Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Martha Schulz, Mareen Schaefer, Kay Saalwaechter, Thomas Thurn-Albrecht
Summary: This study explores the non-equilibrium thickness of lamellar crystals in semicrystalline polymers and its relationship with ICD and crystallization temperature. By studying poly(oxymethylene), a case with relatively slow ICD, the research fills the gap in previous studies and contributes to establishing a quantitative dependence of lamellar thickness on the noted timescales.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Viktoriia Savchenko, Iulia Emilia Brumboiu, Victor Kimberg, Michael Odelius, Pavel Krasnov, Ji-Cai Liu, Jan-Erik Rubensson, Olle Bjorneholm, Conny Sathe, Johan Grasjo, Minjie Dong, Annette Pietzsch, Alexander Foehlisch, Thorsten Schmitt, Daniel McNally, Xingye Lu, Sergey P. Polyutov, Patrick Norman, Marcella Iannuzzi, Faris Gel'mukhanov, Victor Ekholm
Summary: Quenching of vibrational excitations in liquid acetic acid's RIXS spectra was observed, attributed to strong rehybridization of unoccupied molecular orbitals due to hydrogen bonding. This phenomenon allows for the investigation of the liquid's molecular structure and determination of a lower limit for the average molecular chain length.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mengshan Shang, Ling Chen, Wei Liu, Maoshen Chen, Fang Zhong
Summary: The substitution priority of OSA along the amylopectin chain follows a backbone branch-branching point-chain pattern. Initial branching-point substitutions decrease the crystallinity of starch and result in structural changes. Loosened lamellar structure triggers branch-chain substitutions, leading to a decrease in beta-limit value. Chain substitution further affects the lamellar structure and promotes more substitutions at higher degree of substitution (DS).
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
B. Goderis, D. M. Dries, M. A. Nivelle, J. A. Delcour
Summary: The gelatinization process of maize and potato starch granules in excess water was studied using various measurement techniques. The crystallinity of both starches disappeared during gelatinization, with temporarily remaining blocklets observed. Differences in the gelatinization process between maize and potato starches may be related to the speed and completeness of granular conversion.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Enyi Chi, Haiying Huang, Fajun Zhang, Tianbai He
Summary: Crystalline block copolymers have been utilized to create plate-like colloidal systems with controlled size and shape. The structure in solution and the face-to-face spacing were characterized using small- and ultrasmall-angle X-ray scattering techniques, revealing the importance of lateral attraction between polar crystalline blocks for the formation of the nematic phase.
Article
Polymer Science
Ulrik L. Olsen, Mads G. Laursen, Piotr S. Mazurek, Jan Kehres, Lars P. Mikkelsen, Anne L. Skov, Henning F. Poulsen
Summary: This study demonstrates an X-ray wide angle diffraction method for probing elastic strains within polymers on a mesoscopic scale. The results show that the mesoscopic strains in the crystalline phase scale linearly with the macroscopic strain, in contrast to the behaviors of crystallized volume fraction and texture evolution. Additionally, the material becomes softer and exhibits a higher degree of alignment in the crystalline phase as the distance in direct space decreases.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Cristina Righetti, Maria Laura Di Lorenzo, Dario Cavallo, Alejandro J. Muller, Massimo Gazzano
Summary: The structural evolution of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) crystals was studied using synchrotron wide-angle and small-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS and SAXS) analysis after crystallization at 100 degrees C. Isothermal crystallization of PBS resulted in a single lamellar population. The temperature-dependent WAXS/SAXS analysis revealed the development of an additional crystal population characterized by thicker lamellae upon heating, leading to a dual lamellar population. The derived temperature dependence of the lamellar thickness for the two different crystal populations provided structural information that elucidated the multiple melting behavior of PBS.
Article
Polymer Science
Hang Guo, Zhilong Hong, Dongmei Huang, Erjie Yang, Zhuangzhuang Zhu, Chenhao Zhao, Yun Dong, Bangjiao Ye, Hongjun Zhang, Liangbin Li
Summary: The structure-property relationship of the interlamellar amorphous phase in semicrystalline polymers has been a fundamental yet controversial topic in polymer physics. This study simplifies the mechanical coupling between the two phases and quantitatively characterizes the evolution of the amorphous structure and its connection to the mechanical behavior using advanced techniques.
Article
Polymer Science
Aude Belguise, Sabine Cantournet, Victor Fabre, Karine Le Gorju, Valerie Gaucher, Jean-Francois Tahon, Bruno Bresson, Christian Fretigny, Francois Lequeux, Helene Montes
Summary: By combining small-angle X-ray scattering and differential scanning calorimetry measurements, the study analyzed the widening of the glass transition in miscible mixtures of semicrystalline PEKK chains and fully amorphous PEI chains. The research revealed confinement effects on the amorphous interlamellar phase and wide composition distributions for the amorphous interlamellar and interfibrillar phases. Through careful analysis of signals, the study quantitatively identified the fraction and average composition of each amorphous phase, concluding that the final distribution of polymer chains not crystallizing in the interlamellar and interfibrillar phases is a result of the crystallization dynamics of the mixtures.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Norman Tran, Sathish Dasari, Sarah A. E. Barwell, Matthew J. Mcleod, Subha Kalyaanamoorthy, Todd Holyoak, Aravindhan Ganesan
Summary: This study reveals the conformational changes and inactivated state of the main protease Mpro of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 under oxidative stress, achieved through the mutation H163A, and elucidates the mechanistic details of this conformational change using atomistic simulations.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Akane Nagasaki, Go Matsuba, Yuka Ikemoto, Taro Moriwaki, Noboru Ohta, Keiichi Osaka
Summary: The interaction between edible potato starch and water molecules, as well as the gelatinization process, were studied using microscopy, micro-FT-IR spectroscopy, and X-ray scattering techniques at various spatial scales. The rate of gelatinization varied significantly with starch concentration. Adsorption of water on starch molecules and the cluster structure of dry and wet granules were analyzed. During heating and stirring, granules gradually collapsed, forming clustered smectic and smectic-like structures in the opaque gel before transitioning to a transparent gel.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Changsub Kim, Chatchai Jarumaneeroj, Wonchalerm Rungswang, Kyeong Sik Jin, Moonhor Ree
Summary: This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive small angle X-ray scattering analysis on the microstructure of polyethylene using synchrotron radiation source. It emphasized the importance of proper scattering angle range and background scattering correction for data analysis, and indicated that quantitative data analysis schemes can provide more accurate structural parameters.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Peco Myint, Karl F. Ludwig, Lutz Wiegart, Yugang Zhang, Andrei Fluerasu, Xiaozhi Zhang, Randall L. Headrick
Summary: In investigating the self-organized ion-beam nanopatterning of silicon using coherent x-ray scattering, a relationship similar to de Gennes narrowing is discovered. However, unlike the classic phenomenon, the dynamic surface exhibits a wide range of behaviors with compressed exponential relaxation at lengths corresponding to the dominant structural motif. This behavior is attributed to the morphological persistence of the self-organized surface ripple patterns.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Charles J. McCutcheon, Boran Zhao, Christopher J. Ellison, Frank S. Bates
Summary: Adding PEO-PBO diblock copolymer significantly reduces the crystallization time and increases the ductility of PLLA blends without affecting the modulus. The block copolymer particles facilitate stress-induced cavitation and uniform crazing, leading to a 7-15 fold increase in tensile toughness of the blends.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aicha Ben Zemzem, Aline Genevaux, Amandine Wahart, Andrew J. Bodey, Sebastien Blaise, Beatrice Romier-Crouzet, Jessica Jonquet, Camille Bour, Remi Cogranne, Pierre Beauseroy, Manuel Dauchez, Michael J. Sherratt, Laurent Debelle, Sebastien Almagro
Summary: The arterial wall consists of three concentric layers with extracellular matrix providing support. Elastin, a major component of arterial ECM, forms a lattice-like network within the concentric elastic lamellae as revealed by 3D imaging.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Bo Zheng, Yukuo Tang, Fengwei Xie, Ling Chen
Summary: Hot-extrusion 3D printing is a new technique for creating customized food, with the pre-printing gelatinization degree found to have a significant impact on the structure and digestibility of starch gels. An ideal printability and digestion resistance can be achieved with pre-printing gelatinization degrees of 50% for rice and 40% for wheat starches.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yanan Xiao, Fengwei Xie, Hao Luo, Rongxing Tang, Jiazi Hou
Summary: A naked-eye detector based on rapid transmittance response to alcohol was designed for real-time and reusable detection of fruit freshness. The evolution of the interior structure of the fiber was investigated and a core-shell structure was formed by increasing the SA concentration. The membrane became transparent by immersing it in alcohol and acetic acid.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Taoyan Mao, Runhui Xiao, Peng Liu, Jiale Chen, Junqiang Luo, Su Luo, Fengwei Xie, Cheng Zheng
Summary: Oil contamination is a major cause of water pollution and a global environmental challenge. Existing oil/water separation materials suffer from weaknesses in durability, chemical tolerance, environmental resistance, and potential negative impact on health and the environment. This study presents a simple method to fabricate eco-friendly and durable oil/water separation membrane fabrics by alkaline hydrolysis and silicon polyurethane coating. The modified fabrics exhibit stable superhydrophobic properties and excellent oil/water separation efficiency, making them promising for large-scale oil/water separation applications.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Qingfei Duan, Ying Chen, Long Yu, Fengwei Xie
Summary: Biopolymers have high potential for specialized applications and creating composite materials with defined chain interactions and tailored properties is important. This study shows that glycerol and isosorbide are effective plasticizers for a chitosan-gelatin material, but isosorbide can disrupt the polyelectrolyte complexation between the biopolymers, impacting the material's glass transition temperature, mechanical properties, and water absorption. The addition of isosorbide and/or montmorillonite makes the materials hydrolytically unstable, but also affects surface hydrophilicity differently from chain structure.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nannan Li, Zeguang Zhou, Fuqi Wu, Yanyue Lu, Dongyang Jiang, Lei Zhong, Fengwei Xie
Summary: Active food packaging composite films based on PVA, starch, LAE, and mulberry anthocyanin were fabricated. The films exhibited compact and heterogeneous surface structure when LAE and mulberry anthocyanin were incorporated. The addition of mulberry anthocyanin effectively improved the UV barrier property of the films. The films also showed strong antibacterial activity and pH sensitivity, making them highly potential for bioactive packaging materials in the food industry.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Shuwei Tang, Zhengguo Wu, Xiaoyun Li, Fengwei Xie, Dongdong Ye, Eduardo Ruiz-Hitzky, Lansheng Wei, Xiaoying Wang
Summary: In this study, a flexible gas barrier film with a nacre-like layered structure was developed. The film exhibited superior mechanical properties, acid-base stability, and barrier properties to gases and volatile organic compounds. It also possessed antibacterial properties, biocompatibility, and degradability.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Liangping Zou, Dengfeng Qi, Shuxia Li, Min Zhai, Zhuang Li, Xin Guo, Mengbin Ruan, Xiaoling Yu, Pingjuan Zhao, Wenbin Li, Peng Zhang, Qiuxiang Ma, Ming Peng, Wenbin Liao
Summary: The function of MeNPF4.5, a plasma-membrane-localized gene in cassava, was investigated in this study. MeNPF4.5 acts as an efflux transporter for nitrate under low nitrate conditions, reducing the nitrate efflux capacity, but as an influx transporter under high nitrate conditions, increasing the nitrate absorption. Additionally, MeNPF4.5 negatively regulates osmotic stress and is involved in nitrate flux in cassava seedlings.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Linhua Zhang, Chengcheng Gao, Zhenjiong Wang, Fengwei Xie, Ying Chen, Linghan Meng, Xiaozhi Tang
Summary: This study prepared biomimetic materials based on chitosan and silk peptides using thermomechanical processing and investigated the effect of chitosan molecular weight on the structure and properties of the composites. The results showed that chitosan molecular weight significantly influenced the structure and properties of the composites, and a certain molecular weight of chitosan achieved excellent strength and toughness, which could be further enhanced by rehydration after drying. Therefore, this research provides a reference for processing natural polymeric materials using hot-melt methods.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gulden Goksen, Didem Demir, Kuldeep Dhama, Manoj Kumar, Ping Shao, Fengwei Xie, Noemi Echegaray, Jose Manuel Lorenzo
Summary: Current trends favor the use of natural components for creating healthful, environmentally friendly, sustainable, and profitable goods. In response, the food industry is seeking safe natural ingredients to produce low-fat, artificial-additive-free, gluten-free, prebiotic, and fortified foods. Similarly, the pharmaceutical and medical industries are exploring the application of natural ingredients, specifically plant mucilage, to address biomaterial challenges more efficiently. Plant mucilage has proven to have excellent health features and technological properties, making it useful for both food and biomedical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Pei Cao, Nasim Amiralian, Jingjing Wang, Bing Sun, Amirali Popat, Fengwei Xie, Zhi Ping Xu, Yan Li, Li Li
Summary: Oral vaccine is an ideal non-invasive method to protect communities from infectious diseases. Researchers developed alginate/chitosan-coated cellulose nanocrystal and nanofibril nanocomposites to enhance ovalbumin delivery in the intestine. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the nanocomposites generated strong immune responses. However, no significant differences in specific ovalbumin immune responses were observed due to the complexity of the small intestine.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ziwen Zhang, Mengshan Shang, Xiaoyu Chen, Lei Dai, Na Ji, Yang Qin, Yanfei Wang, Liu Xiong, Qingjie Sun, Fengwei Xie
Summary: This study evaluated the characteristics of indica rice kernels (IRK) and flour (IRF) annealed under different conditions, and determined the quality of rice noodles made with these annealed IRK and IRF. Annealing increased the paste viscosity of IRK while decreasing that of IRF. Both annealed IRK and IRF showed increases in gelatinization enthalpy change and relative crystallinity. Annealed IRK noodles exhibited denser pores, while annealed IRF noodles exhibited a looser microstructure. With increasing annealing temperature and time, both annealed IRK and IRF noodles showed enhanced tensile properties.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qiuxiang Ma, Yancai Feng, Shu Luo, Lu Cheng, Weijing Tong, Xinlu Lu, Youzhi Li, Peng Zhang
Summary: Aquaporins, particularly MePIP2;7, play a crucial role in the synergistic transport of Mg-2(+) and water in cassava. MePIP2;7 enhances the transportability of Mg-2(+) by interacting with MeMGT9, a magnesium transporter protein, thereby regulating the absorption and transport of water and Mg(2)(+) in cassava.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Binjia Zhang, Yabin Guo, Lisong Lin, Dongling Qiao, Fengwei Xie
Summary: Considering the renewability and chemical versatility of natural biopolymers, there is a high demand for innovative solvation processes to efficiently disrupt the native supramolecular structures of natural polymers for their modification, derivation, and materials fabrication. This study compares the structural disorganization behavior of different starches in an aqueous ionic liquid, and finds that A-type starches are more susceptible to structural disruption than B-type starches. The ease of starch gelation in the aqueous ionic liquid is not determined by amylose content, but by the compactness of the granule surface.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Xin Guo, Xiaohui Yu, Chenyu Lin, Pingjuan Zhao, Bin Wang, Liangping Zou, Shuxia Li, Xiaoling Yu, Yinhua Chen, Peng Zhang, Ming Peng, Mengbin Ruan
Summary: Under chilling stress, MeMYB2-RNAi transgenic cassava accumulated less ROS but more cyanidin-3-O-glucoside compared to the wild type. The anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway was more active in the transgenic cassava, and several genes, including MeTT8, were up-regulated. MeMYB2 bound to the MeTT8 promoter and inhibited its expression, thereby blocking anthocyanin accumulation. MeTT8 was shown to bind to the promoter of MeDFR-2 and increased its expression. MeMYB2 acts as an inhibitor of chilling-induced anthocyanin accumulation in cassava.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yanxia Huang, Fengwei Xie, Shuqing Cai, Yingwei Huang, Bing Du, Pan Li, Pei Chen
Summary: While starch and protein are two major biopolymer components that usually coexist in foods, the effect of protein on starch retrogradation and food matrix structure is complex and dependent on protein and starch types. This study found that the addition of Inca peanut seed albumin promoted the retrogradation of native corn starch and modified the properties of starch-based foods.
ACS FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
