Liposomes are currently part of the most reputed carriers for various molecular species, from small and simple to large and complex molecules. Since their discovery, liposomes have been subject to extensive evolution, in terms of composition, manufacturing and applications, which led to several openings in both basic and applied life sciences. However, most of the advances in liposome research have been more devoted to launching new developments than improving the existing technology for potential implementation. For instance, the evolution of the conventional lipid hydration methods to novel microfluidic technologies has permitted upscale production, but with increase in manufacturing cost and persistent use of organic solvents. This chapter intends to present general concepts in liposome technology, highlighting some longstanding bottlenecks that remain challenging to the preparation, characterization and applications of liposomal systems. This would enhance the understanding of the gaps in the field and, hence, provide directions for future research and developments.
Adsorption of metal ions and dyes from water by cashew nut testa tannin resin (CATAR) was studied and the effects of temperature, initial pH, initial concentration and time were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) reveal effective adsorption processes. Kinetic studies show that CATAR adsorption is complex and thermodynamic parameters calculated reveal spontaneous and endothermic adsorption of studied pollutants onto CATAR. The use of CATAR as an alternative adsorbent is proposed considering that of simulated wastewaters gave excellent removal performances of 94.0% (Cd ions), 99.4% (Cu ions) and 97.1% (Pb ions) at pH of 6 and 303 K using amount of CATAR. Removal performances obtained for simulated dye wastewaters using CATAR at similar conditions for removal of metal ions gave 71.1%, 79.2% and 86.6%, respectively for crystal violet, methylene blue and malachite green.
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