Exploration of Nanosilver Calcium Alginate-Based Multifunctional Polymer Wafers for Wound Healing.

Wound care is an integral part of effective recovery. However, its associated financial burden on national health services globally is significant enough to warrant further research and development in this field. In this study, multifunctional polymer wafers were prepared, which provide antibacterial activity, high cell viability, high swelling capacity and a thermally stable medium which can be used to facilitate the delivery of therapeutic agents.

Exploration of Dual Ionic Cross-Linked Alginate Hydrogels Via Cations of Varying Valences towards Wound Healing.

This study explored the synergistic effects of simultaneously using calcium and gallium cations in the cross-linking of alginate, detailing its effects on the characteristics of alginate compared to its single cation counterparts. The primary goal is to determine if there are any synergistic effects associated with the utilisation of multiple multivalent cations in polymer cross-linking and whether or not it could therefore be used in pharmaceutical applications such as wound healing. Given the fact divalent and trivalent cations have never been utilised together for cross-linking, an explanation for the mode of binding that occurs between the alginate and the cations during the cross-linking process and how it may affect the future applications of the polymer has been investigated.

The Effect of Substrate on Water Quality in Ornamental Fish Tanks.

Almost all home aquaria contain substrate, either as intentional enrichment or for aesthetic purposes. For fishes, benefits of structural enrichment have been well considered, particularly in research and aquaculture settings. However, our understanding of the impacts of tank substrate as enrichment is limited.

Recycling Plastics from WEEE: A Review of the Environmental and Human Health Challenges Associated with Brominated Flame Retardants.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) presents the dual characteristic of containing both hazardous substances and valuable recoverable materials. Mainly found in WEEE plastics, brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are a component of particular interest. Several actions have been taken worldwide to regulate their use and disposal, however, in countries where no regulation is in place, the recovery of highly valuable materials has promoted the development of informal treatment facilities, with serious consequences for the environment and the health of the workers and communities involved.

The waste ban in China: what happened next? Assessing the impact of new policies on the waste management sector in China.

The 2017 ban on the waste import and new policies for the waste management sector in mainland China had wide-spread impact. After decades of poor environmental and public health impacts from the sector, a study is needed which focuses on policies updates and waste management. This provides a direction for the survival of local waste management industries and consider similarities with the ban promulgated in China on the restriction of waste import from other countries.