Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sungjun Hwang, Yousoo Han, Douglas J. Gardner
Summary: This study focuses on the application of the ultrasonic-assisted spray dryer in cellulose materials. The results show that by adjusting the drying conditions, nanometer-sized particles can be produced. The nano spray-dried cellulose nanocrystals can be used as reinforcing materials to significantly improve the mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite films.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aref Abbasi Moud, Aliyeh Abbasi Moud
Summary: Cellulosic sources can be degraded to produce cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), which have various applications in biomedicine, photonics, and material engineering due to their biodegradability, renewability, sustainability, and mechanical qualities. The rheological behavior of CNC suspension or in combination with other chemicals is crucial for the processing and design of CNC-based products. This review article provides new research on the shear rheology of CNC dispersion and CNC-based hydrogels, as well as their applications in technology and material science.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Amir Saeid Pakdel, Elina Niinivaara, Emily D. Cranston, Richard M. Berry, Marc A. Dube
Summary: Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with different surface properties were incorporated into emulsion-based pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) to modify their properties. CNCs with higher hydrophilicity and surface charge showed less association with latex particles and resulted in nanocomposites with lower strain-softening behavior and improved PSA properties.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tina Raeisi Gahrooee, Aref Abbasi Moud, Marziyeh Danesh, Savvas G. Hatzikiriakos
Summary: This study investigates the network structure and rheological behavior of Cellulose Nanocrystal (CNC) suspension in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) both below and above the critical micelle concentration (CMC). Through TEM imaging and rheological characterization, it was found that CNC-CTAB gels exhibit shear thinning behavior, with a complex relationship between strain amplitudes and CTAB concentration affecting the network structure and performance.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhimian Hao, Wadood Y. Hamad, Polina Yaseneva
Summary: This study uses life cycle assessment (LCA) to investigate the economic and environmental data of large-scale cellulose nanocrystal (CNCs) manufacturing process and provides recommendations for optimizing plant configuration to achieve a balance between materials and energy consumption.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuyang Zou, Rui Xue, Zewei An, Hongwei Li, Jiale Zhang, Yan Jiang, Lijie Huang, Wei Wu, Shuangfei Wang, Guo-Hua Hu, Robert K. Y. Li, Hui Zhao
Summary: This review provides an overview of the main strategies and latest research findings on flexible cellulose nanocrystal-based chiral nematic film materials (FCNM). It summarizes the typical substances and methods used for their preparation and compares different kinds of cellulose nanocrystal-based composites in terms of flexibility. The potential applications and future challenges of flexible cellulose nanocrystal-based chiral nematic materials are also discussed, inspiring further research in this field.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Yali Liu, Sufeng Zhang, Lei Li, Sergiu Coseri
Summary: A few-chemical, low-energy process for the direct extraction of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) from unbleached kraft pulp (UBKP) by potassium permanganate oxidation is proposed in this work. The residual lignin and hemicellulose in the pulp are converted into active components during the oxidation process, promoting defibrillation. The activated residual lignin significantly improves the UBCNF properties, especially the tensile strength of the UBCNF films. Moreover, the UBCNFs show great potential as an eco-friendly paper strengthening agent with remarkable enhancement in various properties.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zilong Deng, Zixuan Wu, Xiao Tan, Fangkun Deng, Yaobang Chen, Yanping Chen, Hongcai Zhang
Summary: In this study, cellulose nanocrystals and chitosan nanoparticles were incorporated into potato starch-based films to enhance their mechanical and antibacterial properties. The prepared nanocomposite films exhibited improved tensile strength and elongation at break, as well as good antibacterial activity. These nanocomposite films have potential applications as antibacterial packaging films in the food and allied industries.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ting-Hsuan Ku, Fumiaki Nakatsubo, Takashi Kuboki, Hiroyuki Yano, Kentaro Abe
Summary: This study investigated the effect of the kraft pulping process on the fibrillation ability of undried pulp, finding that high temperature kraft cooking hindered the pulp fibrillation, possibly due to cellulose aggregation.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Sergio R. S. Veloso, Ana G. Azevedo, Paulo F. Teixeira, Celio B. P. Fernandes
Summary: The aim of this article is to review the research conducted on aqueous and polymer composites cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) gels. The experimental techniques used to characterize the rheological behavior of these materials are summarized, and the main advantages of using CNC gels are discussed. Additionally, the research on numerical simulation methods for producing CNC-based materials, such as in 3D printing, is also discussed. Finally, the application of CNC gels with additives like cross-linking agents is explored as an opportunity to develop improved materials for manufacturing processes.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Cynthia Hopson, Victoria Rigual, M. Virginia Alonso, Mercedes Oliet, Francisco Rodriguez
Summary: 3D printing is a promising technology for fabricating cost-effective and customizable objects. Research on bio-based inks with recyclable and eco-friendly properties is increasing due to the need to substitute fossil fuels as raw materials. In this study, ionogels and hydrogels were formulated for 3D printing using cellulose dissolved in [Emim] [DMP] at different concentrations. Rheological properties and printability were compared with a commercial ink, and the 4 wt% ink was found to have the best print resolution and fidelity. These 3D printed cellulose ionogels and hydrogels may have applications in the electrochemical and medical fields, respectively.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iram Shahzadi, Muhammad Islam, Hamid Saeed, Ali Haider, Anum Shahzadi, Junaid Haider, Nadeem Ahmed, Anwar Ul-Hamid, Walid Nabgan, Muhammad Ikram, Hassaan Anwer Rathore
Summary: In this study, MgO-doped CNC-g-PAA hydrogel was synthesized for antibacterial and anti-cancer activities. The hydrogel showed improved bactericidal tendencies and controlled drug release, making it a prospective carrier for therapeutic applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Sumi Vincent, Balasubramanian Kandasubramanian
Summary: The article highlights the extraction process, properties, and applications of cellulose nanocrystal composites from agricultural resources, as well as the importance of functionalization. This bio-based material is characterized by high strength, large surface area, and versatility for various fields, contributing positively to agricultural and industrial development.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aref Abbasi Moud
Summary: Cellulose is the most common and abundant polymer in nature, but its processing requires a new approach. Cellulose aerogels, with high porosity, specific surface area, and low density, have various applications. Different qualities of nanocellulose-based aerogels can be produced by including other chemicals. Various techniques, such as rheology, 3-D printing, and surface modification, have been investigated to improve the adsorption properties of these aerogels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pratima Waghmare, Nuo Xu, Pankajkumar Waghmare, Guodong Liu, Yinbo Qu, Xuezhi Li, Jian Zhao
Summary: In this study, EGs from M. thermophila belonging to four different GH families were expressed and purified, and their enzymatic characteristics and feasibility in CNC preparation were investigated. It was found that MtEG5A from M. thermophila showed great potential in enzymatic preparation of CNCs using eucalyptus dissolving pulp as feedstock. The study also revealed a synergistic effect between MtEG5A and other MtEGs, leading to improved yield and properties of CNCs obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis. This research provides valuable insights into the enzymatic characteristics of different families of M. thermophile EGs and their potential application in nanocellulose production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Isabel Carrillo-Varela, Regis Teixeira Mendonca, Miguel Pereira, Pablo Reyes-Contreras, David Contreras
Summary: Water hydrogels with different properties were fabricated through cold caustic extraction and dilute acid hydrolysis, showing varied adsorption capacities for methylene blue. Hydrogels fabricated from E. nitens dissolving pulp exhibited the highest adsorption capacity.
Article
Polymer Science
Oscar Gil-Castell, Pablo Reyes-Contreras, Pabla Andrea Barra, Regis Teixeira Mendonca, Isabel Carrillo-Varela, Jose David Badia, Angels Serra, Amparo Ribes-Greus
Summary: This study evaluates cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) obtained from four different eucalyptus species by acid hydrolysis, and observes the differences in their structure, hydrophilicity, water retention ability, and thermal stability, which are related to the incorporation of sulphate groups.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Guillermo Reyes, Rubina Ajdary, Maryam R. Yazdani, Orlando J. Rojas
Summary: This study demonstrates the facile and scalable production of two-component core-shell filaments using dry-jet wet spinning. The obtained filaments exhibit structural integrity, heat storage, and thermoregulation properties, making them suitable for energy regulation applications.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mathias Seguel, Gonzalo Buono-Core, Arturo Fernandez-Perez, Luis Fernandez, Gerardo Cabello-Guzman
Summary: In this study, a novel method of photochemical deposition for synthesizing metal oxides was proposed. The results showed that the optical band gap and luminescent emissions of the photo-deposits decreased gradually with increasing CuO doping, indicating enhanced absorption towards visible light and reduced recombination of charge carriers. Furthermore, the insertion of CuO significantly improved the photocatalytic activity, leading to higher photodegradation efficiency of various dyes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Maria Graciela Aguayo, Oswaldo Erazo, Claudio Montero, Laura Reyes, William Gacitua, Liset Gomez, Hugo Torres
Summary: This study investigated the impregnation quality and mechanical properties of Pinus radiata wood treated with different copper nanoparticles solutions and a commercial preservative. The results showed that the wood impregnated with copper nanoparticles had good penetration and retention, and exhibited higher hardness values.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guillermo Reyes, Mabel Vega-Coloma, Anna Antonova, Rubina Ajdary, Solene Jonveaux, Colleen Flanigan, Nathalie Lautenbacher, Orlando J. Rojas
Summary: Current carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies are energy-intensive and expensive. This study proposes an effective approach for CO2 sequestration using alkali cellulose solutions as CO2 absorption media. CO2 absorption and conversion into minerals resulted in maximum absorption of 6.5 gCO(2) g(cellulose)(-1). The resulting cellulose materials can be used in ceramic glazes, cementitious composites, and even for coral reef restoration.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Guillermo Reyes, Rubina Ajdary, Esko Kankuri, Joice J. Kaschuk, Harri Kosonen, Orlando J. Rojas
Summary: We address the limited solubility and early gelation of aqueous sodium hydroxide by expanding the concentration window and controlling the solution flow and polymer alignment. This study demonstrates the potential for transforming cellulose into high-performance bioproducts.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maray Ortega, Daviel Gomez, Raydel Manrique, Guillermo Reyes, Julieth Tatiana Garcia-Sanchez, Victor Gabriel Baldovino Medrano, Romel Jimenez, Luis E. Arteaga-Perez
Summary: This study investigated the reductive amination of phenol with cyclohexylamine, analyzing the effects of catalyst support, metal nanoparticle sizes, and acidic properties on catalytic activity. The results showed that low-coordination sites favor the reaction, improving the formation of secondary amines.
REACTION CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Judith Vergara-Figueroa, Oswaldo Erazo, Hector Pesenti, Paulina Valenzuela, Arturo Fernandez-Perez, William Gacitua
Summary: The study aimed to produce cellulose nanofibers (TMP-NF) from the thermomechanical pulp (TMP) of Radiata Pine using a one-step micro-grinding process. Comparison between TMP-NF and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) was conducted through morphological analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR). Films were developed from both TMP-NF and CNF, and their physical, surface, and mechanical properties were characterized. The results showed that TMP-NF had improved surface characteristics, while CNF exhibited higher mechanical properties. TMP-NF can be a promising material for biologically based nanocomposites due to its easy and rapid obtainment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raju Prasanna-Kumari, Daniela Herrera-Molina, Arturo Fernandez-Perez, Jesus E. Diosa, Edgar Mosquera-Vargas
Summary: CdS:Al thin films were prepared on a glass substrate by the CBD method and characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, AFM, SEM, UV-vis and PL spectroscopies. XRD analysis confirmed a hexagonal structure with preferred (002) orientation in all samples. The crystallite size and surface morphology varied with aluminum content. Raman spectra showed LO vibrational modes and their overtones. The optical properties of CdS thin films were found to be influenced by the incorporation of aluminum.
Article
Forestry
Danilo Escobar-Avello, Victor Ferrer, Gaston Bravo-Arrepol, Pablo Reyes-Contreras, Juan P. Elissetche, Jorge Santos, Cecilia Fuentealba, Gustavo Cabrera-Barjas
Summary: This study evaluated the physicochemical properties of water-extracted bark from eucalyptus and pine trees and assessed the potential phytotoxicity of the extracted bark alone and mixed with commercial substrates. The optimal mixture for seed growth was determined to be 75% extracted eucalyptus bark fiber and 25% commercial substrates, which shows potential for use in horticultural crops and the plant nursery industry.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Luiz G. Greca, Ainara Azpiazu, Guillermo Reyes, Orlando J. Rojas, Blaise L. Tardy, Erlantz Lizundia
Summary: The deconstruction and valorization of chitinous biomass from crustaceans is a promising route for sustainable bioproduct development. This study introduces a mild fibrillation route to generate chitin pulp, which can be tailored to have specific properties by controlling the composition of protein and mineral components.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Eduardo Troncoso-Ortega, Roberto Valenzuela, Pablo Reyes-Contreras, Patricia Castano-Rivera, L-Nicolas Schiappacasse, Carolina Parra
Summary: Steam explosion pretreatment is suitable for bioethanol production from Eucalyptus globulus wood at a temperature of 208 degrees C and residence time of 11 min. Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation strategy can achieve high ethanol yields and concentrations.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guillermo Reyes, Alistair W. T. King, Tetyana Koso, Paavo A. Penttila, Harri Kosonen, Orlando J. Rojas
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between cellulose crystallization and aggregation, including interfibrillar interactions, shear forces, and local changes in medium acidity. The study combines various analytical methods to reveal the fundamental factors that limit cellulose gelation and maximize its dissolution, leading to the development of green and environmentally friendly cellulose-based materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guillermo Reyes, Claudia M. Pacheco, Estefania Isaza-Ferro, Amaidy Gonzalez, Eva Pasquier, Serguei Alejandro-Martin, Luis E. Arteaga-Perez, Romina R. Carrillo, Isabel Carrillo-Varela, Regis Teixeira Mendonca, Colleen Flanigan, Orlando J. Rojas
Summary: Blueberry pruning waste was utilized to produce high-value added products, with solid and liquid fractions rich in phenols and antioxidants, produced using biobased solvents and pyrolysis. The resulting lignocellulose filaments showed comparable strength to rayon fibers and demonstrated reliable performance in marine environments.