Article
Environmental Sciences
Ali Salem, Ola Abdelhedi, Haifa Sebii, Nahed Fakhfakh, Mourad Jridi, Hela Kchaou, Moncef Nasri, Frederic Debeaufort, Nacim Zouari
Summary: The effect of TiO2 on the structural properties of gelatin films was investigated. The addition of TiO2 improved the UV barrier efficacy and opacity of the films. FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of new interactions between the gelatin matrix and TiO2 particles. An increase in tensile strength and decrease in elongation at break were observed with increasing TiO2 content. Microstructure analysis revealed a heterogeneous structure. The addition of TiO2 increased the contact angles and exhibited a hydrophobic nature. Furthermore, the incorporation of TiO2 improved the barrier properties and antibacterial activity of the gelatin films.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wafa Taktak, Marwa Hamdi, Imene Chentir, Soumaya Boughriba, Youssra Ben Azaza, Suming Li, Moncef Nasri, Maha Karra-Chaabouni, Rim Nasri
Summary: This study aimed to prepare emulsion gels based on European eel skin gelatin (ESG), which exhibited interesting antioxidant and functional properties. The ESG was able to stabilize European eel oil (EO) emulsions effectively, showing a rigid and cohesive gel network with effective entrapment of EO.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Dariusz Kowalczyk, Urszula Szymanowska, Tomasz Skrzypek, Monika Basiura-Cembala, Katarzyna Lupina, Martin Biendl
Summary: Edible films made of GEL/CMC blends with varying ratios were prepared with increasing concentrations of KIAA. As CMC content increased, the films became more amorphous with decreased tensile strength and elastic modulus. Films with high KIAA content exhibited reduced water vapor permeability and antioxidant activity.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Liliane S. F. Leite, Francys K. V. Moreira, Luiz H. C. Mattoso, Julien Bras
Summary: Adjusting pH, CNCs content, and film-forming drying temperature is an effective strategy for improving the physical properties of Gel/CNCs films. Electrostatic attractive forces can reduce water vapor permeability, while the formation of complex coacervates may decrease mechanical properties.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Yukang Zhu, Yanbin Wei, Zhenxing Zhu, Hongjie Yue, Ziying He, Qi Zhang, Shijun Zhang, Fei Wei
Summary: Carbon nanotube (CNT) films are expected to become the next-generation critical engineering mechanical and energy storage materials due to their unique properties. This review focuses on the preparation of CNT films and their emerging applications in mechanical and electrochemical energy storage/conversion. It also discusses the potential utilization and future perspectives for the development of CNT films in both production and application.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chen Fu, Zhizhi Sheng, Xuetong Zhang
Summary: In this study, a free-standing carbon nanotube (CNT)-based aerogel film with a laminated porous structure and high electrical conductivity was prepared using a laminated structural engineering strategy. The film showed a large specific surface area and the highest specific shielding effectiveness among reported aerogel-based materials. It also exhibited exceptional Joule heating performance, making it suitable for lightweight applications such as EMI shielding and wearable heating.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mahmoud Atya El-Meligy, Katarina Valachova, Ivo Juranek, Tamer M. Tamer, Ladislav Soltes
Summary: The present study successfully prepared novel free-radical scavenging and water-soluble compounds derived from gelatin, and thoroughly investigated their physicochemical properties. The synthesized compounds exhibited higher thermal stability than gelatin itself and demonstrated effective free-radical scavenging activities. These findings suggest the potential application of these compounds in the field of antioxidants.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nathan Carpentier, Louis Van der Meeren, Andre G. Skirtach, Lindsey Devisscher, Hans Van Vlierberghe, Peter Dubruel, Sandra Van Vlierberghe
Summary: This study developed Dexox-Gel and DexNB-GelSH hydrogels and investigated their processability and in vitro biocompatibility. The results showed that DexNB-GelSH exhibited physicochemical properties similar to natural liver tissue and had comparable performance to GelMA in biological evaluation, indicating its promising potential in the field of liver tissue engineering.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mohsen Pouralkhas, Moazemeh Kordjazi, Seyed Mahdi Ojagh, Omid Asadi Farsani
Summary: Biodegradable films were created using fish gelatin and fucoidan extracted from Sargassum tenerrimum. The addition of fucoidan resulted in changes in the physical characteristics and tensile strength of the films. FTIR and SEM analysis confirmed the interaction of fucoidan with gelatin in the composite film. Incorporating 10% fucoidan showed high DPPH radical scavenging activity. Therefore, these fucoidan-gelatin films have potential applications in the food packaging industry.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jelena Pajnik, Jelena Dikic, Stoja Milovanovic, Milena Milosevic, Sanja Jevtic, Ivana Lukic
Summary: Chitosan/gelatin and chitosan/gelatin/zeolite films were impregnated with thymol and carvacrol using supercritical carbon dioxide. The resulting films exhibit gradual release of bioactive compounds and are suitable for wound dressing application.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Xuebing Zhang, Xinrong Jiang, Shuxuan Qu, Han Zhang, Wengang Yang, Weibang Lu
Summary: This study investigates the effects of an eco-friendly ultrasonic-assisted resin infiltration process on the carbon nanotube (CNT) film and its based composites. It is found that ultrasonication can reduce CNT bundle diameter and increase film stretchability, resulting in improved performance of CNT film-based composites. However, excessive sonication can damage the crystal structures of CNTs and degrade the mechanical properties.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ran Tao, Jacqueline Sedman, Ashraf Ismail
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of incorporating carvacrol in soy protein isolate (SPI) films, showing that carvacrol can reduce resistance and rigidity of SPI films and increase their extensibility. Changes in protein secondary structure and release kinetics were observed, with glycerol promoting carvacrol release from the films. Films containing >= 2% carvacrol exhibited high antimicrobial activities against Listeria grayi in vapor phase, suggesting potential use in active packaging for food safety improvements.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wangli Dai, Lin Zhou, Saiqi Gu, Wenjie Wang, Zheng Xu, Xuxia Zhou, Yuting Ding
Summary: Novel chitosan films incorporating epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) were developed with improved physical and mechanical properties compared to traditional chitosan films. The addition of EGCG increased thickness, tensile strength, water solubility, and decreased elongation at break, moisture content, degree of swelling, and water contact angles. The films also exhibited enhanced UV-vis barrier capability and opacity, and had a rougher surface structure. EGCG improved the thermal stability of chitosan films by intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, EGCG significantly enhanced the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of chitosan films.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dulce Alondra Cuevas-Acuna, Maribel Plascencia-Jatomea, Hisila Del Carmen Santacruz-Ortega, Wilfrido Torres-Arreola, Josafat Marina Ezquerra-Brauer
Summary: Incorporating squid gelatin hydrolysates into chitosan films improves their physical, chemical, antioxidant, and antifungal properties, as well as increasing their degradability. The addition of squid gelatin hydrolysates enhances the flexibility and in vitro degradability of the films.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lijian Zeng, Wenwu Tao, Junjie Zhao, Yichao Li, Renfu Li
Summary: This study investigates the effects of a bio-surfactant gelatin-modified carbon nanotubes on the fiber interfacial property and matrix performance of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The results showed that the modified carbon nanotubes significantly improved the fiber/matrix interface strength and flexural properties of the composites, providing a basis for the development of advanced carbon nanotube-reinforced composites.
NANOTECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Textiles
G. Y. Romero-Zuniga, P. Gonzalez-Morones, S. Sanchez-Valdes, R. Yanez-Macias, I. Sifuentes-Nieves, Z. Garcia-Hernandez, E. Hernandez-Hernandez
Summary: This article summarizes the advances of MW radiation treatments on NF, evaluates the relationship between MW reactor design and dielectric properties of fiber components, and presents the main morphological and structural changes of NF after MW treatment, aiming to suggest processing methodologies that will increase reproducibility, functionality, applications, and industrial process scale-up.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Silvia G. Solis Rosales, Liliana Naranjo Naranjo, Heidi A. Fonseca-Florido, Pablo Gonzalez-Morones, Zureima Garcia Hernandez, Roberto Yanez Macias, Gabriela Yolotzin Romero, Carlos A. Gallardo-Vega, Israel Sifuentes-Nieves, Ernesto Hernandez-Hernandez
Summary: This study investigated the effect of alkali and ultrasound treatment on Agave tequilana fibers, showing that the treatment can enhance fiber properties significantly under specific conditions. The modified fibers exhibit high thermal resistance, suggesting their potential application in manufacturing processes involving high temperature.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sergio Jaubert-Garibay, Josue David Hernandez-Varela, Jose Jorge Chanona-Perez, Stefany Cardenas-Perez, Enrique J. Herrera-Lopez, Gustavo F. Gutierrez-Lopez
Summary: This study investigated the impact of different cutting methods on the quality of mango slices and revealed the relationship between cutting methods, drying, shrinkage, color parameters, and microstructure through multivariate analysis.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Israel Sifuentes-Nieves, Roberto Yanez-Macias, Pamela C. Flores-Silva, Pablo Gonzalez-Morones, Carlos A. Gallardo-Vega, Eduardo Ramirez-Vargas, Ernesto Hernandez-Hernandez
Summary: New policies and regulations are being proposed globally to reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable development. The design of composites using green treatments and sustainable materials has successfully led to the development of starch films with smooth surfaces and better mechanical interlocking. The findings suggest that the use of eco-sustainable reinforcing Agave fiber-filler for packaging applications is feasible.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Israel Sifuentes-Nieves, Jose F. Hernandez-Gamez, Pamela C. Flores-Silva, Pablo Gonzalez-Morones, Roberto Yanez-Macias, Eduardo Ramirez-Vargas, Ernesto Hernandez-Hernandez
Summary: This study investigated the changes in structural properties of alkali/acid-ultrasound modified Agave fibers and their performance in a PVA matrix with plasticizer during melt mixing processing. The results showed that ultrasound effectively enhanced the conventional treatment of fibers, leading to improved processability on a PVA matrix. The modified fibers required more energy during melt mixing to interact with PVA chains, and the fiber-matrix interactions resulted in a highly structured and reinforced network.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Guadalupe Neira-Velazquez, Pablo Gonzalez-Morones, Beatriz Liliana Espana-Sanchez, Roberto Yanez-Macias, Israel Sifuentes-Nieves, Ernesto Hernandez-Hernandez
Summary: The study found that RF plasma treatment can be used as an alternative method to synthesize sulfur deposits on PET surfaces. Analysis using OES and EDS confirmed the obtaining of deposits composed of 100% sulfur after the dissociation of H2S with a CO2 mixture in a low-pressure discharge plasma reactor operated at 300 W input power. The obtained sulfur coatings on the PET surface showed high effectiveness in inhibiting S. aureus and P. aeruginosa bacteria.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
G. Y. Romero-Zuniga, S. Sanchez-Valdes, I. Sifuentes-Nieves, R. Yanez-Macias, P. Gonzalez-Morones, E. Hernandez-Hernandez
Summary: This research demonstrates that microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment can selectively and controllably extract components from natural fibers. The extraction mechanism relies on dielectric heating of lignocellulosic components, especially hemicellulose and cellulose. The process degrades hemicellulose, allowing its extraction into the reaction medium. The treated fibers show increased crystallinity and thermal stability.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Marco A. Dircio-Morales, Gonzalo Velazquez, Israel Sifuentes-Nieves, Pamela C. Flores-Silva, Heidi A. Fonseca-Florido, Guadalupe Mendez-Montealvo
Summary: The addition of retrograded corn starch with 27% or 70% amylose content can improve the properties of yogurt, including reducing syneresis, enhancing structure, and increasing water absorption capacity. The yogurt samples with added retrograded starch showed a firmer and more stable gel structure, resembling Greek-style or stirred yogurt, depending on the type and concentration of retrograded starch.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Israel Sifuentes-Nieves, Anick Molina-Cervantes, Pamela C. Flores-Silva, Alejandro Garza-Santibanez, Esmeralda Saucedo-Salazar, Angeles Garcia-Hernandez, Ernesto Hernandez-Hernandez
Summary: Based on the concept of circular economy, using biopolymers and agricultural residues to develop packages and assessing their environmental impact should be a global sustainability initiative. This study focuses on designing biofilms using sustainable materials modified by a green single-step method through ultrasound. The morphological analysis showed disruption of starch granules in the films, which promoted the leaching of amylopectin and increased the proportion of double helices, leading to improved stiffness values. The cradle-to-gate inventory-based analysis revealed that corn starch and the GSSM process had the best eco-efficiency, and starch films with Agave fibers had the lowest environmental impacts.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pamela C. Flores-Silva, Ernesto Hernandez-Hernandez, Israel Sifuentes-Nieves, Jesus F. Lara-Sanchez, Antonio S. Ledezma-Perez, Carmen N. Alvarado-Canche, Eduardo Ramirez-Vargas
Summary: Packaging systems are undergoing a paradigm shift to address challenges such as recycling issues, non-biodegradability, and migration of harmful substances into food. In response, active packaging from sustainable materials, such as biopolymers and post-consumer recycled polymers, has gained attention. This study used the extrusion process to develop active mono-material films, incorporating inclusion complexes based on beta-cyclodextrins/essential oils, and evaluated their properties. The results showed the potential for developing sustainable active packaging using biopolymers and recycled polymers.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
German R. Moreno-Leon, Sandra V. Avila-Reyes, Julieta C. Villalobos-Espinosa, Brenda H. Camacho-Diaz, Daniel Tapia-Maruri, Antonio R. Jimenez-Aparicio, Martha L. Arenas-Ocampo, Javier Solorza-Feria
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of lactose-free milk as a culture medium and the addition of various carbon sources on the biomass production of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The addition of 6% w/w agave fructans stimulated biomass growth and increased the content of fat, ash and protein. Furthermore, the absence of lactose resulted in significant changes in microbial diversity.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
G. Y. Romero-Zuniga, S. Sanchez-Valdes, M. A. Ceniceros-Reyes, I. Sifuentes-Nieves, C. A. Gallardo-Vega, S. G. Solis-Rosales, P. Gonzalez-Morones, E. Hernandez-Hernandez
Summary: This study demonstrates that microwave treatment of natural fiber wastes can efficiently produce high purity and crystalline cellulose microfibrils. The process does not require the use of chemical substances or mechanical processes, and no additives are used. It is a novel and optimized method for producing high-value-added cellulose microfibrils.
Article
Polymer Science
Israel Sifuentes-Nieves, Jose F. Hernandez-Gamez, Pamela C. Flores-Silva, Javier Gudino-Rivera, Jorge E. Rivera-Salinas, Esmeralda Saucedo-Salazar, Ernesto Hernandez-Hernandez
Summary: The effect of different treatments on Agave fibers and their performance in PVA-based composites were investigated. The treatments were found to remove moisture, waxes, pectin, hemicellulose, and lignin from the fibers to varying degrees. Modified fibers showed good interaction and dispersion in the PVA matrix, leading to changes in viscosity and mechanical properties. The modified Agave fibers have potential applications in industries such as mobility and packaging.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pamela C. Flores-Silva, Eduardo Ramirez-Vargas, Heidi Palma-Rodriguez, Guadalupe Neira-Velazquez, Ernesto Hernandez-Hernandez, Guadalupe Mendez-Montealvo, Israel Sifuentes-Nieves
Summary: This study investigated the use of hydrothermal and water agitation treatments with plasma-activated water as sustainable methods to modify the molecular and functional properties of rice and potato starch granules. The treatments resulted in changes in the crystallinity and viscosity properties of the modified starches. The results suggest that hydrothermal and water agitation treatments using plasma-activated water are feasible eco-friendly methods for modifying starch granules.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Maria Sady Chavez-Falcon, Carolina Buitrago-Arias, Sandra Victoria Avila-Reyes, Javier Solorza-Feria, Martha Lucia Arenas-Ocampo, Brenda Hildeliza Camacho-Diaz, Antonio Ruperto Jimenez-Aparicio
Summary: This study aimed to encapsulate Saccharomyces boulardii using agavins and whey protein as wall materials through ionic gelation, and evaluate the morphostructural changes during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The results showed that the encapsulated sample with 5% agavins and 3.75% whey protein had a cell survival rate of 88.5% after simulated digestion, with significantly different microstructure compared to the controls. The mixture of agavins and whey protein improved the survival of S. boulardii compared to encapsulation with alginate, agavins or whey protein alone.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
