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An original model is proposed for predicting the filter performance at different inlet concentrations using the standard accelerated test of the American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. The theoretical description is based on constant diffusivity with a physical model of adsorption. An overall comparison showed good agreement between the theoretical calculations in the current study and measurements previously performed in the American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers standard filter accelerated tests at different inlet concentrations. The proposed prediction model is useful for describing the changes in filter performance that accompany the varying inlet concentration, and it also provides a sound basis for further developments in the design and optimization of an activated carbon filtration system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that often occurs with anaerobic Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Anti-acne patches, made of hydrocolloid or hydrogel, have become a popular way of topical treatment. The outer water-impermeable layer of commercial patches might create hypoxic conditions and promote P. acnes growth. In this study, gelatin/chitosan (GC) bilayer patches were prepared at different temperatures that included room temperature (RT), −20 °C/RT, and −80 °C/RT. The most promising GC bilayer patch (−80 °C /RT) contained a dense upper layer for protection from bacteria and infection and a porous lower layer for absorbing pus and fluids from pimples. The anti-acne bilayer patch was loaded with Cortex Phellodendri amurensis (PA) and Centella asiatica (CA) extracts. PA extract could inhibit the growth of P. acnes and CA extract was reported to improve wound healing and reduce scar formation. Moreover, the water retention rate, weight loss rate, antibacterial activity, and in vitro cytotoxicity of the patches were investigated. The porous structure of the patches promoted water retention and contributed to absorbing the exudate when used on open acne wounds. The GC bilayer patches loaded with PA/CA extracts were demonstrated to inhibit the growth of P. acnes, and accelerate the skin fibroblast cell viability. Based on their activities and characteristics, the GC bilayer patches with PA/CA extract prepared at −80 °C/RT obtain the potential for the application of acne spot treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a platform, comprised of silver nanoparticle decorated silica nanowires (SiONWs) dispersed on fused quartz substrates, for high sensitivity surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements using both frontal (through the analytes) and back-face (through the transparent substrate) excitation. Quasi-quantitative SERS performances on the specialized substrate, vis-à-vis a silver deposited bare fused quartz plate, showed: (i) the suitability of the Ag modified SiONW substrate for frontal as well as back-face excitation; (ii) a wider detection range with high sensitivity to Rhodamine 6G; and (iii) good underwater metal-oxide adhesion of the specialized substrates. Capable of surviving ultrasonic cleaning, the substrate introduced is one of the few reusable low-cost Ag-based nanostructured SERS substrates, requiring only a simple silver reload process (the silver mirror reaction).