In order to find out the shift of ductile nature of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer to brittle nature while maleic anhydride (MA) grafting, the iodine value of different MA-grafted ABS (MA-g-ABS) sampled has been determined. The iodine value of thermoplastic polymer is found by Wijs method with slight modification to overcome the poor solubility of thermoplastics in tetrachloromethane. Different samples with varying MA content were prepared using internal mixer. All the specimens were characterized by attenuated total reflectance IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The iodine value measurements revealed that grafting and cross-linking evidently reduced the unsaturation in ABS polymer matrix. The grafting of MA causes the decrease in impact strength, flexural modulus, and a significant increase in crystallinity, tensile strength, yield point, and flexural strength, whereas thermal stability remains intact. Field emission scanning electron microscope images showed noticeable difference in broken surface texture between ABS and grafted samples.

Low density polyethylene‐g‐maleic anhydride‐g‐starch nanoparticle (LMNS) biocomposites have been synthesized in water medium. LMNS biocomposites were fabricated with different starch nanoparticle (NS) loadings (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt%) by compression molding technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed ester linkage between maleic anhydride grafted low density polyethylene (LM) and NS, thereby confirming the improved compatibility of the biocomposites. Thermal analysis confirmed the chemical linkage of NS on LM chains. The wettability and surface roughness characteristics of biocomposites were evaluated by water sorption, static contact angle, and atomic force microscopy. Water sorption was improved due to the increase of NS content in samples, whereas the water contact angle and surface roughness were diminished. The load at maximum, tensile strength and percentage of elongation at break for the biocomposites were enhanced with the increase in NS content. The morphology analysis of samples revealed homogenous distribution and good interfacial adhesion. The biodegradation enhancement of samples has been revealed by fungal and soil burial tests. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E426–E440, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers

Chronic wound infections pose a major threat in wound care management. Recently, many functional materials have been introduced, to fabricate wound dressings. These wound dressing materials not only cover the wound but also facilitate its healing process. In this study, a novel nanostarch (NS) laden composite nanofibrous membrane of PCL was developed for wound dressing. Electrospun membrane loaded with 25 wt% NS (25NS@PCL), showed an average fiber diameter of 175 ± 37 nm with enhanced hydrophilicity, water uptake, water permeability, and biodegradation. The membrane exhibited good blood compatibility along with lower coagulation properties and high cell proliferation. Furthermore, this membrane displayed pH stimuli drug (gentamicin) releasing behavior and diffusion-controlled release kinetics. The drug-loaded 25NS@PCL membrane imparted antibacterial potency for a prolonged time against both Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus aureus. These results confirmed that the 25NS@PCL membrane can be a promising candidate for the development of pHresponsive transdermal drug delivery material.

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The oral cavity has been considered as a site of colonization of respiratory pathogens.The colonization of respiratory pathogens appears to be a risk factor for lung infection in high risk subjects.The mechanism of lung infection could be due to aspiration of the pathogens into the lungs. Edentulous patient are less likely to be affected compare to dentulous patient or patient who are using dentures.Most common pulmonary disease associated with periodontitis are Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia.These review underline the importance of improving oral hygiene among patients who are at risk.