Preparation and Characterization of Zein-Metformin/Gelatin Nanofibers by Coaxial Electrospinning.

Metformin is a drug commonly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, it has been associated with damaging side effects when used over a long period of time. A potential solution to this problem is the implementation of a prolonged-release system for metformin, which would enhance the efficiency of the doses administered to patients.

Aloe vera mucilage loaded gelatin electrospun fibers contained in polylactic acid coaxial system and polylactic acid and poly(e-caprolactone) tri-layer membranes for tissue engineering.

Background: Polymeric electrospun mats have been used as scaffolds in tissue engineering for the development of novel materials due to its characteristics. The usage of synthetic materials has gone in decline due to environmental problems associated with their synthesis and waste disposal. Biomaterials such as biopolymers have been used recently due to good compatibility on biological applications and sustainability.

Evaluation of Strain Sensors Based on Poly(acrylonitrile--butadiene) and Polypyrrole Synthesized by the Diffusion Method.

In this study, the functionality of an elastomer composite material containing polypyrrole (PPy) as a stress sensor was evaluated. The material was prepared using the swelling method by diffusing the pyrrole monomer into the elastomer before polymerization. To achieve adequate diffusion, organic solvents with affinity for the elastomer were used.

Nanocomposite Hydrogels Based on Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Carbon Nanotubes for NIR-Light Triggered Drug Delivery.

Photothermal nanocomposite hydrogels are promising materials for remotely triggering drug delivery by near-infrared (NIR) radiation stimuli. In this work, a novel hydrogel based on poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl methyl ether--maleic acid), poly(vinyl methyl ether), and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-f) was prepared by the freeze/thaw method. A comparative characterization of materials (with and without MWCNT-f) was carried out by infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, mechanical assays, swelling kinetics measurements, and photothermal analysis under NIR irradiation.

Effect of Degradation on the Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Extruded Films of Poly(lactic acid) and Chitosan.

This study addresses the fabrication of extruded films using poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and chitosan, with and without maleic anhydride as a compatibilizing agent, for potential applications in disposable food packaging. These films underwent controlled conditions of UV irradiation, water condensation, and temperature variations in an accelerated weathering chamber. The investigation analyzed the effect of different exposure periods on the structural, morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties of the films.