Open Access Conference Proceedings

In this contribution, we examine the diffusion dynamics of methylene blue dye through a layered membrane, constructed with a specific count of nonwoven polypropylene textiles and intervening layers of gelatin hydrogel. The hydrogel ostensibly functions as the diffusion medium, while the nonwoven textile provides structural reinforcement. Due to the large pore structure inherent to polypropylene, the membrane displays minimal dye adsorption. Our research discovered the unusual nature of the dye's diffusion process, revealing a distinct, characteristic concentration profile of methylene blue within the membrane, which is notably inhomogeneous. Using UV-VIS spectroscopy in conjunction with image analysis techniques, we provide an analysis of the temporal progression of dye permeation through the gelatin layers. This examination has led to the identification of a fascinating mechanism governing methylene blue diffusion. These insights substantially augment our understanding of dye diffusion processes within gel matrices and stand to influence the advancement of gel-based application design, including but not limited to sensor technologies and other devices necessitating controlled substance release or absorption mechanisms. Furthermore, the significance of our findings reverberates beyond the immediate study, bearing broad implications for the comprehension of diffusion dynamics within gel substrates on a more comprehensive scale.

Keywords: Diffusion, layered, membrane, applications, modeling

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