Search Results (100)

Archeological ceramics represent values that necessitate preservation from various factors of deterioration. Cleaning processes are beneficial in the preservation of these ceramics. An abundance of cleaning technique and process information exists within the literature. This study examines the current state of both traditional and advanced cleaning techniques employed for archeological ceramics. The review discusses a wide range of commonly used cleaning techniques, including mechanical, dry and wet processes, as well as chemical approaches. Additionally, more recent laser, plasma, and biocleaning methods are discussed. The effectiveness of these techniques is examined, as well as potential damage or surface modifications to the ceramics. The selection of a cleaning method for ceramics depends on the specific characteristics of the ceramic (i.e., porosity, glaze, slip red-slipped, etc.), its state of conservation, and the nature and thickness of the fouling or encrustations. Careful selection and testing of chemical solutions are crucial to prevent damage. While chelating agents like EDTA effectively dissolve crusts and salts, uncontrolled application can weaken ceramic structures. Laponite, natural clay minerals, resins and organic gels (xanthan gum, agar, cellulose powder) are effective in removing contaminants from the surfaces of without causing damage. Environmentally friendly methods such as biocleaning, Pulsed Laser Cleaning, and plasma are effective but underutilized, requiring further investigation. This review emphasizes the growing potential of sustainable and non-invasive methods to complement or replace traditional approaches. Its main contribution lies in providing a critical synthesis that bridges conventional and innovative techniques, outlining research gaps for more effective and eco-responsible conservation of archeological ceramics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Silver sulfadiazine (AgSD) is widely used in the topical treatment of burns and infected wounds, but its conventional formulations present drawbacks such as poor water solubility, the need for multiple daily applications, and patient discomfort. To overcome these limitations, this study aimed to develop and evaluate Laponite^® (LAP)-based hydrogels loaded with AgSD for controlled release and enhanced antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy, offering a promising alternative for the treatment of contaminated or biofilm-forming wounds. Methods: Laponite^®-based hydrogels containing 1% and 1.2% AgSD (LAP@AgSD) were prepared using a one-pot method. The formulations were characterized rheologically, thermally, and structurally. In vitro drug release was assessed using Franz diffusion cells, and mathematical modeling was applied to determine release kinetics. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using standardized microbiological methods. Results: LAP@AgSD hydrogels exhibited pseudoplastic behavior, high structural integrity, and enhanced thermal stability. In vitro release assays revealed a sustained release profile, best fitted by the Weibull model, indicating diffusion-controlled mechanisms. Antibacterial assays demonstrated concentration-dependent activity, with LAP@AgSD 1.2% showing superior efficacy over LAP@AgSD 1% and comparable performance to the commercial silver sulfadiazine cream (CC-AgSD). Biofilm inhibition was significant for all formulations, with CC-AgSD 1% exhibiting the highest immediate activity, while LAP@AgSD 1.2% provided sustained antibiofilm potential. Conclusions: LAP-based hydrogels are promising smart delivery systems for AgSD, combining mechanical robustness, controlled drug release, and effective antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. These findings support their potential use in topical therapies for infected and chronic wounds, particularly where biofilm formation is a challenge. Full article

Background: Poor water solubility is a major limitation for the therapeutic use of many anticancer drugs. In this study, we report the design and development of two halloysite-based hybrid nanomaterials for the encapsulation and delivery of hydrophobic and positively charged drugs. Methods: A novel multicavity platform was obtained by covalently grafting calix[5]arene macrocycles onto the external surface of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), combining lumen encapsulation with supramolecular host–guest recognition. PB4, a planar and hydrophobic pyridinium salt with significant antiproliferative activity, was selected as a model compound. Both PB4-loaded HNTs (HNTs/PB4) and calixarene-functionalized HNTs (HNTs-Calix/PB4) were incorporated into Laponite^®-based thixotropic hydrogels to obtain injectable and biocompatible systems. Results: The nanomaterials were thoroughly characterized, and their loading efficiency, release behavior, and aqueous dispersibility were evaluated. Antiproliferative tests on MCF-7 cells demonstrated that both hydrogels retained PB4 activity, with distinct release profiles: the pristine HNTs allowed faster drug availability, while calix[5]arene-functionalized systems promoted sustained release. Conclusions: This work introduces the first example of covalently calixarene-functionalized halloysite and presents a versatile drug delivery platform adaptable to different therapeutic contexts and combination strategies. Full article

This study aims to address the poor extensibility, brittleness, and limited hydration stability of pure sodium alginate (SA) hydrogels, which hinder their use in flexible, skin-adherent applications such as facial masks, by developing bio-based composites incorporating five representative functional additives: xanthan gum, guar gum, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), poly(ethylene glycol)-240/hexamethylene diisocyanate copolymer bis-decyl tetradeceth-20 ether (GT-700), and Laponite^® XLG. Composite hydrogels were prepared by blending 1.5 wt% SA with 0.3 wt% of each additive in aqueous humectant solution, followed by ionic crosslinking using 3% (w/w) CaCl₂ solution. Physicochemical characterization included rotational viscometry, uniaxial tensile testing, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, swelling ratio analysis, and pH measurement. Among them, the SA/XLG composite exhibited the most favorable performance, showing the highest viscosity, shear-thickening behavior, and markedly enhanced extensibility with an elongation at break of 14.8% (compared to 2.5% for neat SA). It also demonstrated a mean swelling ratio of 0.24 g/g and complete dissolution in water within one year. ATR-FTIR confirmed distinct non-covalent interactions between SA and XLG without covalent modification. The hydrogel also demonstrated excellent conformability to complex 3D surfaces, consistent hydration retention under centrifugal stress (+23.6% mass gain), and complete biodegradability in aqueous environments. Although its moderately alkaline pH (8.96) may require buffering for dermatological compatibility, its mechanical resilience and environmental responsiveness support its application as a sustainable, single-use skin-contact material. Notably, the SA/XLG composite hydrogel demonstrated compatibility with personalized fabrication strategies integrating 3D scanning and additive manufacturing, wherein facial topography is digitized and transformed into anatomically matched molds—highlighting its potential for customized cosmetic and biomedical applications. Full article

Nanogel is administered via various routes to overcome physiological barriers and achieve the desired therapeutic effect in vivo. However, developing a stable nanogel system is required to retain its therapeutic efficacy after storage. Therefore, a nanogel system composed of inorganic material (Laponite) was developed using Quality by Design (QbD) and Design of Experiments (DoE), using curcumin (CUR) as a model drug. Through a comprehensive literature review, single-factor experiments and Box–Behnken Design (BBD) experiments, we identified the CQAs and critical process parameters (CPPs), ultimately obtaining the optimal formulation. The DL, EE, Ps and PDI were determined as the CQAs and the optimal formulation was successfully prepared (LAP:CUR:TPGS = 6:2:36.6; mg;10 mL). FTIR, DSC and TEM analyses confirmed the successful loading of CUR, with a Ps in100nm, exhibiting biphasic drug release characteristics and maintaining stability for 28 days at 4 °C. QbD combined with DOE successfully facilitated stable CUR-TPGS-LAP nanogels. This study helps to better understand the critical factors in the development of nanogels and lays the foundation for the future integration of AI technology to promote a “first-time-right” drug formulation for future AI-promoted ‘one-stop’ drug formulation development model. Full article

Due to its sarcoma-derived origin and the associated carcinogenic risks, as well as its lack of tissue-specific extracellular matrix biochemical cues, the use of the injectable gel scaffold Matrigel is generally restricted to research applications. Therefore, the development of new fully synthetic injectable gel scaffolds that exhibit performance comparable to Matrigel is a high priority. In this study, we developed a novel fully synthetic injectable gel scaffold by combining a biodegradable PLGA-PEG-PLGA copolymer, clay nanoparticle LAPONITE®, and L-arginine-loaded metal–organic frameworks (NU-1000) at the nano level. An aqueous solution of the developed hybrid scaffold (PLGA-PEG-PLGA/LAPONITE®/L-Arg@NU-1000) exhibited rapid sol–gel transition at body temperature following simple injection and formed a continuous bulk-sized gel, demonstrating good injectability. Long-term sustained slow release of L-arginine from the resultant gels can be achieved because NU-1000 is a suitable reservoir for L-arginine. PLGA-PEG-PLGA/LAPONITE®/L-Arg@NU-1000 hybrid gels exhibited good compatibility with and promoted the growth of human skeletal muscle satellite cells. Importantly, in vivo experiments using skeletal muscle injury model mice demonstrated that the tissue regeneration efficiency of PLGA-PEG-PLGA/LAPONITE®/L-Arg@NU-1000 gels is higher than that of Matrigel. Specifically, we judged the higher tissue regeneration efficacy of our gels by histological analysis, including MYH3 immunofluorescent staining, H&E staining, and Masson’s trichrome staining. Taken together, these data suggest that novel hybrid hydrogels could serve as injectable hydrogel scaffolds for in vivo tissue engineering and ultimately replace Matrigel. Full article

Lost circulation during drilling has significantly hindered the safe and efficient development of oil and gas resources. Supramolecular polymer gel–based lost circulation materials have shown significant potential for application due to their unique molecular structures and superior performance. Herein, a high–performance supramolecular polymer gel was developed, and the influence of reservoir conditions on the performance of the supramolecular polymer gel was investigated in detail. The results identified an optimal formulation for the preparation of supramolecular polymer gel comprising 15 wt% acrylamide, 3 wt% 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, 2.6 wt% divinylbenzene, 5 wt% polyvinyl alcohol, 0.30 wt% cellulose nanofibers, and 3 wt% laponite. The performance of the gel-forming suspension and the resulting supramolecular polymer gel was influenced by various factors, including temperature, density, pH, and the intrusion of drilling fluid, saltwater, and crude oil. Nevertheless, the supramolecular polymer gels consistently exhibited high strength under diverse environmental conditions, as confirmed by rheological measurements. Moreover, the gels exhibited strong plugging performance across various fracture widths and in permeable formations, with maximum breakthrough pressures exceeding 6 MPa. These findings establish a theoretical foundation and practical approach for the field application of supramolecular polymer gels in complex geological formations, demonstrating their effectiveness in controlling lost circulation under challenging downhole conditions. Full article

Although a lot of recent research revealed advantages of novel biopolymers’ implementation as active food packaging polymers, there is not an equivalent effort from industry to use such films, probably because of the required cost to change the supply chain and the equipment. This study investigates the use of two natural abundant nanoclays, laponite (Lap) and montmorillonite (Mt), as eugenol slow-release carriers for enhancing the functionality of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) active packaging films. The target is to combine the spirit of the circular economy with the existent technology and the broadly used materials to develop a novel attractive product for active food packaging applications. Utilizing a vacuum-assisted adsorption method, eugenol was successfully intercalated into Lap and Mt nanoclays, forming EG@Lap and EG@Mt nanohybrids. Testing results confirmed effective integration and dispersion of the nanohybrids within the LDPE matrix. The most promising final film seems to be the LDPE with 15% w/w EG@Lap nanohybrid which exhibited a higher release rate (k₂ = 5.29 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹) for temperatures ≤70 °C, similar mechanical properties, a significantly improved water barrier (D_wv = 11.7 × 10⁻⁵ cm²·s⁻¹), and a slightly improved oxygen barrier (Pe_O2 = 2.03 × 10⁻⁸ cm²·s⁻¹) compared with neat LDPE. Antimicrobial and sensory tests on fresh minced pork showed two days’ shelf-life extension compared to pure LDPE and one more day compared to LDPE with 15% w/w EG@Mt nanohybrid. Full article

This study presents the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of hybrid hydrogels based on calcium alginate (Ca-Alg) and synthetic nanoclay LaponiteRD (Lap), with an emphasis on their swelling and sorption properties. The motivation behind the development of these hybrid hydrogels stems from the need for sustainable materials with enhanced mechanical strength, swelling properties, and sorption capacity for environmental remediation and controlled-release applications. Synthesis methods for the ionotropically cross-linked Ca-Alg hydrogel and Alg–Lap composite hydrogels, based on Alg and Lap in the form of granules and fibres, have been developed. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses of composite hydrogels confirmed the successful incorporation of Lap into the Ca-Alg matrix, indicating strong interactions between the polymer and clay, which enhanced the structural integrity of the hydrogels. The morphology of the surface and pore structure of nanocomposites were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The swelling behaviour of the nanocomposites was largely dependent on the concentrations of Lap and the cross-linking agent (CaCl₂), with higher concentrations leading to more rigid, less swellable structures due to the increased cross-linking density. The sorption studies, specifically with Fe(II) ions, demonstrated that the hybrid hydrogels possess a large sorption capacity, with Lap contributing to selective sorption at lower Fe(II) ion concentrations and Alg enhancing overall capacity at higher concentrations. This suggests that the synergistic interaction between Alg and Lap not only improves mechanical stability but also tailors the sorption properties of the hydrogels. These findings position the Alg-Lap hydrogels as promising materials for a range of environmental applications, including wastewater treatment, heavy metal ion removal, and the design of advanced filtration systems. The study’s insights into the tunability of these hydrogels pave the way for further research into their use in diverse fields such as biomedicine, agriculture, and industrial water management. Full article

The comparison of some changes occurring in the physical properties of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) due to its modification with Laponite (LAP) was the objective of this study. The PBS composites, containing from 1 to 7 wt% LAP, were prepared by co-rotating twin screw extrusion. The geometrical surface structure of the samples’ fractures and the LAP content in the individual composites were examined. In addition, changes in the mechanical and thermal properties, melt flow rate and moisture sorption of the composites were studied. It was found that LAP increases the elastic modulus of PBS and also decreases its impact strength and, in particular, its strain. The strength of PBS changes to a lesser extent with an increase in the LAP content, i.e., it slightly decreases in tensile tests or slightly increases in bending tests. LAP also lowers the flow rate of PBS and significantly increases moisture sorption. Moreover, the composites produced were characterized by a uniform distribution of the dispersed phase in the polymer matrix and an acceptable adhesion at the interface between the two components. Full article

TiO₂ used for photocatalytic water purification is most active in the form of nanoparticles (NP), but their use is fraught with difficulties in separation from solution or/and a tendency to agglomerate. The novel materials designed in this work circumvent these problems by immobilizing TiO₂ NPs on the surface of exfoliated clay minerals. A series of TiO₂/clay mineral composites were obtained using five different clay components: the Na-, CTA-, or H-form of montmorillonite (Mt) and Na- or CTA-form of laponite (Lap). The TiO₂ component was prepared using the inverse microemulsion method. The composites were characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning/transmission electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms. It was shown that upon composite synthesis, the Mt interlayer became filled by a mixture of CTA⁺ and hydronium ions, regardless of the nature of the parent clay, while the structure of Lap underwent partial destruction. The composites displayed high specific surface area and uniform mesoporosity determined by the size of the TiO₂ nanoparticles. The best textural parameters were shown by composites containing clay components whose structure was partially destroyed; for instance, Ti/CTA-Lap had a specific surface area of 420 m²g⁻¹ and a pore volume of 0.653 cm³g⁻¹. The materials were tested in the photodegradation of methyl orange and humic acid upon UV irradiation. The photocatalytic activity could be correlated with the development of textural properties. In both reactions, the performance of the most photoactive composites surpassed that of the reference commercial P25 titania. Full article

In the present work, iron–sillenite (Bi₂₅FeO₄₀) was synthesized using a simple solid-state reaction method and characterized. The effects of the synthesis conditions on the phase purity of Bi₂O₃/Fe₃O₄, morphological features, and possible application as an XRD/MRI dual-contrast agent were investigated. For the synthesis, the stoichiometric amounts of Bi₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄ were mixed and subsequently milled in a planetary ball mill for 10 min with a speed of 300 rpm. The milled mixture was calcined at various temperatures (550 $°$C, 700 $°$C, 750 $°$C, 800 $°$C, and 850 $°$C) for 1 h in air at a heating rate of 5 °C/min. For phase identification, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed and infrared (FTIR) spectra were recorded. The surface morphology of synthesized samples was studied by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). For the radiopacity measurements, iron–sillenite specimens were synthesized at different temperatures and mixed with different amounts of BaSO₄ and Laponite solution. It was demonstrated that iron–sillenite Bi₂₅FeO₄₀ possessed sufficient radiopacity and could be a potential candidate to meet the requirements of its application as an XRD/MRI dual-contrast agent. Full article

Traditional separation membranes used for dye removal often suffer from a trade-off between separation efficiency and water permeability. Herein, we propose a facile approach to prepare cyclodextrin-based high-flux nanofiber membranes by electrospinning and vapor-driven crosslinking processes. The application of glutaraldehyde vapor for crosslinking hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/laponite electrospun membranes can build interconnected structures and lead to the formation of a porous hierarchical layer. In addition, the incorporation of inorganic salt, laponite, can alter the crosslinking process, resulting in membranes with improved hydrophilicity and highly maintained electrospun nanofibrous morphology, which contributes to an ultrafast water flux of 1.0 × 10⁵ Lh⁻¹m⁻²bar⁻¹. Due to the synergetic effect of strong host–guest interaction and electrostatic interaction, the membranes exhibit suitable rejection toward anionic dyes with a high removal efficiency of >99% within a short time and achieve accurate separation for cationic against anionic dyes, accompanied by suitable recyclability with >97% separation efficiency after at least four separation–regenerations. The prepared membranes with remarkable separation efficiency and ultrafast permeation properties might be a promising candidate for high-performance membranes in water treatment. Full article

Using waste materials in the mixture of building materials is an approach aligned with the circular economy, a viewpoint that creates sustainable building industries, especially in developed countries. This study concentrated on the application of laponite (LAP), fly ash (FA), and bentonite (BENT) materials in the mixture of cement pastes. The first step used experimental practices to examine the metrics of toughness, three-point bending, and compressive strength with different percentages of added LAP, FA, and BENT after the characterization of samples by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The next step entailed assessment of cement paste specifications through some regressive equations obtained by the application of 2D curve fitting and sensitive analysis of additive (FA, LAP, and BENT) fluctuations in the structure of cement paste. The results show that linear polynomial equations are the best for the evaluation of cement paste terms as per different percentages of the additives. The environmental impact assessment (EIA) of nine prepared samples demonstrated that LAP created the safest condition in comparison to others. However, the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) computations applied for the sustainability assessment (SA) of the samples showed that the LAP is the most appropriate option for use in the structure of cement paste. Using experimental analysis and mathematical modeling, the behavior of cement paste interacting with mineral additives is evaluated. Sustainable mixtures are then presented based on EIA. Full article

Laponite^® (LAP) is an intensively studied synthetic clay due to the versatility given by its layered structure, which makes it usable in various applications. This review describes the multifaceted properties and applications of LAP in aqueous dispersions and gel systems. The first sections of the review discuss the LAP structure and the interactions between clay discs in an aqueous medium under different conditions (such as ionic strength, pH, temperature, and the addition of polymers) in order to understand the function of clay in tailoring the properties of the designed material. Additionally, the review explores the aging phenomenon characteristic of LAP aqueous dispersions as well as the development of shake-gels by incorporating LAP. The second part shows the most recent studies on materials containing LAP with possible applicability in the drilling industry, cosmetics or care products industry, and biomedical fields. By elucidating the remarkable versatility and ease of integration of LAP into various matrices, this review underscores its significance as a key ingredient for the creation of next-generation materials with tailored functionalities. Full article