Articles

• From toxic materials to food-grade materials: A major challenge for battery design – A mini review

  Marina Le Borgne

  Perrine Ximenes

  Marc Le Borgne

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  146

  The use of batteries, found in telephones, remote controls, and medical devices, is an integral part of our daily lives. Unfortunately, the routine use of these electronic devices has harmful effects on the environment, primarily due to the pollution generated by heavy metals. This article traces the history of batteries, starting with the birth of the voltaic battery in 1799, invented by Alessandro Volta. This discovery, based on the principle of redox reactions between zinc and copper, was subsequently taken up and improved on numerous times. In 1836, John Frederic Daniell designed a two-compartment cell, stabilized by depolarizers and connected by a salt bridge. To meet today's climate challenges, researchers continue to design batteries, but this time they are biodegradable, edible, rechargeable, and therefore sustainable. In recent years, we have seen the emergence of highly innovative concepts. Some scientists, for example, are using cuttlefish ink to extract melanin. In a sodium-ion battery, this molecule acts as a natural anode, enabling sodium ions to be stored and thus contributing to the device's eco-friendliness. Other innovative research has also emerged, using other natural ingredients such as quercetin and riboflavin. These technological advances are of particular interest to the healthcare sector for the development of implantable medical devices.

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• Formulation and Evaluation of Topical Dosage Forms Containing Niacinamide

  Péter Pártos

  Helia Bakhtiari

  Ágota Pető

  Dóra Kósa

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  35

  This study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a cream and gel containing niacinamide, a commonly used active ingredient in skincare. Niacinamide, a water-soluble form of vitamin B₃, is known for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and regulate sebum production. Two formulations were developed: a cream composed of cetyl stearyl alcohol, stearic acid, glycerol, isopropyl myristate, sucrose ester, propylene glycol, distilled water, and niacinamide; and a gel formulated with glycerol, carbopol, triethanolamine, distilled water, and niacinamide. The cream, an oil-in-water emulsion, was designed for rich, long-lasting moisturization, while the gel was intended as a lightweight, water-based alternative. Both formulations were analyzed for pH, texture, dissolution and potential toxicological properties. The results revealed distinct differences: the cream provided superior hydration and barrier repair, whereas the gel offered a non-greasy, refreshing texture more suitable for oily or combination skin types. These findings highlight the versatility of niacinamide in topical applications and establish a foundation for further research on its efficacy in different delivery systems.

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• Personalized 3D-Printed Gastroretentive Drug Forms with Metronidazole

  Réka Révész

  Akay Dogan Mengenli

  Mónika Béres

  Petra Arany

  Ádám Haimhoffer

  Views:

  27

  3D printing is increasingly recognized as a versatile manufacturing approach, enabling the production of devices that are difficult or costly to fabricate using conventional methods. In this study, we aimed to develop a hollow, 3D-printed capsule designed for incorporation of a molten matrix containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient, and to evaluate its potential for gastric retention through controlled drug release. Capsule shells were fabricated from polylactic acid using fused deposition modeling and subsequently filled with polyethylene glycol-based melts. Micro-CT was employed to assess internal structure and integrity. Drug release profiles were measured for different matrix compositions, and texture as well as compositional analyses were performed on both filled and unfilled capsules. Our findings demonstrate that the 3D-printed PLA shells provide sufficient mechanical strength and, depending on the matrix composition, enable controlled, zero-order drug release for up to five hours. These results highlight the potential of 3D-printed capsules as a customizable, gastro-retentive drug delivery system, offering opportunities for personalized therapies.

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• Oral Testosterone Undecanoate Formulations for Testosterone Replacement Therapy

  Béla E. Tóth

  László Horváth

  Miklós Vecsernyés

  Views:

  27

  Male hypogonadism, or Testosterone Deficiency (TD), involves decreased testicular function, leading to low androgen levels and impaired sperm production. This condition can negatively impact quality of life and increase cardiovascular risks. The adult hypogonadism frequently occurs over 40 in men, and it is characterized by persistent symptoms alongside low testosterone levels, typically below 300 ng/dL. Supplementation with  testosterone as a replacement therapy (TRT) is  hormonal enhancement found to be effective, however the delivery methods vary, each with specific advantages and drawbacks. The TRT has potentially life-changing effects, patients feel improved quality of life in several aspects: more energy and muscular strength, increased libido, improved mood, etc. as the most ferquent patients reported outcome.

  Oral TRT, particularly testosterone undecanoate (TU), offers notable convenience. TU is absorbed via the lymphatic system, bypassing first-pass hepatic metabolism, making it a promising agent for TRT. Its absorption, however, is influenced by dietary factors, such as lipid intake, thus the high-fat consumption promoting lymphatic absorption. Pharmaceutical technology to address this dependency, newly developed TU formulations incorporate special self-emulsifying systems that enhance lymphatic absorption regardless of food fat content. This lymphatic absorption allows for stable testosterone levels, positioning TU as a viable also for an oral treatment option.

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