Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jin-Woo Kim, Joseph Batta-Mpouma, Gurshagan Kandhola, Joshua Sakon
Summary: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) can be crosslinked to form nanoparticle-based hydrogels with tunable physicochemical properties, which improves the instability issue of CNCs in moist environments. The strength of intermolecular hydrogen bonding can be controlled by the type and concentration of crosslinkers as well as the CNC concentration. By changing the crosslinking conditions, the surface chemistry of CNCs can be transformed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, and the topology and aqueous stability of self-assembled structures can be tuned.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ningsi Wei, Murong Liao, Kaijie Xu, Zhiyong Qin
Summary: A series of SPI-based composite films were prepared by adding a small amount of reinforced materials (3%), improving the water resistance, hydrophilicity, mechanical properties and thermal stability of the films. The hydrogen bonding and filling effect of the reinforcing materials contribute to the formation of film structure, while EGDE cross-linking SPI with CNF and GO builds a chemical network to enhance the film properties.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hongjie Dai, Lin Peng, Hongxia Wang, Xin Feng, Liang Ma, Hai Chen, Yong Yu, Hankun Zhu, Yuhao Zhang
Summary: In this study, chitosan and montmorillonite were used to improve the properties of gelatin films through self-assembly. The results showed that the introduction of chitosan and montmorillonite enhanced the hydrophobicity and antimicrobial properties of the gelatin films.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xin Feng, Hongjie Dai, Hongxia Tan, Mi Tang, Liang Ma, Yuhao Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the impact of different pH values (4, 7, 11) and nanocellulose morphologies (CNCs, CNSs, CNFs) on the performance of low-oil gelatin emulsions. The results showed that the electrostatic complex at pH 4 transformed into free molecules at pH 11, reducing the interaction between gelatin and nanocellulose. The emulsion at pH 7 exhibited improved stability and smaller creaming index compared to pH 4 and pH 11, with changes in the composition of the interfacial film and the formation of a compact network.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Renuka Garg, Harshdeep Rana, Nirmal Singh, Saswata Goswami
Summary: In this study, the research focused on improving the thermo-mechanical and barrier properties of polymer blends containing guar gum (GG), nanocellulose (NC), polyethylene glycol (PG), and glutaraldehyde (GA) as a cross linker. The optimal composition achieved maximum tensile strength of 41.25 MPa and minimal water vapor permeability of 2.64 x 10-8 g m-1 h-1 Pa-1. Crosslinking confirmed the hydrophobic nature of the film, which also exhibited better thermal properties and decreased moisture uptake capacity. Soil burial tests showed over 85% degradability within 45 days, and the crosslinked composite film demonstrated efficient antibacterial activity against various bacteria.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Lili Ren, Guoyi He, Yaxin Zhou, Jie Dai, Wenjun Miao, Chengcheng Ouyang, Jia Liu, Guoguang Chen
Summary: A novel hydrogel with broad-spectrum antibacterial abilities and good antioxidant performance has been successfully synthesized in this study. The hydrogel can effectively promote cell proliferation and accelerate the healing of infected wounds. This new approach provides further solutions for clinical wound dressings.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xin Feng, Hongjie Dai, Yu Fu, Yong Yu, Hankun Zhu, Hongxia Wang, Hai Chen, Liang Ma, Yuhao Zhang
Summary: In this study, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), cellulose nanospheres (CNSs), and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) were prepared and compared for their effects on the interfacial and emulsifying properties of gelatin/nanocellulose complexes. The addition of nanocellulose increased the surface hydrophobicity and apparent viscosity of the complexes, with CNCs and CNSs having the strongest and weakest effects, respectively. Increasing the nanocellulose concentration further improved the interfacial and emulsion stability.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Shihan Wulin, Bing-Chiuan Shiu, Qian-Yu Yuan, He-Qin Zhangjian, Jia-Horng Lin, Ching-Wen Lou
Summary: A new bone scaffold design was proposed in this study, utilizing polymers synthesized separately with three types of minerals as fillers and prepared using the microwave foaming method, resulting in bone scaffolds with a certain level of porosity and strength.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jie Liu, Liru Zhang, Chang Liu, Xuejing Zheng, Keyong Tang
Summary: Crosslinking gelatin edible films with oxidized polysaccharides, such as pullulan dialdehyde (PDA), can significantly alter the structure and properties of the films. The molecular weight of PDA plays a crucial role in affecting the network structure and properties of the gelatin films. Overall, PDA crosslinking is a potential alternative for tuning the structure and properties of gelatin edible films.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wenzao Peng, Shuangshuang Ren, Yibo Zhang, Ruyi Fan, Yi Zhou, Lu Li, Xuanwen Xu, Yan Xu
Summary: The Coaxial-MgO nanocellulose membranes demonstrated superior biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, and promotion of proliferation and adhesion of human periodontal ligament stem cells. Additionally, they exhibited enhanced osteogenic and antimicrobial performance compared to the control groups.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Ahmad Mus'ab Ahmad Hariza, Mohd Heikal Mohd Yunus, Mh Busra Fauzi, Jaya Kumar Murthy, Yasuhiko Tabata, Yosuke Hiraoka
Summary: The use of gelatin in scaffold fabrication is limited due to its lack of enzymatic and thermal resistance, as well as mechanical weakness. This study aimed to improve gelatin-based scaffolds by incorporating elastin and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and crosslinking them with genipin. The composite scaffolds demonstrated enhanced porosity, swelling capacity, and enzymatic resistance compared to pure gelatin scaffolds. The addition of elastin and CNC also improved the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of the scaffolds, making them promising candidates for acellular skin substitutes.
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia Fernandez-Santos, Cristina Valls, Oriol Cusola, M. Blanca Roncero
Summary: This study mixed cellulose nanocrystals with cellulose nanofibril or carboxymethylcellulose to obtain cast films that can replace food packaging plastics. Both nanofibril and carboxymethylcellulose improved the physical properties and gas permeability of the films, especially at high humidity levels. Food packaging simulation tests confirmed that the films containing carboxymethylcellulose performed the best, and these composite films are biodegradable.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Sandeep S. Ahankari, Aditya R. Subhedar, Swarnim S. Bhadauria, Alain Dufresne
Summary: Research on using NC as a sustainable food packaging material has accelerated, with a focus on its application in nanocomposites, future directions, and challenges in commercial exploitation.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Federico Carosio, Lilian Medina, Joby Kochumalayil, Lars A. Berglund
Summary: A new study has developed fire resistant foams using biobased components to replace petroleum-based foams, showing excellent fire-retardant performance.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Ander Orue, Jon Anakabe, Ane Miren Zaldua-Huici, Arantxa Eceiza, Aitor Arbelaiz
Summary: This study focuses on the properties of biocomposites based on poly(lactic acid)/poly(methyl methacrylate) blends and NaOH-treated sisal fibers. The addition of treated sisal fibers increased the heat deflection temperature of the composites, but the specific tensile strength decreased due to the damaged adhesion between the fiber and polymer matrix during the annealing process.
JOURNAL OF THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Aaron Perez Das Dores, Oihane Llorente, Loli Martin, Alba Gonzalez, Lourdes Irusta
Summary: Waterborne polyurethanes are important in industrial applications as adhesives and coatings due to the reduction in organic solvents. The introduction of siloxane groups into the soft segment increased surface roughness and hydrophobicity, but did not affect adhesion values. The polyurethanes were characterized using various techniques such as FTIR and DLS, and their performance on metal substrates was studied.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oihane C. Basurko, Gorka Markalain, Maria Mateo, Cristina Pena-Rodriguez, Gurutz Mondragon, Ander Larruskain, Joana Larreta, Nadia Moalla Gil
Summary: The European Commission is addressing the challenge of End-Of-Life (EOL) fishing gear and Abandoned, Lost, or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) by focusing on circular economy. They emphasize the need for proper management of EOL fishing gear and request Member States to set collection and treatment targets. However, the implementation of these directives is not widely coordinated. In Spain, 1643 tonnes of EOL fishing gear, mainly nets, are discarded in different ports each year. High-density polyethylene and polyamide 6 are the most common discarded polymers. The management of EOL fishing gear varies depending on the port and involves agreements between local fishers' guilds and waste management companies.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
J. L. Osa, G. Mondragon, N. Ortega, F. F. Marzo, C. Pena-Rodriguez
Summary: This study explores the friability of mussel shells as abrasive in sandblasting and compares it with the common abrasive material garnet. The results indicate that mussel shells have lower friability but still possess the potential to substitute garnet.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
M. Puyadena, I. Etxeberria, L. Martin, A. Mugica, A. Agirre, M. Cobos, A. Gonzalez, A. Barrio, L. Irusta
Summary: Phosphorus modified polyurethane/acrylic hybrid dispersions were prepared for flame retardant transparent wood coatings. The introduction of phosphorus did not significantly change the polymerisation process but promoted the cross-linking of the coatings. The coated wood samples maintained transparency and good properties while showing improvement in fire-retardant performance.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Eider Mendiburu-Valor, Gurutz Mondragon, Nekane Gonzalez, Galder Kortaberria, Loli Martin, Arantxa Eceiza, Cristina Pena-Rodriguez
Summary: This study investigates the degradation of PET samples from urban and marine wastes and evaluates the impact of degradation on the chemical recycling process. The results show that all PET residues were degraded, and the initial degradation of PET wastes increases the monomer content in the glycolyzed samples.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Izaskun Larraza, Julen Vadillo, Tamara Calvo-Correas, Alvaro Tejado, Loli Martin, Aitor Arbelaiz, Arantxa Eceiza
Summary: Waterborne, polyurethane-urea (WBPUU) based inks with cellulose nanofibers (CNF) as a rheological modulator were prepared by two methods: ex situ and in situ. In situ addition allows proximity of WBPUU particles and CNF, favoring interactions and chemical bonds formation.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
M. Cobos, E. Pagalday, M. Puyadena, X. Cabido, L. Martin, A. Mugica, L. Irusta, A. Gonzalez
Summary: Waterborne polyurethane dispersions with Casein as a flame retardant additive were prepared using two different methods. The addition of Casein improved the thermal stability and delayed the combustion of the coatings.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Julen Vadillo, Izaskun Larraza, Tamara Calvo-Correas, Loli Martin, Christophe Derail, Arantxa Eceiza
Summary: In this study, shape-customized scaffolds based on waterborne polyurethane-urea (WBPUU) were prepared using direct ink writing 3D-printing and freeze-drying techniques. The addition of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) during the synthesis of WBPUU and the immersion of printed constructs in CaCl2 prior to freeze-drying promoted ionic crosslinking and enhanced the printing performance and shape fidelity of the scaffolds. The CNC addition resulted in a more homogeneous porous structure and increased swelling capacity of the scaffolds. The CNC also reinforced the printed systems, increasing the compression modulus. Crosslinked samples exhibited a rigid shell, leading to stiffer scaffolds with lower water absorption and improved thermal stability. These findings demonstrate the potential of post-printing processes for tuning the mechanical properties and widening the applications of these scaffolds.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ion Olazabal, Alba Gonzalez, Saul Vallejos, Ivan Rivilla, Coralie Jehanno, Haritz Sardon
Summary: The systematic and efficient recycling of all forms of plastic, particularly polyurethanes, is crucial. This study demonstrates that depolymerization reactions with secondary amines selectively cleave the C-O bond of the urethane group, leading to the recovery of the initial polyol and the synthesis of functional diureas. Different secondary amines were used to synthesize a small library of diureas in good yields. This research not only targets the recovery of polyols but also aims to develop new building blocks for innovative polymer materials.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Eider Mendiburu-Valor, Tamara Calvo-Correas, Loli Martin, Isabel Harismendy, Cristina Pena-Rodriguez, Arantxa Eceiza
Summary: This paper focuses on the synthesis of sustainable thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) using a recycled bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) monomer obtained from marine polyethylene terephthalate (PET) litter and a renewable castor oil-derived macrodiol. The TPUs were synthesized in bulk without catalysts, with different BHET contents as chain extenders. Extensive characterization of the BHET monomer and TPUs was conducted. The TPUs synthesized in this work, consisting of at least three quarters of biobased and recycled components, exhibited favorable thermal, thermomechanical, and mechanical properties.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Aitor Arbelaiz, Ander Orue
Summary: The current study characterized rod like nanocrystals isolated from walnut shells, including their crystallinity index, thermal stability, chemical composition, and geometrical features. The study demonstrated the successful isolation of rod like nanocrystals using the proposed procedures. Furthermore, the isolated nanocrystals showed lower non-cellulosic compound content, higher aspect ratio, and crystallinity index values when alkali solution pretreatments and acid hydrolysis were employed compared to direct acid hydrolysis. The aspect ratio and thermal stability of the nanocrystals in this study were higher than those reported in the literature for other walnut shell nanocrystals. Finally, the properties of the isolated nanocrystals were compared with a commercial cellulose nanocrystal and other nanocrystals reported in the literature.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
