Research and application of polypropylene: a review.

Polypropylene (PP) is a versatile polymer with numerous applications that has undergone substantial changes in recent years, focusing on the demand for next-generation polymers. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent research in PP and its advanced functional applications. The chronological development and fundamentals of PP are mentioned. Notably, the incorporation of nanomaterial like graphene, MXene, nano-clay, borophane, silver nanoparticles, etc., with PP for advanced applications has been tabulated with their key features and challenges. The article also conducts a detailed analysis of advancements and research gaps within three key forms of PP: fiber, membrane, and matrix. The versatile applications of PP across sectors like biomedical, automotive, aerospace, and air/water filtration are highlighted. However, challenges such as limited UV resistance, bonding issues, and flammability are noted. The study emphasizes the promising potential of PP while addressing unresolved concerns, with the goal of guiding future research and promoting innovation in polymer applications.

Fabrications, Classifications, and Environmental Impact of PCM-Incorporated Textiles: Current State and Future Outlook.

Phase change materials (PCMs) are an extraordinary family of compounds that can store and release thermal energy during phase changes. In recent years, the incorporation of PCMs into textiles has attracted considerable interest, since it represents a unique way to improve the comfort and usefulness of textiles. This article examines the advancements achieved in the preparation, classifications, and environmental effects of PCM-integrated textiles, along with a roadmap for the future. Progress of different PCM has been reported including its pros and cons. In addition, fabrications of the PCM on the apparel have been highlighted. Moreover, this Review analyzed the positive environmental impact of PCM-integrated textiles including improved insulation, extended product lifespan, and energy savings along with negative effects like higher energy consumption in the manufacturing process, added chemical additives tending to have a negative impact on the environment, less disposal features textiles and many more with recent references. Moreover, the future outlook also reports more research on nanoencapsulation, making it energy efficient, ensuring affordability, and more applications in smart PCM textiles. It seeks to stimulate additional research, encourage innovation, and contribute to the creation of high-performance, energy-efficient textiles by investigating the possibilities of PCM-enhanced textiles. The future of PCM in textiles is hopeful, with continuous research and technological advances resolving the aforementioned difficulties.

Fabrication and characterization of antimicrobial wound dressing nanofibrous materials by PVA-betel leaf extract.

This present study involves the formation and investigation of the characteristics of a fabricated mat from a PVA-betel leaf mixture. Under ideal processing parameters, nanofibrous mat is synthesized from the PVA-betel leaf blended solution by using the electrospinning technique. Afterwards, the produced nanofibrous mat is assessed for its thermal, antibacterial, morphological, moisture management and chemical interaction behavior using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), antibacterial assay, scanning electron microscope (SEM), moisture management tester (MMT) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) respectively. The antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria has been assessed using the agar diffusion technique, which reveals the creation of zones of inhibition with a value of about 20 mm. Besides, the fabricated nanomat reveals an average diameter of 183.4 nm with improved moisture and thermal characteristics. Furthermore, the generated nanofibrous mat has all the necessary components, as evidenced by the distinctive peaks in the FTIR spectra. Hence, the recently developed nanofibrous mat exhibits promising potential as a suitable material for wound dressing applications.

Incorporation of MPCM on cotton fabric for potential application in hospital bed sheet.

Over the last few decades, phase change materials (PCM) have attracted a great deal of interest in medical textiles due to its superior thermoregulation system, simple application, and so on. Patients, however, confined to bed in a medical facility face the serious risk of developing bed sores, which is not mitigated by the use of a standard bed sheet. Numerous articles and patents have been studied related to development of thermal bed sheets using PCM applied by various techniques; however, no such initiates was found to prepare and characterize of hospital bed sheets using microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) through screen printing method. Thus, this study aims to develop a hospital bed sheet constructed from cotton fabric incorporated with MPCM. To accomplish this, MPCM was mixed into the printing paste that had been applied on the fabric by screen printing method, and then dried at room temperature. Thermal behavior, thermal transition, and thermal conductivity of the developed samples had been investigated. Moisture management properties, mechanical properties, and bonding behavior of the samples were also examined. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the sample's morphology, and a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was used to determine how polymeric materials behaved when heated. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that the MPCM incorporated sample lost weight slowly, while the DSC test confirmed that melting began at 20 °C and ended at 30 °C. Furthermore, fabricated sample had higher heat conductivity (0.1760822 w.m-1 k-1). Overall, the results revealed a great potential for using the developed samples as hospital bed sheets to prevent patients from developing bed sores.

Collagen/Nigella sativa/chitosan inscribed electrospun hybrid bio-nanocomposites for skin tissue engineering.

The sophisticated new tissue regeneration focused on nanocomposite with different morphologies achieved through advanced manufacturing technology with the inclusion of bio-inscribed materials has piqued the research community's interest. This research aims at developing hybrid bio-nanocomposites with collagen (Col), Nigella sativa (Ns) oil and chitosan (Cs) by a bi-layered green electrospinning on polyvinyl chloride (PVA) layer in a different ratio for tissue regeneration. Fiber morphologies through scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), moisture management, tensile test, antibacterial activity, cell cytotoxicity and wound healing through rabbit model of the fabricated hybrid bio-nanocomposites were investigated. It is worth noting that water-soluble Col (above 60% solution) does not form Taylor cones during electrospinning because unable to overcome the surface tension of the solution (viscosity) to form fibers. The results show that water soluble Col (50% solution) to Cs (25% solution) and Ns (25% solution) has good fiber formation with mean diameter 384 ± 27 nm and degree of porosity is 79%. The fast-absorbing and slow-drying hybrid bio-nanocomposites maintain a moist environment for wounds and allowing gaseous exchange for cell migration and proliferation by the synergistic effects of bio-polymers. All of the biopolymers in bio-nanocomposite improve the H-bonds, which accounts for enough tensile strength to withstand cell pulling force. The antibacterial ZOI concentrations against S. aureus and E. coli were 10 and 8 mm, respectively, which appeared to be sufficient to inhibit bacterial action with 100% cell viability (cytotoxicity). The synergistic effects of Ns and Cs improve tissue regeneration, while native Col improves antibacterial activity, and the rabbit model achieves approximately 84% wound closure in only 10 days, which is 1.5 times faster than the control model. So, the fabricated hybrid bio-composites may be useful for skin tissue engineering.

Fabrication of bio-inscribed (green) electrospun hybrid bio-nanocomposite by the novel bi-layer techniqueThe developed complex (fast absorbing and slow drying composite) absorbs exudate from the wound to provide a suitable moist environment for healing and tissue regenerationAntibacterial susceptibility is boosted by the synergistic effects of Nigella sativa and chitosan, while tissue regeneration is improved (approx. 10 days for rabbit model) by native collagen with no cytotoxicityWater soluble collagen (above 60% solution) will not produce fibers as unable to surmount the surface tension of the solution (viscosity) and increasing amount of Nigella sativa decrease the inhibition zone against gram-negative bacteria [Figure: see text].

PVA, licorice, and collagen (PLC) based hybrid bio-nano scaffold for wound healing application.

Nanofibrous scaffolds with core-shell structures can deliver bioactive agents, augment mechanical properties, provide a high surface area to volume ratio, and most importantly mimic the structure of extracellular matrix (ECM) which enables to maintain of a moist environment, elimination of excess exudates and provide antibacterial properties to impede infections. This study has developed PVA, licorice, and collagen (PLC) based hybrid bio-nano scaffold by co-axial electrospinning technique for enhancing wound closure. The core layer was made by PVA & licorice extract and shell layer was created by collagen & licorice extract solution. The morphology, moisture management properties, presence of constituent polymer, thermal behavior, and mechanical properties of the developed samples were characterized by FE-SEM, moisture management tester (MMT), FT/IR, TGA, tensile testing machine. Furthermore, in vitro antibacterial assay was conducted by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method for investigating antibacterial properties and an in-vivo wound healing assessment was employed by observing the wound healing. Then FE-SEM images showed the lowest and highest average diameters 119 nm and 154 nm respectively, FT/IR spectra ensured the presence of all materials in the sample. Furthermore, the moisture management test result demonstrated slow absorbing and slow drying scaffolds which emphasized the eligibility of the sample to be an ideal candidate for wound healing. Moreover, the minimum and maximum zones of inhibition (ZOI) were found 7 mm and 8 mm against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Finally, an in vivo wound healing assessment revealed a better healing performance of the developed samples after 10 days.

Antibacterial multicomponent electrospun nanofibrous mat through the synergistic effect of biopolymers.

The endeavor was to adopt a facile bi-layered approach to fabricate a novel PVA-chitosan-collagen-licorice nanofibrous mat (PCCLNM) with maintaining the spinning parameters and conditions to assess the synergistic antibacterial action of two biopolymers and having properties for repairing tissues. Bonding behavior, morphological orientation, antibacterial activity, and moisture management features of the electrospun nanofibrous mat were investigated using various characterization techniques. The FTIR analysis of the manufactured nanofibrous mat revealed characteristic peaks of licorice, chitosan, collagen, and PVA polymer, confirming the presence of all polymers in the sample. Additionally, a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image attributes the development of nanofibers with an average diameter for top and bottom sides were 219 and 188 nm respectively. Furthermore, moisture management tests (MMT) confirm PCCLNM's slow absorption and drying capabilities. Apart from that, a disk diffusion method was used to investigate antibacterial activity against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which revealed a strong presence of antibacterial activity with a 20 mm zone of inhibition due to the chemical constituents of licorice and chitosan compound. The developed bio-nanocomposite could have a potential application as wound healing material.

Development of SiC-TiO2-Graphene neem extracted antimicrobial nano membrane for enhancement of multiphysical properties and future prospect in dental implant applications.

This paper presents the coating technology on Nano membrane using SiC-TiO2-Graphene with varying percentages of Azadirachta indica (Neem) extract with an objective to develop new coating materials. The nanomembranes have been synthesized by electrospinning machine over aluminum foil paper using the raw materials PVA grain, SiC, TiO2, Graphene, and neem. The nanomembranes have been characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR, Surface Roughness, antibacterial, and Cytotoxicity test. FTIR analysis established the presence of PVA and neem indicating the formation of different organic compounds. It also confirmed that no chemical reaction occurred during the synthesis process. The membrane's roughness analysis obtained average roughness values from 1.15 to 3.84. The formation of homogeneous and smooth membranes with the formation of micropores was confirmed by SEM analysis. Miller Indices identified different types of crystal structures in XRD analysis. Antibacterial activity increased with the increase of the percentage of neem confirmed by the antibacterial test. No toxic effects were observed from the membrane during the cytotoxicity test. The obtained data confirmed that the synthesized nanomembrane could be used in different biomedical applications.

Prospect of biobased antiviral face mask to limit the coronavirus outbreak.

The rapid spread of COVID-19 has led to nationwide lockdowns in many countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has played serious havoc on economic activities throughout the world. Researchers are immensely curious about how to give the best protection to people before a vaccine becomes available. The coronavirus spreads principally through saliva droplets. Thus, it would be a great opportunity if the virus spread could be controlled at an early stage. The face mask can limit virus spread from both inside and outside the mask. This is the first study that has endeavoured to explore the design and fabrication of an antiviral face mask using licorice root extract, which has antimicrobial properties due to glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) and glycyrrhizin (GL). An electrospinning process was utilized to fabricate nanofibrous membrane and virus deactivation mechanisms discussed. The nanofiber mask material was characterized by SEM and airflow rate testing. SEM results indicated that the nanofibers from electrospinning are about 15-30 µm in diameter with random porosity and orientation which have the potential to capture and kill the virus. Theoretical estimation signifies that an 85 L/min rate of airflow through the face mask is possible which ensures good breathability over an extensive range of pressure drops and pore sizes. Finally, it can be concluded that licorice root membrane may be used to produce a biobased face mask to control COVID-19 spread.

Immune response in COVID-19: A review.

The immune system protects against viruses and diseases and produces antibodies to kill pathogens. This review presents a brief overview of the immune system regarding its protection of the human body from COVID-19; illustrates the process of the immune system, how it works, and its mechanism to fight virus; and presents information on the most recent COVID-19 treatments and experimental data. Various types of potential challenges for the immunes system are also discussed. At the end of the article, foods to consume and avoid are suggested, and physical exercise is encouraged. This article can be used worldwide as a state of the art in this critical moment for promising alternative solutions related to surviving the coronavirus.

Antibacterial bi-layered polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-chitosan blend nanofibrous mat loaded with Azadirachta indica (neem) extract.

The present study suggests the formation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-Azadirachta indica (neem)-chitosan blend nanofibrous mat (PNCNM) by bi-layered technique under optimum processing conditions. The antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria, morphology, bonding behavior, thermal stability, tensile behavior and moisture management properties of the developed sample had been investigated. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed the homogeneous and smooth fibers produced having average diameter of 213.52nm (nm) with the minimum and maximum diameter of 152nm and 298nm respectively. Besides, it showed 91% porosity which is indicative of porous structure. The presence of PVA, neem constituents and chitosan was established by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) indicating the formation of hydrogen bonding among them. The addition of neem extracts led to enhanced thermal stability and moisture management properties. In addition, the developed mat showed a tensile strength of 18.78N corresponding to the elongation value of 4.98mm. Besides, the incorporation of neem extract into the nanofiber mat exhibited a significant synergistic antibacterial activity against bacterial cells through the formation of inhibition zone. Thus, the newly developed nanofibrous mat could turn out to be a suitable material for the wound dressing purpose.