Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sneh Punia Bangar, William Scott Whiteside
Summary: Plastic-based food packaging causes a serious environmental problem, driving the need to develop biodegradable films, with starch as a potential substitute for petroleum-based plastic. While starch has many advantages, its low mechanical strength and water resistance can be overcome by using nanocellulose as a reinforcement in biocomposites for food packaging.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
S. Roig-Sanchez, C. Fernandez-Sanchez, A. Laromaine, A. Roig
Summary: Bacterial cellulose can be patterned using bio-lithography to enhance properties for cellular-guided growth, implant protection, and wound dressing. Studies have shown that bio-lithographed BC films can feature micropatterned motifs in various sizes and withstand post-processing steps. Additionally, comparison with soft-imprint lithography revealed differences in fiber alignment and feature depth.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Kai Wen Choo, Rajiv Dhital, Liang Mao, Mengshi Lin, Azlin Mustapha
Summary: The research demonstrated that the addition of modified BNCs and 4-HR can improve the performance of PVOH/CS composite films, such as increasing redness and yellowness, improving moisture content and elongation, while reducing transparency and tensile strength. Furthermore, the addition of 4-HR also enhances the antioxidant properties of the films. Overall, these active films with great potential applications exhibit excellent inhibitory effects on bacteria on refrigerated raw beef.
FOOD PACKAGING AND SHELF LIFE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hexiang Xie, Yufeng Wang, Kefan Ouyang, Liqiong Zhang, Juwu Hu, Shengfang Huang, Weiwei Sun, Peng Zhang, Hua Xiong, Qiang Zhao
Summary: In this study, composite films were produced by blending chitosan, rice protein hydrolysates, and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) at different concentrations. The presence of CNC led to the formation of stronger and more uniform films with improved mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. The CNC-film matrix interactions reduced water affinity, resulting in reduced moisture content, water solubility, and water vapor transmission. The addition of CNC also increased the thermal stability of the films. Moreover, the composite films exhibited strong antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, especially when combined with ZnO nanoparticles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Siti Hajar Othman, Nur Fitrah Liyana Othman, Ruzanna Ahmad Shapi'i, Siti Hajar Ariffin, Khairul Faezah Md. Yunos
Summary: This research developed corn starch/chitosan nanoparticles/thymol bio-nanocomposite films as potential food packaging materials to prolong food shelf life. Thymol addition increased water vapor permeability but decreased tensile strength and other mechanical properties of the films. The 3% thymol bio-nanocomposite films showed the most promising performance in extending the shelf life of cherry tomatoes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nerea Murugarren, Soledad Roig-Sanchez, Irene Anton-Sales, Nanthilde Malandain, Kai Xu, Eduardo Solano, Juan Sebastian Reparaz, Anna Laromaine
Summary: This study presents a reproducible and straightforward approach to produce highly aligned bacterial nanocellulose (A-BNC) films, which exhibit unique properties such as high water-holding capacity, mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and thermal conductivity. The A-BNC films are obtained through the biosynthesis of BNC nanofibers in a single direction without entanglement. The results confirm the potential of A-BNC as cell carriers and suggest its potential application in BNC-based devices.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez, Sergio Torres-Giner, Inmaculada Angulo, Maria Pardo-Figuerez, Loic Hilliou, Jose Manuel Escuin, Luis Cabedo, Yuval Nevo, Cristina Prieto, Jose Maria Lagaron
Summary: This study developed recyclable high-oxygen-barrier multilayer films based on commercial PHA materials, including CNC and PHBV layers. The multilayer films exhibited good interlayer adhesion and transparency, with the addition of CNC improving the stiffness of the structure.
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)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Maria Florez, Esther Guerra-Rodriguez, Patricia Cazon, Manuel Vazquez
Summary: The massive use of petroleum-based plastics in food packaging has led to serious environmental issues, prompting the need to develop biodegradable polymer packaging. Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide with non-toxic, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, is considered a promising material for food packaging. Recent studies have evaluated the potential of active and/or intelligent chitosan-based films in improving food preservation and monitoring. The addition of active compounds has been shown to enhance the mechanical, barrier and functional properties of chitosan films, with potential applications in antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wanli Zhang, Yiqin Zhang, Jiankang Cao, Weibo Jiang
Summary: This article reviews the applications of cellulose nanocrystals and cellulose nanofibers in edible food packaging films, showing that their addition can significantly improve film properties, but there is an optimal concentration limit.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tania Almeida, Anna Karamysheva, Bruno F. A. Valente, Jose M. Silva, Marcia Braz, Adelaide Almeida, Armando J. D. Silvestre, Carla Vilela, Carmen S. R. Freire
Summary: It is found that the use of bioactive transparent nanocomposite films can enhance the mechanical properties and water resistance of food packaging. These films also have UV-blocking and antioxidant activities, as well as antibacterial and weight loss delay capabilities.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Aikaterini Papadaki, Anastasios C. Manikas, Eleonora Papazoglou, Vasiliki Kachrimanidou, Iliada Lappa, Costas Galiotis, Ioanna Mandala, Nikolaos Kopsahelis
Summary: Edible films were developed using whey protein concentrate and bacterial cellulose. The addition of bacterial cellulose nanowhiskers improved the tensile strength and water barrier properties of the films.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Francisco A. G. Soares da Silva, Mariana Matos, Fernando Dourado, Maria A. M. Reis, Pedro C. Branco, Fatima Pocas, Miguel Gama
Summary: A layered biodegradable composite based on bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHBV) was produced to improve its barrier properties for food packaging. The PHBV coating significantly reduced water vapor permeability and increased hydrophobicity, but decreased the stiffness of the composite. The mechanical and barrier properties of the layered composite were considered suitable for food packaging applications.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Azyan Afiqah Ahmad, Norizah Mhd Sarbon
Summary: This study compared the bio-nanocomposite films with the addition of organic and inorganic nanoparticles in gelatin, showing that inorganic nanoparticles have better thermal stability and mechanical properties. Inorganic nanoparticles also increased tensile strength and decreased elongation at breaks. Moreover, the films exhibited antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Mohammad Shayan, Jaegyoung Gwon, Meen S. Koo, Danbee Lee, Achyut Adhikari, Qinglin Wu
Summary: In this study, a pH-sensitive packaging film was prepared by immobilizing anthocyanins in red cabbage extract (RCE) on a sustainable substrate made of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and nano-fibrillated cellulose (NFC). The incorporation of RCE changed the morphology and properties of the suspension, as well as the physical, optical, and mechanical properties of the films. The film containing 30 wt% RCE showed the best performance with the shortest response time to alkaline pH, indicating its potential application in the seafood packaging industry.
Article
Environmental Sciences
V. Gupta, N. K. Bhardwaj, R. K. Rawal
Summary: The study focused on producing activated carbon from char for efficient adsorption of pulp and paper mill wastewater. Experimental results showed significant reduction in color and lignin content of wastewater at optimized conditions, with a maximum reduction of 96.48% in color and 94.25% in lignin achieved with activated carbon.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abhijeet Thakur, Aakash Sharma, Kaustubh Chandrakant Khaire, Vijayanand Suryakant Moholkar, Puneet Pathak, Nishi Kant Bhardwaj, Arun Goyal
Summary: This study optimized the pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification process of sugarcane waste, successfully converting hemicellulose to total reducing sugar (TRS) with conversion rates of 73.5% for SB and 71.1% for SCT. The results provide a theoretical foundation for efficiently utilizing sugarcane bagasse and trash, with implications for large-scale applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Divya Sharma, Raksha Nagpal, Sharad Agrawal, Nishikant Bhardwaj, Ritu Mahajan
Summary: This study evaluated the potential of xylanase-pectinase enzymes in bleaching wheat straw pulp, finding optimal conditions for reducing impurities and improving paper quality. The enzymatic treatment resulted in reduced consumption of active chlorine, increased burst and tear indices, as well as enhanced pulp properties. Effluent values of BOD and COD also decreased, showing the environmental benefits of this eco-friendly approach in the paper and pulp industry.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mandeep Dixit, Guddu Kumar Gupta, Monika Yadav, Deepak Chhabra, Rajeev Kumar Kapoor, Puneet Pathak, Nishi K. Bhardwaj, Pratyoosh Shukla
Summary: The present study demonstrates the efficient enzymatic production and improved deinking efficiency of thermophilic fungus Thermomyces lanuginosus VAPS25. The combinatory artificial intelligence-based tool increased the activity of endoglucanase, amylase, and lipase. Metal ions also enhanced the activity of these enzymes. Furthermore, the enzymes improved the deinking efficiency and paper strength parameters, suggesting their potential for an economical paper recycling process.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Chhavi Sharma, Nishi K. Bhardwaj, Puneet Pathak
Summary: Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a highly useful biomaterial with wide applications. This study investigates BNC production using a rotary disc bioreactor (RDBR) and Gluconacetobacter xylinus NCIM 2526 strain, achieving high yield and conversion rate. RDBR shows potential for large-scale BNC production, and BNC pellicles have potential biomedical applications.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Raksha Nagpal, Om Prakash Mishra, Nishi Kant Bhardwaj, Ritu Mahajan
Summary: This study presents the eco-friendly pulping of rice straw using ultrafiltered xylanase and pectinase enzymes to manufacture better quality paper. The results showed significant improvement in the strength of the paper while reducing the use of toxic pulping chemicals.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mandeep Dixit, Guddu Kumar Gupta, Puneet Pathak, Nishi K. Bhardwaj, Pratyoosh Shukla
Summary: In this study, endoglucanase and lipase enzymes were used for enzymatic deinking of old newspapers, and the synergistic action of enzyme consortium showed significant improvement in both deinking efficiency and paper strength properties.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sneh Gautam, Shiv Dutt Purohit, Hemant Singh, Amit Kumar Dinda, Pravin D. Potdar, Chhavi Sharma, Chia -Fu Chou, Narayan Chandra Mishra
Summary: Bone tissue engineering has received attention for the treatment of bone injury. A tri-polymer scaffold (PCL-gelatin-chitosan) was fabricated through electrospinning and treated with nanohydroxyapatite. The modified scaffold showed a uniform distribution of nanohydroxyapatite particles on the surface of fibers.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sunny Dhiman, Chhavi Sharma, Anu Kumar, Puneet Pathak, Shiv Dutt Purohit
Summary: Microplastics pollution has detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, food safety, and human health. Strategies such as biodegradation, the use of biodegradable plastics, and source reduction can mitigate microplastic pollution. Additionally, plastic waste can be utilized in the circular economy to reduce the adverse effects of plastics.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Varun Kumar, Puneet Pathak, Nishi Kant Bhardwaj
Summary: This study tested a simple refining approach to prepare advanced fibrillated cellulosic material, which can be used as an additive for improving paper quality.
CELLULOSE CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lars odegaard Bentsen, Narada Dilp Warakagoda, Roy Stenbro, Paal Engelstad
Summary: This study investigates uncertainty modeling in wind power forecasting using different parametric and non-parametric methods. Johnson's SU distribution is found to outperform Gaussian distributions in predicting wind power. This research contributes to the literature by introducing Johnson's SU distribution as a candidate for probabilistic wind forecasting.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xing Liu, Qiuchen Wang, Yunhao Wen, Long Li, Xinfang Zhang, Yi Wang
Summary: This study analyzes the characteristics of process parameters in three lean gas ethane recovery processes and establishes a prediction and multiobjective optimization model for ethane recovery and system energy consumption. A new method for comparing ethane recovery processes for lean gas is proposed, and the addition of extra coolers improves the ethane recovery. The support vector regression model based on grey wolf optimization demonstrates the highest prediction accuracy, and the multiobjective multiverse optimization algorithm shows the best optimization performance and diversity in the solutions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cairong Song, Haidong Yang, Xian-Bing Meng, Pan Yang, Jianyang Cai, Hao Bao, Kangkang Xu
Summary: The paper proposes a novel deep learning-based prediction framework, aTCN-LSTM, for accurate cooling load predictions. The framework utilizes a gate-controlled multi-head temporal convolutional network and a sparse probabilistic self-attention mechanism with a bidirectional long short-term memory network to capture both temporal and long-term dependencies in the cooling load sequences. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method, which can serve as an effective guide for HVAC chiller scheduling and demand management initiatives.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhe Chen, Xiaojing Li, Xianli Xia, Jizhou Zhang
Summary: This study uses survey data from the Loess Plateau in China to evaluate the impact of social interaction on the adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) technology by farmers. The study finds that social interaction increases the likelihood of farmers adopting SWC, and internet use moderates this effect. The positive impact of social interaction on SWC adoption is more pronounced for farmers in larger villages and those who join cooperative societies.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chenghua Zhang, Yunfei Yan, Kaiming Shen, Zongguo Xue, Jingxiang You, Yonghong Wu, Ziqiang He
Summary: This paper reports a novel method that significantly improves combustion performance, including heat transfer enhancement under steady-state conditions and adaptive stable flame regulation under velocity sudden increase.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)