Review
Polymer Science
D. Shanthana Lakshmi, K. S. Radha, Roberto Castro-Munoz, Marek Tanczyk
Summary: Tailor-made materials fabrication requires meticulous planning, use of technical equipments, major components and suitable additives. The role of porogens in material fabrication is crucial, as they significantly influence material efficiency, stability, and applications.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuo Li, Yalun Yang, Shanshan Yang, Heshan Zheng, Yongjie Zheng, M. Jun, Dillirani Nagarajan, Sunita Varjani, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: Plastics have become an essential part of life, but when they enter the environment, they break down into smaller fragments called microplastics (MPs) which are detrimental to the environment and human health. Bioremediation is considered the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for MP degradation, but there is limited knowledge about it. This review explores the sources and migration behavior of MPs, discusses biodegradation potential and mechanisms, analyzes the factors influencing biodegradation, and discusses the prospects and challenges of biodegradation technologies for MPs.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Satti Venu Gopala Kumari, Kannan Pakshirajan, G. Pugazhenthi
Summary: This review discusses the application of biopolymers in food packaging and the limitations they face, as well as the latest research advancements to address these limitations. Loading nanofillers and blending biopolymers can improve their performance. The methods for achieving uniform dispersion of nanofillers and processing biopolymers are also discussed, along with the potential use of waste as raw materials and the concept of integrated biorefinery. The review also provides insights into future research prospects in this field and the contribution of biopolymers to sustainable development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xuan Liu, Handong Jiao, Mingyong Wang, Wei-li Song, Jilai Xue, Shuqiang Jiao
Summary: Metal-air batteries, especially those utilizing aluminum as the metal component, are viewed as promising battery prototypes due to their high specific capacity, energy density and the availability of air. Despite the advantages of aluminum, such as its abundant reserve, low price, high theoretical capacity and energy density, there are still scientific and technical challenges that need to be overcome for commercialization. This review highlights recent progress in Al-air batteries and addresses the challenges, providing guidance for future advancements in the field.
INTERNATIONAL MATERIALS REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zia Ullah Arif, Muhammad Yasir Khalid, Muhammad Fahad Sheikh, Ali Zolfagharian, Mahdi Bodaghi
Summary: This review presents the latest research on biopolymers and fiber-reinforced composites in the field of environmentally friendly materials. The study found that biopolymers have many excellent properties and have wide-ranging applications in various fields such as food, electronics, agriculture, textile, biomedical, and cosmetics. The review also discusses the degradation mechanisms, sustainability, as well as the challenges and opportunities of biopolymeric sustainable composites.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Huaming Yu, Chade Lv, Chunshuang Yan, Guihua Yu
Summary: This review emphasizes the importance of aqueous aluminum metal batteries (AMBs) and identifies the instability of the aluminum anode/electrolyte interface (AEI) as the main challenge to the further development of AMBs. The review also provides a systematic overview of recent progress in rational interface engineering principles and offers suggestions and perspectives for optimizing the aluminum anode and aqueous electrolytes to enable a stable and durable AEI.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Lopez-Ibanez, Ricardo Beiras
Summary: Marine ecosystems are threatened by plastics due to their persistence in the environment, lack of proper waste management, and global circulation. However, current international standards are ineffective in predicting the biodegradability of plastics in natural scenarios. In this study, a standard protocol based on biological oxygen demand is presented to determine the marine biodegradability of plastics, aiming to assist policy-makers and the plastic industry in finding truly marine-biodegradable alternatives.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Huichao Jin, Limei Tian, Wei Bing, Jie Zhao, Luquan Ren
Summary: This review focuses on six major bioinspired antifouling strategies, discusssing their mechanisms, fabrication methods, and current issues. It also introduces the multifunctional bioinspired antifouling strategy, combining the strengths of multiple approaches to potentially enhance the coatings' antifouling capabilities and lifespan, opening a new horizon for the future development of bioinspired marine antifouling coatings.
PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dace Gao, Jian Lv, Pooi See Lee
Summary: Natural polymers offer opportunities for sustainable practices in soft electronics, but face challenges such as limited durability and compromises between conductivity and deformability. Potential solutions and future prospects are proposed to address these challenges and further advance the field.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ricardo Beiras, Sara Lopez-Ibanez
Summary: Environmental persistence is a drawback of plastic materials. Compostable alternatives are being used in some commercial applications to replace polyolefins. A method using a non-linear logistic model to calculate ultimate biodegradability has been developed, and a novel material has shown promising biodegradability in marine conditions.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Kalpani Y. Perera, Amit K. Jaiswal, Swarna Jaiswal
Summary: Biopolymer-based packaging materials have gained significant interest worldwide due to their biodegradability, renewability, and biocompatibility. Various biopolymers, including starch, chitosan, carrageenan, and polylactic acid, have been studied for their potential use in food packaging. Reinforcement agents such as nanofillers and active agents enhance the properties of biopolymers for active and intelligent packaging applications. While certain biopolymer materials are already utilized in the packaging industry, there is a growing trend in their usage, leading to the implementation of legislations by various organizations. This review article discusses the challenges, possible solutions, and future trends in utilizing biopolymers for food packaging, emphasizing the need for further research and development.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shilpi Agarwal, Shailey Singhal, Chirag B. Godiya, Sanjay Kumar
Summary: Starch-based biopolymers have advantages such as non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, but they also have drawbacks such as brittleness and moisture sensitivity. Researchers are working on overcoming these drawbacks in order to improve their properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mattia Sacco, Michelle T. Guzik, Mieke van der Heyde, Paul Nevill, Steven J. B. Cooper, Andrew D. Austin, Peterson J. Coates, Morten E. Allentoft, Nicole E. White
Summary: Monitoring of biota is crucial for ecosystem assessment and conservation. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding provides a reliable molecular approach for biodiversity assessments. However, eDNA-based studies targeting subterranean ecosystems are still uncommon due to their inaccessibility and cryptic nature. Recent advances in genetic and genomic analyses offer a promising framework for exploring subterranean biodiversity and ecology.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Oskars Platnieks, Sergejs Gaidukovs, Vijay Kumar Thakur, Anda Barkane, Sergejs Beluns
Summary: The rising energy concerns, rapid infrastructure development, and greater environmental awareness have increased the demand for sustainable materials. Advances in sustainable technologies can effectively utilize sustainable materials for the production of bio-based plastics and biomaterials, providing a new source of renewable sustainable products and biofuel. Poly(butylene succinate) has significant potential for various applications in the development of high-value materials.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eugene Sefa Appiah, Perseverance Dzikunu, Nashiru Mahadeen, Daniel Nframah Ampong, Kwadwo Mensah-Darkwa, Anuj Kumar, Ram K. Gupta, Mark Adom-Asamoah
Summary: Developing low-cost and sophisticated electrode materials is crucial for the development of supercapacitors. Biopolymer-derived porous carbon electrode materials have gained significant attention due to their wide accessibility, high porosity, cost-effectiveness, low weight, biodegradability, and environmental friendliness. These materials also possess unique compositional, morphological, and electrochemical properties.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Rut Fernandez-Marin, Susana C. M. Fernandes, Ma Angeles Andres Sanchez, Jalel Labidi
Summary: The addition of curcuma oil, anthocyanins, and nanocrystals to a chitosan matrix improved mechanical properties and hydrophobicity, while reducing water solubility and moisture content. The resulting films also exhibited excellent UV/Vis light blocking below 550 nm, antioxidant properties, and sensitivity to color change when exposed to ammonia gas and different pH solutions, making them promising for intelligent food packaging applications.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yi Zhang, Xin Rui, Romy Vaugeois, Benjamin K. Simpson
Summary: Seal meat hydrolysates have high nutritional value and antioxidant activity, rich in essential amino acids and nutritive minerals. This study provides important information for seal meat hydrolysates as a healthy food supplement.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yi Zhang, Lea Spitzer, Xin Rui, Susana C. M. Fernandes, Romy Vaugeois, Benjamin K. Simpson
Summary: Seal meat is a highly nutritious food source, but it is not widely consumed due to ethical concerns, undesirable flavors, and loss of nutrients during processing. This study explored the use of seal meat hydrolysates as preservatives to improve nutrient bioavailability. The results showed that hydrolysates with antioxidant activity significantly reduced the amounts of Fe3+ ions in the digests of seal meat. Treatment with hydrolysates at room temperature resulted in a higher total Fe content compared to other conditions. Furthermore, the release of amino acids increased with temperature. Overall, this study highlights the potential of seal meat as a high-nutrient food product and seal meat hydrolysates as preservatives to control oxidation in food.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Colin McReynolds, Amandine Adrien, Natalia Castejon, Susana C. M. Fernandes
Summary: Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are emerging solvents that have versatile applications in processing marine biomass. They can extract substances and synthesize materials from marine biomass, and have the potential for future development. Despite some challenges, they are promising systems for marine biomass processing.
GREEN CHEMISTRY LETTERS AND REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Unnimaya Thalakkale Veettil, Sheila Olza, Elodie Bascans, Natalia Castejon, Amandine Adrien, Rut Fernandez-Marin, Corinne Nardin, Susana C. M. Fernandes, Nelly Brugerolle de Fraissinette
Summary: This article introduces the Special Issue entitled 'Women in Polymer Science and Technology: Biopolymers' and highlights the contributions of women in the field of biopolymer science and technology in the past 20 years. It covers research on various natural polymers as well as the discovery of new polysaccharides and enzymes, providing a crucial foundation for the development of the next generation of scientists in this field.
Editorial Material
Food Science & Technology
Yi Zhang, Benjamin K. Simpson
CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Castejon, Doris Marko
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using enzyme-based methods in combination with ultrasounds as green approaches to extract omega-3 lipids from microalgae. It was found that the use of Saczyme (R) enzyme achieved a comparable lipid yield to the traditional Folch method. GC-MS analysis showed that the green approaches did not affect the fatty acid profile. Additionally, the extracted lipids exhibited selective inhibition on colon carcinoma cells.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Haoshuang Chen, Shudong He, Hanju Sun, Qiuyang Li, Kuan Gao, Xinya Miao, Jie Xiang, Xiongjie Wu, Longmei Gao, Yi Zhang
Summary: The methods of hot water extraction and ultrasound-assisted enzymatic treatment were used to extract soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from glutinous rice bran. The optimum parameters for hot water extraction were determined to be an extraction time of 120 min, a solid-liquid ratio of 1:20 (w/v), pH 8.0, and an extraction temperature of 80°C, resulting in a SDF yield of 31.83% and purity of 93.28%. Ultrasound-assisted enzymatic treatment further improved the SDF yield to 34.87% under optimized conditions of cellulase dosage (9 x 10(3) U/g) and ultrasonic temperature (50°C). The functional properties of SDF extracted by ultrasound-assisted enzymatic method, including whiteness, solubility, water holding capacity, and swelling, were significantly enhanced compared to those extracted by hot water extraction. Both methods can be applied in practical production, and ultrasound-assisted enzymatic method has the potential to improve the functional properties of SDF.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yaqiong Wang, Wenjing Sun, Yi Zhang, Wei Li, Qiuqin Zhang, Xin Rui
Summary: Food matrix is important in regulating macronutrient digestibility. In this study, lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-fermented soy protein isolates (FSPIs) with varied concentrations were prepared and tested in an in vitro gastrointestinal model. A comparative digestomics research was conducted to analyze their structures and protein profiles. Results showed that FSPIs had varied structures and promoted the hydrolysis of different protein subunits at different stages of digestion. The spatial structures of glycinin G1 and 8-conglycinin alpha subunits played key roles in these discrepancies.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sakonwat Kuepethkaew, Sappasith Klomklao, Yi Zhang, Benjamin K. Simpson
Summary: The partitioning and recovery of proteases from stomach extract (SE) and acidified stomach extract (ASE) of lizardfish using a three-phase partitioning (TPP) system combined with an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) was optimized. The highest yield and purity were achieved in the interphase of the TPP system, with a SE or ASE to t-butanol ratio of 1.0 : 0.5 and 40% (w/w) (NH4)(2)SO4. ATPS conditions including PEG molecular mass and concentrations, as well as types and concentrations of salts, influenced protein partitioning. The combination of TPP, ATPS, and back extraction (BE) proved effective in recovering and purifying proteases from the stomach of lizardfish.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuemei Liu, Chaonan Cui, Shuoshuo Wei, Jinyu Han, Xinli Zhu, Qingfeng Ge, Hua Wang
Summary: This study presents a new strategy for designing efficient photocatalysts that can convert CO2 into hydrocarbons by utilizing synergistic catalytic sites. The findings provide a solution for the selective photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CH4.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chengxian Hu, Dan Wang, Lu Wang, Ying Fu, Zhengyin Du
Summary: A novel one-pot, three-component reaction conducted under electrochemical conditions was studied. The reaction involved 2-aminothiophenols, aldehydes, and malononitrile, using TBABF4 as an electrolyte and CuI as a catalyst. The proposed reaction mechanism suggested that CuI served as an electron relay. This method offers simplified operation, high atom economy, and mild reaction conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhi Yang, Yu Chen, Linxi Wan, Yuxiao Li, Dan Chen, Jianlin Tao, Pei Tang, Fen-Er Chen
Summary: A highly enantioselective method for the complete hydrogenation of pyrimidinium salts using Ir/(S,S)-f-Binaphane complex as the catalyst was developed. This method provides easy access to fully saturated chiral hexahydropyrimidines, which are prevalent in many bioactive molecules. The reactions exhibit high yields and enantioselectivities under mild reaction conditions without additives. Successful application of this methodology in a continuous flow fashion further extends its practical utility.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tina Jeoh, Jennifer Danger Nill, Wujun Zhao, Sankar Raju Narayanasamy, Liang Chen, Hoi-Ying N. Holman
Summary: In this study, the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose was investigated using real-time infrared spectromicroscopy. The spatial heterogeneity of cellulose was found to impact the hydrolysis kinetics. Hydration affected cellulose ordering, and Cel7A preferentially removed less extensively hydrogen bonded cellulose.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tiphaine Richard, Walid Abdallah, Xavier Trivelli, Mathieu Sauthier, Clement Dumont
Summary: An effective method of grafting functionalities onto lignin based on glycerol carbonate has been developed using an efficient nickel-catalysed telomerisation reaction. This method allows lignin to have new reactive functions and reduces the glass transition temperatures of modified lignins, thereby expanding the application range of lignin-based resins.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Qi, Xiyan Wang, Gan Wang, Srinivas Reddy Dubbaka, Patrick ONeill, Hwee Ting Ang, Jie Wu
Summary: This study presents a green and environmentally friendly approach for the synthesis of imides using electrocatalytic oxidation with H2O as the oxygen source. The method eliminates the need for toxic or expensive oxidants and achieves high yields under mild reaction conditions. It shows broad substrate compatibility and potential for industrial applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Babasaheb Sopan Gore, Lin-Wei Pan, Jun-Hao Lin, Yi-Chi Luo, Jeh-Jeng Wang
Summary: Here, we report a visible light-promoted intramolecular radical cascade reaction for the construction of fluorenol and naphthalene-fused cyclopropyl carbaldehyde derivatives. This method offers mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, excellent step efficiency, and scalability, without the need for external chemical oxidants. The novelty of this protocol was demonstrated by synthesizing chrysene analogs and performing late-stage functionalizations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juho Antti Sirvio, Idamaria Romakkaniemi, Juha Ahola, Svitlana Filonenko, Juha P. Heiskanen, Ari Ammala
Summary: This article discusses the method of using supramolecular interaction between an aromatic hydrogen bond donor and lignin to achieve rapid delignification of softwood at low temperatures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yunyan Meng, Chunxiang Pan, Na Liu, Hongjiang Li, Zixiu Liu, Yao Deng, Zixiang Wei, Jianbin Xu, Baomin Fan
Summary: A novel visible light-driven synthesis method for 2,3-diamines has been developed, which has mild conditions, avoids the use of metal reagents, and can synthesize diamines and diols in one pot.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingqing Huang, Haiyang Huang, Mengyao You, Xinxin Zhang, Longgen Sun, Chao Chen, Zhichao Mei, Ruchun Yang, Qiang Xiao
Summary: A direct air-oxidized strategy for the synthesis of benzo[b]phosphole oxides was developed in this study. Arylphosphine oxides were transformed into phosphinoyl radicals, which were further combined with various alkynes to achieve the desired products. DFT calculations revealed the mechanism of phosphinoyl radical formation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anwei Wang, Jiayin Huang, Chunsheng Zhao, Yu Fan, Junfeng Qian, Qun Chen, Mingyang He, Weiyou Zhou
Summary: This study demonstrates an innovative strategy for the aerobic oxidation of C(sp(3))-H bonds using gamma-valerolactone. By optimizing the reaction conditions and utilizing specific catalysts, efficient oxidation of C(sp(3))-H bonds is achieved with good chemoselectivity in certain cases.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shun Li, Likai Tong, Zhijian Peng, Bo Zhang, Xiuli Fu
Summary: Sulfide compounds show promise as electrocatalysts for water splitting, but their performance is limited by factors such as limited active sites and hindered substance transport. This study successfully prepared a high-entropy sulfide (ZnCoMnFeAlMg)(9)S-8, which reduced grain size and increased specific surface area, enabling the realization of a dual-functional catalyst with multiple catalytic sites. High entropy also modulated the electronic properties of sulfides, reducing the potential energy barrier for hydrolysis. This research introduces a new approach for functionalizing high entropy nanomaterials and improves the performance of water splitting catalysts.