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Gen Li^1,2, Shuhan Liu², Junhao Cheng², Ting He², Zhihong Chen^1,*, Baoyang Lu^1,2,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.079972 - 30 June 2026
Abstract Hydrogel strain sensors are widely used in wearable electronics, human-machine interfaces, flexible electronics, owing to their ability to convert mechanical deformation into electrical signals. This function requires sensor materials to possess both high compliance and electrical conductivity. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has emerged as an ideal candidate for hydrogel strain sensors due to its soft and flexible mechanical properties, tunable mechanical performance, mixed ionic-electronic conductivity, and excellent processability. Although extensive research has been conducted on PEDOT:PSS-based hydrogel strain sensors, there is currently no systematic review that elucidates the translation pathway from high-performance materials design and advanced fabrication More >

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Mazaher Salamat-Talab^1,*, Hossein Kazemi^1,2, Mehdi Safari¹
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.074982 - 30 June 2026
Abstract Polymeric composite laminate materials have gained a prominent position in advanced industries because of their outstanding mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. However, the lack of through-thickness reinforcement and the stress inconsistencies at the fiber-matrix interface result in weak out-of-plane properties and increase the delamination likelihood. Delamination is often a concealed form of damage that significantly diminishes the mechanical properties and long-term durability of laminated composites. Therefore, it is essential to recognize that, due to the significant shear stresses encountered in practical applications, a thorough understanding of delamination behavior under mode II loading is necessary. Also,… More >

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144

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Esam Bashir Yahya^*
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.075913 - 30 June 2026
Abstract Biopolymer–microbe interactions have emerged as a central theme in the development of sustainable materials and next-generation therapeutic strategies. This work provides a critical and integrative analysis of recent advances in biopolymer-based systems designed to modulate microbial behavior, with particular emphasis on antimicrobial activity, biofilm regulation, and host–microbe compatibility. Unlike conventional reviews that primarily catalogue existing studies, this manuscript systematically evaluates the mechanistic foundations governing polymer–microbe interactions, highlighting how physicochemical properties such as surface chemistry, porosity, charge distribution, and biodegradability influence microbial adhesion, virulence, and resistance patterns. Recent experimental evidence demonstrates that rationally engineered biopolymers especially More >

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REVIEW

Lei Zeng¹, Wei Wei^1,2, Liu Yang¹, Zhihong Wang^1,*, Qiaoguang Li^2,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.079607 - 30 June 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Polymer Materials: Multifunctional Design and Sustainable Applications)
Abstract Natural polymers (NPs) are widely distributed in plants, animals, and microorganisms. They can be classified into three habitat-based groups, namely terrestrial polymers, marine polymers, and extreme natural polymers. This review summarizes their structural features, environmental adaptation mechanisms, and functional attributes. It also outlines the evolution of extraction technologies from traditional acid–alkali and mechanical methods to modern green solvent systems. The roles of physical modification and chemical derivatization in performance regulation and functional enhancement are examined. Artificial intelligence methods are introduced to support structure–property prediction, formulation design, and process optimization. Molecular dynamics and other computational approaches More >

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35

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Shahidul Islam¹, Md. Abdul Jalil^2,*, Marija Kodric³, Zorica Erakovic⁴, Md. Byzed Hasan⁵
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.075107 - 30 June 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Cellulose and Nanocellulose in Polymer Composites: Sustainable Engineering Approach)
Abstract This systematic review critically evaluates the mechanical performance, durability, processing routes, and industrial applicability of sisal fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in relation to their readiness for wider engineering and industrial implementation. The review analyzes and summarizes science articles published 2020, 2025 to identify the performance trends, technical limitations, and techno, economic constraints influencing the application of these composites. A PRISMA, based approach was implemented, which included systematic searches of Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar by using pre, set keywords, inclusion criteria, and clear screening procedures, to ensure reproducibility and quality control.… More >

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Gaziza Zhussipnazarova¹, Reshmy Rajasekharan², Sachin Kalumkumvathukkal Sajeev³, Jijo Thomas Koshy³, Dhanaraj Sangeetha³, Rekha Unni⁴, Raveendran Sindhu⁵, Akmaral Darmenbayeva¹, Mohammed Kuddus^6,7,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.075396 - 30 June 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Cellulose and Nanocellulose in Polymer Composites: Sustainable Engineering Approach)
Abstract It takes centuries for chemically reinforced, short-term designed plastics to decompose naturally. Despite this, there has been a significant surge in plastics production recently, accounting for a considerable part of the total historical output. Forecasts indicate that plastics production could reach unprecedented levels if this trend continues. However, increasing environmental concerns and stricter waste regulations have intensified research into biodegradable alternatives. As a result, there is a growing shift toward sustainable polymeric systems capable of replacing conventional petroleum-based plastics. One such class of promising and renewable materials is cellulose-chitosan bioplastic. This review provides an in-depth… More >

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Christy Sam Sabu¹, Pratap Kalita², Swarup Roy^1,3,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.080520 - 30 June 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Investigation of Advancing Key Characteristics in Bio-polymer Food Packaging Materials)
Abstract Active packaging systems, which react either with the environment or with the food itself, are a new addition to traditional food packaging to improve food preservation. Consumer demand for natural foods with minimal processing has resulted in the integration of natural compounds, including catechins, which are polyphenolic compounds abundant in numerous sources like green tea, cocoa, berries, etc. These compounds are considered bioactive agents due to their high antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory potential. This review comprehensively analyzes catechin-based active packaging, covering catechin sources, physicochemical and biological properties, and fabrication techniques. It also evaluates the functional… More >

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REVIEW

Xingdan Wang^1,#, Yuheng Du^1,#, Xinyue Zhang¹, Yifei Li¹, Renmeng Liu¹, Lei Yang¹, Edward Ramsey², Zhongliang Jiang^1,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.080578 - 30 June 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Polymer Materials for Tissue Engineering and Cell Encapsulation)
Abstract Polymeric hydrogels are three-dimensional hydrophilic macromolecular networks capable of retaining varying amounts of water, similar to the extracellular matrix (ECM). To effectively translate these materials into therapeutic actions, it is of importance to control their molecular design, structural architecture, and physical dimensions, ensuring that these factors are strictly optimized to meet the demands of therapeutic applications. Existing reviews mainly focus on specific hydrogel aspects, but there is a gap in translating hydrogel miniaturization into therapeutic potential. This review highlights developments in hydrogel miniaturization, focusing on microfluidic strategies for precise microgel control. Miniaturized hydrogels improve cell-material More >

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Bungo Ochiai^*, Yuji Kamachi, Yoshimasa Matsumura^#
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.078288 - 30 June 2026
Abstract Epoxy-acrylate hybrid systems are extensively employed in adhesives, coatings, and composites; however, conventional formulations often rely on toxic monomers such as glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). This study introduces a sequentially curable epoxy-acrylate hybrid system based on novel hybrid monomers containing both glycidate and acrylate groups, synthesized via the partial oxidation of a diacrylate. Radical polymerization of monomers with a glycidate content exceeding 80% yielded viscous prepolymers consisting of epoxy-functionalized polymers and residual low-molecular-weight glycidates. These prepolymers were subsequently cured with amines at ambient temperature to form crosslinked networks. The gel fraction exceeded 90% when cured with More >

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Zhihuan Li^1,#, Shiqi Lei^1,#, Yajuan Guo¹, Renmeng Liu¹, Lei Yang¹, Yuheng Du¹, Xingdan Wang¹, Yun Zou^2,*, Kun Jiang^1,*, Zhongliang Jiang^1,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.081661 - 30 June 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Polymer Materials for Tissue Engineering and Cell Encapsulation)
Abstract Inflammatory liver injury represents a significant clinical challenge, characterized by a hostile immune microenvironment and extensive tissue damage. Although silymarin and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) show promise in treating inflammatory liver injury, their efficacy is restricted by the drug’s poor bioavailability while MSC therapy is hampered by low cellular viability under inflammatory stress. To overcome these challenges, we engineered a droplet-microfluidic-assisted platform to co-encapsulate silymarin and MSCs within uniform, biocompatible polyethylene glycol-norbornene (PEGNB) hydrogel microspheres. This design establishes a dual-functional scaffold that supports MSC survival by shielding them from the harsh milieu while enabling the… More >

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Qing Yang¹, Yi Yang^2,*, Jia Yang^3,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077474 - 30 June 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Polymer Materials in Controlled Drug Delivery)
Abstract The pathological progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is closely associated with synovial inflammation and a microenvironment characterized by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Celecoxib (CEL), a commonly used cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor suffers from poor targeting and systemic side effects when administered systemically. To achieve precise drug delivery and synergistic therapy at the joint lesion site, this study designed and synthesized an amphiphilic poly (2-oxazoline) block copolymer (POxSP) with a thioketal-based ROS-responsive linker. This polymer was used to construct intelligent nanoparticles (POxSP-CEL) loaded with CEL. These nanoparticles self-assembled in aqueous solution to form spherical structures with an… More >

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Chengyao Xue^1,2, Leting Wang², Jihao Yang², Hao Zhang², Xinhang Duan², Yizhou Dong², Yiwen Yan², Yu Zhang³, Jinghui Shi⁴, Wenliang Song^1,2,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.082848 - 30 June 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Antimicrobial Fibrous Polymer Materials: Molecular Design and Functional Engineering)
Abstract Food packaging films play a crucial role in maintaining food quality and safeguarding human health, making the development of advanced packaging materials an important research priority. Conventional petroleum-based plastic films suffer from poor degradability and may pose environmental and potential health concerns, while many currently available preservative films still exhibit limited freshness-retention performance. Therefore, the development of environmentally friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable, and efficient food-packaging materials is of great significance. In this study, coaxial electrospinning was employed to fabricate a core–shell nanofiber film by encapsulating resveratrol within gelatin/zein (GA/ZN) fibers, aiming to enhance the preservation performance… More >

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Muhammad Mudassar¹, Lei Cai¹, Qi Zhang², Deng’an Cai^1,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.080344 - 30 June 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Structure, Design and Mechanism of Flight Composite Materials)
Abstract In this work, a comprehensive numerical study of the low-velocity impact (LVI) behavior of QUAD laminates vs. Double-Double (DD) stacking sequences has been performed. Finite element models were drawn, and analyses carried out in Abaqus/Explicit employing continuum shell elements (SC8R) for the plies, cohesive elements (COH3D8) for the delamination interfaces, and the built-in Hashin damage criterion for intralaminar failure. Two different impact energies (50 and 100 J) were applied using a hemispherical impactor mass of 6.25 kg, and the impact histories were investigated in force-time, displacement-time, and energy-absorption responses. The QUAD layup provided the stiffest… More >

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Mingwei Ren^1,2, Xiangchi Hou³, Xinyang Peng³, Yujing Zhou¹, Kewei Gao², Yunbo Chen^1,*, Hong Qiu³, Hua Bai³, Xiaolan Hu^3,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.080324 - 30 June 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Structure, Design and Mechanism of Flight Composite Materials)
Abstract During the preparation of carbon fiber reinforced carbon matrix (C/C) composites from resin based precursors, the glassy carbon derived from resin pyrolysis is difficult to graphitize into an ordered structure during carbonization and graphitization, which adversely affects the performance of C/C composites. To enhance the transformation of resin-derived carbon into an ordered structure, we employed a structurally ordered graphene-based material to modify a phenolic resin/carbon fiber precursor and designed two composite modification structures that are straightforward to implement in processing. The internal microstructure of the composites was characterized by XRD and SEM. The results indicate More >

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Biao Liu¹, Xin Wei¹, Zexin Lin¹, Peiyu Cui¹, Junlong Yao¹, Xiaobo Ye², Bin Fang², Yani Guo^1,*, Yimin Sun^1,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077831 - 30 June 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Sustainable Development and Multifunctional Application of Cellulose Composites)
Abstract This study reports a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-assisted surface functionalization strategy to achieve colloidal stabilization of rod-shaped ZnO nanorods and their uniform integration into Lyocell fibers via dry-jet wet spinning. ZnO nanorods are prone to aggregation due to high surface energy, limiting their antibacterial efficacy. We demonstrate that PEG molecules adsorb onto ZnO surfaces through hydrogen bonding and coordination, providing steric stabilization that prevents agglomeration and ensures homogeneous dispersion in the spinning dope. The optimized composite fiber with 3 wt% ZnO exhibits balanced performance, delivering inhibition rates above 95% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, while retaining over… More >

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300

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Dapeng Zou^1,2, Jun Wang^1,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.081141 - 30 June 2026
Abstract Reducing the oil-to-water ratio (OWR) of oil-based drilling fluids (OBDFs) to ultra-low levels (e.g., 55:45) exacerbates barite sag—a failure mode driven by barite’s inherent hydrophilicity and the weakened suspending capacity of the oil phase. Conventional low-molecular-weight wetting agents fail under these demanding conditions due to weak adsorption and thermal instability. In direct response to the solid-phase control challenge described above, we designed and synthesized a new hyperbranched polymeric wetting agent (HP-Wet) via a deliberate molecular topology strategy. The HP-Wet architecture incorporates phosphonate groups for robust anchoring onto barite surfaces and long alkyl chains to confer… More >

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Feng Dai¹, Jiajun Xie¹, Yingmin Liu¹, De Heng¹, Yinfu Han^2,3, Shanshan Hou^2,3,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.080437 - 30 June 2026
Abstract With the increasing emphasis on green, low-carbon, and sustainable development in shale gas drilling fluids, the utilization of waste biomass resources to develop high-performance drilling fluid additives has emerged as an important research direction that balances engineering requirements with environmental responsibility. In this study, waste cotton–derived polyanionic cellulose (bio-PAC) was employed as the base material, and sulfonate and carboxylate functional groups were introduced via free-radical graft copolymerization to synthesize a modified cellulose polymer, PAC-g-(sodium vinyl sulfonate, SVS/sodium methallyl sulfonate, SMAS/methacrylic acid, MAA). Structural characterization confirmed the successful grafting of the target functional groups onto the… More >

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Izzat bin Mat Samudin¹, Muhammad Adam Johan bin Muhammad Affindy¹, Quanjin Ma², Nabilah Afiqah binti Mohd Radzuan^1,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077219 - 30 June 2026
Abstract Lattice structures fabricated through additive manufacturing (AM) offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, as their geometries allow them to carry high loads with far less material than solid components. When paired with polylactic acid (PLA), they combine biodegradability with ease of processing, allowing the structures to be produced efficiently while also offering an environmentally friendly material option. However, comparative studies across different lattice types under uniform conditions remain limited, as many existing studies only focus on a single geometry type. Therefore, this study investigates the compressive performance of PLA lattice structures, which include body-centered cubic (BCC), honeycomb… More >

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Peishuai Xing¹, Xiaodong Guo², Yang Wang^1,*, Sixi Zha¹, Zeting Chen³, Shicheng Shen¹, Bin He², Tianyun Li², Yuning Zhao²
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077304 - 30 June 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Functional Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
Abstract In the fabrication of microelectronic devices, polyimide (PI) is often patterned through plasma etching. However, the relationship between its etching behavior and the precursor processing technology has not been systematically revealed. In this paper, PMDA-ODA type PI was selected as the research object. For the first time, the effects of two film-forming processes, freeze drying (FD) and thermal drying (TD), on the microstructure of PI films and their O₂ plasma etching behavior were systematically compared. By means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and water contact angle testing,… More >

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Debosmita Karar^1,*, Ashit Kumar Pramanick², Mallar Ray³
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.078127 - 30 June 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Cellulose and Nanocellulose in Polymer Composites: Sustainable Engineering Approach)
Abstract Experimental preparation of graphene like 2D silicon is a great challenge due to the dominant sp³ hybridization in silicon. We have synthesized quasi 2D crystalline silicon nanosheets by topochemical exfoliation of layered Zintl phases, which bear signatures of properties predicted theoretically. Quasi-two-dimensional silicon nanosheets were uniformly dispersed within a conducting polyaniline matrix to fabricate solid-state nanocomposites with varying silicon loadings. The resulting polyaniline–quasi-2D silicon composites were systematically examined for their structural characteristics and optical emission behavior. Notably, the nanocomposites exhibit intense photoluminescence at room temperature, with an emission efficiency significantly higher than that of pristine quasi-2D More >

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Norlela Manja Ahmad¹, Farisha Irdina Muhammad Ridzuan¹, Nur Farisha Sulthan Hussain¹, Siti Zafirah Zainal Abidin^1,2,*
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.078419 - 30 June 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Innovative Smart Polymeric Materials for Sustainable Energy Solutions: Bridging Advances in Energy and Biomedical Applications)
Abstract Materials sustainability is becoming increasingly important across advanced technologies, driving the development of environmentally friendly electrolyte systems. In this work, biopolymer electrolytes were prepared using Phytagel as the host polymer and varying concentrations of sodium perchlorate (NaClO₄) as the dopant salt via the solution-casting method for sodium-ion battery applications. The prepared biopolymer electrolytes were characterised using various techniques to assess changes in their morphology and electrical performance. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms the crystalline/amorphous nature of the prepared biopolymer electrolytes, and the membrane with 40 wt.% NaClO4 exhibits a high degree of amorphousness. Peak-deconvoluted XRD analysis confirms… More >

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Rabiatul Akashah Rusli¹, Siti Zafirah Zainal Abidin^1,2,*, Nur Farisha Sulthan Hussain¹, Siti Rudhziah Che Balian³
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077915 - 30 June 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Innovative Smart Polymeric Materials for Sustainable Energy Solutions: Bridging Advances in Energy and Biomedical Applications)
Abstract The urgent demand for sustainable energy materials aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 has intensified interest in biopolymer electrolytes (BPEs). Many non-polysaccharide biopolymers exhibit low ionic conductivity and weak salt dissociation at room temperature, limiting their performance in sodium-ion energy storage devices. Polysaccharides such as guar gum provide abundant coordination sites that can enhance Na⁺ transport. This study investigates the electrical, structural, and electronic behaviour of guar gum–sodium perchlorate (guar gum–NaClO₄) BPEs to establish structure–transport relationships. Biopolymer electrolyte films were prepared via solution casting using guar gum (0.5 g) with NaClO₄ at six salt… More >

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Edith O. Diovu¹, Calister E. Ugwu^2,*, Eunice N. Anaele^3,*, Samuel WisdomofGod Uzondu⁴, Ogochukwu N. Umeh², Iheanacho O. Enyum², Kingsley C. Eze², Godswill C. Onunkwo², Anthony A. Attama⁵
Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077511 - 30 June 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Polymer Materials for Tissue Engineering and Cell Encapsulation)
Abstract Polymer-lipid hybrid-based solidified reverse micellar suspensions (SRMs) have gained increasing interest for topical drug delivery due to their ability to enhance solubility, stabilize bioactive compounds, and achieve sustained skin permeation. In this study, PEGylated SRMs were developed using a beeswax: Phospholipon 90H lipid matrix to enhance the solubility, stability, bioavailability, and wound-healing properties of a lipophilic extract of Calopogonium mucunoides (CM). PEG: lipid matrix ratios (1:0, 0:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3) were formulated and designated as CM1–CM5, with an unloaded matrix (CM6) as control. Physicochemical characterization included encapsulation efficiency (EE%), spreadability, pH, viscosity, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy… More >

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