Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dawei Zhao, Bo Pang, Ying Zhu, Wanke Cheng, Kaiyue Cao, Dongdong Ye, Chuanling Si, Guangwen Xu, Chaoji Chen, Haipeng Yu
Summary: This paper reports a smart material inspired by the dermis of the sea cucumber, which can change its stiffness through developing interchangeable supramolecular configurations. The material exhibits extreme mechanical properties and excellent load-bearing capability, making it highly promising for advanced engineering fields. The material also displays self-healing behavior and designable formability.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Shiyi Lu, Bernadine M. Flanagan, Deirdre Mikkelsen, Barbara A. Williams, Michael J. Gidley
Summary: The study found that the primary cell walls of plants provide a main dietary source of fermentable carbohydrates. The individual components like xyloglucan, pectin, and cellulose found in these cell walls were fermented differently by the gut microbiota, leading to varied fermentation outcomes and shifts in microbial communities.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yao Zhang, Jingyi Yu, Xuan Wang, Daniel M. Durachko, Sulin Zhang, Daniel J. Cosgrove
Summary: Plants have evolved complex nanofibril-based cell walls to meet diverse biological and physical constraints, with cellulose and matrix polysaccharides playing important mechanical roles. By simulating the assembly and tensile mechanics of cell walls, researchers found that fibril-fibril sliding in cellulose networks leads to plasticity, revealing design principles of biomaterials.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Maria Di Vincenzo, Alberto Tiraferri, Valentina-Elena Musteata, Stefan Chisca, Rachid Sougrat, Li-Bo Huang, Suzana P. Nunes, Mihail Barboiu
Summary: Inspired by biological proteins, artificial water channels (AWCs) can enhance the performance of traditional desalination membranes, providing a more efficient method for selective water transport in seawater desalination. By incorporating AWCs in composite polyamide, these biomimetic membranes exhibit high water-to-salt permeability under high pressure, suitable for seawater desalination, with a rejection rate of 99.5% for NaCl or 91.4% for boron.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Min Xiang, Shuai Yuan, Qing Zhang, Xiaohui Liu, Qingyao Li, Zhengmei Leng, Jingjing Sha, Charles T. Anderson, Chaowen Xiao
Summary: Xyloglucan galactosylation mediated by MUR3 is crucial for cell wall assembly and homeostasis, which affects plant growth and cell wall integrity. The deficiency of xyloglucan galactosylation leads to reduced cellulose synthesis, abnormal pectin cross-linking, and perturbed cytoskeleton behavior and endomembrane stability.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Keke Du, Dongyan Zhang, Shuangbao Zhang, Kam Chiu Tam
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the development of functional cellulose nanofiber (CNF) as electrode materials through the layer-by-layer (LbL) approach. The electrodes prepared using this method exhibit excellent properties such as high specific surface area, outstanding electrical conductivity, superior electrochemical activity, and exceptional mechanical stability.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Arthur Bouchut, Bernard Cathala, Celine Moreau, Michael Lecourt, Michel Petit-Conil, Asja Pettignano, Julien Bernard, Aurelia Charlot, Etienne Fleury
Summary: This study reports a strategy to functionalize cellulosic surfaces through physical adsorption of xyloglucan (XG) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) derivatives bearing allyl or alkyne groups. The derivatives with degrees of substitution ranging from 0.10 to 0.44 are prepared through the opening of the epoxide ring under mild basic aqueous medium. The deposition of these functionalized polysaccharides onto Whatman paper and wood pine fibers shows that the physisorption of the polymer chains is not altered by the extent of the modification or the nature of the substituents.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yunshan Liu, Jianzhong Jiang
Summary: In this study, /9-ionone was encapsulated using complex coacervation of gelatin and pectin, followed by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. The shape, size, and encapsulation efficiency of the microcapsule were significantly affected by the gelatin/pectin ratio and pH value. The microcapsules exhibited good thermal stability and slow release performance, making them a potential carrier for flavors like /9-ionone.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Luo Yuanzheng, Wan Youqi, Huang Jiang, Li Buyin
Summary: Graphene-elastomer with multiscale architecture design shows great potential in pressure sensing and energy storage due to its mechanical flexibility and high charge-transfer rate. A method to fabricate lightweight and resilient graphene/cellulose nanocrystalline aerogel monoliths is reported, with the resulting materials mimicking the vein-like texture of nature and demonstrating rapid recovery from compression. By incorporating sulfur nanoparticles into the graphene/cellulose nanocrystalline aerogel matrix, high reversible discharge capacity and low capacity fading are achieved for use in Li-S batteries.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Motahira Hashmi, Sana Ullah, Azeem Ullah, Yusuke Saito, Md. Kaiser Haider, Xinyu Bie, Kosei Wada, Ick Soo Kim
Summary: This study demonstrates the advantages of using nanofiber webs to enclose fruits and vegetables for food packaging applications, showing superior freshness and lower moisture accumulation compared to traditional plastic lids. The mechanical, structural, and morphological properties of the nanofiber mats make them suitable for food packaging.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Baoxiu Wang, Peng Ji, Yiding Ma, Jianchun Song, Zhengwei You, Shiyan Chen
Summary: A novel 3D cell culture system based on BC nanofibers and PGS was designed, mimicking the structure of natural ECM, promoting cell growth and cell morphology, and benefiting cellular adhesion and interaction. The reinforced PGS/BC cell culture has potential applications in cell culture or tissue engineering scaffold.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Madelyn N. Moawad, Khaled A. El-Damhogy, Mohamed Mohamady Ghobashy, Islam M. Radwan, Ahmed Nasr Alabssawy
Summary: This study develops an environmentally safe antifouling coating using a composite material and evaluates its effectiveness in preventing biofouling formation. The physico-chemical characteristics of the coating were examined, and the interaction between the coating, biofilm, and environmental factors were analyzed. The results provide valuable insights into the performance of the coating and the impact of environmental factors on biofouling management strategies.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Estelle Doineau, Guillaume Coqueugniot, Monica Francesca Pucci, Anne-Sophie Caro, Bernard Cathala, Jean-Charles Benezet, Julien Bras, Nicolas Le Moigne
Summary: This study focuses on the modification of the interphase zone in short flax fibers/polypropylene composites using a bio-inspired fiber modification technique, called nanostructuration. By incorporating biomass byproducts, such as cellulose nanocrystals and xyloglucan, hierarchical flax fibers were created, leading to enhanced mechanical properties of the biocomposites. The combination of XG/CNC modified interphases with MAPP coupling agent resulted in higher tensile strength and work of rupture, indicating a new pathway for the development of sustainable composites with improved structural properties.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hundong Choi, Subin Jeong, Kwon-Yeong Lee
Summary: This study investigates the quenching behavior and heat transfer characteristics of a copper cube immersed in cellulose nanofiber (CNF) solutions, and thoroughly observes and analyzes the film boiling during quenching.
Article
Polymer Science
Cunchuan Zheng, Fuchuan Liu, Ke Xu, Yang Wu, Jinyu Wang
Summary: In this study, a novel method of preparing microcapsules was introduced using CO2/N-2 switchable hydrophilicity solvent combined with an emulsion method. The prepared ethyl cellulose-glycerol tribenzoate microcapsules (EGM) exhibited spherical morphology and adjustable particle size. The method showed high yields and encapsulation rates, providing a new idea for microcapsule preparation and expanding the application field of switchable hydrophilicity solvents.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ksenia Loskutova, Didrik Nimander, Isabelle Gouwy, Hongjian Chen, Morteza Ghorbani, Anna J. Svagan, Dmitry Grishenkov
Summary: This study investigated the acoustic response of novel particle-stabilized perfluoropentane droplets in different conditions, including confined media. The results showed that the acoustic response of the droplets was related to the amplitude of the peak negative pressure, which decreased over time, and the imaging setup was able to differentiate between the droplets and surrounding tissue.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jowan Rostami, Korneliya Gordeyeva, Tobias Benselfelt, Ekeram Lahchaichi, Stephen A. Hall, Anastasia Riazanova, Per A. Larsson, Goksu Cinar Ciftci, Lars Wagberg
Summary: This paper presents a novel method for preparing cellulose nanofibril-based aerogels with high specific compressive modulus, wet stability, and shape recovery, suitable for in-situ growth of metal-organic frameworks. The resulting hybrid aerogels have a high specific surface area, tunable densities, and demonstrate potential for pH-controlled release of immobilized proteins.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuvra Singha, Muhamed Mahmutovic, Carlos Zamalloa, Lutgart Stragier, Willy Verstraete, Anna J. Svagan, Oisik Das, Mikael S. Hedenqvist
Summary: This article demonstrates the production of single cell protein (SCP) from biodegradable waste materials and its potential applications as bioplastic films, with oxygen barrier properties and biodegradability. The SCP-based bioplastic films offer a promising alternative to existing plant/animal protein films and certain synthetic polymers, without the issue of microplastics.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Prasaanth Ravi Anusuyadevi, Ravi Shanker, Yuxiao Cui, Anastasia Riazanova, Mikael Jarn, Magnus P. Jonsson, Anna J. Svagan
Summary: Cellulose nanocrystals have the ability to form helical periodic structures, which generate structural colors preferentially reflecting left-handed circularly polarized light. By combining with a liquid crystal, the optical response can be modulated to achieve light reflection of both handedness with reversed spectral profiles. This study highlights the potential of hybrid cellulose systems to create advanced photoresponsive and polarization-tunable nanophotonics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jakob D. Redlinger-Pohn, Christophe Brouzet, Christian Aulin, Asa Engstrom, Anastasia Riazanova, Claes Holmqvist, Fredrik Lundell, L. Daniel Soderberg
Summary: Nanocelluloses are considered as the foundation for high-performance materials from renewable sources. However, the large-scale industrial production of nanocelluloses still faces challenges. This study focuses on developing a research setup to observe and quantify phenomena in high-speed acceleration into microchannels, aiming to enhance the cellulose fragmentation process for more efficient nanocellulose production.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ksenia Loskutova, Karl Olofsson, Bjoern Hammarstroem, Martin Wiklund, Anna J. Svagan, Dmitry Grishenkov
Summary: In this study, the compressibility of droplets stabilized with cellulose nanofibers was estimated using acoustophoresis, showing a constant value across different droplet diameters. The results revealed a negative acoustic contrast factor for the droplets, indicating their relocation to pressure antinodes during ultrasonic actuation. The compressibility of the droplets was found to be higher than that of water but lower than that of pure perfluoropentane.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ravi Shanker, Prasaanth Ravi Anusuyadevi, Sampath Gamage, Tomas Hallberg, Hans Kariis, Debashree Banerjee, Anna J. Svagan, Magnus P. Jonsson
Summary: This study demonstrates the fabrication of cellulose films with color-selective reflection and high thermal emissivity using cellulose nanocrystals. The films effectively reduce the temperature under solar illumination, providing a scalable platform for colored radiative cooling.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mahaveer A. Halakarni, Veerababu Polisetti, Anita A. Samage, Ashesh Mahto, Anna J. Svagan, Mikael S. Hedenqvist, Sanna Kotrappanavar Nataraj
Summary: Selective and self-cleaning nanofiltration membranes were designed with iron aminoclay nanoparticles incorporated in a piperazine-based polyamide active layer supported on an ultrafiltration PAN substrate. These membranes exhibited low contact angles, high water flux, and enhanced selectivity for molecular separation, making them suitable for industrial wastewater treatment and selective separation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ksenia Loskutova, Mar Torras, Ying Zhao, Anna J. Svagan, Dmitry Grishenkov
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-shelled perfluoropentane (PFP) droplets on the cell viability of 4T1 breast cancer cells, with or without the addition of non-encapsulated paclitaxel. CNF-shelled PFP droplets were produced and their size distribution and concentration were analyzed. The thermal stability and blood compatibility of CNF-shelled PFP droplets were also evaluated. The results showed that CNF-shelled PFP droplets have the potential to be used as drug carriers in ultrasound-mediated therapy as they did not affect cell viability and displayed no hemolysis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Maria Wennman, Anna J. Svagan, Marten Hellberg, Mikael S. Hedenqvist
Summary: Chemically bonded nonwovens are traditionally made with a latex binder containing plastic polymer and cellulosic fibers. However, they have low biodegradability and cannot be recycled. In this study, a biobased binder (PEC) made from carboxymethyl cellulose and chitosan dissolved in citric acid was combined with pea protein (PP) to create a fully biobased nonwoven with hydrophobic properties. By adjusting the fat content in PP and the protein content in the binder, different degrees of hydrophobicity and mechanical properties were achieved. The cured system showed a stable contact angle of around 120 degrees and significantly improved strength and stiffness compared to binder-free nonwovens in both dry and wet states.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Katarzyna Mystek, Bo Andreasson, Michael S. Reid, Hugo Francon, Cecilia Fager, Per A. Larsson, Anna J. Svagan, Lars Wagberg
Summary: This work presents a method for preparing liquid-filled cellulose acetate capsules using an emulsification-solvent-evaporation approach. Two different emulsification techniques, bulk emulsification and microfluidics, were employed. The capsules formed through bulk emulsification exhibited remarkable expansion upon heating, indicating their potential as building blocks in lightweight materials.
NORDIC PULP & PAPER RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Maria Wennman, Marten Hellberg, Anna J. Svagan, Mikael S. Hedenqvist
Summary: A biobased and biodegradable binder consisting of chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, and citric acid was developed to improve the mechanical properties of cellulosic fiber systems. The quality of water used in the binder significantly affected its performance, and covalent bonds formed during drying played a crucial role in bonding fiber/fiber parts. This study presents a sustainable solution for the nonwoven industry.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuxiao Cui, Chandrasekar M. Subramaniyam, Lengwan Li, Tong Han, Min-A Kang, Jian Li, Luyao Zhao, Xinfeng Wei, Anna J. Svagan, Mahiar M. Hamedi
Summary: This study proposes a simple and rapid method to address the low conductivity and structural instability issues of amorphous hard carbon. By using an emulsion solvent-evaporation method, hierarchically structured microparticles of hard carbon with increased surface area and improved electronic conductivity were created. The experimental results demonstrate that hierarchical self-assembly is an attractive approach for enhancing the performance of microparticles used in battery production.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuxiao Cui, Xia Sheng, Prasaanth Ravi Anusuyadevi, Martin Lawoko, Anna J. Svagan
Summary: Lignin is a valuable bio-resource due to its high carbon content, phenolic structural units, abundance, and sustainability. This study explores the use of lignin in photocatalytic and self-propelling applications, demonstrating enhanced activity and new insights for effective solar photocatalysis.
