Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered as one of the ideal materials due to their high surface area, high aspect ratio, and impressive material properties, such as mechanical strength, thermal and electrical conductivity.
The functionality of natural origin-based fibres can provide minimal protection against UV exposure; however, surface modification of fabrics can help to achieve better outcomes. The ability to provide protection basically depends upon several factors of textile fabric, such as fibre chemistry, yarn structural parameters, fabric weave construction, fabric areal density, cover factor, porosity, and humidity. Due to the constant reduction of the ozone layer in the atmosphere, increasing UV radiation has now raised severe concerns across the globe, which is projected to deteriorate the state of global health. According to the WHO for the year 2022, more than 2.5 million cases of cancers associated with skin and around 1.5 million cases of blindness and other health-related issues have been reported, which is projected to take a larger picture in a few years. The best way to keep ourselves safe from hazardous UV exposure is through self-protection using protective barriers. By treating fabric with different organic and inorganic UV absorbers, surface modification of textile materials can be achieved to enhance UV blocking performance with the inclusion of different grades of polymers. This review also highlighted the different influencing parameters that effect the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of a fabric and discusses how dyeing and finishing can affect those. Moreover, the study enumerates the current challenges and limitations that can come across while designing a protective fabric along with precautionary measures to overcome those barriers with potential future prospects.
Burn injuries are most challenging to manage since it causes loss of the integrity of large portions of the skin leading to major disability or even death. Over the years, hydrogels are considered as a significant delivery system for wound treatment because of several advantages over other conventional formulations. We hypothesized that the bFGF-collagen-AgSD incorporated hydrogel formulation can accelerate the rate of burn healing in animal model and would promote fibroblast cell proliferation. Neovascularization and re-epithelialization is a hall mark of burn wound healing. In the present study, histopathological investigation and scanning electron microscopy of skin tissue of Wistar rats showed almost complete epithelialisation after 16 days in the treatment group. The developed hydrogel showed significantly accelerated wound closure compared with a standard and control group. The faster wound closure resulted from increased re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation because of the presence of collagen and growth factor. Expressions of proteins such as TrkA, p- TrkA, ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, NF-kβ, and p-NF-kβ involved in nerve growth factor (NGF) signalling pathway were analysed by western blot. All the findings obtained from this study indicated that the hydrogel can be considered as a promising delivery system against second degree burn by faster healing.
21 May 2013 in International Journal of Toxicology
The skin irritating, sensitizing, and acute dermal toxicity potential of a novel combinational prophylactic transdermal patch, mainly composed of eserine and pralidoxime chloride as active pharmaceutical ingredients, against (±) anatoxin-a poisoning were investigated in rabbits, guinea pigs, and rats in compliance with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines. In primary skin irritation test, rabbits were dermally attached with the therapeutically active transdermal patch or with a placebo patch for 72 hours. The transdermal patches did not induce any adverse reactions such as erythema and edema on intact skin sites. The active patch was classified as a practically nonirritating material based on the score in the primary irritation index. In the Buehler test, guinea pigs were sensitized by the active or placebo transdermal patches attached for 24 hours. The patches did not induce any sensitization reactions in contrast to a severe sensitization reaction that occurred in the positive control. Therefore, the active patch and placebo patch were both graded as weak in sensitization score and rate. Acute dermal toxicity test in rats did not produce any overt signs of toxicity following a 14-day treatment period. Taken together, these findings suggest that the transdermal patch does not cause skin irritation, skin sensitization, or dermal toxic effects following dermal application.
Mosquito-borne infections like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, etc. are a nuisance and can cause profound discomfort to people. Due to the objectional side effects and toxicity associated with synthetic pyrethroids,N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET),N,N-diethyl phenylacetamide (DEPA), andN,N-di ethyl benzamide (DEBA) based mosquito repellent products, we developed an essential oil (EO) based mosquito repellent cream (EO-MRC) using clove, citronella and lemongrass oil. Subsequently, a formulation characterization, bio-efficacy, and safety study of EO-MRC were carried out. Expression of Anti-OBP2A and TRPV1 proteins on mosquito head parts were studied by western blotting. In-silico screening was also conducted for the specific proteins. An FT-IR study confirmed the chemical compatibility of the EOs and excipients used in EO-MRC. The thermal behaviour of the best EOs and their mixture was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). GC–MS examination revealed various chemical components present in EOs. Efficacy of EO-MRC was correlated with 12%N,N-diethyl benzamide (DEBA) based marketed cream (DBMC). Complete protection time (CPT) of EO-MRC was determined as 228 min. Cytotoxicity study on L-132 cell line confirmed the non-toxic nature of EO-MRC upon inhalation. Acute dermal irritation study, acute dermal dose toxicity study, and acute eye irritation study revealed the non-toxic nature of EO-MRC. Non-target toxicity study onDanio rerioconfirmed EO-MRC as safer for aquatic non-target animals. A decrease in the concentration of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was observed in transfluthrin (TNSF) exposed Wistar rats. While EO-MRC did not alter the AChE concentrations in the exposed animals. Results from western blotting confirmed that Anti-OBP2A and TRPV1 proteins were inhibited in TNSF exposed mosquitoes. Mosquitoes exposed to EO-MRC showed a similar expression pattern for Anti-OBP2A and TRPV1 as the control group. In silico study revealed eight identified compounds of the EOs play significant roles in the overall repellency property of the developed product. The study emphasizes the mosquito repellent activity of EO-MRC, which could be an effective, eco-friendly, and safer alternative to the existing synthetic repellents for personal protection against mosquitoes during field conditions.