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.