Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sanosh Kunjalukkal Padmanabhan, Leonardo Lamanna, Marco Friuli, Alessandro Sannino, Christian Demitri, Antonio Licciulli
Summary: In this study, a sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) hydrogel was produced through a bacterial cellulose etherification reaction with chloroacetic acid in an alkaline medium. The synthesized CMC exhibited solubility in water, and FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the etherification reaction. The alkalinization effect on BC modification was studied, and SEM analysis showed a change in BC microstructure. The optimized CMC could be used to produce ultrapure hydrogel for applications in healthcare and pharmaceutical industry.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisco A. G. Soares Silva, Frank Meister, Fernando Dourado, Miguel Gama
Summary: Due to the global shortage of cotton, the textile industry is searching for sustainable alternatives and developing sustainable recycling processes. The combination of bacterial cellulose (BC) and cellulose filaments with low degree of polymerization (DP) has been found to improve the mechanical properties of the fibers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Edina Rusen, Gabriela Isopencu, Gabriela Toader, Aurel Diacon, Adrian Dinescu, Alexandra Mocanu
Summary: New functional materials based on bacterial cellulose (BC) grafted with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivatives were developed for food packaging applications. The degradation rates of the materials were assessed using a new evaluation method proposed in this study. The results showed that PEG derivatives with higher molecular weight accelerated the degradation process compared to the pristine samples. The study also established a correlation between SEM analysis and mathematically determined degradation rates.
Article
Polymer Science
Nabendu B. Pramanik, Vidyasagar Adiyala, Weipeng Wang, Feng Liang, Pulickel Ajayan, George John
Summary: This study presents a green alternative by developing poly(ethylene glycol) based polymers coated proppants that can swell in supercritical CO2 to decrease the density of the proppant.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Soon Mo Choi, Kummara Madhusudana Rao, Sun Mi Zo, Eun Joo Shin, Sung Soo Han
Summary: Bacterial cellulose is a functional material with wide applications in medical, food, textile industries, and is considered a highly versatile green material.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Qun Yang, Jinfeng Wang, Yongbo Yao, Zhengwei Dai
Summary: A composite hydrogel film of bacterial cellulose/collagen/polyvinyl alcohol was prepared by soaking method, and it showed significant improvements in tensile strength and elongation at break. After crosslinking treatment, the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the composite film were further enhanced.
FIBERS AND POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Vegar Ottesen, Kristin Syverud
Summary: Research showed that the swellability of cellulose nanofibrils depends on their degree of crystallinity rather than the diameter. Samples with higher crystallinity had a smaller diameter increase upon introduction of de-ionized water, while samples with lower crystallinity had a larger diameter increase.
Article
Polymer Science
Helena Oliver-Ortega, Shiyu Geng, Francesc Xavier Espinach, Kristiina Oksman, Fabiola Vilaseca
Summary: The study focused on utilizing bacterial cellulose from kombucha tea fermentation as a reinforcing nanofiber network in PMMA matrix, leading to the creation of lightweight, porous nanocomposites with excellent mechanical properties. The nanofibrils in the KBC network had diameters ranging between 20-40 nm and exhibited high crystallinity (>90%). The prepared nanocomposites showed uniform structure, high stiffness, and were homogeneously impregnated with the PMMA matrix, demonstrating the potential of KBC as a template for polymer nanocomposites.
Article
Polymer Science
Feitian Bai, Tengteng Dong, Zheng Zhou, Wei Chen, Chenchen Cai, Xusheng Li
Summary: This study demonstrates a strategy of intergranular swelling, hydrolysis, and oxidation to overcome the biological barriers in cellulose. The pretreatment of bagasse significantly removes lignin and cellulose, increases the specific surface area and pore size, and improves the glucose recovery in enzymolysis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shanmugavel Sudarsan, Evgeny Trofimov, D. S. Franklin, Selvam Mullai Venthan, Selvam Guhanathan, Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa, Suchart Siengchin
Summary: In this study, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose grafted hydrogel and its silver nanocomposite hydrogels were developed using a simple and ecofriendly method. Mint leaf extract was used as a natural reducing agent. The synthesized nanocomposite hydrogels showed good antibacterial activity and swelling properties.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Euijin Shim, Carla Silva, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Hye Rim Kim
Summary: This study investigated the effects of modifying bacterial cellulose as a template on the in situ polymerization of catechol by laccase. The modification involved sulfonation and the entrapment of carboxymethyl cellulose. After the in situ polymerization, conductive and colored bacterial cellulose composites were obtained. The results suggest the potential of modified bacterial cellulose as a template for the formation of functional polymers and composite materials.
TEXTILE RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Crystallography
Izabela Betlej, Katarzyna Rybak, Malgorzata Nowacka, Andrzej Antczak, Slawomir Borysiak, Barbara Krochmal-Marczak, Karolina Lipska, Piotr Boruszewski
Summary: The paper presents the research results on the microstructure of bacterial cellulose obtained on a medium containing sweet potato peel, compared to cellulose obtained on a synthetic medium containing sucrose and peptone. The BC-SP showed higher degree of polymerization and lower porosity than BC-N, which provide great opportunities for various applications of cellulose.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Manuel Horue, Jhonatan Miguel Silva, Ignacio Rivero Berti, Larissa Reis Brandao, Hernane da Silva Barud, Guillermo R. R. Castro
Summary: Bacterial cellulose (BC), produced by microorganisms, can be modified to produce different cellulosic formats. BC has advantages for biomedical applications such as easy moldability, high biocompatibility, and tailoring ability. Its hydroxyl residues and nanoporous morphology make it ideal for wound healing. This article discusses the characteristics of different BC structures, recent advances in BC composites, and the development of antimicrobial BC and drug delivery systems.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Miaomiao Ma, Yuhong Qi, Zhanping Zhang
Summary: In this study, a model was designed to simulate the swelling process of PEG membranes in seawater using the MD method. It was found that seawater ions accelerate the swelling of PEG membranes and change the distribution structure of the hydration layer and the structure of the PEG chain. This provides important insights for the modification design of PEG coatings.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Aida Fadakar Sarkandi, Majid Montazer, Mahnaz Mahmoudi Rad
Summary: The study introduced a functionalized naturally driven hydrogel layer with oxygen delivery, safe antimicrobial properties, and prolonged drying time. The treated layers showed increased porosity and longer release time of oxygen, along with antibacterial, antifungal, and excellent wound healing properties. This approach is effective for efficient wound healing.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xue Yang, Jing Zhao, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Jing Su, Hongbo Wang
Summary: Enzyme immobilization provides enhanced stability for laccase and improves the adsorption and degradation efficiency of pollutants. In this study, bimetallic Cu/Zn ZIFs were used as a protective carrier for laccase, showing high operational stability and efficient decolorization of dye wastewater. The encapsulated laccase could be recovered and reused multiple times, indicating great potential for water remediation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Tiago Ferreira, Ana Loureiro, Jennifer Noro, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Tarsila G. Castro
Summary: This study introduces a computational methodology for researching silicone alternatives and measures their structural performance in formulations. It also develops an equilibration protocol to determine their distribution and densities compared to their counterparts using molecular dynamics simulations. Testing two systems, it concludes that all systems converge towards micelle-like structures.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Diana Rocha, David S. Freitas, Jessica Magalhaes, Mariana Fernandes, Sonia Silva, Jennifer Noro, Artur Ribeiro, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Madalena Martins, Carla Silva
Summary: The demand for products based on natural ingredients is increasing among cosmetic and textile consumers. Cork extracts contain components of interest with special properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities, that might improve the effectiveness of cosmetic formulations currently on the market and may impart new characteristics to textiles.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sara S. Marques, Ines I. Ramos, Carla Silva, Luisa Barreiros, Maria R. Domingues, Marcela A. . Segundo
Summary: The concentration of nanoparticles (NPs) is crucial for the development and quality control of nanocarriers. This study proposes a miniaturized automated method to measure NPs concentration, which is fast, simple, and suitable for research and quality control operations. The method utilizes the measurement of light scattering caused by NPs passing through an optical path, achieving accurate and efficient quantification of NPs concentration.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David S. Freitas, Vania Quesado, Diana Rocha, Jennifer Noro, Madalena Martins, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Carla Silva
Summary: In this study, the enzymatic synthesis was employed as a sustainable approach for producing polyesters, aiming to reduce toxicity and operational costs. The use of NADES as a source of monomers for polymerization reactions catalyzed by lipase was detailed. The high conversion rates (above 70%) and simplicity of production, along with the non-toxicity and low cost of NADES, make them a greener and cleaner option for synthesizing high value-added products.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Euijin Shim, Carla Silva, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Hye Rim Kim
Summary: This study investigated the effects of modifying bacterial cellulose as a template on the in situ polymerization of catechol by laccase. The modification involved sulfonation and the entrapment of carboxymethyl cellulose. After the in situ polymerization, conductive and colored bacterial cellulose composites were obtained. The results suggest the potential of modified bacterial cellulose as a template for the formation of functional polymers and composite materials.
TEXTILE RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Yu Li, Jing Su, Tarsila G. Castro, Artur Cavaco-Paulo
Summary: Commercial hair perming damages both hair fiber quality and human health due to the use of strong reducing agents. This study demonstrates the use of tyrosine as a cross-linking agent for reshaping hair by breaking disulfide bonds and rearranging new bonds between keratin molecules. The results show that tyrosine can successfully cross-link amines and thiols, providing a potential alternative to commercial perming products. This new methodology offers a gentle and user-friendly approach in the hair care industry.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tarsila G. Castro, Manuel Melle-Franco, Cristina E. A. Sousa, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Joao C. Marcos
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of non-canonical amino acids and their applications in designing peptidomimetics. These amino acids are widely found in nature and can enhance stability and biological function. Experimental and molecular modeling approaches are used to classify different classes of non-canonical amino acids based on their ability to induce specific secondary structures. This knowledge is crucial in the field of peptidomimetics, which has the potential to develop new bioactive molecules and materials.
Review
Biology
Bruno Fernandes, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Teresa Matama
Summary: The use of permanent hair dyes to change natural hair color is associated with fiber damage and an increased risk of health problems. The future of hair dyeing may involve modulating pigment production in specialized cells called melanocytes located in the hair roots. This paper critically reviews mammalian pigmentation biology to develop innovative cosmetics that can safely change hair color from the inside out.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David S. Freitas, Vania Quesado, Diana Rocha, Jennifer Noro, Madalena Martins, Artur Cavaco-Paulo, Carla Silva
Summary: This study presents a detailed investigation on the feasibility of synthesizing polyesters through lipase-catalyzed esterification using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) as the source of monomers in an anhydrous medium. Three different NADES composed of glycerol and an organic base or acid were used for the synthesis of polyesters, and high conversion rates (above 70%) and at least 20 monomeric units (glycerol:organic acid/base 1:1) were achieved according to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) analysis.
