Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lorenzo Lisuzzo, Giuseppe Cavallaro, Stefana Milioto, Giuseppe Lazzara
Summary: A novel material using MgO filled halloysite nanotubes has been developed for deacidification and protection of paper. The composite material effectively neutralizes the acidic degradation of paper, improves tensile strength, delays aging, and maintains the mechanical and visual properties of paper during the consolidation process.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Cavallaro, Maria Rita Caruso, Stefana Milioto, Rawil Fakhrullin, Giuseppe Lazzara
Summary: The application of keratin/alginate hydrogel filled with halloysite nanotubes as a protective coating for hair was investigated. The specific interactions between biomacromolecules and nanotubes were explored through studying colloidal properties and rheological characteristics. The addition of halloysite nanotubes facilitated the crosslinking of the biopolymer. The protective efficiency of the hydrogel was evaluated by studying the tensile properties of hair fibers exposed to UV irradiation. The results showed that the hydrogel filled with halloysite nanotubes effectively protected the hair.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lorenzo Lisuzzo, Theodore Hueckel, Giuseppe Cavallaro, Stefano Sacanna, Giuseppe Lazzara
Summary: A novel green protocol has been developed for the consolidation and protection of waterlogged archeological woods using wax microparticles, in which halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) based Pickering emulsions were designed. The prepared hybrid systems showed improved mechanical performance and thermal properties, demonstrating potential for the preservation of wooden artworks and shipwrecks.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Martina Maria Calvino, Lorenzo Lisuzzo, Giuseppe Cavallaro, Giuseppe Lazzara, Stefana Milioto
Summary: This study proposes a new protocol for the fabrication of halloysite based geopolymers filled with beeswax microparticles obtained from Pickering emulsions. The filling of the microwax into the geopolymers has been demonstrated through various techniques. The microwax particles were found to be homogeneously dispersed within the geopolymeric network, contributing to enhanced mechanical performances and heat storage capacity. The removal of wax from the hybrid geopolymers has been successfully achieved by rinsing with ethanol, allowing for control of the material's porosity.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lorenzo Lisuzzo, Giuseppe Cavallaro, Stefana Milioto, Giuseppe Lazzara
Summary: This study proposes Pickering emulsions based on wax and halloysite clay nanotubes for coating silk sutures to increase their loading capacity towards eosin. The presence of halloysite/wax microspheres on the surface of silk sutures has also been explored for controlled release of hydrophobic drugs. The influence of the coating on the thermal and mechanical properties of the sutures has been studied using various techniques. In conclusion, the wax/halloysite Pickering emulsions can successfully generate hydrophobic microdomains on the surface of silk sutures, leading to enhanced flexibility and improved loading capacity towards eosin.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chao Gao, Xinping Li, Guijuan Wei, Shoujuan Wang, Xixia Zhao, Fangong Kong
Summary: A novel composite solid electrolyte (PLHL-CSE) membrane was developed, consisting of PVDF-HFP, HPMC, LiTFSI, and LLZTO. It greatly improved the mechanical and electrochemical performance of PVDF-HFP-based electrolytes, showing better mechanical strength, enhanced ionic conductivity, and greater lithium-ion transference number. The PLHL-CSE membrane has good potential for practical application in lithium batteries as a hybrid composite solid electrolyte.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Vipawan Pitpisutkul, Jutarat Prachayawarakorn
Summary: Incorporating carboxymethyl starch and zinc oxide nanoparticles into hydroxypropyl methylcellulose film can improve its limitations for wound dressing application. The resulting films have increased moisture uptake, water vapor transmission rate, oxygen transmission rate, and antibacterial activity.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mehrab Pourmadadi, Sepehr Darvishan, Majid Abdouss, Fatemeh Yazdian, Abbas Rahdar, Ana M. Diez-Pascual
Summary: A pH-sensitive nanocomposite was synthesized by coating halloysite nanotubes (HNT) with polyacrylic acid (PAA)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogel for controlled delivery of curcumin (CUR) to MCF-7 cancer cells. Hazelnut oil and Span 80 surfactant were added to minimize the nanocomposite size and increase its uniformity, and to enhance the stability and retention of CUR as an anticancer drug, respectively. The resulting drug delivery system exhibited high drug loading and encapsulation efficiency, pH-sensitivity, and sustained drug release. It also demonstrated strong toxicity against MCF-7 cancer cells and induced apoptosis. These results highlight the potential of PAA/CMC/HNT/CUR hydrogel nanocomposites as smart drug delivery vehicles for breast cancer treatment.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Reza Eivazzadeh-Keihan, Leila Choopani, Hooman Aghamirza Moghim Aliabadi, Fatemeh Ganjali, Amir Kashtiaray, Ali Maleki, Reza Ahangari Cohan, Milad Salimi Bani, Samira Komijani, Mohammad Mahdi Ahadian, Nabi Salehpour, Mohammad Mahdavi
Summary: A novel and highly potent magnetic nanobiocomposite was synthesized and characterized. The results showed that the nanobiocomposite exhibited good hemocompatibility and anticancer properties, making it a potential candidate for hyperthermia cancer therapy.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yasser Zare, Kyong Yop Rhee
Summary: The expanded Takayanagi model is used to simplify and progress the modulus and strength of a halloysite nanotube (HNT)/polymer system after percolation onset. The HNT and interphase networks directly manipulate the strength of the system, while percolation onset and HNT radius have adverse effects. This study provides a theoretical basis for improving the strength of HNT-based nanocomposites.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Kedzierska, Sara Blilid, Katarzyna Milowska, Joanna Kolodziejczyk-Czepas, Nadia Katir, Mohammed Lahcini, Abdelkrim El Kadib, Maria Bryszewska
Summary: Marine polysaccharides are promising wound-dressing nanomaterials due to their biocompatibility, antibacterial and hemostatic properties. Efforts are focused on preparing polysaccharide-derived nanomaterials functionalized with chemical objects to meet mechanical and biological requirements for ideal wound healing. Cellulose-filled chitosan transparent films were investigated for their potential in accelerating wound healing, showing positive effects on hemostatic properties and antioxidant capacity, as well as biocompatibility with human cell lines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojuan Xu, Chunyu Chang, Mengxiang Zhu, Daofa Ying, Huaran Zhang
Summary: In this study, biodegradable cellulose films with excellent properties were successfully fabricated by incorporating natural wax into the cellulose matrix. The films exhibited good hydrophobicity and high tensile strength, and could be completely biodegraded in natural soil. The self-healing ability of the hydrophobic films was achieved through the release of wax during the annealing process. This research provides a facile strategy for developing cellulose-based materials as sustainable alternatives to petrochemical plastics, contributing to the mitigation of environmental issues caused by nondegradable plastic pollution.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Buket Alkan-Tas, Ayse Durmus-Sayar, Z. Efsun Duman, E. Billur Sevinis-Ozbulut, Aise Unlu, Baris Binay, Serkan Unal, Hayriye Unal
Summary: The study introduces safe and non-toxic antibacterial hybrid coatings made of lysostaphin and waterborne polyurethane. The coatings show strong antibacterial activity against MRSA and significant antibiofilm properties, offering an effective approach for preventing S. aureus associated nosocomial infections.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Fatemeh Doustdar, Ali Olad, Marjan Ghorbani
Summary: Chitosan, cellulose nanocrystals, and halloysite nanotubes were used to fabricate a three-dimensional nanocomposite scaffold with improved properties. The addition of halloysite nanotubes enhanced the scaffold's thermal stability, mechanical characteristics, water uptake, and degradation rate, demonstrating its potential for bone tissue engineering applications. Additionally, the scaffold showed good biomineralization, cell proliferation, and cell attachment, and the capability for curcumin delivery was successfully demonstrated through cell proliferation and antibacterial studies.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tetiana Shevtsova, Giuseppe Cavallaro, Giuseppe Lazzara, Stefana Milioto, Volodymyr Donchak, Khrystyna Harhay, Sergiy Korolko, Andrzej Budkowski, Yurij Stetsyshyn
Summary: New temperature-responsive hybrid nanomaterials based on modified halloysite nanotubes with grafted polymer brushes containing silver nanoparticles have been successfully fabricated. The introduction of silver nanoparticles significantly reduces the critical solution temperature of the polymer layer. These hybrid nanomaterials have potential applications in solid substrate conservation, production of medical facemasks, and photothermal therapy.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Asmaa M. Abu El-Soad, Giuseppe Lazzara, Mahmoud O. Abd El-Magied, Giuseppe Cavallaro, Jamelah S. Al-Otaibi, M. I. Sayyed, Elena G. Kovaleva
Summary: This study tested the adsorption characteristics of carboxyl group modified chitosan (CTS-CAA) towards copper (II) and zinc (II) ions, and characterized the modified chitosan using various techniques. The results showed that CTS-CAA had good adsorption capacity for Cu (II) and Zn (II), and exhibited favorable adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics under variable conditions. Moreover, CTS-CAA could be regenerated using different eluents.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lorenzo Lisuzzo, Giuseppe Cavallaro, Stefana Milioto, Giuseppe Lazzara
Summary: The functionalization of halloysite with sodium alkylsulphates generated hydrophobic microdomains with enhanced microviscosity, leading to larger enhancements on the rate constant of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. This study shows the potential of surfactant/halloysite hybrids as efficient and reusable nanocatalysts based on their unique microviscosity and polarity properties.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lorenzo Lisuzzo, Giuseppe Cavallaro, Stefana Milioto, Giuseppe Lazzara
Summary: This article provides an overview of the development of Pickering emulsions, with a focus on Halloysite stabilized emulsions. Halloysite nanotubes, as a naturally derived clay, are cheap, abundant, green, and biocompatible, making them an attractive choice for stabilizing emulsions. The review discusses the role of nanotubes in providing colloidal stability and comprehensively summarizes the use of these particles in various technological and industrial applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Martina Maria Calvino, Giuseppe Cavallaro, Lorenzo Lisuzzo, Giuseppe Lazzara
Summary: This study presents a simple strategy for separating halloysite/kaolinite mixtures in sucrose aqueous solution. Experimental results showed that sucrose concentration influences the dynamic behavior of halloysite nanotubes, while the addition of sucrose has minimal effect on the zeta potential of the nanoparticles. By analyzing sedimentation kinetics and behaviors of kaolinite and halloysite dispersions, it was confirmed that optimal separation may be achieved in 10 wt% sucrose solution. The efficiency of the separation protocol was determined through thermogravimetric experiments on the separated material and composites with variable composition.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tetiana Shevtsova, Giuseppe Cavallaro, Giuseppe Lazzara, Stefana Milioto, Volodymyr Donchak, Khrystyna Harhay, Sergiy Korolko, Andrzej Budkowski, Yurij Stetsyshyn
Summary: New temperature-responsive hybrid nanomaterials based on modified halloysite nanotubes with grafted polymer brushes containing silver nanoparticles have been successfully fabricated. The introduction of silver nanoparticles significantly reduces the critical solution temperature of the polymer layer. These hybrid nanomaterials have potential applications in solid substrate conservation, production of medical facemasks, and photothermal therapy.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Cavallaro, Lorenzo Lisuzzo, Giuseppe Lazzara, Stefana Milioto
Summary: The design of hydrogels for controlled release of active species is challenging yet attractive. In this study, hybrid hydrogels composed of halloysite nanotubes and alginate were prepared, featuring a unique wire-like shape. The interaction between the morphology and dimensions of the hydrogel wires was found to significantly affect the release of drugs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Rita Caruso, Lorenzo Lisuzzo, Giuseppe Cavallaro, Giacomo Mirto, Stefana Milioto, Giuseppe Lazzara
Summary: This article proposes a physico-chemical approach to characterize the conservation condition of yarns from a sixteenth-century Flemish tapestry. The study evaluates the aging effect on the yarns' performance through water uptake experiments, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The proposed characterization path provides valuable insights for assessing the condition of the tapestry and designing a conservation protocol.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Larissa dos Santos Silva Araujo, Giuseppe Lazzara, Leonardo Chiappisi
Summary: This study investigates the temperature responsive behavior of inclusion complexes formed by weakly anionic alkyl ethoxy carboxylates and alpha and beta-cyclodextrins. The research shows that the inclusion complexes formed with ionized surfactant soften with increasing temperature and exhibit in-plane crystallization. This study provides insights for designing multi-responsive supramolecular systems based on cyclodextrins.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Giulia D'Agostino, Rosalia Merra, Francesco Sottile, Giuseppe Lazzara, Maurizio Bruno
Summary: In the field of cultural heritage conservation, traditional products have been widely used for the plastic reintegration of wooden artifacts, although not specifically designed for this purpose. This study explores the use of cellulose pulp, obtained from softwood almond shells, as the most suitable material for wood restoration due to its material compatibility and potential for waste reuse. The cellulose pulp was combined with different binders to manufacture stuccos for wood consolidants, and also combined with the essential oil of Thymus capitaus to create stuccos with biocidal properties against fungal colonization or insect infestation. The physical flexion properties of the new materials were tested.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
L. G. Barbata, D. Scavuzzo, R. Ettlinger, M. M. Calvino, G. Lazzara, F. M. Gelardi, S. Agnello, M. Cannas, Russell E. Morris, G. Buscarino
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are extensively studied for their unique surface properties, with Breathing MOFs gaining recent interest for their ability to undergo structural changes based on environmental factors. Understanding the relationship between crystal structures and photoluminescence properties is crucial for designing next-generation sensors or light emitting devices.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Giulia D'Agostino, Rosalia Merra, Natale Badalamenti, Giuseppe Lazzara, Maurizio Bruno, Francesco Sottile
Summary: The possibility of using agricultural waste materials for the conservation of cultural and artistic heritage has led to important technological developments. This study investigates the binding properties of mucilage from two species of Opuntia plants collected in Sicily, Italy. Through chemical analysis, the composition of the mucilage was studied, revealing significant differences between the two species. The study also explores how different binders affect the appearance of dispersed pigments on different substrates.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andrii Melnyk, Olena Chyhyrynets, Giuseppe Lazzara
Summary: This study investigated the degradation process of a-lipoic acid under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and thermal stress in its native state and in a halloysite-based nanocomposite. The results showed that adding a-lipoic acid to halloysite significantly improved its resistance to UV light and heat, making it a potential material for enhancing the photodegradation resistance of pharmaceutical drugs or sunscreen cosmetics.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Larissa dos Santos Silva Araujo, Leah Watson, Daouda A. K. Traore, Giuseppe Lazzara, Leonardo Chiappisi
Summary: The inclusion complexes of alkyl ethoxy carboxylates with α-cyclodextrin and β-cyclodextrin were studied. The complexation process was found to be enthalpically driven and independent of pH. The complexes self-assembled into highly-ordered supramolecular aggregates, with different morphologies influenced by the number of ethylene oxides in the surfactants and the cyclodextrin cavity size.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Marina Massaro, Carmelo Giuseppe Colletti, Giuseppe Cavallaro, Giuseppe Lazzara, Paolo Lo Meo, Serena Riela, Renato Noto
Summary: The development of nano-formulations for cancer treatment is a major challenge in scientific research. Using the prodrug strategy with nanocarriers can improve the biological activity of drug molecules and reduce their side effects.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martina Maria Calvino, Giuseppe Lazzara, Giuseppe Cavallaro, Stefana Milioto
Summary: In this study, the formation, structural characteristics, thermodynamic properties, and kinetic features of supramolecular inclusion complexes formed by L35 Pluronic and hydroxyl propyl-modified cyclodextrins were investigated. The results show that these complexes have the potential to be used as thermo-sensitive nanocarriers with controlled release properties.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)