Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) using microneedles (MNs) patches have shown promise for improved therapeutic outcomes. In this study, acyclovir (ACV)-loaded MNs patches for herpes simplex virus (HSV) therapy were prepared using mungbean starch (MBS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and plasticizers (arginine and mannitol), and their physicochemical properties, ACV release behavior, antimicrobial activity, and biodegradation, cell viability, and antiviral efficacy were investigated. The MNs exhibited compression forces of 1.30 - 4.80 N/needle and a pyramidal square shape with a length of 620-640 μm, ensuring efficient skin penetration. The ACV release (%) from the ACV-loaded MNs patches during an artificial skin test was found to be 2.50 - 4.32 times higher than that from ACV-loaded biomaterial as the film-type formulation. Additionally, over 98.0 % of ACV was released from the prepared MNs patches within 80 min. The ACV release mechanism was analyzed using zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, Fickian diffusion, and Korsmeyer-Peppas models, which revealed a Fickian diffusion mechanism. Visualization of intradermal drug release were conducted using ACV- and riboflavin-loaded MNs patches on agar blocks and pig ears/agar block models. Biodegradability, cell viability, and antiviral studies further demonstrated the potential of MNs patches as a TDDS. These results suggest that the prepared MNs patches are promising candidates for transdermal HSV therapy.

Transdermal drug delivery system has attracted considerable attention as non-invasive alternatives to conventional drug administration routes. However, their therapeutic efficacy is often limited by insufficient drug penetration and the inability of controllable release behavior. In this study, photothermally responsive allantoin (AT)-loaded chitosan (CS)-based biomaterial patches incorporating melanin (MEL) were prepared to improve transdermal drug delivery and anti-inflammatory effects. The novelty of this study combines the intrinsic therapeutic potential of AT with the photothermal effect of MEL in a biodegradable CS-based patch platform, enabling externally triggered drug release under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. The prepared MEL-added biomaterial patches exhibited a marked photothermal response, reaching 42-44 °C under NIR irradiation, leading to 1.20-2.45-fold higher AT release compared to non-irradiated conditions. Release kinetics using the Fickian diffusion and Korsmeyer-Peppas models revealed that AT release in buffer solution followed Fickian diffusion behavior (R2 = 0.990-0.999), and AT release in artificial and porcine skin models was governed by a non-Fickian mechanism (n = 0.55-0.98), indicating the combined contribution of drug diffusion and polymer relaxation. In addition, the prepared biomaterial patches demonstrated enhanced antioxidant activity, with radical-scavenging efficiencies of approximately 55-65%, as well as antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Cytocompatibility tests confirmed high cell viability (> 90%), and anti-inflammatory evaluation showed a significant reduction in nitric oxide production by approximately 40-60% compared with the lipopolysaccharide-treated group. Overall, these findings suggest that MEL-incorporated AT-loaded CS-based biomaterial patches may serve as multifunctional and stimuli-responsive transdermal platforms for controlled drug delivery and anti-inflammatory applications.

In this study, chitosan (CS)-based edible films were prepared using a casting method combined with a UV curing process, and their physical properties, thermal stability, optical properties, antibacterial activity, biodegradation behavior, and coating performance were evaluated. Glycerol (GL) and mannitol (MAN) were used as plasticizers to investigate the effects of plasticizer type on film properties. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to determine the optimal processing condition, which was identified as UV curing at 25 degrees C for 30 min. Thermal analysis indicated that UV curing affected the thermal stability of the films. Optical analysis confirmed that the films exhibited effective UV-blocking properties. Soil burial tests showed that the prepared CS-based edible films exhibited 40.0 similar to 80.0% biodegradation, and UV curing played a role in controlling the degradation rate. In addition, apple coating experiments demonstrated that the films delayed surface browning and quality deterioration. These results suggest that the structural and functional properties of CS-based edible films can be simultaneously tuned by UV crosslinking and plasticizer composition, indicating their potential application as eco-friendly functional food packaging materials.

In cancer treatment, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) are minimally invasive approaches, but their practical application is often constrained by difficulties in spatial control and dependence on expensive laser-based systems. In this study, we developed a spatially controllable and affordable phototherapeutic platform for synergistic PDT/PTT using cervical cancer cell, by combining chlorin e6 (Ce6)-loaded silica-coated gold nanorods (AuNR@SiO2-NH2@Ce6) with a masked light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation system. Silica coating and amino functionalization of AuNR effectively reduced the cytotoxicity associated with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) while enabling efficient Ce6 loading. In vitro studies using HeLa cervical cancer cells demonstrated concentration- and laser irradiation power-dependent cell death through combined PDT/PTT effects. Compared with free Ce6, AuNR@SiO2-NH2@Ce6 showed enhanced biocompatibility and improved phototherapeutic performance at the cellular level. Additionally, image processing techniques provided higher sensitivity for evaluating localized therapeutic effects than conventional whole-well viability assays. To minimize off-target phototoxicity and enable localized treatment, a masked LED system was designed. Results from fluorescence image analysis confirmed that high-power laser and masked LED irradiation generated distinct spatial patterns of cell death corresponding to the mask shapes. Overall, this work demonstrates the feasibility of a masked LED-based phototherapy platform capable of achieving localized and spatially controlled phototherapeutic effects, providing a proof-of-concept alternative to conventional laser-based systems.

To develop a sustained transdermal drug delivery system for gout treatment, double-layered patches containing allopurinol (ALP) were prepared using starch, chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, and plasticizers. The chitosan-based first layer was designed to modulate the ALP release from the starch-based second layer, enabling sustained drug delivery for continuous therapeutic effect. The physicochemical properties of ALP and the prepared patches were characterized by physical properties, FE-SEM, FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The in vitro release profile was evaluated using artificial and porcine skin models. ALP was significantly released in a delayed manner over 48 h in artificial skin and 60 h in porcine skin, with release rates 2.32-4.16-fold and 1.91-5.77-fold slower, respectively, compared to single-layer patches. Mathematical modeling using the Higuchi, Fickian diffusion, and Korsmeyer-Peppas models indicated a pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism in buffer solution, whereas a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism predominated in both artificial and porcine skin. In addition, the transdermal penetration of ALP was visualized using riboflavin-loaded patches applied to porcine skin/agar block models. Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity and colorimetric detection of ALP in the release solution confirmed the therapeutic potential of the double-layered patches for gout treatment. Cytotoxicity evaluation using HaCaT keratinocytes revealed excellent biocompatibility of the prepared double-layered patches.

Microneedles (MNs) are a promising strategy to solve the fundamental limitations of transdermal drug delivery systems, which could overcome the protective effect of the stratum corneum of the skin and efficiently deliver therapeutic drugs painlessly to the dermal layer. In this study, water chestnut starch-based MNs loaded with the antihypertensive drug verapamil (VPM) were prepared using the centrifugation, the casting method, and the UV irradiation process. The prepared MNs were evaluated for their physicochemical properties, VPM release properties, and drug release simulation. The results of insertion properties confirmed that the prepared MNs could successfully penetrate the stratum corneum of the skin to enable drug delivery into the skin. In addition, the results of VPM release properties using an artificial skin test showed that the VPM-loaded MNs had a 1.57-3.58 times higher release effect than the patch form, and the release was suitably predicted by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model and evaluated to follow the non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Rhodamine B and VPM-loaded MNs were capable of more efficient VPM delivery than the patch form in pig skin, and the release simulation results indicated that the prepared MNs had a high transdermal penetration effect.

This study investigated the concentration distribution under various ventilation conditions within a confined chamber (6 m x 3 m x 3 m) to assess the potential hazards associated with ammonia leakage during the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) process, which uses an ammonia bombe. Numerical simulations were performed to analyze the temporal evolution of ammonia concentration at different ventilation rates. The concentration changes were examined at ventilation frequencies (air changes per hour, ACH) of 10, 30, 50, and 100. The results demonstrated that at an ACH of 10, ammonia concentration rapidly increased after leakage, reaching the lower explosive limit (LEL) of 160000 ppm within approximately 200 seconds. At 30 ACH, the concentration continued to rise until around 300 seconds before stabilizing. For higher ventilation rates of 50 ACH, the concentration plateaued after roughly 200 seconds, while at 100 ACH, stabilization occurred within 100 seconds. These findings highlight the critical role of ventilation rate in mitigating explosive hazards caused by ammonia leakage in confined spaces. Specifically, while lower ventilation rates (e.g., 10 ACH) can lead to rapid accumulation of ammonia approaching explosive limits, maintaining at least 30 ACH effectively prevents the concentration from reaching LEL levels.

This study discusses solutions to the limitations of using the marginal abatement cost curve (MACC) in designing optimal strategies for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. While MACC is useful for identifying the priority of mitigation measures, it falls short in strategy formulation. To address this, a decision-making model based on net present value (NPV) was developed, incorporating variables such as the cost, abatement potential, and implementation speed of mitigation technologies. The results showed that relying solely on low-cost measures is insufficient, and combining high-cost measures is more effective depending on the emission reduction targets. For more ambitious goals, early implementation of high-cost measures is necessary. Additionally, it was found that failing to consider the long-term 2050 carbon neutrality target when setting the 2030 industrial sector reduction goal (11.4%) could result in a shortfall of approximately 15% in meeting the final target. This study highlights the need to complement MACC with an NPV-based decision-making model in greenhouse gas reduction policy design and demonstrates its potential as a practical guide for developing and evaluating reduction strategies at national and industrial levels.

In this study, mexiletine (MX)-incorporated starch-based biomaterials were prepared using starch with various amylose contents for the application of a transdermal drug delivery system. MX-incorporated starch-based biomaterials were prepared by the casting method and UV irradiation. The physicochemical properties of the prepared biomaterials were confirmed by water resistance, mechanical properties, FE-SEM, FT-IR, and H-1-NMR. The MX release from the prepared biomaterials was assessed using buffer solution, artificial skin, and pig skin. Additionally, the MX release mechanism was analyzed using Fickian diffusion and Korsmeyer-Peppas diffusion models. The results indicated that the MX release rate increased by 1.27 similar to 2.16 times with increasing amylose content. In buffer solution, artificial skin, and pig skin, the release mechanism generally followed a pseudo-Fickian diffusion model. In the case of CA-added MX-incorporated amylopectin-based biomaterials applied to pig skin, a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism was observed. To confirm the transdermal penetration of MX, visualization of intradermal drug release was performed using MX-and rhodamine B (RhB)-incorporated biomaterials on agar blocks and pig skin. These results demonstrate the potential applicability of transdermal drug delivery systems for arrhythmia therapy and suggest that drug release can be controlled by adjusting amylose content.

In this study, we prepared diltiazem (DTZ)-imprinted biomaterials for TDDS using chitosan, PVA, plasticizers, and sulfosuccinic acid. DTZ and the prepared biomaterials were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. DTZ recognition properties were confirmed by the binding isotherm, Scatchard plot analysis, the adsorption of materials with structures similar to DTZ, selectivity factor (alpha), and the imprinting-induced promotion of binding (IPB). Results revealed that adsorbed amount (Q) of DTZ-imprinted biomaterials was 1.63-2.53 times higher than that of non-imprinted biomaterials. In addition, it could be verified that DTZ-imprinted biomaterials have a binding site for DTZ according to Scatchard plot analysis. Furthermore, the results of alpha and IPB indicated that the recognition capacity of the prepared DTZ-imprinted biomaterials is superior to that non-imprinted biomaterials. DTZ release properties were evaluated under various pH buffers and artificial skin. Results indicated that the DTZ release in buffers at low pH was faster than that in buffers at high pH. The DTZ release using artificial skin was continuous over 20 days. Furthermore, the DTZ release profile in the buffer followed the pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism, whereas the profile in the artificial skin test followed a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. The adsorption and release properties of chitosan-based drug delivery biomaterials imprinted with diltiazem (DTZ) were investigated in terms of plasticizers and pH levels, and the results were analyzed using relevant mathematical models.image

In this study, montelukast (MTL) imprinted starch-based biomaterials using mungbean starch (MS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), melanin (MEL) as a light stabilizer, and plasticizers were synthesized by the casting method and heat curing process. MTL release properties were evaluated at different temperatures and pH 5.5. Biomaterials were characterized using FE -SEM and FTIR. In addition, physical properties such as mechanical and water resistance properties for biomaterials were investigated. Results of MTL release properties in the buffer solution indicated that MTL was released about 36.74% within 120 min. In addition, MTL release from MEL-added biomaterials was increased about 1.30-1.43 times by the light stabilizer. In case of MTL release using the artificial skin, MTL was released continuously for 12 h, and the MTL release from MEL-added biomaterials was increased by about 1.54 times. MTL release in buffer solution followed the pseudoFickian diffusion mechanism, whereas the MTL release in artificial skin followed the non-Fickian diffusion mechanism.

Nanostructured zeolite 13X, synthesized from basalt rock via alkali fusion and hydrothermal procedures, demonstrates excellent adsorption performance for light gases (CO2, CH4, N2, and H2). Its robust CO2 separation properties, evident in the adsorption capacity and selectivity order (CO2 >> CH4 > N2 >> H2). The measured adsorption isotherms fit well with the Sips equation, and heterogeneous adsorption behaviors correlate with the isosteric heat of adsorption and adsorption energy distribution. Predicted selectivities via ideal adsorbed solution theory range from 990 to 1,415 (CO2/H2), 244–360 (CO2/N2), and 135–254 (CO2/CH4), indicating significant potential for adsorptive CO2 separation.

The use of powered activated carbon is often limited by inconsistent particle sizes and porosities, leading to reduced adsorption efficiencies. In this study, we demonstrated a practical and environmentally friendly method for creating a 3D graphene nanostructure with highly uniform ultramicropores from wood-based biomass through a series of delignification, carbonization, and activation processes. In addition, we evaluated the capture characteristics of this structure for CO2, CH4, and N-2 gases as well as its selectivity for binary-mixture gases. Based on textural and chemical analyses, the delignified monolith had a lamellar structure interconnected by cellulose-based fibers. Interestingly, applying the KOH vapor activation technique solely to the delignified samples led to the formation of a monolithic 3D network composed of interconnected graphene sheets with a high degree of crystallinity. Especially, the Act. 1000 sample exhibited a specific surface area of 1480 m(2)/g and a considerable pore volume of 0.581 cm(3)/g, featuring consistently uniform ultramicropores over 90% in the range of 3.5-11 & Aring;. The monolithic graphene-based samples, predominantly composed of ultramicropores, demonstrated a notably heightened capture capacity of 6.934 mol/kg at 110 kPa for CO2, along with favorable selectivity within binary gas mixtures (CO2/N-2, CO2/CH4, and CO2/CH4). Our findings suggest that this biomass-derived 3D structure has the potential to serve as a monolithic adsorbent in gas separation applications.

Captopril (CTP) is an oral drug widely used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. In this study, CTP-incorporated biomaterials for antihypertensive therapy were synthesized from chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, and plasticizers. The physicochemical properties of the prepared biomaterials were characterized using FE-SEM, FT-IR analysis, and physical properties. CTP release experiments were carried out in buffer solutions at various pH values and temperatures. Results indicated that above 99.0 % of CTP was released within 180 min. Optimization of the experimental conditions for CTP release was analyzed by using response surface methodology (RSM). Results of CTP release through artificial skin indicated that CTP was continuously released above 95.0 % from the prepared biomaterials for 36.0 h. The CTP release mechanisms into a buffer and through artificial skin followed pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism and non-Fickian diffusion mechanisms, respectively. Moreover, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition (related to cardiovascular disease) via the released CTP clearly reveals that the prepared biomaterials have a high potential as a transdermal drug delivery agent in antihypertensive therapy.

This study aimed to synthesize phenytoin (PHT)-loaded water chestnut starch-based biomaterials and evaluate their drug release kinetics for use in transdermal drug delivery systems for antiepileptic therapy. Hierarchical microparticles (HMPs) extracted from human hair were also used to improve the PHT release efficiency. The physicochemical characteristics of PHT, HMPs, and the prepared biomaterials were evaluated by physical properties, antimicrobial activities, FE-SEM, FT-IR, XRD, 1H NMR, and 13C CPMAS solid-state NMR. The photothermal effect and the PHT release profile were confirmed through 808 nm NIR laser irradiation. After 30 min of the laser exposure, the temperature of the HMP-added biomaterials increased by 1.50-1.59 times compared to that of without the HMPs. PHT release in buffers and artificial skin test under NIR laser irradiation enhanced by 1.20-1.85 times owing to the photothermal effect. The release kinetics in pH buffer and artificial skin were determined using the Fickian diffusion and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. Additionally, to verify the transdermal penetration of PHT, drug-release simulations were conducted using rhodamine B in agar blocks and pig ears. The results implied that the photothermal effect of the HMPs enhanced the penetration of the drug.

In this study, carbamazepine (CBZ) imprinted starch/PVA-based biomaterials were prepared by the casting method and UV irradiation, and their physicochemical properties, CBZ adsorption ability, and release properties were investigated. The surface properties of the prepared biomaterials were characterized using FE-SEM, while the stability of CBZ under UV irradiation and the functional groups of the biomaterials were characterized using FT-IR analysis. The adsorption properties of CBZ on the biomaterials were evaluated by binding isotherm and Scatchard plot. Results indicate that CBZ imprinted biomaterials pos-sess a specific binding site of CBZ. To evaluate the applicability of the transdermal drug delivery system, the release proper-ties of CBZ from prepared biomaterials using various pH buffers and artificial skin at 36.5 degrees C were investigated. Results indicated that the CBZ release at high pH was faster than at low pH. In addition, CBZ was released continuously for 12 h in the artificial skin test. The drug release mechanism of CBZ followed a pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism in buffer solution, whereas the release from artificial skin exhibited a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism.

Foam cell formation plays a pivotal role in atherosclerosis-associated cardiovascular diseases. Bioactive peptides generated from marine sources have been found to provide multifunctional health advantages. In the present study, we investigated the anti-atherosclerotic effects of LLRLTDL (Bu1) and GYALPCDCL (Bu2) peptides, isolated from ark shell protein hydrolysates by assessing their inhibitory effect on oxidized LDL (oxLDL)-induced foam cell formation. The two peptides showed a promising anti-atherosclerotic effect by inhibiting foam cell formation, which was evidenced by inhibiting lipid accumulation in oxLDL-treated RAW264.7 macrophages and oxLDL-treated primary human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC). Two peptides effectively reduced total cholesterol, free cholesterol, cholesterol ester, and triglyceride levels by upregulating cholesterol efflux and downregulating cholesterol influx. Expression of cholesterol influx-related proteins such as SR-A1 and CD36 were reduced, whereas cholesterol efflux-related proteins such as ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCA-1 and ABCG-1 were highly expressed. In addition, Bu1 and Bu2 peptides increased PPAR-γ and LXR-α expression. However, PPAR-γ siRNA transfection reversed the foam cell formation inhibitory activity of Bu1 and Bu2 peptides. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of Bu1 and Bu2 peptides on foam cell formation inhibition was observed with PPAR-γ agonist thiazolidinediones, indicating that PPAR-γ signaling pathway plays a key role in foam cell formation of macrophages. Beyond their impact on foam cell formation, Bu1 and Bu2 peptides demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide and NF-κB nuclear activation. Taken together, these results suggest that Bu1 and Bu2 peptides may be useful for atherosclerosis and associated anti-inflammatory therapies.

In this study, red mud/fly ash based geopolymer adsorbents (RFGPA) were prepared with calcination temperatures of 200, 400, and 600 degrees C, and the effects of these calcination temperatures on the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) were investigated. In addition, the prepared RFGPA was characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The results of the adsorption kinetics of MB at RFGPA prepared calcination temperatures indicated that the adsorption equilibrium of MB was reached after about 72 h. From the results of the adsorption isotherm, we verified that the degree of adsorption increased with increasing MB concentrations. In addition, the adsorption amount (Q) of MB decreased with an increase in calcination temperature. The experimental adsorption isotherm data were well fitted to the Freundlich and Sips equations compared to the Langmuir equation. In order to verify the effects of photocatalytic decomposition (C/C-0) of MB on Fe2O3 present in prepared RFGPA, the degree of decomposition of MB was examined under dark and visible conditions. Results indicated that the decomposition of MB in visible conditions was about 3.0 times faster than that in dark conditions.

This study is aimed at preparing functional naproxen (NP)-incorporated biomaterials using mungbean starch, PVA, plasticizers, and melanin (MEL) nanoparticle. The biomaterials were characterized by FT-IR, FE-SEM and TGA. Their physical properties and antibacterial effects were also evaluated. Photothermal effects and NP release behavior were investigated using NIR laser irradiation. Results indicated that when compared to biomaterials without MEL, temperatures of MEL-added biomaterials were increased about 1.40 times when exposed to NIR laser for 30 min. NP release of NP-incorporated biomaterials at various temperatures and pH 5.5 was increased with increasing temperature. Results of NP release using artificial skin confirmed that NP was released continuously for 180 min. When NIR laser was irradiated for 30 min, NP release of MEL-added biomaterials were 3.13 times higher than that of biomaterials without MEL. NP release behavior at pH 5.5 followed a pseudo-Fickian mechanism, whereas it followed a non-Fickian mechanism in artificial skin.

The aim of this study was to prepare niacinamide (NA) imprinted biomaterials for treating hyperpigmentation using mungbean starch (MS), PVA, and plasticizers (glycerol (GL) and citric acid (CA)). Biomaterials and NA were characterized by FE-SEM, FT-IR, and 1H NMR. To evaluate the applicability of the NA imprinted biomaterials for a transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS), NA release experiment was conducted in different pH and temperature conditions. Results of NA release properties indicated that NA was released about 99 % rapidly in the initial 10 min. NA release in low pH and high temperature was also higher than that in high pH and low temperature. The determination of experimental conditions and the analysis of NA release results were achieved using response surface methodology (RSM). Results of NA release using artificial skin indicated that NA release from NA imprinted biomaterials was increased at a relatively steady rate for 90 min. To verify for treating hyperpigmentation of the prepared biomaterials, tyrosinase inhibitory and antioxidant inhibitory were performed. Results indicated that NA imprinted biomaterials with the addition of CA exhibited 55.8 % of tyrosinase inhibitory and 73.0 % of antioxidant inhibitory. In addition, their ability to inhibit melanin synthesis in B16F10 cells was evaluated.