The following review focuses on the manufacturing and parameterizing of ocular drug delivery systems (DDS) using polymeric materials to create soft contact lenses. It discusses the types of drugs embedded into contact lenses, the various polymeric materials used in their production, methods for assessing the mechanical properties of polymers, and techniques for studying drug release kinetics. The article also explores strategies for investigating the stability of active substances released from contact lenses. It specifically emphasizes the production of soft contact lenses modified with Cyclosporine A (CyA) for the topical treatment of specific ocular conditions. The review pays attention to methods for monitoring the stability of Cyclosporine A within the discussed DDS, as well as investigating the influence of polymer matrix type on the stability and release of CyA.

In recent years, technological innovation have emerged to standardize pathology laboratory processes and reduce the handling of diagnostic samples. Among them is an automatic tissue embedding system that eliminates the need for manual activity in tissue paraffin embedding, thereby improving sample preservation. Unfortunately, this system cannot be used for cytological specimens due to the lack of an effective holder to support the procedure steps. In this study, we evaluated the performance of a commercial polymer matrix to enable and standardize the automatic paraffin embedding of cytological material from different organs and sources. Cytological samples from 40 patients were collected on the matrices and submitted for fully automatic workflow preparation, from formalin fixation until paraffin block, using the Sakura embedding system. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of the automated procedure, from loading cytological sample onto the matrix to obtaining the paraffin cellblock, thereby avoiding manual manipulation of cellular material. All samples resulted adequately processed and paraffin-embedded showing satisfactory tissue permeation by processing reagents, optimal preservation of cytoplasmic and nuclear details, and good quality of staining results on paraffin sections. Automated embedding of cytological samples eliminates the risk of lost specimens, reduces laboratory burden, standardizes procedures, increases diagnostic yield, and ultimately improves patients\' management.

Oral drug administration, especially when composed of mucoadhesive delivery systems, has been a research trend due to increased residence time and contact with the mucosa, potentially increasing drug bioavailability and stability. In this context, this study aimed to develop self-assembly mucoadhesive beads composed of blends of κ-carrageenan and sericin (κ-Car/Ser) loaded with the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin (IND). We investigated the swelling, adhesion behaviour, and mechanical/physical properties of the beads, assessing their effects on cell viability, safety and permeation characteristics in both 2D and triple-culture model. The swelling ratio of the beads indicated pH-responsiveness, with maximum water absorption at pH 6.8, and strong mucoadhesion, increasing primarily with higher polymer concentrations. The beads exhibited thermal stability and no chemical interaction with IND, showing improved mechanical properties. Furthermore, the beads remained stable during accelerated and long-term storage studies. The beads were found to be biocompatible, and IND encapsulation improved cell viability (>70 % in both models, 79 % in VN) and modified IND permeation through the models (6.3 % for F5 formulation (κ-Car 0.90 % w/v | Ser 1.2 % w/v| IND 3.0 g); 10.9 % for free IND, p < 0.05). Accordingly, κ-Car/Ser/IND beads were demonstrated to be a promising IND drug carrier to improve oral administration while mitigating the side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.

Myrcene (β-myrcene), found in essential oils from plant species such as hops and cannabis, has many advantageous properties, but its use is limited due to volatility and low solubility in water. One way to circumvent these limitations is to encapsulate the essential oils in a polymer matrix. However, these hydrophobic molecules are difficult to quantify when dispersed in water. Seeking to study the release of this terpene in drug release tests from polymeric matrices, this work aimed to develop an easy and cheap UV spectrophotometric method for the quantification of β-myrcene in aqueous medium. To achieves this goal, samples were prepared in 0.05% (w/v) polysorbate 80 solution, with concentrations of β-myrcene ranging from 0.01% to 0.1% (v/v), and were analyzed at 226 nm. Each sample was analyzed in triplicate and repeated on three different days, to evaluate the repeatability of the results. The results were subjected to Q, F and Student\'s t-tests. The regression parameters obtained for β-myrcene were above 0.99 and through statistical analysis, it was possible to confirm the repeatability for the results. The values of the limits of detection and quantification indicated that the method is not affected by intrinsic factors of the equipment. The results of accuracy, robustness and selectivity showed recovery rates within acceptable limits. This demonstrates that the quantification of β-myrcene in aqueous medium by UV spectrophotometry is feasible.

Rapid advancements in the field of 3D printing in the last several decades have made it possible to produce complex and unique parts with remarkable precision and accuracy. Investigating the use of 3D printing to create various high-performance materials is a relatively new field that is expanding exponentially worldwide. Automobile, biomedical, construction, aerospace, electronics, and metal and alloy industries are among the most prolific users of 3D printing technology. Modern 3D printing technologies, such as polymer matrices that use fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) to enhance the mechanical qualities of printed components greatly, have been useful to several industries. High stiffness and tensile strength lightweight components are developed from these materials. Fiber-reinforced composites have a wide range of applications, such as military vehicles, fighter aircraft, underwater structures, shelters, and warfare equipment. Fabricating FRCs using fused deposition modeling (FDM) is also advantageous over other 3D printing methods due to its low cost and ease of operation. The impact of different continuous fiber and matrix polymer selections on FRC performance is covered in this review paper. We will also evaluate the important parameters influencing FRC characteristics and review the most recent equipment and methods for fabricating FRCs. Furthermore, the challenges associated with 3D printing fiber-reinforced composites are covered. The constraints of present technology have also been used to identify future research areas.

In recent years, there has been a notable surge in research focusing on the use of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) in the automobile industry. These materials offer several advantages over their synthetic counterparts, including lightweight properties, renewability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. This increasing research interest in NFRPCs within the automotive sector is primarily aimed at overcoming the challenges that have thus far limited their industrial applications when compared to conventional synthetic composites. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the potential applications and sustainability of lignocellulosic-based NFRPCs in the automobile industry. It examines the current state of knowledge, identifies research needs and existing limitations, and provides insights into future perspectives. This review shows that, while lignocellulosic fibers hold great promise as sustainable, high-performance, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional reinforcing fibers, continuous research is needed to further address issues such as fiber-matrix compatibility, processing techniques, long-term durability concerns, and general property improvement. These advancements are essential to meet the increasing performance demand for eco-friendly, renewable, and energy-efficient materials in automotive design.

It is known that ceramic-polymer composite materials can be used to manufacture spherical bodies in the category of balls. Since balls are frequently subjected to compression loads, the paper presents some research results on the compression behavior of balls made of ceramic composite materials with a polymer matrix. The mathematical model of the pressure variation inside the balls highlights the existence of maximum values in the areas of contact with other parts. Experimental research was carried out on balls with a diameter of 20 mm, manufactured by 3D printing from four ceramic-polymer composite materials with a polymer matrix: pottery clay, terracotta, concrete, and granite. The same ceramic-polymer composite material was used, but different dyes were added to it. A gravimetric analysis revealed similar behavior of the four materials upon controlled heating. Through the mathematical processing of the experimental results obtained by compression tests, empirical mathematical models of the power-type function type were determined. These models highlight the influence exerted by different factors on the force at which the initiation of cracks in the ball materials occurs. The decisive influence of the infill factor on the size of the force at which the cracking of the balls begins was found.

Additive manufacturing is evolving in the direction of carbon fiber 3D printing, a technology that combines the versatility of three-dimensional printing with the exceptional properties of carbon fiber. This work aims to provide a brief review of the main methodologies used in carbon fiber 3D printing, focusing particularly on the two most widespread types: continuous fiber printing and short fiber printing. In the context of continuous fiber printing, the process of embedding a continuous carbon fiber into a polymer matrix will be examined, resulting in the achievement of high-performance lightweight structural components. On the other hand, short fiber printing involves the use of short carbon fibers mixed in turn with polymeric materials, with the advantage of having greater ease of processing and obtaining highly performing components with large-scale economic investments that are lower in cost than additive manufacturing using continuous fiber printing. Furthermore, this work will conduct an evaluation of the mechanical properties of products printed using both technologies, focusing on key aspects, such as strength, stiffness, weight, and resistance to mechanical stress. The specific advantages and challenges associated with each printing technique will also be analyzed.

Recently, embedding organic phosphors into the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix has emerged as a convenient strategy to obtain efficient long-lived room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) via forming strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds with organic phosphors to minimize nonradiative relaxations. Regrettably, it is discovered that PVA is unable to trigger RTP emission when a novel functional phosphor THBE containing six extended biphenyl formaldehyde arms is doped into PVA matrix. Surprisingly, the excellent long-lived RTP emission can be easily obtained by doping THBE into PVA analogs, poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (PVA-co-PE). The unique visualization growth process (i.e., white streak generation) of long-lived RTP is observed by UV light-driven aggregation of functional molecules THBE in PVA-co-PE matrix. The phosphorescent intensity of the luminescent film is enhanced by 55 times, from 729 to 40,785 a.u., and its phosphorescence lifetime is increased by 38 times, from 37.08 to 1415.41 ms. Due to the dynamically reversible RTP performance, as well as the permeability, flexibility, and wrinkle-free properties of the luminescent film, it can be utilized to create cutting-edge information storage devices.

End of life tires (ELTs) are a pressing environmental concern due to their non-biodegradable nature and potential release of toxic chemicals, as confirmed by human health exposure studies. The expanding transport sector, driven by the automotive industry, has led to inadequate attention to safe tire disposal. This review extracted papers using keywords such as \"waste tire rubber,\" \"waste tire pollution,\" and \"waste tire applications\" from 2012 to 2023. Recycling publications have surged by 80% in the past decade, with China and the USA leading the research. Pyrolysis and devulcanization methods have emerged as key circular economy (CE) advancements, producing fuel and reusable rubber. Globally, 1.5 billion waste tires accumulate yearly, projected to increase by 70% in the next 30 years if unaddressed. Around 26 million tonnes of used tires are generated annually worldwide, while civil engineering and backfilling use 17 million tonnes of recycled rubber particles. These tires are complex polymer composites, primarily composed of natural and synthetic rubber. The amorphous nature of rubber results in a 50% loss of mechanical properties when exposed to chemicals and microbes, shortening its lifespan. This paper explores the applicability of waste tire rubber and polymer fabrication to offer eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions for proper disposal, mitigating environmental accumulation.