Article
Chemistry, Applied
Elham Malekzadeh, Aliasghar Tatari, Mohammadreza Dehghani Firouzabadi
Summary: The objective of this study was to produce high-performance and biodegradable starch nanocomposites using corn starch/nanofibrillated cellulose (CS/NFC) and corn starch/nanofibrillated lignocellulose (CS/NFLC) through film casting. The addition of 1-5% NFC and NFLC enhanced mechanical properties and reduced essential properties in food packaging materials. However, it decreased the opacity, transparency, and tear index of films compared to the control samples. After 30 days, the weight loss of all films exceeded 81% in soil-biodegradability analysis. These findings contribute to expanding the industrial applications of NFC and NFLC in preparing high-performance CS/NFC or CS/NFLC.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiangyang Zhou, Guoqiang Yin, Yunchao Huang, Yuan Li, Dong Xie
Summary: Biodegradable composites (PBAT-HMNC) consisting of PBAT, thermoplastic starch, hydrophobically modified nanofibrillated cellulose (HMNC), and green surfactant were prepared and characterized. The composites exhibited excellent mechanical and barrier properties, with the highest tensile strength and lower thermal decomposition temperature. The water vapor and oxygen transmission rates were significantly reduced with the addition of 0.6 wt% HMNC, leading to prolonged preservation of Agaricus mushrooms. PBAT-HMNC composites have great potential as nanocomposite materials for packaging.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Prastuty Singh, Gurkirat Kaur, Arashdeep Singh, Tamanna Sharma, B. N. Dar
Summary: The negative impact of petroleum-based packaging materials on the environment has led to the development of biodegradable packaging materials. This study evaluates the effects of corn starch nanocrystals and lemongrass oil nanoemulsion on the functionality of corn starch-based films. The results show that the concentration of nanocrystals affects the water barrier properties and tensile strength of the films, while the inclusion of nanoemulsion improves opacity and antioxidant activity. The films also exhibit antimicrobial properties and degrade in soil.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Haitao Lang, Xianlei Chen, Jiarong Tian, Jing Chen, Mengna Zhou, Fangfang Lu, Shaoping Qian
Summary: In this study, the effect of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of PBAT/TPS biodegradable film was investigated. The results showed that the optimal MCC content was 4%, which improved the tensile strength, elongation at break, and thermal stability of the film.
Review
Polymer Science
Ashoka Gamage, Punniamoorthy Thiviya, Sudhagar Mani, Prabaharan Graceraj Ponnusamy, Asanga Manamperi, Philippe Evon, Othmane Merah, Terrence Madhujith
Summary: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in novel polymer materials that are derived from natural resources and are both biodegradable and eco-friendly. Starch-based bionanocomposites, with various additives such as nanocellulose and chitin nanoparticles, have shown improved properties and have found applications in several fields including agriculture, packaging, and biomedical.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Kirubanandan Shanmugam, Shaun Ang, Maisha Maliha, Vikram Raghuwanshi, Swambabu Varanasi, Gil Garnier, Warren Batchelor
Summary: Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) is a promising material for high-performance renewable packaging, but improving its water vapor permeability (WVP) has been a challenge. This study presents a new spray-coating method for NFC-MMT composite sheets that significantly reduces WVP by aligning MMT particles within the NFC matrix. Optimizing MMT loading to 20 wt% achieved comparable barrier performance to vacuum filtered sheets while being easier to produce.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yingqi Kong, Shaoping Qian, Zhaoyan Zhang, Jiarong Tian
Summary: In this study, esterified NFC was fabricated and introduced into thermoplastic starch and PBAT composite films, resulting in improved mechanical properties and interfacial compatibility. The optimal composite film exhibited significantly enhanced tensile properties at a 7 wt% NFC content. Ball-milling treatment contributed to uniform dispersion and surface activation of NFC, further enhancing the mechanical properties of the composite films.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ye Chen, Tingting Lu, Luyao Li, Huiying Zhang, Huaping Wang, Fuyou Ke
Summary: Using nanocellulose (TOBC) as stabilizers, fully biodegradable PLA/PCL/TOBC ternary composites were prepared via Pickering emulsion approach and used for 3D printing. The dispersion of TOBC in the composites promoted PLA crystallization via heterogeneous nucleating, while PCL improved the fluidity of PLA chains and increased the toughness of the composites. The optimal content of PCL was determined and a significant increase in tensile strength and elongation at break was observed when the PCL content was 10%.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kaiyan Jin, Yanjun Tang, Jichun Liu, Junming Wang, Chunjie Ye
Summary: Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) prepared from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) via high-pressure homogenization process can be used as a coating agent to enhance the properties of paper coatings and coated paper. The optimum NFC addition of 0.30-0.40% can lead to improved performance of coated paper, such as decreased water retention value and increased tensile strength, with a relatively uniform surface structure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Julia Fernandez-Santos, Cristina Valls, Oriol Cusola, M. Blanca Roncero
Summary: Different types and amounts of additives have a significant impact on the performance of cellulose nanocrystal films, with most additives performing well at low doses to improve mechanical and barrier properties while reducing permeance. Films containing sorbitol, xylitol, and maltitol exhibited the highest barrier properties, providing total resistance to oxygen. Interestingly, films with additives were more easily biodegraded compared to control films.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xinyang Wei, Jun Tang, Haiteng Tao, Wei Gao, Li Guo, Bo Cui, Pengfei Liu, Lu Lu, Zhengzong Wu, Yishan Fang, Meng Zhao, Na Yang, Qiang Huang
Summary: This study analyzed the interfacial adhesion and functional properties of corn starch/corn stalk cellulose (CSC) biodegradable straws. The results showed that the straws with 1% CSC had higher interfacial adhesion, resulting in improved mechanical properties and water resistance. These straws had similar economic viability as paper straws.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Catalina Diana Usurelu, Gabriela Madalina Oprica, Denis Mihaela Panaitescu, Augusta Raluca Gabor, Cristian-Andi Nicolae, Florin Ciuprina, Celina Maria Damian, Florentina Monica Raduly
Summary: The use of biomass-derived materials for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials has gained significant attention. This study presents a novel approach to develop bio-based nanocomposites using epoxidized linseed oil, itaconic acid, and surface-treated nanofibrillated cellulose. The addition of nanofibrillated cellulose, especially when treated with silane and methacrylic acid, enhances the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the epoxy-based nanocomposites. These materials also show potential as substitutes for petroleum-based thermosets in flexible electronic devices.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jinyu Zhang, Feixue Zou, Haiteng Tao, Wei Gao, Li Guo, Bo Cui, Chao Yuan, Pengfei Liu, Lu Lu, Zhengzong Wu, Yishan Fang
Summary: Sweet potato starch and different celluloses were mixed and used to prepare thermoplastic starch/cellulose composite films. The effect of different celluloses on the properties of the films were studied. It was found that sugarcane cellulose had better compatibility with sweet potato starch, resulting in improved mechanical properties. Cornstalk cellulose had the highest thermal degradation temperature, while rice bran cellulose had the largest elongation at break. Bamboo or cornstalk cellulose films had lower water vapor permeability, while rice bran cellulose had higher permeability. The findings provide a theoretical basis for improving the properties of thermoplastic starch films.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mohit Sharma, Roberto Aguado, Dina Murtinho, Artur J. M. Valente, Paulo J. T. Ferreira
Summary: This study explores the use of micro-/nanofibrillated celluloses (M/NFCs) on the paper surface to enhance printing quality. Different pre-treatment methods were used to produce M/NFCs, and various components were added to the coating formulations. The presence of M/NFCs and increased cationic charge density improved the printing quality, while the addition of other components showed varying effects on paper whiteness and color properties.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jinchuan Xu, Domenico Sagnelli, Marwa Faisal, Alixander Perzon, Vincenzo Taresco, Marco Mais, Concetta Valeria L. Giosafatto, Kim H. Hebelstrup, Peter Ulvskov, Bodil Jorgensen, Ling Chen, Steven M. Howdle, Andreas Blennow
Summary: The study demonstrates that blending cellulose nanofibers (CNF) into pure amylose (AM) matrix significantly enhances crystallinity, mechanical properties, and permeability, while glycerol can increase elongation at break. There is significant phase separation between AM and CNF in the nanocomposites. The dynamic plasticizing and anti-plasticizing effects of CNF and glycerol are demonstrated by NMR analysis, indicating high molecular order and evenly distributed glycerol domains.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Jorge Alberto Ramos-Hernandez, Montserrat Calderon-Santoyo, Cristina Prieto, Jose Maria Lagaron, Arturo Navarro-Ocana, Juan Arturo Ragazzo-Sanchez
Summary: This study evaluated the techno-functional properties of a mixture of high degree of polymerization Agave fructans and whey protein as encapsulating material for stabilized Coccoloba uvifera L. extract fraction. The purification of the extract and the encapsulation process were successfully carried out, resulting in capsules with spherical shapes. The capsules exhibited high glass transition temperature and thermal stability, and showed good antioxidant capacities.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zaida Perez-Bassart, Maria Jose Fabra, Antonio Martinez-Abad, Amparo Lopez-Rubio
Summary: This study applied a sequential fractionation protocol and detailed compositional analysis to investigate the extraction and content of beta-glucan in three different mushroom species. The results showed variations in beta-glucan content and distribution among the mushrooms, which provides valuable information for the rational design of extraction processes.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
D. A. Mendez, A. Martinez-Abad, M. Martinez-Sanz, A. Lopez-Rubio, M. J. Fabra
Summary: In this study, pectin extracts from watermelon rind were enzymatically treated and their potential for preparing hydrogels was evaluated. The results showed that the structural properties of pectin play a significant role in the formation of hydrogels.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zaida Perez-Bassart, Antonio Martinez-Abad, Alcira Reyes, Amparo Lopez-Rubio, Maria Jose Fabra
Summary: This study reports on the valorization of discarded mushroom biomass and waste produced during the extraction of β-glucan for the production of biodegradable films. The films obtained showed improved barrier properties compared to benchmark biopolymers and can be directly produced from fungal biomass.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sergi Arfelis, Roberto J. Aguado, Didem Civancik, Pere Fullana-i-Palmer, M. angels Pelach, Quim Tarres, Marc Delgado-Aguilar
Summary: This paper presents a life cycle assessment of cellulose micro- and nanofibers (CNFs) produced from bleached hardwood kraft pulp via three different pre-treatments. The main finding is that both mechanical and TEMPO-mediated oxidation routes have lower environmental impacts compared to enzymatic pre-treatment, with the TEMPO-mediated oxidation route being particularly effective in selectively oxidizing primary hydroxyl groups.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Editorial Material
Polymer Science
Francesc X. Espinach, Quim Tarres
Article
Polymer Science
Faust Seculi, Francesc X. Espinach, Fernando Julian, Marc Delgado-Aguilar, Pere Mutje, Quim Tarres
Summary: Bio-based polymers can meet the demands of society and regulations to minimize environmental impact, especially for companies seeking a smooth transition with less uncertainty. By using BioPE as the matrix, similar to HDPE, abaca-fiber-reinforced composites were obtained and compared with commercial glass-fiber-reinforced HDPE. Micromechanical models were employed to estimate the interface strength and tensile strength of the reinforcements. The addition of 8 wt.% coupling agent improved the interface strength of biocomposites, resulting in tensile properties comparable to commercial glass-fiber-reinforced HDPE composites.
Article
Polymer Science
Faust Seculi, Francesc X. X. Espinach, Fernando Julian, Marc Delgado-Aguilar, Pere Mutje, Quim Tarres
Summary: The use of bio-based matrices and natural fibers as reinforcement is a strategy to obtain materials with competitive mechanical properties, costs, and environmental impacts. In this study, composites reinforced with abaca fibers and different matrices are prepared and tested. The results show that bio-polyethylene as a matrix can provide slightly higher mechanical properties than polyethylene. It is possible to obtain fully bio-based composites with mechanical properties similar to partially bio-based polyolefin or glass fiber-reinforced polyolefin.
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Roberto J. Aguado, Andre Mazega, Quim Tarres, Marc Delgado-Aguilar
Summary: This review critically discusses the current and potential applications of anionic and cationic cellulose derivatives, including coagulation-flocculation, thickening and rheology modification, stabilization of colloids or emulsions, adsorption of ions, encapsulation of bioactive compounds, filtration using cellulose-based membranes, and production of antimicrobial materials. The increasing popularity of anionic or cationic nanocellulose is highlighted.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Virginia Venezia, Cristina Prieto, Zoran Evtoski, Chiara Marcoaldi, Brigida Silvestri, Giuseppe Vitiello, Giuseppina Luciani, Jose M. Lagaron
Summary: Sustainable packaging materials can minimize the environmental impact of packaged food by preserving quality and reducing plastic waste. The waste to wealth approach can utilize bioavailable active compounds from waste residues. In this study, humic substances (HS) derived from biowaste were combined with inorganic nanostructures through electrospinning technology to create composite films for active food packaging. The results suggest that this approach is promising for converting biowaste into multifunctional packaging materials.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Faust Seculi, Fernando Julian, Joan Llorens, Francisco X. Espinach, Pere Mutje, Quim Tarres
Summary: There is a growing focus on developing green composites as alternatives to oil-based materials. However, the mechanical properties of these composites are often studied through tensile tests, with little emphasis on the flexural properties. This study investigates the flexural properties of abaca-fiber-reinforced bio-based high-density polyethylene (BioPE) composites and demonstrates the feasibility of replacing oil-based matrices with bio-based composites that exhibit similar flexural properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Roberto J. Aguado, Gabriela A. Bastida, Francisco X. Espinach, Joan Llorens, Quim Tarres, Marc Delgado-Aguilar, Pere Mutje
Summary: This study investigated the incorporation of natural hemp fibers into a poly(lactic acid) matrix to create fully bio-sourced composites. The tensile modulus of the composites linearly increased with the volume fraction of the dispersed fibers, reaching a maximum value of 7.6 Gpa. The performance of the soda-bleached fibers as reinforcement was found to be higher than that of glass fibers, despite their lower intrinsic tensile modulus.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana Balea, M. Concepcion Monte, Elena Fuente, Jose Luis Sanchez-Salvador, Quim Tarres, Pere Mutje, Marc Delgado-Aguilar, Carlos Negro
Summary: This paper investigates the influence of various production techniques on the morphological characteristics and properties of nanofibrillated cellulose (CNF) produced from a mixture of recycled fibers. The results show that the pretreatment determines the yield and the potential of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) to enhance fibrillation, thus determining the final CNF properties. This enables effective selection of the most suitable production method to obtain high yield and desired CNF quality for diverse applications.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Bruno Hernaez, Ana Munoz-Gomez, Africa Sanchiz, Eva Orviz, Adrian Valls-Carbo, Inigo Sagastagoitia, Oskar Ayerdi, Rocio Martin, Teresa Puerta, Mar Vera, Noemi Cabello, Jorge Vergas, Cristina Prieto, Maria Pardo-Figuerez, Anabel Negredo, Jose Maria Lagaron, Jorge del Romero, Vicente Estrada, Antonio Alcami
Summary: Monkeypox virus DNA and infectious virus were detected in saliva samples and exhaled droplets and aerosols from patients with monkeypox. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential relevance of the respiratory route of infection in the 2022 monkeypox virus outbreak.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Gonzalez-Cruz Elda M, Andrade-Gonzalez Isaac, Prieto Cristina, Lagaren Jose M, Calderon-Santoyo Montserrat, Ragazzo-Sanchez Juan A
Summary: In this study, zein prolamine nanocapsules encapsulating polyphenolic compounds extracted from Biloxi blueberries were produced using the electrospraying technique. The nanocapsules showed a homogeneous morphology with a smooth surface and sizes ranging from 200 to 300 nm. The study revealed that zein can protect the phenolic compounds from photodamage and offer thermoprotection.
BIOINTERFACE RESEARCH IN APPLIED CHEMISTRY
(2023)
