Journal of Applied Research of Chemical -Polymer Engineering

Abstract Research subject: This study focuses on the development and evaluation of mucoadhesive nanoparticles containing midazolam, formulated using a polymer blend of carbomer 934P (Cb) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) for pediatric epilepsy treatment. Epilepsy, being one of the most prevalent neurological disorders in children, necessitates advanced drug delivery systems to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Research approach: This study employed the emulsion-solvent evaporation technique to develop mucoadhesive nanoparticles using a polymer blend of Cb and HPMC. The formulation parameters were systematically optimized to achieve the desired physicochemical properties. Comprehensive characterization was performed, including evaluation of particle morphology, size distribution, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity. Functional properties such as swelling behavior in physiological conditions, mucoadhesive strength, and in vitro drug release profile were thoroughly investigated to ensure optimal performance for pediatric epilepsy treatment.
Main results: Results of the evaluation of mucoadhesive nanoparticles containing midazolam demonstrated that the optimized formulation with a 2% Cb and 1% HPMC ratio exhibited an ideal nanostructure with an average size of 661 nm and uniform size distribution (PDI of 0.25). The drug delivery system showed excellent drug loading capacity with 60% encapsulation efficiency and 27% drug loading. Functional characterization revealed remarkable swelling capacity (up to 750%) under physiological conditions and significant mucoadhesive strength (8560 N/m²). Drug release studies demonstrated a controlled and sustained release pattern over 4 hours. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed the spherical and uniform morphology of the nanoparticles. These unique characteristics make the developed drug delivery system an outstanding candidate for pediatric epilepsy treatment, as it both prolongs drug effect through enhanced mucosal contact time and improves treatment compliance by reducing dosing frequency via controlled release properties.

Abstract Research subject: Cellulosic nanomaterials, including cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibers, and bacterial cellulose, have attracted significant attention as reinforcing agents in epoxy matrices due to their low density, high mechanical strength, suitable elastic modulus, and renewable nature. However, the inherent hydrophilicity of cellulose nanoparticles and their poor interfacial adhesion with epoxy resins impose critical limitations on the mechanical and thermal performance of epoxy nanocomposites. Consequently, surface modification of cellulosic nanomaterials has emerged as a key strategy to enhance interfacial compatibility and improve the overall properties of epoxy-based nanocomposites.
Research approach: This study presents a comprehensive review and analysis of research published between 2023 and 2025, focusing on various surface modification techniques for cellulosic nanomaterials. These techniques include silane treatments, hydrophobic coatings, esterification reactions, and other chemical modifications. The primary objective of these approaches is to reduce the hydrophilicity of cellulose nanofibers, enhance interfacial adhesion between the reinforcing phase and the epoxy matrix, and promote uniform dispersion of nanomaterials within the nanocomposite structure.
Main results: The results of this study demonstrate that surface modification of cellulose nanoparticles significantly enhances their interfacial interactions and dispersion within the epoxy matrix, leading to a noticeable increase in the onset and peak thermal degradation temperatures, a reduction in the thermal degradation rate, and a measurable increase in char residue at elevated temperatures. Improved dispersion and reduced agglomeration of nanofibers result in substantial enhancements in mechanical properties, including tensile strength, elastic modulus, and stiffness, along with improved fracture behavior and effective inhibition of crack propagation. Quantitative analysis indicates that the surface modification method, functional group chemistry and density, nanofiber loading level, and dispersion uniformity play decisive roles in optimizing both thermal stability and mechanical performance. Overall, this work provides a systematic, quantitatively driven engineering framework for the design of durable, high-performance epoxy nanocomposites suitable for high-temperature and demanding industrial applications.

Abstract Research subject: This study investigates the solubility of mesalazine, an important drug for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, in novel solvent systems based on deep eutectic solvents (DESs). These systems consist of betaine (Bet) as a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and acetic acid (AA) as a hydrogen bond donor (HBD), mixed with water. The significance of this research lies in two main aspects: first, understanding the solubility behavior of mesalazine in environments simulating physiological conditions, which affects the drug’s bioavailability; and second, providing practical data for designing and optimizing industrial processes such as crystallization and extraction of this drug.
Research approach: The solubility of mesalazine was measured in the temperature range of 293.15 to 313.15 K and at various DES mass fractions (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0) in water using the shake-flask method. The effect of varying the molar ratio of HBD on solubility was also examined, and three DES types with Bet/AA ratios of 1:2 (DES1), 1:3 (DES2), and 1:5 (DES3) were prepared.
Main results: The results showed that increasing the DES mass fraction at a constant temperature significantly enhanced the solubility of mesalazine. Likewise, increasing the temperature at a fixed DES mass fraction led to higher drug solubility in the solvent mixture. The effect of the HBD molar ratio revealed that the highest solubility occurred in DES3 (Bet/AA (1:5)), highlighting the significant role of enhanced hydrogen bonding in improving solubility. Thermodynamic analysis based on the Van’t Hoff and Gibbs equations indicated that the dissolution of mesalazine in water and DESs is an endothermic process, accompanied by positive enthalpy and entropy values. These findings can serve as a valuable basis for developing novel solvent systems and optimizing industrial processes related to mesalazine and other poorly water-soluble drugs.

Abstract Research subject: Scientific and applied methods in preserving the properties of food materials are of great importance and lead to the creation of a product with excellent quality. Therefore, choosing the right process for producing the product is one of the important parameters. Today, many studies are being conducted on increasing the shelf life of yogurt, one of which is the effect of acoustic treatment in reducing the population of bacteria and eliminating the contaminants created. The explosion of ultrasonic bubbles in the environment is the main mechanism of this process.
Research approach: In this study, the effect of high-intensity ultrasound waves with a frequency of 20 kHz for 5 minutes and heat treatment at 72 °C for 30 minutes was evaluated and compared with the control sample on 2.5% fat yogurt. All samples were stored in a refrigerator at 4 °C for 1, 7 and 14 days and their physicochemical, rheological and microbial properties were evaluated. The yogurt samples were examined for acidity, pH, water content, viscosity and bacterial count. The last item, namely microbial evaluation, was performed by counting yogurt starter bacteria (streptococcus thermophilus and lactobacillus bulgaricus) and counting mold and yeast.
Main results: The results indicate a decrease in pH and an increase in acidity in all samples during storage in the refrigerator, while the sample with ultrasound treatment had the least changes. In the case of waterlogging after fourteen days of storage in the refrigerator, the ultrasound-treated sample exhibited the most significant change (due to cavitation and protein structure breakdown), whereas the control sample showed the least changes. The apparent viscosity of the heated sample was the highest (327.89 cp) and the ultrasonic sample was the lowest (176.55 cp). The results of microbial tests indicated a significant decrease in the number of colonies in the heat-treated sample, and mold and yeast growth were not observed in any of the samples. The results of this research can be cited and used in the food industry.

Abstract Research subject: Based on the reports in the past few years, more than 60% of burn-related deaths occur due to infection and bacterial growth at the wound site. Biocompatible nanofiber wound dressings containing antimicrobial compounds can enhance the healing process of burn wounds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers loaded with Nigella sativa extract on burn wound healing and their antimicrobial activity.
Research approach: Polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning from a polymeric solution of PLA dissolved in a chloroform: dimethylformamide solvent mixture with a volume ratio of 3:7. The optimal solution concentration (12 w/v%) was determined based on rheometry tests and scanning electron microscopy imaging to obtain uniform, bead-free fibers with optimized diameter. Physical properties, including swelling behavior and hydrolytic degradation, were investigated. The release of Nigella sativa extract from the nanofibers over 48 hours was measured, and antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) was assessed. Additionally, extract-loaded and extract-free nanofibers were applied to burn wounds in an animal model for 14 days, and the wound healing process was monitored by periodic imaging.
Main results: The results showed that PLA nanofibers containing Nigella sativa extract exhibited approximately 69% release within 48 hours, more than a one-log reduction in bacterial population, and a 30–35% improvement in wound closure rate in the animal model. The performance of the extract-loaded nanofibers was comparable to silver sulfadiazine ointment. These findings demonstrate that the developed nanofibers provide a biocompatible and effective antimicrobial wound dressing for burn healing applications.

Abstract Research subject: In the present study, a series of polyurethane foams were synthesized based on polybutylene succinate (PBS) and hexamethylene isocyanate (HDI) using the salt leaching method. Polymer characterization, thermal behavior, and foam structure were studied. Such biodegradable foams, mostly aliphatic polyesters, could be applied in biomaterial and biomedical fields.
Research approach: PBS-diol was synthesized via a two-step method: esterification and polycondensation. Then, hexamethylene isocyanate (HDI) was added to produce polyurethane. Reaction progress was followed using FTIR spectra. Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles, 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 wt.%, were added to the reactor in the final stage of synthesis. On completion of the reaction, NaCl salt, with a size of 170 μm, was added. Consequently, salt leaching was performed to produce foam. Dimethyl formamide (DMF) was added to reduce the viscosity of the mixture. Polymer characterization was performed using spectroscopy, thermal behavior was analyzed via differential scanning calorimetry, and foam structure was examined using scanning electron microscopy. DSC curves reveal the existence of secondary crystallization. SEM images show the produced foam cells.
Main results: The molecular weight of polybutylene succinate was approximately 1800 g/mol. This material, named PBS-diol, and hexamethylene isocyanate (HDI) were reacted to produce polyurethane. Reaction progress was followed using the isocyanate peak at 2265 cm-1, which decreased and diminished at the end of the reaction in the FTIR spectra. The reaction mostly occurred within 60–120 min after HDI addition. Structural variation was studied using HNMR spectra. Inspection of DSC cooling curves shows crystallization peaks for hard and soft segments. Non-isothermal crystallization kinetics were studied using the modified Avrami model. An asymmetric three-dimensional crystal structure was predicted. SEM images show 170 μm cells which are comparable to the initial diameter of the salt.