Serious game-based learning coupled with just-in-time teaching strategies was applied by offering six different questionnaires to evaluate student knowledge about the safety issues and theoretical concepts and protocols of laboratory exercises. The questionnaires were presented with an appearance similar to that of computer games by means of the Kahoot! platform. Passing the safety questionnaire was mandatory, and high scores were achieved by all the students, ensuring they all properly knew the laboratory safety rules. We consider this point essential in chemistry and engineering education, because future professionals must be aware of the importance of safety. In addition, responses to the questionnaires regarding the theory and procedures of each laboratory session allowed us to detect the main problems students had in the acquisition of the theoretical concepts before starting the practical activities. Additionally, the satisfaction of teachers and students with this methodology was also evaluated through surveys in the Moodle platform, showing consensus about the fact that the questionnaires are a valuable tool.
Biopolymers such as chitosan (CHT) or alginate (ALG) are among the most prominent for health-related applications due to their broad bioactivity. Their combination for the preparation of membranes is hereby proposed as an application for wound healing with the incorporation of lavender essential oil (LEO), widely known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The preparation of CHT, CHT + LEO, ALG, ALG + LEO, and CHT/ALG + LEO membranes was accomplished, and its composition was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The water absorption capacity and oil release profile of the membranes revealed higher water uptake capacity when a lower LEO release was obtained. The combined CHT/ALG + LEO film showed a water uptake percentage of 638% after 48 h and a maximum LEO release concentration of 42 mg/L. Cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of the prepared membranes were studied using a HaCaT cell line, with an assessment of cell viability regarding film leachables, DNA quantification, and DAPI-phalloidin staining. The results revealed that the indirect contact of the prepared membranes via its leachables does not compromise cell viability, and upon direct contact, cells do not adhere or proliferate on the surface of the membranes. Moreover, the CHT/ALG + LEO membrane increases cell proliferation, making it suitable for applications in wound healing.
Non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) based on biobased polyamines and polycarbonates are a sustainable alternative to conventional polyurethanes (PU). This article discloses a novel method to control the crosslinking density of fully biobased isocyanate-free polyurethanes, synthesized from triglycerides carbonated previously in scCO2 and different diamines, such as ethylenediamine (EDA), hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) and PriamineTM-1075 (derived from a dimerized fatty acid). As capping substances, water or bioalcohols are used in such a way that the crosslinking density can be adjusted to suit the requirements of the intended application. An optimization of the NIPU synthesis procedure is firstly carried out, establishing the polymerization kinetics and proposing optimal conditions set for the synthesis of the NIPUs. Then, the influence of the partial blocking of the active polymerization sites of the carbonated soybean oil (CSBO), using monofunctional amines, on the physical properties of the NIPUS is explored. Finally, the synthesis of fully biobased NIPUs with a targeted crosslinking density is achieved using hybrid NIPUs, employing partially carbonated oil and H2O or ethanol as blockers to achieve the desired physical properties in a very precise manner.
The techno-economic feasibility of lavender essential oil supercritical CO2 extraction was studied. The process was scaled up to a pilot plant, and the extraction yield, composition, and antioxidant potential of the extracts were evaluated at 60 °C and 180 bar or 250 bar, achieving a maximum yield of 6.9% and a percentage inhibition of the extracts of more than 80%. These results drove the development of a business plan for three scenarios corresponding to different extraction volumes (20, 50, and 100 L) and annual production. The SWOT matrix showed that this is a promising business idea. The COM was calculated and an investment analysis was performed. The profitability of this process was demonstrated by means of a financial analysis for 8 years, considering a selling price of 1.38 EUR/g for the extract from the 20 L plant and 0.9 EUR/g for industrial-scale plants, supported by the price curve. The sensitivity analysis showed that the price of the equipment was the factor that could most influence the robustness of the project and the business strategy, and the financial ratios evaluation resulted in a ROE value above 57% in all cases, indicating the economic attractiveness of the process.
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