Mechanistic Investigation of Inclusion Complexes of a Sulfa Drug with α- and β‑Cyclodextrins

Molecular encapsulation is extremely important in pharmaceutical and drug delivery science. In this article, one of the most important sulfa drugs, namely, sulfacetamide sodium, has been probed in the solution and solid phases for encapsulation within the cavities of α- and β-cyclodextrins. Various physicochemical techniques were employed to establish the outcome of the work. The isothermal titration calorimetric method was used to evaluate the stoichiometry, association constant, and thermodynamic parameters with high accuracy. The solid inclusion complexes were analyzed by spectroscopic techniques to ascertain the encapsulation of the investigated drug within the cavities of α- and β-cyclodextrins. This phenomenon of drug inclusion is exceedingly significant for its stabilization against external hazards, such as oxidation, sensitization, and photolytic cleavage, for the proficient and accurate regulatory release of an essential amount of drug at the targeted site for a period of time and for the prevention of overdose when applied as an ophthalmic solution and ointment

High Energy Density Achieved in Novel Lead-Free BiFeO₃–CaTiO₃ Ferroelectric Ceramics for High-Temperature Energy Storage Applications

The development of high-performance electrostatic energy storage dielectrics is essential for various applications such as pulsed-power technologies, electric vehicles (EVs), electronic devices, and the high-temperature aviation sector. However, the usage of lead as a crucial component in conventional high-performance dielectric materials has raised severe environmental concerns. As a result of this, there is an urgent need to explore lead-free alternatives. Ferroelectric ceramics offer high energy density but lack stability at high temperatures. Here we present a lead-free (1 – x)BiFeO3–xCaTiO3 (x = 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8; BFO-CTO) ceramic capacitor with low dielectric loss, high thermal stability, and high energy density up to ∼200 °C. The introduction of CTO (x = 0.7) to the BFO matrix triggers a transition from the normal ferroelectrics to the relaxor ferroelectrics state, resulting in a high recoverable energy density of 1.18 J cm–3 at 190 °C with an ultrafast dielectric relaxation time of 44 μs. These results offer a promising, environmentally friendly, high-capacity ceramic capacitor material for high-frequency and high-temperature applications

A Distinctive PdCl₂‑Mediated Transformation of Fe-Based Metallogels into Metal–Organic Frameworks

Simple, efficient conversion of viable Fe³⁺-based metallogels into Fe-metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has been achieved by PdCl₂-mediated gel degradation. The metallogels and the resulting MOFs have been characterized, and a probable mechanism for the event has been elucidated

Multistimuli-Responsive Interconvertible Low-Molecular Weight Metallohydrogels and the in Situ Entrapment of CdS Quantum Dots Therein

Two low molecular weight metallohydrogels (ZALA and CALA) have been synthesized from an amino-acid-based ligand precursor (LA) and two different metal salts [zinc acetate dihydrate (ZA) and cadmium acetate dihydrate (CA), respectively. These two hydrogels show a unique chemically stimulated interconversion to each other via a reversible gel–sol–gel pathway. This programmable gel–sol reversible system satisfies logic operations of a basic Boolean logic (INHIBIT) gate. Also, these hydrogels can be degraded into different MOF phases at room temperature spontaneously or in the presence of chloride and bromide salts (NaCl and NaBr.). CdS quantum dots can be grown inside the CALA gel matrix (CdS@CALA) in the presence of small amount of Na₂S. This CdS doped gel exhibits time dependent tunable emission (white to yellow to orange) as a consequence of a slow agglomeration process of the entrapped quantum dots inside the gel matrix. This luminescence property also reflects the corresponding gel derived MOFs (obtained either by self-degradation of CdS@CALA or via anion induction) as well. This, to the best of our knowledge, is probably the simplest way to make a CdS quantum dot based composite material where CdS is entrapped within the gel and the gel-derived MOF matrix