{ "generated_at": "2026-04-24T21:10:57+00:00", "count": 45, "url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/citations.json", "citations": [ { "id": 24545, "position": 1, "title": "A dip-and-read capacitive electrochemical sensor for orthophosphate monitoring", "authors": [ "Geisianny Moreira", "Alex B Shaw", "Nafisa Amin", "Wei Gao", "Debabrata Sahoo and Eric S McLamore" ], "authors_text": "Geisianny Moreira, Alex B Shaw, Nafisa Amin, Wei Gao, Debabrata Sahoo and Eric S McLamore", "journal": "Sustainability Science and Technology", "publisher": "Sustainability Science and Technology", "year": "2026", "abstract": "Phosphorus (P) is a finite, essential resource critical for agriculture, yet its unsustainable management through excessive fertilizer application leads to significant environmental degradation, including water pollution. This directly impedes progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger) by wasting resources vital for food security and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by polluting aquatic ecosystems. Here, we develop a reagent-free orthophosphate chemosensor based on a sorbent material containing graphene oxide (GO) and diallyl-dimethylammonium chloride (PolyDADMAC), termed GO-PDDA. Laser-induced graphene electrodes were coated with GO-PDDA material using four different grafting or drop-cast techniques. Electrochemical testing showed that grafted GO-PDDA electrodes were more efficient than drop-cast GO-PDDA or DADMAC grafted electrodes. Developed GO-PDDA sensor is applied for sensing orthophosphate in aqueous samples at pH 7–9. Equivalent circuit modeling indicated that capacitive behavior coincides with Frumkin/Melik-Gaykazyan adsorption theory, where tetrahedral oxyanions increase low-frequency capacitance in thin films. The sensor achieves a detection limit of 20 ± 4 ppb with a rapid 5 min response time, covering concentrations relevant to natural waters. It exhibits high selectivity, being 97% selective for divalent ortho-P over common interferents, 93% over chloride/nitrate, and 87% over sulfate. The chemosensor is reusable, showing less than 5% performance change after regeneration. Validated against EPA Method 365.3 in urban creek water (R2 = 0.92), it offers a faster, reagent-free alternative for direct ortho-P quantification. This work marks the first use of PolyDADMAC as a recognition material in an electrochemical sensor, positioning it as a promising tool for sustainable P management, directly supporting SDG 2, SDG 6, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).", "url": "https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2977-3504/ae3d3b", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "farming-agriscience", "utilities", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids" ], "about": [ "journal", "farming-agriscience", "utilities", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SSTECH-220x300-1.jpeg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/a-dip-and-read-capacitive-electrochemical-sensor-for-orthophosphate-monitoring/" }, { "id": 24541, "position": 2, "title": "A Mechanistic, Architecture-Dependent Study Combining Experiments and Molecular Dynamics to Explain AMP Release from GO–PEI Coatings", "authors": [ "Adriana de América", "María José Fritte", "Paola Alarcón", "Karel Mena-Ulecia", "Gonzalo Recio-Sánchez", "Klaus Rischka", "Marcos Rocha Diniz Silva", "Matheus Santos Dias", "Camila Marchetti Maroneze", "Cecilia de Carvalho Castro Silva and Jacobo Hernandez-Montelongo" ], "authors_text": "Adriana de América, María José Fritte, Paola Alarcón, Karel Mena-Ulecia, Gonzalo Recio-Sánchez, Klaus Rischka, Marcos Rocha Diniz Silva, Matheus Santos Dias, Camila Marchetti Maroneze, Cecilia de Carvalho Castro Silva and Jacobo Hernandez-Montelongo", "journal": "Bioengineering", "publisher": "Bioengineering", "year": "2026", "abstract": "This study investigates two graphene oxide (GO)-based coating architectures on urinary catheter substrates—layered (PEI+GO) and embedded (PEI/GO)—loaded with antimicrobial peptides (E14LKK and fLFB), with the aim of elucidating how coating structure governs peptide retention and release. Physicochemical and morphological characterization confirmed distinct coating architectures and thicknesses. Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to probe GO–peptide and PEI–peptide interactions, revealing weaker binding of fLFB to GO relative to PEI, consistent with enhanced peptide mobility. Antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis was evaluated using agar diffusion assays as a comparative indicator of peptide release from surface-bound coatings. The layered PEI+GO–fLFB system exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, in agreement with simulation-predicted interaction energetics and structural fluctuations. Rather than targeting immediate clinical translation, this work provides mechanistic insight into how GO–polymer architecture modulates antimicrobial peptide availability, offering a molecular\r\ndynamics simulation-guided framework for the rational design of peptide-releasing antimicrobial coatings.", "url": "https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/13/3/341", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "medical-devices", "activation", "adsorption-absorption", "coating" ], "about": [ "journal", "medical-devices", "activation", "adsorption-absorption", "coating" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/big_cover-bioengineering-v13-i3-scaled.png", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/a-mechanistic-architecture-dependent-study-combining-experiments-and-molecular-dynamics-to-explain-amp-release-from-go-pei-coatings/" }, { "id": 24539, "position": 3, "title": "Biodegradable films based on alfalfa cellulosic residue and carrageenan blends for sustainable food packaging", "authors": [ "Sandeep Paudel", "Srinivas Janaswamy" ], "authors_text": "Sandeep Paudel, Srinivas Janaswamy", "journal": "Sustainable Food Technology", "publisher": "Sustainable Food Technology", "year": "2026", "abstract": "Plastic remains a dominant packaging material, but its non-biodegradability poses significant environmental and health concerns. Although starches, proteins, and lipids offer biodegradable alternatives, their primary role in food security necessitates exploring other sources. In this context, cellulosic residues from biowaste provide a promising option. This study examines the development of biodegradable packaging films from alfalfa cellulosic residue and investigates how their mechanical properties are improved through complexation with carrageenans. Alfalfa cellulosic residue (ACR) was extracted using alkaline and bleaching treatments, dissolved in 68% ZnCl2, and then complexed with iota- (i), kappa- (k), and lambda-(l) carrageenan solutions at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%. The solutions were further crosslinked with calcium ions and plasticized with sorbitol, yielding nine different ACR-carrageenan films, with the ACR film serving as the control. The films were characterized for mechanical properties, water vapor permeability (WVP), color, UV-Vis-IR transmittance, water solubility, hydrophobicity, water uptake kinetics, antioxidant activity, and soil biodegradability. Incorporating carrageenan significantly increased tensile strength from 16.9 to 29.9 MPa, but decreased elongation at break, with a subtle effect on WVP.\r\nWater solubility and absorption increased by 20.1% and 173.9%, respectively, in the ACR-l1.5% films. Water uptake followed Peleg's kinetics, while soil biodegradation exhibited second-order kinetics and reached complete degradation within 40 days at 24% soil moisture. These results demonstrate the potential of ACR-carrageenan films as innovative biodegradable packaging materials, offering an eco friendly alternative to plastics in food packaging, promoting sustainability and a circular bioeconomy, and\r\ncreating new income opportunities for alfalfa farmers.", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S2753809525002248", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "food-beverages", "packaging-containers", "material-processing" ], "about": [ "journal", "food-beverages", "packaging-containers", "material-processing" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/X27538095.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/biodegradable-films-based-on-alfalfa-cellulosic-residue-and-carrageenan-blends-for-sustainable-food-packaging/" }, { "id": 13540, "position": 4, "title": "Effect of mechanical instrumentation on titanium implant surface properties", "authors": [ "Mohammed Alabbad", "Nick Silikas", "Andrew Thomas" ], "authors_text": "Mohammed Alabbad, Nick Silikas, Andrew Thomas", "journal": "Dental Materials", "publisher": "Dental Materials", "year": "2025", "abstract": "Objective\r\nTo assess the impact of mechanical decontamination using rotary brushes on the surface topography, elemental composition, roughness, and wettability of titanium implant surfaces.\r\n\r\nMethods\r\nFour commercially available rotary brushes were used: Labrida BioClean Brush® (LB), i-Brush1 (IB), NiTiBrush Nano (NiTiB), and Peri-implantitis Brush (PIB). Seventy-five titanium discs with sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) surfaces were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 15): LB, IB, NiTiB, PIB, and a control group. Each disc was treated for 60 seconds with the respective rotary brush according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Surface morphology was analysed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), surface elemental composition with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), surface roughness via optical profilometry, and wettability with a droplet shape analyser.\r\nResults\r\nSEI analysis revealed morphological changes, including scratches, flattening, and loose titanium particles in the IB, PIB, and NiTiB groups, whereas the LB group preserved the original surface morphology. SEM-EDX analysis showed that LB, PIB, and NiTiB groups closely match the control elemental composition. However, IB groups showed significantly different composition. Surface roughness values in the IB, PIB, and NiTiB groups differed significantly from the control (p  0.05). Contact angle measurements indicated enhanced wettability in IB, PIB, and NiTiB groups (p  0.05).\r\n\r\nSignificance\r\nMechanical decontamination of implant surfaces utilising rotary brushes can alter implant surface properties.", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0109564124003725", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "industrial-mechanical", "medical-devices", "cleaning", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "industrial-mechanical", "medical-devices", "cleaning", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Dental-Materials.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/effect-of-mechanical-instrumentation-on-titanium-implant-surface-properties/" }, { "id": 13536, "position": 5, "title": "Steady Shear Rheology and Surface Activity of Polymer-Surfactant Mixtures", "authors": [ "Qiran Lu", "Rajinder Pal" ], "authors_text": "Qiran Lu, Rajinder Pal", "journal": "Polymers", "publisher": "Polymers", "year": "2025", "abstract": "Understanding the interactions between polymers and surfactants is critical for designing advanced fluid systems used in applications such as enhanced oil recovery, drilling, and chemical processing. This study examines the effects of five surfactants: two anionic (Stepanol WA-100 and Stepwet DF-95), one cationic (HTAB), one zwitterionic (Amphosol CG), and one non-ionic (Alfonic 1412-3 Ethoxylate), on the steady shear rheology and surface activity of two polymers, namely cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose based polymer (LR-400) and anionic polyacrylamide based polymer (Praestol 2540TR). The polymer-surfactant solutions behave as shear-thinning fluids and follow the power-law model. Anionic surfactants exhibit a strong effect on the rheology of cationic polymer LR-400 solution. The consistency index rises sharply with the increase in surfactant concentration. Also, the solutions become highly shear-thinning with the increase in surfactant concentration. The effects of other surfactants on the rheology of cationic polymer solution are small to modest. None of the surfactants investigated exhibit a strong influence on the rheology of anionic polymer Praestol 2540TR. Only weak to modest effects of surfactants are observed on the rheology of anionic polymers. The surface tension of the polymer-surfactant solution decreases with the increase in surfactant concentration. Zwitterionic surfactant Amphosol CG is found to be most effective in reducing the surface tension at a given concentration in ppm. This surfactant also raises the electrical conductivity of the solution to the largest extent. From the changes in slope of surface tension versus surfactant concentration plots, the approximate values of critical aggregation concentration (CAC) and polymer saturation point (PSP) are estimated.", "url": "https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/17/3/364", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "chemicals", "industrial-mechanical", "oil-gas", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "eor", "surfactant-characterization", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "chemicals", "industrial-mechanical", "oil-gas", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "eor", "surfactant-characterization", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Polymer-Science-in-Petroleum-Engineering-Latest-Trends-and-Developments.png", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/steady-shear-rheology-and-surface-activity-of-polymersurfactant-mixtures/" }, { "id": 12700, "position": 6, "title": "Combinational regenerative inductive effect of bio-adhesive hybrid hydrogels conjugated with hiPSC-derived myofibers and its derived EVs for volumetric muscle regeneration", "authors": [ "Jiseong Kim", "Myung Chul Lee", "Jieun Jeon", "Alejandra Rodríguez-delaRosa", "Yori Endo", "Da-Seul Kim", "Andrea Donaxi Madrigal-Salazar", "Jeong Wook Seo", "Hyeseon Lee", "Ki-Tae Kim", "Jae-I Moon", "Seung Gwa Park", "Mariana Carolina Lopez-Pacheco", "Abdulhameed F. Alkhateeb", "Nebras Sobahi", "Nicole Bassous", "Wenpeng Liu", "Jae Seo Lee", "Seongsoo Kim", "Dilara Yilmaz Aykut", "Mahmoud Lotfi Nasr", "Mohammad Asif Hussain", "Soo-Hong Lee", "Woo-Jin Kim", "Olivier Pourquié", "Indranil Sinha", "Su Ryon Shin" ], "authors_text": "Jiseong Kim , Myung Chul Lee , Jieun Jeon , Alejandra Rodríguez-delaRosa , Yori Endo , Da-Seul Kim , Andrea Donaxi Madrigal-Salazar , Jeong Wook Seo , Hyeseon Lee , Ki-Tae Kim , Jae-I Moon , Seung Gwa Park , Mariana Carolina Lopez-Pacheco , Abdulhameed F. Alkhateeb , Nebras Sobahi , Nicole Bassous , Wenpeng Liu , Jae Seo Lee , Seongsoo Kim , Dilara Yilmaz Aykut , Mahmoud Lotfi Nasr , Mohammad Asif Hussain , Soo-Hong Lee , Woo-Jin Kim , Olivier Pourquié , Indranil Sinha , Su Ryon Shin", "journal": "Bioactive Materials", "publisher": "Bioactive Materials", "year": "2025", "abstract": "In regenerative medicine, extracellular vesicles (EVs) possess the potential to repair injured cells by delivering modulatory factors. However, the therapeutic effect of EVs in large-scale tissue defects, which are subject to prolonged timelines for tissue architecture and functional restoration, remains poorly understood. In this study, we introduce EVs and cell-tethering hybrid hydrogels composed of tyramine-conjugated gelatin (GelTA) that can be in-situ crosslinked with EVs derived from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived myofibers (hiPSC-myofibers) and hiPSC-muscle precursor cells. This hybrid hydrogel sustains the release of EVs and provides a beneficial nano-topography and mechanical properties for creating a favorable extracellular matrix. Secreted EVs from the hiPSC-myofibers contain specific microRNAs, potentially improving myogenesis and angiogenesis. Herein, we demonstrate increased myogenic markers and fusion/differentiation indexes through the combinatory effects of EVs and integrin-mediated adhesions in the 3D matrix. Furthermore, we observe a unique impact of EVs, which aid in maintaining the viability and phenotype of myofibers under harsh environments. The hybrid hydrogel in-situ crosslinked with hiPSCs and EVs is facilely used to fabricate large-scale muscle constructs by the stacking of micro-patterned hydrogel domains. Later, we confirmed a combinational effect, whereby muscle tissue regeneration and functional restoration were improved, via an in vivo murine volumetric muscle loss model.", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452199X24004006", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "biotechnology", "medical-devices", "pharma", "activation", "adsorption-absorption", "bonding", "cleaning", "coating", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "dispersing", "emulsification-demulsification", "eor", "foam-inhibition", "foaming", "ink-jetting", "liquid-repellency", "material-processing", "plating", "printing", "sealing", "soldering", "surfactant-characterization", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "biotechnology", "medical-devices", "pharma", "activation", "adsorption-absorption", "bonding", "cleaning", "coating", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "dispersing", "emulsification-demulsification", "eor", "foam-inhibition", "foaming", "ink-jetting", "liquid-repellency", "material-processing", "plating", "printing", "sealing", "soldering", "surfactant-characterization", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1-s2.0-S2452199X24X00109-cov200h.gif", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/combinational-regenerative-inductive-effect-of-bio-adhesive-hybrid-hydrogels-conjugated-with-hipsc-derived-myofibers-and-its-derived-evs-for-volumetric-muscle-regeneration/" }, { "id": 13913, "position": 7, "title": "Fullerene-like amorphous carbon nitride film surface properties and evaluating the initial adsorption kinetics of albumin and fibrinogen", "authors": [ "Jason Maley", "Mikhail Foursa", "Sepehr Khatir", "W.J. (Chris) Zhang", "Akira Hirose", "and Ramaswami Sammynaiken" ], "authors_text": "Jason Maley, Mikhail Foursa, Sepehr Khatir, W.J. (Chris) Zhang, Akira Hirose, and Ramaswami Sammynaiken", "journal": "Canadian Journal of Chemistry", "publisher": "Canadian Journal of Chemistry", "year": "2025", "abstract": "Fullerene-like amorphous carbon nitride films (FL-CNx) were prepared onto gold substrates by hot-wire plasma graphite sputtering using different %N2 in the Ar plasma discharge. Atomic force microscopy measurements revealed ultra-smooth films with a root mean squared roughness (RRMS) values in the range of 1.2–2.1 nm. The N/C and O/C atomic ratios were evaluated from the near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra obtained for the carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen K-edge regions from scanning transmission X-ray microscopy measurements. Nitrogen-incorporation into the films showed very subtle changes in the electronic structure for films prepared by different %N2 plasma discharge gas. Contact angle showed and increase in surface wettability while Raman spectroscopy measurements showed an increase in sp2 ordered rings with nitrogen incorporation into the films, but both film properties reverse when the plasma gas discharge contained 30% N2. The binding kinetics of human serum albumin (HSA) and fibrinogen (Fib) were evaluated by surface plasmon resonance. In general, binding affinity was controlled by the rate of association kinetics (ka) for both proteins, as the rate of dissociation kinetics (kd) was approximately the same for FL-CNx films. The ka value for Fib was approximately 6–20 times larger compared to HSA, but nitrogen incorporated films initially lowered the ka values for both proteins, but too much %N2 plasma discharge gas increased ka. It was also demonstrated that pre-saturating an amorphous carbon surface with HSA decreased the surface capacity of Fib by approximately 34-fold.", "url": "https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjc-2024-0114", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "biotechnology", "medical-devices", "adsorption-absorption", "coating", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "biotechnology", "medical-devices", "adsorption-absorption", "coating", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cjn-logo.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/fullerene-like-amorphous-carbon-nitride-film-surface-properties-and-evaluating-the-initial-adsorption-kinetics-of-albumin-and-fibrinogen/" }, { "id": 13920, "position": 8, "title": "Engineering Asymmetric Nanoscale Vesicles for mRNA and Protein Delivery to Cells", "authors": [ "Chenjing Yang", "Julian Menge", "Nene Zhvania", "Miao Yu", "Hualiang Yang", "Dong Chen", "Zongli Zheng", "David A. Weitz", "Kevin Jahnke" ], "authors_text": "Chenjing Yang, Julian Menge, Nene Zhvania, Miao Yu, Hualiang Yang, Dong Chen, Zongli Zheng, David A. Weitz, Kevin Jahnke", "journal": "Advanced Functional Materials", "publisher": "Advanced Functional Materials", "year": "2025", "abstract": "The delivery of therapeutics to cells is crucial for the treatment and prevention of diseases. To enhance targeting and protect therapeutics from degradation, they are often encapsulated in drug delivery vehicles like lipid nanoparticles, lipid vesicles, and viral vectors. However, there is no universal vehicle for all cargo types including small molecules, nucleic acids, and proteins. Here, a method for engineering lipid vesicles with asymmetric leaflets is presented, and their ability to deliver mRNA and proteins to cells is demonstrated. The results show that leaflet asymmetry enhances vesicle uptake by cells, and increases the transfection efficiency with mRNA up to fivefold. Additionally, it is shown that asymmetric vesicles can deliver a variety of proteins. In particular, the delivery of Cas9 proteins and Cas9/sgRNA complexes for gene-editing is demonstrated. This work expands the design parameters for drug delivery vehicles, enabling more efficient and universal carriers for drug and protein delivery.", "url": "https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adfm.202505738", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "biotechnology", "pharma", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "emulsification-demulsification", "material-processing", "surfactant-characterization" ], "about": [ "journal", "biotechnology", "pharma", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "emulsification-demulsification", "material-processing", "surfactant-characterization" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/adfm.v35.35.cover_.jpg", "analysis_url": "" }, { "id": 20400, "position": 9, "title": "Influence of Cellulose Nanocrystals and Surfactants on Catastrophic Phase Inversion and Stability of Emulsions", "authors": [ "Daniel Kim and Rajinder Pal" ], "authors_text": "Daniel Kim and Rajinder Pal", "journal": "Colloids and Interfaces", "publisher": "Colloids and Interfaces", "year": "2025", "abstract": "This study presents the first quantitative comparison of catastrophic phase inversion behavior of water-in-oil emulsions stabilized by nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and molecular surfactants with different headgroup charge types: anionic (sodium dodecyl sulfate referred to as SDS), cationic (octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride referred to as OTAC), nonionic (C12–14 alcohol ethoxylate referred to as Alfonic), and zwitterionic (cetyl betaine referred to as Amphosol). By using conductivity measurements under controlled mixing and pendant drop tensiometry, this study shows that NCC markedly delays catastrophic phase inversion through interfacial jamming, whereas surfactant-stabilized systems exhibit concentration-dependent inversion driven by interfacial saturation. Specifically, NCC-stabilized emulsions exhibited a nonlinear increase in the critical aqueous phase volume fraction required for inversion, ranging from 0.253 (0 wt% NCC) to 0.545 (1.5 wt% NCC), consistent with enhanced resistance to inversion typically associated with the formation of rigid interfacial layers in Pickering emulsions. In contrast, surfactant-stabilized systems exhibited a concentration-dependent inversion trend with opposing effects. At low concentrations, limited interfacial coverage delayed inversion, while at higher concentrations, increased surfactant availability and interfacial saturation promoted earlier inversion and favored the formation of oil-in-water structures. Pendant drop tensiometry confirmed negligible surface activity for NCC, while all surfactants significantly lowered interfacial tension. Despite its weak surface activity, NCC imparted strong coalescence resistance above 0.2 wt%, attributed to steric stabilization. These findings establish distinct mechanisms for governing phase inversion in particle- versus surfactant-stabilized systems. To our knowledge, this is the first study to quantitively characterize the catastrophic phase inversion behavior of water-in-oil emulsions using NCC. This work supports the use of NCC as an effective stabilizer for emulsions with high internal phase volume.", "url": "https://www.mdpi.com/2504-5377/9/4/46", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "chemicals", "cosmetics", "food-beverages", "oil-gas", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "dispersing", "emulsification-demulsification", "eor" ], "about": [ "journal", "chemicals", "cosmetics", "food-beverages", "oil-gas", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "dispersing", "emulsification-demulsification", "eor" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rheology-of-Complex-Fluids-and-Interfaces-2nd-Edition.jpeg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/influence-of-cellulose-nanocrystals-and-surfactants-on-catastrophic-phase-inversion-and-stability-of-emulsions/" }, { "id": 20409, "position": 10, "title": "Influence of Added Surfactants on the Rheology and Surface Activity of Polymer Solutions", "authors": [ "Rajinder Pal and Chung-Chi Sun" ], "authors_text": "Rajinder Pal and Chung-Chi Sun", "journal": "ChemEngineering", "publisher": "ChemEngineering", "year": "2025", "abstract": "Steady-shear rheology and surface-activity of surfactant-polymer solutions were investigated experimentally. Four different polymers were studied: cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose, non-ionic hydroxyethyl cellulose, non-ionic guar gum, and anionic xanthan gum. The influence of the following four surfactants on each of the polymers was determined: non-ionic alcohol ethoxylate, anionic sodium lauryl sulfate, cationic hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, and zwitterionic cetyl betaine. The interaction between cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose and anionic sodium lauryl sulfate was extraordinarily strong resulting in dramatic changes in rheological and surface-active properties. The consistency increased initially, reached a maximum value, and then fell off with further addition of surfactant. The surface tension of surfactant-polymer solution dropped substantially and exhibited a minimum value. Thus, the surfactant-polymer solutions were much more surface-active compared with pure surfactant solutions. The interaction between anionic xanthan gum and cationic hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide was also strong resulting in substantial decrease in consistency. The surfactant-polymer solution became less surface-active compared with pure surfactant solution due to migration of surfactant from solution to polymer. The interactions between other polymers and surfactants were weak to moderate resulting in small to modest changes in rheological and surface-active properties. Surface-activity of surfactant-polymer solutions often increased due to formation of complexes more surface-active than pure surfactant molecules.", "url": "https://www.mdpi.com/2305-7084/9/5/105", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "biotechnology", "chemicals", "consumer-products", "cosmetics", "food-beverages", "oil-gas", "pharma", "adsorption-absorption", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "surfactant-characterization" ], "about": [ "journal", "biotechnology", "chemicals", "consumer-products", "cosmetics", "food-beverages", "oil-gas", "pharma", "adsorption-absorption", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "surfactant-characterization" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cover-ChemEngineering-v9-i1.png", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/influence-of-added-surfactants-on-the-rheology-and-surface-activity-of-polymer-solutions/" }, { "id": 22203, "position": 11, "title": "UV Responsive, Bottlebrush Structured Silicone Elastomers: Synthesis, Healing, and Application", "authors": [ "Miao Huo", "David R. Clarke" ], "authors_text": "Miao Huo, David R. Clarke", "journal": "Macromolecules", "publisher": "Macromolecules", "year": "2025", "abstract": "A series of bottlebrush silicone elastomers have been synthesized by using a solvent-free process based on hydrosilylation and thiol–ene reactions. The use of thiol-functionalized PDMS effectively suppresses the side reactions of Si–H bonds during the hydrosilylation process. The dynamic covalent C–S bonds in these materials can undergo reversible cleavage under UV illumination, imparting excellent forming and self-healing properties under UV. Remarkably, the elastomer not only retains a low elastic modulus but can heal within seconds, exhibiting toughness of up to 86% of its original value. The synthesis approach also allows small silane molecules to be efficiently grafted as spacers onto the polymer backbone, and the effects of both spacers with different steric hindrances and functional groups are reported. Spacers with different steric hindrances significantly altered the stiffness, while those with functional groups, such as fluorinated spacers, effectively modified the surface property. Potential applications are illustrated by using the material in 3D printing by digital light processing, healing under UV and recycling.", "url": "https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.macromol.5c01696", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "industrial-mechanical", "plastics", "liquid-repellency", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "industrial-mechanical", "plastics", "liquid-repellency", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/mamobx.2025.58.issue-19.largecover.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/uv-responsive-bottlebrush-structured-silicone-elastomers-synthesis-healing-and-application/" }, { "id": 22205, "position": 12, "title": "Green Valorization of Alfalfa into Sustainable Lignocellulosic Films for Packaging Applications", "authors": [ "Sandeep Paudel and Srinivas Janaswamy" ], "authors_text": "Sandeep Paudel and Srinivas Janaswamy", "journal": "Applied Sciences", "publisher": "Applied Sciences", "year": "2025", "abstract": "Plastic-based materials dominate the packaging industry. However, their non-biodegradability has increased the need for sustainable alternatives. Biopolymers, mainly lignocellulose from agricultural residues, offer renewable, eco-friendly options in this context. This study reports the development of lignocellulosic films from alfalfa (Medicago sativa) through green valorization of its biomass. Alfalfa lignocellulosic extract (ALE) was extracted using 50% NaOH, solubilized in 68% ZnCl2, crosslinked with CaCl2, and plasticized with sorbitol. The concentrations of ALE, CaCl2, and sorbitol were optimized using the Box–Behnken Design, focusing on increasing tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), and reducing water vapor permeability (WVP) of the films. The optimized film formulation (0.5 g ALE, 453.8 mM CaCl2, 1.5% sorbitol) showed a TS of 11.2 ± 0.7 MPa, EB of 5.8 ± 0.9%, and WVP of 1.2 ± 0.2 × 10−10 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1. The film effectively blocked UV–Vis–IR light and exhibited notable antioxidant activity, making it suitable for packaging light-sensitive and oxidation-sensitive foods. Additionally, it achieved over 90% biodegradation within 29 days under 24% soil moisture. These findings demonstrate a sustainable approach to upcycling agricultural residues into functional products, offering a practical alternative to traditional plastics and supporting a circular bioeconomy, while adding value for alfalfa producers.", "url": "https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/22/11889", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "farming-agriscience", "food-beverages", "packaging-containers", "plastics", "adsorption-absorption", "liquid-repellency", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "farming-agriscience", "food-beverages", "packaging-containers", "plastics", "adsorption-absorption", "liquid-repellency", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cover-applsci-v15-i7.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/green-valorization-of-alfalfa-into-sustainable-lignocellulosic-films-for-packaging-applications/" }, { "id": 22207, "position": 13, "title": "Multifunctional, Flexible, Electrospun Lignin/PLA Micro/Nanofiber Mats from Softwood Kraft, Hardwood Alcell, and Switchgrass CELF Lignin", "authors": [ "Dorota B. Szlek", "Emily L. Fan and Margaret W. Frey" ], "authors_text": "Dorota B. Szlek, Emily L. Fan and Margaret W. Frey", "journal": "Fibers", "publisher": "Fibers", "year": "2025", "abstract": "Herein, biobased 1:1 lignin/polylactic acid (PLA) blends are electrospun into micro- and nanofiber mats. Lignin samples originating from softwood, hardwood, and switchgrass biomass, extracted through the Kraft, Alcell, and CELF processes, respectively, and processed into soluble and insoluble fractions, are used. Functional properties of the mats varied with lignin biomass origin, isolation method, and fraction. Mat attributes are demonstrated through analysis of spinnability, thermal and mechanical behavior, chemical structure, morphology, hydrophobicity, and antioxidant activity. Samples spun with hardwood Alcell lignin fractions were brittle and rigid with the highest Young’s modulus, lowest elongation at break, and hydrophobic contact angle > 100°. Switchgrass CELF lignin (SGL)/PLA mats showed the highest tensile strength, a low Young’s modulus, and high elongation at break, as well as good spinnability with the smallest fiber diameter from all samples. Kraft lignin/PLA demonstrated similar mechanical properties to SGL/PLA, as well as the highest antioxidant activity, measurable within 5 min. Therefore, while they did not dictate spinnability, the lignin biomass origin and pretreatment method were shown to have a significant impact on fiber properties, while the use of lignin fractions was shown to tailor functional properties of fibers for specific end use, such as in flexible, hydrophobic, or antioxidant product applications.", "url": "https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6439/13/9/129", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "cosmetics", "fabrics", "medical-devices", "packaging-containers", "plastics", "liquid-repellency", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "cosmetics", "fabrics", "medical-devices", "packaging-containers", "plastics", "liquid-repellency", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/fibers-cover-images.jpeg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/multifunctional-flexible-electrospun-lignin-pla-micro-nanofiber-mats-from-softwood-kraft-hardwood-alcell-and-switchgrass-celf-lignin/" }, { "id": 22209, "position": 14, "title": "Fluorophilic boronic acid copolymer surfactant for stabilization of complex emulsion droplets with fluorinated oil", "authors": [ "Zhang Wu", "Brendan T. Deveney", "Jörg G. Werner", "Stefano Aime and David A. Weitz" ], "authors_text": "Zhang Wu, Brendan T. Deveney, Jörg G. Werner, Stefano Aime and David A. Weitz", "journal": "Lab On A Chip", "publisher": "Lab On A Chip", "year": "2025", "abstract": "A fluorosurfactant is synthesized by the copolymerization of fluoroacrylate and boronic acid acrylamide monomers to stabilize fluorinated oil droplets. The copolymer surfactant couples with diols or polyols in adjacent aqueous phase to form an ultrathin elastic interfacial film to rigidify the interface, thereby preventing drop recoalescence and enabling new applications.", "url": "https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/lc/d5lc00309a/", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "biotechnology", "chemicals", "pharma", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "emulsification-demulsification", "material-processing", "surfactant-characterization" ], "about": [ "journal", "biotechnology", "chemicals", "pharma", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "emulsification-demulsification", "material-processing", "surfactant-characterization" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Lab-On-a-chip-logo-1.jpeg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/fluorophilic-boronic-acid-copolymer-surfactant-for-stabilization-of-complex-emulsion-droplets-with-fluorinated-oil/" }, { "id": 22210, "position": 15, "title": "Effect of Polymer Concentration on the Rheology and Surface Activity of Cationic Polymer and Anionic Surfactant Mixtures", "authors": [ "Chung-Chi Sun and Rajinder Pal" ], "authors_text": "Chung-Chi Sun and Rajinder Pal", "journal": "Fluids", "publisher": "Fluids", "year": "2025", "abstract": "The effects of polymer concentration on rheology, surface tension, and electrical conductivity of polymer–surfactant mixtures are investigated experimentally. The polymer studied is a cationic quaternary ammonium salt of hydroxyethyl cellulose, and the surfactant used is anionic sodium lauryl sulfate. The polymer concentration is varied from 1000 to 4000 ppm, and the surfactant concentration varied from 0 to 500 ppm. Polymer concentration affects the properties of the mixtures substantially. At a given surfactant concentration, the consistency of the polymer–surfactant mixture rises sharply with the increase in polymer concentration. The mixture also becomes more shear-thinning with the increase in polymer concentration. The surface tension decreases substantially, and the electrical conductivity increases with the increase in polymer concentration at a fixed surfactant concentration. At a given polymer concentration, the consistency index generally exhibits a maximum and the surface tension exhibits a minimum at some intermediate surfactant concentration. With the increase in polymer concentration, the maximum in the consistency index and the minimum in surface tension shift to higher surfactant concentrations. Although the exact mechanisms are not clear at present, a possible explanation for the observed initial changes in rheological and surface-active properties of polymer–surfactant mixtures with the addition of surfactant is charge neutralization and entanglement of polymer chains. At high surfactant concentrations, recharging and disentanglement of polymer chains probably take place.", "url": "https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5521/10/10/253", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "chemicals", "consumer-products", "cosmetics", "food-beverages", "oil-gas", "paint", "pharma", "adsorption-absorption", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "eor", "surfactant-characterization" ], "about": [ "journal", "chemicals", "consumer-products", "cosmetics", "food-beverages", "oil-gas", "paint", "pharma", "adsorption-absorption", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "eor", "surfactant-characterization" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cover-fluids-v10-i9.png", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/effect-of-polymer-concentration-on-the-rheology-and-surface-activity-of-cationic-polymer-and-anionic-surfactant-mixtures/" }, { "id": 22213, "position": 16, "title": "Influence of Surfactants on the Rheological Behavior of Nanocrystal Suspension", "authors": [ "Anuva Pal and Rajinder Pal" ], "authors_text": "Anuva Pal and Rajinder Pal", "journal": "Preprints", "publisher": "Preprints", "year": "2025", "abstract": "The influence of surfactants on the steady shear rheology of cellulose nanocrystal (referred to as NCC) suspension was investigated. Two surfactants, anionic sodium lauryl sulfate (referred to as Stepanol) and cationic hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (referred to as HTAB), were studied. The NCC concentration was fixed at 1 wt%. The surfactant concentration varied from 0 to 500 ppm. Then influence of Stepanol was found to be weak whereas HTAB had a strong influence on the rheology of NCC suspension. The NCC suspension and surfactant-NCC suspensions were highly nonNewtonian shear-thinning. The power-law model described the rheological behavior of NCC suspension and surfactant-NCC suspensions adequately. The consistency and flow behavior indices varied only marginally with the addition of anionic surfactant Stepanol to NCC suspension. With the addition of cationic surfactant HTAB to NCC suspension, however, a large increase in consistency index was observed. The flow behavior index decreased simultaneously with the addition of HTAB to NCC suspension.", "url": "https://www.preprints.org/frontend/manuscript/0217f46f25ce0e9180234d84993a0e50/download_pub", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "automotive", "aviation-space", "biotechnology", "chemicals", "cosmetics", "food-beverages", "packaging-containers", "pharma", "adsorption-absorption", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "dispersing", "emulsification-demulsification", "surfactant-characterization" ], "about": [ "journal", "automotive", "aviation-space", "biotechnology", "chemicals", "cosmetics", "food-beverages", "packaging-containers", "pharma", "adsorption-absorption", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "dispersing", "emulsification-demulsification", "surfactant-characterization" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/preprintsorg-logo-SM-Avatar.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/influence-of-surfactants-on-the-rheological-behavior-of-nanocrystal-suspension/" }, { "id": 22214, "position": 17, "title": "Plasma Treatment to Remove Titanium Surface Contaminants and Improve Implant Biocompatibility: An In Vitro Study", "authors": [ "Kailing Ho", "Takahiko Shiba", "Chia-Yu Chen and David M. Kim" ], "authors_text": "Kailing Ho, Takahiko Shiba, Chia-Yu Chen and David M. Kim", "journal": "Biomimetics", "publisher": "Biomimetics", "year": "2025", "abstract": "Plasma technology is an emerging method for implant surface decontamination and modification. This in vitro study evaluates the effects of plasma treatment on fibroblast and osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation on titanium surfaces. Plasma was applied to machined and rough titanium discs, followed by surface characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and hydrophilicity testing. SEM imaging, cell viability assays, and immunohistologic staining were used to assess cell behaviour in response to treatment, while RNA sequencing evaluated gene expression related to differentiation. Although no significant architecture changes were observed with plasma treatment, XPS revealed a significant reduction in carbon content (p < 0.001), indicating decreased hydrocarbon contamination. Plasma treatment significantly increased surface hydrophilicity in both machined and rough surfaces (p < 0.0001). SEM and IHC imaging showed greater early-stage cell attachment for both fibroblasts and osteoblasts, though differences diminished after 12 h. RNA sequencing revealed time-dependent gene expression in both cell types, with Apln and Crabp2 significantly upregulated at 6 h in the plasma-treated fibroblast group. In conclusion, plasma treatment reduces hydrocarbon buildup, enhances hydrophilicity, promotes early cell attachment, and upregulates genes linked to angiogenesis and proliferation. Further studies are needed to determine its clinical significance in managing peri-implant disease.", "url": "https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/10/9/571", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "biotechnology", "medical-devices", "activation", "cleaning", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "biotechnology", "medical-devices", "activation", "cleaning", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/biomimetics.jpeg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/plasma-treatment-to-remove-titanium-surface-contaminants-and-improve-implant-biocompatibility-an-in-vitro-study/" }, { "id": 20408, "position": 18, "title": "Engineering Functional Microcapsules for Controlled Cargo Delivery", "authors": [ "Zhang Wu" ], "authors_text": "Zhang Wu", "journal": "PhD Thesis", "publisher": "PhD Thesis", "year": "2024", "abstract": "Microcapsules are a tiny container on the order of 100 μm with a typical structure made of an aqueous core and a solid shell. They are widely used in cargo delivery application because of its unique core-shell structure. Some fragile or expensive cargo molecules can be encapsulated inside the core of the capsules while being protected by the shell during transfer. And after these capsules are transferred to the target positions, some channels on the capsules shell will be triggered open by external signals to release the encapsulated cargo into the surrounding environment. Because of its characteristics of allowing for controlled release, protection of active ingredients as well as targeted delivery, microcapsules have applications in many different fields such as pharmaceuticals, food industry, cosmetics, and agriculture. One major application of microcapsules is for drug delivery. As an example, polysaccharide based microcapsules are developed for biomedical applications. Microcapsules with different tailored structures can be fabricated to encapsulate specific drugs. And after encapsulation, the surface of the capsules are being modified with specific ligands to target specific receptors on cellular membranes. The ligands on the microcapsules bind to the targeted receptors on the cells to ensure that the drug is delivered specifically to the intended site/position. And for the drug release step, the microcapsules can be designed to respond to specific conditions in the microenvironment, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), and pH levels, to trigger the release of the drug by external stimuli like ultrasound, light, or magnetic fields. Other applications of microcapsules include encapsulation and controlled release of flavors and vitamins in food industry, moisturizers and anti0aging compounds in cosmetics or pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture.\r\nIn this dissertation, I’ll present my PhD work on designing different core-shell structures as delivery vehicles from many different aspects such as the structural properties of capsule shell, adaptive response and versatility for different cargo sizes.", "url": "https://www.proquest.com/openview/de7a5c3878da7f16ccb41bd303967e29/", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "thesis", "categories": [ "thesis", "biotechnology", "cosmetics", "farming-agriscience", "food-beverages", "medical-devices", "pharma", "adsorption-absorption", "coating", "emulsification-demulsification", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "thesis", "biotechnology", "cosmetics", "farming-agriscience", "food-beverages", "medical-devices", "pharma", "adsorption-absorption", "coating", "emulsification-demulsification", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Harvard_University_shield.png", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/engineering-functional-microcapsules-controlled-cargo-delivery/" }, { "id": 20406, "position": 19, "title": "Engineering chitosan-silk fibroin laminates for use as strong, tough, and biodegradable alternatives to plastic packaging", "authors": [ "Chelsea Xia" ], "authors_text": "Chelsea Xia", "journal": "Bachelor's Thesis", "publisher": "Bachelor's Thesis", "year": "2024", "abstract": "Plastics are strong, resilient, and lightweight materials that have become essential to modern life. However, the mass production of plastic has also generated 6.3 billion metric tons of plastic waste, with devastating effects on wildlife, natural ecosystems, and even human health. Thus a need exists for biodegradable plastic substitutes that perform like conventional plastics. This study fabricates, characterizes, and optimizes chitosan-silk fibroin laminate films (termed “Shrilk”) for use as biodegradable alternatives to plastic packaging, which makes up 40% of all plastic waste. Shrilk—a portmanteau of the two words, “shrimp” (because chitosan is often isolated from shrimp shells) and “silk” (from silk fibroin)—demonstrated optical clarity and tensile properties comparable to common plastic packaging materials. The laminate structure resulted in higher tensile strength than both pure and blended films. Raman spectroscopy indicated a region of chitosan-silk fibroin overlap at the interface, suggesting that the laminar arrangement enables chitosan and silk fibroin to interact in an organized form of mechanical entanglement. Shrilk films were confirmed to be biodegradable, losing 84% of their total mass after four weeks in simulated landfill conditions. Casein, collagen, and keratin were investigated as potential substitutes for silk fibroin, but were unable to reproduce the adhesion, flexibility, and strength found in Shrilk films. The molecular weight of chitosan, thickness of films, number of laminate layers, and amount of glycerol were varied in order to alter Shrilk’s mechanical properties, but generally had little effect. However, covering Shrilk films with a hydrophobic coating effectively prevented Shrilk from completely losing its mechanical properties when wet, and even suggested that a moderate amount of water could act as a plasticizer to increase the films’ toughness and elongation at break. Overall, this work presents a strong foundation for future research into chitosan-protein laminates as a potential solution to plastic pollution.", "url": "https://dash.harvard.edu/entities/publication/a2b791bb-470f-4e0c-805f-f5d691695701", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "thesis", "categories": [ "thesis", "biotechnology", "cosmetics", "farming-agriscience", "food-beverages", "medical-devices", "pharma", "adsorption-absorption", "coating", "material-processing" ], "about": [ "thesis", "biotechnology", "cosmetics", "farming-agriscience", "food-beverages", "medical-devices", "pharma", "adsorption-absorption", "coating", "material-processing" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Harvard_University_shield.png", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/engineering-chitosan-silk-fibroin-laminates-for-use-as-strong-tough-and-biodegradable-alternatives-to-plastic-packaging/" }, { "id": 19192, "position": 20, "title": "Membrane performance evaluation and residual fouling characterization in a thermophilic submerged AnMBR treating pulp and paper primary sludge at varying solids retention times", "authors": [ "Alnour Bokhary", "Mathew Leitch", "Baoqiang Liao" ], "authors_text": "Alnour Bokhary, Mathew Leitch, Baoqiang Liao", "journal": "Separation and Purification Technology", "publisher": "Separation and Purification Technology", "year": "2024", "abstract": "Despite being an obvious challenge, residual membrane fouling is often underestimated and insufficiently investigated. Enhanced elucidation of residual fouling is imperative for the development of optimal chemical cleaning protocols and preventative measures. This study evaluates the performance of membranes during the anaerobic treatment of pulp and paper primary sludge (PPPS) under various solids retention times (SRTs) in thermophilic anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBR). The effectiveness of the applied cleaning in restoring membrane flux was assessed, and the nature and extent of residual foulants were characterized.\r\n\r\nThe findings indicate that the system exhibited stable performance, maintaining the desired flux despite a rapid increase in trans-membrane pressure (TMP). The applied cleaning was able to recover 84 % to 94 % of the membrane flux. However, the average fouling rate was approximately twice as high for longer SRTs (45 and 55 days) compared to the shorter SRT (32-day). Cake/gel layer formation was the dominant mechanism of membrane fouling under the tested SRT conditions, as evidenced by the higher flux recovery after physical cleaning. Regardless of the SRT conditions applied, the used membranes exhibited larger pore sizes than the pristine membranes. The findings of this study revealed that the residual foulants consisted of both organic and inorganic compounds, indicating that the employed cleaning protocol was not highly effective in removing the fouling. This underscores the need to optimize chemical cleaning protocols to further improve flux recovery. In contrast, soluble microbial products (SMPs) showed an inverse trend, with lower concentrations observed in systems with prolonged SRTs. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy findings revealed that the majority of residual organic foulants were aromatic compounds rather than polysaccharides.", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1383586624041777", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "chemicals", "industrial-mechanical", "utilities", "adsorption-absorption", "cleaning", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "chemicals", "industrial-mechanical", "utilities", "adsorption-absorption", "cleaning", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1-s2.0-S1383586624X00386-cov200h.gif", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/membrane-performance-evaluation-and-residual-fouling-characterization-in-a-thermophilic-submerged-anmbr-treating-pulp-and-paper-primary-sludge-at-varying-solids-retention-times-2/" }, { "id": 13923, "position": 21, "title": "Temperature-Dependent Performance Analysis of Marketed Low-Fluorinated Nordic Ski Glide Wax", "authors": [ "CLARA KRAMER" ], "authors_text": "CLARA KRAMER", "journal": "RANGE: Journal of Undergraduate Research", "publisher": "RANGE: Journal of Undergraduate Research", "year": "2024", "abstract": "In the ski industry, the performance mechanisms of ski glide wax are a heavily debated topic. Waxes are applied to the bottom of polymer ski bases to modify the performance properties, oftentimes for use at certain optimum temperatures or snow conditions. There are no firm industry claims as to why certain base coatings perform the way that they do, and because of this, there is little published research supporting the performance mechanisms of base coatings. In this experiment, the temperature dependence performance of three main proposed mechanisms was tested: hydrophobicity, hardness, and the coefficient of friction. This was done using four common industry waxes, and the results showed that there is no correlation between the advertised use temperature of the wax and the performance of the proposed properties. This leaves the performance mechanisms continuously unknown for further research and provides a basis for future research and exploration.\r\nKeywords: ski, ski wax, fluorinated compounds, human health, sustainability", "url": "https://uen.pressbooks.pub/range25i1/chapter/kramer/", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "thesis", "categories": [ "thesis", "chemicals", "consumer-products", "industrial-mechanical", "coating", "liquid-repellency", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "thesis", "chemicals", "consumer-products", "industrial-mechanical", "coating", "liquid-repellency", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/RANGE-2024-Summer-1-350x453-1.png", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/temperature-dependent-performance-analysis-of-marketed-low-fluorinated-nordic-ski-glide-waxe/" }, { "id": 13542, "position": 22, "title": "A Study of the Material Properties of Ski Wax and Friction at the Ski-Snow Interface", "authors": [ "Cushman", "Lorenz Marie" ], "authors_text": "Cushman, Lorenz Marie", "journal": "Master's Thesis", "publisher": "Master's Thesis", "year": "2024", "abstract": "The historical development of ski wax, aimed at enhancing glide on snow, has lacked a quantitative, scientific understanding of wax material properties and the friction mechanisms at the ski-snow interface. This has hindered the advancement of alternative high-performance materials, particularly following the ban on fluorinated ski wax. This study presents quantitative, standardized test methods to measure the material properties of ski wax and relates these properties to the waxes’ chemical composition and coefficients of friction. Extensive laboratory characterization was done using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), contact angle, Shore D hardness, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and rotational tribology. Additional on-snow field characterization was done using a linear ski tribometer, which utilizes real snow and representative speeds and loads, and a novel clip-on sensing array, designed to measure the friction coefficient on a real ski while skiing. Laboratory characterization was done to control the numerous variables that are present in the field and measure the inherent material properties of each wax. In contrast, field characterization was done to measure\r\nthe effects of variable speeds, loads, snow types, and environmental conditions on the waxes’ inherent material properties. When analyzed together, each technique presents a comprehensive understanding of the material properties of ski wax and how those properties determine the friction at the ski-snow interface. Based on the laboratory and iv field characterization results, the ski’s overall performance seems to be most dependent on the wax’s hydrophobicity and chemical composition and least on its hardness and surface roughness.", "url": "https://www.proquest.com/openview/b5a5e448341bbb98a4a86f7fec975693/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "thesis", "categories": [ "thesis", "chemicals", "consumer-products", "industrial-mechanical", "cleaning", "coating", "liquid-repellency", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "thesis", "chemicals", "consumer-products", "industrial-mechanical", "cleaning", "coating", "liquid-repellency", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/uofutah-logo.png", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/a-study-of-the-material-properties-of-ski-wax-and-friction-at-the-ski-snow-interface/" }, { "id": 13538, "position": 23, "title": "Development of Eco-Friendly Packaging Films from Soyhull Lignocellulose: Towards Valorizing Agro-Industrial Byproducts", "authors": [ "Sumi Regmi", "Sandeep Paudel", "Srinivas Janaswamy" ], "authors_text": "Sumi Regmi, Sandeep Paudel, Srinivas Janaswamy", "journal": "Foods", "publisher": "Foods", "year": "2024", "abstract": "Due to their inability to biodegrade, petroleum-based plastics pose significant environmental challenges by disrupting aquatic, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. Additionally, the widespread presence of microplastics and nanoplastics induces serious health risks for humans and animals. These pressing issues create an urgent need for designing and developing eco-friendly, biodegradable, renewable, and non-toxic plastic alternatives. To this end, agro-industrial byproducts such as soyhulls, which contain 29–50% lignocellulosic residue, are handy. This study extracted lignocellulosic residue from soyhulls using alkali treatment, dissolved it in ZnCl2 solution, and crosslinked it with calcium ions and glycerol to create biodegradable films. The film formulation was optimized using the Box–Behnken design, with response to tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), and water vapor permeability (WVP). The optimized films were further characterized for color, light transmittance, UV-blocking capacity, water absorption, contact angle, and biodegradability. The resulting optimized film demonstrated a tensile strength of 10.4 ± 1.0 MPa, an elongation at break of 9.4 ± 1.8%, and a WVP of 3.5 ± 0.4 × 10−11 g·m−1·s−1·Pa−1. Importantly, 90% of the film degrades within 37 days at 24% soil moisture. This outcome underscores the potential of soyhull-derived films as a sustainable, innovative alternative to plastic packaging, contributing to the circular economy and generating additional income for farmers and allied industries.", "url": "https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/24/4000", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "farming-agriscience", "food-beverages", "packaging-containers", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "farming-agriscience", "food-beverages", "packaging-containers", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/big_cover-foods-v13-i23-scaled.png", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/development-of-eco-friendly-packaging-films-from-soyhull-lignocellulose-towards-valorizing-agro-industrial-byproducts/" }, { "id": 13534, "position": 24, "title": "Novel Antibacterial Resin Coating for Dental Provisional Crowns to Suppress Biofilms and Inhibit Secondary Caries", "authors": [ "Ibrahim Ba-Armah", "Mohammad Alenizy", "Nader Almutairi", "Heba Alqarni", "Abdullah Alhussein", "Radi Masri", "Gary D. Hack", "Thomas W. Oates", "Jirun Sun", "Michael D. Weir", "Hockin H. K. Xu" ], "authors_text": "Ibrahim Ba-Armah, Mohammad Alenizy, Nader Almutairi, Heba Alqarni, Abdullah Alhussein, Radi Masri, Gary D. Hack, Thomas W. Oates, Jirun Sun, Michael D. Weir, Hockin H. K. Xu", "journal": "Coatings", "publisher": "Coatings", "year": "2024", "abstract": "Provisional crowns are often used in dentistry for prolonged periods, but bacterial attachment and dental plaque often lead to gingival inflammation and secondary caries. The aims of this research were to develop a novel resin-based antibacterial provisional crown coating to prevent secondary caries and investigate the physical properties and antibacterial efficacy. The resin-based coating was prepared by addition of triethylene glycoldivinylbenzyl ether and urethane dimethacrylate, with the antibacterial monomer dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM) incorporated at different mass fractions. Surface characteristics including surface roughness and contact angle were assessed. The antibacterial effects were evaluated by 48 h biofilms of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) on provisional crowns coated with the resin-based coating. No statistically significant difference was observed in surface roughness across all groups (p > 0.05), showing that adding DMADDM did not have a negative impact on surface roughness. The contact angle results revealed a significant difference in hydrophilicity between different concentrations of DMADDM (p < 0.01), but overall hydrophilicity did not negatively affect the performance of the coating. The incorporation of 5% DMADDM demonstrated a significant antibiofilm effect on S. mutans biofilm CFU with a 4-log reduction compared to controls (p < 0.01). Significant reductions of 4–5 folds were observed in biofilm metabolic activity and lactic acid production (p < 0.01). The findings suggest that the novel coating material could enhance the long-term performance and clinical outcomes of provisional crowns, contributing to better patient oral health.", "url": "https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/14/11/1370", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "consumer-products", "medical-devices", "cleaning", "coating", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "consumer-products", "medical-devices", "cleaning", "coating", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cover-coatings-v14-i10.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/novel-antibacterial-resin-coating-for-dental-provisional-crowns-to-suppress-biofilms-and-inhibit-secondary-caries/" }, { "id": 11490, "position": 25, "title": "Batch-to-Batch Variation in Laser-Inscribed Graphene (LIG) Electrodes for Electrochemical Sensing", "authors": [ "Yifan Tang", "Geisianny A. Moreira", "Diana Vanegas", "Shoumen P. A. Datta", "Eric S. McLamore" ], "authors_text": "Yifan Tang, Geisianny A. Moreira, Diana Vanegas, Shoumen P. A. Datta, Eric S. McLamore", "journal": "Micromachines: Micro and Nanosensors: Fabrication, Applications and Performance Enhancements", "publisher": "Micromachines: Micro and Nanosensors: Fabrication, Applications and Performance Enhancements", "year": "2024", "abstract": "Laser-inscribed graphene (LIG) is an emerging material for micro-electronic applications and is being used to develop supercapacitors, soft actuators, triboelectric generators, and sensors. The fabrication technique is simple, yet the batch-to-batch variation of LIG quality is not well documented in the literature. In this study, we conduct experiments to characterize batch-to-batch variation in the manufacturing of LIG electrodes for applications in electrochemical sensing. Numerous batches of 36 LIG electrodes were synthesized using a CO2 laser system on polyimide film. The LIG material was characterized using goniometry, stereomicroscopy, open circuit potentiometry, and cyclic voltammetry. Hydrophobicity and electrochemical screening (cyclic voltammetry) indicate that LIG electrode batch-to-batch variation is less than 5% when using a commercial reference and counter electrode. Metallization of LIG led to a significant increase in peak current and specific capacitance (area between anodic/cathodic curve). However, batch-to-batch variation increased to approximately 30%. Two different platinum electrodeposition techniques were studied, including galvanostatic and frequency-modulated electrodeposition. The study shows that formation of metallized LIG electrodes with high specific capacitance and peak current may come at the expense of high batch variability. This design tradeoff has not been discussed in the literature and is an important consideration if scaling sensor designs for mass use is desired. This study provides important insight into the variation of LIG material properties for scalable development of LIG sensors. Additional studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanism(s) of this variability so that strategies to improve the repeatability may be developed for improving quality control. The dataset from this study is available via an open access repository.", "url": "https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/15/7/874", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "electrical-electronics", "industrial-mechanical", "medical-devices", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "electrical-electronics", "industrial-mechanical", "medical-devices", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/big_cover-micromachines-v15-i6-scaled.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/batch-to-batch-variation-in-laser-inscribed-graphene-lig-electrodes-for-electrochemical-sensing/" }, { "id": 12026, "position": 26, "title": "Flow and clogging of capillary droplets", "authors": [ "Yuxuan Cheng", "Benjamin F. Lonial", "Shivnag Sista", "David J. Meer", "Anisa Hofert", "Eric R. Weeks", "Mark D. Shattuck", "Corey S. O'Hern" ], "authors_text": "Yuxuan Cheng , Benjamin F. Lonial , Shivnag Sista , David J. Meer , Anisa Hofert , Eric R. Weeks , Mark D. Shattuck , Corey S. O'Hern", "journal": "Soft Matter", "publisher": "Soft Matter", "year": "2024", "abstract": "Capillary droplets form due to surface tension when two immiscible fluids are mixed. We describe the motion of gravity-driven capillary droplets flowing through narrow constrictions and obstacle arrays in both simulations and experiments. Our new capillary deformable particle model recapitulates the shape and velocity of single oil droplets in water as they pass through narrow constrictions in microfluidic chambers. Using this experimentally validated model, we simulate the flow and clogging of single capillary droplets in narrow channels and obstacle arrays and find several important results. First, the capillary droplet speed profile is nonmonotonic as the droplet exits the narrow orifice, and we can tune the droplet properties so that the speed overshoots the terminal speed far from the constriction. Second, in obstacle arrays, we find that extremely deformable droplets can wrap around obstacles, which leads to decreased average droplet speed in the continuous flow regime and increased probability for clogging in the regime where permanent clogs form. Third, the wrapping mechanism causes the clogging probability in obstacle arrays to become nonmonotonic with surface tension Γ. At large Γ, the droplets are nearly rigid and the clogging probability is large since the droplets can not squeeze through the gaps between obstacles. With decreasing Γ, the clogging probability decreases as the droplets become more deformable. However, in the small-Γ limit the clogging probability increases, since the droplets are extremely deformable and cause clogs as they wrap around the obstacles. The results from these studies are important for developing a predictive understanding of capillary droplet flows through complex and confined geometries.", "url": "https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2024/sm/d4sm00752b", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "chemicals", "food-beverages", "oil-gas", "pharma", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "dispersing", "emulsification-demulsification", "eor", "material-processing" ], "about": [ "journal", "chemicals", "food-beverages", "oil-gas", "pharma", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "dispersing", "emulsification-demulsification", "eor", "material-processing" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Soft-matter-2.jpeg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/flow-and-clogging-of-capillary-droplets/" }, { "id": 12027, "position": 27, "title": "Corncob-derived biodegradable packaging films: A sustainable solution for raspberry post-harvest preservation", "authors": [ "Sandeep Paudel", "Srinivas Janaswamy" ], "authors_text": "Sandeep Paudel , Srinivas Janaswamy", "journal": "Sciencedirect: Food Chemistry", "publisher": "Sciencedirect: Food Chemistry", "year": "2024", "abstract": "Plastic food packaging, with its harmful migration of microplastics and nanoplastics into food, presents significant ecological imbalance and human health risks. In this regard, using food and agricultural byproducts as packaging materials reduces environmental and economic concerns and supports their sustainable management. Herein, cellulosic residue from corncob was employed as a renewable source for developing biodegradable packaging films. It was solubilized in ZnCl2 solution, crosslinked with Ca2+ ions, and plasticized with sorbitol to form films and used to improve the shelf-life of raspberries. The optimized film possesses water vapor permeability, tensile strength, and elongation at break of 1.8(4) x10−10 g−1 s−1 Pa−1, 4.7(1) MPa, and 15.4(7)%, respectively. It displays UV-blocking and antioxidant properties and biodegrades within 29 days at 24% soil moisture. It preserves raspberries for 7 and 5 more days at room temperature and refrigeration conditions, respectively, compared to polystyrene film. Overall, more value addition could be envisioned from agricultural residues to minimize post-harvest losses and food waste through biodegradable packaging, which also aids in mitigating plastic perils.", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814624013992", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "farming-agriscience", "food-beverages", "packaging-containers", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "farming-agriscience", "food-beverages", "packaging-containers", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Food-Chemistry-Logo.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/corncob-derived-biodegradable-packaging-films-a-sustainable-solution-for-raspberry-post-harvest-preservation/" }, { "id": 12031, "position": 28, "title": "Biodegradable films from soyhull cellulosic residue with UV protection and antioxidant properties improve the shelf-life of post-harvested raspberries", "authors": [ "Sumi Regmi", "Srinivas Janaswamy" ], "authors_text": "Sumi Regmi , Srinivas Janaswamy", "journal": "Sciencedirect: Food Chemistry", "publisher": "Sciencedirect: Food Chemistry", "year": "2024", "abstract": "Post-harvest loss of fruits and vegetables, and health risks and environmental impact of current plastic packaging warrant new biodegradable packaging. To this end, cellulosic residue from agricultural processing byproducts is suitable due to its renewability and sustainability. Herein, soyhulls cellulosic residue was extracted, solubilized in ZnCl2 solution, and crosslinked with calcium ions and glycerol to prepare biodegradable films. The film combination was optimized using Box Behnken Design and film properties were characterized. The optimized film is translucent and exhibits tensile strength, elongation at break, water vapor permeability, hydrophobicity, and IC50 of 6.3 ± 0.6 MPa, 30.2 ± 0.9%, 0.9 ± 0.3 × 10−10 gm−1 s−1 Pa−1, 72.6°, and 0.11 ± 0.1 g/mL, respectively. The water absorption kinetics follow the Peleg model and biodegrade within 25 days at 24% soil moisture. The film extends the shelf life of raspberries by 6 more days compared to polystyrene film. Overall, the value-added soyhull cellulosic films are advantageous in minimizing post-harvest loss and plastic-related issues, emphasizing the principles of the circular bioeconomy.", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814624023227", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "chemicals", "farming-agriscience", "food-beverages", "packaging-containers", "material-processing", "sealing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "chemicals", "farming-agriscience", "food-beverages", "packaging-containers", "material-processing", "sealing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Food-Chemistry-Logo.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/biodegradable-films-from-soyhull-cellulosic-residue-with-uv-protection-and-antioxidant-properties-improve-the-shelf-life-of-post-harvested-raspberries/" }, { "id": 12541, "position": 29, "title": "Bio-based ski wax: Prototype develoment, hydrophobicity, hardness, biodegradation and glide performance on snow", "authors": [ "Skedung Lisa", "Almgren Stenberg", "Erica Blomberg Saitton", "David (Contributor)", "Hallstenson Karin (Contributor)" ], "authors_text": "Skedung Lisa, Almgren Stenberg, Erica Blomberg Saitton, David (Contributor), Hallstenson Karin (Contributor)", "journal": "RISE Research Institutes of Sweden", "publisher": "RISE Research Institutes of Sweden", "year": "2024", "abstract": "Replacing petroleum-based with bio-based ingredients in articles and chemical products is one important step towards reducing the environmental impact, and promoting circular economy practices, aligning with the goal “Responsible Consumption and Production” within United Nations’ Agenda 2030. The aim of the project was to develop bio-based prototype ski waxes and to evaluate and benchmark them with commercial petroleum-based PFAS-free ski waxes, in terms of hydrophobicity, glide performance and biodegradation.\r\nBio-based ski wax prototypes were blended using a mixture of ingredients approved for either topical application or ingestion by humans. Which ingredients and relative ratios to mix were based on melting points, general hydrophobic properties and generated knowledge from testing of earlier prototypes. It should be noted that only Vallakokerskan has the information about the exact content in the ski wax prototypes.", "url": "https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1893432&dswid=616", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "chemicals", "consumer-products", "industrial-mechanical", "coating", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "chemicals", "consumer-products", "industrial-mechanical", "coating", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/rise-1.jpeg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/bio-based-ski-wax-protype-development-hydrophobicity-hardness-biodegradation-and-glide-performance-on-snow/" }, { "id": 12028, "position": 30, "title": "Rheology finds distinct glass and jamming transitions in emulsions", "authors": [ "Cong Cao", "Jianshan Liao", "Victor Breedveld", "Eric R. Weeks" ], "authors_text": "Cong Cao , Jianshan Liao , Victor Breedveld , Eric R. Weeks", "journal": "Royal Society of Chemistry: Soft Matter", "publisher": "Royal Society of Chemistry: Soft Matter", "year": "2024", "abstract": "We study the rheology of monodisperse and bidisperse emulsions with various droplet sizes (1–2 μm diameter). Above a critical volume fraction ϕc, these systems exhibit solid-like behavior and a yield stress can be detected. Previous experiments suggest that for small thermal particles, rheology will see a glass transition at ϕc = ϕg ≈ 0.58; for large athermal systems, rheology will see a jamming transition at ϕc = ϕJ ≈ 0.64. However, simulations point out that at the crossover of thermal and athermal regimes, the glass and jamming transitions may both be observed in the same sample. Here we conduct an experiment by shearing four oil-in-water emulsions with a rheometer. We observe both a glass and a jamming transition for our smaller diameter droplets, and only a jamming transition for our larger diameter droplets. The bidisperse sample behaves similarly to the small droplet sample, with two transitions observed. Our rheology data are well-fit by both the Herschel–Bulkley model and the three component model. Based on the fitting parameters, our raw rheological data would not collapse onto a master curve. Our results show that liquid–solid transitions in dispersions are not universal, but depend on particle size.", "url": "https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/sm/d0sm02097d/", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "chemicals", "industrial-mechanical", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "emulsification-demulsification", "material-processing" ], "about": [ "journal", "chemicals", "industrial-mechanical", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "emulsification-demulsification", "material-processing" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Soft-matter.jpeg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/rheology-finds-distinct-glass-and-jamming-transitions-in-emulsions/" }, { "id": 12540, "position": 31, "title": "Influence of Mixed Solvent in the Morphology and Hydrophobicity of Electrospun Polystyrene Porous Fibers", "authors": [ "Guilherme Henrique França Melo", "Uttandaraman Sundararaj" ], "authors_text": "Guilherme Henrique França Melo, Uttandaraman Sundararaj", "journal": "Macromolecular Rapid Communications", "publisher": "Macromolecular Rapid Communications", "year": "2024", "abstract": "Electrospun polystyrene (PS) fibers are produced using a mixed solvent of chloroform and n,n-dimethylformamide (DMF) to investigate the influence of the solvent ratio on the fiber surface morphology and contact angle of the obtained mats. Electrospinning is a simple processing technique for producing fibers with diameters in the range of nanometers to a few micrometers. When using the different solvent ratios for this process, porous PS membranes are created due to nonsolvent and thermally induced phase separation (N-TIPS). The morphology of the fibers is analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which showed that fibers have diameters between 200 nm and 6 µm. SEM also revealed that the pores present on the surface of the fibers vary from densely compacted and well-formed nanopores with diameters in the range of 20–50 nm to larger pores with sizes of ≈100–200 nm. The pore size varied with different solvent ratios. The surface area is analyzed using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method and found that the polymeric fibers have a high surface area (≈35 m2 g−1). The fibers with such morphology are highly hydrophobic, with a contact angle higher than 143°. These materials are excellent candidates for applications in textiles, filtration, and biomedical fields.", "url": "https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/marc.202400403", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "chemicals", "fabrics", "industrial-mechanical", "medical-devices", "liquid-repellency", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "chemicals", "fabrics", "industrial-mechanical", "medical-devices", "liquid-repellency", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/marc.v45.21.cover_.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/influence-of-mixed-solvent-in-the-morphology-and-hydrophobicity-of-electrospun-polystyrene-porous-fibers/" }, { "id": 11489, "position": 32, "title": "Engineered detection zone to enhance color uniformity on paper microfluidics fabricated via Parafilm®-heating-laser-cutting", "authors": [ "Seyed Hamid Safiabadi Tali", "Hasti Hajimiri", "Zubi Sadiq", "Sana Jahanshahi-Anbuhi" ], "authors_text": "Seyed Hamid Safiabadi Tali , Hasti Hajimiri , Zubi Sadiq , Sana Jahanshahi-Anbuhi", "journal": "Sciencedirect: Sensors and Actuators B - Chemical", "publisher": "Sciencedirect: Sensors and Actuators B - Chemical", "year": "2023", "abstract": "In this article, we first report a simple fabrication technique to create Parafilm®-laminated microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) with a high resolution and then introduce novel engineered detection zones (D-zones) to enhance color uniformity without any chemical modifications. The Parafilm®-heating-laser cutting fabrication method comprises of three steps: 1) flattening a Parafilm® layer on paper, 2) heating in an oven at 90 °C for 30 min, and 3) CO2 laser ablation of the patterns. This method enabled laminated µPADs with a minimum barrier width of 172 ± 15 µm, with resistance to various organic solvents and surfactant solutions. Using this technique, µPADs with two types of engineered D-zones were fabricated. The multi-inlet D-zone had four micro-inlets ( 0.99 of the fitted curve showed an excellent correlation between the generated signals and the glucose concentrations. Also, compared to the conventional devices, the engineered D-zones showed improved precision and reproducibility and a better linear range. Finally, spiked real human urine samples were tested, demonstrating the applicability of the engineered devices for real-world applications. Overall, with a simple fabrication method and a novel design for color uniformity, this paper contributes to the advancement of µPADs and paves the way towards commercialization.", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925400523000394", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "chemicals", "food-beverages", "medical-devices", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "chemicals", "food-beverages", "medical-devices", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Sensor-and-Actuators-B.jpeg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/engineered-detection-zone-to-enhance-color-uniformity-on-paper-microfluidics-fabricated-via-parafilm-heating-laser-cutting/" }, { "id": 12033, "position": 33, "title": "Glassy and Jammed Systems: Structures and Dynamics", "authors": [ "Cao", "Cong", "Emory University" ], "authors_text": "Cao, Cong, Emory University", "journal": "PhD Thesis", "publisher": "PhD Thesis", "year": "2023", "abstract": "Soft materials are usually composed of basic units much larger than atomic scale. For example, colloids are 10 nm to 10 µm solid particles dispersed in a liquid phase; emulsions consist of two immiscible liquids, with one dispersed in another as a droplet form. On one hand, these systems possess similarities with atomic glassy systems; on the other hand, thermal fluctuations and gravity could both play a role in a system’s structure and dynamics depending on their components’ scale. In this dissertation, we will explore structural and dynamical characteristics of various soft material systems: from ∼ µm colloidal suspensions to ∼mm granular materials; from spherical particles to rods with different aspect ratios. We are curious about the unique properties in each system, while at the same time eager to find connections between different soft materials.\r\nIn chapter 2, we use confocal microscopy to study the aging of a bidisperse colloidal glass near rough and smooth boundaries. Near smooth boundaries, the particles form layers, and particle motion is dramatically slower near the boundary as compared to the bulk. Near rough boundaries, the layers nearly vanish, and particle motion is nearly identical to that of the bulk. The gradient in dynamics near the boundaries is demonstrated to be a function of the gradient in structure for both types of boundaries. Our observations show that wall-induced layer structures strongly influence aging.\r\nIn chapter 3, we conduct x-ray tomography experiments and study the boundary effect of 3D rod packing (rods packed in a finite cylindrical container). We then compare our tomography results with traditional protocols and simulation results. In all cases, rods pack randomly in cylindrical containers whose smallest dimension is larger than the rod length. Packings in smaller containers have lower volume fractions than those in larger containers, demonstrating the influence of the boundaries. X-ray\r\ntomography experiments show that the boundary effects depend on the orientation of the boundary, indicating a strong influence of gravity, whereas the simulation finds boundary effects that are purely geometric. In all cases, the boundary influence extends approximately half a particle length into the interior of the container.\r\nIn chapter 4, we study the rheology of monodisperse and bidisperse emulsions with various droplet sizes (1 µm – 2 µm diameter). Above a critical volume fraction φc, these systems exhibit solid-like behavior and possess a yield stress. Previous experiments suggest that for small thermal particles, rheology will see a glass transition at φc = φg = 0.58; for large athermal systems, rheology will see a jamming transition at φc = φJ = 0.64. However, simulations point out that at the crossover of thermal and athermal regimes, the glass and jamming transitions may both be observed in the same sample. Here we conduct an experiment by shearing four oil-in-water emulsions with a rheometer. We observe both a glass and a jamming transition for our smaller diameter droplets, and only a jamming transition for our larger diameter droplets. The bidisperse sample behaves similarly to the small droplet sample,\r\nwith two transitions observed. We fit our data with both Herschel-Bulkley model and Three-Component model. Based on the fitting parameters, our raw rheological data would not collapse into a master curve. Our results suggest that liquid-solid transitions may not be universal, but depends on particle type.", "url": "https://www.proquest.com/openview/01c9fc4929f0d4a38ba2fa001651b681/", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "thesis", "categories": [ "thesis", "chemicals", "consumer-products", "industrial-mechanical", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "dispersing", "emulsification-demulsification", "material-processing" ], "about": [ "thesis", "chemicals", "consumer-products", "industrial-mechanical", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "dispersing", "emulsification-demulsification", "material-processing" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/emory-u-logo.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/glassy-and-jammed-systems-structures-and-dynamics/" }, { "id": 11491, "position": 34, "title": "Laser Inscribed Graphene Aptasensor for Detection of Apple Stem Pitting Virus", "authors": [ "Yifan Tang", "Clemson University" ], "authors_text": "Yifan Tang, Clemson University", "journal": "PhD Thesis", "publisher": "PhD Thesis", "year": "2023", "abstract": "Apple stem pitting virus (ASPV) is a latent RNA virus that could cause significant loss to apple production; early-stage field diagnosis could reduce the economic loss caused by ASPV infection. Biosensor is a promising user-friendly detection tool that could transduce biological or chemical interactions into electric signals. Among various types of biosensors, aptasensor, which use aptamers as recognition elements show potential as a high throughput, in-field test. The goal of this thesis is to develop an electrochemical aptasensor testing system for ASPV detection. The quality control study of laser inscribed graphene (LIG) based working electrode of the biosensor was conducted first to improve the reliability of biosensor testing, followed by electrodeposition methods selection and aptamer biofunctionalization and establish electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) testing system for real leaf samples. This project introduces LIG-based aptasensor for detection of a plant virus, which could be applied to other plant pathogens or human pathogens detection.", "url": "https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_theses/4064/", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "thesis", "categories": [ "thesis", "biotechnology", "electrical-electronics", "farming-agriscience", "food-beverages", "medical-devices", "adsorption-absorption", "bonding", "coating", "liquid-repellency", "material-processing" ], "about": [ "thesis", "biotechnology", "electrical-electronics", "farming-agriscience", "food-beverages", "medical-devices", "adsorption-absorption", "bonding", "coating", "liquid-repellency", "material-processing" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/clemson.webp", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/laser-inscribed-graphene-aptasensor-for-detection-of-apple-stem-pitting-virus/" }, { "id": 12021, "position": 35, "title": "Superhydrophobicity mechanism of refoliated quaking aspen leaves after complete defoliation by LDD (gypsy, spongy) moth caterpillars", "authors": [ "Xin Sui", "Jason Tam", "Harald Keller", "Wenyan Liang", "Uwe Erb" ], "authors_text": "Xin Sui , Jason Tam , Harald Keller , Wenyan Liang , Uwe Erb", "journal": "Sciencedirect: Plant Science", "publisher": "Sciencedirect: Plant Science", "year": "2023", "abstract": "Complete defoliation of trees due to periodic LDD (Lymantria dispar dispar) moth outbreaks in many parts of the world is a significant stress factor for the survival of individual trees and entire forests over vast areas. This study addresses such a mid-summer defoliation event in Ontario, Canada for quaking aspen trees during 2021. It is shown that complete refoliation in the same year is possible for these trees, albeit with significantly smaller leaf size. Regrown leaves showed the well-known non-wetting behaviour typically observed for the quaking aspen tree without a defoliation event. These leaves have the same hierarchical dual-scale surface structure consisting of nanometre-size epicuticular wax (ECW) crystals superimposed on micrometre-sized papillae. This structure provides for the Cassie-Baxter non-wetting state with a very high water contact angle on the adaxial surface of the leaves. Subtle differences in the leaf surface morphology of the refoliation leaves compared with the regular growth leaves are likely due to environmental factors such as seasonal temperature during the leaf growth period after budbreak.", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168945223000766?", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "consumer-products", "farming-agriscience", "liquid-repellency", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "consumer-products", "farming-agriscience", "liquid-repellency", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Plant-Science.jpeg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/superhydrophobicity-mechanism-of-refoliated-quaking-aspen-leaves-after-complete-defoliation-by-ldd-gypsy-spongy-moth-caterpillars/" }, { "id": 12030, "position": 36, "title": "Effect of Polydopamine-RGD Peptide Coating on the Adhesion of Cultured Fibroblasts on Polymethylmethacrylate Provisional Custom Abutment Materials", "authors": [ "Mui Philip", "University of Maryland School of Dentistry" ], "authors_text": "Mui Philip, University of Maryland School of Dentistry", "journal": "Master's Thesis", "publisher": "Master's Thesis", "year": "2023", "abstract": "Cellular attachment properties of the temporary and prosthetic abutment is one of the important factors for creating optimal peri-implant soft tissue around the implant. Surface modifications appear to play an important role in promoting early healing of the soft tissue around the dental implant, affecting primarily the epithelium, fibroblast, and osteoblast cell behavior. Another strategy to better manage peri-implant and abutment soft tissue integration is to coat the surface with bioactive agents to enhance biocompatibility. Among the most commonly utilized are proteins and peptides. The proposed in-vitro study will provide better insights of surface\r\ncharacteristics for implant-abutment interface by application of the peptide RGD for optimized attachment of peri-implant soft tissue cells. The hypothesis is that application of polydopamine and the peptide RGD on the implant-abutment surface can improve fibroblast early attachment, migration and proliferation, thereby advancing early wound healing and establishing periimplant soft tissue attachment.", "url": "https://www.proquest.com/openview/b3d0e9965a2658c90b119e7cd24a0d37/", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "thesis", "categories": [ "thesis", "biotechnology", "medical-devices", "plastics", "activation", "bonding", "coating", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "thesis", "biotechnology", "medical-devices", "plastics", "activation", "bonding", "coating", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/umaryland-logo-1.png", "analysis_url": "" }, { "id": 19194, "position": 37, "title": "Polyethylene-based Microfluidic System Approaches to Achieve Adaptive Visible and Thermal Camouflage Applications", "authors": [ "Sun", "Xiaoruo", "University of Alberta" ], "authors_text": "Sun, Xiaoruo, University of Alberta", "journal": "Master's Thesis", "publisher": "Master's Thesis", "year": "2023", "abstract": "Camouflage represents a critical skill in both nature and combat zones, as it enables concealment from potential threats. With the advancement of visual and infrared-sensitive surveillance equipment, adaptive camouflage across the visible and infrared (IR) spectrums has become increasingly important due to the advantage of blend in the background. Therefore, the low-cost, high-speed fabrication of adaptive visible and infrared camouflage control system has gained significant attention. Microfluidic devices have a high potential for achieving adaptive multiband camouflage including both visible and infrared (IR) spectrums because they can manipulate fluids that may be dyed, transparent, or opaque to different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. In the initial phase of this thesis work, we developed a high-speed, low-cost robust process to fabricate microfluidic devices entirely made from polyethylene using xurography and thermocompression molding techniques. Moreover, a novel method that thermally bond macro-scale polyethylene tubing to micro-scale channels is developed. The simplicity and flexibility of the method allow the fabrication of devices with different channel heights, widths, and patterns. Upon filling the microfluidic devices with dyed liquids and testing them with different backgrounds, the devices showed fast and high adaptive visible camouflage capabilities. Moreover, the thermal IR appearance of microfluidic systems can be altered without changing temperature by incorporating a metalized surface which can be covered by an IR opaque liquid to alter the apparent temperature when reflecting IR sources. However, the long actuation times and unfavorable scaling laws for pressure-driven flows in smaller channels posed challenges for rapid fluid actuation. To address this, the second phase of this work focused on replacing the pressure-driven flow with an electrowetting system, capable of fast-actuating droplets using low voltage while preserve the capabilities to achieve adaptive infrared camouflage. We developed and conducted an initial feasibility test for an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) system based on simple fabrication techniques without atomic deposition for adaptive infrared camouflage. The electrowetting of a drop of water within an IR transparent oil (dodecane) can occur between an aluminum electrode surface with a self-assembled lipid bilayer as the dielectric. This lipid dielectric bilayer both reduces required electrowetting voltage to below 5V and is spontaneously formed in the system. More importantly, the thermal appearance of the electrodes can be altered upon wetting the droplet when reflecting IR sources with a fast actuation time (about one second). The thickness of the dodecane must be less than 1 mm before it is sufficiently transparent for thermal IR to function effectively as an IR variable pixel, but this technique may hold promise to produce faster switching and more effective microfluidic-based thermal camouflage in the future.", "url": "https://era.library.ualberta.ca/items/1908db10-3377-4aaf-895d-48d50acd30b1", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "thesis", "categories": [ "thesis", "aviation-space", "industrial-mechanical", "transportation", "bonding", "coating", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "thesis", "aviation-space", "industrial-mechanical", "transportation", "bonding", "coating", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/University-of-Alberta.png", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/polyethylene-based-microfluidic-system-approaches-to-achieve-adaptive-visible-and-thermal-camouflage-applications/" }, { "id": 12029, "position": 38, "title": "Imaging of Non-conducting Beam Sensitive Materials Using Scanning Electron Microscopy: Practical Applications of ESEM and LVSEM", "authors": [ "Patel Medhavi Bhavesh", "University of Toronto" ], "authors_text": "Patel Medhavi Bhavesh, University of Toronto", "journal": "Master's Thesis", "publisher": "Master's Thesis", "year": "2022", "abstract": "Non-conducting and beam sensitive materials like polymers are utilized extensively in modern industry. With growing interest in leveraging the capabilities of these materials by optimizing their morphological and structural characteristics, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is becoming an increasingly important tool. Despite the advancement of SEM and advent of high caliber instrumentation, numerous challenges impede the imaging and study of beam sensitive materials using SEM. This thesis focuses on Environmental SEM and Low Voltage SEM and attempts to showcase their characterization capabilities through practical examples of respirators/facemasks, and microplastics. A set of characterization protocols for evaluating the structure, chemistry, moisture retention, and wetting properties of face masks and respirators are presented in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 presents efforts undertaken for capturing and compiling SEM images to form the first open-source SEM datasets for microplastics segmentation through deep learning methods. The promising result facilitates automatic quantification and classification of microplastics.", "url": "https://www.proquest.com/openview/8e1eb86d9d5534232fb6fc0aa43af9a4/", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "thesis", "categories": [ "thesis", "consumer-products", "fabrics", "medical-devices", "plastics", "utilities", "adsorption-absorption", "liquid-repellency", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "thesis", "consumer-products", "fabrics", "medical-devices", "plastics", "utilities", "adsorption-absorption", "liquid-repellency", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Utoronto_coa.svg_.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/imaging-of-non-conducting-beam-sensitive-materials-using-scanning-electron-microscopy-practical-applications-of-esem-and-lvsem/" }, { "id": 12025, "position": 39, "title": "Polymer Interfaces with Small-Scale Biological Systems and the Impact on Sperm Viability", "authors": [ "Jeffrey Bates", "Kenneth Aston", "Benjamin Emery", "Ashwin Velraj", "Abhishek Pachauri", "Parker Toews", "Meredith Humphreys" ], "authors_text": "Jeffrey Bates , Kenneth Aston , Benjamin Emery , Ashwin Velraj , Abhishek Pachauri , Parker Toews , Meredith Humphreys", "journal": "TMS 2022 151st Annual Meeting & Exhibition", "publisher": "TMS 2022 151st Annual Meeting & Exhibition", "year": "2022", "abstract": "The use of assisted reproductive technologies has become more widely adopted and readily available to couples who struggle with infertility, and the collection of viable sperm samples is critical to the success of fertility treatments. The materials used for sperm collection that are compatible and support sperm viability are not well-understood, and many polymer materials that are currently used are spermicidal, specifically because sperm cells undergo activation by external stimuli and have the potential to lose function upon exposure to certain chemical signals. We leverage what is known about the spermicidal properties of polymers and develop materials that eliminate toxic functional groups found in polymer backbone molecules and additives. We have found that some functional groups are toxic to sperm, while others are not harmful. We also characterize the material properties, processing methods, and synthesis to determine the impact of surface contact at the polymer and sperm cell interface on the viability and functionality.", "url": "https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-92381-5_75", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "conference", "categories": [ "conference-paper", "biotechnology", "medical-devices", "pharma", "plastics", "material-processing" ], "about": [ "conference-paper", "biotechnology", "medical-devices", "pharma", "plastics", "material-processing" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/tms2022.jpeg", "analysis_url": "" }, { "id": 12023, "position": 40, "title": "Effect of organic loading rates on the membrane performance of a thermophilic submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor for primary sludge treatment from a pulp and paper mill", "authors": [ "A. Bokhary", "M. Leitch", "B.Q. Liao" ], "authors_text": "A. Bokhary , M. Leitch , B.Q. Liao", "journal": "Sciencedirect: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering", "publisher": "Sciencedirect: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering", "year": "2022", "abstract": "The effect of organic loading rates (OLRs) on membrane performance and mixed-liquor suspended solids (MLSS) properties were examined using a laboratory-scale thermophilic submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (ThSAnMBR) that treats primary sludge from a thermomechanical pulp mill. Membrane performance was evaluated by monitoring its flux and corresponding transmembrane pressure (TMP). Changes in membrane chemical and physical properties resulting from operating conditions were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle, energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDX), and pore size measurement. While MLSS properties are analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), zeta potential, and particle size distribution (PSD) analysis. Membrane performance and MLSS properties were studied at different OLRs ranging from 1.5 to 3.9 kg-TSS/m3d, and hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 3–8 d. This study showed that the increased OLR reduced the membrane performance and degradation of the primary sludge, as well as the biogas yield. This result indicates that OLR of less than 1.5 kg TSS/m3d, HRT of 8d, and solids retention time (SRT) of 32d should be maintained to achieve stable membrane performance and better biogas production. Also, results showed that important changes occurred on the membrane morphology and MLSS characteristics under the tested operating conditions. High-resolution SEM images reveal distinct differences in the pore morphology between the virgin and used membranes indicating the effect induced by the operating conditions. Thermophilic temperature led to an expansion of membrane pores. Overall, the primary sludge from pulp and paper mills can be treated successfully by ThSAnMBR for methane production with stable membrane performance and high treatment efficiency.", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213343722003967", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "chemicals", "industrial-mechanical", "utilities", "adsorption-absorption", "cleaning", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "chemicals", "industrial-mechanical", "utilities", "adsorption-absorption", "cleaning", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Environmental-Chemical-Engineering.gif", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/effect-of-organic-loading-rates-on-the-membrane-performance-of-a-thermophilic-submerged-anaerobic-membrane-bioreactor-for-primary-sludge-treatment-from-a-pulp-and-paper-mill/" }, { "id": 12022, "position": 41, "title": "Buffer Components Incorporate into the Framework of Polyserotonin Nanoparticles and Films during Synthesis", "authors": [ "Keuna Jeon", "Justin Andrei Asuncion", "Alexander Lucien Corbett", "Tiange Yuan", "Meera Patel", "Nesha May Octavio Andoy", "Christian Titus Kreis", "Oleksandr Voznyy", "Ruby May Arana Sullan" ], "authors_text": "Keuna Jeon , Justin Andrei Asuncion , Alexander Lucien Corbett , Tiange Yuan , Meera Patel , Nesha May Octavio Andoy , Christian Titus Kreis , Oleksandr Voznyy , Ruby May Arana Sullan", "journal": "Nanomaterials - Nanomechanics: From Theory to Application", "publisher": "Nanomaterials - Nanomechanics: From Theory to Application", "year": "2022", "abstract": "Polyserotonin nanoparticles (PSeNP) and films are bioinspired nanomaterials that have potential in biomedical applications and surface coatings. As studies on polyserotonin (PSe) nanoparticles and films are still in their infancy, synthetic pathways and material development for this new class of nanomaterial await investigation. Here, we sought to determine how different buffers used during the polymerization of serotonin to form nanoparticles and films impact the physicochemical properties of PSe materials. We show that buffer components are incorporated into the polymer matrix, which is also supported by density functional theory calculations. While we observed no significant differences between the elasticity of nanoparticles synthesized in the different buffers, the nanoscale surface properties of PSe films revealed dissimilarities in surface functional groups influenced by solvent molecules. Overall, the results obtained in this work can be used towards the rational design of PSe nanomaterials with tailored properties and for specific applications.", "url": "https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/12/12/2027", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "biotechnology", "chemicals", "cosmetics", "medical-devices", "adsorption-absorption", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "biotechnology", "chemicals", "cosmetics", "medical-devices", "adsorption-absorption", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/big_cover-nanomaterials-v12-i11.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/buffer-components-incorporate-into-the-framework-of-polyserotonin-nanoparticles-and-films-during-synthesis/" }, { "id": 12032, "position": 42, "title": "Design and implementation of environment chamber for interfacial phenomenon processes", "authors": [ "Gurdeep Saini", "York University" ], "authors_text": "Gurdeep Saini, York University", "journal": "Master's Thesis", "publisher": "Master's Thesis", "year": "2022", "abstract": "With the goal of simulating the environmental conditions necessary for various droplet related phenomenon, a portable environment chamber was built and tested in this thesis. The “House of Quality” design methodology was used as a roadmap for the iterative design process. The chamber comprises a temperature control system, an anti-condensation system, and a humidity control system. The performance of the chamber was tested afterwards at different temperature and humidity setpoints, to quantitate the chambers working capabilities. The chamber can generate an environment inside it with a temperature range of 10 °C to 70 °C, and a relative humidity range of ambient to 80%. The chamber was benchmarked against experiments done in the literature; involving surface tension and contact angle. The experiments that were done for both contact angles measurements corroborated what was in the literature, however we discovered potential problem for literature values of surface tension at lower temperatures.", "url": "https://yorkspace.library.yorku.ca/bitstream/10315/39700/2/Saini_Gurdeep_S_2022_Masters.pdf", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "thesis", "categories": [ "thesis", "chemicals", "industrial-mechanical", "paint", "coating", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "surfactant-characterization", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "thesis", "chemicals", "industrial-mechanical", "paint", "coating", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "surfactant-characterization", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/york-u-logo.jpeg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/design-and-implementation-of-environment-chamber-for-interfacial-phenomenon-processes/" }, { "id": 12024, "position": 43, "title": "Development of a Dual-Modal Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Device for the Quantitative and Qualitative Detection of The Total Hardness of Water", "authors": [ "Oyewunmi", "Oyejide Damilola", "Concordia University" ], "authors_text": "Oyewunmi, Oyejide Damilola, Concordia University", "journal": "Master's Thesis", "publisher": "Master's Thesis", "year": "2021", "abstract": "A dip-and-read microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) was developed for the qualitative and quantitative detection of the total hardness of water. To create well-defined hydrophobic barriers on filter paper, a regular office printer and a commercially available permanent marker pen were utilized as a quick and simple technique with easily accessible equipment/materials to fabricate μPAD in new or resource-limited laboratories without sophisticated equipment. After a wettability and barrier efficiency analysis on the permanent marker colors, the blue and green ink markers exhibited favorable hydrophobic properties and were utilized in the fabrication of the developed test devices. The device had five reaction and detection zones modeled after the classification given by the World Health Organization (WHO), so qualitatively it determined whether the water was ‘soft’, ‘moderately hard’, ‘hard’, or ‘very hard’ by changing color from blue to pink in about 3 min. The device was also used to introduce an alternative colorimetric reaction for quantitative analysis of the water hardness without the need for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and without compromising the simplicity and low cost of the device. The developed μPAD showed a calculated limit of detection (LOD) of 0.02 mM, which is at least 80% less than those of commercially available test strips and other reported μPADs, and the results of the real-world samples were consistent with those of the standard titration (with EDTA). In addition, the device exhibited stability for 2 months at room and frigid condition (4 °C) and at varying harsh temperatures from 25 to 100 °C. The results demonstrate that the developed paper-based device can be used for rapid, on-site analysis of water with no interferences and no need for a pipette for sample introduction during testing.\r\nA mathematical estimation of the flow of liquid water and blood serum on the fabricated paper device was computed using a geometrically modified version of the Lucas-Washburn equation to predict the signal time of the paper sensor during each test. The estimation correlated excellently with experimental data and observation, hence making the modification of the Lucas-Washburn equation valid specifically for the fabricated μPAD.\r\nFinally, all-inclusive pullulan tablets were fabricated as an alternative analytical platform to detect the total hardness of water. The assay was used to compute a calibration curve which can be used to quantify the total hardness of water in about five minutes by just dropping the required number of tablets in the water sample, and a limit of detection of 0.0140 mM was achieved.", "url": "https://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/id/eprint/987668/", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "thesis", "categories": [ "thesis", "chemicals", "utilities", "adsorption-absorption", "coating", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "printing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "thesis", "chemicals", "utilities", "adsorption-absorption", "coating", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "printing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/concordiau-logo.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/development-of-a-dual-modal-microfluidic-paper-based-analytical-device-for-the-quantitative-and-qualitative-detection-of-the-total-hardness-of-water/" }, { "id": 20398, "position": 44, "title": "Advanced separation and anaerobic digestion technologies for value-added bioproducts and biofuel from pulp and paper mill wastes", "authors": [ "Alnour M. A. Bokhary" ], "authors_text": "Alnour M. A. Bokhary", "journal": "PhD Thesis", "publisher": "PhD Thesis", "year": "2021", "abstract": "In the first research project, the extraction of hemicellulose from the process water and synthetic hydrolyzate using liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) was examined. Specifically, the effects of the main experimental variables (the type of solvent, hydrolyzate to solvent volume ratio, and pH) on extraction performance were explored. The tested solvents showed varying affinity and selectivity to recover hemicellulose. It was found that the hemicellulose extraction efficiency of n-hexane (71.03%) and tributyl phosphate (TBP) (72.34%) was higher than that of 1-butanol (62.36%), and toluene (67.03%) at a solvent: hydrolyzate volume ratio of 1:3. A pH value of 4.3, a phase ratio of 1:3 mL/mL, and an extraction time of 30 min were considered optimal conditions for hemicellulose extraction.\r\nIn the second study, the thermophilic submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (ThSAnMBR) technology was used for pulp and paper primary sludge treatment, and both biological and membrane performance were evaluated. The biological performance was studied in terms of biogas production, solids reduction, chemical and structural changes of the digestate, and permeate quality under various operating conditions.\r\nWhile the effect of primary sludge on the membrane performance and fouling was systematically investigated. Several experimental parameters were investigated including solids retention time (SRT) (32-55 days), hydraulic retention time (HRT) (3-8 days), organic loading rates (OLRs) (2.5-6.8 kg-COD/m3d), temperature (50±1°C), membrane fouling and cleaning frequency. Membrane performance was evaluated by monitoring its flux and corresponding transmembrane pressure as well as changes in its chemical and physical properties resulting from operating conditions using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDX), contact angle, and pore size measurement.\r\nThe tested conditions have shown varying biogas productivity and fouling propensity, and it can be concluded that the longer the SRT and the lower the OLR, the higher is the biogas yield. At the optimum SRT of 55 d and hydraulic retention time of 5 d, biogas yield of 153.8 m3 biogas/ tonne mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS)removed was achieved with an average methane content of 56±4. Under various OLRs, stable biogas productions were obtained, and the best results were achieved with lower OLR (2.5 kg-COD/m3 d) and higher HRT (8d), at biogas yields of 189 L biogas/kg MLSS fed. However, it was found that the biogas production and sludge biomass degradation decrease when the organic loading rate increases, and no difference was observed in biogas production when the primary sludge was co-digested with process water under OLR of 2.5 kg-COD/m3 d and HRT of 8 d compared to the digestion of the primary sludge alone under same conditions. The reduction ratio of the sludge biomass ranged from 28.9 to 54.9 % in this study, depending on the applied conditions. Based on the chemical and structural change analysis, the digestate contained more lignin, while the nitrogen concentration decreased with increasing \r\nII digestion time. The permeates had much-reduced metal ions concentrations, and the values for most of the elements did not vary greatly with the change in the organic loading rate. Permeate chemical oxygen demand (COD) values have fluctuated to some extent with OLRs and SRTs and ranged between 2.40±0.79mg/L and 0.32±0.11 mg/L. In these experiments, digestate properties under different operating conditions of ThAnMBR were also evaluated.\r\nThe membrane had stable performance and that the primary sludge showed low tendencies for membrane fouling. However, the degree of fouling increases with increasing SRT, while mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration was the predominant factor affecting membrane performance. This result indicates that OLR of less than 2.5 kg COD/m3d, HRT of 8d, and solids retention time (SRT) of 32d should be maintained to achieve stable membrane performance. High-resolution SEM images reveal distinct differences in the pore morphology between the virgin and used membranes indicating the effect induced by the operating conditions. Fouling characterization results, using EDX, XPS, and FTIR analysis, revealed the gel layer is the predominant fouling mechanism during the treatment of primary sludge from the pulp and paper industry and accounts for most of the total membrane resistance. Overall, the primary sludge\r\nfrom pulp and paper mill can be treated successfully by ThSAnMBR for methane production with stable membrane performance and high treatment efficiency. However, the addition of nutrients should be considered to compensate for the lack of phosphorous and nitrogen content in pulp and paper mill sludge.", "url": "https://lurepository.lakeheadu.ca/bitstream/handle/2453/5034/BokharyA2022d-1a.pdf", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "thesis", "categories": [ "thesis", "chemicals", "industrial-mechanical", "packaging-containers", "utilities", "cleaning", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "thesis", "chemicals", "industrial-mechanical", "packaging-containers", "utilities", "cleaning", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/lakehead-u-logo.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/advanced-separation-and-anaerobic-digestion-technologies-for-value-added-bioproducts-and-biofuel-from-pulp-and-paper-mill-wastes/" }, { "id": 12020, "position": 45, "title": "Dual-Modal Assay Kit for the Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of the Total Water Hardness Using a Permanent Marker Fabricated Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Device", "authors": [ "Oyejide Damilola Oyewunmi", "Seyed Hamid Safiabadi-Tali", "Sana Jahanshahi-Anbuhi" ], "authors_text": "Oyejide Damilola Oyewunmi , Seyed Hamid Safiabadi-Tali , Sana Jahanshahi-Anbuhi", "journal": "Chemosensors : Paper-Based Sensors and Microfluidic Devices", "publisher": "Chemosensors : Paper-Based Sensors and Microfluidic Devices", "year": "2020", "abstract": "A dip-and-read microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) was developed for the qualitative and quantitative detection of the total hardness of water. To create well-defined hydrophobic barriers on filter paper, a regular office printer and a commercially available permanent marker pen were utilized as a quick and simple technique with easily accessible equipment/materials to fabricate µPAD in new or resource-limited laboratories without sophisticated equipment. After a wettability and barrier efficiency analysis on the permanent marker colors, the blue and green ink markers exhibited favorable hydrophobic properties and were utilized in the fabrication of the developed test devices. The device had five reaction and detection zones modeled after the classification given by the World Health Organization (WHO), so qualitatively it determined whether the water was ‘soft’, ‘moderately hard’, ‘hard’, or ‘very hard’ by changing color from blue to pink in about 3 min. The device was also used to introduce an alternative colorimetric reaction for quantitative analysis of the water hardness without the need for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and without compromising the simplicity and low cost of the device. The developed µPAD showed a calculated limit of detection (LOD) of 0.02 mM, which is at least 80% less than those of commercially available test strips and other reported µPADs, and the results of the real-world samples were consistent with those of the standard titration (with EDTA). In addition, the device exhibited stability for 2 months at room and frigid condition (4 °C) and at varying harsh temperatures from 25 to 100 °C. The results demonstrate that the developed paper-based device can be used for rapid, on-site analysis of water with no interferences and no need for a pipette for sample introduction during testing.", "url": "https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9040/8/4/97", "doi": "", "doi_url": "", "type": "journal", "categories": [ "journal", "chemicals", "consumer-products", "industrial-mechanical", "utilities", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "about": [ "journal", "chemicals", "consumer-products", "industrial-mechanical", "utilities", "conditioning-and-testing-of-liquids", "material-processing", "wetting-imbibition" ], "logo": "https://dropletlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/big_cover-chemosensors-v8-i3.jpg", "analysis_url": "https://dropletlab.com/validation/citations/analysis/dual-modal-assay-kit-for-the-qualitative-and-quantitative-determination-of-the-total-water-hardness-using-a-permanent-marker-fabricated-microfluidic-paper-based-analytical-device/" } ] }