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Soluplus® is a novel amphiphilic polymer that has been shown to enhance the solubility and drug dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs. However, there still is a lack of information regarding the physical mechanical properties of Soluplus® with addition of the plasticizers. This study characterized the mechanical properties of Soluplus® with four...
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Tizanidine hydrochloride (THCl) is an antispasmodic agent which undergoes extensive first pass metabolism making it a possible candidate for buccal delivery. The aim of this study was to prepare a monolayered buccal patch containing THCl using the emulsification solvent evaporation method. Fourteen formulations were prepared using the polymers Eudr...
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... Sacrificial microfiber templates were produced by spinning a volatile solution of Soluplus® (BASF), a polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetatepolyethylene glycol graft copolymer, out of custom rotary chamber [40][41][42]. The polymer solution was made by combining Soluplus® at a 50% w/v ratio with a mixture of ethanol and chloroform (7:3), and allowing it to completely dissolve over 2-3 d. ...
... We began by testing multiple thermoresponsive polymers, including Pluronic F-127, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), polyvinylcaprolactam, and Soluplus®, a polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer. Of these four, Soluplus® performed best: it produced the most mechanically robust microfibers, demonstrated negligible toxicity to cell cultures, and most importantly, showed temperature-dependent solubility in water [40][41][42]. At high concentration, Soluplus® exhibits a LCSTlike behavior at 32-37 • C: below this temperature it becomes more favorable for Soluplus® to adopt an unfolded configuration, form hydrogen bonds, and become much more soluble in water [41,48]. ...
In the body, capillary beds fulfill the metabolic needs of cells by acting as the sites of diffusive transport for vital gasses and nutrients. In artificial tissues, replicating the scale and complexity of capillaries has proved challenging, especially in a three-dimensional context. In order to better develop thick artificial tissues, it will be necessary to recreate both the form and function of capillaries. Here we demonstrate a top–down method of patterning hydrogels using sacrificial templates formed from thermoresponsive microfibers whose size and architecture approach those of natural capillaries. Within the resulting microchannels, we cultured endothelial monolayers that remain viable for over three weeks and exhibited functional barrier properties. Additionally, we cultured endothelialized microchannels within hydrogels containing fibroblasts and characterized the viability of the co-cultures to demonstrate this approach’s potential when applied to cell-laden hydrogels. This method represents a step forward in the evolution of artificial tissues and a path towards producing viable capillary-scale microvasculature for engineered organs.
... Conversely, in the 60/40 and 50/50 blends, Young's modulus values increased, which generally occurs due to phase separation in PLA-based blends 23 . The lower Young's modulus is associated with compounds requiring less force for elastic deformation, leading to superior elastic properties and better performance 26 . The 70/30 blend exhibited the lowest Young's modulus value. ...
Blending biopolymer is a key objective in development of innovative materials and effectively enhances the characteristics of the components to achieve tailored properties. This study introduces five eco-friendly blends in different ratios, created by melt-blending polymers, incorporating Pistacia atlantica subsp. mutica gum into plasticized poly (lactic acid) with 16% acetyl tributyl citrate. To perform a comprative analysis of blends ratios, comprehensive techniques were applied, including differential scanning calorimetry, tensile testing, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and evaluations of water absorption behavior, chemical resistance, and biodegradability. The 70/30 (plasticized poly (lactic acid)/P. atlantica) blend was mechanically superior, exhibiting the greatest elongation at break and the lowest yield strength and Young’s modulus. FTIR analysis showed consistent spectral patterns across the 3000 to 650 cm− 1 range, with numerous absorption bands. DSC analysis identified the highest and lowest glass transition temperatures for the 90/10 and 70/30 blends, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy highlighted the development of more distinct island-sea structures as the proportion of P. atlantica gum increased. Water absorption tests differentiated the 90/10 blend as the most absorbent, while the 70/30 blend absorbed the least. Chemical resistance testing revealed all blends gained weight in HCl, but only the 90/10 blend lost weight in NaOH. All samples were confirmed to be highly biodegradable, surpassing 50% degradation after 6 months. Overall, the findings suggest that blending plasticized poly (lactic acid) and P. atlantica gum enhances the flexibility and performance of poly (lactic acid), warranting further attention.
... These results showed that DO was in a dissolved and dispersed state in DO-loaded PLGA nanoparticles. [29,[49][50][51] During the PVA and PEG blending process, a decrease in the PVA crystallinity is observed because of the between PVA and PEG H-bonding formation causing the PVA chain mobility reduction. DNPF showed a sharper Tm peak at 225.2°C due to the crystalline structure of DO [52] (Figure 5). ...
Recently developed nanoparticles and nanofibers present new brain‐specific treatment strategies, especially for Alzheimer's disease treatment. In this study, donepezil (DO)‐loaded PLGA nanoparticles (DNP) are embedded in PVA/PEG nanofibers (DNPF) produced by pressurized gyration for sublingual administration. SEM images showed produced drug‐loaded and pure nanofibers, which have sizes between 978 and 1123 nm, demonstrated beadless morphology and homogeneous distribution. FT‐IR, XRD, and DSC results proved the produced nanoparticles and fibers to consist of the DO and other polymers. The in vitro drug release test presented that the release profile of DO is completed at the end of the 18th day. It is released by the first order kinetic model. DNPF has an ultra‐fast release profile via its disintegration within 2 sec, which proved itself to be suitable for the administration sublingually. All samples presented above ≈90% cell viability via their non‐toxic natures on SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells by using Alamar blue assay. The anti‐Alzheimer effects of DO, DNP, and DNPF are evaluated on the Aβ1−42‐induced SH‐SY5Y cells at 1, 5, and 10 µM as treatment groups. The 1 µM dosage exhibited the most significant neuroprotective effects, which showed enhanced cellular uptake and superior modulation of Alzheimer's‐related proteins, including tau and Aβ.
... However, this comes at the cost of mechanical properties such as tensile strength and Young's modulus. Specifically, plasticized polymers exhibit lower tensile strength and stiffness, meaning they can deform more easily under stress, which is critical in load-bearing applications [47,48]. For instance, studies have shown that the tensile modulus can decrease significantly with increasing plasticizer content, leading to materials that are less resilient and more prone to failure under mechanical loads [48]. ...
... Specifically, plasticized polymers exhibit lower tensile strength and stiffness, meaning they can deform more easily under stress, which is critical in load-bearing applications [47,48]. For instance, studies have shown that the tensile modulus can decrease significantly with increasing plasticizer content, leading to materials that are less resilient and more prone to failure under mechanical loads [48]. CPCMs are used in building applications for their ability to absorb and release thermal energy, contributing to energy efficiency. ...
Phase change materials (PCMs) face obstacles in being widely used due to issues with heat transfer and maintaining their shape. In this research, instead of using binders, the Hexadecane (H) is melted in such a way that the capillary forces of the molten wax allow it to be impregnated into the low-density polyethylene (P) molecules and bind it together as a composite. It was found that the hot melt extrusion (HME) combines the two materials at the micro-scale, forming a phase change composite (CPCM) with various geometries that possesses superior latent heat and shape stability during phase transition. The structure can incorporate a higher percentage of PCM (60 %) using this method, which also results in lower costs. According to the thermal analysis, (H60P40) provides great thermal stability and can store a lot of energy per unit of weight. It has a high capacity of storing latent heat at 129.56 J/g and can also prevent Hexadecane leakage. Based on the mechanical properties results, hexadecane acts like plasticizer thus the addition of PCM decreases Young's modulus, stress in break, and stress at yield. This trend is observed as the PCM content increases. The high values of elongation at break also indicates the strong plasticizing properties of PCM. Based on the obtained results, the CPCMs as a potential candidate for an application in buildings for thermal regulation, reducing energy consumption, and reducing indoor temperature swing.
... Liu et al., 2023), food packaging materials (Omar Anis Ainaa et al., 2021), (Chaos et al., 2019), (Dai et al., 2022), (Sanyang et al., 2015), (Harussani et al., 2021), (Tarique et al., 2021), (Syafiq et al., 2022) drug delivery (H. Lim & Hoag, 2013), air purification (Ghosh et al., 2021) and battery cells (Abdulwahid et al., 2023), (Raut et al., 2019). The researchers used tensile strength (MPa), Young's modulus (MPa) and elongation at break (%) to assess the effectiveness of the plasticizers and have consistently reported a decrease in tensile strength and Young's modulus, along with an increase in elongation at break. ...
The review article focuses on the potential of bio-based plasticizers to enhance the mechanical properties of polymer membranes, addressing the critical issues of fragility and brittleness. It highlights the environmental and health risks associated with traditional plasticizers like phthalates and also advocates for the adoption of sustainable and non-toxic bio-based alternatives. In doing so, it emphasizes the significant advancements in bio-based plasticizer research, aiming to stimulate further scientific inquiry into their application in membrane synthesis. By advocating for the adoption of green polymers, the article underscores the critical necessity for the development of environmentally benign and mechanically robust membrane technologies. These advancements hold considerable promise for a wide array of applications, notably within biomedical domains and separation processes, heralding a new era of sustainability and functionality in membrane technology.
... The young modulus for LEP-5, LEP-6, LEP-8 and LEP-10 were 178.92 ± 3.80, 178.69 ± 1.24, 67.00 ± 1.37 and 37.98 ± 1.04 MPa, respectively (Table 1). This trend of decrease in modulus with increase in plasticizer content has also been observed in other studies [26,27]. As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. S2 (in the supporting information), above 6 % w/w plasticizer, both the tensile strength and storage modulus decreased with an increase in PEG content. ...
... Plasticisers are a common component of a film coating to ensure better distribution of the coating solution and thus the formation of a coherent film. They act by lowering the glass transition temperature of the polymers, which improves the mechanical properties of the film coating and reduces its brittleness (85). The type and concentration of a plasticizer can significantly affect film properties (86). ...
In the past, the administration of medicines for children mainly involved changes to adult dosage forms, such as crushing tablets or opening capsules. However, these methods often led to inconsistent dosing, resulting in under- or overdosing. To address this problem and promote adherence, numerous initiatives, and regulatory frameworks have been developed to develop more child-friendly dosage forms. In recent years, multiparticulate dosage forms such as mini-tablets, pellets, and granules have gained popularity. However, a major challenge that persists is effectively masking the bitter taste of drugs in such formulations. This review therefore provides a brief overview of the current state of the art in taste masking techniques, with a particular focus on taste masking by film coating. Methods for evaluating the effectiveness of taste masking are also discussed and commented on. Another important issue that arises frequently in this area is achieving sufficient dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs. Since the simultaneous combination of sufficient dissolution and taste masking is particularly challenging, the second objective of this review is to provide a critical summary of studies dealing with multiparticulate formulations that are tackling both of these issues.
... Moreover, plasticization lowers material strength and mechanical stability. [28][29][30][31][32][33][34] As an alternative, bottlebrush polymers have emerged to fashion additive-free TPEs with tissue-like softness and biomimetic strain-stiffening properties. [32,35] The major challenges with these materials, however, is their low tensile strengths ( max << 1 MPa), [36,37] and time/energy-intensive syntheses due to the requisite polymer isolation and purification between formation of each block. ...
With over 6 million tons produced annually, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) have become ubiquitous in modern society, due to their unique combination of elasticity, toughness, and reprocessability. Nevertheless, industrial TPEs display a tradeoff between softness and strength, along with low upper service temperatures, typically ≤100 °C. This limits their utility, such as in bio‐interfacial applications where supersoft deformation is required in tandem with strength, in addition to applications that require thermal stability (e.g., encapsulation of electronics, seals/joints for aeronautics, protective clothing for firefighting, and biomedical devices that can be subjected to steam sterilization). Thus, combining softness, strength, and high thermal resistance into a single versatile TPE has remained an unmet opportunity. Through de novo design and synthesis of novel norbornene‐based ABA triblock copolymers, this gap is filled. Ring‐opening metathesis polymerization is employed to prepare TPEs with an unprecedented combination of properties, including skin‐like moduli (<100 kPa), strength competitive with commercial TPEs (>5 MPa), and upper service temperatures akin to high‐performance plastics (≈260 °C). Furthermore, the materials are elastic, tough, reprocessable, and shelf stable (≥2 months) without incorporation of plasticizer. Structure–property relationships identified herein inform development of next‐generation TPEs that are both biologically soft yet thermomechanically durable.
... Plasticizers have the ability to enhance the mobility and rotation of the polymer chain segments, resulting in increased chain movement. This leads to a decrease in the polymer's glass transition temperature and melt viscosity, and an increase in its flexibility [19]. The most commonly used method to evaluate the effectiveness of plasticizers is by comparing the glass transition temperature and mechanical properties of the polymer with and without plasticizers, using various types and amounts of plasticizers [20]. ...
... This is due to an increase in the free volume between the polymer chains, which promotes greater chain mobility and flexibility. Thus, plasticized polymers require less force to deform than polymers without plasticizers [19]. PLA is known for its high fragility and brittle nature, which is characterized by a high Young's modulus [40]. ...
... It is widely recognized that plasticizers lead to increased flexibility and elongation at break of polymers [44][45]. Lim and Hoag (2013) stated that the elongation percentage is a valuable parameter for evaluating the effectiveness of plasticizers based on their type and quantity [19]. Previous studies have shown that the addition of plasticizers, such as PEG and ATBC, can increase the elongation at the break of PLA [23], which is consistent with the results of this study. ...
This study investigated a blend of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and Saqqez gum, with a weight ratio of 70:30, respectively, along with two plasticizers, acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), at three different concentrations (14%, 16% and 18% by weight of the PLA). The blend was analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile tests, water-absorption behavior (coefficients of water absorption, sorption, diffusion and permeability of the samples during 240 h) and chemical resistance (exposure to 1 mol/L HCl and 1 mol/L NaOH for 240 h). The desired elastomer blend was then used to prepare natural chewing gum, which was subsequently subjected to texture profile analyzer (TPA) tests and sensory evaluation. The results showed that the addition of both plasticizers increased the tensile properties of the blend. Compared to neat PLA, all the blends exhibited an increase in elongation at break and a decrease in yield strength, with the maximum elongation at break (130.6%) and the minimum yield strength (12.2 MPa) observed in the blend containing 16% ATBC. Additionally, all the thermal attributes studied, including Tg, Tc and Tm, were lower than those of neat PLA, and the Tg values deviated from the values predicted via Fox’s equation. SEM images of the blends confirmed that plasticization improved the homogeneity and distribution of the components in the blend structure. PEG 18% and ATBC 16% exhibit the highest and lowest water-absorption behavior, respectively. Regarding chemical resistance, all blends showed weight gain when exposed to HCl, while no weight loss was observed for resistance to NaOH. The chewing gum sample obtained similar values for the mentioned tests compared to the commercial control sample. Overall, the results indicate that plasticization enhances the structure and performance of the PLA/Saqqez gum blend and further investigation is warranted.
... Thus, the extruded polymer filaments show sufficient flexibility when plasticized with a suitable plasticizer. 32,33 Figure 5C represents the SEM image of the extruded filament with a higher plasticizer (20% w/w CA). The drug−polymer particles processed smoothly in the HME when the plasticizer ratio was increased. ...
Hot melt extrusion (HME) is frequently used for amorphous solid dispersion preparation and subsequent solubility and bioavailability improvement of poorly water-soluble drugs. This technique can generate numerous structures, including granules, pallets, and filaments, according to the requirement. The present study investigates the fundamental factors affecting the properties of etoricoxib-Soluplus filaments prepared by the HME method for additive manufacturing applications. The theoretical and experimental understanding of the drug–polymer miscibility was evaluated initially. Further, a detailed investigation was done to understand the role of process and formulation variables on the quality and performance of the extruded filaments. Characterization of filaments was done by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The mechanical properties and ductility of the filaments were evaluated by texture analysis, tensile strength, and X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT). The in vitro drug release study was performed to understand the release characteristics of the filaments. Further, the filaments were subjected to the feedability and printability study, which showed promising filament characteristics suitable for printing by the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique. In a broader sense, such HME-based filaments, which are mostly amorphous solid dispersion in nature, can readily be used as printing ink for instant printing of personalized medicines of those drugs, which can withstand the conditions of hot melt extrusion, and FDM-based three-dimensional (3D) printing. Thus, the etoricoxib filament preparation method reported herein can be a promising approach for 3D printing applications and etoricoxib personalized therapy.
