This comprehensive review presents a thorough examination of recent advances in nanoemulsion (NE) green technology, focusing on biomass-assisted synthesis, characterization, and the diverse biomedical implications of these nanoscale emulsions. NEs, characterized by their minute droplet sizes and kinetic stability, have garnered considerable attention due to their potential applications across various biomedical fields. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of state-of-the-art synthesis methods, including mini-emulsion polymerization, NE–solvent evaporation, spontaneous emulsification, sol–gel techniques, and innovative strategies for producing complex multicomponent materials. Emphasis is placed on the evolution of synthetic approaches, offering insights into the current landscape of NE production. In exploring the biomedical applications, the study categorizes nanocarriers formed within NEs, distinguishing between polymeric, inorganic, and hybrid nanocarriers based on their chemical composition. Noteworthy advancements in synthetic strategies are outlined for each category, showcasing the dynamic nature of NEs technology. A key highlight is the discussion of emerging trends in biomedical applications, spanning medicine, food, agriculture, cosmetics, and environmental science. Specific attention is given to the role of NEs in nanofiltration, elucidating their effectiveness in removing diverse pharmaceuticals through polyamide nano-filters. Moreover, the manuscript delves into the pivotal role of NEs in bioremediation, addressing hazardous substances such as PFASs through adsorption, photo-degradation/defluorination, and other innovative mechanisms. This review aims to provide a contemporary overview of green NE technologies, offering valuable insights for researchers, scientists, and practitioners in nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical sciences.
Reflux after primary one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) remains controversial. Despite this, no review has holistically examined and narrated the post-OAGB reflux construct, problematizing its interlacing parameters to contribute better understandings of the possible sources/reasons behind the controversies. Using three electronic databases, a scoping review of the literature explored seven interlaced questions addressing the post-OAGB reflux construct. A total of 113 items were included. Our main findings include: (1) Terminology – multiple terms describing piece-meal features of the reflux notion; (2) Timing – needed to distinguish new-onset reflux vs. post-operative changes in pre-operative reflux; (3) Diagnostics – wide variety used to different extents alone or in combinations, exhibiting various levels of certainty, and with needed clarity about, rationale, choice, and diagnostic accuracy/ies; (4) Frequency of surveillance – many propositions, wide variations, and unclear rationale regarding the pre-emptive screening; (5) Length of follow up – web of possible time durations of monitoring patients, with ambiguity about how these were determined or guided; (6) Potential confounders – lack of clarity on how H. pylori, proton pump inhibitors, and hiatal hernia could in/directly influence reflux appraisals and how to consider such effects in analyses; and, (7) Relevance/utility of clinical symptoms as indicators – deficient, with occasional ad hoc descriptions but no systematic appraisal of the dynamic relationships between the reflux notion/lack thereof and symptoms/lack thereof. Implications of the findings and potential avenues for a stronger evidence base are discussed.
A novel chitosan/cellulose acetate-bentonite composites (CS/CA@BTX) was successfully developed as an efficient and environmentally friendly adsorbent for oil spill removal from aqueous environments. The composites were synthesized with BT contents of 7.69 and 14.29 w/w% and thoroughly characterized using FTIR, TGA, DSC, XRD, SEM, and BET to evaluate their structural, thermal, and surface properties. Notably, the CS/CA@BT2 composite (similar to 14.29 w/w% BT) exhibited the highest oil adsorption capacity of 434.8 mg/g, demonstrating superior performance compared to unmodified CS/CA and lower-BT composite (CS/CA@BT1) under optimal conditions. The incorporation of BT into the CS/CA matrix enhanced surface area, porosity, and hydrophobicity, resulting in improved oil sorption performance. The effects of key operational parameters, including adsorption contact time, oil concentration, adsorbent dosage, solution pH, salinity, and agitation speed, were systematically investigated, with optimal adsorption achieved at pH 8. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, indicating a dominant chemisorption mechanism, while equilibrium data were well described by both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, confirming the coexistence of monolayer and heterogeneous multilayer adsorption. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous, favorable, and exothermic, with decreased randomness at the solid-solution interface. This study highlights the synergistic integration of natural polymers and BT to produce a low-cost, biodegradable, and high-performance oil adsorbent suitable for real-world environmental remediation applications.
