Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sixiang Zhao, Han Zhu, Jicun Lu, Ming Li, Liancheng Zhao, Lei Zhou, Liming Gao
Summary: This study investigates the generation of chirality and the relationship between surface-plasmon-mediated circular dichroism (SP-CD) and plasmonic-photonic couplings in co-assembled plasmonic nanoparticles and chiral photonic crystals. The characteristic SP-CD shape lines derived from the extinction dispersion of plasmonic nanoparticles in cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are observed in spectroscopy and simulation. It is demonstrated that the plasmonic chirality originates from a multiple scattering combination of plasmonic nanoparticles under a chiral excitation field and is determined by the coupling states.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Y. H. Yoon, S. Y. Lee, J. G. Gwon, E. Vijayakumar, H. G. Lee, W. H. Lee
Summary: The effects of CNC templating and TM doping on the preparation and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films were investigated. CNC-templated TiO2 films exhibit superior physical and crystalline properties compared to pure TiO2 films, while TM doping enhances the photocatalytic efficiency, especially with high valence cations. The study demonstrates the potential of using CNC templates and TM doping to improve TiO2 films for various applications.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Wei Fan, Jiaqi Li, Lihong Wei, Yan Xu
Summary: By using carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals with different aspect ratios and surface charge densities, it is possible to produce left-handed chiral nematic films that selectively reflect left-handed circularly polarized light.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ragab E. Abou-Zeid, Kholod H. Kamal, M. E. Abd El-Aziz, S. M. Morsi, Samir Kamel
Summary: The study successfully achieved an 80% removal efficiency of lead ions using a prepared nanocomposite, indicating that the magnetic grafted oxidized cellulose nanofiber nanocomposite is a promising green adsorbent material with good adsorption performance and easy removal. The kinetics and isotherms studies showed that the sorption reaction follows a pseudo-second-order model and Freundlich model, respectively, highlighting the adsorption of lead ions occurs within the pores and via the functional groups present on the nanocomposite.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luyao Zhang, Jing Zhao, Yu Zhang, Fei Li, Xu Jiao, Quanhong Li
Summary: Pumpkin starch was extracted and used to prepare films with cellulose nanocrystal and cellulose nanofiber, where CNC was found to enhance the tensile strength and CNF improved thermal stability. The properties of PS composite films can be effectively modified by incorporating CNC and CNF.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Xueqi Wang, Pixiang Wang, Shaoyang Liu, Justin Crouse, Douglas J. Gardner, Brian Via, Tom Gallagher, Thomas Elder, Yucheng Peng
Summary: The mechanical properties of homopolymer polypropylene (HPP) composites can be significantly improved by incorporating spray-dried cellulose nanocrystal (SDCNC) particles, which contribute to enhanced tensile modulus of elasticity (MOE), flexural MOE, and impact strength. The formation of a mechanical interlocking network between SDCNC particles and HPP enhances the impact strength of the composites. Additionally, SDCNC particles can act as heterogeneous nucleating agents, promoting the crystallization process of HPP. SDCNC particles also slightly enhance the thermal stability of the HPP composite.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Francesco D'Acierno, Ryutaro Ohashi, Wadood Y. Hamad, Carl A. Michal, Mark J. MacLachlan
Summary: Chiral nematic and iridescent cellulose nanocrystal films with different monovalent cations exhibit high thermal stability during annealing, yet experience reductions in iridescence, birefringence, and transparency, along with formation of degradation products. Despite these changes, the films show potential for applications as temperature indicators and photonic devices.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ahmed I. A. Soliman, Jonathan A. Diaz Baca, Pedram Fatehi
Summary: A one-pot hydrothermal procedure was used to develop magnetic cellulose nanocrystal (MCNC) from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in the presence of ferric chloride, ferrous chloride, urea, and hydrochloric acid. The composite of MCNC with magnetite (Fe3O4) showed potential as an adsorbent for water treatment and environmental remediation. Post-treatment with chloroacetic acid (CAA), chlorosulfonic acid (CSA), or iodobenzene (IB) improved the adsorption capacity of MCNC for doxycycline hyclate (DOX) by introducing carboxylate, sulfonate, and phenyl groups.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenna Ge, Fusheng Zhang, Dongdong Wang, Quanmao Wei, Qiongya Li, Zhixin Feng, Shile Feng, Xingya Xue, Guangyan Qing, Yahua Liu
Summary: The authors report a facile and robust strategy to create a composite material by combining poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate with cellulose nanocrystals, resulting in a material with toughness, strength, and multiple responses. The composite exhibits impressive properties such as strength, stretchability, toughness, and solvent resistance, and responds to mechanical stimuli with stretchable color variation. It also shows sensitive actuation and complex 3D deformation behaviors in response to spraying moisture.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Cailean Q. Pritchard, George Funk, James Owens, Samantha Stutz, Ali Gooneie, Janak Sapkota, E. Johan Foster, Michael J. Bortner
Summary: A novel nanocomposite comprised of cellulose nanocrystals and oxidized cellulose nanofibers was prepared through solution casting, and the combination of these materials can be used to develop nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiao Xiao, Jie Chen, Zhe Ling, Jiaqi Guo, Jianbin Huang, Jianfeng Ma, Zhi Jin
Summary: The study focuses on the preparation of chiral nematic cellulose nanocrystal films by self-assembly, incorporating amino acids to tune optical properties. Among the four types of amino acids tested, serine showed the most compatible intercalation. The composite films of histidine and phenylalanine exhibited multi-optical functions with high UV light shielding capabilities, indicating potential for diverse applications in functional materials.
Article
Polymer Science
So Yeon Ahn, Chengbin Yu, Young Seok Song
Summary: In this study, a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-embedded chitosan foam with aerogel-like structure was fabricated, and the foam was carbonized for electrical energy harvesting. The CNC-supported foam exhibited high surface area, homogeneous size, and high absorption capacity for external additives. The CNC was prepared by chemically treating microcrystalline cellulose with sulfuric acid. The addition of CNC improved the mechanical properties, crystallization, and porous structure of the chitosan foam.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Wenna Ge, Quanmao Wei, Fusheng Zhang, Zhixin Feng, Xiangge Bai, Shile Feng, Guangyan Qing, Yahua Liu
Summary: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) exhibit sensitive chemoselectivity and precise structure modulation, providing insights into various practical applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cong Chen, Wenjing Sun, Lu Wang, Mehdi Tajvidi, Jinwu Wang, Douglas J. Gardner
Summary: This study modified sustainable nanocrystalline cellulose material and successfully produced multifunctional CNC films. These films have good oxygen permeation resistance, high UV absorption properties, water resistance, and oil/grease resistance, making them suitable for transparent food packaging.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Amer Charbaji, Winfield Smith, Constantine Anagnostopoulos, Mohammad Faghri
Summary: This paper reports a simple and inexpensive method to produce Zinculose, a composite material of cellulose fibers with embedded zinc microparticles. The thickness, porosity, and application of Zinculose in paper-based microfluidic devices were investigated. Results show that Zinculose can enhance the surface contact area between sample fluids and zinc microparticles, leading to a 36% improvement in conversion efficiency compared to previous methods.
ENGINEERING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL-JESTECH
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Sara Munana-Gonzalez, Antonio Veloso-Fernandez, Leire Ruiz-Rubio, Leyre Perez-Alvarez, Jose Luis Vilas-Vilela
Summary: Due to environmental concerns with petroleum-derived polymers, the use of natural polymers is increasing. Cellulose and chitin are the most commonly found biopolymers, with chitosan being a promising candidate for nanocarrier development. However, chitosan's solubility in aqueous medium at physiological pH limits its biomedical applicability. In this study, nanogels were successfully synthesized from different chitosan systems using the reverse microemulsion method and a cross-linking agent. The properties of the nanogels were analyzed and their potential use as drug delivery substrates was demonstrated.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cosmin Butnarasu, Olga Valentina Garbero, Paola Petrini, Livia Visai, Sonja Visentin
Summary: Permeability across cellular membranes is crucial for drug absorption and distribution. However, current cell-free in vitro tools fail to accurately model the complexity of mucosal barriers. In this study, an in vitro mucosal platform, coupled with a three-dimensional mucus model, was developed for high-throughput permeability assessment. By combining experimental and computational approaches, the critical physicochemical determinants for passive diffusion were identified, including drug solubility, size, shape, and the charge-mucus interaction. Overall, the proposed mucosal platform shows great promise for drug-permeability profiling.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ane Rivas-Macho, Unai Eletxigerra, Ruth Diez-Ahedo, Santos Merino, Antton Sanjuan, M. Mounir Bou-Ali, Leire Ruiz-Rubio, Javier del Campo, Jose Luis Vilas-Vilela, Felipe Goni-de-Cerio, Garbine Olabarria
Summary: The aim of this work is to design and 3D print an electrochemical sensor for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes based on LAMP. It is crucial to have a fast and specific method to detect this pathogen in the food industry. A point-of-care biosensor based on LAMP and electrochemical detection is selected for the on-site detection in a short period of time. The optimized design of the microfluidic biosensor chamber is 3D printed and a novel custom gold concentric-3-electrode is designed for electrochemical detection.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Giuseppe Guagliano, Cristina Volpini, Jacopo Camilletti, Francesca Donnaloja, Francesco Briatico-Vangosa, Livia Visai, Paola Petrini
Summary: Bioprinting is a key technique for fabricating cell-laden constructs with controlled geometry. We implemented an unconventional strategy by optimizing the design of structures to promote high oxygenation, mimicking the characteristics of hepatic tissue. Through computational methods and a combination of a priori and a posteriori analyses, we successfully printed constructs using an internally crosslinked bioink and cultured them for up to 12 days, demonstrating the suitability of Hep3Gel for mid/long-term cultures.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Federica Riva, Nora Bloise, Claudia Omes, Gabriele Ceccarelli, Lorenzo Fassina, Rossella Elena Nappi, Livia Visai
Summary: Recent studies have found stem cells (hFF-MSCs) in ovarian follicular fluid (hFF) with similar properties to MSCs derived from other tissues. These hFF-MSCs, isolated from waste matter after oocyte retrieval, are an untapped source of stem cell materials. This study evaluates the osteogenic capacity of hFF-MSCs seeded on bioglass 58S-coated titanium and their suitability for bone tissue engineering. The findings suggest that hFF-MSCs cultured on bioglass-coated titanium exhibit enhanced osteogenic differentiation, indicating their potential in regenerative medicine and as an alternative to hBM-MSCs in bone tissue engineering models.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Paula G. Saiz, Ander Reizabal, Simon Luposchainsky, Jose Luis Vilas-Vilela, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez, Paul D. Dalton
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of magnetoresponsive poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) inks containing iron-oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles in melt electrowriting (MEW) to produce fiber with ordered microstructures. The introduction of Fe3O4 nanoparticles has minimal impact on printing quality. The magnetoresponsive fibers can be actuated by magnetic force, showing potential for controlling movement in complex micro- and macro-structures. MEW offers the potential to print active magnetic structures for 4D printing designs.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lorenzo Fassina, Nora Bloise, Murugan Ramalingam, Maria Gabriella Cusella De Angelis, Livia Visai
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Paula G. Saiz, Ander Reizabal, Jose Luis Vilas-Vilela, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez, Paul D. Dalton
Summary: Melt electrowriting (MEW) is used to produce complex polymeric microstructures by controlling electrified polymer jet deposition. This study explores the potential of designing poly-(epsilon-caprolactone) MEW microstructures with thermochromic responses. Samples with up to 4 wt % thermochromic dye content were processed without compromising printing quality. The ability to include additives in the MEW process expands its applicability.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Ander Garcia Diez, Nelson Pereira, Carmen R. Tubio, Jose Luis Vilas-Vilela, Carlos M. Costa, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez
Summary: A multifunctional polymer-based composite consisting of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as the polymer matrix, cobalt ferrite (CFO) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as fillers, has been designed to combine magnetic and electrical responses. The composite shows independent morphology, polymer phase, and thermal and magnetic properties, but strong dependence on the MWCNT content for mechanical and electrical properties. The composite exhibits excellent response and reproducibility as a magnetic actuator with self-sensing strain characteristics.
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aamod V. Desai, Erlantz Lizundia, Andrea Laybourn, Daniel N. Rainer, Anthony R. Armstrong, Russell E. Morris, Stefan Wuttke, Romy Ettlinger
Summary: To ensure a prosperous future on Earth, academia and industry must transform the synthesis of novel materials to be more environmentally sustainable. This review highlights the importance of choosing starting materials, solvents, and synthetic methodologies in line with Green Chemistry principles, and emphasizes the importance of considering circular economy strategies such as reuse, regeneration, and recycling. Furthermore, it explores the impact of Green Chemistry principles and life cycle assessment metrics on the rational sustainable design and discovery of materials.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria Laura Gatto, Michele Furlani, Alessandra Giuliani, Marcello Cabibbo, Nora Bloise, Lorenzo Fassina, Marlena Petruczuk, Livia Visai, Paolo Mengucci
Summary: This experimental study investigates the combined effects of hydroxyapatite concentration and elementary unit cell geometry on the biomechanical performances of additively manufactured polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite scaffolds. The study shows that hydroxyapatite has both negative and positive effects on scaffold compaction and human mesenchymal stem cell adhesion, respectively. It also demonstrates that the unit cell geometry influences mechanical response and cell proliferation, while both hydroxyapatite concentration and unit cell geometry affect the scaffold's elastic deformation behavior and degradation rate through micro-porosity.
Article
Immunology
Federico Bertoglio, Ya-Ping Ko, Sheila Thomas, Liliana Giordano, Francesca Romana Scommegna, Doris Meier, Saskia Polten, Marlies Becker, Srishtee Arora, Michael Hust, Magnus Hook, Livia Visai
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis is mediated by a variety of virulence factors, including coagulase (Coa) and extracellular fibrinogen-binding protein (Efb) which interact with fibrinogen (Fg). This study describes the selection and characterization of fully human monoclonal antibodies against the C-terminal of Coa, which can also recognize and block the interaction between Coa/Efb and Fg. The discovery of these antibodies provides a novel therapeutic option against S. aureus.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jon Ander Sarasua Miranda, Leire Ruiz Rubio, Ander Trinidad Cristobal, Jose Luis Vilas Vilela, Jon Kepa Izaguirre Goyoaga, Francisca Barbero Mangas, Estibaliz Aranzabe Basterrechea
Summary: Green chemistry is facing challenges in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda. This paper explores the interactions between ultrasound and detergents, going beyond the traditional cavitation removal process. It concludes that the best combination is one that minimizes receding and critical sliding angles, while reducing detergent concentration to capture grease in micelles and avoid reattachment during rinsing. The use of ultrasound allows for a 10% reduction in eco-detergent concentration while maintaining the same results.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elisa Restivo, Diego Pugliese, Duccio Gallichi-Nottiani, Jose Camilla Sammartino, Nora Bloise, Emanuela Peluso, Elena Percivalle, Davide Janner, Daniel Milanese, Livia Visai
Summary: This study prepared copper-doped calcium phosphate glasses and evaluated their biocompatibility, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The results showed that copper-doped calcium phosphate glasses had good biocompatibility and antibacterial properties, and could reduce viral load.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aitor Larranaga, Carlos Bello-Alvarez, Erlantz Lizundia
Summary: Fungal nanochitin shows environmental benefits and potential for biomedical applications, but careful assessment of its toxicity is necessary. Cytotoxicity studies reveal relatively safe behavior in human fibroblasts, but inflammatory effects in murine brain cells. These findings shed light on the potential of fungal nanochitin for a circular biobased economy.
