6th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd'20), 2020
Current Higher Education students have grown up in a society characterized by the massive use of ... more Current Higher Education students have grown up in a society characterized by the massive use of information technologies, which affects the way they expect to acquire new knowledge. In Chemical Engineering studies, in particular, traditional problem solving methods tend to bore students and, as a result, do not yield efficient learning. Fortunately, there exists a large list of software packages with specific Engineering application which, if properly used, may help create a better learning environment. Under the above premise, a project is being conducted, between 4 Higher Education institutions from 3 different countries (Spain, Portugal and Romania), on the effect that the integration of computational tools may exert on the students’ knowledge acquisition and predisposition to learn. We also aim to establish a comparative evaluation of the advantages and drawbacks of different computer software when facing typical Chemical Engineering problems. From our survey results and studen...
The aim of this work is to present briefly the preparation methodology of four emulsions (named M... more The aim of this work is to present briefly the preparation methodology of four emulsions (named M2, M3, M6, and M7) based on extracted mint oil (Mentha Piperita) and their physical-chemical properties and quality characteristics (pH, density, acidity index, peroxide index, diene and triene content, in-time stability, humidity and fatty matter content), in order to select the most recommendable emulsion to be used in textile field. This work also underlines that the most stable emulsion is M6 emulsion followed by M3 emulsion.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Nov 1, 2021
This study aimed to develop polysaccharide-based emulsions incorporated with lavender essential o... more This study aimed to develop polysaccharide-based emulsions incorporated with lavender essential oil and their application on cellulosic support for patches obtaining. The lavender essential oil has been added to emulsions as an active compound mainly due to its antimicrobial properties. In this study, emulsions were used to deliver active ingredients (lavender essential oil). The chemical composition of essential oil was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A total of seven emulsions (RiACL) were evaluated by determining rheological parameters and microbiological analysis. One of the emulsions (R7ACL) was applied to cellulosic support to obtain non-irritating textiles with controlled release of the active compound and moisturizing effects. Obtained cellulosic support was analyzed in terms of active compound controlled release, toxicity and antimicrobial testing, and skin analysis in healthy volunteers. It was found that the cellulosic supports treated with O/W emulsions are non-irritating, have softness and moisturizing effects, and can be used safely in topical applications for patches obtaining.
This study may open a new way to obtain the coloration of a polymer during functionalization. Two... more This study may open a new way to obtain the coloration of a polymer during functionalization. Two polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymers in the form of textile fibers (Melana and Dralon L) were subjected to functionalization treatments in order to improve the dyeing capacity. The functionalizations determined by an organo-hypervalent iodine reagent developed in situ led to fiber coloration without using dyes. KIO3 was formed in situ from the interaction of aqueous solutions of 3–9% KOH with 3–9% I2, at 120 °C. The yellow-orange coloration appeared as a result of the transformations in the chemical structure of each functionalized polymer, with the formation of iodinehydrin groups. The degree of functionalization directly influenced the obtained color. The results of the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Map and Temogravimetric Analysis (TG) plus Differential Thermal (DTA) analyses indicated the p...
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
The paper addresses issues related to the administration of Rifampicin (Rif) in the topical thera... more The paper addresses issues related to the administration of Rifampicin (Rif) in the topical therapy of infected wounds. Considering that chitosan (CS), through its own antimicrobial action, would increase the therapeutic action of the antibiotic in the wound, a chitosan hydrogel was developed to incorporate rifampicin. Tests of swelling and porosity showed a hydrogel with high water absorption and established porous morphology. FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of an intermolecular complex between CS and Rif. SEM images illustrated morphologies specific to CS hydrogels and the presence of Rif particles. Thermogravimetric analyses showed specific individual behavior, although mass loss values followed a common general profile. Rif particles included in the pores of the CS hydrogel are a broadspectrum antimicrobial agent against Gram-positive bacteria, but do not have the same antimicrobial effect against Gram-negative bacteria. The developed CS-based hydrogel has prospects for topical application of Rif in severe chronic wounds.
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
In order to obtain biomaterials with potential use in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditio... more In order to obtain biomaterials with potential use in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, this experimental study approached the immobilization on knitted fabric, made of 100% organic cotton, of oil-in-water emulsions type, based on xanthan-propolis-cinnamon essential oil, in certain formulations. For this purpose, seven experimental variants of emulsions were prepared and characterized, by specific methods, from physical-chemical and stability point of view. The functionalized textile materials were also characterized from morphological and antibacterial activity view point. The stability index, determined after 10 days, indicated that the emulsions are stable, without showing the presence of one of the flocculation, creaming / sedimentation, coalescence or Ostwald ripening phenomena. The lowest value of the turbidity was obtained for the experimental variant containing the lowest amount of essential oil and propolis. For the same variant, the highest value of viscosity was obtained, in which 0,363 mL water /mL emulsion and 0,5 mL xanthan/mL emulsion volume fraction was used. The textile materials treated with the synthesized emulsions based on xanthan-propolis-cinnamon essential oil shows antibacterial effect against S. aureus and E. coli test strains.
For thousands of years, man has been trying to copy the colors from nature and to transpose them ... more For thousands of years, man has been trying to copy the colors from nature and to transpose them on different supports. Although the use of natural dyes has several limitations (the difficulty of controlling the dyeing process, the low reproducibility of the dyes) they are still used due to their eco-friendly and biodegradable properties. On the other hand, in the last years, there has been a tendency for consumers to be unique or different from others, and from this point of view, dyeing with natural dyes can be seen as an opportunity. Dyeing with natural dyes is not completely free from environmental harm due to mordants used in the dyeing process, that are not environmentally friendly chemicals. For this reason, replacing classic mordants with alternative natural mordants (biomordants) present an ecological approach. Natural dyes obtained from plant parts (flowers, leaves, roots, stem, fruit, and bark) and waste material (distillation residues resulting from the production of strong beverages, peels from vegetable processing, etc.) contain a variety of compounds with functional properties such as antimicrobial, UV protection, deodorizing, anti-moth, and mosquito repellent. This review describes the results of the research on the evolution of natural dyes, the types of natural dyes and their functional properties, and the mordants used in textile dyeing with natural dyes.
This study reports a novel application of four emulsions based on thyme essential oil-beeswax mat... more This study reports a novel application of four emulsions based on thyme essential oil-beeswax matrix with beneficial antimicrobial and induced wellbeing effects (e.g., aromatherapeutic patches and socks, decorative pillows) that can be used in textile materials manufacturing (e.g. bandages, dressings, patches). These emulsions were properly prepared by varying the beeswax (2-4% w/v) and essential oil (2-4% v/v) concentrations, and characterized based on several physical-chemical quality indicators (pH, density, acidity and peroxide indexes, total polyphenols, flavonoids and fatty acids). The stability of emulsions and creaming index were highlighted by optical microscopy. The release of thyme essential oil incorporated in beeswax matrix was estimated through UV/ Visible spectrophotometry. The bioactive compounds (total polyphenols and flavonoids) from emulsions, applied on cotton support, are the principal responsible constituents for textile antibacterial activity, which was evaluated against two bacteria (E. coli and St. aureus). The diameter of inhibition zone referring to each bacterial strain growth ranges from 31.0 to 43.2 mm for E. coli bacteria and from 33.2 to 53.2 mm for St. aureus bacteria (due to biological active compounds release, depending on the diffusion degree). Comfort performances (hygroscopicity and vapor permeability) of the treated cotton support have also been evaluated. The obtained results recommend these bioactive emulsions with antibacterial action in textile materials production.
The vine leaves are an abundant by-product which is not fully valorized. This study reports the a... more The vine leaves are an abundant by-product which is not fully valorized. This study reports the application of vine leaves, as a natural resource of dyes and chelating agents, in the sustainable process of dyeing and antibacterial treating of the viscose fabric. In order to increase the color intensity and to confer antibacterial properties to the textile materials, the dyed viscose fabric was treated with zinc acetate (by a post-mordanting procedure). The main quality indices of the aqueous extract of vine leaves (pH, density, acidity, and peroxide indices) and the total content of polyphenols and flavonoids were determined. The functional groups of the constituents from the aqueous extract fixed on the viscose fiber surface by dyeing have been highlighted by FTIR analysis. The presence of zinc onto viscose fabric due to its chelating with the hydroxyl groups and carbonyl groups from polyphenols, flavonoids, and cellulosic species was confirmed by FTIR and EDX analysis. The antimicrobial activity of viscose samples dyed and treated with zinc acetate was evaluated against E. coli and St. aureus bacteria. The color fastness to washing, perspiration, and rubbing of dyed fabric samples was determined and evaluated according to SR EN ISO standards.
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2021
Abstract In the last period, aromatic plants and their extracts have gained more and more attenti... more Abstract In the last period, aromatic plants and their extracts have gained more and more attention due to their extraordinary properties. Unfortunately, their stand-alone uses are limited due to oxidative deterioration and therefore they are mostly used as oil/water (O/W) emulsions. The objective of this study was to develop and analyze the O/W lavender emulsions with potential applications in skin care products. The emulsions were prepared using matrix formers (xanthan gum and xanthan gum/gelatin), water, and glycerol as water phase and lavender essential oil as oil phase in the presence of nonionic surfactant polysorbate 80 (Tween 80®) under proper homogenization. Microscopic analysis, physicochemical properties (pH, conductivity, density, and acidity index), physical stability (turbidity, stability index, and emulsifier activity index), oxidative stability (peroxide index), rheological properties, and sensory analysis of the emulsions were investigated. Rotational (flow curve) and oscillatory rheological tests (amplitude, frequency, and time/temperature sweeps) were used for the characterization of each formulation. The results from each test are presented and discussed in detail. The experimental data confirmed that the method used was suitable for preparing O/W lavender emulsions based on xanthan gum and xanthan gum/gelatin suggesting that these emulsions are appropriate for application in skincare products.
3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl acrylate obtained by the esterification of epichlorohydrin with acrylic ... more 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl acrylate obtained by the esterification of epichlorohydrin with acrylic acid in the presence of zirconium silicate as a catalyst was used for grafting of the polyester fabric in order to improve some of its properties. The grafting was performed in the presence of (NH4)2S2O8 as a polymerization initiator. The grafted samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses. The effect of grafting on the comfort indices (hygroscopicity and vapor permeability) and the tinctorial properties (color intensity and dyeing fastness) were analyzed. Further addition of AgNO3 in the final reaction mixture used for grafting of polyester fabric confers antibacterial effect to the treated samples. The properties of the polyester fabric were highly improved by grafting with 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl acrylate.
Tissue engineering as an interdisciplinary field implies fibrous polymers as extracellular matrix... more Tissue engineering as an interdisciplinary field implies fibrous polymers as extracellular matrix as biologic support. The paper is a review on basic lines of the answer of textiles items at the biologic complex action. One carries out the evolution usage of the following polysaccharide supports: cellulose, gellan, pullulan, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, as well the collagen as a protein representative for a potential usage in an extracellular matrix. One presents the advantages and drawbacks adjusted to an online system and to new procedures available to develop a biologic structure on a textile support according with the main achievements reported in the literature of last years.
6th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd'20), 2020
Current Higher Education students have grown up in a society characterized by the massive use of ... more Current Higher Education students have grown up in a society characterized by the massive use of information technologies, which affects the way they expect to acquire new knowledge. In Chemical Engineering studies, in particular, traditional problem solving methods tend to bore students and, as a result, do not yield efficient learning. Fortunately, there exists a large list of software packages with specific Engineering application which, if properly used, may help create a better learning environment. Under the above premise, a project is being conducted, between 4 Higher Education institutions from 3 different countries (Spain, Portugal and Romania), on the effect that the integration of computational tools may exert on the students’ knowledge acquisition and predisposition to learn. We also aim to establish a comparative evaluation of the advantages and drawbacks of different computer software when facing typical Chemical Engineering problems. From our survey results and studen...
The aim of this work is to present briefly the preparation methodology of four emulsions (named M... more The aim of this work is to present briefly the preparation methodology of four emulsions (named M2, M3, M6, and M7) based on extracted mint oil (Mentha Piperita) and their physical-chemical properties and quality characteristics (pH, density, acidity index, peroxide index, diene and triene content, in-time stability, humidity and fatty matter content), in order to select the most recommendable emulsion to be used in textile field. This work also underlines that the most stable emulsion is M6 emulsion followed by M3 emulsion.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Nov 1, 2021
This study aimed to develop polysaccharide-based emulsions incorporated with lavender essential o... more This study aimed to develop polysaccharide-based emulsions incorporated with lavender essential oil and their application on cellulosic support for patches obtaining. The lavender essential oil has been added to emulsions as an active compound mainly due to its antimicrobial properties. In this study, emulsions were used to deliver active ingredients (lavender essential oil). The chemical composition of essential oil was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A total of seven emulsions (RiACL) were evaluated by determining rheological parameters and microbiological analysis. One of the emulsions (R7ACL) was applied to cellulosic support to obtain non-irritating textiles with controlled release of the active compound and moisturizing effects. Obtained cellulosic support was analyzed in terms of active compound controlled release, toxicity and antimicrobial testing, and skin analysis in healthy volunteers. It was found that the cellulosic supports treated with O/W emulsions are non-irritating, have softness and moisturizing effects, and can be used safely in topical applications for patches obtaining.
This study may open a new way to obtain the coloration of a polymer during functionalization. Two... more This study may open a new way to obtain the coloration of a polymer during functionalization. Two polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymers in the form of textile fibers (Melana and Dralon L) were subjected to functionalization treatments in order to improve the dyeing capacity. The functionalizations determined by an organo-hypervalent iodine reagent developed in situ led to fiber coloration without using dyes. KIO3 was formed in situ from the interaction of aqueous solutions of 3–9% KOH with 3–9% I2, at 120 °C. The yellow-orange coloration appeared as a result of the transformations in the chemical structure of each functionalized polymer, with the formation of iodinehydrin groups. The degree of functionalization directly influenced the obtained color. The results of the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Map and Temogravimetric Analysis (TG) plus Differential Thermal (DTA) analyses indicated the p...
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
The paper addresses issues related to the administration of Rifampicin (Rif) in the topical thera... more The paper addresses issues related to the administration of Rifampicin (Rif) in the topical therapy of infected wounds. Considering that chitosan (CS), through its own antimicrobial action, would increase the therapeutic action of the antibiotic in the wound, a chitosan hydrogel was developed to incorporate rifampicin. Tests of swelling and porosity showed a hydrogel with high water absorption and established porous morphology. FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of an intermolecular complex between CS and Rif. SEM images illustrated morphologies specific to CS hydrogels and the presence of Rif particles. Thermogravimetric analyses showed specific individual behavior, although mass loss values followed a common general profile. Rif particles included in the pores of the CS hydrogel are a broadspectrum antimicrobial agent against Gram-positive bacteria, but do not have the same antimicrobial effect against Gram-negative bacteria. The developed CS-based hydrogel has prospects for topical application of Rif in severe chronic wounds.
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
In order to obtain biomaterials with potential use in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditio... more In order to obtain biomaterials with potential use in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, this experimental study approached the immobilization on knitted fabric, made of 100% organic cotton, of oil-in-water emulsions type, based on xanthan-propolis-cinnamon essential oil, in certain formulations. For this purpose, seven experimental variants of emulsions were prepared and characterized, by specific methods, from physical-chemical and stability point of view. The functionalized textile materials were also characterized from morphological and antibacterial activity view point. The stability index, determined after 10 days, indicated that the emulsions are stable, without showing the presence of one of the flocculation, creaming / sedimentation, coalescence or Ostwald ripening phenomena. The lowest value of the turbidity was obtained for the experimental variant containing the lowest amount of essential oil and propolis. For the same variant, the highest value of viscosity was obtained, in which 0,363 mL water /mL emulsion and 0,5 mL xanthan/mL emulsion volume fraction was used. The textile materials treated with the synthesized emulsions based on xanthan-propolis-cinnamon essential oil shows antibacterial effect against S. aureus and E. coli test strains.
For thousands of years, man has been trying to copy the colors from nature and to transpose them ... more For thousands of years, man has been trying to copy the colors from nature and to transpose them on different supports. Although the use of natural dyes has several limitations (the difficulty of controlling the dyeing process, the low reproducibility of the dyes) they are still used due to their eco-friendly and biodegradable properties. On the other hand, in the last years, there has been a tendency for consumers to be unique or different from others, and from this point of view, dyeing with natural dyes can be seen as an opportunity. Dyeing with natural dyes is not completely free from environmental harm due to mordants used in the dyeing process, that are not environmentally friendly chemicals. For this reason, replacing classic mordants with alternative natural mordants (biomordants) present an ecological approach. Natural dyes obtained from plant parts (flowers, leaves, roots, stem, fruit, and bark) and waste material (distillation residues resulting from the production of strong beverages, peels from vegetable processing, etc.) contain a variety of compounds with functional properties such as antimicrobial, UV protection, deodorizing, anti-moth, and mosquito repellent. This review describes the results of the research on the evolution of natural dyes, the types of natural dyes and their functional properties, and the mordants used in textile dyeing with natural dyes.
This study reports a novel application of four emulsions based on thyme essential oil-beeswax mat... more This study reports a novel application of four emulsions based on thyme essential oil-beeswax matrix with beneficial antimicrobial and induced wellbeing effects (e.g., aromatherapeutic patches and socks, decorative pillows) that can be used in textile materials manufacturing (e.g. bandages, dressings, patches). These emulsions were properly prepared by varying the beeswax (2-4% w/v) and essential oil (2-4% v/v) concentrations, and characterized based on several physical-chemical quality indicators (pH, density, acidity and peroxide indexes, total polyphenols, flavonoids and fatty acids). The stability of emulsions and creaming index were highlighted by optical microscopy. The release of thyme essential oil incorporated in beeswax matrix was estimated through UV/ Visible spectrophotometry. The bioactive compounds (total polyphenols and flavonoids) from emulsions, applied on cotton support, are the principal responsible constituents for textile antibacterial activity, which was evaluated against two bacteria (E. coli and St. aureus). The diameter of inhibition zone referring to each bacterial strain growth ranges from 31.0 to 43.2 mm for E. coli bacteria and from 33.2 to 53.2 mm for St. aureus bacteria (due to biological active compounds release, depending on the diffusion degree). Comfort performances (hygroscopicity and vapor permeability) of the treated cotton support have also been evaluated. The obtained results recommend these bioactive emulsions with antibacterial action in textile materials production.
The vine leaves are an abundant by-product which is not fully valorized. This study reports the a... more The vine leaves are an abundant by-product which is not fully valorized. This study reports the application of vine leaves, as a natural resource of dyes and chelating agents, in the sustainable process of dyeing and antibacterial treating of the viscose fabric. In order to increase the color intensity and to confer antibacterial properties to the textile materials, the dyed viscose fabric was treated with zinc acetate (by a post-mordanting procedure). The main quality indices of the aqueous extract of vine leaves (pH, density, acidity, and peroxide indices) and the total content of polyphenols and flavonoids were determined. The functional groups of the constituents from the aqueous extract fixed on the viscose fiber surface by dyeing have been highlighted by FTIR analysis. The presence of zinc onto viscose fabric due to its chelating with the hydroxyl groups and carbonyl groups from polyphenols, flavonoids, and cellulosic species was confirmed by FTIR and EDX analysis. The antimicrobial activity of viscose samples dyed and treated with zinc acetate was evaluated against E. coli and St. aureus bacteria. The color fastness to washing, perspiration, and rubbing of dyed fabric samples was determined and evaluated according to SR EN ISO standards.
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2021
Abstract In the last period, aromatic plants and their extracts have gained more and more attenti... more Abstract In the last period, aromatic plants and their extracts have gained more and more attention due to their extraordinary properties. Unfortunately, their stand-alone uses are limited due to oxidative deterioration and therefore they are mostly used as oil/water (O/W) emulsions. The objective of this study was to develop and analyze the O/W lavender emulsions with potential applications in skin care products. The emulsions were prepared using matrix formers (xanthan gum and xanthan gum/gelatin), water, and glycerol as water phase and lavender essential oil as oil phase in the presence of nonionic surfactant polysorbate 80 (Tween 80®) under proper homogenization. Microscopic analysis, physicochemical properties (pH, conductivity, density, and acidity index), physical stability (turbidity, stability index, and emulsifier activity index), oxidative stability (peroxide index), rheological properties, and sensory analysis of the emulsions were investigated. Rotational (flow curve) and oscillatory rheological tests (amplitude, frequency, and time/temperature sweeps) were used for the characterization of each formulation. The results from each test are presented and discussed in detail. The experimental data confirmed that the method used was suitable for preparing O/W lavender emulsions based on xanthan gum and xanthan gum/gelatin suggesting that these emulsions are appropriate for application in skincare products.
3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl acrylate obtained by the esterification of epichlorohydrin with acrylic ... more 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl acrylate obtained by the esterification of epichlorohydrin with acrylic acid in the presence of zirconium silicate as a catalyst was used for grafting of the polyester fabric in order to improve some of its properties. The grafting was performed in the presence of (NH4)2S2O8 as a polymerization initiator. The grafted samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses. The effect of grafting on the comfort indices (hygroscopicity and vapor permeability) and the tinctorial properties (color intensity and dyeing fastness) were analyzed. Further addition of AgNO3 in the final reaction mixture used for grafting of polyester fabric confers antibacterial effect to the treated samples. The properties of the polyester fabric were highly improved by grafting with 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl acrylate.
Tissue engineering as an interdisciplinary field implies fibrous polymers as extracellular matrix... more Tissue engineering as an interdisciplinary field implies fibrous polymers as extracellular matrix as biologic support. The paper is a review on basic lines of the answer of textiles items at the biologic complex action. One carries out the evolution usage of the following polysaccharide supports: cellulose, gellan, pullulan, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, as well the collagen as a protein representative for a potential usage in an extracellular matrix. One presents the advantages and drawbacks adjusted to an online system and to new procedures available to develop a biologic structure on a textile support according with the main achievements reported in the literature of last years.
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