Article
Polymer Science
Karina Dyasti Hari, Coralia Garcia, Gye-Hwa Shin, Jun-Tae Kim
Summary: Pectin-based antibacterial bionanocomposite films were prepared by crosslinking with calcium chloride and mixing with zinc oxide nanoparticles at different concentrations. The films showed improved tensile strength with 1% CaCl2 crosslinking, increased UV-light barrier property with higher ZnO-NP concentrations, and excellent antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with 1.5% ZnO-NPs. These bionanocomposite films have great potential as active packaging materials with UV-blocking and antibacterial properties.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mohsen Safaei, Ayoub Moghadam
Summary: In this study, researchers successfully synthesized alginate-manganese oxide dental impression material with the highest antibacterial activity using a green synthesis method. The antibacterial effects of the synthesized nanocomposites were studied, and the interactions between different components were analyzed. The characterization of the nanocomposite and its components confirmed the formation of the material and the improvement of its properties.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Baiqing Song, Tianyi Zhang, Kaili Yang, Guangming Tian, Yunzhi Dang, Jianhua Ma
Summary: To achieve biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and sustained antibacterial properties in medical materials, it is proposed to incorporate antibacterial material components into a biomass matrix. In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) was synthesized in-situ in a bacterial cellulose (BC) dispersion and combined with sodium alginate (Alg) to form a layered composite film. The BC/ZnO/CAlg composite film exhibited excellent mechanical strength and antibacterial properties, attributed to the synergistic effect of the Zn2+ cross-linked Alg and the BC/ZnO composite film. Furthermore, the sustained-release migration of Zn2+ from the inner layer to the outer layer was observed, enabling long-term antibacterial performance against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Raquel Soares Reis, Diego de Holanda Saboya Souza, Maria de Fatima Vieira Marques, Fernanda Santos da Luz, Sergio Neves Monteiro
Summary: Polycaprolactone (PCL) bionanocomposites reinforced with microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), either plain or modified with 2 wt% of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, were developed for multifunctional packing. The addition of ZnO nanoparticles enhanced thermal stability and mechanical properties, while providing gas barrier properties for convenient food packing.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paolo Pino, Silvia Ronchetti, Chiara Mollea, Marco Sangermano, Barbara Onida, Francesca Bosco
Summary: In this study, novel antibacterial bionanocomposite films were obtained through a simple solvent casting technique, without using any toxic crosslinking agents. The ZnO nanoparticles synthesized had an average size of about 30 nm and showed antibacterial properties, especially against S. epidermidis. The bionanocomposite films exhibited increased swelling ratio at basic pH, making them attractive for chronic wound exudate absorption.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ludmila Motelica, Denisa Ficai, Ovidiu Oprea, Anton Ficai, Roxana-Doina Trusca, Ecaterina Andronescu, Alina Maria Holban
Summary: This study demonstrated the feasibility of using alginate/ZnO/CEO films as antibacterial packaging to effectively preserve cheese and extend its shelf life, showing good antibacterial effects against various pathogens.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
David Rutherford, Jaroslav Jira, Katerina Kolarova, Iva Matolinova, Julia Micova, Zdenek Remes, Bohuslav Rezek
Summary: The study compared the antimicrobial effects of synthesized hedgehog-like ZnO structures and commercial ZnO particles, revealing that the hedgehog ZnO was more effective, especially against E. coli, at higher concentrations. The interaction dynamics between ZnO particles and bacteria greatly influenced the antibacterial efficacy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zelia Alves, Nuno M. Ferreira, Sonia Mendo, Paula Ferreira, Claudia Nunes
Summary: This study prepared bionanocomposite films of alginate with rGO or ZnO-rGO fillers by solvent casting, maintaining low water solubility while enhancing electrical conductivity, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. The addition of fillers led to weaker mechanical properties, increased water vapor permeability, and wettability. The combination of electrical conductivity with bioactive properties makes these films promising for extending food shelf-life and allowing packaged food sterilization at low temperature.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wenshang Zhang, Bingjie Wang, Guangli Xiang, Tianze Jiang, Xia Zhao
Summary: To enhance the healing of infected wounds without using antibiotics, a new strategy combining zinc-metal-organic framework (MOF) with photodynamic therapy (PDT) was developed. The strategy involved using a Chlorin e6 (Ce6)-loaded zinc-MOF hydrogel (Ce6@MOF-Gel) to release Ce6 in an acid-responsive manner, improving antibacterial effects and promoting wound healing. The Ce6@MOF-Gel showed enhanced stability, solubility, and photodynamic properties of Ce6, reducing inflammation and facilitating collagen deposition and re-epithelialization for accelerated healing.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shihui Yang, Wanqi Yu, Jingjie Zhang, Xiao Han, Junyan Wang, Duo Sun, Ruining Shi, Yanmin Zhou, Haibo Zhang, Jinghui Zhao
Summary: About 30% of implant failures are caused by peri-implantitis, which is initiated by subgingival plaque including S. sanguinis, F. nucleatum, P. gingivalis, and others. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is commonly used in dental applications but has poor antibacterial properties. In this study, ZnO/GO was loaded onto sulfonated PEEK to enhance its antibacterial activity. The modified ZnO/GO-SPEEK exhibited optimal physical and chemical properties, and demonstrated good biocompatibility. It significantly inhibited P. gingivalis and exerted antibacterial activity against S. sanguinis in the early stage, effectively preventing biofilm formation. These results suggest that the modification of PEEK with ZnO/GO holds promise for preventing peri-implantitis.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Sushma Yadav, Shreyasi Majumdar, Akher Ali, Sairam Krishnamurthy, Preetam Singh, Ram Pyare
Summary: For the first time, zinc-substituted baghdadite ceramic was successfully prepared, showing lower degradation rate and better antibacterial activity compared to pure baghdadite. MG-63 cell spreading was observed more on the surface of baghdadite/zinc oxide composite, with the composite showing stronger antibacterial ability particularly towards E. Coli.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junyan Tan, Yuning Luo, Yuqiong Guo, Yue Zhou, Xinying Liao, Dingxilei Li, Xinyi Lai, Yang Liu
Summary: Natural polysaccharide-based hydrogels, especially alginate, have become a research hotspot due to their abundant source, biodegradability, biocompatibility, solubility, and modification flexibility. Various crosslinking strategies and the application progress of alginate-based hydrogels in drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue engineering are comprehensively discussed in this article. The future prospects, challenges, and development trends of alginate-based hydrogels are also explored.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zhiming Gao, Chen Gao, Wenxin Jiang, Longquan Xu, Bing Hu, Xiaolin Yao, Yanlei Li, Yuehan Wu
Summary: In this study, a novel strategy of stabilizing O/W emulsions using in situ crosslinking of sodium alginate on oil-water interface was developed. By encapsulating the oil droplets in integral polysaccharide shells, the emulsions showed excellent physical stability.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yekai Wan, Haoran Liu, Kun Yan, Xiufang Li, Zhentan Lu, Dong Wang
Summary: A dual stimuli-responsive wet-spun microfiber-shaped hydrogel was fabricated by injecting a hot blend of alginate (ionic-responsive) and agar (temperature-responsive) into a pre-cooling and metal cation-containing coagulation bath. The microstructure of the fiber can be manipulated by the extrusion rate and cooling temperature, resulting in an anisotropic shrinkage characteristic and grooved/wrinkled surface patterns. The integration of metal cations (Ca2+ and/or Zn2+) significantly improved the hydrogel mechanical properties and enhanced blue fluorescent intensity, enabling pH-shape memory and sustainable antibacterial properties.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Miao Zhang, Xiaoni Qiao, Wenwei Han, Tianze Jiang, Fei Liu, Xia Zhao
Summary: A novel composite hydrogel was fabricated, promoting cell proliferation and migration for wound healing, while also exhibiting significant antibacterial activity. This study highlights the potential of marine carbohydrate composite hydrogels in wound care management.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Parya Ezati, Ajahar Khan, Jong-Whan Rhim, Jun Tae Kim, Rahim Molaei
Summary: Synthesis of carbon dots using tangerine peel and resazurin as indicators for food freshness. The pH-responsive emission and ammonia sensing ability of the carbon dots were investigated. The carbon dots were also used for biogenic amine detection and monitoring the freshness of shrimp.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ajahar Khan, Parya Ezati, Jong-Whan Rhim, Jun Tae Kim, Rahim Molaei
Summary: Green-emitting carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized from green tea leaf powder (GLP) through a one-step hydrothermal approach. The stability and effectiveness of the synthesized GLP-CDs were confirmed through zeta potential, optical, and luminescence analyses. The pH-responsive properties of GLP-CDs make them promising for intelligent monitoring of packaged foods, and they also demonstrate potential in detecting liquid ammonia and ammonia vapor.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruchir Priyadarshi, Ajahar Khan, Parya Ezati, Sai Kumar Tammina, Sunaina Priyadarshi, Tanima Bhattacharya, Jun Tae Kim, Jong-Whan Rhim
Summary: About 70 million tons of sulfur are produced yearly as a by-product of petroleum refining, of which 10 million tons are overproduced and accumulated, necessitating advanced recycling strategies for a circular economy. This review focuses on the recycling of sublimed sulfur into value-added products, including nanotechnology, medicine, agriculture, sensors, electronics, polymers, photocatalysis, construction materials, food packaging, and preservation. Electronics applications encompass energy storage devices, light-emitting diodes, and photovoltaic devices.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Aswathy Jayakumar, Sabarish Radoor, Suchart Siengchin, Gye Hwa Shin, Jun Tae Kim
Summary: Biopolymer-based plastics, with their eco-friendlier and non-toxic nature, have gained significant attention in various industries. They have applications in food packaging, pharmaceuticals, electronics, agricultural, automotive, and cosmetic sectors, and can reduce the environmental impact associated with fossil fuel-based polymers.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Seungjae Min, Ruchir Priyadarshi, Parya Ezati, Jong-Whan Rhim, Jun Tae Kim
Summary: A chitosan-based multifunctional coating solution with sulfur quantum dots (SQDs) was developed to protect enoki mushrooms from L. monocytogenes infection. The SQD-added films exhibited excellent UV-blocking properties and improved mechanical stability without altering the water vapor transmission characteristics. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were significantly increased, and the chitosan/SQD3% coating solution effectively prevented Listeria contamination and eliminated bacterial colonies within 6 days.
FOOD PACKAGING AND SHELF LIFE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Tanima Bhattacharya, Hyeon A. Do, Jong-Whan Rhim, Gye Hwa Shin, Jun Tae Kim
Summary: Spent Gromwell root-based multifunctional carbon dots (g-CDs) and sulfur-functionalized g-CDs (g-SCDs) with stable colloidal dispersion and antioxidant properties were synthesized. The g-SCDs were more effective in delaying oxidation or browning in foods. The g-CDs and g-SCDs also showed catalytic activity in dye degradation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aswathy Jayakumar, Shiji Mathew, Sabarish Radoor, Jun Tae Kim, Jong-Whan Rhim, Suchart Siengchin
Summary: The increasing deaths caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens require special attention in the face of challenges posed to healthcare systems globally. As a result, there is an urgent demand for the development of novel materials for antimicrobial and drug delivery applications to combat the emergence of multidrug-resistant microbial pathogens. Polymer nanotechnology innovations have created opportunities for exploring their application in biomedical and industrial sectors. Two-dimensional (2D) materials, with their anisotropy, high surface area, antimicrobial activity, and drug-carrying capacity, have garnered significant attention. These tunable materials can be functionalized with various materials of interest, making them superior to other options. Polymer nanocomposites based on 2D materials have substantial potential in drug delivery and antimicrobial applications. Therefore, this review provides an overview of different types of 2D nanomaterials, their properties, interactions with biological systems, antimicrobial mechanisms, antiviral properties, 2D material-based viral detection, surface interactions, immunomodulatory effects, biocompatibility, 2D materials and inflammation, polymer composites based on 2D materials, and their antimicrobial and biomedical applications.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
A. Khan, P. Ezati, J. -t. Kim, J. -w. Rhim
Summary: Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are widely used in various industries due to their non-toxic, biocompatibility, antibacterial, and tunable photoluminescence properties. The integration of CQD sensing platforms with food packaging could provide a means to allow real-time monitoring of the quality change of packaged foods. This review summarizes recent research and developments on CQD-based sensors in the food industry and outlines the potential challenges and prospects of real-time intelligent sensing of food quality changes.
MATERIALS TODAY SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zohreh Riahi, Su Jung Hong, Jong-Whan Rhim, Gye Hwa Shin, Jun Tae Kim
Summary: Eco-friendly multifunctional composite films were developed by incorporating gelatin and Zn-MOFs into the film matrix, resulting in improved physical characteristics such as water resistance and tensile strength. The addition of Zn-MOFs also provided antioxidant, UV absorption, and antibacterial properties. When used for fresh cherry tomato packaging, the Gel/Zn-MOF3% film effectively prevented texture deterioration and inhibited microbial growth, showing potential for use in multifunctional active packaging applications.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Shahab Saedi, Jun Tae Kim, Eun Hwang Lee, Anil Kumar, Gye Hwa Shin
Summary: Full transparent and bendable multifunctional composite films were successfully prepared using regenerated cellulose extracted from ginger pulp. The films exhibited high flexibility and incorporated zinc oxide nanoparticles and curcumin to provide antioxidant, antibacterial, and UV barrier properties. The films showed strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities, with no significant difference between different coagulants, and had high transmittance in both UV and visible light regions.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zohreh Riahi, Ajahar Khan, Jong-Whan Rhim, Gye Hwa Shin, Jun Tae Kim
Summary: In this study, innovative active and pH-colorimetric composite films were developed. These films demonstrated excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, as well as significant color change under alkaline and ammonia conditions. They showed potential for shrimp freshness tracking, offering practical smart packaging options.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Abubakar Saleh Ahmad, Thanasak Sae-leaw, Bin Zhang, Prabjeet Singh, Jun Tae Kim, Soottawat Benjakul
Summary: Soursop leaf extract (SLE) can effectively inhibit melanosis and quality loss of shrimp, and has good preservation effect during refrigerated storage, which is highly favored by consumers.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Umesh Patil, Khurshid Ahmed Baloch, Shivraj Hariram Nile, Jun Tae Kim, Soottawat Benjakul
Summary: The study aimed to purify trypsin from the pyloric caeca of Asian seabass and compare its proteolytic capability with commercial porcine trypsin. Trypsin was purified using ammonium sulphate precipitation and a soybean trypsin inhibitor column. The purified trypsin showed high stability and enzymatic activity, making it a potential alternative to commercial proteases. It also had a slightly lower hydrolysis capacity toward acid-soluble collagen compared to commercial trypsin.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Sabarish Radoor, Jasila Karayil, Aswathy Jayakumar, Dharma Raj Kandel, Jun Tae Kim, Suchart Siengchin, Jaewoo Lee
Summary: Developing cheap, eco-friendly, and highly efficient materials for water and wastewater treatment is crucial from an environmental perspective. Alginate and cellulose, as natural carbohydrate polymers, have gained significant attention for their excellent properties in water treatment. This review provides an overview of the recent progress in alginate- and cellulose-based hydrogels for removing various pollutants from wastewater, highlighting the physiochemical properties and adsorption capabilities of hydrogels.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ajahar Khan, Zohreh Riahi, Jun Tae Kim, Jong-Whan Rhim
Summary: In this study, carrageenan-based active/intelligent packaging films containing anthocyanin and ZnO-doped CD (Zn-CD) from purple Kohlrabi peels were prepared for freshness monitoring and shelf-life extension of shrimp. The films exhibited excellent UV blocking ability, high antioxidant effect, and strong antibacterial activity, leading to improved freshness and prolonged shelf life of shrimp.
