Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer nanocomposites based on (un)modified sepiolite: Flame retardancy, thermal, and mechanical properties

Flame retardant ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending using unmodified and modified sepiolite. Modification process of sepiolite was carried out by using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane in water/ethanol medium. Thermal, mechanical, and flame retardancy properties of the prepared nanocomposites were evaluated and compared with each other. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy indicated that sepiolite fibers are well-dispersed in EVA matrix. By the addition of (un)modified sepiolite, both flame retardancy and thermal stability characteristics first improved, and then deteriorated, indicating a direct relationship between these properties. It was also found that sepiolite protects carbonyl groups of EVA from further degradation. Most interestingly, a simultaneous increase in both ductility and toughness was observed in the prepared composites. Whatever the evaluated properties were, whether the mechanical, thermal, or flame retardancy, the improved properties were more remarkable when modified sepiolite was utilized

Bionanocomposite regenerated cellulose/single-walled carbon nanotube films prepared using ionic liquid solvent

Electrically conductive regenerated cellulose/single-walled carbon nanotube (RC/CNT) bionanocomposite films were fabricated using an environmentally benign ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIMCl). CNTs were well dispersed in EMIMCl by employing ultrasonication prior to solution casting. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Introduction of CNTs greatly improved the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the bionanocomposite films, without compromising their elongation at break. Homogeneous dispersion of CNTs was confirmed by FESEM and TEM micrographs. The bionanocomposites exhibited a rapid insulator to conductor transition at CNT content as low as 0.75 wt%. Incorporation of CNTs also enhanced the thermal stability, oxygen barrier properties, as well as water absorption resistance

Enhanced in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity through the development of sunitinib-loaded nanoniosomes with controlled release and improved uptake

This study aims to develop sunitinib niosomal formulations and assess their in-vitro anti-cancer efficiency against lung cancer cell line, A549. Sunitinib, a highly effective anticancer drug, was loaded in the niosome with high encapsulation efficiency. Collagen was coated on the surface of the niosome for enhanced cellular uptake and prolonged circulation time. Different formulations were produced, while response surface methodology was utilized to optimize the formulations. The stability of the formulations was evaluated over a 2-month period, revealing the importance of collagen coating. MTT assay demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity for all formulations against lung cancer cells. Scratch assay test suggested antiproliferative efficacy of the formulations. The flow cytometry data confirmed the improved cytotoxicity with enhanced apoptosis rate when different formulations used. The 2D fluorescent images proved the presence of drug-containing niosomes in the tumor cells. The activation of the apoptotic pathway leading to protein synthesis was confirmed using an ELISA assay, which specifically evaluated the presence of cas3 and cas7. The results of this study indicated the antiproliferative efficacy of optimized niosomal formulations and their mechanism of action. Therefore, niosomes could be utilized as a suitable carrier for delivering sunitinib into lung cancer cells, paving the way for future clinical studies