Issue Highlights

Abstract

Skin is a structured system primarily involved in the Transdermal Drug Delivery (TDD). Transport mechanisms involved are nowadays still not clear. We present a novel experimental setup based on Confocal Microscopy and image analysis. The methodology is based on diffusion experiments of labelled fl uids in an agarose gel as model. Different penetration effi ciencies were observed, suggesting an important role of both composition and fl uid microstructure. Several model systems were preliminary formulated as bicontinuous emulsion gels obtained from an emulsifi cation process. Key directions for the development of an innovative approach to study the penetration of formulations through the skin are provided. [1] 1690 Production of Menthol-Loaded Nanoparticles by Solvent Displacement Ada Ferri, Naveeta Kumari, Roberta Peila and Antonello A. BarresiMenthol-loaded poly--caprolactone nanoparticles were produced in three different mixers: a confi ned impinging jet mixer (CIJM), a two-inlet vortex mixer (VM) and a four-inlet vortex mixer (MIVM). Various process parameters, such as polymer and menthol concentrations, fl ow rates, quench ratio, and solvent type (acetone, acetonitrile, or tethahydrofuran) were considered in terms of achievable size, loading, and encapsulation effi ciency. It was observed that mixer geometry and solvent type had a strong effect on particle size. The smallest particles, of size 200 nm, were obtained using acetone as the solvent in the MIVM with one solvent and three anti-solvent streams. [2] 1721 Silo Explosion from Smoldering Combustion: A Case StudyPaola Russo, Armando De Rosa and Michele MazzaroThe most common fi re scenario in silos containing powder materials is a smolder/glow process inside the bulk material, which makes it very diffi cult to locate the centre of the fi re and to carry out a targeted fi refi ghting operation. This paper describes the investigation into the cause of an explosion that occurred in a silo containing sawdust and wood chips, during the intervention of fi refi ghters. CFD simulation results showed that the most probable scenario was the explosion of pyrolysis gas accumulated in the upper part of the silo where bag fi lters were present. [3] References[1] R.