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The phase behavior of binary blends of AB diblock copolymers of compositions f and 1 − f is examined using field-theoretic simulations. Highly asymmetric compositions (i.e., f ≈ 0) behave like homopolymer blends macrophase separating into coexisting A- and B-rich phases as the segregation is increased, whereas more symmetric diblocks (i.e., f ≈ 0.5) microphase separate into an ordered lamellar phase. In self-consistent field theory, these behaviors are separated by a Lifshitz critical point at f = 0.2113. However, its lower critical dimension is believed to be four, which implies that the Lifshitz point should be destroyed by fluctuations. Consistent with this, it is found to transform into a tricritical point. Furthermore, the highly swollen lamellar phase near the mean-field Lifshitz point disorders into a bicontinuous microemulsion (BμE), consisting of large interpenetrating A- and B-rich microdomains. BμE has been previously reported in ternary blends of AB diblock copolymer with its parent A- and B-type homopolymers, but in that system the homopolymers have a tendency to macrophase separate. Our alternative system for creating BμE is free of this macrophase separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanol is considered a clean, cost-effective, carbon-neutral fuel. In this study, the effect of a surfactant (Span 80/Tween 80) and cosolvent (furan) on the macroscopic and microscopic mutual solubility characteristics of diesel-ethanol blending were assessed. At the macroscopic level, the study investigated the impact of compound emulsifier proportions and ethanol volume ratio on the stability of the diesel-ethanol fuel. At the microscopic level, the conductivity and particle size of the blended fuels were analyzed. Additionally, fuel properties such as lower heating value, viscosity, and price per unit volume of fuel were investigated. The results indicated that Span 80 and furan were more effective in enhancing the mutual solubility of diesel and ethanol, reducing the maximum dosage by 98.55% and 92.24% by volume, respectively. Besides, compared with furan-diesel-ethanol, emulsifiers increased the conductivity of the mixture by two orders of magnitude. Furthermore, the lower heating value (LHV) of microemulsion produced by Span 80 showed the LHV closest to that of diesel and the cost was even cheaper. Considering the effectiveness of cosolvents and surfactants in stabilizing diesel-ethanol blends and their resulting fuel properties, diesel-ethanol-Span 80 stands out as a promising option for diesel engine applications, showcasing the renewed relevance of traditional emulsifiers in diesel-ethanol blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the evaporation characteristics of biodiesel-diesel-methanol microemulsions, an experimental method of droplet evaporation with post processing techniques is established. The droplet normalized square diameter (NSD), droplet temperature and images during evaporation process are used to analyze the evaporation characteristics at different ambient temperatures. The results indicate that the methanol volume percentage, initial volume of droplet and ambient temperature have evident influence on the evaporation characteristics of droplets. When the initial volume of droplet is 0.5 μL, BD95M5 (biodiesel-diesel blend (95%)+methanol (5%)) and BD85M15 (biodiesel-diesel blend (85%)+methanol (15%)) droplets do not show the puffing and micro-explosion phenomena during evaporation process, but BD75M25 (biodiesel-diesel blend (75%)+methanol (25%)) droplet exhibits micro-explosion evidently at ambient temperature of 573K. Puffing is observed for BD85M15 droplet, and micro-explosion is for BD75M25 droplet at ambient temperature of 773K. The droplet lifetime is decreased and the mean evaporation rate (MER) is increased with the increase of ambient temperature and methanol volume percentage in microemulsion. The evaporation process ends at 5.938 s/mm2, 5.417 s/mm2 and 4.792 s/mm2 for BD95M5, BD85M15 and BD75M25, respectively, and MERs of them are 0.087 mm3/s, 0.095 mm3/s and 0.108 mm3/s at ambient temperature of 573K. The MERs of BD95M5, BD85M15 and BD75M25 are 0.225 mm3/s, 0.244 mm3/s and 0.309 mm3/s, respectively, at ambient temperature of 773K. With the increase of initial volume of droplet, the occurrence of puffing and micro-explosion is strengthened. The MER of droplets with initial volume of 0.6 μL is the largest, which increases by 13.1% and 12.8% compared with 0.4 μL droplets and 0.5 μL droplets, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the nanocarriers were synthesized utilizing the water/oil/water (W/O/W) emulsifying method to deliver Curcumin. A cutting-edge hydrogel nanocomposite, resulting from the fusion of Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Agarose (Aga) and Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), presents groundbreaking ph-responsive solutions for drug delivery, with a focus on the controlled release of Curcumin (Cur), a robust element demonstrating exceptional prowess in neutralizing malignant cells. Incorporating MoS2 into the CMC-modified Aga hydrogel introduces distinctive attributes that are amplified by the addition of Span 80 surfactant. This combination results in the creation of strong niosomal microemulsions, which helps Cur stay in the body longer. Adding hazelnut oil helps to make the microemulsion smaller without changing its round shape. FT-IR spectroscopy and XRD techniques were utilized in order to examine the microemulsions. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) tests showed that there are tiny particles in the nanocarriers. They are about 171.25 nm in size on average and have a PDI of 0.31. The round shape of the tiny particles was confirmed by looking at them with a special microscope called SEM. The zeta potential analysis showed that there is a positive charge on the surface, which is about 80.4 mV. Surprisingly, the drug was able to be loaded at 48% efficiency, with an entrapment efficiency of 86.75%, exceeding the previously reported values. Researchers tested how well Cur-loaded nanoparticles can kill cancer cells and also looked for any harmful effects on A549 and L929 cells. This discovery shows that using tiny carriers could be a good way to treat cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Microemulsion (ME) has been investigated as a chemical polishing (CP) fluid for effective polishing of single crystal potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP), perfectly avoiding the generation of mechanical stress. In this work, a water-in-deep eutectic solvent ME was proposed as the polishing fluid for CP of single crystal KDP. Deep eutectic solvent (DES) is formulated using n -octanol as hydrogen bond donor and methyltrioctylammonium chloride (MTOAC) as hydrogen bond acceptor, with a mass ratio of 2:1. The ME was prepared by mixing DES as the oil phase (12.5 %, wt.), a hydrochloric acid solution as the water phase (12.5 %, wt.), and isopropanol as the cosolvent (75 %, wt.), without adding any other surfactants. The properties of the ME were characterized by conductivity measurements and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. The reactivity of ME with KDP was measured by the conductivity method, and it was higher at low pH values. A hydrochloric acid solution with a pH of 3 was selected as aqueous phase, considering its effects on particle size, salt loading, and static etching rate. The water content affects the polarity of ME and the final water content was determined to be 12.5 % to ensure high polarity of ME. The surface quality of the KDP crystals before and after polishing was examined using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) analysis. The average roughness of the KDP crystal surface was decreased from 1.96 nm to 1.43 nm, and the root-mean-square (RMS) roughness was reduced from 2.81 nm to 1.86 nm, demonstrating a significant polishing effect. Finally, the polishing mechanism was elucidated in terms of the irreversible chemical reaction between the active components in the microemulsion and the KDP crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The commonly used artificial light sources, such as fluorescent lamps and white light-emitting diodes, often have a high ratio of blue light emission, which poses potential blue light hazards, especially one of the main culprits leading to eye diseases. Therefore, developing novel white lighting sources with low blue-hazard is highly appreciated. In this work, an air-stable and color-tunable triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) mechanism was proposed to realize the low blue-hazard white-light emission. The proposed design was composed of three primary RGB colors from the annihilator (9,10-diphenylanthracene, DPA), the laser excitation source, and the photosensitizer (palladium (II) octaetylporphyrin, PdOEP), respectively. The introduction of oil-in-water (o/w) microemulsion can effectively block the potential oxygen-induced triplet-quenching and benefit high UC efficiency. Moreover, either raising ambient temperatures or adding isobutanol can activate the UC process to yield white-light emission. Notably, the white-light emission with a Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinate of (0.33, 0.33) as well as a low ratio of blue emission (14.2 %) was achieved at an ambient temperature of 42 °C. Therefore, the proposed air-stable TTA-UC mechanism can significantly lower the blue-hazard and provide a novel solution for applications in lighting and display. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphogypsum is an industrial byproduct that is limited in its high-value application due to the presence of dyeing impurities (such as organic matter and carbon black). The flotation method has been verified to be effective in separating these dyeing impurities from gypsum. In this study, microemulsion was used as the collector method of dyeing impurities for their separation from gypsum. The results of flotation tests showed that the microemulsion collector exhibited excellent collection capability and selectivity under natural pH conditions (pH = 1.5). With a microemulsion collector consumption of 400 g/t, purified gypsum of 65.1% whiteness, 95.74% yield, and 97.01% recovery was obtained. The purified gypsum of 65.1% whiteness, 95.74% yield, 97.01 recovery obtained by a used microemulsion collector amount of 400 g/t was better than using the same dosage of kerosene collector. The dispersion behavior of the microemulsion collector was studied by low-temperature transmission electron microscopy. The microemulsion collector demonstrated superior dispersibility, as it forms nano-oil droplets with an average size of 176.83 nm in the pulp, resolving issues associated with poor dispersibility observed in traditional kerosene collectors. Additionally, the nano-oil droplets effectively adsorbed onto the surface of dyeing impurities through hydrogen bonding, enhancing their hydrophobicity. Therefore, the microemulsion collector holds great potential for application in flotation whitening processes involving phosphogypsum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the use of rheology to detect phase inversion in surfactant–oil–water (SOW) systems, offering a rapid method for identifying “optimal formulations.” Phase inversion through temperature or salinity variation provides a faster alternative compared with equilibrium scans. Using well‐defined polyethoxylated surfactants (C8EO3, C10EO4, C12EO5), phase inversion was monitored through viscosity measurements at a constant shear rate, with temperature as formulation variable. Emulsion viscosity reaches a minimum at the phase inversion point, which corresponds to an ultra‐low interfacial tension condition. A strong correlation between the reported fish‐tail temperature (T*) and the phase inversion temperature (PIT) was observed. While identifying optimal conditions through a formulation scan in a series of test tubes is relatively quick, evaluating the surfactant system's ability to reduce interfacial tension can take several weeks due to the requirement of equilibrium. Formulation conditions at which minimal emulsion viscosity occurs are related to those where three‐phase systems are obtained, with the magnitude of interfacial tension inversely proportional to this value. An empirical approach linking the emulsion destabilization zone with the interfacial tensions is proposed. By measuring this interval, it is possible to roughly predict interfacial tension for model systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil fuel sources are under a heavy strain as a result of the rapid population growth and corresponding increase in the demand for fossil fuels and the suitable substitute of technically viable, affordable and environmentally friendly biofuels are required. Biodiesel is considered to be one of the most prominent alternate fuel sources. Biodiesel which is renewable and nontoxic is usually derived from sustainable bioenergy sources, such as animal fats, edible and inedible sources of urban waste, and oil seed crops. The kinds of bio-oils used as a source of primary materials for the production of biodiesel are crucial. Because the fatty acid types and ratios in the bio-oil used are a good indicator of the fuel quality of the biodiesel. Dilution, micro-emulsion, pyrolysis, and trans-esterification are some of the common processes that are used to produce biodiesel. This article presents a systematic review of biodiesel resources and focuses on various production processes and cost comparison analysis of production of biodiesel using different feedstocks as per the policy and regulation of the international standards for production of biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanopesticides have been acknowledged by International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry as a critical tool for revolutionizing future agricultural practices. However, the existing nanopesticides are often plagued by high costs, strict preparation conditions, uncontrollable size, and poor stability. Herein, taking the non‐systemic insecticide lambda‐cyhalothrin (LC) as a model pesticide, a series of LC‐loaded poly(octyl acrylate) nanogel formulations (LONFs) simultaneously featuring easy‐preparation, size‐controllable, and targeted delivery using microemulsion polymerization are developed. By adjusting the ratio of surfactants, the size of LONFs can be accurately designed to be 20, 50, 100, and 200 nm, exhibiting good stability under unconventional storage conditions (0 °C, 54 °C, ultraviolet radiation). Furthermore, reducing the particle diameter enhances the bidirectional translocation of LONFs in Vicia faba L., potentially reaching an optimal diameter (≈20 nm) for unique and rapid transport. LONFs increase the acute toxicity of LC to Aphis craccivora compared to conventional microemulsions (with a maximum reduction of 82.40% in LC50 at 24 h). Additionally, LONFs alter the lethal process of LC in human embryonic kidney 293T cells, with minimal cytotoxicity at a concentration of general application (40 mg L−1). This strategy simultaneously considers convenience, size controllability, and efficiency, providing a feasible method for the industrial development of nanopesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The system made by water, isooctane and a blend of Sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate (AOT) with its more hydrophilic homologue sodium dihexyl sulfosuccinate (SDHS) can give raise to Winsor I, III and II equilibria at room temperature by slight changes in salinity. The phase transitions have been tracked using diffusion NMR, and solubilized volume fractions while small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) provided insight into the characteristic lengths (ξ) within the microemulsions' structures. Our findings reveal a peculiar linear correlation between the reciprocal of these characteristic lengths (ξ−1) and the HLD values. For HLD <0, ξ−1 decreases linearly with HLD with a slope = −0.0056 Å−1 but just above HLD = 0 the slope reverses (+0.0056 Å−1) and ξ−1 increases linearly with HLD demonstrating that the HLD reflects the direction of interfacial curvature. However, at the optimal composition where the curvature is null and HLD = 0, the linear trends observed for ξ−1 below and above HLD = 0 converge at a ξ−1 value that is significantly greater than 0. This indicates that HLD is a measure of the interface/volume ratio and not of the interface curvature. This work aims to deepen the understanding of the relationship between the semi‐empirical HLD equation and the spontaneous curvature of microemulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous FePO4 (AFP) is a promising cathode material for lithium‐ion and sodium‐ion batteries (LIBs & SIBs) due to its stability, high theoretical capacity, and cost‐effective processing. However, challenges such as low electronic conductivity and volumetric changes seriously hinder its practical application. To overcome these hurdles, core‐shell structure synthesis emerges as a useful solution. In this work, we for the first time made this comprehensive review on the progresses of core‐shell amorphous FePO4 (CS‐AFP). This review summarizes 1) various synthesis methods such as template method, microemulsion method, and other methods, 2) characterization techniques, and 3) their involvement in improving electrochemical performance in LIBs and SIBs. In terms of further understanding the underlying mechanisms of advancing electrochemical performance of CS‐AFP, the future perspective on two main aspects were insighted: (i) in situ characterization and (ii) novel designs of materials and structure for CS‐AFP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methimazole, an oral antithyroid drug, has recently gained attention for its skin‐brightening effects when applied topically to treat melasma. This study aims to develop, optimize, and characterize a methimazole microemulsion as a novel, safe approach for local melasma treatment. Materials and Methods: We prepared microemulsion formulations containing 3% methimazole by combining appropriate amounts of surfactants (Tween 80 and Span 20), propylene glycol cosurfactant, and an oil phase (oleic acid‐transcutol p at a 1:10 ratio). We then assessed droplet size, stability, viscosity, and skin permeation using rat skin models. Results: The microemulsions' droplet sizes ranged from 7.06 to 28.13 nm, with viscosities between 120 and 254 centipoises. Our analysis identified droplet size, viscosity, and membrane release as significant independent variables. We determined the permeability parameters of the optimal formulation through rat skin, including steady‐state permeability rate (Jss), permeability coefficient (p), lag time (Tlag), and apparent diffusion coefficient (Dapp). Conclusion: We found that the microemulsions' characteristics, physicochemical properties, and in vitro release depended on the surfactant‐to‐cosurfactant ratio, water content, and oil content. We developed an optimal formulation with a high surfactant‐to‐cosurfactant ratio and low water and oil percentages. This formulation shows potential for commercialization and manufacturing of final products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin inflammation represents a hallmark of many skin conditions, from psoriasis to eczema. Here, we present a novel microemulsion formulation for delivering a low dose of potent immunosuppressant, tacrolimus, to the skin for local inflammation control. The efficacy of topically delivered tacrolimus in controlling skin inflammation can be enhanced by packaging it into microemulsions. Microemulsions are small-size, thermodynamically stable, and surfactant-rich emulsions that can enhance tissue penetration and local tissue retention of poorly soluble drugs, which can reduce dosing frequency and potentially improve patient compliance. Methods: We present a novel approach for microemulsion manufacturing that uses a combination of both low and high-energy methods. The microemulsion composition and manufacturing parameters were optimized by adopting Quality by Design methodologies. The FMECA (Failure, Mode, Effects, Criticality Analysis)-based risk assessment, D-optimal Design of Experiment (DoE), and statistical analysis of parameters impacting responses through the multiple linear regression (MLR) was implemented for identifying critical formulation and process parameters. Results: Through QbD strategy, a stable microemulsion with optimized drug loading that met all critical quality attributes (CQAs) was identified. The optimal microemulsion candidate was successfully scaled up three-fold with retained CQAs. The presented microemulsion showed a slow and extended drug release profile in vitro. Conclusions: Presented findings suggest that microemulsions are a promising novel approach for tacrolimus delivery to the skin. Further, we also demonstrated that a combination of low-energy emulsification and microfluidization processes can produce stable and robust microemulsions with small droplet size that can be implemented in drug delivery of poorly soluble anti-inflammatory drugs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of QbD-driven optimization of microemulsion manufacturing by microfluidization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For diversifying Pt and Pd materials for electro-oxidation reactions of alcohols, carbon nanotube (CNT)-supported Pd and Pt nanoparticles were prepared by the microemulsion method. This microemulsion method is much milder than the previously reported high temperature reduction methods. Even at room temperature, Pd supported CNTs could be prepared, and crystalline Pt/CNTs were obtained at 75 °C. CTAB and chloroform were used for the phase transfer of CNTs, followed by the formation of metal NPs on the surface of CNTs. The zone axis of ⟨110⟩ was broadly observed in both CNT-supported Pt and Pd NPs, while twin structures were identified only in supported Pd NPs. In ethanol oxidation reactions in alkaline medium, CNT-supported Pd NPs, which were prepared at 75 °C, display the best catalytic activities. While unsupported Pt NPs show excellent CO tolerance with the ratio of the maximum current density of the forward and backward scans being 1.60, all the CNT-supported NPs show relatively good CO tolerance with the ratio ranging from 1.06 to 1.25, compared to 0.321 in unsupported Pd NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present study synthesized silver nanoparticles supported on a thermosensitive polymer with a core–shell structure, formed by a polystyrene (PS) core and a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)/Poly(N, N-methylenebisacrylamide) (MBA) shell. The PS core was synthesized via semicontinuous heterophase polymerization at a flow of 0.073 g/min, enabling polystyrene nanoparticles with an average size (Dz) of 35.2 nm to be obtained. In the next stage, the conditions required for polymerization synthesis were established in seeded microemulsion using PS nanoparticles as seed and semicontinuously adding the thermosensitive shell monomer (PNIPAM/MBA) under monomer-flooded conditions to favor shell formation. The non-homopolymerization of PNIPAM/MBA was demonstrated by obtaining nanoparticles with a core–shell structure, with average particle sizes of 41 nm and extremely low and narrow polydispersity index (PDI) values (1.1). The thermosensitive behavior was analyzed by QLS, revealing an average shrinkage of 4.03 nm and a percentage of shrinkage of 23.7%. Finally, silver nanoparticles were synthesized on the core–shell heat-sensitive nanoparticles in a colloidal solution containing the latices, while silver nanoparticles were anchored onto the cross-linked heat-sensitive network via the formation of complexes between the Ag+ ions and the nitrogen contained in the PNIPAM/MBA network, favoring anchorage around the network and maintaining a size of 5 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microemulsions (MEs) comprising of cholinium dodecylbenzene sulphonate Cho[DBS], a bio‐based ionic liquid surfactant as an emulsifier, hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent (HDES) as nonpolar phase, and water as a polar component are constructed. Negative value of ∆G estimated from isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) plots indicate spontaneous aggregation of Cho[DBS] both in water and HDES. The aggregates of Cho[DBS] in HDES and water show the critical micellar concentration (cmc) of ≈4.26 and ≈2.4 mMm, respectively. Cho[DBS] shows a better emulsifying capacity with a high monophasic region in the ternary phase diagram. MEs are utilized as nanoreactors for the sustainable synthesis of nano‐sized fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (FCNPs) with precise control over size and morphology. FCNPs are characterized using PXRD, Raman, XPS, HR‐TEM, UV–vis, and Fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. FCNPs exhibited remarkable properties viz. adjustable luminescence, good solubility, and biocompatibility. FCNPs are applied for fluorometric sensing of nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) and antibiotics through a quenching response originating from the inner filter effect, with a fast response nanomolar detection, and are found highly selective toward TNP (NAC), NFT, and NZF (antibiotics). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Segmental injection as well as high corrosion of the conventional matrix acidizing treatment is harmful to the environment. In this work, a new O/W microemulsion acid (MEA) blockage removal system was developed combining slow-release acid and microemulsion to address these problems. This system could further reduce corrosion, showed great blockage removing ability, and be injected uniformly. HLB and pseudo-ternary phase diagram methods were used to optimize the components of the MEA system and lab tests were used to measure its effective performances and mechanisms. The results indicated 1.5 wt% D-limonene, 0.9 wt% Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 0.6 wt% JFC, 3.5 wt% N-butanol and 30 wt% slow-release acid was the ideal formulation for the MEA system. The MEA system outperformed the traditional toluene-mud acid system in laboratory settings, with blockage removing efficiency exceeding 8%, and its corrosion rate was just 6.34% of pure mud acid. The blockage removal mechanisms for the MEA system were the synergistic effects of the dilution modification effects of the light oil phase, the emulsification carrying effect of the emulsifiers and slow-release acidification effects of the acid system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to retrieve and reuse surfactants efficiently from surfactant‐based microemulsions (MEs) has long been a problem, which is full of challenges and needs to be solved urgently. To this end, a pH‐triggered precipitation‐dissolution (PTPD) strategy is developed. The surfactant sodium 3‐(laurylamino)propane‐1‐sulfonate (LMPS) transforms into an insoluble precipitate (the inner salt of LMPS, LMP) after reaction with HCl, by which the monophasic LMPS‐based MEs demulsified entirely, giving a separable mixture of oil, water and LMP. LMP can be retrieved efficiently (~95.3 %) regardless of the ME type, and can then be conveniently restored to LMPS via reactions with NaOH. Conceptually, the retrieval of LMPS (~96.6 %), toxic benzo[a]pyrene (BaP, ~99.5 %) and a mixture of co‐surfactant n‐butanol and the oil phase n‐heptane (~97.1 %) from the sufficiently emulsified soil eluents is achievable by respectively using the PTPD strategy and distillation, wherein the soil eluents were generated from the remediation of BaP‐contaminated soil using an oil‐in‐water LMPS‐based ME as washing agent. It reveals a promising future for the PTPD strategy in the post‐processing of soil eluents containing toxic hydrophobic organic contaminants and excessive surfactants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Methods Results Conclusion Valproic acid (VPA) is used to treat various neurological and psychiatric conditions. While oral VPA can cause hair loss, topical application has shown potential for hair regeneration. This study aimed to develop and evaluate microemulsion (ME) formulations of VPA for enhanced transfollicular delivery.VPA‐loaded MEs were prepared using oleic acid, Transcutol P, Tween 80, Labrasol, and Capryol 90. The MEs were characterized for physicochemical properties, stability, in vitro release, and ex vivo permeation through the hairy abdominal and nonhairy ear skin of guinea pigs.Eight stable ME formulations were developed with droplet sizes ranging from 10 to 24 nm, pH 4.6 to 5.2, and viscosity 77 to 85 cps. In vitro release studies showed controlled release profiles over 24 h. Permeation studies revealed enhanced drug delivery through both follicular and nonfollicular pathways compared with aqueous VPA solution. Formulations with higher surfactant/cosurfactant ratios showed increased permeation through the follicular pathway.The ME formulations significantly enhanced VPA penetration into both epidermal and follicular pathways compared with aqueous solution. The composition of the MEs, particularly the oil content, water content, and surfactant/cosurfactant ratio, played a crucial role in determining the physicochemical properties and skin permeation parameters of VPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel sanitizer tablet containing clove essential oil (CO) microemulsion was developed. A preformulation study using nuclear magnetic resonance and thermal analyses showed component compatibility. The main components of the samples remained intact despite a color change, probably due to a strong acid-base interaction between eugenol and diethanolamine. The CO microemulsion showed acaricidal and larvicidal activities superior to the commercial product, with product efficacy of 99.9% and larvae mortality of 94%. Optimal spray-drying conditions were achieved with inlet and outlet temperatures of 50°C and 40°C, respectively, an aspiration rate of 1 m3 min⁻1, and a 0.25 L h⁻1 injection flow. The feed suspension comprised 50% (v/v) liquid soap, 37.5% (v/v) water, 12.5% (v/v) ethanol, and 5.0% (w/v) silica. This formulation and processing parameters allowed for successful free-flow powder formation, providing a suitable matrix for incorporating the CO microemulsion via wet granulation without heating. Finally, sanitizer tablets produced from such granules resulted in a uniform product with low weight variation (coefficient of variation of 0.15%), eugenol content of 95.5% ± 3.3, and friability of 0.58%. Furthermore, the tablets showed rapid aqueous dispersion, forming a colloidal system with particle sizes of 221 nm and a zeta potential of -17.2 mV. Antimicrobial activity tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the sanitizer tablet against bacteria and fungi, exhibiting comparable antimicrobial potency to isolated CO. Hence, the sanitizer tablet developed represents a promising candidate as a practical and efficient solution for pest control, offering strong antimicrobial and acaricidal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe nonionic surfactant was considered to be the most effective surfactant for the treatment of oily sludge. In this paper, Tween20 and Span80 (T/S) composite surfactant was chosen as emulsifier for the preparation of microemulsion, and their synergistic effect was explored. Clint equation and molecular dynamics simulation was used to interpret the formation of mixed micelles and the results showed that T/S composite surfactant with the mass ratio of 11:1 exhibited the good synergetic effect. Then, the microemulsion prepared using composite surfactants was applied for the treatment of oily sludge. Under the optimal conditions of solid-liquid ratio of 1:1(g: mL), stirring temperature of 40 °C, stirring time of 30 min and stirring speed of 400 rpm, the residual oil rate was reduced to 0.25%, which was much lower than other reported results using chemical methods. Interface tensiometer and quartz crystal microbalance measurement showed that the interfacial tension decreased significantly after the addition of composite surfactant. This work provides a feasible strategy for oily sludge treatment using microemulsion, which promoted the development of oily sludge treatment processes based on microemulsion in practical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-in-oil microemulsions, as stable colloidal dispersions from quasi-ternary mixtures, have been used in diverse applications, including nanoreactors for confined chemical processes. Their use as soft templates not only includes nanomaterial synthesis but also the interfacial assembly of nanoparticles in hybrid nanostructures. Especially the hierarchical arrangement of different types of nanoparticles over a surface in filament networks constitutes an interesting bottom-up strategy for facile and tunable film coating. Herein, we demonstrate the versatility of this surface assembly from microemulsion dispersions. Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy, in addition to UV–Vis Transmittance Spectroscopy, proved the assembly tunability after solvent evaporation under different conditions: the nanostructured films can be formed over different surfaces, using different compositions of liquid phases, as well as with the incorporation of different nanoparticle materials while keeping equivalent surface functionalization. This offers the possibility of adapting different components and conditions for coating tuning on a larger scale with simple procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils (EOs) are reported to be natural pesticides, but their use to protect crops is very limited due to EOs' high instability and great volatility. Nanovectors represent a very smart alternative, and in this study, EOs from Artemisia annua (AEO) and Salvia fruticosa (SEO) were formulated into microemulsions and tested against Fusarium verticillioides. The EOs were extracted by steam distillation and analyzed by GC–MS. The main constituents of AEO were camphor, artemisia ketone, and 1,8-cineole; the main constituents of SEO were 1,8-cineole, camphor, α-pinene, and β-pinene. Artemisia ketone and 1,8-cineole were used to calculate the recovery and chemical stability of the microemulsions. The microemulsions were loaded with 10 mg/mL of EOs, and the recoveries were 99.8% and 99.6% for AEO and SEO, respectively. The sizes of the lipid phases were 255.3 ± 0.6 nm and 323.7 ± 2.3 nm for the AEO and SEO microemulsions, respectively. Activity against F. verticillioides was tested using amphotericin B as the positive control. F. verticillioides was very susceptible to both EOs. When loaded in the microemulsions, AEO and SEO remained very active at a dose of 1.4 and 1.2 mg, with a 99.99% reduction of F. verticillioides. The findings suggest AEO and SEO microemulsions are suitable carriers for the protection of crops against F. verticillioides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable colloidal dispersions formed in an oil-water environment with the help of surfactants. They are transparent or translucent, isotropic, and have a small droplet size, typically 10 to 100 nanometers. In the pharmaceutical industry, microemulsions are often used to enhance the solubility of poorly soluble drugs. Many drugs have low aqueous solubility, leading to poor bioavailability and reduced therapeutic efficacy. However, when formulated as microemulsions, these drugs can be solubilized in the oil-water interface of the microemulsion system, resulting in a significant increase in their apparent solubility. The small droplet size and large interfacial area of microemulsions provide an ideal environment for incorporating hydrophobic drugs, as the drug molecules can be accommodated in the hydrophobic core of the micelles or droplets. This solubilization makes the drug more readily available for absorption in the body, thereby improving its bioavailability. As thermodynamically stable colloidal dispersions, microemulsions have gained significant attention due to their unique properties and versatile applications. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of microemulsions with respect to its patentability arena, delving into nuanced aspects that have not been extensively covered in prior review articles. We address key unanswered questions in the existing literature, offering fresh perspectives and insights. Our analysis encompasses the latest advancements in microemulsion research, highlighting novel applications, formulation strategies, emerging trends, market potential of microemulsion as well as its future scope in the pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to create an innovative self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) suppository for ibuprofen (IBU) using semisolid extrusion (SSE) three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. Methods: Based on solubility studies and the ability to form a transparent microemulsion upon dilution, a selected oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant were utilized to prepare SMEDDS-3DPS containing IBU. The optimal formulation consisted of 10% Triacetin, 80% Gelucire 48/16, and 10% Tetraethylene glycol. SSE 3D printing was employed to create three different-sized suppositories with varying drug contents. These suppositories were assessed for their physicochemical properties, content uniformity, and dissolution profiles. Results: The prepared mixture exhibited suitable physical properties for printing, with nano-sized emulsion droplets providing a large surface area for improved drug absorption in the rectum. Characterization techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that IBU was present in the formulation in an amorphous state. Additionally, in vitro dissolution tests demonstrated that SMEDDS-3DPS had a significantly higher initial dissolution rate compared with IBU powder. Conclusions: This research suggests that SMEDDS-3DPS, as a rectal IBU dosage form, can enhance the rectal bioavailability of IBU. It demonstrates the versatility of 3D printing as a novel manufacturing method for lipid-based suppositories and highlights the simplicity and adaptability of SSE 3D printing technology in producing customized suppositories tailored to individual patient needs, surpassing traditional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Switchable microemulsions (MEs) are those capable of adaptively responding to the action of internal or external stimuli. For redox-switchable MEs to obtain high-efficiency phase separation and surfactant recycling, it may be one of the keys to adequately turn off the interfacial activity of surfactants and reduce the solubility of the closed surfactants in the oil phase. Monophasic MEs consisting 11-butylselanyl-undecyl sulfate sodium (C 4 SeC 11 SO 4 Na), n -butanol, n -octane, and water were fabricated using the pseudo-ternary phase diagram method. Their structural features and droplets size were characterized by conductivity, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), respectively. The redox response of MEs was studied using a combination of visual observations and DLS, cryo-TEM, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and thin-layer tomography. The efficient recycling of C 4 SeC 11 SO 4 Na from a well-emulsified eluent is conceptually demonstrated. The reversible transition between C 4 SeC 11 SO 4 Na and C 4 SeOC 11 SO 4 Na is achieved under the alternating action of H 2 O 2 and N 2 H 4 , by which C 4 SeC 11 SO 4 Na-based monophasic MEs are able to efficiently demulsify and regenerate, respectively, regardless of their type. After H 2 O 2 -induced demulsification of the MEs, C 4 SeOC 11 SO 4 Na can be efficiently recycled with the water phase. We hope that such a redox-switching method may benefit some technological applications. For example, it offers exciting possibilities for simultaneous recycling C 4 SeC 11 SO 4 Na and removal of oil from a well-emulsified eluent. Around 97.1 ± 0.3 % of C 4 SeC 11 SO 4 Na could be recycled over five cycles with no apparent loss. After a simple and conventional treatment with anion-exchange resin and active carbon, the total organic carbon and chemical oxygen demand of the waste water were 17.4 ± 2.8 and 26.2 ± 1.4 mg/L, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microemulsion based fuels (MBF) have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential to enhance combustion efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve overall engine performance. This research paper enlightens the effects of physiochemical properties on the emission characteristics of CI engine. The microemulsions are formulated using surfactants, co‐surfactants, water or alcohols, and fuel components. The effects of density, viscosity, calorific value, cold flow properties, and cetane number along with the stability and the multi‐component characteristics of (MBF) has been taken into consideration to examine its effects on Emission characteristics such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM), and unburned hydrocarbons (UHC). Microemulsion‐based fuels lower emissions of NOx and PM, recognized to the more complete combustion. The review highlights various studies that have investigated the benefits of microemulsion fuels, including reduced emissions of different pollutants and thus reduce the adverse effect on environment. In conclusion, microemulsion‐based fuels show likely physiochemical properties, as well as favorable emission characteristics, with reduced NOx, SOx, CO, PM, and UHC emissions. This study highlights the potential of microemulsion‐based fuels as environment friendly alternatives, flagging the way for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothesis : Amphiphilic diblock copolymers are known to increase the surfactant's efficiency to stabilize microemulsion, leading to higher structural order and monolayer rigidity. We thus seek to evaluate whether the addition of such polymers alters the shear behavior of bicontinuous microemulsions, in particular, their shear transformation towards lamellar structures. Experiments : We examine the initial structure and shear response of bicontinuous ▪/ n -octane/▪/PEP 5 - b -PEO 5 microemulsions by coupling microfluidics with small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), attaining wall shear rates in excess of ▪. The azimuthal analysis of the obtained 2D scattering patterns allows us to follow their structural transformation by means of the degree of anisotropy. Findings : The amphiphilic diblock copolymer promotes the shear-induced transformation of bicontinuous microemulsions, resulting in up to ∼▪ higher degrees of anisotropy than for corresponding polymer-free microemulsions. The increased shear response observed with increasing polymer content is rationalized by combining the influence of domain size and viscosity with the stability limits of the bicontinuous microemulsion in the isothermal phase diagram. As a result, a consistent description of the degree of anisotropy is obtained, enabling the prediction of the shear-induced bicontinuous-to-lamellar transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental‐friendly carbon dots (CDs) have found wide applications in the fields of white light emitting diode (WLED), chemical sensor, wide‐gamut display, etc. However, for the aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) effect, high dose of CDs immobilization generally suffers from the great fluorescence quenching, hindering their practical uses in many cases. In the present work, a one‐step microwave‐assisted microemulsion process is developed to prepare matrix‐free green CDs powders with absolute fluorescent quantum yield (QY) up to 48.34%. From dilute solution to matrix‐free powder, the QY of CDs decreases only about 20%, significant smaller than the sample prepared without surfactant (74%). Structural characterization and fluorescent lifetime measurements suggest that the passivation of hydrophobic long‐alkyl chains from surfactant Span‐80 is very key for their good solid‐state photoluminescence (PL). For the good solid‐state PL and various solvent‐compatibility, the CDs reported show promising applications in the fabrication of WLED and the measurement of water content of ethanol/water solution. This work provides a new idea to design and simply synthesize desirable CDs‐based luminescent materials with good solid‐state PL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rhinitis is a prevalent condition affecting individuals of all age groups, resulting from factors such as cold, nasal infections, allergies, inflammation, and sinusitis. The diverse compositions of bioactive essential oils, containing many chemical components, hold significant promise in preventing and treating numerous human diseases. Certain herbs exhibit favorable physiological and medicinal values when administered individually or in combination with others. Both eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil have been traditionally used to alleviate nasal congestion. Aim: Considering the synergistic effects of bioactive oils, the present study aimed to develop nasal microemulsion systems using bioactive oils. Materials and Methods: The microemulsion was prepared with eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil based on the pseudo-ternary phase diagram with different ratios of surfactant and co-surfactant. The microemulsions were evaluated for pH, electrical conductivity, viscosity, optical transparency, droplet sizes and stability studies. Results: The microemulsion droplets were nano-sized and stable at different temperature conditions. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the microemulsion was assessed by protein denaturation assay and showed a promising result compared to the standard drug. Conclusion: Eucalyptus oil and Peppermint oil blend microemulsion formulations could be an effective platform for nasal drug delivery system for the treatment of rhinitis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emulsion fuels have the potential to reduce both particulate matter and NOx emissions and can potentially improve the efficiency of combustion engines. However, their limited stability remains a critical barrier to practical use as an alternative fuel. In this study, we explore the evaporation behavior of thermodynamically stable water-in-oil microemulsions. The water-in-oil microemulsion droplets prepared from different types of oil were acoustically levitated and heated using a continuous laser at different irradiation intensities. We show that the evaporation characteristics of these microemulsions can be controlled by varying water-to-surfactant molar ratio (ω) and volume fraction of the dispersed phase (ϕ). The emulsion droplets undergo three distinct stages of evaporation, namely preheating, steady evaporation, and unsteady evaporation. During the steady evaporation phase, increasing ϕ reduces the evaporation rate for a fixed ω. It is observed that the evaporation of microemulsion is governed by the complex interplay between its constituents and their properties. We propose a parameter (η) denoting the volume fraction ratio between volatile and nonvolatile components, which indicates the cumulative influence of various factors affecting the evaporation process. The evaporation of microemulsions eventually leads to the formation of solid spherical shells, which may undergo buckling. The distinction in the morphology of these shells is explored in detail using scanning electron microscopy imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research is focused on the discovery and optimization of an effective cosmetic carrier of alpha-bisabolol as a first step in the development of a cosmetic product with cleansing and antimicrobial action for facial skin hygiene. A micellar solution of Poloxamer 407 was selected as a cosmetic base because of the good washing ability, easy application, and high tolerability of this polymeric surfactant. The solubilization capacity of a 5% micellar solution with respect to α-bisabolol was investigated by applying varying solubilization techniques and increasing concentrations of the oily active substance. The test samples were subjected to an accelerated physical stability test, viscosimetry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrophoretic light scattering (ELS), foamability test, and antimicrobial screening. Over the course of this research, the advantage of the film-hydration method over direct solubilization was demonstrated by the narrower size distribution and smaller hydrodynamic size of the micellar nano-carriers (ranging from 29.02 to 116.5 nm) and the respective higher physical stability of the dispersions. The optimized composition was found to be suitable for application on large skin areas in terms of viscosity in the temperature range from 20 °C to 40 °C (3.4–2.3 mPa.s). Preservation of the washing capacity of the micellar solution in the presence of solubilized α-bisabolol was established. The active composition demonstrated inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and fungicidal activity against Candida albicans. This study concludes that the optimal concentration of α-bisabolol to be solubilized in a 5% Poloxamer 407 micellar solution by the film-hydration technique is 1%, considering the desirable physical endurance and antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we demonstrate a synthetic approach to precise size control of PNIPAM-based core@shell nanoparticles prepared by microemulsion polymerization as well as control of low critical solution temperature (LCST) of their water dispersions. The size of the PS-core can be tuned to ∼30 nm by a simple increase of mechanical stirring up to 1200 rpm, while the thickness of the thermoresponsive @poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-acrylamide) shell can be controlled by varying the polymerization time. The effect of not only a molar ratio or co-monomer nature but also a strong influence of a thermoresponsive shell thickness on the LCST was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Evaluate the in vitro efficacy of the essential oils derived from Aloysia citrodora (Verbenaceae), Cymbopogon winterianus (Poaceae), and Ocimum gratissimum (Lamiaceae) against Acanthamoeba polyphaga trophozoites. Additionally, microemulsions formulated with these essential oils, along with their major components, were analyzed. Methods and results The prepared microemulsions were characterized using polarized light microscopy and rheological techniques. The amoebicidal activity was determined by measuring the inhibitory concentration (IC50). Flow cytometry was employed to detect membrane damage and alterations in trophozoites size. The results revealed transparent and thermodynamically stable microemulsions. The essential oil from O. gratissimum exhibited a lower IC50, with values of 280.66 and 47.28 µg ml−1 after 24 and 48 h, respectively. When microemulsions containing essential oils were tested, the IC50 values exhibited a reduction of over 80% after 24 h. Particularly, eugenol, a constituent of the O. gratissimum essential oil, displayed higher amoebicidal activity. The essential oils also caused damage to the cell membrane, resulting in the subsequent death of the trophozoites. Conclusions The EOs of A. citrodora, C. winterianus , and O. gratissimum and their microemulsions showed antiparasitic effect against A. polyphaga trophozoites, representing promising alternatives for the treatment of diseases caused by this protozoan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method to determine aceclofenac, ketorolac, and sulindac in human urine samples using microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC) has been developed in this study. The optimization of MEEKC conditions was carried out by changing the microemulsion compositions including the buffer pH, borate salt concentration, surfactant concentration, co-surfactant concentration, organic modifier concentration, and oil droplet concentration. The optimum separation of selected drugs was obtained with a composition of microemulsion containing 10 mM borate buffer pH 9, 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), 6.6% n-butanol, 6.0% acetonitrile, and 0.8% ethyl acetate. Excellent linearity was obtained in the range concentration of 25 to 200 ppm with r2 > 0.999. Limits of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) and limits of quantification (LOQ, S/N = 10) were 2.72 to 4.75 and 9.08 to 15.85 ppm, respectively. The solid-phase extraction (SPE) method using C-18 as an adsorbent and the solid phase micro-tip extraction (SPMTE) method using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as an adsorbent were used to clean-up and pre-concentrate the urine samples prior to the MEEKC analysis. The best recoveries of the selected drugs in the spiked urine sample were 91 to 103% with RSD of 1.26 to 4.03% (n = 3) using the SPE-MEEKC method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofumigation was proposed as an alternative to synthetic pesticides for the disinfection of agricultural soils, in view of the biocidal effect of isothiocyanates (ITCs) released by some vegetal species, like Brassicaceae. However, biofumigation also presents limitations; thus, a novel and viable alternative could be the direct introduction of ITCs into agricultural soils as components loaded into biodegradable hydrogels. Thus, in this work, ITCs-based microemulsions were developed, which can be loaded into porous polymer-based hydrogel beads based on sodium alginate (ALG) or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Three ITCs (ethyl, phenyl, and allyl isothiocyanate) and three different surfactants (sodium dodecylsulfate, Brij 35, and Tween 80) were considered. The optimal system was characterized with attenuated ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry to study how the microemulsion/gels interaction affects the gel properties, such as the equilibrium water content or free water index. Finally, loading and release profiles were studied by means of UV–Vis spectrophotometry. It was found that CMC hydrogel beads showed a slightly more efficient profile of micelles' release in water with respect to ALG beads. For this reason, and due to the enhanced contribution of Fe(III) to their biocidal properties, CMC-based hydrogels are the most promising in view of the application on real agricultural soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the compound 1-(4-(tert-butyl) phenyl)-3-hydroxy-2-methylpyridine-4 (1H) - one (hereinafter referred to as HAINU-19) was used as the active ingredient to prepare the microemulsion and determine its antifungal activity. First, through the screening solvents, co-solvents, and transparent, the formulation of 2.5% HAINU-19 microemulsion (mass fraction) was determined as follows: 2.5% HAINU-19, 15% ethanol, 10% cyclohexanone, 20% transparent (1601# : 500# : AC1810 = 3 : 3 : 1), with distilled water making up to 100%. All indicators meet national standards. The bioassay result of pot experiments showed that the protective and curative effects of 2.5% HAINU-19 microemulsion on wheat stripe rust were 100% at 1000, 500, and 250-fold dilutions, and curative effects were 76.67%, 81.00%, and 82.33%, respectively. The field trial results showed that the 2.5% HAINU19 microemulsion had a control efficacy of 86.13% on rice sheath blight at a 100-fold dilution and 71.24% at a 200-fold dilution. This study can provide an experimental basis and technical support for the development and application of the antifungal compound HAINU-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The OphthalMimic is a 3D-printed device that simulates human ocular conditions with artificial lacrimal flow, cul-de-sac area, moving eyelid, and a surface to interact with ophthalmic formulations. All tests with such a device have used a continuous artificial tear flow rate of 1 mL/min for 5 min. Here, we implemented protocol variations regarding the application time and simulated tear flow to increase the test's discrimination and achieve reliable performance results. The new protocols incorporated the previously evaluated 0.2% fluconazole formulations containing or not chitosan as a mucoadhesive component (PLX16CS10 and PLX16, respectively) and novel moxifloxacin 5% formulations, either in a conventional formulation and a microemulsion (CONTROL and NEMOX, respectively). The flow rate was reduced by 50%, and a pre-flow application period was also included to allow formulation interaction with the membrane. The OphthalMimic model was used with both polymeric and hydrogel-based hybrid membranes, including a simulated eyelid. Lowering the flow made it feasible to prolong the testing duration, enhancing device discrimination potential. The hydrogel membrane was adequate for testing nanostructure formulations. The OphthalMimic device demonstrated once again to be a versatile method for evaluating the performance of ophthalmic drug formulations with the potential of reducing the use of animals for experimentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which prepared a series of microemulsions (MEs) (W/O) containing naproxen (NPX), which could improve the permeability of the corresponding NPX in a rat skin model. Topics discussed include components of the selected NPX-MEs, effect of penetration enhancers on the skin permeation of NPX-MEs, and evaluation of the main variables' effects on permeation.

Titania nanoparticles (NPs) find wide application in photocatalysis, photovoltaics, gas sensing, lithium batteries, etc. One of the most important synthetic challenges is maintaining control over the polymorph composition of the prepared nanomaterial. In the present work, TiO2 NPs corresponding to anatase, rutile, or an anatase/rutile/brookite mixture were obtained at 80 °C by an inverse microemulsion method in a ternary system of water/cetyltrimethylammonium bromide/1-hexanol in a weight ratio of 17:28:55. The only synthesis variables were the preparation of the aqueous component and the nature of the Ti precursor (Ti(IV) ethoxide, isopropoxide, butoxide, or chloride). The materials were characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, FTIR and Raman vibrational spectroscopies, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The synthesis products differed significantly not only in phase composition, but also in crystallinity, textural properties, and adsorption properties towards water. All TiO2 NPs were active in the photocatalytic decomposition of rhodamine B, a model dye pollutant of wastewater streams. The mixed-phase anatase/rutile/brookite nanopowders obtained from alkoxy precursors showed the best photocatalytic performance, comparable to or better than the P25 reference. The exceptionally high photoactivity was attributed to the advantageous electronic effects known to accompany multiphase titania composition, namely high specific surface area and strong surface hydration. Among the single-phase materials, anatase samples showed better photoactivity than rutile ones, and this effect was associated, primarily, with the much higher specific surface area of anatase photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current research of triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) faces difficulty such as overuse of organic solvents and quenching of excited triplet sensitizers by molecular oxygen. Herein, we propose an efficient and facile preparation strategy of TTA-UC microemulsion to overcome these issues. With simple device and short preparation process, air-stable TTA-UC with a high upconversion efficiency of 16.52% was achieved in microemulsion coassembled from TritonX114, tetrahydrofuran and upconverting chromophores (platinum octaethyl-porphyrin and 9,10-diphenylanthracene). This is comparable to the highest UC efficiency ever reported for TTA-UC microemulsion systems. The excellent UC performance of TX114–THF could be attributed to two perspectives. Firstly, small-size micelle accommodated chromophores up to high concentrations in organic phase, which promoted efficient molecular collision. Additionally, high absorbance at 532 nm ensured full use of excitation light, getting more long wavelength photons involved in the TTA-UC process. Moreover, air-stable TTA-UC also performed well in microemulsion with various surfactants, including nonionic surfactants (Tween 20, Tween 80, Triton X-110, Triton X-114), ionic surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide) and block copolymers (pluronic F127, pluronic P123), through three conjectural assembly models according to the structural characteristics of surfactant molecules (concentrated, uncompacted and scattered). These discoveries could provide estimable reference for selection of surfactants in relevant fields of TTA-UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problems of high cost of microemulsion use and the limitation of microe- mulsion application in high temperature and high salt strata, this paper conducted a systematic research on the development of chemically driven microemulsions and the unique properties of nanoparticles, and summarized the synergistic effect between nanoparticles and microemulsions, the effect of nanoparticle incorporation on the applicability of salinity to the microemulsions as well as the influence on the rheological properties. The current status of nanoparticle synergistic microemulsion research at home and abroad is summarized and reviewed, and the synergistic effect between nanoparticles and microemulsions is summarized to produce mechanisms such as low interfacial tension, change of wettability, reduction of chemical adsorption, enhancement of stability, and improvement of rheological ratio. At present, the application of nanoparticles in microemulsions is still in the exploratory stage, which requires further theoretical analysis and experimental research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]