Table of Content

22 April 2025, Volume 55 Issue 4 Previous Issue    Next Issue

Invited paper

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Effects of microcapsulated emulsion polymer on the interfacial tension of extended surfactants Hui Xu 2025, 55 (4):  407-414.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.04.001 Abstract ( 80 )   HTML ( 17 )   PDF (1331KB) ( 44 )   To design an efficient targeted viscosifying binary flooding system, the mechanism for the effects of microcapsulated emulsion polymer on the interfacial tension of extended surfactants was studied. The interfacial tension of carboxylate-and sulfate-type extended surfactants （C8PmEnC and C8PmEnS） against n-alkanes was measured by spinning drop method. The effects of PO number, EO number and ionic headgroups on the interfacial tension of extended surfactant solutions were investigated. The experimental results showed that the helical structure of long PO chain was beneficial to the reduction of interfacial tension, while the steric effect of long EO chain was unfavorable to the reduction of interfacial tension. Only when PO number≥10 and EO number≤10, C8PmEnC and C8PmEnS could possibly achieve ultra-low interfacial tension. The water-soluble nonionic surfactant Tween80 could enhance the hydrophilicity of the mixed system and significantly reduce the nmin value of the extended surfactant. The oil-soluble nonionic surfactant Span80 and the extended surfactant molecules could form mixed micelles in solution, and thus did not affect the nmin value. When the interfacial activity of the extended surfactant was not strong enough, the nonionic surfactant from the “microcapsulated emulsion polymer” would compete with the extended surfactant for adsorption, and the interfacial tension increased. For those extended surfactants with strong interfacial activity, the targeted viscosifying polymer affected the interfacial tension by adjusting the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance. Both unbroken and broken microcapsulated emulsion polymer would further reduce the interfacial tension of those extended surfactants with strong oil solubility and maintain ultra-low interfacial tension. This work could have guiding significance for the design of targeted viscosifying binary flooding system. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Study on the foam properties of extended anionic surfactants Fei Yan, Cheng Ma, Zhicheng Xu, Qingtao Gong, Lei Zhang, Lu Zhang 2025, 55 (4):  415-421.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.04.002 Abstract ( 83 )   HTML ( 14 )   PDF (1696KB) ( 34 )   The foam properties of extended anionic surfactants with different structure were studied. The parameters such as foaming capacity （FC）, liquid-carrying capacity, foam expansion coefficient （FE）, drainage half-life, foam half-life, bubble number and foam polydispersity index （PDI） were obtained. The effects of introduction of propylene oxide （PO） units and ethylene oxide （EO） units in molecular structure on the foam properties were investigated. The results showed that, the slightly hydrophobic PO chain could not effectively bind water molecules, and the drainage of liquid film became faster, which reduced the stability of the foam. In contrast, the introduction of hydrophilic EO groups weakened the electrostatic repulsions between ionic headgroups, enhanced the ability of surface adsorption film to bind water molecules, reduced the drainage rate of the foam system, and thus improved the foaming performance. However, a too long EO chain would destroy the close arrangement of molecules in the surface film, which was unfavorable to surface tension reduction and thus led to worse foaming performance. The advantages in molecular structure of C12E3C enabled it to reduce the surface tension to 22 mN/m, indicative of the best foaming ability and foam stability. It could stabilize both big and small bubbles at the same time and form stable and lasting dry foams after 12 h. This work could provide reference to further explore the application of extended surfactants in foam systems. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

Basic research

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The molecular weight of carbon dots calculated from colligative properties and their application in estimating surface adsorption capacity Ting Sun, Xinzhi Liang, Minghao Pang, Xia Xin, Ning Feng, Hongguang Li 2025, 55 (4):  422-429.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.04.003 Abstract ( 39 )   HTML ( 7 )   PDF (1652KB) ( 13 )   Since the discovery of carbon dots （CDs） in 2004, the unique photoluminescence phenomenon of CDs has attracted widespread attention. However, the molecular weight of CDs has not been adequately quantified at present, due to CDs are atomically imprecise and their molecular weight distribution is broad. In this paper, a series of Pluronic-modified CDs were prepared and the structure of the CDs was briefly analyzed. Subsequently, a molecular weight measurement method based on colligative properties was developed, and the correction coefficient in the algorithm was briefly analyzed. The calculated molecular weight was applied to the determination of surface adsorption capacity. This work provided a method for averaging the molecular weight of atomically imprecise particulate materials, which is expected to provide new opportunities in related fields. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

Development and application

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Research on screening methods for TiO2 nanoparticles in sunscreen cosmetics Shuo Li, Jing Dai, Qingwu Li, Li Li 2025, 55 (4):  430-436.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.04.004 Abstract ( 72 )   HTML ( 8 )   PDF (1690KB) ( 37 )   A method was developed for the determination of particle size and distribution of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in sunscreen using single particle-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry （spICP-MS）. The titanium dioxide nanoparticles were characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy （HRTEM） and energy dispersive spectroscopy （EDS）. 0.1% Triton X-100 was employed as an extractant for ultrasound-assisted extraction of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in cosmetics. The data were acquired in pulse signal mode, and the particle size and distribution were determined through calculation. The experimental results demonstrate that the lower limit of particle size detection is influenced not only by the background signal of the isotope to be detected but also by the cosmetic matrix. Different background thresholds significantly affect both the lower limit of particle size detection and the number of identified particles, thereby directly impacting compliance and safety considerations for cosmetics. This method enables rapid screening of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in sunscreen cosmetics while simultaneously determining and characterizing their particle size and distribution, providing a framework for discussing compliance and safety investigations regarding nanoparticle-containing cosmetics. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Study on the preparation process and application of composite O/W emulsion of refined montan wax/beeswax Zhen Cheng, Tao Geng, Wenqi Wang, Xiumei Tai 2025, 55 (4):  437-445.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.04.005 Abstract ( 45 )   HTML ( 10 )   PDF (1703KB) ( 17 )   The wax emulsion was prepared by phase inversion method using refined montan wax as oil phase. Both single-factor and orthogonal experimental methods were used, in which emulsion particle size was used as a criterion for judgment. The effects of emulsifier dosage, wax ratio, stirring speed and stirring time on the stability of wax emulsion were studied. The process conditions for preparation of wax emulsions were optimized. Furthermore, the effects of incorporation of beeswax on the stability and particle size of the emulsion were also studied. Then, a composite emulsion of refined montan wax/beeswax with optimal formulation and preparation procedure was obtained. The antibacterial and application properties of the composite wax emulsion were also tested. The results showed that, the influencing factors on the particle size of the wax emulsion was in the descending order of emulsifier dosage>stirring speed>wax ratio>stirring time. The optimized preparation conditions were: The mass fraction of coconut oil fatty acid diethanolamide of 6.30%, Tween60 of 0.75%, Span60 of 2.95%, refined montan wax of 7.00%, beeswax of 3.00%, water of 80.00%, stirring speed of 1 500 r/min, and stirring time of 10 min. The particle size of the emulsion prepared under optimized conditions was 650.2 nm. It was confirmed that the addition of 3.00% beeswax could drastically reduce the particle size of the emulsion, and the particle size distribution became more uniform, which greatly improved the stability of the emulsion. This wax emulsion had good bacteriostatic effects on both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The wax emulsion was applied in leather finishing, indicative of significant improvement in the color change effect, brightness, and feel of the leather. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Effect of sodium laurate on the properties of sodium lauroyl glutamate Guofang Gao, Yadan Feng, Ziwei Diao, Yongqiang Sun, Zhiyong Hu, Hailin Zhu 2025, 55 (4):  446-452.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.04.006 Abstract ( 45 )   HTML ( 6 )   PDF (1491KB) ( 27 )   In this paper, the effect of sodium laurate （SL） on the properties of sodium lauroyl glutamate （SLG）, such as surface activity, foam, wetting, emulsification, and resistance to hard water, has been systematically investigated. The results showed that the critical micelle concentration （cmc） of SLG was 0.30 mmol/L, and the surface tension at the cmc （γcmc） was 34.95 mN/m. With the increase of SL content, the efficiency of SLG solution in reducing the surface tension was decreased. When the SL content was increased, there was no significant change in the foaming ability and foam stability of SLG solutions. The increase of SL content improved both the emulsification and wettability of SLG, but reduced its water resistance. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Preparation, characterization, and whitening activity research of oxyresveratrol-loaded self-microemulsion Kaiyuan Miao, Zeyao Ouyang, Xinying Zhao, Xiaojing Yang, Xinyan Chen, Zhaohua Shi 2025, 55 (4):  453-463.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.04.007 Abstract ( 63 )   HTML ( 12 )   PDF (2542KB) ( 34 )   A self-microemulsifying drug delivery system （OXY-SME） was developed using Cremophor® EL and Labrasol® as composite emulsifiers to efficiently load oxyresveratrol （OXY）, and its formulation characteristics, stability, in vitro skin permeation, and whitening activity were evaluated. Through the pseudo-ternary phase diagram and testing the particle size and polydispersity index （PDI） of the emulsion, the formulation for the preparation of blank self-microemulsion （SME） and the optimal drug loading of OXY were determined. At the optimal drug loading of 4%, the particle size of OXY-SME was （18.69±0.29） nm, with a PDI of 0.181±0.017 and an encapsulation efficiency of 99.87%±1.50%. The emulsion droplets were spherical, and the solubility of OXY in water was increased by approximately 62 times. The relationship between emulsion type and water content of OXY-SME was clarified using water content-conductivity fitting curves and staining methods. The stability of OXY-SME under various conditions was evaluated by measuring particle size, PDI, and OXY content. The results indicate that OXY-SME exhibits good storage stability and dilution stability, and effectively delays the decrease in OXY content caused by light exposure. The effect of water content on OXY skin permeation was investigated using the abdominal skin of SD rats, and the results show that the highest cumulative skin permeation of OXY over 48 hours is observed at a water content of 70%, indicating an oil-in-water （O/W） type emulsion. The whitening activity of OXY-SME was evaluated by measuring the activity of mushroom tyrosinase and intracellular tyrosinase in B16-F10 cells, as well as melanin content. OXY-SME exhibits stronger inhibitory effects on intracellular tyrosinase activity and melanin production compared to OXY aqueous solution and kojic acid （KA） as a positive control, demonstrating that OXY-SME enhances intracellular whitening activity of OXY. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Application of consumer evaluation methods in sensitive skin-friendly facial creams Rong Qi, Dangdang Cheng 2025, 55 (4):  464-471.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.04.008 Abstract ( 70 )   HTML ( 13 )   PDF (1343KB) ( 60 )   To thoroughly investigate the preferred characteristics of sensitive skin-friendly facial cream, a consumer study was conducted on five popularly marketed creams designed specifically for sensitive skin. The research applied several consumer study methods, including a 9-point hedonic scale, rate-all-that-apply （RATA）, and ideal profile method （IPM）. These tools were utilized to explore aspects such as product appeal, ideal product profiles, product features, and emotional associations, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the tested products across multiple dimensions. Findings indicate that selecting appropriate consumer survey methods in alignment with the study’s objectives, combined with the application of various techniques, can yield a more complete development strategy for sensitive skin creams. Additionally, compared to traditional consumer preference studies, evaluations focusing on product concepts and emotional associations have shown significant value in consumer decision-making processes. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Study on the catalytic degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride by modified spinel and its mechanism Feng Cen, Jun Li 2025, 55 (4):  472-480.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.04.009 Abstract ( 36 )   HTML ( 8 )   PDF (2136KB) ( 17 )   Spinel photocatalysts have environmental friendliness and excellent stability, which have broad application potential in the photocatalytic degradation of antibiotic wastewater. In this work, Cr-doped ZnAl2O4 spinel photocatalyst was prepared by hydrothermal method. The crystal structure, microstructure and spectral properties of the catalyst were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR and PL. Tetracycline hydrochloride was used as the degradation object. The catalytic performance of Cr-doped ZnAl2O4 spinel photocatalyst was investigated under xenon lamp irradiation. The results showed that the ZnAl2O4 spinel prepared by hydrothermal method was of normal spinel structure. The morphology of ZnAl2O4 was irregular blocks of 180-400 nm with porous structure. The lattice structure of ZnAl2O4 was not changed after Cr doping, and Cr was uniformly distributed in ZnAl2O4.The band gap width of Zn0.4Cr0.6Al2O4 was only 2.87 eV, and the photoluminescence intensity of Zn0.4Cr0.6Al2O4 was significantly reduced. The highest percentage of degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride catalyzed by Zn0.4Cr0.6Al2O4 samples at 180 min irradiation was 96.02%, and the degradation percentage was increased to 97.95% at pH 3.The degradation percentage could still maintain above 90% after 5 cycles of testing, indicative of excellent reusability. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Performance evaluation of inorganic gel enhanced in-situ foam profile control system Xiaobin Kang, Yaning Qu, Baopeng Ma 2025, 55 (4):  481-486.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.04.010 Abstract ( 37 )   HTML ( 3 )   PDF (1730KB) ( 15 )   Conventional in-situ foams are of poor strength and limited profile control ability, which could not effectively plug the high-permeability layers in highly heterogeneous reservoirs. To solve this problem, in this work, an inorganic gel enhanced in-situ foam system was proposed. The foaming performance and profile control performance of conventional in-situ foam system and inorganic gel enhanced in-situ foam system were both studied by using Waring Blender mixer, electron microscope and double sand-filled tube model. The results showed that, the average particle size of the inorganic gel enhanced in-situ foam system was 200 μm, and the drainage half-life reached 55.2 min, which was smaller and more uniform than that of conventional in-situ foam system and exhibited significantly enhanced stability. Conventional in-situ foam system had good profile control effect for parallel sand-filled tube model with permeability ratio of 5, and the overall recovery factor could be increased from 13% to 30%, but low-permeability layers could hardly be used for permeability ratio≥10. In contrast, the inorganic gel enhanced in-situ foam system had good profile control effect at different permeability levels. When the permeability ratio was≤10, the liquid production rate could be reversed. When the permeability ratio reached 15, the high-permeability layer could still be effectively blocked, and the low-permeability layer could be used. The overall recovery factor could be increased by 21% on the basis of water flooding. This work could provide a reference for conducting in-situ foam profile control in highly heterogeneous reservoirs. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Efficacy evaluation of a compound eye cream for early aging symptoms in the periorbital area Ying Ye, Fang Ye, Xiaolan Wei, Yanan Li 2025, 55 (4):  487-494.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.04.011 Abstract ( 68 )   HTML ( 6 )   PDF (3558KB) ( 32 )   This study aimed to assess the human efficacy of an eye cream formulated with Lavandula angustifolia （lavender） flower extract, dipeptide-4, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, Boswellia serrata resin extract, glucosyl hesperidin, tocopheryl nicotinate, bacillus ferment and caffeine for treating early aging symptoms around the eyes. A total of 31 Chinese women aged 27 to 45 years with noticeable dark circles, periorbital wrinkles, and eye bags participated in the study. They applied the eye cream around the eyes twice daily for four weeks. Evaluation of periorbital skin before and after product usage was conducted through non-invasive instrumentation, dermatologist assessment, and subject self-assessment. The results show that partial use of eye cream can significantly brighten skin color, and improve dark circles, eye bags, and fine lines. After 2 weeks of use, there is a significant improvement in the melanin index, erythema index, skin color, eye bag volume, and periorbital wrinkle parameters, which continue to improve up to 4 weeks. It is worth noting that the subjective evaluations by dermatologists and volunteers show good correlation and consistency with the instrument data. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation method based on quantitative instrument measurements and subjective assessments, providing valuable insights for developing eye area skincare formulations. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

Reviews

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Research progress of foam drainage agents for gas well deliquification Jiabao Fan, Weiwei Han, Yanqiang Liu, Qiang Liu, Hongmiao Lv, Sanbao Dong 2025, 55 (4):  495-507.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.04.012 Abstract ( 42 )   HTML ( 3 )   PDF (4560KB) ( 24 )   Foams are often employed as an efficient and cleaner method to remove the liquid accumulated at the bottom of gas wells and consequently promote the production of natural gas. In recent years, various foam drainage agents have been developed for gas well deliquification. In this review, the foaming and stabilizing mechanisms of foam drainage agents were introduced. Additionally, the characteristics and applicabilities of surfactants used as foam drainage agents were summarized. Various foam drainage agents constructed using different methods were comprehensively reviewed, including the foam drainage agents based on compounded surfactants, surfactant-nanomaterials/polymer, supramolecular interactions and stimuli-responsivity. Much effort has been focused on the mechanism of enhancing foam properties. Finally, the challenges and future development trend of foam drainage agents were also prospected. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Application of confocal Raman spectroscopy in the evaluation of skin barrier function and permeability Wucheng Yang, Yu Xie, Jian Wei, Ruifang Fan, Jianhua Tan, Shaofeng Xi 2025, 55 (4):  508-515.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.04.013 Abstract ( 57 )   HTML ( 7 )   PDF (1493KB) ( 30 )   Confocal Raman spectroscopy （CRS） is a new analytical technology in the field of percutaneous absorption, which enables physiology analysis to obtain information on the molecular composition and structure of the skin. Due to the advantages of high spatial resolution, non-invasive and non-pretreatment of sample compared to conventional methods, CRS possesses great potential to become a standardized laboratory analytical technique. Currently, the development and application of CRS is still in a stage of improvement. This review focuses on elucidating the principles and the advantages of this technology, and summarizes the application of CRS technique in skin research, including the skin barrier function assessment and permeation research. Furthermore, the limitations of CRS, such as the attenuation of signal and the interference of skin autofluorescence are analyzed, and the challenges and opportunities in CRS technology are also discussed. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research progress on conversion/release mode and enrichment methods of fragrance components in spices Wencheng Hou, Yangyang Liu 2025, 55 (4):  516-521.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.04.014 Abstract ( 75 )   HTML ( 8 )   PDF (1102KB) ( 23 )   Spices are widely used in various industries such as fragrances, daily chemicals, food, and pharmaceuticals. As an industrial additive, they are characterized by their efficiency in trace amounts. Due to the limited addition amounts and low concentrations, it is crucial to understand the transformation/release forms of the target aroma components in spices and to select appropriate enrichment methods for detection. This is significant for the development of fragrant products and the efficient use of spices. This paper reviews the main research findings from recent years, both domestically and internationally, on the production, usage, and detection of fragrant products containing spices. It summarizes and analyzes the main transformation/release forms of aroma components in fragrant products and the common enrichment methods used in their analysis and detection. Additionally, the paper discusses the advantages, disadvantages, influencing factors, and selection criteria of these methods. The aim is to provide theoretical guidance for the use of spices, the development of detection techniques, and the improvement of the quality and value of fragrant products. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Research on product packaging design from the perspective of family philosophy: taking children’s daily necessities as an example Xing Fu, Haoran Chen 2025, 55 (4):  522-530.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.04.015 Abstract ( 41 )   HTML ( 2 )   PDF (2894KB) ( 19 )   With the development of the times and the improvement of people’s living standards, consumers have increasingly higher requirements for product packaging. Family philosophy, as the core of family culture, deeply influences the consumption concepts and behaviors of family members. This study takes the packaging of children’s daily necessities as an example and explores product packaging design in depth from the perspective of family philosophy. Firstly, based on the explanation of family philosophy, children’s physiological and psychological behavior characteristics, the correlation between family philosophy and packaging design of children’s daily necessities is discussed. Then, the design principles that children’s daily necessities packaging design should follow under the family concept are summarized. Finally, based on the analysis of typical packaging design practices for children’s daily necessities, it is proposed to pay attention to design strategies such as packaging attributes, environmental protection concepts, emotional connections, and personalized customization. This paper aims to provide useful reference for the packaging design practice of related products. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics

Analytical methods and testing

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Determination of 10 indicative components from plant materials in whitening cosmetics by UPLC-MS/MS Weidong Huang 2025, 55 (4):  531-538.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2097-2806.2025.04.016 Abstract ( 215 )   HTML ( 3 )   PDF (1207KB) ( 42 )   A method for simultaneous determination of 10 indicative components from plant materials in whitening cosmetics by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-MS/MS） was established. The sample was extracted by ultrasonic extraction using 80% methanol, then separated on a Phenomenex Kinetex F5 column （3.0 mm×100 mm, 2.6 μm） by gradient elution using 0.1% formic acid solution and acetonitrile as the mobile phases. The mass spectrometry was detected using electrospray ionization source （ESI）, positive and negative ion simultaneous scanning and multiple reaction monitoring （MRM） mode. The results show that there are good linear relationships for 10 indicative components in their respective mass concentration rangers with the correlation coefficients （r） larger than 0.99. The limits of detection （LOD） are in the ranges of 0.07-1.93 μg/kg and the limits of quantitation （LOQ） are in the ranges of 0.22-6.42 μg/kg. The recoveries of toner, cream, emulsion and mask samples at three spiked levels for 10 indicative components are 80.5%-122.5%, with the relative standard deviations （RSD） of 1.3%-10.1% （n=6）. With the advantages of accuracy, high sensitivity and simplicity, this method is suitable for qualitative identification and quantitative analysis of various indicative components from plant materials in various matrix types of whitening cosmetics. Figures and Tables | References | Related Articles | Metrics