsion using different types and concentrations of surfactants and co-surfactants, thus manipulating the physicochemical parameters of the nanoemulsion. The present study aimed to develop curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions for intravenous administration and to investigate the effect of Kolliphor HS15 concentration on their critical quality attributes. Methods: Phosal^® Curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions with different concentrations of Kolliphor HS15 were prepared by high-pressure homogenization. The effect of Kolliphor HS15 on emulsion physicochemical properties such as mean droplet diameter (MDD), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), osmolality (OSM), and pH, as well as encapsulation efficiency (EE) and retention rate (RR) of curcumin, were determined. Mid-term stability studies and short-term stress tests were conducted to evaluate the impact of Kolliphor HS15 on the critical quality attributes of the curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions stored under various conditions. Results: Five nanoemulsions with increasing Kolliphor HS15 concentrations were developed. Their MDD ranged from 85.2 ± 2.0 to 154.5 ± 5.1 nm, with a PDI from 0.18 ± 0.04 to 0.10 ± 0.01 and ZP from −15.6 ± 0.7 to −27.6 ± 3.4 mV. Depending on the concentration of Kolliphor HS15, the EE ranged from 58.42 ± 1.27 to 44.98 ± 0.97%. Conclusions: The studied parameters of the developed nanoemulsions meet the requirements for formulations for intravenous administration. Using the appropriate concentration of Kolliphor HS15 allows for a formulation that presents a protective effect against both curcumin and emulsion degradation. Full article

Docetaxel (DTX) and betulinic acid (BA) co-encapsulated poly-lactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were developed for enhanced lung cancer activity in vitro. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) was used as an encapsulating polymer along with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a stabilizing base to formulate NPs with the double-emulsion solvent evaporation method to study the size and potential, along with the surface morphology and in vitro release, of NPs. Cell culture studies like in vitro cellular uptake, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest were performed in an in vitro cytotoxicity study to access the NP’s effect in the A549 human lung cancer cell line. The emulsification solvent evaporation technique produced smooth spherical nanoparticles of small sizes with a relatively narrow size distribution (147.2 ± 12.29 nm). On the A549 cell line, the formulation showed higher cytotoxicity (6.43 ± 0.11, 4.21 ± 0.32, and 1.17 ± 0.23 µmol for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively) compared to the free drug due to an increase in vitro cellular uptake. Apoptosis and cell cycle analysis also confirmed the effectiveness of the prepared NPs. In vitro studies have proven the tumor-targeting potential of DTX-BA-NPs in A549 cell lines and could be future medication for lung cancer treatment. Full article

Tofu quality is determined by a controlled coagulation process using a W/O/W emulsion coagulant. The impact of adding soy protein isolate (SPI) to the inner water phase on the stability of W/O/W high-internal-phase emulsions (HIPEs) and its application as a coagulant for tofu was assessed. No creaming occurred during 7-day storage with SPI concentrations up to 0.3%, while the emulsion droplets aggregated with 0.5% and 0.7% SPI. Emulsions containing 0.3% SPI maintained a constant mean droplet size after 21 days of storage and exhibited the lowest TURBISCAN stability index value. HIPE stability against freeze–thaw cycles improved after heating. HIPEs with SPI concentrations above 0.3% demonstrated an elastic gel-like behavior. The increased viscosity and aggregation of the protein around droplets indicated that the interaction among emulsion droplets could enhance stability. W/O/W HIPE coagulants significantly increased tofu yield, reduced hardness, and produced a more homogenous tofu gel compared to a MgCl₂ solution. The HIPE with 0.3% SPI was found to be optimal for use as a coagulant for tofu. Full article

Egg-free mayonnaise is receiving greater attention due to its potential health benefits. This study used whey protein isolate (WPI) as an emulsifier to develop high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) based on beeswax (BW) oleogels through a simple one-step method. The effects of WPI, NaCl and sucrose on the physicochemical properties of HIPEs were investigated. A novel simulated mayonnaise was then prepared and characterized. Microstructural observation revealed that WPI enveloped oil droplets at the interface, forming a typical O/W emulsion. Increase in WPI content led to significantly enhanced stability of HIPEs, and HIPEs with 5% WPI had the smallest particle size (11.9 ± 0.18 μm). With the increase in NaCl concentration, particle size was increased and ζ-potential was decreased. Higher sucrose content led to reduced particle size and ζ-potential, and slightly improved stability. Rheological tests indicated solid-like properties and shear-thinning behaviors in all HIPEs. The addition of WPI and sucrose improved the structures and viscosity of HIPEs. Simulated mayonnaises (WE-0.3%, WE-1% and YE) were then prepared based on the above HIPEs. Compared to commercial mayonnaises, the mayonnaises based on HIPEs exhibited higher viscoelastic modulus and similar tribological characteristics, indicating the potential application feasibility of oleogel-based HIPEs in mayonnaise. These findings provided insights into the development of novel and healthier mayonnaise alternatives. Full article

Starch nanocrystals (SNCs) to stabilize high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) always suffer low production efficiency from acid hydrolysis. Due to its small granule size, Quinoa starch (QS) was selected to produce SNCs as a function of acid hydrolysis time (0–4 days), and their structural changes and potential application as HIPEs’ stabilizers were further explored. With increasing the acid hydrolysis time from 1 day to 4 days, the yield of QS nanocrystals decreased from 30.4% to 10.8%, with the corresponding degree of hydrolysis increasing from 51.2% to 87.8%. The occurrence of QS nanocrystals was evidenced from the Tyndall effect and scanning electron microscopy with particle size distribution. The relative crystallinity of QS subjected to different hydrolysis times (0–4 days) increased from 22.27% to 26.18%. When the acid hydrolysis time of QS was 3 and 4 days, their HIPEs showed self-standing after inversion, known as high internal phase emulsion gels (HIPE gels), closely related to their densely packed interfacial architecture around oil droplets, seen on an optical microscope, and relatively high apparent viscosity. This study could provide a theoretical guidance for the efficient production and novel emulsification of SNCs from QS to HIPE gels. Full article

The aim of the study was to compare two kinds of soluble dietary fibres in a mixture with OSA-starch as wall components of linseed oil capsules. Comparison was made based on emulsion (droplet size, polydispersity index, and viscosity) and powder properties (outer structure, colour, surface oil content, and encapsulation efficiency). Additionally, linseed oil powders were applied to the food model (apple juice) and the colour, physical stability, and volatile compound profile of fortified juice were determined. Although the obtained linseed oil emulsions with different compositions of polysaccharide components showed some variation in droplet size, polydisperse index and viscosity, their encapsulation efficiency by spray-drying was very high (>98%). The powders produced had a similar structure and low surface oil content, and their 2% addition to apple juice did not change its stability and only slightly decreased its colour lightness and yellowness. However, greater differences in the volatile compounds of obtained juices were observed. Overall, the added powders reduced the volatility of aroma compounds typical of apple juice but introduced propanal and hexanal, especially the powders with the highest OSA-starch share. Full article

Lenvatinib resistance (LenR) presents a significant challenge in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, leading to high cancer-related mortality rates globally. Unlike traditional chemotherapy resistance mechanisms, LenR in HCC is primarily driven by increased cancer cell stemness. Disulfiram, (DSF), functioning as a Cu ionophore, can coordinate with Cu²⁺ to overcome LenR in HCC by inhibiting cancer cell stemness and cuproptosis. However, DSF faces challenges due to its poor water solubility, while copper ions present issues related to systemic toxicity during widespread use. To address this, DSF and CuO nanoparticles (NPs) were co-encapsulated to form an oil-in-water Pickering emulsion (DSF@CuO), effectively elevating DSF and copper ion concentrations within the tumor microenvironment (TME). DSF@CuO was then combined with sodium alginate (SA) to form a DSF@CuO-SA solution, which gelatinizes in situ with Ca²⁺ in the TME to form a DSF@CuO Gel, enhancing Pickering emulsion stability and sustaining DSF and copper ion release. A DSF@CuO Gel exhibits enhanced stability and therapeutic efficacy compared to conventional administration methods. It effectively induces mitochondrial dysfunction and cuproptosis in LenR HCC cells by downregulating DLAT, LIAS, and CDKN2A, while upregulating FDX1. Furthermore, it suppresses cancer stemness pathways through activation of the JNK/p38 MAPK pathway and inhibition of the NF-κB and NOTCH signaling pathways. These findings suggest that DSF@CuO Gels are a promising therapeutic strategy for treating LenR HCC. In vivo and in vitro LenR HCC models demonstrated significant therapeutic efficacy. In conclusion, this novel approach underscores DSF@CuO Gel’s potential to overcome LenR in HCC, offering a novel approach to address this clinical challenge. Full article

This study aimed to optimize the preparation of multiple oil–water–oil (O/W/O) emulsions using varying amounts of Tween 20 emulsifier, different homogenization methods, and optimal preparation temperatures as carriers for encapsulated curcumin. Following the optimization process, the optimal preparation temperature was found to be 25 °C, with a homogenization speed of 10,000 RPM and an emulsifier concentration of 0.5% Tween 20. Subsequently, the effects of physicochemical and viscoelastic properties on the different types of oils used in the outer phase, as well as the impact of storage time, were monitored. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive analysis of the stability and encapsulation efficiency of multiple emulsions using various oils, an area that has not been extensively explored before. After identifying the optimal preparation procedure, all samples with different edible oils demonstrated excellent stability and encapsulation efficiency, showing minimal variation in results. The most stable multiple emulsion was found to be the one with coconut oil in the outer phase, exhibiting half the particle size compared to other samples and the lowest encapsulation efficiency losses over 50 days of storage. This study provides new insights into the formulation of stable multiple emulsions for the effective delivery of curcumin and similar bioactive compounds. Full article

Volatile oil stabilization strategies based on encapsulation with a large number of excipients limit further applications. The primary objective of this study is to improve the stability of volatile oils using Pickering emulsion (PE) stabilized by Chinese medicinal powder based on the principle of “integrating drug and excipient”. Modified amber was acquired through surface modification, and a stable oil-in-water PE loaded with Acorus tatarinowii volatile oil (ATVO) was constructed from modified amber. The stability, including the peroxide value (PV), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and the content and composition of volatile components in modified amber-PE (MAPE) under intense light exposure, was analyzed deeply. In addition, the in vitro release and pharmacokinetics of MAPE and ATVO were investigated. The results demonstrate that the PV and MDA content in MAPE were significantly lower than in free ATVO, and the content and composition of volatile components in MAPE were closer to those in untreated ATVO. The release kinetics of β-asarone and α-asarone in MAPE demonstrated rapid and higher release, and pharmacokinetic studies show that MAPE has better bioavailability. This research provides a distinctive Chinese medicine solution to address the vaporization of volatile oil in solid formulations. Full article

This study introduces the synthesis and detailed characterization of a novel thermochromic material capable of reversible alterations in its thermotropic transmittance. Through an emulsion polymerization process, this newly developed material is composed of 75–85% octadecyl acrylate and 0–7% allyl methacrylate, demonstrating a pronounced discoloration effect across a narrow yet critical temperature range of 24.5–39 °C. The synthesized powder underwent a battery of tests, including differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, as well as scanning electron microscopy. These comprehensive evaluations confirmed the material’s exceptional thermal stability, uniform particle size distribution, and strong anchoring properties. Building upon these findings, we advanced the development of thermochromic polyvinyl butyral films and laminated glass products. By utilizing a coextrusion technique, we integrated these films into laminated glass, setting a new benchmark against existing glass technologies. Remarkably, the incorporation of thermochromic PVB films into laminated glass led to a significant reduction in solar irradiance of 20–30%, outperforming traditional double silver low-emissivity glass. This achievement demonstrates the exceptional shading and thermal insulation properties of the material. The research presented herein not only pioneers a valuable methodology for the engineering of smart materials with tunable thermotropic transmittance but also holds the key to unlocking enhanced energy efficiency across a spectrum of applications. The potential impact of this innovation on the realm of sustainable building materials is profound, promising significant strides toward energy conservation and environmental stewardship. Full article

The present study was focused on the preparation, characterization and application onto cotton fabrics of different topical oil-in-water emulsions based on chitosan, eugenol and copaiba essential oil for potential topical applications. Different amounts of copaiba essential oil (oil phases) and eugenol were used, while the water phase consisted of hamamelis water. The designed formulations were evaluated via optical microscopy and rheological parameters assessment. The textile materials treated with the developed emulsions were analyzed in terms of antibacterial efficiency and in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility. The rheological measurements have shown that the emulsions’ stability was dependent on their viscosity and structure of the colloidal systems. The emulsions remained stable at temperatures equal to or below 35 °C, but an increase in temperature led to droplet flocculation and creaming. The emulsion-treated textiles exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and in vivo biocompatibility on the skin of guinea pigs without sensitization effects. Our study revealed that eugenol and copaiba essential oil-based emulsions loaded on cotton textile materials could be promising candidates for developing skin-friendly textiles designed for different topical applications. Full article

In order to explore the formation mechanism of the emulsion gel induced by high pressure processing (HPP) and its encapsulation and protection of functional ingredients, a curcumin-loaded whey protein isolate (WPI)/κ-carrageenan (κ-CG) composite emulsion gel induced by HPP was prepared. The effect of pressure (400, 500 and 600 MPa), holding time (10, 20 and 30 min) and concentration of κ-CG (0.8%, 1.0% and 1.2%, w/v) on the swelling rate, gel strength, the stability of curcumin in the emulsion gel, water distribution and its mobility, as well as the contents of interface protein were characterized. The results showed that the addition of κ-CG significantly reduced the protein concentration required for the formation of emulsion gel induced by HPP and greatly reduced the swelling rate of the emulsion gel. The gel strength and storage stability of the composite emulsion gels increased with the increase in pressure (400–600 MPa) and holding time (10–30 min). When the pressure increased to 500 MPa, the stability of curcumin in the emulsion gel significantly improved. When the ratio of WPI to κ-CG was 12:1 (the κ-CG concentration was 1.0%), both the photochemical and thermal stability of curcumin were higher than those of the other two ratios. The HPP significantly increased the mobility of monolayer water in the system, while the mobility of multilayer water and immobilized water was significantly reduced. Increasing the holding time and the concentration of κ-CG both can result in an increase in the interfacial protein content in the oil/water system, and the HPP treatment had a significant effect on the composition of the interfacial protein of the emulsion gel. Full article

In this study, a zein-stabilized lemon essential oil Pickering emulsion (ZLPE) was incorporated into a carboxymethyl cellulose/gelatin (CMC/GL) composite film to develop a bio-based packaging material with bioactive properties. The average droplet size of the ZLPE was measured at 3.62 ± 0.08 μm, with a zeta potential of −31.33 ± 0.32 mV, highlighting its excellent stability. The image results of confocal laser microscopy and scanning electron microscopy validated the uniform distribution of ZLPE in the film. The incorporation of ZLPE reduced the water solubility of films by 45.90% and decreased its water vapor permeability by 22.61%, thereby enhancing its hydrophobicity. Additionally, the ZLPE-loaded film improved mechanical properties, enhanced UV-blocking capabilities, and increased thermal stability. The introduction of ZLPE led to the antioxidant activity of the CMC/GL film increasing by six times the original level and endowed it with outstanding antibacterial properties. As a result, cherries packaged with the ZLPE film demonstrated superior preservation performance and extended shelf life in the preservation experiment, exhibiting the film’s potential as a food packaging material. Full article