Article
Polymer Science
Hanieh Aghaiee Ranjbar, Mohammad Nourany, Majid Mollavali, Fatemeh Noormohammadi, Safora Jafari
Summary: This study synthesized in situ polyurethane bionanocomposites using different contents of cellulose nanocrystals as cross-linking agents to control phase separation, and evaluated the effect of grafted cellulose nanocrystals on shape fixity and recovery of the specimens. The research also revealed the influence of surface hydrophobicity on cell adhesion behavior, showing great potential for tissue engineering applications.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Anderson F. Manoel, Pedro I. C. Claro, Fabio Galvani, Luiz H. C. Mattoso, Jose M. Marconcini, Gerson L. Mantovani
Summary: In this study, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were extracted from macauba palm fibers and incorporated into a thermoplastic starch matrix. The nanocomposites showed improved mechanical properties and thermal stability, with the nanocomposite containing 3.25% CNCs exhibiting the best performance.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jia Li, Defeng Wu
Summary: Using polysaccharide nanocrystals as fillers in biodegradable polyesters can create completely biodegradable nanocomposites. The study found that chitin nanocrystals and cellulose nanocrystals have completely different effects on the crystallization of poly(epsilon-capro-lactone) (PCL). Chitin nanocrystals retard the nucleation and overall crystallization process of PCL, while cellulose nanocrystals promote nucleation and accelerate crystal growth.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kona Mondal, Purabi Bhagabati, Vaibhav V. Goud, Shinichi Sakurai, Vimal Katiyar
Summary: The study demonstrated the effectiveness of isolated CNCs from marine green algae biomass residue in synthesized PCL, showing improved thermal stability and nucleating effect compared to washed algae biomass residue.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Matias Menossi, Florencia Salcedo, Nazarena Rivilli, Andres Torres Nicolini, Vera A. Alvarez, Leandro N. Luduena
Summary: Novel formulations based on corn starch, thermoplastic starch, poly (lactic acid), and poly (epsilon-caprolactone) were developed for agricultural mulch films. The addition of poly (epsilon-caprolactone) had slight effects on the properties of PLA/CS and PLA/TPS blends. Bioassays showed that the use of these biodegradable mulch films based on PLA/CS and PLA/TPS had positive effects on the growth of tomato plants, comparable to low-density polyethylene.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sohail Yasin, Munir Hussain, Qiang Zheng, Yihu Song
Summary: The study demonstrates that ionic liquid can improve the dispersion of cellulosic nanofillers and enhance the mechanical strength of vulcanizates. As the concentration of cellulosic nanofillers and ionic liquid increases, the viscoelastic rheological behavior of the vulcanizates is also affected.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nurul Afifah Zabidi, Nur Najiha Zainal, Intan Syafinaz Mohamed Amin Tawakkal, Mohd Salahuddin Mohd Basri, Siti Hajar Ariffin, Mohd Nazli Naim
Summary: The present study developed active bionanocomposites films with high biodegradability and antimicrobials for active packaging applications. The films were prepared by blending poly (lactic acid)/poly (butylene succinate) (PLA/PBS) with nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and thymol essential oil (EO). The films exhibited improved mechanical properties, water barrier performance, biodegradability, and antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chunliang Zhang, Qian Xie, Ruitao Cha, Li Ding, Liujun Jia, Lei Mou, Shiyu Cheng, Nuoxin Wang, Zulan Li, Yang Sun, Chuanjue Cui, Yu Zhang, Yan Zhang, Fengshan Zhou, Xingyu Jiang
Summary: Bilayer anticoagulant hydrogel tubes with inner layer containing NFC/PVA-heparin/poly-L-lysine nanoparticles and outer layer made of PCL sheaths were prepared and studied for use as small-diameter vascular grafts. The tubes exhibited prominent anticoagulation, sufficient burst pressure, good compliance, and potential for host cell infiltration and proliferation. The structure, anticoagulant property, and biocompatibility of the inner layer, as well as the impact of outer layer thickness on tube performance and mechanical properties, were investigated. The tissue compatibility and patency of the tubes were evaluated through implantation in animal models.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fuyou Yu, Xiang Fei, Yunqing He, Hui Li
Summary: In this study, PLA/ACNC/ZnO ternary composite films were prepared by solution-casting method, showing improved mechanical, barrier, antibacterial, and UV blocking properties. The migration amount of Zn2+ from the composite film to food simulants was below the safety standard.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Seyede Elaheh Ghafouri, Seyed Rasoul Mousavi, Maliheh Khakestani, Shahla Mozaffari, Narges Ajami, Hossein Ali Khonakdar
Summary: This study investigates the release of levetiracetam using poly(lactic acid), poly(epsilon-caprolactone), and their blend electrospun nanofibers as novel systems. Scanning electron microscopy confirms the smooth and beads-free morphology of the samples. With increasing levetiracetam content, the average diameters of the nanofibers also increase. FTIR spectroscopy is used for structural confirmation and observation of functional groups. X-ray diffraction reveals a decrease in crystallinity and different drug release kinetics are evaluated using various models.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Yuhui Qiao, Qian Li, Amirjalal Jalali, Jinian Yang, Xiaofeng Wang, Na Zhao, Yongchao Jiang, Shiwei Wang, Jianhua Hou, Jing Jiang
Summary: The study found that the fibrillated PCL/PLA composites formed a 3D network of PLA fibers after hot-stretching, increasing the viscosity and storage modulus of the materials, and exhibited a solid-like behavior.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Nouha Ghorbel, Mustapha Raihane, Mohammed Lahcini, Ali Kallel
Summary: The study investigated the dielectric and thermal characteristics of nanohybrid films based on poly(epsilon-caprolactone) with varying loadings of halloysite nanotubes. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy revealed the impact of the added HNT fillers on the molecular relaxation and interfacial polarization of PCL, recommending a weight ratio of 3% to 5% for optimal performance in various applications.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yuanyuan Yin, Xiuzhi Tian, Xue Jiang, Ping Zhu
Summary: By surface grafting poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA), customized functionalization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) was achieved to improve their thermal stability and compatibility with poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The modified CNCs were uniformly dispersed throughout the PLA matrix, resulting in improved interactions between the CNCs and PLA. Tensile tests showed significant enhancements in tensile strength, elongation, and Young's Modulus with the addition of CNCs.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ivan Kelnar, Ludmila Kapralkova, Sabina Krejcikova, Jiri Dybal, Michaela Vyroubalova, A. M. Abdel-Mohsen
Summary: In bio-nanocomposites, the localization, reinforcing effects, and structure-direction effects of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) varied significantly with different mixing protocols. The most balanced mechanical properties were achieved with a PLA/PCL ratio of 80/20 and complex PCL/CNC structures were formed. Pre-blending CNC and CNCd/PLA enhanced the continuity of mechanically stronger PLA in nanocomposites with a bicontinuous structure and improved related parameters of the system. PDA coating on CNC altered its behavior, leading to dissimilar structures and interface transformations, as well as antagonistic effects on mechanical properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Dino Priselac, Sanja Mahovic Poljacek, Tamara Tomasegovic, Mirela Leskovac
Summary: This research proposes a biodegradable blend of PCL and PLA with added coconut fibers as a new material for relief printing plates used in special applications. The addition of coconut fibers improves the hardness and interfacial interactions of the blend. Aging tests show that blends with higher PLA and coconut fiber content have better aging resistance.
Article
Polymer Science
Adrian Leones, Laura Peponi, Jesus-Maria Garcia-Martinez, Emilia P. Collar
Summary: A statistical study was conducted on the morphology and thermal behavior of poly(lactic acid)/oligomer(lactic acid)/magnesium oxide nanoparticles composites. The addition of oligomer(lactic acid) and magnesium oxide was found to modify the final properties of the composites, making them suitable for potential biomedical applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Valentina Salaris, Adrian Leones, Daniel Lopez, Jose Maria Kenny, Laura Peponi
Summary: This review emphasizes the importance of the synergic effects between electrospun polymeric fibers and shape-memory properties and suggests further exploration in both scientific and industrial aspects. Promising results have been obtained in the biomedical field, as well as in sensors and actuators, and electronics.
Article
Polymer Science
Valentina Salaris, Adrian Leones, Daniel Lopez, Jose Maria Kenny, Laura Peponi
Summary: This work investigates the effects of adding MgO and Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles on the morphology, thermal properties, and mechanical properties of poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL)-based electrospun fiber mats. The study finds that adding nanoparticles increases the fiber diameter and reduces the onset degradation temperature and maximum degradation temperature. Furthermore, the addition of nanoparticles decreases the crystallinity of the reinforced fibers.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Adrian Leones, Laura Peponi, Stefano Fiori, Marcela Lieblich
Summary: This study investigated the thermally-activated shape memory behavior of poly(lactic acid)-based electrospun fibers reinforced with different amounts of magnesium oxide nanoparticles at different temperatures. The results indicated that 1 wt% MgO nanoparticles was the best concentration for achieving excellent thermally-activated shape memory response at 45 degrees C.
Article
Polymer Science
Fabio Muscas, Valentina Sessini, Laura Peponi, Antonio Julio Lopez, Alejandro Urena, Rodrigo Navarro, Angel Marcos-Fernandez
Summary: In this study, polyurethanes capable of forming quadruple hydrogen bonds were synthesized and characterized using supramolecular polyurethanes theories. The materials exhibited excellent shape-memory response at both 100 and 85 degrees C.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Salaris, Daniel Lopez, Jose Maria Kenny, Laura Peponi
Summary: The in vitro degradation behavior of PCL-based electrospun nanofibers in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and simulated body fluid (SBF) was studied, along with the influence of Mg-based nanoparticles on the degradation process and bioactivity. The presence of nanoparticles was found to accelerate the degradation of the nanofibers, resulting in a reduction in diameter and an increase in crystallinity. Furthermore, the bioactivity of the nanofibers was confirmed through the formation of crystals on the surface, indicating the presence of apatites.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Laura Peponi, Karla A. Barrera-Rivera, Jose M. Kenny, Angel Marcos-Fernandez, Antonio Martinez-Richa, Daniel Lopez
Summary: In this study, the chemical modification of cellulose nanocrystals (NCs) was carried out to covalently functionalize the external surface of NCs with poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) using an enzyme as a catalyst. Various analytical techniques were used to confirm the success of the grafting reactions and to study the crystalline nature of the functionalized polymeric chains.
Article
Polymer Science
Adrian Leones, Valentina Salaris, Ignacio Ramos Aranda, Marcela Lieblich, Daniel Lopez, Laura Peponi
Summary: In this study, we prepared poly(lactic acid) (PLA) reinforced with different amounts of magnesium (Mg) microparticles using a two-step extrusion process. We investigated the effect of processing on thermal degradation of the filaments, and also studied their in vitro degradation, finding that complete release of Mg microparticles occurred after 84 days in phosphate buffer saline media. Simplifying the processing can lead to better functional filaments for 3D printing.
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Dolores Martin-Alonso, Valentina Salaris, Adrian Leones, Victor Hevilla, Alexandra Munoz-Bonilla, Coro Echeverria, Marta Fernandez-Garcia, Laura Peponi, Daniel Lopez
Summary: Functionalized silver nanoparticles were successfully incorporated into PLA solutions to produce multifunctional polymeric fibers using centrifugal force-spinning. The effects of nanoparticle incorporation and fiber preparation method on morphology, thermomechanical properties, biodisintegration, and antimicrobial behavior were investigated. The results showed that the best thermomechanical behavior was achieved with 1 wt% of nanoparticles, and the fibers exhibited antibacterial activity with a killing percentage between 65 and 90%. All samples were disintegrable under composting conditions. Additionally, a good thermally activated shape-memory effect was observed in fiber mats with 2 wt% of nanoparticles.
Review
Polymer Science
Pedro Francisco Munoz-Gimena, Victor Oliver-Cuenca, Laura Peponi, Daniel Lopez
Summary: The research on using starch as a matrix material for manufacturing biodegradable films has gained popularity recently, showing its potential and limitations. To compete with conventional petroleum-based plastics, improving their low resistance to water and limited mechanical properties is necessary. This review discusses the various nanofillers and additives used in plasticized starch films, such as nanoclays, poly-saccharide nanofillers, metal oxides, and essential oils. These reinforcements are commonly used to enhance physical characteristics and provide antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The paper provides an overview of the development of starch-based nanocomposite films and coatings for food packaging systems.
Article
Polymer Science
Adrian Leones, Laura Peponi, Jesus-Maria Garcia-Martinez, Emilia P. Collar
Summary: This study investigated the mechanical behavior of woven non-woven electrospun fibers made of PLA/OLA/MgO. The results showed a strong correlation between the diameter, degree of crystallinity, and mechanical response of the fibers. The study also identified the critical amount of MgO and the plasticizing effect of OLA. The findings provide insights for designing tailored electrospun nanocomposites with specific mechanical requirements.