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Chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone composite films containing hydroalcoholic Ziziphora clinopodioides extract were developed and evaluated for their potential use as wound dressings. The physical and chemical properties of the films were extensively explored, including swelling capacity, mechanical properties, antimicrobial activity, and microstructural characteristics. The results showed that the addition of Ziziphora extract significantly increased the swelling capacity of the films by 561.24% to 1175% (p < 0.05). While tensile strength and Young's modulus were enhanced, elongation at the breaking point decreased with increasing volume percentages of Ziziphora extract. Variance analysis indicated no statistically significant effect on the tensile properties of the films with varying Ziziphora extract content (p < 0.05). Furthermore, films incorporated with Ziziphora extract demonstrated antimicrobial properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that samples lacking Ziziphora extract had a smooth surface, while those containing the extract displayed a rough texture that may potentially accelerate the wound healing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we engineered a sub-70 nm nanocomposite of ZnO/Zn2TiO4 using a low-temperature solution-phase method with titanium isopropoxide and zinc acetate as precursors, and isopropyl alcohol and water as solvents. The investigation focused on nanocomposite growth by varying precursor and surfactant concentrations and their efficiency within different pH ranges. All three ZnO/Zn2TiO4 nanocomposites exhibited hexagonal wurtzite ZnO and Zn2TiO4 structures. The crystallite size in these nanocomposites ranged from 39.50 nm to 62.67 nm for ZnO and 21.24 nm to 26.15 nm for Zn2TiO4. Morphological observations using FESEM revealed the formation of dispersed cotton packet-like nanocomposites with sizes ranging from 18 to 350 nm. FTIR analysis showed peaks indicative of Ti–O and Zn–O bond formation, and EDX spectrum confirmed the presence of Ti, O, and Zn. UV spectrums and photocatalytic investigations confirmed the successful formation of ZnO/Zn2TiO4 nanocomposites with notable photocatalytic degradation efficiency for methylene blue dye under various conditions. These findings suggest the potential applicability of the synthesized nanocomposites for environmental pollutant degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporation of antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds into edible oils has limitations such as rapid release of phenolic compounds, low solubility, low penetration, low accessibility, and rapid degradation by environmental compounds. To solve this problem, the nano‐encapsulation process is offering promising opportunities. In this research, for the first time, the phenolic extract of Mentha aquatica was nano‐encapsulated in nano‐emulsions coated with chitosan, Lepidium perfoliatum gum (LPG), and complex of chitosan and LPG (CCL) (1:1 ratio). Based on various tests (particle size measurement, ζ‐potential, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency index, and intensity curve), the LPG coating was the most optimum option for nano‐encapsulation compared to the other coatings. Thus, the LPG‐assisted nano‐encapsulated phenolic extract of M. aquatica was used to improve the oxidative stability of canola oil at three concentrations (100, 200, and 300 ppm). The results of peroxide value and anisidine index tests (as initial and secondary oxidation indicators, respectively) showed that the nano‐encapsulation improved the antioxidant effect of M. aquatica when compared with free extract in canola oil. In a comparative approach, the best sample was obtained from the LPG‐assisted nano‐encapsulated extract (200 ppm) due to the release of more phenolic compounds. The findings from this study showcase how nano‐encapsulation enhances the efficacy of antioxidants in edible oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone composite films containing hydroalcoholic Ziziphora clinopodioides extract were developed and evaluated for their potential use as wound dressings. The physical and chemical properties of the films were extensively explored, including swelling capacity, mechanical properties, antimicrobial activity, and microstructural characteristics. The results showed that the addition of Ziziphora extract significantly increased the swelling capacity of the films by 561.24% to 1175% ( p  < 0.05). While tensile strength and Young's modulus were enhanced, elongation at the breaking point decreased with increasing volume percentages of Ziziphora extract. Variance analysis indicated no statistically significant effect on the tensile properties of the films with varying Ziziphora extract content ( p  < 0.05). Furthermore, films incorporated with Ziziphora extract demonstrated antimicrobial properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that samples lacking Ziziphora extract had a smooth surface, while those containing the extract displayed a rough texture that may potentially accelerate the wound healing process.